Painting a watercolor landscape is like going on an adventure. It’s not always about reaching the destination, but enjoying the journey – and yes, that includes making mistakes. Sometimes, it’s these “mistakes” that lead to the most stunning pieces of art. Here’s how to make the most of them:
The Urban Sketching Handbook: 101 Sketching Tips : Tricks, Techniques, and Handy Hacks for Sketching on the Go
The Urban Sketching Handbook series offers location artists expert instruction on creative techniques, on-location tips and advice, and an abundance of visual inspiration. These handy references come in a compact, easy-to-carry format with an elastic band closure—perfect to toss in your backpack or artist’s tote.
Introduction
KEYS
Challenges
Contributors
Acknowledgments
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Stephanie Bower worked as a licensed Architect in New York City before gravitating to professional architectural illustration and concept design. She taught the how-to’s of architectural location sketching for over twenty-five years in New York City at Parsons and in Seattle at the University of Washington and Cornish College of the Arts. She has two online sketching classes at Bluprint.com, and she travels and teaches perspective and watercolor workshops internationally, including at six Urban Sketchers symposiums. People around the world follow her sketches online via Instagram @stephanieabower and Facebook, and she is an international blog correspondent for Urban Sketchers. Stephanie is a signature member of the Northwest Watercolor Society. She is the author of The Urban Sketching Handbook: Understanding Perspective (Quarry Books, 2016) and co-author of The Urban Sketching Art Pack (Quarry Books, 2017).
| Название | The Urban Sketching Handbook: 101 Sketching Tips: Tricks, Techniques, and Handy Hacks for Sketching on the Go Urban Sketching Handbooks |
| Автор | Stephanie Bower |
| Издание: | иллюстрированное |
| Издатель | Quarry Books, 2019 |
| ISBN | 1631597655, 9781631597657 |
| Количество страниц | Всего страниц: 112 |
|   |   |
| Экспорт цитаты | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |
Choose Your Palette Wisely
Choosing the right palette for your watercolor landscape is akin to setting the stage for a grand performance. It’s the foundation on which your masterpiece will be built. Let’s dive into how you can select the perfect palette.
Color Theory
Understanding color theory is a basic yet powerful tool for every artist. The color wheel, for instance, can guide you in choosing harmonious color combinations. Complementary colors (those opposite each other on the color wheel) can create a vibrant contrast, while analogous colors (those next to each other) can provide a harmonious blend. A deep sunset watercolor landscape might call for warm reds, oranges, and yellows – all analogous colors. The choice of colors can set the mood of your landscape.
Picking the Right Brand
Not all watercolor brands are created equal. Some brands are known for their vibrancy, while others for their subtlety. Brands like Winsor & Newton or Daniel Smith offer a wide range of high-quality paints suitable for watercolor landscape painting. Experiment with different brands to find one that matches your style and preferences.
Considering the Landscape
When it comes to painting a watercolor landscape, the landscape itself can guide your palette choices. Think about the natural colors present in different types of landscapes. For example, a forest scene might require various shades of green, brown, and perhaps some blues for a river or sky. On the other hand, a desert landscape might call for a palette of warm earthy tones. Always consider the landscape you’re depicting when choosing your colors.
Plan Your Composition
Once your palette is set, it’s time to plan your composition. This is when you decide where the elements of your watercolor landscape will be placed on your canvas. It’s like arranging the pieces of a puzzle to create a harmonious image.
Rule of Thirds
One of the most popular composition techniques in art and photography is the Rule of Thirds. Imagine dividing your canvas into nine equal squares. The points of interest in your landscape should ideally be placed at the intersections or along these lines. This technique can help guide the viewer’s eye through your painting and create a more engaging watercolor landscape.
Incorporating Depth
Creating a sense of depth can make your watercolor landscape feel more realistic. You can achieve depth by using size, overlap, and color. Objects closer to the viewer should be larger, while distant objects should be smaller. Overlapping elements can also create a sense of depth. Additionally, using lighter colors for distant elements and darker colors for closer ones can enhance the sense of depth. Remember, the goal is to make your landscape feel like a window into another world, not just a flat image.
Balance in Composition
Balance doesn’t necessarily mean symmetry. It’s about arranging elements in such a way that no single feature overpowers the others. Think about how the elements of your watercolor landscape can work together to create a harmonious composition. A large mountain, for instance, might need to be countered by a group of trees or a body of water to maintain balance. Consider the visual weight of each element and how it contributes to the overall balance of your landscape.
Master Different Brush Strokes
Now that you have planned your composition, let’s add some colors to your watercolor landscape. And the key to creating a vibrant landscape lies in mastering different brush strokes. Like the strokes of a poet’s pen, your brush strokes can create an ensemble of visual effects, each adding a unique dimension to your painting.
Dry Brush Technique
As the name suggests, the dry brush technique involves using a brush that is relatively dry but still holds paint. This technique is great for creating textured effects like the rough bark of a tree or the uneven surface of a rock. It’s a versatile technique that can add a lot of character to your watercolor landscape. Remember, it’s all about control—too much pressure, and you might end up with a blot; too little, and your stroke might not make an impact.
Wet-in-Wet Technique
For a softer, blurrier effect, you might want to try the wet-in-wet technique. This involves applying wet paint onto a wet surface. It’s perfect for creating smooth transitions between colors, like a sunset sky or a calm, reflective body of water in your watercolor landscape. A word of caution though—this technique requires a bit of patience. Applying more color before the first layer dries could lead to unwanted mixtures.
Blotting Method
Ever made a mistake and wished you could undo it? With watercolors, you can! The blotting method involves using a dry cloth or sponge to soak up wet paint. It’s an effective way to correct mistakes, lighten colors, or create interesting textures like fluffy clouds or the froth of waves on your watercolor landscape. The trick here is to act fast before the paint dries.
