DLTK's Crafts for Kids
Glazing Techniques in Watercolor Painting (Age 12+)

contributed by Leanne Guenther

Glazing is a watercolor painting technique that involves applying thin, transparent layers of paint on top of one another to create depth, dimension, and luminosity. It's a great way for young artists to experiment with color and achieve stunning visual effects. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you master glazing techniques:

Materials:

• Watercolor paper (cold press, 140 lb or heavier)
• Watercolor paints (student grade is fine)
• Brushes (round and flat, preferably with soft bristles)
• Water container
• Paper towel or cloth
• Palette (or a white plate)
• Masking tape
• Board or sturdy surface

Instructions:

Step 1: Set up your workspace

Tape your watercolor paper to the board to keep it secure and flat while you paint. Prepare your paints, brushes, water container, and palette nearby.

Step 2: Apply the first layer

Begin by applying a thin, transparent layer of paint to your paper. This can be a single color or a combination of colors, depending on your desired effect. Allow this layer to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Mix your glaze color

Choose the color you want to use for your glaze. Mix it with water on your palette, creating a thin, transparent consistency. Remember that the color will appear more vibrant once it's layered on top of your existing paint.

Step 4: Apply the glaze

Using a clean, damp brush, gently apply the glaze over the dry layer of paint. Use smooth, even brush strokes to cover the entire area, or focus on specific sections to create depth and contrast.

Step 5: Allow the glaze to dry

Allow the glaze to dry completely before adding another layer. This will ensure that the colors don't mix and become muddy. Depending on the humidity and temperature, drying times may vary.

Step 6: Repeat the process

Continue to apply thin, transparent layers of glaze, allowing each layer to dry completely before adding the next one. You can use the same color or experiment with different colors to create a variety of effects.

Geometric image to the right: Masking fluid and a ruler were used to create the crisp white lines between the shapes. A little acrylic white paint was added here and there to touch up the lines.

Step 7: Assess your progress

As you build up layers of glaze, periodically assess your painting to determine whether you've achieved the desired depth, dimension, and luminosity. You can always add more layers or adjust your color choices as needed.

You can see the effects of glazing in the petals of the flower to the right.

Step 8: Practice and experiment

Mastering glazing techniques takes time and practice. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors, brush strokes, and layering methods to find the effects you like best.

Pansies make a great subject for practicing glazing techniques. The lightest colour on the petals (yellow) was done first with subsequent colours from light to dark added when each previous colour dried.

More:

• Basics
• Backgrounds
• Dark Colours
• Dry Brushing
• Lifting
• Transparency
• Wet on Dry
• Wet on Wet
• White Space

Print friendly version of these instructions