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