Know Your Staining Colors

Some of the watercolor paints are staining. This means that they will not lift off the paper. Some might lift more than others—but not totally. This can be handy at times. If you mix Burnt Sienna and Thalo blue and paint a tree trunk, the paint, before dry, can be scraped with a palette knife. The Thalo Blue will stay on the paper while removing the Sienna— leaving a nice texture effect. The same is with Alizarin Crimson. I like to use this for distant skies—once down, it won't move. Play with your colors and don't pick too many. You can always lighten and tone down a color. Try to brighten it and...forget it. Play with your paints until they become your friends. Paint with bright colors!

One more Before I Start

Click for larger view. I hope I ccan keep it loose

Still Exploring...or Having Fun

Click for larger view. Exploring ideas for a larger painting

You would think I would know better!

I soaked my 18" x 24" watercolor paper and stapled it to foam core (Double layer), thinking that the double layer would hold it. Wrong. The double layer wasn't strong enough to keep the watercolor paper from bending and creasing the foam core as it dried. The problem is that I don't have a piece of Gator Board that large. Gator Board is like Foam Core but very strong. It will hold staples quite well and can be used many times. I was thinking of just taping the paper to a piece of bathroom wall masonite, which makes a nice, cheap board for painting on. No, mabe not. Taping watercolor paper to a board is a pain and it usually lifts. I will just go and buy some Gator Board and be done with it Must be getting late, I rambling.

Getting Started

Click image to view larger. Exploring how to paint this subject.
I believe a lot of getting anything done is just —starting it...hard to practice. :)
This is my thought for Boston Common Ducks color values...may change.