https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/laying-a-graduated-wash • Posted by DK Books
APPLYING GRADUATED COLOUR A graduated wash fades smoothly from a strong tone to a weak tone. It is achieved by adding water to your wash little by little as you paint. Laying the wash Set up your board at an angle of 30 degrees so that the wash will spread downwards. Mix more paint for the wash than you think you’ll need, and keep some clean water to hand. “A graduated sky that reaches down to the horizon creates a feeling of wide, open space.”
APPLYING GRADUATED COLOUR A graduated wash fades smoothly from a strong tone to a weak tone. It is achieved by adding water to your wash little by little as you paint. Laying the wash Set up your board at an angle of 30 degrees so that the wash will spread downwards. Mix more paint for the wash than you think you’ll need, and keep some clean water to hand. “A graduated sky that reaches down to the horizon creates a feeling of wide, open space.”
First line of wash Dampen the area to be painted. Lay the rst line of wash along the top at full strength. Dip the brush in clean water, then immediately recharge it with paint.
Subsequent lines Pick up the bead of paint from the rst line as you lay the second line of wash. Dip your brush in clean water before you pick up paint for each subsequent stroke.
Finishing the wash Continue working down the paper, diluting the wash a little more with each line you paint until it fades out. Mop up excess moisture
PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE A blue, graduated sky sets the mood in this atmospheric landscape. Don’t pause while laying your wash – it could dry unevenly, leaving unwanted marks. Work quickly and with con dence.
Beginning the wash Sketch your composition and apply masking uid over the castle using an old brush. Mix plenty of cobalt blue for the wash. Dampen the paper in the sky area, then apply the wash along the top with a large synthetic–soft-hair brush.
Completing the wash Apply continuous strokes from one side to the other, dipping your brush in clean water before recharging it with paint for each stroke. Lay the wash down to the horizon, painting over the masked castle.
Removing the mask When the wash is completely dry, rub off the masking uid from the castle.
Foreground Paint the sand bars in yellow ochre. When the ochre is dry, apply raw umber and burnt umber over the top using dry brushstrokes for texture.
Completing the scene When the foreground sand colours are dry, paint in the sea. Paint the castle simply to keep the focus on the sea and sky. Finally, add the gures of the man and dog, which give the painting a sense of scale.