Watercolor Painting Techniques 

Painting a Gradated Wash
Gradated washes are the perfect method for painting realistic water and skies. These washes are laid in the same way as flat washes, but more water is added to the pigment for each successive stroke of paint, so the color gradually fades as you work your way down.




STEP ONE
Load a large paintbrush with water
and paint. Starting at the top, use
large strokes to apply the watery mix
to the page.








STEP TWO
Add more water to your brush and
make another horizontal stroke so
that it slightly overlaps the first stroke.
Continue working your way down the
paper, dipping the brush in water
(but not color) before each stroke.







STEP THREE
If necessary, go back in with more
color or water to smooth the gradation
and create the desired effect. Stroke
back and forth to gradually blend the
color from dark to light, as shown.

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