Tip of the month – March 2005

As a painter who works with the paper well moistened, the question asked is “How wet is the paper?”

When working with flat and gradated washes over the entire surface, the paper is very wet. There may even be droplets of water falling off of the sides. I wet the paper thoroughly and position it on a slant.

The flat wash will run down the paper and even itself out as it runs down the paper.

As I add more water and less color, the gradated wash will have an even transition from dark to light.

With the variegated wash, I work on a flat surface. I apply the water to the surface and wipe off the excess with a sponge. I am looking for an even and moist application. In this way, if I wish to have shapes of white on the paper, it will be possible as there is not too much water.

I start all of my paintings by wetting the surface with a spray bottle and brush. How wet the surface remains depends upon my intent. Usually, I apply a variegated wash in two or three colors. I know that the wetness needs to be controlled. This particular wash will give me a softness or an atmospheric quality. I will, also, be able to save soft edged white shapes.

Whatever the subject, this atmospheric quality creates a spatial depth that is pleasing. Stop adding water or color when the sheen is gone from the paper. Allow the paper to dry thoroughly before continuing or water marks will be the result.

These marks cannot be removed. They will have to be incorporated into your composition.

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