Watercolor Painter's Tips
by SunEden Artists' Gear

Lightweight Boards for Watercolor Paper:
To make a lightweight board on which to mount your watercolor paper use a piece of gatorfoam or foam core (available at most Art Stores or Framing shops). Cover it with self-stick Contac Paper to make it waterproof.

Keep Your Colors from Bleeding:
If you are working wet-into-wet add gum arabic to help keep your colors from bleeding into each other. It also increases the binding ability of your watercolors when they are diluted, makes colors more transparent, and increases the luster of the color.

Apply Washes Evenly:
Ox gall is a flow enhancer. Adding a drop or two to your mixing water will reduce the surface tension allowing you to apply washes evenly on both smooth and rough papers. It also leaves the paper wet enough for a longer period of time so you can go back in and blend out any streaks. Be careful! Too much ox gall will make your colors dull and washed out. Ox gall solution is made by Daler-Rowney, Maimeri, Schmincke, Daniel Smith and Winsor & Newton.

Eye-Catching Highlights:
Here is an idea for Watercolorists. The next time you're going for eye-catching highlights, try white fabric glue as an alternative to masking fluid. Simply mix the glue with an equal amount of water and a little non-staining pigment so that you can see exactly where you've placed it. The addition of non-staining pigment will also make traditional masking fluid more visible.

"Happy Painting!"

Jeanne, Artist-In-Residence

Have tips to share? Send them to us at JWElizer@aol.com and we will incorporate in future issues of Artist's Tips.