More Reflections

 This entry was originally posted on Friday, October 19, 2012

Birch Bay Boats, 7x10" 

Keep the reflection of an object in water a bit softer and with softer lines than the object itself.

That way it will look more like a reflection rather than the actual object.

Reflections

 This entry was originally posted on Thursday, October 18, 2012

Great Blue

20x30"

 

Reflections in water are lighter with a dark object and darker with a light object.

Painting Water

  This entry was originally posted on Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Sunset over Birch Bay, WA

7x10"

 

When painting water, remember that the water reflects the sky.

 

Carrying Water

   This entry was originally posted on Saturday, October 13, 2012

 

When painting plein air, don't forget the water!

I recently found this wonderful water container to carry my water in.

It has a hook on it so I can hang it off the handle of my carrying bag.

The best part about it is that it does fold up on itself so I can easily toss it into just about any bag or backpack while traveling.

Portable Water Container

   This entry was originally posted on Friday, October 12, 2012

One way to reduce "stuff" and keep your plein air kit lightweight is to have portable water containers.

These containers are collapsible and have a handle to hang off the side of your easel.

Sparkling Water

  This entry was originally posted on Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Drybrush is also a great and easy way to create sparkles on the water.

Sparkling Water

    This entry was originally posted on  Monday, July 2, 2012

One way to create sparkles on the water is to use masking fluid before you begin painting.

Another way to create the sparkles is to use an x-acto knife at the end.

Just gently scratch the surface of the paper so it scratches away the paint.

Be careful not to scratch so hard that it cuts your paper though!

 

White and Water

   This entry was originally posted on Friday, June 29, 2012

In watercolor, you usually save your whites.

However, white paint can be used at times.

I have mentioned the past couple of posts, the use of white for snow and crashing waves.

White paint can also be used to create more dimensions to calmer waves.

It also creates an opaqueness to the water that can sometimes be seen when light reflects off of it.

Buckets of Water

  This entry was originally posted on Friday, January 27, 2012.

Quite often I see students bring in their containers of water for my classes.

They are usually these pathetic little tubs that barely hold a cup of water.

Or I see them struggling with these large ice cream buckets (you know the ones- the big gallon containers)

I find that neither of these work.

First of all, the water in little container get dirty so quickly that you are either painting grey paintings or you need to refill it every few minutes.

The big gallon ones are great if you don't want to get clean water often but it takes up so much room on your table that you don't know where to put your painting. Plus it is more awkward to carry.

My suggestion is to use a container that is only about a 4 cup size (or 750-800ml)

like an empty peanut butter or yogurt container.

Not too small and not too big.
Just right.