Lesson 2. Even and gradation washes. Two-tone landscape and seascape. Copy

In this class lets talk about watercolour paper. You will be learning how to read the watercolour paper package.

The first aspect to look for on the package is the INGREDIENTS that paper is made of. 

There are 3 types of ingredients:

  • 100% cellulose
  • Mix of cellulose and cotton 
  • 100% cotton

If paper is made of cotton than “100 % cotton” is clearly labeled.  You easy can find percentage of cotton on the package on this photo.

Any other percentage of cotton for example “50% cotton” and nothing else said about another ingredients. Then it means the other 50% is cellulose. 

If you can not find anything mentioned about what paper made of – it means it is 100% cellulose. On this photo you will not find the word “cotton”, that means the paper made of cellulose.

The WEIGHT of the paper is the second aspect you need to pay attention to. The weight gives you an idea of the thickness and stability of the paper. It is most commonly indicated in pounds. The weight designation is the physical weight of a ream of paper, which is 500 sheets. It is simple, the higher the weight the better the quality. It is that easy to remember. You need to use 140 lb.(300g/m2) or higher for this course.

This class is about how to prepare your watercolour paper for the best result to get the most even and flawless gradation washes. You will learn how to use only two tones to create fast sketches.

Materials used for the video demonstrations:  

Watercolour paper
- Strathmore 400 series, 100% cellulose
- Fabriano, Rough, 100% cotton
- Arches, Cold Press, 100% cotton

Watercolour brush
- Flat brash, 1 1/2, Japan
- Flat brash, size 3, Biaekl 256Flat
- Mop brush, 10 mm, Paul Rubens size 6
- Calligraphy brush, 3 mm

Watercolour paint, Van Gogh
- Olive Green
- Paynes Grey
- Cerulean Blue
- Ultramarine
- Yellow ochre
- Burnt Umber

White paint
- Bleed Proof White, Dt.Ph. Martin's
- Acrylic marker, UNI Posca, 1 mm

Plexiglas board
Cardstock board
Drafting tape
Water
Paper towels

Video tutorials

Part 1. Two tones landscape sketch on two types of watercolour paper

For this exercise, you will need all the types of paper you have available. Watch the video where two types of watercolor paper—cotton and cellulose—are tested.

Watch the video first, and then repeat the exercise using all the types of paper you have. If you only have one type of paper, try doing sketches on both sides of it. Remember, cellulose paper usually has a distinct difference between the “front” and “back” sides, while cotton paper typically produces the same results on both sides.

OVAS NL L2 Reference 1
Duration 26 min

Part 2. The “Interval” paper preparation method. Even and Gradation wash

In this exercise, you will be introduced to the “interval” method of preparing watercolor paper. You will need a plexiglass board, or alternatively, you can use any flat surface that the wet paper will cling to, such as a mirror, glass, plastic placemat, or even a cookie baking sheet.

You will practice even and gradation washes using a large flat brush.

Duration 11 min

Part 3. Two tones seascape fast sketch

In this exercise you will practice the fast sketch using two tones.

OVAS NL L2 Reference 2
Duration 18 min

Part 4. Seascape with gradation wash

In this exercise, you will use the interval method for paper preparation. You will practice gradation washes and all types of brushwork that you practiced in the previous class.

OVAS NL L2 Reference 3
Duration 15 min

Students works

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