An Interview With Watercolour Master Felicity Flutter
We caught up with Felicity Flutter RI shortly after she had finished her mesmerising live demo at the International Watercolour Masters 2024. Felicity works primarily in watercolour and enjoys the challenge of tackling difficult subjects like water and skies. In this interview Felicity shares her love of watercolour, subject matter and her favourite art materials.
It was lovely to meet you at the International Watercolour Masters, what is so special about the event for you?

On impulse, I submitted two paintings into the Open Entry for International Watercolour Masters 2022. I was taken aback to be chosen from the worldwide entrants as one of 6 winners. At my first show, I agreed to demonstrate which I was not particularly well practiced at. Having completed that challenge successfully, I was invited back to take part in IWM 2024. What I have enjoyed about the event, has been the opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone, also meeting Artists from around the world and chatting to visitors.
The IWM saw many visitors attend to watch the masters at work. It is clear that watercolour remains a firm favourite with many artists at all levels. What is it that appeals to you about the medium?
Watercolour is the most portable medium, which makes it a good choice for sketching and plein air painting. Luminous, transparent layers of paint can glow with light, no other medium can quite match this phenomenon. What often appears simple, can take years to master, while unexpected effects can create something unique and unrepeatable. Contemporary artists are finding many new ways of using water based paints and often breaking the established rules. I think that the importance of taking time to play and experiment with watercolour cannot be over emphasised.
The paintings you exhibited at the IWM feature water, in particular the sea. Why does this subject inspire you to paint?

Most people are drawn to the sea, to gaze in awe at it’s calm surfaces one day and it’s power the next. It has always been a fascination for artists, who can only hope to capture it for a fleeting moment.
The challenge to paint the sea in all weathers especially in watercolours is what keeps me absorbed in my studio after I have gathered my reference.
Your degree and part of your working life has been spent in graphic design, has this influenced your painting style?
Yes it has influenced the way I think about composition in particular. For me this is very important, which is why I spend time ‘designing’ and manipulating my reference, on my computer to create an image to work from. When I am on the beach or cliff top, I have my camera on repeat exposure, this enables me to use a number of photos in sequence. I believe this allows me to capture the impression of movement.
You have exhibited widely and won many prizes – what achievement are you most proud of?
I began watercolour painting in 1991 and felt at home with it very quickly. However with a young family and a great deal of my time taken up with Arts Administration and Event planning, it took a while for me to truly concentrate on my own practice. My main goal was not achieved until 2022 when I was elected as a member of the RI – the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours based at the Mall Galleries in London, I am now on Council in the role of Honorary Secretary.
Which painting of yours are you most proud of, or consider a particular favourite?

I have two recent paintings that are particular favourites, Rock Fall and Evening Light. These are very different in subject matter and colour palette. Over time most artists develop their styles of painting, so from year to year, the ones we are most proud of continually changes.
Which are your favourite brands of paint, brush and watercolour paper?
I use Fabriano Artistico NOT paper, which allows for a little texture in my work, while also being sympathetic to some detail. The quality is good enough to withstand layers of glazing, it is absorbent and has a very forgiving surface.
I mainly paint with Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolours, a favourite of mine recently is Potters Pink. It mixes wonderfully with oranges and purples, catching the colours of sunsets.
The last few years I have loved working with Daniel Smith’s Greys – Neutral Tint, Graphite Grey and their Signature Series formulated with leading artists. I use these in my monochrome paintings to give very subtle tints to the artwork, also for my sketchbook work. However my favourite Daniel Smith colour is Lavender, it is perfect for my seascapes.
Over the years I have painted with Sable brushes, however I am now more experimental in my way of working and find myself trying out many different brands and larger brush sizes.
Where can we see your paintings in real life, do you have any exhibitions coming up?

I belong to three Societies; the RI – the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours, the SGFA – the Society of Graphic Fine Art and WAC – the Wilderness Art Collective. As I am getting closer to my 70’s, I am not painting as many Artworks per year. I am content that these Societies provide the majority of exhibiting opportunities I require to showcase my work. Alongside exhibitions at the Mall Galleries, these groups also have regional exhibitions in Galleries around the UK.
My next exhibition is with WAC at the Royal Geographic Society, London SW7 2AR
16 – 29 September and is entitled ‘Waterlines’.
Finally this year I will be showing my seascapes locally at the Cranbrook Art Show, Kent TN17 3HA, 6 – 9 November. I am a long standing Committee Member for this Art Show.
Felicity Flutter works from her home studio near Rye in East Sussex. Felicity began painting in Watercolours in 1991. Her paintings are in collections throughout Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the USA. She is a member of the Society of Graphic Fine Art and Wilderness Art Collective and an elected member of the RI (Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours). Felicity is currently represented by The Gallery, Holt, Norfolk administered by Adrian Hill Fine Art.

I’m not a artist but I try water colors. I’m intrigued by your work just magnificent 😉