Capturing the ethereal beauty of landscapes through the medium of watercolour is a true artistic challenge, but also a deeply rewarding pursuit. We learned this the hard way… The ability to create luminous, atmospheric paintings that evoke a sense of depth, light, and mood is a hallmark of skilled watercolour artists. Whether you’re a beginner exploring this captivating medium or an experienced painter seeking to refine your techniques, mastering the art of luminous landscape painting can open up a world of creative possibilities.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
Preserving the Light
At the heart of creating luminous watercolour landscapes lies the fundamental principle of preserving the light. In this fluid medium, we paint from light to dark, carefully maintaining the brightest areas as we build up layers of colour and detail. This can be a challenging balancing act, but with the right approach, you can double-check that that your paintings retain a sense of luminosity and radiance.
As watercolour artist Matthew White advises, “The first task when planning a watercolour painting is to identify the lightest areas of your scene. These are the areas where the light is most pronounced, and they will form the foundation of your luminous landscape.” By clearly delineating the brightest elements, such as a sunlit field, a glimmering body of water, or a cloud-kissed sky, you can strategize your painting process to preserve these captivating highlights.
One effective technique is to create a value study before you begin your painting. By simplifying the scene into three main value groups—the lights, the midtones, and the darks—you can establish a clear visual roadmap to guide your brushwork. This exercise not only helps you understand the underlying values, but also allows you to plan the composition and double-check that that the all-important light areas remain intact throughout the painting process.
Harnessing Texture and Luminosity
Watercolour’s inherent fluidity and transparency can work in your favour when creating luminous landscapes, but it also requires a deft touch to control. Deena S. Ball, a renowned watercolour artist, has developed a unique approach that combines textural elements with luminescent effects for breathtaking results.
Ball starts by building a rough, textured surface on her painting support, which can be either YUPO or a smooth bristol paper. Using a mixture of acrylic gel medium and gesso, she creates a variety of hills, valleys, and grooves that will guide the flow of her watercolour washes. This textured foundation not only adds visual interest, but also allows the paint to interact with the surface in unpredictable and captivating ways.
“As I let the paints run, puddle, and interact, certain colours granulate, resulting in unique colour combinations,” Ball explains. “The surprising effects of paint flowing over a textured surface, further accented by luminescent watercolour highlights, keep me returning to this stunning combination of texture and luminosity.”
To achieve these luminous effects, Ball incorporates a variety of Daniel Smith Luminescent Watercolours, including interference and duochrome pigments, as well as PrimaTek colours. These high-intensity paints, applied with a fine liner brush, create dazzling highlights that guide the viewer’s eye through the textured landscape, adding a sense of depth and atmospheric wonder.
Mastering Watercolour Techniques
Beyond preserving the light and harnessing textural elements, successful luminous landscape painting in watercolour requires a solid understanding of the medium’s unique characteristics and the ability to employ a range of techniques.
One of the most fundamental skills is wet-on-wet painting, where you apply pigment to a damp or wet surface, allowing the colours to bleed and mingle organically. This approach is particularly well-suited for capturing the soft, hazy effects of atmospheric elements like skies, mist, and water reflections.
“I use multiple layers of wet-on-wet washes, letting the paint flow and interact on the surface,” says Ball. “The first layer is a wet-on-wet application, but subsequent layers are painted on the dried surface, allowing me to build up depth and luminosity.”
Another essential technique is glazing, which involves applying thin, transparent layers of colour over a dry underpainting. This method allows you to gradually build up depth, subtlety, and vibrancy in your landscapes, while preserving the luminous qualities of the whites and lighter tones.
“Glazing is a game-changer for creating luminous watercolour paintings,” explains artist Sterling Edwards, author of the book Creating Luminous Watercolor Landscapes. “By layering transparent washes, you can achieve a sense of depth, atmosphere, and radiance that would be difficult to accomplish with a single layer of paint.”
Edwards also emphasizes the importance of understanding colour theory and how to mix specific pigments to achieve the desired effects. “Certain colours, like Winsor & Newton’s cerulean blue or cobalt blue, have a natural tendency to granulate,” he notes. “Pairing these granulating hues with non-granulating colours can create stunning textural effects that enhance the overall luminosity of the painting.”
Developing a Creative Mindset
As with any artistic pursuit, cultivating a creative mindset is crucial when embarking on your luminous landscape painting journey. Embracing the unexpected, remaining open to experimentation, and finding inspiration in the world around you can all contribute to a fulfilling and rewarding watercolour practice.
“I’m constantly exploring different ways to exploit the magical beauty of watercolour painting,” says Deena S. Ball. “Letting the paints run, puddle, and interact creates wonderful watercolour texture, and I’m always excited by the surprising effects that emerge.”
Plein air painting, where you capture the ever-changing natural light and atmosphere on location, can be an invaluable source of inspiration and a catalyst for developing your creative vision. As you observe the subtle shifts in light, colour, and mood, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to translate these ephemeral qualities into your studio work.
Equally important is the willingness to embrace experimentation and a spirit of playfulness. Watercolour, with its unpredictable nature, can be both a blessing and a challenge. Approaching each painting as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than a quest for perfection, can unlock new levels of artistic expression and personal style.
“The day I watched an artist paint an entire sky with three deft brushstrokes was the day I committed to trading my tiny oil brushes and photorealistic style in favour of big, bold strokes of watercolour,” recalls Sterling Edwards. “That moment of inspiration has significantly influenced my work and my approach to the medium.”
Unleashing Your Creative Potential
As you delve into the world of luminous landscape painting in watercolour, remember that the journey is as important as the destination. By mastering fundamental techniques, embracing creative exploration, and cultivating a mindset of curiosity and discovery, you can unlock your full artistic potential and create paintings that captivate the senses and stir the soul.
Whether you’re drawn to the ethereal beauty of misty mornings, the vibrant hues of a sunset-drenched field, or the shimmering reflections of a tranquil lake, the watercolour medium provides an unparalleled canvas for expressing your unique vision. So, pick up your brushes, embrace the fluidity of the paint, and let your creative spirit soar to new heights as you paint luminous landscapes that inspire and delight.
For more watercolour resources, techniques, and creative inspiration, be sure to visit Pencil and Paint Muse, your go-to destination for all things art-related.
Tip: Experiment with different media to discover your unique style