Layering color and using masking fluid to create dimension in water

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Category: Rob's techniques

Published on Friday, 30 September 2011 02:34

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I used a few neat techniques in my recent "San Diego Tuna Fleet" painting.  First, I laid down the outline of the boats using a #8 lead graphite pencil.  This added some strong contrast.  Next, I put down masking fluid along the boats and in the water.  The pattern in the water was zig-zagged loosely in the shadow area.  In applying the paint, I started with liberal amounts of french ultramarine blue, peacock blue and Antwerp blue.  After the painting dried, I removed the masking and then added layers of scarlet lake, burnt sienna, transparent yellow, Windsor green and various other colors.  While the shadow area was still saturated, I picked up the watercolor board and slammed the bottom edge on the floor causing the nice free flowing streaks downward which suggest the mast reflections in the water.  My palette for this painting is below.