Interpretive Resource

Video Demonstration: Wet-on-Wet

Painting wet-on-wet involves introducing a new wash into one that is still wet, allowing colors to run and blend without solid boundaries. Complete control is impossible, but the unpredictable results lend spontaneity to a picture.

Here, the artist gives a basic demonstration of wet-on-wet technique by first laying down clear water on the paper, then painting over it with blue watercolor. The result is a beautifully fluid wash.