Painting Rainbow Croton Leaves in Watercolor

In this video I demonstrate how to paint the very tropical croton leaves in watercolor using a masking fluid technique.  Enjoy!!

Aloha,
Marionette
www.kauai-artist.net
www.kauaiartclasses.blogspot.com

Pastel Painting Demonstration

This painting of my secret fishing spot on Kauai was done using one of my reference photos, and it took me roughly an hour to create once I had my supplies set up.





Speaking of supplies, this is what I recommend: Pastels - I suggest using the highest quality (meaning highest priced) soft pastels that you can afford.  I used Rembrandt pastels in this demo, but I also often use the lesser expensive Faber-Castell brand. Paper - I use a hard-to-find Hahnemuhle velour paper because I love the soft/fuzzy texture that allows multiple layers of pastel.  The final painting will be a little fuzzy, but I like this effect!  Soft Pastel Pencils - I use Gioconda pencils for fine details as well as a very soft (6B) charcoal pencil.



Next, I cut and tape my paper down to a masonite board using masking tape and overlap the edges of the paper by about 1/4".  I then study my photo and start picking out my main colors and place them on a plate or container for easy access, and I am ready to start my next work of art!



I paint with my pastels very similar to how I paint with acrylics.  Since they are opaque and take layering very well, I start by blocking in the main areas of the painting with the desired color.  I don't worry about details at all in this stage.  I just want to get the main design of the painting worked out.  Once this is done, I can start layering in more of the details. 


 As the painting comes closer to being complete, I get out the pencils and add the final details.  Next, I add my signature and then a few light coats of a fixative spray and I'm all PAU (means finished in Hawaiian)!  Hope you have enjoyed this demo. 

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