ACHIEVE RICH DARKS
guest contributor Ann Pember
A few small things can help us push deeper values in our work. A rich dark can only be produced by pigment that is capable of producing a deep dark. Some, such as cobalt blue, even straight out of the tube, produce only a mid tone. Test the colors you work with and use a value scale or value viewer (see the Value Viewer on the CCP website) to observe the value each can produce at its greatest intensity. Base your choice of colors on the result you envision for your painting.
Another key is to use enough pigment. You must blot excess water out of your brush before picking up paint, or you will have too much water. You will make a pale painting if you go from the water container right into paint and then paint on wet paper, There will be too much water and not enough paint. Instead, pick up juicy paint with a damp brush and test the color. It should be the consistency of heavy cream, or even toothpaste! That will make a wonderful dark. Don’t be afraid of “wasting” your paint. Put out a generous amount of each color, maybe half a tube or more.
Make quick value sketches if you can’t visualize your image in black and white. If you’re working from a photo, you can print a copy in grayscale and edit the image to get the look you desire. Never settle for photo reference without designing it by editing and making changes to improve the image! Make it art, not a copy. That includes designing a good pattern of values: light, middle, and dark. Ann Pember has taught two Creative Catalyst DVD workshops: Vibrant Orchid: Painting in the Flow of Watercolor and Painting in the Flow of Watercolor on High Plate Illustration Board.
