Recently I have become aware of how often I use certain watercolor techniques and I think I sometimes take them for granted on how important a roll they play in
the making of a watercolor painting.
These may be techniques you already know about but it doesn't hurt to be remind of them now and then.
1. Wet-on-Wet Technique:
The wet-on-wet technique I believe to be the most important of all the
techniques I use in watercolor and it involves applying paint into a wet surface. This technique is excellent for creating soft, blended edges. By strategically adding water and pigment, artists can control the spread of the pigment to form soft edged washes.
2. Dry Brush Technique:
In contrast to wet-on-wet, the dry brush technique involves using minimal
water and thick pigment to create textured and grainy effects. This method is ideal for portraying rough textures, such as tree bark or rocky surfaces. By dragging the dry brush across the paper, artists can achieve a sense of depth and detail, adding interest and dimension to their watercolor washes.
3. Salt Technique:
A really exciting and unpredictable techniques in watercolor is the salt technique. By sprinkling salt onto the damp paint, the salt absorbs the water and pigment,
creating unique patterns and textures. The resulting effect can resemble frost, and abstract textures, giving the artwork a distinct and textured appearance.
4. Masking Fluid Technique:
Masking fluid, also known as liquid frisket, is a medium used to protect
areas of the paper from paint. By applying masking fluid to specific sections before painting, artists can preserve white spaces or intricate details, which can be revealed once the painting is dry. This technique is especially valuable in creating highlights and intricate patterns in watercolor.
5. Glazing Technique:
Glazing involves layering transparent washes of colors over dried previous layers. Each successive glaze alters the hue and intensifies the tone, resulting in a
rich and luminous effect. This technique is particularly useful when artists want to achieve a specific color or to deepen shadows and create a sense of depth in their paintings.
6. Lifting Technique:
The lifting technique allows artists to remove or lighten specific areas of
dried watercolor paint. Using a damp brush or sponge, the artist can gently lift the color off the paper, revealing the white surface underneath. This method is ideal for correcting mistakes, refining edges, or adding highlights after the initial painting is complete.
This technique is many times overlooked and many only use it when correcting mistakes, but is very effective when used to enhance a
painting.
7. Splattering and Spraying Technique:
This is another one of my favorite techniques that I use quite often for
adding texture and visual interest, to my watercolor paintings. By using a brush and tapping it onto another brush or a toothbrush or a spray bottle, you can create a variety of effects and textures on your watercolor.
These are just some of the techniques I use to create my watercolors. There are so many different techniques in watercolor and there are always new ones popping up
all the time that artists are figuring out to use for their own painting techniques. I highly recommend experimenting and coming up with your own watercolor techniques so you can create a style all your own.
