Paul Talbot-Greaves teaches watercolour and acrylic painting in workshops and demonstrations to art societies throughout the Midlands and the north of England. He can be contacted by email: information@talbotgreaves.co.uk or through his website: www.talbot-greaves.co.uk
To capture a misty, ethereal light, it is imperative to use lots of water in a wet-into-wet technique. The trick is to keep your wash area wet so that you have the time to blend and adjust shapes without rushing. Use good-quality cotton paper such as Saunders Waterford or Arches, as these types will absorb water and stay wet for a reasonable amount of time. Keep checking the sheen on the painting to ensure it is not drying too fast or that you have wet the surface unevenly. A matt look indicates it is too dry and a deep glossy appearance with puddles should tell you it is a little too wet. Try to aim for an even satin sheen when seen against the light. If your wash begins turning matt before you have finished, give it a little spray with a water spray to bring the sheen back up to a workable wetness.