Watercolor characteristics

Water-Based Pigments, Continued Watercolor Watercolor is a transparent medium. Light reflects through the pigment from characteristics the paper surface. Watercolors look lighter when dry than wet, so mix pigments darker than required. You may also use watercolor as a translucent or as an opaque. Watercolor applied in thick layers creates cracks and is slow to dry. Painting layer over layer will muddy clarity. If you intend to paint one wash over another, allow the first wash to dry thoroughly before applying the second. Apply the second wash lightly and rapidly over the first to prevent picking up the pigment in the first wash. Watercolor Mixed watercolors may be kept in jars or in an enclosed palette with a damp storage sponge or paper towel inside to keep in moisture. Figure 1-30 shows a palette with deep wells and a cover designed to keep pigments damp. Figure 1-30.—A covered palette. Watercolor finishing techniques Watercolors have a matte surface. Watercolors do not require any special finishing techniques. Gouache Gouache is a form of opaque water media. Gouache may be dye or pigment, white paint and/or precipitated chalk suspended in a binder of gum arabic and diluted with water. When diluted and packaged in jars or tubes, it is also called tempura, show card color, or designer color. Continued on next page 1-57