Watercolor on Canvas: Breaking Traditional Boundaries
Hey there, fellow artists! Today I'm excited to share a technique that might just blow your creative mind: painting watercolors directly on canvas and creating magical negative silhouette shapes.
The Unexpected Canvas Adventure
Let me walk you through my latest artistic experiment. This piece started with a photograph I captured right here in my studio - a moment of natural inspiration that sparked a unique painting process.
Materials That Make Magic
I'm using some incredible materials that add depth and character to this piece:
Watercolors by Rockwell Canada
Palaiba Diamond Blue (my absolute favorite!)
Onat Diamond Yellow
Magic Wizard
Cosmic Sound
Watercolor on Canvas: The Technical Twist
Here's where things get interesting. Watercolor on canvas isn't your typical approach. Unlike watercolor paper, the paint sits on top of the surface, which means you need to be intentional about your technique.
Pro Tips:
Use a flat synthetic brush to control water pooling
Embrace visible brush strokes for texture
Want softer transitions? Pre-wet your canvas to let colors bloom and spread
The White Magic: Daniel Smith Titanium White Watercolor Ground
After my initial watercolor layer dried (I even tilted the canvas to create some delightful drips!), I introduced an unexpected element: Daniel Smith Titanium White Watercolor Ground.
Why watercolor ground?
Creates a beautiful 3D texture
Adds visual interest to negative spaces
Potentially allows submission to watercolor competitions
Happy Accidents and Artistic Flexibility
Something fascinating happened during this process. The watercolor ground interacted with my brown "Magic Wizard" paint, creating subtle yellow variations. Instead of seeing this as a mistake, I embraced it! These unexpected moments often create the most intriguing art.
"Nature's light isn't perfect or stark - it's complex, layered, and full of subtle variations." - My artistic philosophy in a nutshell!
Your Artistic Journey: Embrace Imperfection
Remember, art isn't about rigid perfection. It's about interpretation, experimentation, and personal expression. Whether you use a palette knife, brush, or heavy-body acrylic, the most important thing is your unique vision.
Want to Create This Piece?
Great news! Head to the comments of the original video to:
You can also get what you need at the link: https://valerieenglehart.myflodesk.com/sihouette-watercolor-canvas-guide
Closing Thoughts
You're the artist. These are just techniques, suggestions, and invitations to explore. Every brushstroke is a conversation between you, your materials, and your imagination.
Keep creating, stay curious, and most importantly - have fun! 🌈🖌️
Catch you next Thursday with another artistic adventure!