Watercolor Painting Techniques 

Painting a Variegated Wash
A variegated wash (one with two or more colors) is often used to create sunset skies or vibrant, multicolored seas. Dampening the paper before applying paint will help the colors bleed and blend into one another, producing soft edges.




STEP ONE
First wet the paper with clear water.
Then use a brush or sponge to
apply the first color across the
top of the paper. Work down the paper,
deliberately laying in uneven strokes
of different colors, letting them
bleed into one another.










STEP TWO
Alternate colors or add new colors
with each stroke, depending on the desired effect.
Unlike other washes (which flatten out),
the colors will dry with the variations intact.

Pin It

Tweet