Classic Watercolor Technique

Thursday, June 25, 2009

I did a watercolor today using the classic watercolor technique of tonal layering.  This is a fresh and easy way to produce a lovely watercolor if, and this is a big IF, you have the patience to wait for each layer to dry completely before applying the next layer.  There are also two more tones than you have been working with for a total of 5.  Can you look carefully and find each tone?  It was very important to have a value sketch in order to produce this painting because it has to be done in stages: lightest tone(the sky) to the darkest bits in the vertical trees and foreground bank.  The midground was done by painting the entire section four times each time leaving distant shapes unpainted as you move forward. See how nicely the illusion of depth is captured by leaving the distant mountain shape lighter than the closer mountain and treelines.  This layering technique allows the viewer to visually travel back in space.  It does require patience or a hairdryer (which I used), but the results are worth it.  It is a fun way to paint and I can't wait to get busy on my next one.  I hope to get outside today on this beautiful day and at least do some sketching.  I hope you get to do the same. 

Best regards, Bob

p.s. I still didn't get any comments on this blog.

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The Classic Landscape.jpg

BobbyFarrell

Jun 25, 2009

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