Watercolor Glazing in a Painting of a Kitchen

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This week, in my sort-of organized new studio, I rang the starting bell. I’m beginning a new series with this little watercolor gazing technique study of late afternoon sunlight streaking over dishes in my sink.

Scout, my trusty studio assistant, is perched on the sill, surveying his new ‘hood’ for edible birds, swanky felines and anyone with hands capable of petting cats.

The progression of watercolor glazing in watercolor painting in stages
The prograsion of watercolor glazing in a painting of a cafe in Italy

Watercolor Painting Video

I shot a video of the process, to chat a little about watercolor glazing techniques. I use this method frequently, and I find folks new to watercolor haven’t heard about it.

The loosey-juicey, spill-it-on-the-paper method of watercolor application leaves beginners frustrated with the lack of control. The abyss between their reference photo and their final painting is wide.

If that sounds familiar, maybe glazing is worth exploring? The video is 4 minutes long (sped up), but I hope the voiceover explaining the basic premise of watercolor glazing is helpful. If you don’t see the video window below, you can watch it here.

Thanks for stopping by, and I’ll see you in the studio with the next post!

Belinda

windosillwatchprocess
Waiting for glazes to dry in a sunny spot in my studio.

Art Quote

You need to learn how to select your thoughts just the same way you select your clothes every day. This is a power you can cultivate. If you want to control things in your life so bad, work on the mind. That’s the only thing you should be trying to control.

~Elizabeth Gilbert
windowsillwatch8x872
Windowsill Watch – 8×8 watercolor

What I’m listening to:

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17 thoughts on “Watercolor Glazing in a Painting of a Kitchen”

  1. Marilyn Thuss

    Thanks Belinda….I learned something today. Noticed that you did not wet your paper first. I have been layering my paint like you do, but did not know it had a name! Love your style….you look relaxed as you work….something I have to learn yet. Your cat makes me smile! Thank you for a lovely video.

    1. Hi Marilyn, Thanks for the nice comment – and yes, I am relaxed while I work. I hope you get there too. Perhaps an audio book would help? I love listing to books in the studio, because it occupies that part of my brain that wants to noodle everything to death. Books are good. Making art is a lovely way to spend any portion of a day, so how lucky are we? 🙂

  2. Grear Demo, very helpful. The personal appearance of the model was just the cherry on the top.

  3. Mary Ellen Gale

    That was so helpful. I’ve been having trouble with the saturation lately and I think I’m just stopping too early. That glaze of grey might be what I’m looking for. Thanks again.

  4. Always enjoy your vidios, I am also a watercolorist /printmaker, so enjoy all the vidios,,thank you for sharing

    1. Hi Maud, Thanks for stopping by and leaving some feedback. And I high-five you on our shared gaps between The Plan and the Calendar Reality. Onward! 🙂 Happy painting to you.

  5. Thank you for the informative, enjoyable, and entertaining video. I finally understand glazing.
    Your studio assistant Scout in the video is perfect!

    1. Thanks for the feedback… I’m so glad the glazing video clarified your understanding, because it’s such a useful method for getting more control in your watercolors. Happy painting! And Scout says Meow. 🙂

  6. Wonderful and informative video and delightful finished painting. Enjoyed Scout’s appearance on the scene – that was so sweet!

    1. Hi Gayle, Thanks very much for the feedback. Scout *insisted* on being in the scene, so after awhile, I gave up on removing him from the table. I’m glad yo enjoyed his cameo.

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