DRY BRUSH DOMINATES

The primary goals of practices for level 2 students (besides remembering previous ones) is to work more efficiently, and simplify the number of washes, and allow a more linear quality to dominate their images when this is possible. Here, dry brush is a winner.

The above practices were only 2-3 layers--one or two loose, wet applications, and dry brush over. We're trying to say more with less.

CONTRASTING NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE SPACE

Doing this is easier than explaining it, and it takes a while to visualize where the "empty" spaces would best be placed. Once experienced, however, it's a great technique to employ for simple emphasis and attention in a watercolor painting.

On the left, several middle branches are "unpainted" and the surrounding dark washes outline them. That's negative painting. On the right, a two large areas, where painted values could be placed, are left alone, allowing adjacent washes to define them.