Getting Rich, Vivid, Strong Color Into Your Watercolor April 20, 2003
One of the bad raps watercolor has taken over the years is that it's colors are pale, washed out, looking almost faded. At the same time other media offered strength and contrast. Well it isn't the watercolor medium that's to blame it's the way you mix your pigments. Deep, rich colors are produced with thick paint. Thin paint allows the white of the paper to come through thus paling the color. Thick paint, on the other hand, blocks the white of the paper from coming through giving the stronger values an exciting painting has.
Mixing thick paint is simple. Begin with bristle brushes which can "dig" out pigment. Half inch slant is a good size. First wet the bristle brush just enough to make it pliable but not enough to carry water then use a dropper to deliver a few drops of water (Two to Four) to the pigment. Now pointing the bristles at the pigment "dig" with a forward motion several times. The pigment will build up in the brush in a thick condition. Continue to "breakup" pigment in this manner until you have sufficient to cover the area you wish to cover to the value you want. The palette we use is one we have made for us. The septums between the mixing wells are quite sharp. This aids in removing paint from your brush. (You will find this palette on our web site:
http://www.robertlongwatercolors.com under "Our Products" then "Palettes" Remember that striking effects result when you place your very light values next to a very dark ones.
Using this method you will find yourself able to match the beautiful colors you see in your reference photos. Give it a try! If you have problems or questions E-mail us at rlwatercolor71@aol.com. We will be glad to hear from you. Happy 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