Hi Reader,

This summer I've been fascinated by the meadows around my home. The grass is high and full of texture and colour that changes week by week. To capture this I could paint lots and lots of lines and marks, then paint the flowers with gouache, but it's more interesting and fun to use splashes, scratches and salt to create the texture.

Read on...

Pass the salt

One way I enjoy adding marks and texture to my watercolours is by adding salt into the wet wash. I don't use anything fancy, normal table salt works well.

Using salt to add blooms and sparkles in watercolour is all about timing. If I add it into a wash that is too wet the salt might just dissolve and have no effect at all. Added when the wash is too dry, there might not be any water for the salt to absorb. The pigments you use make a difference too. So I've done a number of swatches to find the patterns I like the most.

It's not just for meadows and grasses. I use it to add snowflakes, stars in a night sky or for mottled texture in animal skins (think dappled horses). It's lovely for creating highlights in forest greenery, or the fluffy seeds of a dandelion. Or anywhere I've got a large area that needs a bit of sparkle and interest.

On Patreon I've just posted a more in depth article on using salt in watercolour washes. It's free. All you need to do is sign up.

Blog update

I've recently given my blog a fresh new look. Besides being a whole lot prettier, the most popular articles are now easier to find.

On my blog I have a lot of free tutorials and tips, plus in depth articles on materials. If you haven't visited recently, then pop over there.

Postcard giveaway This month's tiny painting is going to Mary C. I'm looking forward to popping it into the post in a couple of days. Stay on my mailing list to be in next months draw.

Portugal 2025 Dreaming of sketching in Europe? If you missed out on my French retreat this is your chance to join me in Portugal in September 2025. Details here

As the seasons get ready to change again, and the world around us slowly gets a new look, I hope you're feeling inspired. Even if it just makes you look again at something thats become overly familiar. Until next time. Warm regards, Renee

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