Chiaroscuro Always Grabs Attention

...... by Bill Hudson. 

I love the challenge of transparent watercolor. It satisfies my engineering mindset of solving technical problems. For, unlike other opaque mediums where mistakes can be simply covered up, watercolor requires forethought and a well-planned approach to avoid mistakes having only one solution . . .start over.

Regardless of the composition, areas of high visual contrast will always attract attention and should, therefore, be a goal. Visual contrast can be maximized with complementary colors, and/or extremes of adjacent values. These extremes of value were popularized by Caravaggio (1571 - 1610) who placed the subjects of his paintings in dark surroundings, under shafts of bright light. This created high contrast and drama which came to be known as “chiaroscuro.”

In watercolor, the highest contrast requires the white of the paper to be reserved or restored. And that demands experience, knowledge, and a planned approach. Traditionally, the following techniques are used by most watercolor artists:

1.     Masking fluid

2.     Paint around whites.

3.     Lift wet paint with a brush.

4.     Lift/scrub dry paint with a brush.

5.     Apply a wax resist (e.g. a candle) before painting.

6.     Rub off paint with Mr. Clean’s Magic Eraser.

7.     Use a stencil or tape to preserve white areas.

8.     Paint whites with gouache, casein, gel pens, etc.

9.     Scratch out white streaks (exacto blade, sandpaper, etc.).

Years ago, I discovered another technique that is particularly useful in painting water for nautical scenes. I first apply a mixture of gum arabic and water to an area I intend to paint over and possibly lift later. (Note: Gum Arabic, readily available in art stores, is the binder common to nearly all watercolor brands.) Gum arabic inhibits the mixing of colors as they are subsequently applied. For maritime paintings, mixtures of gum arabic and water, either dry or still damp, can yield beautiful, soft mixtures of many-colored surface reflections. Also, once dry, the gum arabic allows all subsequent paint to be easily lifted. However, since gum arabic readily mixes with water, it is more difficult to lift an area while still maintaining a sharp edge.

Chiaroscuro, as popularized by Caravaggio, is typically an entire scene in high contrast with a deep-dark background. There is little use of intermediate values. But in studying Caravaggio’s radically unique work, there are many practical lessons learned for contemporary artists. Number one on that list is …to make things pop, add shadow!

I did just that in this painting titled Old Gloucester. Rather than brightening the foreground skiffs, I continued to deepen the shadows beneath the surrounding docks, making the boats stand out.

Old Gloucester

14” x 10” watercolor on paper

by Bill Hudson

Unframed original ……………. $ 600

Incorporated in 1642, Gloucester, Massachusetts, is a historic fishing port and shipbuilding center. Gloucester remains an active port near Georges Bank and still ranks high in fish landed and seafood processed. The scenery and fish industry have inspired artists since the early 19^th century. “Smith Cove is home to the Rocky Neck Art Colony, the oldest art colony in the country.”