Watercolor behavior

color proofs continued



 These proofs are experiments with various preparations of  watercolor paper before applying color. Top left: soap on dry paper and burnt umber with drops of pure water applied after. Bottom left: soap applied to paper then  colors added while soap is still wet. Center top: paper prepared with alum and water and then drops of burnt umber. Center bottom: soap applied to dry paper, then a wash of burnt umber was applied. Right top and bottom: fixative is sprayed on paper and while wet the wash of color is applied.

Why all these proofs?  The proofs are an attempt to discover in what ways  colors react to various preparations on your paper as well as to study the properties of each individual color; some are transparent, some are heavy with sediment and therefore opaque. This knowledge helps to create texture and brilliant color in a painting.


8 x 11inches
20 x 28 cm