This watercolor painting was done in and hour from start to finish as an exercise to loosen up and not worry about the detail. Thought Saiya did a great job designing it and getting the big shapes. All it needed was some drama/contrast so we came up with a dark background. This really brought the color to life. If you have a flat painting try making the background lighter or darker or add some contrasting texture. Have fun!
Hi, I love you blog and actually have a question for you.
How do you achieve a unified dark background like in the right lower corner. Which colours do you use – transparent, staining, non-staining? Do you paint wet in wet or wet on dry paper?
This is bothering me for some time now. I am trying and trying but never get the result I want.
Thanks,
Zora
Hi there… Sorry it took so long to get back to you but I’ve been on vacation. A student actually did this painting but I think I can answer your question. I’ve been using payne’s grey for my darks mixed with another color to make it either warm or cool. You can paint wet in wet or wet on dry but if you want the darkest color go for the wet on dry. Wet in wet looks great until it dries and then the intensity goes away. Hope this has been helpful. Later -J
Hi Joe,
Thanks so much for your helpful tips i.e. Darkest colors = wet on dry. This solves one of my longstanding frustrations!
Also, you are the first person I’ve known to say “watercolor is the easiest medium because it paints itself”. I finally have an answer to those who say, “Oh, watercolor is so hard!”
I just read the article on you in the Star and plan to attend your upcoming demonstration in WLV. I look forward to seeing your demo and hearing your insights and thoughts on the watercolor process. I absolutely LOVE the medium.
Please keep doing what you do!
Elaine