Monthly Challenge - March (Patreon)

Hi everyone,

Firstly, I just want to say how impressed I was with your macaws last month. They were fantastic. The colour choices, the simplifications, the confidence in brushwork…… it was such a pleasure to see the different interpretations. Well done.

Now for our March challenge! Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to paint a fried egg in watercolour.

And before anyone scrolls looking for it…..

There is no tutorial for the monthly challenge.

This is not a step by step lesson. The challenge is about having a go yourself. It's about observation, decision making, and trusting your own judgement.

A few thoughts to guide you:

The white isn’t white. Look closely at the tonal shifts. There are subtle greys, soft warm notes, and gentle transitions. Use a very pale grey for the shadows and leave the paper untouched for your brightest highlights.

Don’t outline the egg. Let value define the form. Soft edges will make it feel natural and organic. I’d even consider leaving a few lost edges around the outside.

I’ve simplified the line drawing intentionally. I haven’t included all the little bubbles and textures in the white because I think it’s better to respond to those with your brush. In watercolour, a line drawing can sometimes feel restrictive so let the paint do some of the describing.

The yolk is about warmth and glow. Think in terms of a gentle gradation. A warm yellow such as Indian Yellow would work beautifully. Consider deepening one side slightly to give it volume.

You don’t need to paint everything you see. In fact, I’d suggest you don’t. Choose what matters. Suggest texture rather than copying every mark.

Edges matter here. The crisp edge where the white has cooked and turned golden is a lovely place to use a sharper edge and slightly stronger value to create contrast.

This subject is a good study in subtle value control and restraint. It looks simple, but it will really test your ability to see. You could work on wet paper for the white of the egg or if you prefer - work on dry paper and soften edges as you go.

You’ll find the reference photo and line drawing below (the photo is one I took myself).

As always, share your work wherever you feel comfortable - in the chat, Facebook group, Discord. Even half finished paintings are welcome. Seeing the different approaches is always the best part.

Have fun with it.

Louise