“Tonal Technique for Watercolor” Progression Images

Line Drawing

Step 1. Time spent on a drawing is always time well spent. The scene is drawn directly on the watercolor paper (Arches Cold-Pressed 300lb 12″ x 18″). An HB pencil was used for this process. Notice how ruler-straight lines are combined with loosely handled lines.

Step 2.
The “Tonal Technique for Watercolor” that I created works best with scenes having distinct differences between lights and darks. After the drawing is complete a pale, neutral gray is applied wherever there are shadows. In a single step, the distribution of light and shadow is clearly evident. I used diluted ultramarine blue, permanent rose, and raw sienna. I made certain to not overmix the colors when mixing and to not overbrush when brushing.

Step 3.
Add some earth tones and the scene really “pops”.

Step 4.
Shadows are developed further along, richer colors are applied to key areas and we’ll call this one done. “Closed Market” Watercolor 12″ x 18″

“Closed Market”

Arches watercolor paper 12″ x 18″