Using watercolor successfully is all about controlling the flow of pigment on the paper. The looser the painting, the more water is used. Pigment goes where water flows. Watercolor lends itself to diffused shapes.
There are 4 ways to apply pigment/control paint. In these descriptions, the first word refers to the moisture content of the brush, the second the moisture content of the paper.
1. Dry on dry
2. Wet on dry
3. Dry on wet
4. Wet on wet
Dry on dry. A brush with little moisture is used to spread pigment on dry paper. This technique produces a rough texture that stays in one place. Also called rough brush or dry brush.
Wet on dry. A wet brush is used to spread pigment on dry paper. The pigment stays put but you can vary the value of the paint winthin the brush stroke by varying the amount of water used.
Dry on wet. A dry brush loaded with paint is used to spread pigment on wet paper. The pigment can be moved around and diffuse shapes are produced. This method allows control of shapes and produces soft edges. Many watercolor painters use this method the most.
Wet on wet. A wet brush loaded with paint is used to spread pigment on wet paper. The pigment can be moved around and the result is soft diffusions with no control of shapes. This is my favorite technique and provides the most surprizes!
To darken a color, you can add black, paynes gray or another darker pigment (you may get surprising results-like adding black to yellow, your pigment will turn green) or add a little of their complementary color, or another pigment in the same family that is inherently darker in value. Yellows can be darkened with browns.
I have uploaded several new images to Recent Oils & Recent Watercolors. Please check them out.
I have found that a good center of interest in your paintings is vital….it tells the story of what you are wanting to communicate. Here are some characteristics of a good center of interest:
It has the most impact
It has the most detail
It has the maximum value contrast
It also has the maximum chroma
It’s where you place the warmest color against cooler
And….it is interesting. Varying the size and shapes of your subject will help accomplish this.
pARTiculars, the art co-op that I am a member of, is moving all the displays and adding new ones this weekend. We will have a fresh new look for Spring and our next Art Night Out (April 16, 6-9:30 PM). Please come by and see us.
Hey! pARTiculars, The Lafayette Art Market, the art co-op that I am a member of is expanding our space. We have ‘punched’ through the wall into the bookstore and now have more classroom space. Watch for new class offerings in the coming months.
In his book ‘The Success Principles’, Jack Canfield describes his 23rd principle…..practice the Rule of 5. This means make a committment to do 5 things each day that move you toward your goal. My goal is to become a better artist and to increase the exposure of my work. Here are 5 things that I have done today that have moved me toward this goal: 1. I have read 4 artist statments from well known aritsts so I have good examples for when I re-write mine. 2. I have looked at 4 artists websites. 3. I have emailed an artist that I like to see when she will be teaching classes. 4. I have sent out 5 notecards to past buyers and art lovers with an image of my art on the front. 5. I have updated my blog….
First off, a cast shadow is created by an object blocking the light source. Cast shadows are not just black, they have color and they are transparent, you can see through them. To paint a realistic cast shadow, remember these things: a shadow is more defined closer to the object creating it and it is also darker closer to the object. Conversely, the shadow is lighter and more diffuse the farther it is away from the object. To make a shadow as interesting as possible, include a variety of color, value and hard and soft edges. Your eyes and fans will appreciate this!
I am noticing that a few crocus have popped their heads up in my garden. I can’t wait to get outside and paint the yellow-green of new growth and the beautiful rich spots of pure color, also known as tulips, my favorite flower!
I’m in Minnesota visiting my family and am struck with how beautiful the fallen snow is. The bare trees cast intricate shadows across the rolling hills. To paint cast shadows, include a combination of hard and soft edges, use a cool color and vary the darkness within the shadow.