________________________________________ ____
Basic TIPS
for textures in
watercolor:
Watercolor is a wonderful versatile medium, and you can change its look quite easily with additives and other materials to give it a more textural appearance.
Here's some INFORMATION TO ACHIEVE
TEXTURE
in your watercolor (abstract):
Texture can be an exciting addition to a
watercolor painting.
I love to work with the *BATIK METHOD
to
outline the abstract shapes.
The white lines
enhance the colors and provide that extra bold
dimension.
*Batik method:
Drawing with rubber cement to block the colors
creating white lines. Use a pick-up eraser to
erase the cement.
-----
I used TABLE SALT for unique
watercolor texture effects:
Just sprinkle a light dusting of salt crystals in
puddles of paint.
As the painting dries, the salt's effect on the
watercolor washes becomes visible.
(The coarser the crystals the greater effect!)
The salt crystals suck up pigment gradually,
creating a myriad of light star-like shapes.(Great
for snow flakes and for a starry sky on a dark
wash !!)
Use a clean dry hand and gently brush away the
salt.
Note: The use of salt may
influence the pH of the paper, and thus its
longevity or archival properties, so try to keep
the time the salt is on the paper to a
minimum.
-----
Other texture methods:
ALCOHOL gives a total different
effect.
You’ll need some Q-tips and 91% Isopropol
Alcohol.
Dip a Q tip in alcohol and drip or spatter the
alcohol onto the damp watercolor painting. You
can let the painting dry a bit and then apply
more alcohol drops for even more texture.
As the alcohol hit the wash it repels the paint,
pushing it away while leaving a lighter tint of the
wash exposed.
-----
BLOTTING & LIFTING:
TISSUE paper to "lift" away pigment.
After applying paint to your paper take a
sheet of tissue paper and spread it out or
crumple it over the wash, letting the creases and
folds press against the paint as you gently press
down on it. Leave the tissue paper and the
painting to dry for a while (but be careful not to
leave it too long or it will be glued in place.)
Carefully remove the tissue paper.
PLASTIC WRAP texture works similarly
to tissue paper texture, only you use plastic
wrap from the kitchen to press over the
painting's wet surface.
-----
SPLATTERING
is a trick which adds texture to a watercolor
painting.
Fine water drops are flicked into a moist wash.
Tap your brush against the forefinger of your
other hand, splattering a spray onto the paper.
Keep it close to the paper surface.
-----
SCRATCHING & SCRAPING
with a piece of an old credit card, the end of
your paintbrush, a nail, a paper clip, razor blade,
painting knife or any other hard object to scratch
(make a groove or dent in) your paper while the
wash is still quite wet. The pigment will settle in
the scratches, drying darker, giving you
interesting textured passages.
Using a painting knife to create textures in
watercolor requires practice because timing is
critical.
You'll have to experiment to learn when the
paint is just dry enough to work with and how
much pressure to apply on your tools.
NOTE: Keep in mind that these
techniques can damage the paper, so be
gentle.
The only way to find out what results you'll
get with all these techniques above is to
experiment, experiment, experiment. Have
fun!
OLGA VAN DIJK
____________________________________
Abstract watercolor on cold press
heavy weight paper
140 LB (330 g/m2)
Measurement 18"X24" (45.7X 61 CM)
Framed and matted.
__________________________
Copyright Olga van Dijk
2007
All rights reserved.
Unauthorized copying or use of images is
prohibited.
This is another
OlgArtsProduction©2007
96 Comments
Vicki Pelham 08 Sep 2022
I love it!Anne Whiteway 13 Jul 2014
OLGA, love this abstract...So beautiful with lovely colors and shapes. Also thanks for telling us how you did this. Another favorite/Sigridur Bachmann 13 Jul 2011
Simple but pure beauty !SUBLIME !Markus Frede 21 Jul 2008
very nice - it's my favorite oneleny hendrickx 06 Jun 2008
LOVELY ! 3D EFECT!!lillianhibiscus 18 May 2008
Beautifu! Fantastic colors.Georgio Groussis 16 May 2008
Amazing Piece love the colorsDarlene Bayne 09 Mar 2008
Very nice, love the colors and art.Danielle Baron 01 Mar 2008
mm I need to use salt on my photos...love the effect, beautiful pieceHenk Van de Kaa 30 Jan 2008
Door het water van je kleuren groeit het mysterie van creativiteit. Niet gezocht maar spontaan. Het heeft diepte als het een aanrakingspunt vindt met werk van Kandinsky en een onbezorgde vrolijkheid als het rijmt op je liefde.Loren Carson 21 Nov 2007
Great work and tips from a sharing teacher.Alfi Wardhani 27 Oct 2007
Amazing! That's so beautiful!!Peter Rivron 26 Oct 2007
Very beautiful and colourful artwork Olga.Steve Farr 25 Oct 2007
Luv this artwork, Olga!!! ~Snikos kanellos 25 Oct 2007
Pleasing and balanced art Olga!Mary Ashton 25 Oct 2007
Wonderfully vibrant and creative and super tips, thank you! MaryJessica Courtley-Rose 25 Oct 2007
So very vibrant and creative!Kelvin Mays 23 Oct 2007
I love this Olga and I am just getting into painting and firing glass. I will try some of your tips on the water base paint used for this purpose.Robyn Cooper 22 Oct 2007
Wow Olga this abstract is fantastic what a great job you have made of it and great use of colour. Thanks for emailing me back Olga, we will keep in touch. By the way where are you in the world? Are you German? Im off to Germany next weekend. Love RobSharon Henson 22 Oct 2007
This is a wonderful abstract. Thank you for all your tips!!!! Very interesting.Bill Morgenstern 22 Oct 2007
Very pleasing abstract. Love the range of color and tones you have created. If I were a painter I'd for sure experiment with your tips. I will share a few with some painter friends. Cheers - BillFaye Facer 21 Oct 2007
I am in no way qualified to make comments on abstract works. I can see from this painting that you understand and know how to mix and handle watercolors and their mixing. Good instructions for your students.helen tyralik 21 Oct 2007
love the bright colors, you are so versatile Olga, well doneHassan Pasha 21 Oct 2007
ULTIMATE .. this is WOWWWWWwwwwwwwwwwww kinda stuff .. the yellow is so full of life .. its like placed there to lift your spirits .. BEAUTIFUL WORK OF ARTGinger Lovellette 21 Oct 2007
Stunning abstract! How generous of you to give us guidelines re watercoloring! You're a sweetheart for sure!Pepita Selles 21 Oct 2007
A fantastic painting,wonderful colors.Thanks for sharing.Hiep Nguyen The 21 Oct 2007
abstract and very beautifulAlan Malzard 21 Oct 2007
This is a wonderful image Olga, love the composition,All the Best.Shakeh Sarookhanian 21 Oct 2007
There is a beautiful harmony both in your colors and the composition and I love your flowing lines also!!William Boyer 21 Oct 2007
Houd omhoog het goede werk. "Dutch Keep up the good work"pamela jones 20 Oct 2007
Very nice Olga, nice techniques. Well dome ! regards Pamelakath nepia 20 Oct 2007
FANTASTIC IMAGE..LOVE THE COLOR CHOICE..:)Stanley Layman 20 Oct 2007
I was going to find some quick references for a workshop I am suppose to teach. I hope it is OK to hand this out to my students. I always look forward to seeing your work. Great color!KC CHANG 19 Oct 2007
VERY BEAUTIFUL!Izabella Pavlushko 19 Oct 2007
beautifully done work, Olga !!!Denny Gholson 19 Oct 2007
Masterful Work Olga ! Great Colorsjoe valcourt 19 Oct 2007
put me in that chair to meditate on that stunning workDav Cheong 19 Oct 2007
niceJohn Fish 19 Oct 2007
wonderful colors. Terrific free technique. love the contrast of the white lines.Tabitha Borges 19 Oct 2007
love the yellow...the design weet...Rob Keller 19 Oct 2007
ONE WORD!!! WONDERFUL!! Great colours Olga my dear friend, love RobLucia Stewart 19 Oct 2007
Fabulous and fantastic Olga!!!Hui Zhu 19 Oct 2007
very artistic, great method, great work !!! ^o^Kathie Nichols 19 Oct 2007
Lovely abstract Olga, yes it's been a while since I painted in watercolour, the methods you have posted bring back memories of how much fun I had, I think I'm going to have to dig out the watercolour paper and paints again, you have certainly inspired me!!!!!!!!!!!!!Anonymous Guest 18 Oct 2007
Wow!Fabulous work! SHIRLEY MATHEWRon DeMore 18 Oct 2007
Wonderful Colors OlgaDoris B. Lambling 18 Oct 2007
no mystery: you are a wonderful artist and a great teacher (and also a wonderful teacher and a great artist) - delightful mysterious swinging waves!Joanna Jungjohann 18 Oct 2007
Olga, I could just melt right into this beautiful mysteryPatty Day 18 Oct 2007
Beautifully done, awesome work!!!!michelle meijs 18 Oct 2007
This is super beautiful!Terry Bullard 18 Oct 2007
wonderful - nice tips toomahesh konsam 18 Oct 2007
Amazing artwork Olga, so attractive !!Jeanie Chadwick 18 Oct 2007
terrific work and helpful hints Olga. Thank you.Emilio B. Campo-Diaz 18 Oct 2007
Simply fantastic.Robin Brown 18 Oct 2007
There is indeed a mystery Olga; how come its only got 52 comments it should be 1000's. You may have heard of the 'X' Factor, well this has got it. XXXXJoke Schotting 18 Oct 2007
Awesome work my friend en die stoel lijkt mij ook wel wat!!!!!trisha rathbun 18 Oct 2007
wonderful color and textureJan van Baarle 18 Oct 2007
Beautiful abstract.Lynn De Serres 18 Oct 2007
Wonderful and very attractive artwork, Olga.titta inkinen 18 Oct 2007
Great abstract, Olga! Lively and energetic. Thanks for the tips - they're really useful and inspirational!Chris Roukema 18 Oct 2007
Most Awesome Abstract, Olga! Thanks for sharing some techniques! Your Students are Lucky to have You!Jan Jacob Mekes 18 Oct 2007
Heel erg mooi!Barry Huyett 18 Oct 2007
lovely abstract!!José Fortunato 18 Oct 2007
Beautiful abstract. A great Mystery !Anne Vis 18 Oct 2007
Stunning colors and composition, Olga!annette steens 18 Oct 2007
prachtig Olga! volmaakt warm werk! Chapeau!carlos martins 18 Oct 2007
a beautiful creativ workFederica Bentivoglio 18 Oct 2007
Absolutely great artwork, Olga!Jennifer Hewitt 18 Oct 2007
wow i love this!!!!Tahnja Wolter 17 Oct 2007
a grand work my friendBev Chudey 17 Oct 2007
Beautiful abstract Olga!!!debbie braswell 17 Oct 2007
LOVE THE COLORS OLGA BEAUTIFUL PIECEJerry 17 Oct 2007
Very delightful, exditng, colorful and expressive artwork Olga!Phil Cashdollar 17 Oct 2007
great work of art olga and a great art class on line... i learned alot from reading your words.. thanks for sharing.....you really rock...Lior Goldenberg 17 Oct 2007
Excellent abstract, very well done!Mrs.David Jobes(Dee) Jobes 17 Oct 2007
GORGEOUS Watercolor Abstract!!!OUTSTANDING Artistry,Olga!!!Great Fine Art!!!FANTASTIC!!!:)Jerie kunitsky 17 Oct 2007
Cool...I love it..Alberto D'Assumpcao 17 Oct 2007
Splendid colours and wonderful composition, Olga!Anonymous Guest 17 Oct 2007
Great painting! ^_^ ~ Francis RiveraFrank Maguire 17 Oct 2007
This wonderful painting is so exciting in its movement and colour Olga and I enjoyed the lesson too.Nira Dabush 17 Oct 2007
Energetic movement...wonderfully composed...excellent presentation...gorgeous,OLGA..Look a bit windy ;-))Robin Foss 17 Oct 2007
Very well done.Elf Evans 17 Oct 2007
Quite well done my friend, the painting and the explanations...keep 'em comminjamie winter 17 Oct 2007
very awesome Olga, wonderful pieceSeth Weaver 17 Oct 2007
Thanks for the tips Olga. I knew a few of them, Nice watercolor texture sampler.Gabrielle Stahlie 17 Oct 2007
Wow Olga....dit is echt heel mooi!Olga Dmytrenko 17 Oct 2007
Olga! I love this one very much!bert cortes 17 Oct 2007
Very nice watercolor work, OlgaRobert, R. Ferguson 17 Oct 2007
Wow, and great display of your work. Bob.Renata Cavanaugh 17 Oct 2007
Great colors and designMalou Pombo 17 Oct 2007
WONDERFUL WORK , OLGA ! FANTASTIC COLORS!Visionary Imagist 17 Oct 2007
Olga: I love the freeing aspect of abstracts. Your lesson is quite a great teaching method for anyone to follow and enjoy the wonder of creating. Your artwork continues to be an inspiration to me and a marvel to behold. "joey"Francisco Urbano 17 Oct 2007
fantastic work, OlgaAnneke Hut 17 Oct 2007
Thanks for the great lessons on watercolours, Olga! You made me enthusiastic to try it out. Your watercolour painting is beautiful, that's for sure! :)bianca 17 Oct 2007
pretty pretty Olga...i love it on the wall..Anonymous Guest 17 Oct 2007
I'll take an option to put it in my office! Fred