Watercolor Wedgies

Wedgies*

*Or to Incline or Not - That is the Question!

My painting above, Taos Pueblo, illustrates the use of an inclined surface to force the paint to flow as demonstrated on the bottom of the above painting.

There is a debate among watercolor artists as to whether to incline/ slant the watercolor surface when painting, or not. Some watercolor artists use easels, some use props (such as my Wedgies - photo below) and others prefer to lay the painting on a flat surface and lift as needed.




My husband made me the wedges "Wedgies" above in two different sizes so that I can increase the amount of incline that I need for a specific application. An easel can also be used or one can do something as simple as propping the painting board on a book.


Pros and Cons
• An inclined surface allows one to paint using gravity to help pull the paint down and across the page.
• An inclined surface assists in painting techniques requiring the paint to run as part of the painting process.
• An included surface helps prevent pooling of water and backruns.
• An included surface may make your paint run into areas where the artist does not want it to go!
• A flat surface allows the artist to place the paint where it needs to be and when – the artist controls the flow, not the incline.
• A flat surface can always be tilted or raised in certain parts of the painting.

What it comes down to deciding which way to go – incline or not – it is the artist’s choice. Use whichever method works for you and your painting style. There is no question….paint to fit your style!