DANIEL SMITH Watercolor Ground, Pint

Watercolor Ground on Arches Watercolor Book
Tape over canvas edges. Apply Watercolor Ground direct from the container with a brush in either a uniform or random pattern. Random brushstrokes were used here to create texture.

Watercolor Ground—2 to 3 layers
Paint 2 to 3 layers until you have complete coverage with the Water-color Ground. Allow to cure 24 to 72 hours before applying Watercolor or Acrylics.

Sketch & Paint
You can draw in pencil or go for it and draw in ink. A non-permanent Elegant Writer Pen was used for a wet messy look. A pencil was used to plan the design, then painted wet-in-wet with a limited complementary palette of Lunar Earth, Quinacridone Sienna, Naples Yellow, Cobalt Turquoise, Cobalt Teal and Permanent Brown.

Splatter & Typography
Using a mesh screen, put a some wet China White on top and blow through to create splatter. Typography was planned out on a separate sheet of paper with a stencil before deciding on final placement.

Finishing Touches
You can design your own stamp to identify the region, country and year for your journal. Don’t forget to sign your artwork before varnishing with Golden Archival Varnish. Use 2 coats gloss, then one coat matte for a nice finish.