About.

Duncan Ball is an artist based near the vibrant cities of Bristol and Bath, specialising in watercolour painting. His work is deeply inspired by the diverse beauty of local landscapes and the captivating people he encounters, weaving together elements of nature and human connection. With a distinctly illustrative style, Duncan captures the essence and beauty of everyday moments, bringing them to life through delicate brushstrokes and expressive detail. Each piece tells its own story, offering a glimpse into the world as he sees it—a celebration of the subtle charm and unique character found in the ordinary. His goal is to transport viewers into these scenes, sparking their imagination and connection to the world around them.

When did you start painting?

I began my artistic journey during the Covid lockdowns, a time that allowed me to reconnect with my creative roots. I've always had a deep appreciation for the arts and have considered myself a creative soul, studying music at university before venturing into the world of business, where I owned and worked in a digital agency.

Painting quickly became a passion, and while I’m mostly self-taught, an art holiday with the renowned watercolour artist Joseph Zbukvic was a pivotal experience that truly propelled my skills forward. This journey has been a blend of discovery, dedication, and a lifelong love for creativity, which continues to inspire my work today.

Why Watercolour?

I chose watercolour as my medium after spending years developing my skills with pencil and charcoal. Venturing into colour felt daunting at first, having only just started to grasp the concept of value, and adding colour seemed like an entirely new level of complexity. It was intimidating but fascinating. While many artists will tell you watercolour is one of the hardest mediums to master, I found the challenge irresistible. The problem-solving, the trial and error, and the countless nights spent ruining yet another painting all became part of the journey. In a way, it feels like watercolour chose me as much as I chose it, drawing me into its unique balance of chaos and control.

What truly draws me to watercolour is its unpredictability and the immense satisfaction of taming such a demanding medium. My recent ADHD diagnosis has also shed light on why I find this process so compelling. People often misunderstand ADHD as simply an inability to focus, but it is actually a condition of focus dysregulation. While I struggle with everyday tasks, I also have the ability to hyperfocus on things that capture my attention, and watercolour painting does exactly that. In fact, it is not just focus but an unrelenting obsession that drives me to refine my craft.

For me, watercolour is more than a medium, it is a puzzle, a challenge, and an addiction all rolled into one. It pushes me to the brink of frustration and pulls me back with moments of creative clarity, making the process as fulfilling as the final artwork.


What materials do you use?

I use a mix of Daniel Smith and Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolour paints, known for their exceptional quality and vibrant pigments. My palette is carefully curated and consists of the following colours:

For paper, I exclusively use St Cuthberts Mill Saunders Waterford Bright White Cold Press Rough, which is not only an excellent choice for watercolour painting but also holds a personal connection for me. I grew up just three miles from the mill, nestled by the River Axe—a river I spent countless childhood days playing in. It feels special to use such high-quality, locally produced paper.

When it comes to brushes, I typically work with a mix of mop and round brushes collected from various sources over the years. While I still rely on some trusty natural mop brushes, I’m exploring more synthetic options for their durability and ethical benefits. For now, I’ll continue using my old favourites until they shed their last hairs.

These materials not only suit my illustrative style but also inspire the process of creating every piece.