tailieunhanh - Watercolor : The simplicity of the Direct Method

The art of watercolor involves a great many techniques. One I follow is called the "direct method" and is achieved by attempting to paint accurate color values and shapes in the first stages of the painting process. Of course, adjustments will be made in some areas before the work is completed. Even so, the "direct method" saves a great deal of time and allows the colors to glow with freshness. Pencil Sketch The first step to success is to choose fine source material. I choose one of my own photographs that has good color and composition. Having taken the photo,. | Watercolor The simplicity of the Direct Method The art of watercolor involves a great many techniques. One I follow is called the direct method and is achieved by attempting to paint accurate color values and shapes in the first stages of the painting process. Of course adjustments will be made in some areas before the work is completed. Even so the direct method saves a great deal of time and allows the colors to glow with freshness. I create a light pencil drawing avoiding eraser marks. Pencil Sketch The first step to success is to choose fine source material. I choose one of my own photographs that has good color and composition. Having taken the photo I am familiar with the sense and feel of the subject. I use my art projector lightbox or slide projector when working from a slide to transfer the composition in pencil to my watercolor paper. I am careful to use a light touch and to keep the eraser and my hand prints off the paper as much as possible. The watercolor paper is then taped with masking tape on all four sides to a support such as a piece of masonite foamcore or plastic sheeting. First Washes The original photograph is now my guide for color and that is why I prefer prints to slides. I find it difficult to be looking into a hand-held slide projector while I am painting. There are table slide projectors but the room has to be darkened so that is another drawback. I search for interesting shapes and paint them in their correct color .