Have you ever wondered how some watercolor artists get these cool techniques or “texture” in their paintings? Look no further than your kitchen pantry or your medicine cabinet.
- Salt (table or Rock) can be added to a wet background to give the effect of snow or texture in a field of wild flowers.
- Rubbing Alcohol can be added to a wet painting to create cool looking jellyfish under the sea.
- An old toothbrush can be used to splatter paint or alcohol for added dimension to your painting.
I have experimented with numerous items some successful (wax candles work great) some not so much (peroxide does not work like alcohol). I have drawn with white glue and painted watercolor over the top once the glue has dried.
One of my favorite tools to use is watercolor pencils. I use my watercolor pencils all the time. Every watercolor I have ever done I have used watercolor pencils. I always choose a light neutral color for my sketches (raw sienna is my favorite) and when I start painting the lines become part of the painting. Watercolor pencils are wonderful and that being said can be quite pricy my Derwent Pencils cost close to $150. I have used Crayola watercolor pencils and Mongol pencils – I recommend starting with those and if you like them make the investment (they are well worth the price).
The other item I love using on my watercolors is India Ink. I use India Ink after my watercolors have dried especially if I am doing a silhouette of something. The true black you can achieve with India Ink is amazing and I get to use my Rapidograph pens. You can do a pen and ink drawing first and then use watercolors as a wash. If you do this it is important you ink is waterproof or you will have a mess on your hands (trust me!)
The Walrus (which I sold a couple of weeks ago) Watercolor with India Ink.
Who Are You Calling Crafty? 