Special Effects in Watercolor with Salt

Using salt in watercolor painting and watching it dissipate into blooms is a favorite lesson that is enjoyed by all of my students in my Watercolor for Beginners classes. This sample shows how the salt reacts, depending on the amount of moisture on the paper. On the left side, the salt was applied while the paint was very fresh and wet. With more time to react before it dried, the blooms are larger and the edges are darker. About a minute or two later, I applied salt to the center area o the paper. Now the paper was not quite as wet, so the blooms are a little smaller and less defined. Lastly, another or minute or two passed before I sprinkled the salt on the right side of the paper. This area was now only slightly damp, so the salt had very little time to react which resulted in blooms that were very faint and quite small. This is a fun excercise to practice, go ahead and give it a try!

My next online course, Watercolor for the Absolute Beginner, begins August 27 at Artists Network University! Sign up NOW to learn this technique and more!

 

Yesterday I went to pick up my painting from the Philadelphia Watercolor Society's Board Member's Exhibit at Freeman's Auction in Wayne. It was a short exhibit, only lasting a couple of weeks, but very well attended. Thank you to all of my friends and fans that came out to see it!

While I was out and about in Wayne, I stopped in to visit (and shop!) at Wayne Custom Framing and Art Supplies. Wow - I had sooo much fun in there! This store appears small, but they have everything -- and then some. Owners Dave and Lori are barrels of fun, and I ended up hanging out with them all morning. I loaded up on art supplies, but I know I won't be able to stay away for too long. Lori and Dave made me feel right at home, and I felt like I've known them forever. Be sure to stop and and tell them I sent you, and follow them on Facebook, too!