Learning to master gradations with watercolor is one of the most important techniques to know. These studies are very helpful in understanding the saturation and intensity level of a watercolor pigment.

To make a gradation from the color sepia to white, in mediums such as oil or acrylic, you could gradually apply white over sepia until you achieve the desired color on the canvas. However in watercolor, there are important rules to follow to achieve the same desired outcome.

These monochromatic studies are excellent exercises to understand the way that watercolor behaves, along with its best ally, water. It is possible to use just one color and water in order to represent light and structure.

By carefully observing the elements of a scene, studying reference from my watercolor painting will help you to understand the importance of simplification, and how to enhance the represented forms; not only by understanding how the forms work in a literal sense, but also how they feel. Soon, it will be possible to repeat these monochromatic studies by using images from your own reference files, while keeping in mind everything that you have learned.

These studies use references that are 50% reduced in color saturation from their original image. This lesson will guide you in planning out your painting. You'll learn how to combine colors and control the intensity of the pigments. By reducing the intensity of your colors, it will help you to refine your eye as an artist, which will lead you to further understand and experiment in more subtle color variations.

Before starting your painting, make sure to look closely and study the whitest and clearest area of your reference. You should always plan and think a few steps ahead. This will also help you make corrections if necessary.

Studying the human figure and its various compositions, such as figures in movement or in activity, allows you to explore forms in their various gestures and attitudes. You'll learn to use harmonious watercolor stains, and reduce line work.

Keep in mind, that the idea of painting in watercolor is not to merely color in a drawing, but to use the natural effects of watercolor to blend or separate the various elements. You want to keep your value statement simple to allow the paint to represent the forms clearly.

Quite often these figures cannot be the main focal point of the painting. They are just part of a much larger scene, like people running in a park, walking down a street, or strolling down a beach. However, never neglect these seemingly minor characters. If poorly executed, they can become unwanted leading focal points.

These studies of light and shadow demand more control of your color palette. Once you have experienced this, you will realize that when the watercolor pigment dries on paper, it will lose its intensity and fade just a little. Pay attention to the levels of moisture of your paper and use it to connect or separate the watercolor stains. You can clearly notice it in 3 stages:

Wet paper: the paper remains shiny. If you apply pigment at this stage, the stain will fuse and spread on the wet paper rapidly. Moist paper: the paper has lost its shine. If you put down paint at this stage, the stain will spread just slightly. Dry paper: the paper is opaque. If you apply the pigment at this stage, the stain will maintain its definition and will not spread, unless you connect it to another wet area with your brush.

Pay attention to all of the little "accidents" that may happen during your studies. They must become part of your practice in order to work with them.

Before starting your painting, please remember to observe the lightest area, and remember to plan and organize your work. You will achieve better results this way, and you will be able to make quick adjustments if you need to. Also, try to register the lightest tones first and then gradually apply the darkest ones. Remember that shadows aren't solid forms, they are just less lit, transparent areas. This means you have to consider the shadow temperature, and how the light changes the scene.

At the beginning, it is very important to work in an orderly manner to gain confidence. After that, with more experience and familiarity with your techniques, you will be able to change this sequence and find your own way to use this wonderful language of painting with watercolor.

Don't believe in formulas. Remember to constantly experiment and study a lot!