The Painting Process

Here is the order in which I approach a painting. It is by no means the only way to go about doing so, but it is the way that works for me. As you can see, a lot of work goes into each painting before the brush touches the paper!

1. Take reference photos from different angles.

2. Experiment with compositional ideas and finalize a drawing. I rarely paint exactly what I see, but instead modify it to make a better painting. This is also when I decide on the mood I want to convey.

3. Transfer the drawing to watercolor paper using faint pencil lines.

4. Stretch the watercolor paper so it doesn't buckle during painting. This involves thoroughly wetting the paper, causing it to expand, and then firmly securing it to a board. As it dries, it becomes taut as a drum. This step is unnecessary if 300# watercolor paper is used.

5. Select the colors. I use a limited number in each painting to keep it cohesive, often no more than 12. The majority of the colors chosen for each painting are usually primaries (yellow, blues, & reds). It is at this point that I consider where I would like to have the texture of granulating pigments (ex. cerulean, viridian, etc) versus the smoothness of non-granulating ones (ex. phthalo blue, phthalo green, etc).

6. Save the white areas that will receive no paint. This can be accomplished by brushing on liquid mask (aka frisket), covering areas with masking tape, masking an area with plain water, or carefully painting around the areas that will remain white.

7. Paint! I don't follow a formula here. I usually begin by deciding which areas would benefit from an underpainting (ex. first painting a warm yellow on areas that will later be green or red to create a glow, or underpainting with a cool color where there will later be shadows.) After that, I usually paint the lightest tones over the entire painting, then build up the darker, richer shades by applying more layers over increasingly smaller areas, allowing each layer to fully dry before adding the next. Other times I fully complete one section while leaving the rest of the paper white, and gradually make my way across the painting. Throughout the painting step, I evaluate my values. A finished painting should look correct as both a color photo and a black & white photo. Tip: Always mix up more wash (paint & water mixture) than you think you'll need!

8. Sign it. I like to find an inconspicuous spot within the painting for my signature. It is done with watercolor paint and a very small brush.

9. Do a happy dance and then relax with a good cup of tea!

Karen Percival Art
•••
Watercolors

The Painting Process

"Scissors"

"My Neighbor's Callas"

Karen Percival Art•••Watercolors

The Painting Process

"Scissors"

"My Neighbor's Callas"

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Karen Percival Art
•••
Watercolors