The Best Advice I Every Got – Todd Saal
Condensed from American Watercolor Weekly
Born in New York City, Todd Saal started life out as an artist and musician. As an artist he undertook formal training in pastels, oil, and sculpture. After a few years painting and playing music, he entered the technology field where he went on to form his own company. Looking to break away from the demands of the corporate world, he reconnected with his creative side. Immersing himself in the study of watercolor, he quickly realized that watercolor was not for one to control as in other mediums. You’re never in complete control with watercolor. Giving in to the unconstrained nature of this medium is what he has come to love the most. Now living in Nashville, TN, with his wife Jodi, Todd continues to pursue a creative life.
Best advice you wish you had received earlier in your painting career: While learning any craft requires isolation, don’t spend all your time alone. Find someone you admire, someone with experience, and take a workshop. To watch someone paint in real time and be able to ask questions is incredibly valuable. I wish I had taken my first workshop a lot sooner.
For about two years, I tried to teach myself from books and videos before deciding to take a workshop with Dan Marshall to see how it was actually done. That experience changed everything, and I became obsessed with what I saw was possible with watercolor.
See Todd’s complete American Watercolor article below.