Submitted by Bubba Billy-Joe on 8/18/99. ( ) 130.126.17.144
When they talk about a black "wash" to use on fish or
duck legs to highlite them, what is it and how do you do it?
Gracias, Bub
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This response submitted by Mike on 8/18/99. ( pelcarts@aol.com ) 205.188.209.166
Bubba,
This wash, a black, or highlighting, wash is typically done after all other painting is complete. Typically acrylic paints are used, some may use oils.
This wash is a very thinned down paint mixture, to the point of little pigment being carried by the medium. As this wash is "brushed" on to the bill or feet of a bird, or the scales (skin) of a fish, a visual depth is created, giving a more natural or realistic appearance to your work.
This wash is typically done as only a suggestion or hint of shadows or highlighting. Many tend to over do it, making the washed area tend to look like dirty fingernails or the overall work to appear muddy.
Carvers and flat work artists use this method extensively. Most often used by artists using acrylics or water colours.
This response submitted by Mike on 8/18/99. ( pelcarts@aol.com ) 205.188.209.166
The wash flows into the areas around or between the scales, or into the wrinkles or creases of a birds bills. Hence the lower areas are darkened. This is a gradual build-up of color.
Highlighting is done to give the idea that light is hitting the higher parts of the area being painted. This can assist in giving more life to a piece, and not counting on other light sources.
Both highlighting and shadowing adds much to a piece if well done, the opposite is true if poorly done. I would suggest looking at black and white photos for seeing these ideas. Or, look also at realistic flat work.
Hope this completes the previous response I made.
Mike
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