Fearless Friday, “Nesting”

Have you ever used masking fluid or frisket when you’re painting with watercolor?
I have a bottle that’s who knows how old…
I usually just work around the areas I want to keep white
Somehow I got it in my head that masking fluid was too much trouble…
Uh, no, it’s super easy and fun to use!
This is the photo I painted from,
using the masking fluid to cover the highlight areas
of the glass, nest, and flowers
I didn’t sketch the whole subject,
just a few light pencil lines to mark the sides of the glass
The masking fluid is the yellowish areas on the paper
A close up is below
Apply the masking fluid with an inexpensive or old brush,
it’s like glue so it can ruin good brushes
I try to rinse my brush with hot water and soap immediately after application
I applied a light aqua wash over the whole glass area
The dark green spots are where the wash puddled on top of the masked areas
Next I added a few darker areas in the glass and placed the nest on top

Next came stems and a branch and one yellow flower
with the washes again puddling on the masked areas
I painted in the rest of the flowers with loose shapes
Darker tones of brown and green were added to the branches, nest and stems,
and darker aqua to the glass and water
A small shadow from the glass really starts to bring this to life
More darks on the glass and in the water
Green leaves sprung up among the flowers
I detailed the blooms with darker petals and added green to the branches
I enlarged the cast shadow and dropped some of the colors into it for interest
The masking fluid was removed leaving a few large white areas

I used a rubber cement pickup to remove the masking fluid
It is the square eraser type object in the photo below

Arrows point to the areas that were masked in this painting

Once the masking fluid is removed,
you can soften any areas that are too white with a soft color wash if needed
“Nesting” 9″ x 12″ on watercolor paper

It’s fun to try something new and
Be Fearless!
Juicy Details
Windsor & Newton Art Masking Fluid for watercolor here
Residue Eraser here
You can also get a Art Ruling Pen for applying masking fluid lines, which I haven’t tried, but I want to!
I will be joining these fabulous parties and blogs:
Sundays on Silverado Love Your Creativity Over the Moon
Between Naps on the Porch, Celebrate Your Story,
All About Home/ Common Ground Follow the Yellow Brick Home
Tasty Tuesday Oh My Heartsie Girl Turn About Tuesday
Full Plate Thursday Centerpiece Wednesday Creatively Crafty
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SO beautiful, both the flower and the painting! You seriously should sell your stuff on ebay.
Thank you Angie, I do sell art prints and a variety of other items with my paintings on them on Society 6, here’s the link: society6.com/paintedapron
Jenna, you have such a gift! Your painting is beautiful! I hope you and your family have a happy Easter!
Thank you, and Happy Easter to you too Shannon!
I love masking fluid. I probably don’t use it as often as I should and just realized that I kind of forget about it — and should have used it on a pesky pet portrait I did last week. Ah well. You gave me a good reminder! This is lovely.
Happy Spring and Easter Week!
Thanks Jeanie, as I said, somehow I got it in my head that it was too much trouble, but it actually makes it so much easier! Happy Easter!
Pure magic, Jenna! As a totally unartistic person, it is such a treat to learn about the “tricks of your trade”. So, would you say that “masking fluid” acts just like “masking tape” does when one is painting walls? I’ve never heard of it before. I love your latest piece of art. How perfect for this time of year when everything is blooming and saying “Spring has sprung”! Have a wonderful Easter,
Rosie
Yes, same concept! The challenge of watercolor for me is painting from light to dark, pretty much the reverse of what I do with acrylic where you can come back and add highlights last. The masking fluid ensures you will have those wonderful highlights when your painting is finished. I hope you have a lovely Easter Rosie!
Your talent never ceases to amaze me!
Thanks Martha, have a lovely Easter weekend…
So pretty! I love watching the step-by-step that makes it look effortless!
Thank you Dorothy!
I had heard of masking fluid, but wasn’t sure how to use it. Thanks for the master’s class! You’ve taught me something new.
It really is great for watercolor, it’s like a new found friend!
Love both of these so much! You are super talented and I really appreciate you sharing your step by step process too. Painting always looks so scary and complicated to me so this was inspiring to see. Hope your weekend is a happy one, CoCo
Thanks so much CoCo!
Jenna, you are amazing! Maybe one day I can try painting. Until then, I shall appreciate your beautiful art. I hope you have a wonderful Easter.
Thanks so much Linda, Happy Easter and Happy Birthday!
Beautiful work, Jenna! I’ve never used masking fluid but have been thinking about trying it lately. Thank you for sharing!
Let me know how you like it! Thanks Patty Anne!
Such lovely paintings! Always so fun to see your work!
Happy Easter!
Thank you so much Nancy, I hope you had a lovely Easter weekend…
Jenna, you are so talented. You always break the process down to where I can understand, and I am no artist. Wishing you and yours a blessed Easter!
Thanks so much Pam, what incredible weather we are having!
Love seeing your creations come to life Jenna! ♥
Thanks so much Mary 🌷
Your watercolor is just beautiful! I haven’t used masking fluid since I was in college with my watercolor classes.
Thank you, I forgot how handy it was!
Your watercolor is beautiful, Jenna! Thank you for sharing it with us at the Snickerdoodle Party. I am featuring you this weekend.
Oh Thank you Marie, I am thrilled!