Watercolour Painting
Lesson 1: LET'S VALUE OUR PAINTING
SPECIAL EFFECTS
Negative space can be very interesting. Taking your painting to the edge of the paper creates a visual interest.
Plastic wrap
This can be applied before or after the subject is painted. Paint the colours into a very wet surface and lay the plastic wrap; crinkle and press down as you go. Wait for the [paint to dry and gently lift the plastic wrap off the surface. Interesting shapes will have occurred.
Salt.
Allow the fluid colour to partially dry. Sprinkle a little salt and watch the colours splay.
Note: Some colours react differently to salt more than others.
Dry Brush. Watercolour is a very versatile medium. This creates texture with your paint application.
Splattering.
Great for certain effects. Good for rocks, sand and backgrounds.
Note: Do not overdo. Make sure your work area is well covered; as the splattering can travel. Practice this technique before you use it in a special painting.
Let’s begin to splatter!
- Clean water.
- Colour of your choice.
- Sponge/towel.
- One-inch brush.
- Drinking straws.
Step1. Thoroughly wet your brush; then blot some excess water.
Note: You can splatter colour on a dry or wet surface. Step 2. Splatter with colour. Hold your brush handle and gently pat the brush against your hand, (about 3” from the paper).
1. Practice this until you know the correct amount of water and colour you need.
2. Practice splattering in the direction you want the effect.
Note: For different effects use a round brush.
Splatter with a toothbrush.
1. Dip the bristles into liquid colour and drag the brush handle or index finger over the bristles.
Note: This action is done with a loose wrist; as with the splattering technique.
Click to enlarge.
Step 3. Drinking Straw: Place fluid colour/colours onto your paper and hold the straw at the base of the wash. Blow through the straw from different angles and the colours should splay in different directions.
Masking: If you use these techniques for backgrounds, it is wise to mask out your subject matter to avoid unwanted splattering of colour onto your subject.
Masking Fluid: Paint masking fluid over the area you wish to be protected from colour. Leave it to dry and peel off after colour/colours have been applied around the masked area.
Believe it or not? Papers can be tinted with a wash of diluted coffee or tea. This will produce a soft glow and can enhance the paper tone.
Note: There are many different tips, techniques and ways to paint, as there are artists to paint them. Be adventurous and experiment.
“Immerse yourself in Watercolour.”
Hint: Water Colour Medium; for traditional effects. Great for fine detail.
Let's face a challenge; if only in miniature........
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