Salvaging Some Paintings You Thought Didn't Look So Great December 17, 2001
All of us have done it. We get a painting finished and it just isn't exciting. It needs some snap, some color, some HELP!
We often use glazing to solve this problem. First you need some vivid primary color pigments. We like Opera by Holbein which is a glowing pink, Peacock Blue by Holbein, and Winsor Lemon by Winsor Newton. Mixing these produces some really brilliant secondary colors. Hard to find a purple as beautiful as Opera with Peacock Blue. Hard to believe the beauty of green from Winsor Lemon and Peacock Blue or the orange from Opera and Winsor Lemon.
Start by taking a look at your disappointing painting. you will surely see some areas which are dull and unexciting. Maybe some complementary colors got too close together and produced mud. You will need to remove some of the dull color, whatever it is. Do that by applying a little water to the area with a brush which is no longer at it's best. We sometimes choose a round brush which has lost it's point and cut the hairs off about half way back. It may take two cuts to make it square off. This will be an excellent brush to continue this process with. In the area where you put the water, use this brush to gently scrub the area until you see a little of the pigment start to move. With a dry tissue "Scoot blot" to remove some of the pigment. If you have used too much water water, reduce the amount next time. Continue applying a small amount of water, gently scrubbing, and scoot blotting until you have lightened the area by a couple or three values. Allow the area to dry and then glaze with one of the pigments or combinations mentioned above. You can make leaves and flower petals come to life. Add a "hot spot" to an orange. Put highlights into jeans, jackets, etc.
Give this technique a try. We think you will find it useful. If you have questions email us at rlwatercolor71@aol.com.
Enjoy painting!
Robert and Sharon
Robert Long Watercolors
12273 Emerald Coast Parkway, Unit 120 • Destin, FL 32550
Phone (850) 837-3220 • Fax (850) 837-3770
E-mail us: rlwatercolor71@aol.com
http://www.robertlongwatercolors.com