Quote
I think I layering washes, but I'm really not sure.
Just doing what seems like it needs to be done!
The watercolour process is so radically different
that what I'm used to...can't "pull-out" my highlights
like with charcoal so I've had to plan them a lot
earlier.
Hi Nancy,
Looking pretty good! You are doing the right thing by
layering washes - it is a slow process of building up
colour. You can also introduce other colour/contrast
colour washes in this build up -I always practice on
a scrap bit of paper to see the build up first. Because
watercolour is a transparent medium you can get some
really lovely results and shadow effects. You may consider
doing this contrast colour wash for the birthmark in
the final stages (try it out elsewhere first!)
You CAN "pull-out" highlights - if you are very careful
and your watercolour is still wet enough. Always keep
a clean white tissue or paper towel nearby, flood an
area with colour, then 'blot' off the wet pigment. Be
careful not to scrub at the work or you end up ruining
the surface and have little paper 'spitwads' clinging
to everything. This technique can also be a rescue if
you accendentially apply to dark a wash.
Watercolour is fun - I like the freedom of it, but
sometimes I lose control of it and it turns out a disater!
I also tend to use a very limited pallette of colours
- letting the media mix and create the full spectrum
for me from only 3 or 4 pure colours. I posted a new
work of mine on this forum so you can see my watercolour
style - mine still needs a lot of work and more practice!
Linda
Linda Weil
www.users.bigpond.net.au/lindaweil/
