Freighters are a common sight in Vancouver, I always liked the colors and especially that bright red on the cargo ships. I also wanted to try a specific paper with the splashing technique : Aquarius by Strathmore after reading Leslie White’s post here where she tried it : http://lesliepaints.wordpress.com/2012/02/09/white-tiger/ Here is my palette for this painting:

Freighters, watercolor seascapes painting techniques

I start by drawing on my paper , Aquarius Starthmore II that is “an innovative combination of cotton and synthetic fibers “

I reserve a few whites area before starting to paint with masking fluid.

I am a Blick Art Materials affiliate and I receive a small compensation for sales. That does not effect in any way the cost of the purchaser’s order but it helps me keeping the content of this blog free.

​

Daler-Rowney Masking Fluid This fluid is used to create striking white highlights or to mask areas for overpainting at a later stage. It forms a fast-drying, water-resistant film on watercolor paper and board, and is easily removed when dry.

I start by painting a gradated wash in the shy area with Cadmium Yellow

I paint a wash on the sea area with a mix that I will use all along this painting: Ultramarine blue and Burnt Sienna.

Working on the sky with that same mix of Ultramarine and Burnt Sienna, I like the granulation effect you obtain with that mix.

I continue painting, trying to use a color in different parts of the paintings each time it is introduced.

Here I am almost done with the cargo ships and am removing the masking fluid to work on the preserved areas.

I am a Blick Art Materials affiliate and I receive a small compensation for sales. That does not effect in any way the cost of the purchaser’s order but it helps me keeping the content of this blog free.

Yarka St. Petersburg Professional Watercolor Pans Same palette of traditional colors the great masters used a century ago. Liquid-poured means semi-moist pans respond instantly to a wet brush. 24 pans in plastic case. Also individual pans. – Master Set

I add a bit of paint for the reflections in water and soften a bit some edges where the masking fluid has made hard edges.

Then time for splashing !!!

The finished painting Freighters, Watercolor on paper