using salt for texture in watercolours

 

adding salt to watercolour washes to create texture

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.