Step into the world of watercolour art with this latest blog. This unique method adds a touch of magic to your paintings, creating striking visual contrasts and captivating effects. Join us as we guide you through the detailed steps of the Wax Resist Technique, where wax becomes your artistic ally, shaping a canvas of vibrant colours and intriguing textures.
What is Wax Resist Technique?
The Wax Resist Technique is a distinctive approach in watercolour painting where wax is applied to specific areas of the paper before painting. Acting as a resist, the wax repels watercolour, creating visually stunning effects as the colours flow around the waxed portions. Let’s delve into the detailed steps of this captivating technique.
Wax Resist Technique with Watercolours
Materials:
Watercolour paints
Watercolour paper
Brushes
Wax crayons or candles
Palette or plate for mixing colours
Steps:
1. Prepare Your Workspace
Set up a clean and well-lit workspace with all your materials within reach.
Secure your watercolour paper on a flat surface.
2. Apply Wax
Use a wax crayon or candle to apply wax to specific areas of the paper, creating resist effects.
Experiment with shapes, lines, or cover larger sections based on your artistic vision.
3. Mix Your Colours
Squeeze watercolour paint onto your palette or plate.
Adjust the colour intensity by adding water to achieve the desired vibrancy.
4. Paint Over the Wax
Apply watercolour paint over the entire paper, including the waxed areas.
Observe the watercolour resisting the wax, resulting in a contrast between painted and unpainted sections.
5. Experiment with Layers
Allow the initial layer to dry slightly before adding more layers of watercolour.
Explore layering to introduce depth and variation in colours.
6. Let it Dry
Allow your artwork to dry completely.
As it dries, the contrast between the painted and wax-resisted areas becomes more pronounced.
7. Remove Wax
Once dry, gently remove the wax by scraping it off with a palette knife or rubbing it with a soft cloth.
Revealed white or lighter areas underneath the wax add texture and interest to your artwork.
Tips
Wax Application: Vary the pressure and density of wax application for different resist effects.
Experiment with Colours: Observe how different colours interact with the waxed areas, creating unique patterns.
Fine Detail: For intricate details, use a fine-tipped wax crayon or apply wax using a small brush.
Benefits
Visual Contrast: The Wax Resist Technique offers a striking visual contrast between wax-resisted and painted areas.
Texture and Depth: Revealed white or lighter areas add texture and depth to the artwork.
The Wax Resist Technique is a versatile and engaging way to enhance your watercolour paintings. Experiment with wax application methods and colour combinations, allowing your creativity to flow freely on a canvas of dynamic contrasts and vibrant hues.
