Day 4 – Leaf Study

Flat Wash Control

Technique level: Basic
Duration: ~20–30 minutes

Objective:
Master the flat wash—a smooth, even application of color without streaks, blossoms, or patchiness. This teaches water control, brush discipline, and even pacing. Your subject is a single clean-edged leaf seen from above.

Materials:

• Cold press or hot press watercolor paper (hot press will be more unforgiving—great for practice!)
• Round or flat brush (size 8–12)
• One or two pigments (e.g., Sap Green, Cobalt Green, or a custom-mixed leaf color)
• Light pencil
• Water container, paper towel

Steps:

1. Sketch the Leaf: Lightly outline a single, symmetrical leaf (e.g., a lime leaf, bay leaf, or simple elm shape). Smooth edges, no fuzziness. Think clear silhouette.
2. Mix Enough Paint: Mix a generous puddle of mid-tone pigment. You’ll want a consistent mixture ready to go—no mid-wash remixing.
3. Pre-Wet (Optional): For beginners, lightly dampen the leaf area to help pigment flow. For more control, work on dry paper.
4. Apply the Wash: Load the brush and start at the top. Use horizontal strokes to cover the shape evenly. Work quickly, moving downward while overlapping slightly. Reload as needed.
5. Fix Edges Fast: If a hard edge or streak appears, smooth it while still wet. Do not fuss once the sheen fades. Let the whole area dry undisturbed.
6. Second Pass (Optional): Once dry, do a second flat wash with a slightly darker value over half the leaf to simulate a shadow or curved form.

Focus:

• Watch your water-to-paint ratio—it should be juicy, not drippy.
• Keep your brush moving to avoid drying lines.
• Avoid overworking—it’s better to let a mistake dry than to chase it.

Bonus Tip:
Once you’ve done one successful wash, paint 3–4 more small leaf shapes beside it, each with different pigments. It’s like doing watercolor pushups—boring, effective, and oddly satisfying.