Feel, Think, Paint - Water

Transcription

1 Feel, Think, Paint - Water Working with Watercolor Week 1 Still Water Watercolor Technique: The ways we use Watercolor Watercolor is remarkably simple. What I mean is that watercolors, almost all watercolors, are done with simple materials. Paint, brushes, paper, and water. These essentials are all that we need to create our paintings. Just as remarkable to me is these materials have not significantly changed in hundreds of years. In this age of technology we have not found an equivalent for a well made squirrel mop brush So as long as we have a steady supply of squirrels we should be able to continue this art of watercolor painting. If you would like to know more about the materials I use and why simply refer to the materials list. In that list I give explanations on the paints, brushes, and papers that I use and why. I do believe that while the materials are simple the methods are not so simple and that's the main thing we are here to learn and practice. First I would like to acknowledge that the watercolorist needs to acquire 3 different skills. I also believe that every good painting has 3 distinct aspects to it. 1 - A good drawing 2 - A good design 3 - Sound watercolor technique We will be touching on all 3 parts during this course and this first handout addresses watercolor technique. Joseph Zbukavic describes it in simple words he says "A good watercolor is achieved by using the right brush, with the right amount of paint, at right spot, at the right time". Learning to use the right brush with the right amount of paint at the right time sounds simple enough but in fact takes years of practice. There are no short cuts unfortunately, and basically it comes down to miles of paper. SKIES & CLOUDS1

2 In this class we will practice different ways of using paint on paper. Learning to sense if the paper is wet, damp, or moist. We will practice mixing the paint into different consistencies, such as tea, milk or butter, (another Zbukvic analogy)and also practice using the brush in different ways. While this will be confusing and awkward at times experiencing watercolor in this way is absolutely necessary for our understanding. Experience is cumulative and after some time it will become a part of you and you will start to feel more confident, spontaneous and free. The ways in which we use watercolor apply watercolor are basically 4. It is a simplification but other varieties seem to stem from these 4 basic ways. All the paintings that I do rely on using several of these techniques in the same painting, often at different stages. These 4 methods are different and yet all require a sensitivity to the condition of the paint the condition of the paper and the brush being used. The ways in which we use watercolor. 1 wet on to dry. This technique is accurately described because we are painting with watercolor onto dry paper. We use this particular technique for a good part of our painting. Beginners will find an ease with this technique and the dry on dry because the paint stays exactly where you put it. Scenarios for using this technique: painting large recognizable shapes, that will have mostly hard edges. A bowl on a table, a barn in the field, buildings in a city. 2 dry onto dry Using this technique we take advantage of strong brushstrokes on dry paper, the texture of the paper to gives us a dappled or spotty appearance. this occurs SKIES & CLOUDS2

3 because paint is deposited only on the hills of the paper, the valleys remain white. These sorts of textures are great for natural objects such as foliage, rock surfaces, stuccoed walls tracks in the road, the list goes on. 3 wet into wet This is a technique that requires some experience to use effectively and for that reason it's a good idea to practice this technique as a drill often. When we use this technique we add color to a wet area of the painting with a well saturated brush. The amount of color used and the wetness of the page are important if you want to achieve a certain effect. Equally important as is that water be allowed to manipulate the movement of the paint. Scenarios would include: painting skies, clouds, shadows on snow, water, and more. 4 dry into wet Using this technique we will use a brush with more pigment and less water adding that color into a wet or moist area. The impression left by the color is still soft and still blends, however it doesn't move far from where it is placed. We use this technique to give access rich darks and gradations too wet areas where we want strong colors but soft edges. SKIES & CLOUDS3

4 These are all techniques for adding paint to paper using a brush. Master these and you will gain confidence in painting just about any subject in watercolor. When you feel confident you can be really spontaneous. There are some useful techniques for removing color as well. Removing color Areas may be lifted from any painted area whether it is dry or wet. It can be done most effectively when the area is damp. We can use the brush or a paper towel and other tools such as a knife or razor blade as well, depending on the shape and nature of the lifted mark These marks were made when the area was still moist, not dry yet. As we will continue to experience the right time to add and remove color is crucial. We will also practice splattering paint with a brush, using a spray bottle to revue a drying area, and also create texture as well as adding salt, and other materials that make our paintings more interesting. Though other tools are available to apply and remove paint remember that the brush is by far the most important tool and time spent in learning how to use it confidently and as a direct extension of your thought is what will give your paintings that fresh spontaneous quality Drills are great as there is no anxiety with painting them - also 100% of you attention can be given to what is happening with paper and paint. Later this awareness will find it's way into your painting of various subjects and will become part of your watercolor vocabulary. Practice them often and you awareness of the paper and paint will grow. Let's look at washes, what types we have and how to apply them. SKIES & CLOUDS4

5 Drill: Washes On a piece of scrap paper draw 3 squares about 6" x 6" Mix up a large puddle of any color. Start at the top of the square and work down wards to the bottom returning to the mixed color for each stroke. You should notice a bead gathering at the lowest part of each stroke. This bead is important in keeping the wash pliant and workable. Once you reach the bottom of the square stop, mop up any excess and let it dry. This is a flat wash In the second square we will perform a gradient wash going from a darker color to a lighter color. A single strong color will do. Mix up a large puddle and again start at the top of your square working downward with each stroke.. After the second stroke add a little water to the puddle and continue to make 2 strokes and add a little water to the puddle. Reaching the bottom you should notice a smooth transition - dark to light over the length of the square. This is a graded wash. Note: In both washes it is necessary to keep you board at an incline to insure a smooth transition. SKIES & CLOUDS5