Tutorial, lesson on watercolor glazing technique by Violet Dauk of New London, MN

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5126 Co Rd 40 NE
New London, MN 56273
violetdauk@tds.net

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Updated January 15, 2008

Watercolor Glazing Technique

My goal in this demonstration is to share with you the glazing process I used in painting my SummerTomatos painting. Glazing is a process of laying down one color, letting it dry and then laying down another layer of the same color to darken it, or laying down an entirely different color. Watercolor paint is transparent. Because of its transparency the different layers of color mix visually to make a new color. Many people love watercolors because the transparency and layers produce vibrant colors that have many dimensions.

Drawing and composition:

Drawing and composition (placement, balance, etc.) is the base of your painting. No matter how good your painting technique is, if the drawing or composition isn't right, your painting will look "off." Spend as much time as you need on your drawing - it is important.

First Two Layers:

The first layer is painted evenly with yellow, leaving white areas on the paper for highlights. Let it dry completely. The second layer is painted again with yellowin the shadow areas. (I like to paint more than one painting at a time, so I can continue working while the other painting is drying.)

Third Layer:

The third layer is painted in the shadow areas with green. If you feel it isn't dark enough, you can let it dry and add another layer of green. Let your painting dry completely before going on to the fourth layer.