Three different approaches here. The butterfly used glue as pattern in the wings and line design in the background.

Notice that the bluebird painting has very little mottled texture. This student had very smoothly applied paint, and the ink had very few nitches to find a home.

The flower burst had glue as an essential part of the design inside and outside the shape. Using glue on an unpainted, white background makes white shapes.

A Quick Review

1. To avoid misconceptions of the process, do a few small individual shape/glue practices. See which way of removing the ink works best.

2. Use firm or toothy watercolor papers, or board. Apply bright colors of paint, thickly.

3. Be open to the unexpected, allowing the process to do its natural thing. Be prepared to see a nice, "weathered" look, colors as stains, and black crevices.

4. Let the new look dry completely before evaluating it. Apply watercolors if you like.

5. Above all, remember that the designer has the right and duty to develop the washout differently than it happened. Learning to modify, alter, and express needed changes is part of that wonderful art experience called growth. I'd never hesitate to do washouts. There's so much to explore--and always a surprise to boot!