Monday, April 21, 2014

watercolor blooms

My latest online class Sketch Into Spring is well underway and while I can't give away everything away from the class I thought it would be fun to share a little peek into one of my favorite lessons on watercolor blooms-

Watercolor blooms result when pigment spreads on a wet surface, creating a bleed effect or "bloom". While many traditional and technical watercolor painters don't like the "bloom" effect, I LOVE it! In fact I use this technique most often when I am creating loose, abstract and messy watercolor backgrounds that I sketch over the top of. The technique is super easy and really fun for artists of all ages.
Start by wetting down the surface of your paper with water. 

Next, dip your brush into pigment.

Drop the pigment onto the wet surface and watch that color BLOOM!

Add different colors and have fun letting everything run and bleed into each other.

Take it a step further and use rubbing alcohol to make those blooms change. Simply dip your brush (or any tool) in the alcohol and drop it into the wet pigment. Alcohol repels water and will push the pigment away creating circular shapes.
The result is very loose and expressive way to apply color to your surface!


Sketch Into Spring is a "mini class" online class, it is structured in 30 small but inspiring posts. The concept is that that you have one simple idea, prompt, inspiration or technique to work throughout each day for 30 days. All of my online classes have unlimited access which means you can register at any time!

13 comments:

Elle said...

Wow, thanks for this post! I can't wait to try this technique.

dawn said...

This is one of the coolest prompts we've had in your class. Love the outcome and easiness of this technique.

If you have been thinking about signing up for this class, you should do so. I've enjoyed each day of it and learned some new things like the one here.

Thanks for sharing Alisa and inspiring us!!

Unknown said...

I agree with Dawn. This has been a fabulous prompt. So many beautiful patterns and colours are discovered using this technique. You will not be disappointed if you sign up for this class. Thanks again Alisa.

Lauren Douglas Creative said...

I remembered that you used to have a little side blog thing that was like a class but... free... and I can't find it. I'd love to, though.
If you have the link, please someone send it to me, thanks!

Time Traveller said...

You are amazing! Not only because you have a gift but also because you share it with all of u! God bless you!

I can't wait to try this this one! :)

Jules said...

They are all so very pretty. Love the combination of colors used.

Brooke said...

I love this! I can't wait to try this out, I had no idea that rubbing alcohol would do that, so fun!

Ingrid Orens said...

Really pretty ! I doubt mine will turn out as pretty as yours...

Fil said...

I love this :) so beautiful, particularly the blue one at the end … and am really enjoying Sketch into Spring
Thanks for the inspiration Alisa
Best wishes
Fil

Kiki Halbert said...

Incredible! I'm going to have to try this tonight.

TwinkleToes2day said...

Oh wow, this is a must try, for sure! :D

mauihumv@gmail.com said...

Wow...gorgeous!!! I am going to give this a try:)

jenna@JMPArtist said...

This is a lovely tutorial. :-) I enjoyed it so much I have included a link to it in a blog post I have written recommending watercolour tutorials to my readers :-)
http://www.jennamichellepink.co.uk/2015/05/19/10-beautifully-simple-watercolour-tutorials/

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