It's what is remarked on the most, what I appreciate the most in other paintings, and what I am always seeking to portray in my watercolor paintings: believable, captivating, wow-worthy LIGHT. 

And I have a process to share with you so that you too can depict compelling light in your watercolor scenes.

Keep reading (or watch my video) to learn more!

Paint Believable Light in Watercolor - A Tutorial 

Rendering realistic light in a watercolor painting comes down to thinking in reverse (from light to dark) and following a process. It doesn't happen magically or without effort, but I'll show you how I achieve the results that I do.

Considering Light Throughout My 3-Step Painting Process

Enjoy this Post? Like this Pin!

First Wash - Lightest Areas of My Watercolor Scene

I start with a drawing, of course, and then I wet down both sides of my paper.

Next, I start looking around the scene at the lightest values. That is precisely what my first wash is all about: the lightest values of the scene.

If you squint at your reference photo - or the scene directly in front of you - or if you turn your reference photo black and white, it is easier to identify the lightest areas of your watercolor scene. Typically, in an outdoor landscape, this includes the sky and other areas where the light is shining. 

 You'll also want to preserve the white of the paper in spots that are the lightest. Paint a nice fluid, wet into wet wash that lays out the lightest areas of the watercolor scene.

 Second Wash - Large Connected Middle Value Shape in My Watercolor Scene

Now, step number two is where I'm painting the middle values of the scene. So these are not the lights and not the darks. Everything that is in between. And again, if you turn your reference photo, black and white, you are looking to try to find that large connected middle value shape.

And so here's what that looks like within this street scene:

I worked my way around the scene finding connections, trying to really squint and see these middle values as one shape. This is the most challenging part of the painting. We are having to juggle quite a few things: we're thinking about edges, color, texture and value while working to create this fluid, connected shape.

I'm typically starting on the left side of the paper and I'm working the bead all the way across, and I'm looking for the connections I can make throughout the watercolor scene.

 Third Wash - Darks and Details

After I have painted the middle values of the scene, it is time to paint the darks and the details. Adding these to your watercolor painting is going to really highlight the work you've done up to this point. Without the darks, the lights don't pop. So this is just as important as the previous two phases of your painting. 

On the other hand, don't overdo the details and darks. Don't over-emphasize them.

Oftentimes, the details of your painting get all the credit. We tend to hyper-focus on little areas where there might are figures in your scene or where you really captured a detail realistically. These get people's attention, but if the values and the large shapes in your painting aren't working, these details are not going to matter. They aren't going to save a painting. 

What 5 Steps Should You Take Before You Pick Up Your Brush?

Have you ever been really excited about a painting?

You get all set up. You find that right reference that you're excited about, and then it's time to go... but you feel lost. 

Maybe you're having a hard time achieving consistency. Some of your paintings turn out, some of your paintings don't turn out and you're not really sure why.

Well, I have a free resource that I want to offer you that will help with these exact problems: my Five Steps to Plan a Successful Watercolor Painting.

In this free lesson, I walk you through the crucial planning phase of your painting that will help you understand what you're going to paint first, second and third.

The planning is really so important, especially in watercolor. This medium is harder to correct. It's so immediate. So having that plan is very important. After you sign up, I will send you a free PDF that you can have on your phone or print out. Then you can take a look at these crucial planning steps before you start each painting to ensure that you're thinking through these important things as you get started.

Download this PDF right now before you start your next painting. 

Related Blogs

Improve Your Art Through This 3-Step Painting Process 

Questions to Ask Before You Complete Your Watercolor Painting

Paint this Glowing Landscape in Watercolor