3 Ironclad Keys to Painting Watercolor Light
Nov 11, 20243 Ironclad Keys to Painting Watercolor Light
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Keep These in Mind When You’re Painting Light
1. Plan Light From the Very First Part of Your Painting Process.
My first piece of advice for you as you paint light in your scenes is to make sure that this element of your painting is front and center from the very first part of your process. Light cannot be an afterthought or an add-on.
To achieve the necessary contrast for gorgeous light, you must begin thinking about it right away. In fact, I start where that brightest light is and work from there.
When I was painting this scene, I knew that the fence in the foreground needed to appear white, but I didn’t want it to be brighter than the brightest spot in the sky. It’s white, but in shadow, so I covered it with the lighter value wash and will touch it up some later in the process.
2. Paint Boldly in the First Wash.
The second piece of advice I have for you when painting bright light in your painting is to paint boldly, even in the first wash. Dynamic light needs contrast, so don’t hold back on your paint consistency.
You have to compensate for the fading that happens when colors dry, so make sure you go bolder than you think you need to.
3. Make Sure the Environment of Your Scene Responds to the Light Source.
This last key to painting light may be the most complicated. Basically, what I’m saying is to make choices in your scene with your light source in mind.
Notice the difference in the trees that are directly in front of the brightest orb of sunlight compared to the trees that are indirectly lit by the sun. The ones to the left of my painting have a harder edge and are a slightly darker color.
Another example of considering the effects of the light source on this scene are the glints of light on the fence. Toward the end of my painting process, I added some gouache to the tips of the fence posts.
Remember that painting light is not just about getting that bright light to pop off the page, but that it’s integrated into the scene in a way that looks realistic.
Painting Watercolor Light Like a Pro
The next time you tackle a landscape scene with a strong sense of light, remember these three tips: think about light from the very beginning of your process, paint rich washes to achieve contrast, and make sure the other elements of your scene respond to the light source.
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