I got a book from the library today Watercolor Painting Outside the Lines by Linda Kemp. I did a bit of negative space painting on a recent monotype print and liked the results. So I thought I would do some further investigation and try something a bit more complex. I’m still working on a winter theme so decided to try some frost.
I worked on this all day today. You start with the lightest color and then paint the negative spaces increasing the darkness/value of the colors for each layer. So there are four layers of color here. The paint has to be dry in between so I sped up the process by using a heat gun and iron to dry the paper in between layers of paint. It’s an interesting way to paint and you have to keep thinking “backwards” so you don’t paint the wrong bit. But again, I like the results and I think I will try some more of these. Perhaps a winter landscape next time.
Ruth Lane Art 
Very cool. It’s hard to think backwards so kudos to you. A winter landscape would be a challenge. Have fun!
Thanks Marilyn, yes it is a stretch to think backwards especially after you have several layers already in place. But like anything, I just have to practice.
It’s very effective and pretty Ruth. I know you have to concentrate hard when working ‘the other way around’ – I recently had to cut stencils and I went wrong if my mind wandered.
Thanks Lyn, concentration was definitely involved. Stencil cutting does make you concentrate too 🙂
Very interesting. I’ve recently been reading “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” by Betty Edwards, and she talks about drawing negative space. So it’s clearly an effective concept!
Thanks Kim, it is effective if you can keep your brain going in the right direction and not get confused 🙂