Pen-and-Wash Watercolor Painting Technique

Pen-and-Wash Watercolor Painting Technique

Article by Vladimir London, Watercolor Academy tutor

The pen-and-wash technique can also be called, "outline-and-wash". The sequence of the "outline-and-wash" method is described by its name.

Painting by Vladimir London, Watercolor Academy tutor

First, an artist makes a linear composition drawing on paper and then applies color washes on top.

It is a very effective technique, especially when doing small, quick watercolor sketches on location. Because the linear drawing serves the purpose of describing the composition and details, the artist has a much easier job when working with tones and colors.

The drawing can be very precise and detailed or loose and sketchy depending on the creative style and task. It will stay visible and contribute to the artworks finished appearance. Various mediums can be used for under-drawing: graphite pencils, colored pencils, gel-pens, permanent markers, pen and ink, and so on. For example, the artist could make a drawing in sepia or black ink, using a bamboo pen or a goose-quill.

Plein air sketch by Vladimir London, Watercolor Academy tutor

When choosing a drawing medium, you need to consider how it will mix with the washes of paint. Graphite, permanent markers, and non-water-soluble inks will not mix with water and so keep clear lines. Water-soluble inks and watercolor pencils will bleed color which will mix with watercolor paints, changing their hues resulting in less defined and sometimes completely dissolved drawing.

Sketch by Vladimir London, Watercolor Academy tutor

When it comes to the second step of this technique (the watercolor wash), the whole range of painting methods can be used and not just washes, although you may find that wet-into-wet works particularly well for this technique, creating soft gradations and fusions of colors. It doesn't matter that colors might bleed freely, not staying within the outlined areas of drawing. The drawing underneath will show through and keep the composition in place.

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