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Watercolor : The simplicity of the Direct MethodAuthor : Janice EdelmanCategory : Painting Tutorial submitted on July 20, 2006 20:08 |
The art of watercolor involves a great many techniques. One I follow is called the "direct method" and is achieved by attempting to paint accurate color values and shapes in the first stages of the painting process. Of course, adjustments will be made in some areas before the work is completed. Even so, the "direct method" saves a great deal of time and allows the colors to glow with freshness.
This tutorial comes from Artshow
"HONG KONG HARBOR"
Watercolor
Size: 20"x30"
© 1999, Janice Edelman
This tutorial comes from Artshow
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| The art of watercolor involves a great many techniques. One I follow is called the "direct method" and is achieved by attempting to paint accurate color values and shapes in the first stages of the painting process. Of course, adjustments will be made in some areas before the work is completed. Even so, the "direct method" saves a great deal of time and allows the colors to glow with freshness. |
Pencil SketchThe first step to success is to choose fine source material. I choose one of my own photographs that has good color and composition. Having taken the photo, I am familiar with the sense and feel of the subject. I use my art projector, lightbox or slide projector (when working from a slide) to transfer the composition in pencil to my watercolor paper. I am careful to use a light touch and to keep the eraser and my hand prints off the paper as much as possible. The watercolor paper is then taped with masking tape on all four sides to a support such as a piece of masonite, foamcore or plastic sheeting. |
First WashesThe original photograph is now my guide for color, and that is why I prefer prints to slides. I find it difficult to be looking into a hand-held slide projector while I am painting. There are table slide projectors, but the room has to be darkened, so that is another drawback.
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Fill in WashesI start with a color that I think is correct and try to find other areas in the composition that have the same color (or close to it) and paint them. When my first color notes are dry and I am able to paint next to them, I continue placing light values next to dark values and warm colors next to cool colors just as they are in the photograph. The exceptions I make are basically to intensify the focal areas of the work. |
CompletedWhen the bodies of color are completely dry, I add texture and linear details to enhance the main areas of interest. In this demonstration, I left the work rough and put some of my fingerprints in the wet paint for texture.
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Watercolor
Size: 20"x30"
© 1999, Janice Edelman
This tutorial comes from Artshow
Back to tutorials home page | Shop | Submit a tutorial