A Three Step Watercolor

10/14/2016

The core of my painting style is based on the concept of value relationships and shapes. Step one is finding the deepest value patterns and connecting them, Step two is finding the mid tones and connecting them and the final step is to add light washes in the lightest areas and make minor adjustments. To find out more about this you can look at my book here or watch a short video here.

What I have learned so far :
Value ( how light or dark a color is) must be established early in a painting. You can always push value into darkness but you must preserve the whites. Yes, whites are sacred. I do not use masking fluid. I hold my breath instead.
I am curious to know how other people strategize around the issue of keeping their whites.

3 Comments

Dana link

10/14/2016 01:19:07 pm

I often wet areas around the whites I want to preserve and charge color into the wet areas. The color can be manipulated to "fade out" into the white space or move right up to a hard edge (if you're lucky it will go the way you want!)

jo Mackenzie link

10/14/2016 05:42:32 pm

I will have to try this Dana. It sounds dangerous. I want to try a variety of things. I find if you only have one way of doing things it can be limiting.

Steinunn link

10/19/2016 09:17:07 am

Hi Jo, I love your approach to watercolors, makes it more simple and I often use it, like you I like to work freehand with my whites as I feel it gives a softer look in general.
All the best... Steinunn

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Author

I am a watercolor artist, coach and author. You can contact me for lessons on and off line here.

What I have Learned so far