This week I have been painting tulips.  Interesting effects can be achieved on the petals using white candle wax.   The wax creates the effects of differing light on the petals and gradations of light through the petals,  I find that wax is not as stark as using masking fluid and doesn’t produce hard edges.  Rubbing candle wax on the paper only catches the ‘peaks’ on the paper surface and not the ‘troughs’.  When you then put a watercolour wash over the area,  the wash goes through into the ‘troughs’ and some of the paper is protected by the wax, so you don’t get harsh edges as you do with masking fluid.  The amount of wax rubbed on an area will also influence the final effect achieved.

I like to use candle wax on petals, leaves, the rims and insides of dishes or bowls where the light strikes but is diffused and again the effect is more subtle than effects produced by masking fluid.

Aileen

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