Butterfly with Light and Dark Background
How to Use Color and Value for the Most Pop
Color and value don't have to be hard - just use opposites!
First, you'll see a reference photo with some quick studies - one with the same color as the reference photo and another using the complementary color. Put a complementary color behind your subject and the opposite value and, suddenly, your subject just pops off the paper!
A card size outline page is included for an easy way to try out dark backgrounds. The best colors to use and some common color substitutes are gone over before you start painting, to give you a jump start to success.
You can do as much or as little detail as you like and work at your own pace in this intermediate level painting.
Your Instructor
Hi, I'm Deb Watson - a self taught artist and long time watercolor teacher
My story is simple.
I loved drawing from childhood, but was discouraged from art as a waste of time. So, I became a nurse, worked at a lot of hospitals and raised a family. But I kept painting.
Over time, I became better at the realism I loved, and just kept working toward improving through painting and self-study. I've always enjoyed painting scenes from my life and small town community (which I call my Small Town America series).
My paintings are not usually famous or majestic subjects, often they're just everyday stuff I see around. But I see so much beauty there, and show it to the rest of the world by painting it.
Now, my watercolors have been in exhibits and won awards across the nation. Yet, it's when my art connects me to other people that it's really done what I wanted, and teaching certainly does that!
Happy Painting.