Three Layers

Three Layers

Just as you can build completely different houses from the same bricks, the watercolor painting technique can differ as greatly as heaven and earth between two different artists.

However, my experience has led me to a universal scheme that many use. I call this scheme the "three layers" model. The scheme isn't new, and I didn't invent it, but this only further confirms that it works not just for me.

So what exactly are these layers? The first layer is the background wash, where you initially cover all the main color spots. This layer is also called the "underpainting." The second layer is where you work on the main silhouettes of objects and shadows. The third layer is for the darkest areas and color accents.

Think of this division into layers purely theoretically. Because in practice, each layer might be completed in several stages. For example, if the first layer is a dark sky, and I couldn't achieve sufficient darkness in one sitting, then I'll go over it several times. We'll discuss how this is done another time.

To make your work easier, before you start painting, ask yourself several questions:

• Where is the lightest spot in the painting? Note it in your memory or reserve it (see article "White in Watercolor").

• Plan where you need to lay shadows or shade the lighter areas, as this is how you build form. You'll work on this in the second stage.

• Where will the darkest details be? Bright color accents? Save these for the third stage.

In practical terms, these three stages don't have to be connected to each other. I can do the first layer today and continue with the second layer a week later.

Develop a habit of analyzing other people's paintings; when looking at them, try to break them down into these three logical stages.

Summary

If you learn to break down your work into three stages, it will be easier for you to plan your time for its completion.