I’ve just finished my first attempt at watercolours since 1958.
From the age of 12, I went to King James I School, in Newport, Isle of Wight. It was built as a grammar school in 1613, with some latter additions to accommodate up to 120 boys.
Our art master was Mr Bell, a strict disciplinarian. We were not allowed to speak to one another during the 1½-hour period. If we needed to ask him a question, we’d put down our pencil or brush and move our drawing-board aside till he came and answered in lowered voice.
Like several of the other teachers, he was paid per lesson instead of a salary. By profession he was a commercial artist, designing adverts for local papers,also fabrics and wallpaper.
We were never told to paint a picture of our own design. That would have been Fine Art.
But in my GCE O Level exam in Art, one of the choices was to draw a pub sign for The Rose and Crown, including lettering.
Years ago I painted in pastels, see examples in these posts
My attempts to use them for architectural and engineering subjects have failed. Pastels cannot give you the required detail when all you have is A4 paper. So I bought a cheapish paintbox and a set of good brushes. I’m teaching myself by trial and error—always the best way—how to convey colour and texture.
Here’s a rough sketch of my old school using watercolour, ink, pencil and poster paints
a wayfarer’s notes 