Watercolour painting is an especially rewarding medium for artists seeking to capture the soft, atmospheric qualities of nature and evoke a sense of luminosity and depth within their artwork. We learned this the hard way… By mastering the techniques of glazing and layering, watercolourists can develop a repertoire of approaches to imbue their paintings with a captivating sense of light, mood, and mystery.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
Watercolour Glazing: Unifying and Transforming
One of the most powerful tools in the watercolour artist’s arsenal is the technique of glazing. Glazing involves applying thin, transparent washes of paint over a dry underpainting to modify, unify, or transform the overall colour harmony of the artwork.
When a painting feels a bit off – perhaps too cold, dull, or lacking cohesion – a judicious glaze can work wonders. By carefully selecting a complementary transparent colour and carefully building up layers, artists can breathe new life into a painting, brightening, subduing, or completely altering the overall mood and feel.
As the blog post on Art Integrity explains, oil paints are particularly well-suited for glazing, as their transparent nature allows for the luminous effects that watercolourists crave. However, with some experimentation, artists can also achieve pleasing glazing results using diluted acrylics.
The key is to work in thin, controlled layers, allowing each wash to dry thoroughly before adding the next. This gradual accumulation of transparent colour builds depth and atmosphere, as lighter and darker tones intermingle to produce a harmonious, unified whole.
Watercolour Layering: Developing Depth and Luminosity
In addition to glazing, the technique of layering is another essential tool for watercolourists seeking to create paintings with a profound sense of depth and luminosity. By carefully building up transparent layers of paint, artists can achieve a sense of atmospheric perspective and a glowing, ethereal quality that captivates the viewer.
As described on The Grumble, watercolour’s inherent transparency lends itself beautifully to this layering approach. Each new wash of paint interacts with the previous layers, creating a sense of depth, complexity, and radiance that is difficult to achieve through a single application of paint.
Artist Louise DeMasi further elaborates on the power of layering in her insightful article “Depth in Painting.” She explains how the strategic use of warm and cool colours, combined with masterful control over values (the lightness or darkness of a colour), allows artists to guide the viewer’s eye through the painting, creating a compelling sense of atmosphere and three-dimensionality.
Watercolour Brands and Materials
When it comes to selecting watercolour paints, the options can be overwhelming. As discussed on the Reddit r/Watercolor forum, professional-grade brands like Daniel Smith, M. Graham & Co, Sennelier, Holbein, and Schmincke are highly regarded for their quality, pigment load, and versatility.
Each brand offers a unique range of colours and characteristics, from the staining properties of Daniel Smith to the buttery texture of Sennelier. Ultimately, the choice of brand comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the artist’s creative vision.
No matter which professional watercolour brand you choose, investing in high-quality materials is essential for achieving the luminous, atmospheric effects that this medium is capable of producing. Pair your paints with artist-grade watercolour paper, soft brushes, and appropriate mediums (such as gum arabic or honey) to unlock the full potential of this extraordinary medium.
Practical Watercolour Layering Techniques
To begin exploring the transformative power of watercolour layering, start with a simple landscape or nature-inspired composition. Establish an initial underpainting using wet-on-wet techniques to create a loose, expressive foundation. Allow this base layer to dry completely before moving on to the next steps.
Next, begin building up transparent washes, working from light to dark and cool to warm. Use a clean, damp brush to gently lift and blend the edges of each new layer, creating a cohesive, atmospheric effect. Pay close attention to the values (lightness and darkness) of your colours, adjusting as needed to achieve the desired depth and focus.
As you continue layering, consider incorporating negative painting techniques, where you strategically lift or reserve areas of the paper to allow the white of the surface to shine through, enhancing the sense of luminosity and depth.
Experiment with different watercolour techniques, such as dry-brushing, sponging, and sprinkling, to add texture and visual interest to your layers. Embrace the happy accidents that occur, as the unpredictable nature of watercolour can often lead to serendipitous and captivating results.
Remember, the key to successful watercolour layering is patience and a willingness to explore and discover. Each painting is a unique journey, with endless possibilities for creating luminous, atmospheric artworks that evoke a sense of wonder and emotion in the viewer.
Unlocking Creative Possibilities
By mastering the techniques of watercolour glazing and layering, artists can unlock a world of creative possibilities. From transforming dull or unbalanced paintings to imbuing their works with a profound sense of depth and atmosphere, these approaches offer a versatile toolkit for elevating the expressive and technical qualities of watercolour.
As you continue to experiment and refine your skills, remember to embrace the inherent unpredictability and serendipity of this medium. Watercolour’s unique properties, combined with your own creative vision and artistic instincts, can lead to the development of truly unique and captivating artworks.
So, grab your brushes, mix your paints, and embark on an exciting journey of exploration and discovery in the realm of luminous watercolour painting. The possibilities are endless, and the rewards are immeasurable.
Example: Modern Abstract Painting Series 2024