Glazing, Blending - How and Why April 21, 2003
While these are quite separate watercolor techniques there are some important ways in which they are similar.
Glazing in watercolor serves the same purpose and is accomplished in the same manner as the same technique in oil painting. There are two important reasons for glazing. (1) To raise or lower the temperature of an area of the painting. (2) To darken the value of an area of the painting. In both cases the area to be glazed must be completely dry before glazing. Also in both cases a large enough flat or angular brush should be used to do the job with a minimum number of strokes. Let's discuss (1) first. Of the primary colors Red and Yellow are warm and Blue is cool. If Blue is part of a mixture a dominance of it will make a cool mixture. (Cool green or cool purple for example) If in a corner of your painting a warm area is attracting too much attention you can "kill" it back by glazing with a pale blue. Glaze once with a minimum of overlapping and allow to dry. If this is not cool enough, repeat. If a section of your backgroound is a bit bland you can perk it up with a glaze of warm (Yellow or red). Once you've improved an area in this way you will begin to see other opportunities. As for (2) you sometimes paint something early on which really is too pale once the painting is farther along. This happens to me with the sides of a barn. Glaze with the same pigment or mixture as the first wash. The result will be darker. Repeat if necessary.
Now for Blending. This technique is done the same way as glazing but the brush contains only clear water. The purpose of blending is to reduce the amount of detail by softening sharp edges. Maybe the best example would be the painting of a Canada Goose on which you paint every feather exactly as you see it on your reference photo. Finish the entire goose and allow it to dry. No one will need to tell you that you have way too much detail. Use a flat brush of appropriate size (Usually 3/4", 1", or 1 1/2") Moisten the brush then dip it into water half way up the hairs. Begin at the front of the goose and stroke toward the back. You will notice the edges begin to soften. If you wet too much or too long you will lose all your detail. The water doesn't quit when you do. After blending the goose looks more natural. (Like the feathers interlock)
Try glazing and blending on your paintings. It will require a bit of courage but eventually you will benefit a lot.If you have questions about this or other "Watercolor Tips" If you have problems or questions E-mail us at sharin2art@aol.com. We will be glad to hear from you and will reply promptly.
Robert and Sharon
Sharon Long Watercolors
11275 US Hwy 98, W, Suite 6-354
Destin FL, 32550 - Phone (850) 424-6424
E-mail me: sharin2art@aol.com
http://www.slongwatercolors.com