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EP04: Ep 04: Wet on Wet Podcast | Laurin McCracken – Precision in Every Drop

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Description

Welcome to Wet on Wet, the podcast where we explore inspiring artist journeys and share valuable insights to fuel your creative path. In this episode, join host Sunil Kalbandi as he interviews hyper-realistic watercolor master Laurin McCracken, a former architect turned full-time still life painter. From his roots in Mississippi to being one of the most exhibited

American watercolorists worldwide, Laurin brings a unique perspective on drawing, discipline, and the business of art. Discover how he transitioned from architectural design to luminous paintings of glass, silver, and magnolias—and why observation, patience, and paper quality matter more than most artists think. Learn how Laurin built his brand, developed his signature paint color (McCracken Black), and why great artists should also learn to sell.

Selected Links from the Episode

 • Website – http://www.lauringallery.com
 • Daniel Smith Artist Profile – https://danielsmith.com/laurin-mccracken
 • Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurin_McCracken
 • Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/laurinmccracken
 • Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/laurin.mccracken
 • LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurin-mccracken-9a387ab
 • McCracken Black – https://danielsmith.com/?s=McCracken+Black

Products /Brands/ Tools Mentioned

Brushes
 • Escoda Versatil – https://www.escoda.com/en/versatil-series/
• Escoda Reserva Kolinsky – https://www.escoda.com/en/optimo-series/

Paints
 • Daniel Smith Watercolors – https://danielsmith.com
 • M. Graham Watercolors – https://mgraham.com
 • Winsor & Newton Watercolors – https://www.winsornewton.com

Paper
 • Fabriano Artistico 300lb Soft Press – https://www.fabriano.com/en/brand/artistico/
• Buy on Blick – https://www.dickblick.com/products/fabriano-artistico-watercolor-paper/

Masking & Tape
 • Daniel Smith Masking Fluid – https://danielsmith.com/?s=masking+fluid
• Nichiban Masking Tape (Japan) – https://www.nichiban.com/english/product/industrious/mt/

Giclée Printing & Framing
 • American Frame – https://www.americanframe.com

Photography Gear
 • Canon 5D w/ 100mm Macro Lens – https://www.canon-europe.com/lenses/ef-100mm-f-2-8l-macro-is-usm-lens/
• Nikon Coolpix Zoom Series – https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/compact-digital-cameras.page

Quotes

  • “So all of my professional career, I wanted to know how to watercolor because I always said that architects should be watercolorists. So at age 60, I took a watercolor class and found out that I could do it… and it has been a great second career for me.”
  • “The watercolor world… is the friendliest, nicest, most sharing group of people in the world.”
  • “You stop any watercolorist and ask, ‘I really admire your backgrounds,’ and they’ll stop and say, ‘Let me show you how.’”
  • “There’s a misconception that watercolor is so difficult. But if you get some instruction, you’ll know how to do it.”
  • (Quoting his nephew, a neurosurgeon): “No, Uncle Loren, it’s not difficult… It’s because I know what I’m doing.”
  • “If you can’t draw, you can’t paint.”
  • “The more you take risks and the more you paint, the more you’ll learn. Paint a thousand paintings—and then paint a real painting.”
  • “The closer you get, the more detail you get to see and enjoy. And that’s the joy of painting the way I do it.”
  • “My view is that if I’m gonna take the time to do anything, I’m gonna take the time to do it well.”
  • “Buy better quality products. Don’t buy a $2 brush if you really want to paint a $1,000 painting.”
  • “Paper, pigment, and brush—they’re all equal. You can’t have a great brush and great paint and try to paint on terrible paper.”

Tags/Keywords

Laurin McCracken interview, watercolor photorealism, watercolor still life artist, watercolor painting tips, professional watercolor materials, Escoda brushes, Daniel Smith paints, Fabriano Artistico, composition in watercolor, realistic watercolor techniques, how to draw for watercolor, watercolor pricing, watercolor commissions, Wet on Wet podcast, watercolor artist journey, watercolor tutorial podcast, art marketing, watercolor process and mindset

Hashtags

#LaurinMcCracken #WatercolorArt #PhotorealisticPainting #WatercolorPodcast #ArtistInterview #WetOnWetPodcast #EscodaBrushes #DanielSmithPaints #FabrianoPaper #ArtInspiration #PaintingTips #CreativeProcess #StillLifeWatercolor #WatercolorComposition #DrawingSkills

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