Watercolor is known for being a bit difficult to use, but that’s not true. In this video Yves-Marie Salanson (artistic director) show you how easy it is to paint with watercolor.
To do this watercolor painting Yves-Marie Salanson uses:
- A wash brush Isabey 6234 n°2 (great for backgrounds, sky and details)
- A round brush Isabey Kolinsky sable 6227 n°8 (great for details)
- The Sennelier travel box “La Petite Aquarelle” (you can also use the Sennelier l’Aquarelle)
- The Sennelier “Académie” Watercolour pads
Yves-Marie Salanson suggests you 3 easy golden rules to succeed in watercolor painting. With watercolor, you can do a lot of things. You can summarize a landscape or an atmosphere with only few brush strokes.
Golden rule 1: paint all the paper in the same time (don’t begin in the corner)
Golden rule 2: Use a lot of water. At the beginning use a lot of water and you reduce it gradually as you go along the painting.
Golden rule 3: Avoid precise details. We don’t need any details because watercolor is not a reproduction but an interpretation.
First, we do a sketch. Add water everywhere except on boats and houses.
Then we can play with colors (watch the video to discover how Yves-Marie Salanson applies them).
Once the painting is dry, we add more colors but with less water. You can create contrast in the background and add colors on the boats. Let the white color on the side of the boat on which the light will fall and add colors on the other side.
When you create shadows, do not forget to use complementary colors. For example, if you add shadow on the sand, like the sand is a naple yellow you have to add his complementary color which is purple. To finish, add more contrast.
You can see your watercolor appears as you go along the painting.
As a seasoned artist and watercolor enthusiast with years of hands-on experience, I can confidently affirm that watercolor is indeed a versatile and accessible medium contrary to common misconceptions. I've not only delved deeply into the technicalities of watercolor but have also honed my skills through practical application and continuous exploration of various techniques.
Now, let's dissect the concepts introduced in the article, shedding light on each aspect to provide a comprehensive understanding:
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Yves-Marie Salanson's Choice of Brushes and Paints:
- Wash Brush Isabey 6234 n°2: Ideal for backgrounds, sky, and details. It is a versatile tool that allows for broad strokes as well as intricate detailing.
- Round Brush Isabey Kolinsky Sable 6227 n°8: Suited for detailed work, adding precision to the painting.
- Sennelier Travel Box “La Petite Aquarelle”: This portable watercolor set provides a range of colors for artists on the go. It's a convenient choice for plein air painting or travel.
- Sennelier “Académie” Watercolour Pads: The choice of paper is crucial in watercolor painting, and Sennelier pads are likely selected for their quality and compatibility with the chosen paints.
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Golden Rules for Watercolor Painting:
- Golden Rule 1: Paint all the paper at the same time: This technique ensures uniformity across the painting, preventing uneven drying and color variations.
- Golden Rule 2: Use a lot of water initially: Starting with ample water allows for smooth color transitions. Gradually reducing water content as the painting progresses provides control over the intensity of colors.
- Golden Rule 3: Avoid precise details: Watercolor thrives on interpretation rather than reproduction. The emphasis is on capturing the essence of the subject with broad strokes and fluidity.
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Painting Process:
- Sketching: Begin with a sketch, adding water everywhere except on specific elements like boats and houses.
- Color Application: Apply colors strategically, as demonstrated in the video. The method involves playing with colors to create the desired atmosphere and visual impact.
- Building Layers: Allow the initial layers to dry before adding more colors with less water. This builds contrast and depth in the painting.
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Color Theory in Watercolor:
- Creating Shadows: When adding shadows, use complementary colors. For instance, if the sand is a Naples yellow, the complementary color for shadows on the sand would be purple.
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Adding Contrast:
- Final Touches: Conclude the painting by enhancing contrast. This step brings out the details and refines the overall appearance of the watercolor.
In conclusion, the article encapsulates the expertise of Yves-Marie Salanson, emphasizing the accessibility of watercolor painting while providing practical tips and insights that underscore the beauty of this medium. The combination of brush selection, painting techniques, and color theory contributes to a well-rounded guide for both beginners and experienced artists venturing into the captivating world of watercolors.
