Water-Based Pigments, Continued
Watercolor
Watercolor is a transparent medium. Light reflects through the pigment from
characteristics
the paper surface. Watercolors look lighter when dry than wet, so mix
pigments darker than required. You may also use watercolor as a translucent
or as an opaque. Watercolor applied in thick layers creates cracks and is
slow to dry. Painting layer over layer will muddy clarity. If you intend to
paint one wash over another, allow the first wash to dry thoroughly before
applying the second. Apply the second wash lightly and rapidly over the first
to prevent picking up the pigment in the first wash.
Watercolor
Mixed watercolors may be kept in jars or in an enclosed palette with a damp
storage
sponge or paper towel inside to keep in moisture.
Figure 1-30 shows a palette with deep wells and a cover designed to keep
pigments damp.
Figure 1-30.—A covered palette.
Watercolor
finishing
techniques
Watercolors have a matte surface. Watercolors do not require any special
finishing techniques.
Gouache
Gouache is a form of opaque water media. Gouache may be dye or pigment,
white paint and/or precipitated chalk suspended in a binder of gum arabic and
diluted with water. When diluted and packaged in jars or tubes, it is also
called tempura, show card color, or designer color.
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