Test sheet

(C) 2016 Dale DiMauro

Sometimes the results of working on a test sheet are better than a finished watercolor. In a previous post, back awhile, I discussed the benefits of working on a scrap sheet of watercolor paper. You can experiment with your color mixes until you find what you are looking for. In watercolor it is important to understand that the pigments dry lighter than the mixed color you have created. Also, you can play with different techniques to convey texture and there are so many ways of marking the paper other than with a paint brush.

In this image I was really excited to come upon several color mixes that were new to me. The rock-like area under the figure was created by mixing three primary colors providing this rich gray/purple/blue color. The transparent pigments used, I believe, were aureolin, ultramarine blue and winsor red. Finally, the blue right of the figure was created with winsor blue and cadmium red conveying this rich sky color.

The white, wavy patterns towards the bottom of the sheet were created by using masking fluid to preserve the white of the paper. There are infinite marks that you can make using masking fluid which I have only begun to experiment with. It is generally used to preserve white subject matter or areas where light may be projecting off a surface such as the top of a car in the sun.

This week I have been working on a watercolor with a bit of rocks in the foreground. I have been stippling with darker colors to give the rocks greater texture which I sampled at the bottom of the above image.

I have found when you mix your own colors instead of use what comes out of the tube you can arrive at a much richer and dynamic palette.