Fearless Friday, Oyster Shell

 

I have been experimenting with the watercolor “wet in wet” technique

also known as “wet on wet” or “charging”

 

 

 

 

The circled areas on the practice sheet in the photo above

highlight examples of a color dropped into a wet wash,

 in some cases producing a “bloom” and areas of soft color transitions

 

 

 

 

To use the wet in wet technique,

paint a clear wash or a colored wash on your paper

and then drop desired color into the wash while it’s still wet

The paint will do it’s own thing, creating areas of interest and transitions to the other colors

It will change as it dries also, so be prepared!

The shadow of the Watemelon Roses painting above was created this way

 

 

 

The eggshells were also painted this way,

beginning with a light wash of Quinacridone Gold

Then dropping in pink and purple

 

 

 

 

The blue crab shell had some unexpected results, but I like surprises,

they keep things interesting!

 

 

 

I thought this photo would be fun to try with this technique,

The colors in the shell are magical

 

 

 

 

Step 1 was a simple outline of the shell and pearls

Next I dropped clear water in the center and added turquoise blue

 

 

 

 

Then Quinacridone purple

 

 

 

 

Windsor Green, Burnt Sienna and Quinacridone Gold shadows

 

 

 

 

Next came dark areas with Sepia,

adding shadows to the pearls and small dots in New Gamboge indicating sand

 

 

 

 

Pink washes to edge of shell and more sand spilling out

 

 

 

 

A wet in wet shadow for the finishing touch

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Oyster Shell” 6″ x 5″ watercolor and ink, on 140 lb cold pressed watercolor paper

 

 

 

This technique is so much fun and you can achieve some great results

Take a practice sheet and play with your paint, experiment, see what happens!

 

Be Fearless

 

To view a great tutorial on “charging” visit Louise De Masi here

I am participating in the May Doodlewash Challenge, you can see my daily paintings on Instagram here

The Doodlewash challenges are a lot of fun and they push you to try new things, paint subjects outside your comfort zone, or just draw or paint whatever you feel like!  Join in anytime, post on social media with #doodlewashmay2020

 

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