"Industrial design center" - IIT Bombay

Watercolor on Paper

"Under the Shade"

A Composition Using the Wash Technique

How Does It Work?

This painting method is called the flat water wash technique. To use this method, start with slightly cold-pressed paper (such as Canson sheets) with a light texture. Secure the paper by taping its edges to a board. After sketching your composition, use thick paint for the initial layer.

Once the painting is dry, rinse it gently under cold water to remove any excess paint. Use a round brush during this process to ensure smooth transitions. The result will be a soft, tinted color scheme, where you can further enhance the piece by adding layers of detail to create depth.

This technique offers a soothing effect, with the colors blending harmoniously across the composition. However, it requires careful planning to determine which areas should remain blank or be filled with solid color. This process encourages intentionality, as it involves iterative refinement until the desired outcome is achieved.

The Idea Behind This Composition:
In this composition, I imagined two young priests—one resting peacefully while the other practices his musical skills. This scene reminds me of the Indian proverb:
"करत-करत अभ्यास के जड़मति होत सुजान। रसरी आवत-जात के, सिल पर परत निशान।।"