DELIGHT FROM DISASTER

Paint applied too thinly, painting left in the water too long, paper too thin, not enough black ink contrast---can contribute to a very washed out, seemingly lost work of art like this one. This condition might be regarded as a "weird" happening, as it sometimes does.

First, remember that this is a "process", the original painting is part of that, and together a different development occurs. So really, the art "experience" hasn't changed, only the result--which happens lots of times, all of which is in the nature of learning. So, below is a demo where the result was not very well liked.

It's very important to remember that the first tempera color laid down, is usually the last to remain after the washout. Encouraging students to mix color directly on the paper, white is generally painted first, and other desired hues are blended into it as needed. That's why white is the shape color seen the most in this example.

Plenty of painted was applied with a palette knife, areas for black contrast were left, but the real problem was that the painting was left in the water too long and color very quickly was whisked away. Nuts! But, check out the repair below.

WATERCOLORS TO THE RESCUE

After the painting has dried, watercolor can be "loosely" applied over the painted areas that remain. Loosely applied because it will mix with the remaining tempera paint below instead of "overlaying" it.

Black watercolor can be used to additionally block out areas, reform shapes, add shadow contrast or fine line contour where desired.

NOTE: Watercolor can be used in washouts that were very satisfactory in the same way! (Yep, as in the one on the previous page.)

All art experiences are wonderful aspects of learning. Washouts are good ones and all can be successful in one way or another. The challenge from weird to wonderful is so worthwhile.