I plan to paint busy shorebirds with breaking waves. This subject is exciting to watch and even more fun to paint.
Water is a marvelous subject because this transparent liquid reflects light, creates dynamic contrasts and moves. The best approach to painting water is to put down the color on a wet surface and then lift it away.
Wet-into-wet is a fun process of discovery. The way the colors meet and mingle creates a glowing effect. This birds and surf lesson uses wet-into wet and randomly dry paper. Each surface gives a very different effect and ultimately looks like waves breaking. You actually are in charge and by throwing, dropping and lifting you can create the movement of water. I plan to show you an approach to create this movement in the water and as you try this process, you will discover your own approach.
Using Arches 140# or 300# paper is the best choice. This paper has good sizing on the front of the paper and this allows the colors to move around and be lifted to form the surf. The sizing in Arches keeps the paint from soaking into the paper and allows lifting. A paper that is not properly sized will not work.
This is an alla prima or “all at once” experience. You need to let the colors intermingle and then lift the colors without any interruptions or distractions.
Enjoy this magical time because when you are finished, you should not go back and do more to your painting. This will destroy the “alla prima” look.
I finished the painting by mixing Quinacridone burnt orange with ultramarine blue to form a dark black. I like this color because it is a non-staining mixture and allows me to lift if necessary.
MATERIALS LIST
Arches 140#
Watercolor Paints
Hake Brush
1 1/2″ flat brush
3 окт 2024
