Watercolor Lesson
Learn to create a beautiful dark background
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A step-by-step watercolor lesson on creating deep, elegant backgrounds to enhance light, atmosphere and delicate botanical subjects.
In this step-by-step watercolor lesson you will learn how to build deep layered backgrounds to create dramatic contrast and luminous floral effects.
WORK IN PROGRESS
PINK ROSE BUD PAINTING
The first image shows the pink rose bud in progress. The rose isn’t finished yet but I decide always at a special point to start with the background. Because when the background is added I already know that I have to darken colours, to soften edges, to maybe lift some colours on the rose.
I am using 340 Lb watercolor paper from Arches. My technique is most wet on dry – which means wet paint on dry paper.
“I use only high quality paper and paints”
STEP 1
Creating the first underwash
Begin with a warm transparent underwash to establish light and atmosphere before building the darker background layers. Colour: Aureolin Modern – a transparent yellow
I want very rich coloured backgrounds and at some points the yellow should shine through the next layers of colours, which will also be transparent colours. This adds more depth to the painting. I want atmosphere in the background. And the first yellow underwash helps me to achieve this.
“Use only transparent colours”
STEP 2
building darker layers
Layer deep watercolor tones carefully around the rose to create contrast while preserving the luminous petals.
Get more Information about colours below!
COLOUR INFO
I used the following colours:
– Anthraquinoid Red –
– Winsor Green (blue shade) OR Phthalo Green –
– Sap Green mixed with the colours above or use it alone in some areas –
– Indigo –
Indigo is a very dark and rich deep blue colour. So if you use this dark blue over the yellow underwash you know what will happen, right? It creates a dark greenish colour.
For a beautiful black you can mix Anthraquinoid Red with Winsor Green. You also can add some blue to this mix. If you vary these mixes you can decide if you want to have your dark color warmer (using more red) or cooler (using more blue or green).
STEP 3
ENHANCING DEPTH AND CONTRAST
Refine the shadows and soften transitions to create a rich atmospheric background without losing transparency.
“Let each wash dry completely before you add more layers of color.”
“Dark backgrounds allow light and color to bloom with extraordinary intensity.”
This technique creates elegant dramatic backgrounds that bring watercolor florals to life with depth, softness and glowing light.
PREMIUM VIDEO LESSONS & E-BOOK
Master the Art of Watercolor
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