06/22/09

Gordon is happy to answer any question you have.

Submit question via email. mail to mailto:gordontownsend30@yahoo.com.au

I am a new artist working with watercolour paints. I have a question - why do some colours appear more opaque than others? - Kathryn

I assume the colours you are finding to be more opaque are usually earth colors - and colours like light red or cadmiums. These type of colours are called opaque, while others are transparent and staining colours, which are usually used for glazes. When colours are opaque they generally should be used before transparent colours when you plan to use glazing techniques  .

When I am drawing with charcoal, what can I use to erase my mistakes? Normal erasers just smudge it further! - Messy

You can use a kneadable eraser, which you can get from most good art shops and sometimes newsagents as well (in Melbourne, Aust. at least). They get you the best result - but I have also used a bread which works well!

Please help me - I am trying to paint using aerial perspective but it looks all wrong. Is there any technique I may not be aware of? - Beth

Assuming you have the linear perspective correct, to create recession, you need to make the colour less intense as it recedes into the background, and make it take on a more bluish hue. To achieve this, you mix some of that color's complimentary colour into it. ( The colour that is opposite to it on the colour wheel) This reduces its chrome (intensity of colour). Then lighten - with white for oil paint plus a touch of blue will work, and for watercolour, just add more water with a touch of blue!

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