Painting "Wet" Water - Part 1

Instructional demonstration on painting water so it looks "wet" in oils by Alexander Certified Instructor, John G. Heinrichs.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• visual
• arts
• oil
• painting
• bill
• alexander
• john
• heinrichs
• jgh

[stephenm28]

Hi John, I am just starting to use acrylics, my question is when you paint the canvas with magic white when painting sky/water, do you have to wait for it to dry to start blending the blue for sky/water or can you start with the blue when its still wet from the white?

[ArtistJGH]

@stephenm28

First, this series on painting water "wet" is in oils. The process is transferable to acrylic paint, but the paint must be made to be opaque. Usually a small amount of white gesso in the mix will accomplish this task. I learned to paint acrylics from Jerry Yarnell. In his method, water is first put on the dry canvas followed by an even coat of white gesso. This acts similar to the Magic White I used when painting this scene in oils.

[kathyale123]

hi it would be helpful to show us what you are doing with the brushes before painting instead of just explainig, like how you are putting the colours on the brush

[ArtistJGH]

@kathyale123

I understand what you are requesting. This video was shot using only one camera. I now have multiple cameras so future videos will provide the palette view. Thanks for your comment.

[twatoast]

Please turn down the music so you don't have to shout over it.

[ArtistJGH]

@twatoast

Thanks for your comment. At the time this video was made, the only software I had was Windows Movie Maker. At that time, there was no control for the volume. I have improved both the means of vocal instruction pickup and the software so I now will have total control of these elements.

[kathyale123]

hi it would be helpful to show us what you are doing with the brushes before painting instead of just explaing, like how you are putting the colours on the brush

[ArtistJGH]

@nemesisprogram

Use very little paint on the very tips of the brush before you put on the canvas. Use "lazy X" strokes to blend in. Do not add any paint as you proceed to the horizon. I hope this helps you! Artist JGH

[nemesisprogram]

How did you blend the sky so easily? is that because you have a layer of wet white paint on the canvas? because i tried it with the prussian blue straight out the tube and it became a thick horrible mess and wouldnt blend haha.