How to make the lights in watercolor ?

To make lights in watercolor, you will need to use a technique called “erasing”. This involves removing paint from the surface of the paper to create areas of light. Here are the steps to make lights in watercolor:

Prepare your Paper: Wet your watercolor paper with clean water using a brush or spray bottle. Make sure the paper is evenly damp but not soaking wet.

Apply the Paint: Apply your paint to the areas where you want to create the lights. You can use a light color or leave the paper white if you want the lightest areas to be the natural color of the paper.

Lift the Paint: While the paint is still wet, use a clean, damp brush or paper towel to lift or blot away the paint from the areas you want to make lighter. Start with gentle pressure and gradually increase the pressure as needed. Be careful not to damage the surface of the paper.

Repeat as Needed: You may need to repeat the lifting process several times to achieve the desired level of lightness. If the paper starts to dry, rewet it with clean water before continuing.

Add Details: Once the paper is dry, you can use a fine brush or pencil to add details to the lighter areas, such as highlights or texture.

Adjust as Needed: Step back and assess your painting to make any necessary adjustments to the lights. You may need to darken or lighten certain areas, or adjust the shape of the lights to make them more realistic.

Remember that the lifting technique can be tricky and may take some practice to master. Start with small areas and experiment with different amounts of pressure and dampness to find what works best for you.

> You can find more techniques and tips here: https://maritounettedessin.fr/en/news/