Introduction to Watercolor

Comp 767: Advanced Topics in Graphics

Properties of Watercolor


Watercolor materials
 Watercolor  Pigment

paper

Watercolor effects

Watercolor Paper
 Typically  But


not made of wood pulp

from linen or cotton rags pounded into small fibers

Extremely absorbent to liquids

 Slows

down the rate of water absorption and diffusion

Source: misterart.com

Pigment

A pigment is a solid material in the form of small, separate particles (ranging from 0.05 to 0.5 microns) Pigments vary in density
Source: misterart.com

Properties of watercolor


Watercolor effects
 Dry-brush Dry-

effects  Edge darkening  Intentional backruns  Granulation and Separation  Flow Patterns  Glazing

DryDry-brush Effects


Techniques
Dry brush that is almost dried  Applied at a proper angle


Effects
Irregular gaps  Ragged edges


Source: Computer Generated Watercolor

Edge Darkening


Techniques


Wet-onWet-on-dry brushstroke

Effect


Darken edges

Source: Computer Generated Watercolor

Intentional Backruns
 Occurs


when

A puddle of water spread back into a damp region of paint  A wash brush dries unevenly  The water tends to push pigment along as it spreads
 Effect
Source: Computer Generated Watercolor

Complex branching shapes  Severely darkened edges



Granulation and Separation of Pigments

 Granulation


of pigments

Yields a kind of grainy textures  Varies from pigment to pigment  Strongest when paper is very wet
 Separation

Source: Computer Generated Watercolor

of pigment

Refers to splitting of colors  Occurs when denser pigments settle earlier than lighter ones

Flow Patterns
 In


wet-inwet-in-wet painting
wet surface allows the brushstrokes to spread freely

 Effects


Soft, feathery shapes

Source: Computer Generated Watercolor

Glazing
 Techniques

Adding very thin, pale layers, or washes, of watercolor, one over another  Different pigments are not mixed physically, but optically


 Effects

luminous  glowing from within



Summary - Watercolor

Summary of Watercolor effects

Lesson Objectives


Students will explore watercolor in order to understand its properties. Students will demonstrate an understanding of watercolor techniques in order create value

Using watercolor in different ways, helps create variety in a work of art. Lets look at different brush strokes.

Lesson 1: Creating different brush strokes



This exercise will help you learn how to use your paint brush in order to create different brush strokes. These techniques that you learn will really help you be successful in your final composition.

Create different brush strokes depending on how much water is on your brush.

By using a dry brush you can create brush strokes like this

You can create smooth brush strokes by using more water. Also, notice how by using more paint on one side of your brush will creates different values.

Even brush strokes are created by an equal amount of paint and water, and also a smooth stroke.

Do this now
Create a single page painting in your sketchbook using different amounts of water.  Divide your page into three areas and create these three types of brush strokes.  This should take you 15-20 minutes. 15

Reminder

Lesson 2: Background Wash

   

Using more water and less pigment Demo Draw 3 boxes of 15cm x 20 cm Paint 3 background washes with 3 differecnt colours. This should take you 30 min.

Lesson 3: Texture
Using different brush strokes in collaboration with one another can create the idea of different texture.  Demo  Divide your paper into thirds and create three different textures.  This should take you 20 minutes.


Example

Lesson 4: Values Scale

You will create three value scales in your sketchbook by using a different brush strokes.  Demo  Tip: Different amounts of water, along with different types of brush strokes creates variety.