Layering

Most painters of watercolors adhere to the notion of painting from light values to darker values.  There is a special concentration on saving the lightest values.  This leads some to believe that the darker tones can be applied directly on white paper since the first light washes would be covered up anyway.

This painting illustrates my approach to getting to the darks by building up layers of color.  The first wash influences the second wash and the second wash influences the third wash, thus creating something in common throughout the shape.  

This approach involves some patience because the wash must be thoroughly dry before the succeeding layers are applied.  

Look closely at the foreground grassy area and you will see glimpses of the first yellow underwash.  Putting down the foundation color first also allows for the possibility of choosing how much to cover up in the second and third washes.  The common denominator color also changes when a variety of colors are applied over it.  Yellow as the base color changes when blue or burnt sienna or a mixed green is layered over it.

The same thing occurs in the foliage of the trees.  Yellow was the first wash and darker and darker values are painted on top.

Note also that these shapes are not concerned with individual leaves or blades of grass.  The textures are mostly defined at the edges of the shapes.  The layering of colors creates the interest, not the textures.

My friend Judi Wagner used to quote one of her teachers:  "Stay lighter longer."  It was good advice!