Excerpt from The Wash Method of Handling Water Colour

As paper has a very sensitive surface no erasures should be made where colour is to be applied, and the first experiments in the composi tion or placing of the subject should be carried out upon another sheet. When this seems satisfactory, lay it aside for future use, and with a hard pencil (4h) held within the hand like an oil paint brush, the leading lines and masses of the composition should be indicated. These lines are not erased, but over them - using T-square, triangles and rulers where necessary - a careful and very complete drawing is made, indicating, especially, widths of mouldings and the thickness of walls at window and door openings. The details in the shade and shadow of the drawing made to illustrate this method of work were as carefully and completely drawn as those in the light. The drawing upon the illustrative plate was lined in with a pen dipped in sepia that it might reproduce with the remainder of the plate; but, of course, the drawing should be left in pencil when washes are to be applied. Note that the stones of the pavement are all drawn. One can never tell just what detail will be brought out later, and the only safe way is to draw it all.

Plate To illustrate the wash method OF handling water colour. Original size, x 12% inches.

If this had not been done the few lights showing in the shade could not have been properly placed. Too much stress cannot be laid upon the necessity of a complete drawing before the brush is touched. Changes cannot be made while the work is in progress. The application Of the washes is almost the least important part of the problem. I Often spend an hour upon a drawing to every five minutes spent upon the washes.

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