04 Feb 2025Mont Marte
Painting Painting supplies watercolour

Using masking fluid in watercolour

Step 1: Preparing watercolour paper

White watercolour paper taped to board

-    Tape the watercolour paper onto a sturdy board

-    Lightly sketch border lines and outline where the edge of the wave will be

 

Step 2: Using Masking Fluid

Masking fluid being applied with a liner brush to the taped watercolour paper

-    Shake the masking fluid well and pour a small amount into a shallow container

-    Use a liner brush to apply organic masking fluid shapes onto the paper, suggesting foam on the water

-    Think about the natural movement of water as you apply the fluid

-    Allow the masking fluid to dry overnight (do not speed-dry with a hairdryer, as it can damage the paper when removed)

 

Step 3: Watercolour ocean waves

Beach watercolour scene painted over masking fluid foam lines

-    Before painting, test all colours on a separate sheet of watercolour paper, adjusting to suit your ocean vibes

-    Mix Yellow Ochre and Titanium White to create a sandy colour

-    Paint the lower portion of the paper where the sand will be, extending the tone up to the edge of the wave

-    Lighten the mix and paint behind the wave, blending it halfway up the page to suggest shallow water

-    Mix Sap Green and Cerulean Blue to create a very light green-blue tone

-    Apply this colour from behind the wave to about halfway up the page

-    Darken the mix with Phthalo Blue and layer in darker blue tones, allowing some lighter areas to show through

-    Further darken the Phthalo Blue and use a fine brush to paint wavy lines over the existing blue areas

-    These lines add movement and depth to the water

 

Step 4: How to remove masking fluid

Adhesive eraser removing masking fluid from beach scene

-    Once the painting is fully dry, gently remove the masking fluid using an adhesive eraser

-    This will reveal the white areas that represent the foam of the waves

 

Step 5: Final touches

White watercolour added to foam details of beach scene
-    Mix a very light grey and use it to add shadows to the front of the wave and any other areas needing depth

-    Use white paint to enhance foam highlights and add texture to the water

 

Now your watercolour beach scene is complete! This simple masking fluid technique creates beautiful ocean waves with natural foam patterns. Give it a go and see what you can create.

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