I try to direct my watercolour classes specifically to the requests of the students. Richard requested trees including how to achieve light trunks within a darker mass of foliage. Instead of doing a larger painting we did some smaller exercises which they should practise before doing a larger work next time. First we practised mixing various greens… developing the colours on the paper rather than the palette. For the tree trunks we tried
negative painting,
using masking fluid,
cut out shape with masking tape,
squeeging out when wet but with the shine off the paper
Gouache
Lifting out when dry
Scratching out when dry
Seven methods! And each final result does look different to our sensitive eyes. From these examples they will get an idea of what look they like and which method feels most comfortable.
The photo shows my examples (including deliberate bits of what not to do).