Watercolor Value Study
3 min read
5 months ago
Published on Aug 01, 2024
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Table of Contents
Introduction
This tutorial will guide you through the process of creating a watercolor value study. A value study helps you understand light and shadow in a still life by focusing on varying tones of a single color. This technique is beneficial for artists looking to improve their painting skills and develop a keen eye for values.
Step 1: Set Up Your Workspace
- Use a half sheet of 140-pound watercolor paper.
- Keep the paper on the block for stability during painting.
- Gather materials: a regular number two pencil (or HB), your chosen color (e.g., indigo), and water.
Step 2: Draw Your Still Life
- Lightly sketch your still life composition using your pencil.
- Keep lines faint, as they should be easily erasable if needed or covered by paint.
Step 3: Create a Value Scale
- On a scrap piece of watercolor paper or off to the side, create a scale of values using your chosen color.
- Mix varying amounts of water with the color to achieve different values
- Light values: Add more water.
- Dark values: Use less water.
- Aim for five to six distinct values.
Step 4: Plan Your Painting Strategy
- Consider starting with the lightest value and progressing to the darkest. This approach allows for easier corrections.
- Alternatively, start from the background and work towards the foreground. This ensures clean, distinct layers.
Step 5: Paint the Background
- Assign the lightest value to the background (e.g., the white foam board).
- Mix your lightest indigo value and apply it to the background.
- Use wet paint on dry paper for this process.
- Monitor the bead (the wet area) and spread it evenly to avoid uneven drying.
Step 6: Work on Other Areas
- While waiting for the background to dry, focus on painting areas that do not touch it (e.g., cast shadows).
- Compare the values of the cast shadow to your value scale, mixing an appropriate value for painting.
- Use a strategy of painting areas that are not adjacent to one another to minimize wait time for drying.
Step 7: Ensure Complete Drying
- Check if areas are dry by touching the back of your hand to the paper. If it feels cool, it’s still wet.
- Let each layer dry completely before applying additional layers to maintain crisp edges.
Step 8: Adjust Values as Needed
- After drying, assess the painted areas. If any values appear too light, apply a second or third coat as necessary.
- Use a dryer brush to lift excess paint from overly wet areas and avoid water spots.
Step 9: Experiment with Wet Paper
- For comparison, consider wetting the paper before painting. This will produce softer edges.
- Understand that wet paper techniques yield different results than working on dry paper.
Conclusion
You have successfully completed a watercolor value study by focusing on creating a monochromatic painting with a clear understanding of light and shadow. Remember to practice regularly, refine your value scales, and experiment with different techniques such as wet and dry paper to enhance your painting skills. In the next session, you will learn how to blend edges for a softer look. Happy painting!