Watercolor galaxies: Techniques of depth, light, and color harmony

Creating galaxies in watercolor is a technique that requires a combination of free-flowing colors and controlled brushstrokes to capture the depth and glow of the night sky. The process begins with selecting the right paper, ideally heavy-weight (300gsm), which can withstand large amounts of water and allow smooth blending of…

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Depicting water and the sea in watercolor

Depicting water and the sea in watercolor is a demanding but highly rewarding process that relies on understanding the nature of water and mastering techniques that convey transparency, movement, and reflections. To paint water realistically, begin by observing its characteristics. Water is transparent, but its reflections and depths are influenced…

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The sincerity of automatic gesture

Article by Ilias Kasselas on his painting, as part of his participation in the "Ink On Paper" community.The way I work can be briefly described as “automatic drawing with a marker on paper,” combined with a more conscious—perhaps traditional—approach to drawing and composition. This means that, for the most part,…

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The history of watercolor

The history of watercolor dates back to antiquity, with early forms appearing in Egypt and China, where artists used water-soluble pigments for wall paintings and manuscript decorations. However, watercolor as an independent art form developed in Europe during the Renaissance, mainly by artists such as Albrecht Dürer in Germany, who…

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The masking technique in watercolor

The masking technique in watercolor is a method that allows artists to protect specific areas of the paper from paint, keeping them white or unpainted. Masking fluid or masking tape is applied to the areas to be preserved. Once the painting process is complete and the paint has dried, the…

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The salt painting technique in watercolor

The salt technique in watercolor is a creative method that takes advantage of salt’s ability to absorb water and pigment, producing unique patterns and textures. This technique is mainly used to create abstract effects, such as stars in night skies or organic textures. Salt is sprinkled onto wet paint, and…

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The layering technique

The layering technique, also known as glazing, is one of the most important methods in watercolor painting for creating depth, brightness, and richness of color. This technique involves applying transparent layers of paint, allowing each layer to dry completely before adding the next. Below are the basic steps and tips…

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Wet-on-dry in watercolor: Precision, detail, and creative depth

The “wet-on-dry” technique is ideal for creating detailed and precise watercolor works. By applying wet paint to dry paper, artists can achieve clean edges and add subtle layers and details to their paintings. Below are some useful resources that provide detailed guidance and tips for this technique:Start with this guide:…

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