Watercolor Wax Resist Painting Tutorial
Handprints
Introduction
Welcome to the Watercolor Wax Resist Painting Tutorial brought to you by The Poker Club at West Houston. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating stunning watercolor artworks using wax resist techniques.
Understanding Wax Resist
Wax resist is an excellent technique used in watercolor painting to preserve areas of the paper from being painted, creating a beautiful contrast and texture. By applying wax or a similar resist medium, you can create interesting effects and highlight specific areas of your artwork.
Materials You Will Need
Before we dive into the tutorial, let's gather the necessary materials:
- Watercolor paper
- Watercolor paints (a wide range of colors)
- Paintbrushes of different sizes
- White wax crayon or candle
- Masking tape
- Water container
- Palette or mixing tray
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Paper towels
Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by setting up your workspace. Ensure you have enough lighting and a clean, flat surface to work on. Tape your watercolor paper onto a board or any sturdy surface using masking tape to prevent it from buckling during the painting process.
Step 2: Sketch Your Design
Using a pencil, lightly sketch your design on the watercolor paper. It's recommended to keep the sketch simple and focus on the areas where you want to apply the wax resist. This will help in planning your composition and ensure better precision.
Step 3: Apply Wax Resist
Take the white wax crayon or candle and rub it over the areas where you want to preserve the paper from being painted. Apply the wax in thin or thick strokes, depending on the effect you want to achieve. Don't worry about being too precise at this stage; the wax will repel the watercolor paint.
Step 4: Prepare Your Watercolors
Now it's time to prepare your watercolors. Squeeze out a small amount of each color you plan to use on your palette or mixing tray. Add water to each color and mix well until you achieve the desired consistency.
Step 5: Paint with Watercolors
Dip your paintbrush into one of your chosen watercolors and begin painting around the areas where you applied the wax resist. Since the wax repels the paint, you'll notice the colors flowing around the waxed sections.
Step 6: Experiment with Techniques
Feel free to experiment with different watercolor techniques, such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, or layering colors. The wax resist areas will stay untouched, allowing you to create interesting textures and highlights in your artwork.
Step 7: Remove Wax Resist
Once your painting is dry, gently rub off the wax using a clean cloth or paper towel. Take your time and be careful not to damage the watercolor surface. As you remove the wax, the preserved areas will reveal themselves, enhancing the overall visual appeal of your artwork.
Join The Poker Club at West Houston for Expert Guidance
Mastering the art of watercolor wax resist painting takes time and practice. If you're looking for in-depth guidance and expert tips, consider joining The Poker Club at West Houston. We offer art classes and workshops where you can learn from seasoned artists and enhance your painting skills.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You've completed the Watercolor Wax Resist Painting Tutorial. By applying wax resist techniques, you can create stunning watercolor artworks with unique textures and highlights. Remember to experiment, have fun, and let your creativity flourish. Join The Poker Club at West Houston to take your painting skills to the next level. Happy painting!
