Step-by-step Paintings: Blue Window
Older pages have upper left link ( Tutorial Return Link ) back to this page.

Stage Two – First Wash
(Read this stage fully before starting, it will give you a clear overview of the process)


First Wash © 2008 Allan Kirk First Wash
Wait until the masking fluid is completely dry.

1. Wet the Paper thoroughly
Use your large squirrel mop brush and wet all the paper thoroughly with clear water. Make sure that the paper is wet all over.

2. Apply colour Wash to the Wall and window
Prepare several colours in the deep mixing wells of your palette. Set up wells of four basic colours: Cobalt Blue, Cobalt Violet, Burnt Sienna and Raw Sienna. Thesefour colours are the main colours you will use for the painting.

Then using a number 10 sable brush apply the colour mixes to the paper in a very free and loose way. At this stage avoid the area where the bush is located, as you will mix a green for this later. Let the wet paper allow the colours to run and mix together.

Use mainly Cobalt Violet and Raw Sienna on the wall. Do also add a little Burnt Sienna, and a little Cobalt Blue.

3. Apply colour wash to bush
Then mix a green using Windsor Blue and Cadmium Yellow and apply the to the bush area. Also add Cobalt Violet and Cobalt Blue to indicate the deep shadows.

4. Remove the masking Fluid
When the initial ghost wash is complete and bone dry remove the masking fluid. Do this by gently rubbing the masking fluid with your hand; alternatively it could be removed with an eraser.

Wash Process
At this stage your colour mixes are wet and have more water than pigment. You do not want harsh marks. Keep the whole process very free, wet and loose.

Do not mind the colours running or mixing on the paper or in the palette. The colours will dry light and provide you with a key to the overall painting. You can call this your Ghost wash.

<<  Previous | Next  >>

Copyright © 2008 Allan Kirk - Tarnincolour Holidays
Watercolor TutorialsStep-by-Step PaintingsLearning CenterArtist GalleriesFine Art LinksArt Glossary
Watercolor VideosWatercolor BooksArt SuppliesAboutContact

www.WatercolorPainting.com • Copyright © 2011 . All rights reserved.