How to Do Shading With a Watercolor

Shading is done by adding subsequent layers of progressively darker layers.

Watercolor is a spontaneous and expressive medium that allow an artist to quickly capture subtle and nuanced variations of light and color. In order to help express these variations, the artist often must use techniques such as shading to blend colors together, building layers of depth and detail. As watercolors are difficult to control at times, shading must be done slowly and in gradual stages. Each layer deepens the base color until the desired shade and contrast between light and dark is reached.

Instructions

1. Apply the base colors to your painting. The first layer should be the lightest shade of color in the painting and should act as the base color for the shaded portions. Don't worry about fine detail at this stage, focus on the primary tint for each object or section.

2. Allow time for the previous layer to dry. The amount of time will vary depending on the paper and the amount of water used. With watercolors you can apply a new layer while the previous one is still wet, but the two layers will mix together instead of creating a layered blending, producing a drastically different effect.

3. Mix a slightly dark tint of color to use for shading. Use a higher concentration of paint, or mix with a darker tint of a primary color to create stronger tints.

4. Add the mixed layer of color to the shaded portions. Use a thinner brush and short strokes for more control and detail.

5. Continue applying additional layers to produce deeper shaded areas. As you work, refine further detail and texture as you build your layers. As watercolors are a translucence medium, previous layers of color are able to show through, allowing a subtle blending.

Tips & Warnings

• If you apply too much paint to a shaded area, or the shade is too dark, you can lift some of the freshly applied paint off the paper. Clear your brush of paint and dip it into clean water. Shake off the excess water, and lightly press the tip of the brush to the area that you want to lift off. As long as the brush isn't too wet, the excess paint on the paper will transfer to the brush, allowing you to lighten the tint of the area.

• Avoid using flat black to darken colors, either while mixing on the palette or creating shade and shadow on the paper. Black will give most paintings a flat dull appearance as it lacks subtly and depth. Instead, use deep shades of the painting's primary colors to create your darkest areas.

References

• "Drawing and Painting Fantasy Landscapes and Cityscapes"; Rob Alexander, et al.; Barron's Educational Series; 2006
• "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain"; Betty Edwards; Tarcher; 1989