“Paired Up” Laughing Gulls

Paired Up

Paired Up is an original watercolor of laughing gulls. I saw these shorebirds in the shallow water when I was kayaking. I had my camera with me so I worked from those photos back in my studio.

This watercolor uses the pouring technique. It’s been awhile since I have done a poured painting. The technique can be fun and my paintings usually come out a little different than a direct painting.

After drawing with pencil the birds on the watercolor paper I masked the white belly of the laughing gulls, a few highlights in the water and the eyes of each gull.  I did a light pour of hansa yellow, red rose deep and thalo blue. Spray the paper first before every pour. Tilt the painting and spray water to move the color around. After that was dry I masked the entire water area and let it dry.

At this point it’s time to glaze the dark areas with stronger color. Using all 3 colors continue adding pours after spraying the painting with water. Keep going until you are satisfied with the color and value.

Remove the mask after paper is completely dry and paint the details. This is a fun and different way to paint. Planning the dark and light areas of your painting beforehand is a must. This pouring technique takes practice (and paper towels) but your finished painting can be quite dynamic. Let me know if you have any questions with the comment box below.

Other watercolors done in the pouring technique as described in this post. As you can see the possibilities are endless with this watercolor technique.