Opaque and Transparent Watercolor - Explained!

Summary

This video explores the differences between opaque and transparent watercolor paints. It explains how opaque paints, such as bismuth yellow, can cover underlying marks effectively, while transparent paints, like Indian yellow, allow light to pass through and give luminosity. The video also covers how to identify the opacity or transparency of paints by observing labels and the paint's appearance in the tube. Additionally, it discusses the importance of transparency for achieving dark tones and the benefits of mixing opaque and transparent colors. The viewer is encouraged to experiment with different techniques to better understand these distinctions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Opaque paints are chalky and cover underlying marks, like black lines, more easily, providing solid coverage.
• 😀 Transparent paints allow light to pass through, giving the painting luminosity and depth from the white paper underneath.
• 😀 To differentiate between opaque and transparent paints, check the manufacturer's label. A blank square indicates transparency, while a black square indicates opacity.
• 😀 Opaque paints appear lighter in the tube due to the addition of white pigments, while transparent paints appear darker.
• 😀 Transparent colors can achieve dark tones through layering, without needing additional dark pigments like lamp black.
• 😀 Opaque paints tend to flatten the appearance of a painting, leading to a less dynamic, solid finish.
• 😀 Transparent watercolors are more suitable for achieving depth, vibrant hues, and luminosity in a painting.
• 😀 You can mix opaque and transparent paints to combine the best of both worlds—opaque colors bring elements forward, while transparent ones add depth.
• 😀 Manufacturers use symbols on paint labels to indicate transparency levels—blank square (transparent), black square (opaque), and half-filled square (semi-transparent).
• 😀 A simple way to test whether your paint is opaque or transparent is by looking at the paint inside the tube; opaque paints will appear lighter and more chalky.
• 😀 Using transparent paints offers flexibility and rich, glowing colors, while opaque paints are often used for solid, distinct forms and to add body to certain areas.

Q & A

What is the main difference between opaque and transparent watercolor paints?

The main difference lies in how much light can pass through the paint. Opaque paints cover the underlying color and block light, creating a more solid and less luminous effect, while transparent paints allow light to pass through, creating luminosity and allowing the white of the paper to reflect back.

How can you identify whether a paint is opaque or transparent?

One way to identify opacity is by looking at the manufacturer's label, which often uses symbols like a square or circle to indicate the transparency level. A blank square typically indicates transparency, while a black square suggests opacity. You can also inspect the paint in the tube; opaque paints tend to appear lighter and chalky due to added white pigments.

What are the benefits of using transparent watercolor paints?

Transparent watercolor paints allow light to pass through and reflect off the white of the paper, creating a luminous effect. They can also achieve rich, dark tones when mixed correctly, as they do not block light but instead allow layers to build up depth.

Why do opaque paints appear lighter in the tube?

Opaque paints appear lighter because they contain a higher proportion of white pigment or other fillers like chalk or talc. These additives make the paint less transparent and more opaque, giving it a lighter, more chalky appearance in the tube.

What happens when you mix opaque paints with transparent paints?

Mixing opaque and transparent paints allows for a range of effects. Opaque colors can add solidity and bring elements forward in a composition, while transparent colors can provide luminosity and depth. The ratio of each type of paint will influence the overall appearance of the piece.

What is a common issue when using only opaque paints for dark tones?

Opaque paints generally cannot achieve the same depth of dark tones as transparent paints. To achieve darks with opaque paints, additional pigments like black are often necessary, as opaque colors do not allow light to pass through, preventing the creation of deep, rich shadows.

How do transparent colors compare to opaque colors in terms of achieving dark tones?

Transparent colors allow light to pass through and can still achieve dark tones when layered correctly. The absence of white pigment in transparent colors allows for greater depth and darkness in the final result, unlike opaque colors, which require extra dark pigments like lamp black.

Why are opaque colors sometimes referred to as 'body colors'?

Opaque colors are referred to as 'body colors' because they add a solid, dense quality to the paint, which can bring objects forward in a composition. This solidity helps in giving form to elements in the artwork, especially in mixed-media work.

What effect do transparent paints have on the visual depth of a painting?

Transparent paints help create visual depth in a painting by allowing the underlying layers to show through. This layering effect can give the painting a sense of luminosity and depth, as light is able to travel through the transparent layers and reflect off the paper.

When might an artist choose to use opaque watercolor paints over transparent ones?

An artist might choose to use opaque paints when they want to add more solid, tangible forms to a composition or create areas that need to stand out more, such as tree trunks or foreground elements. Opaque paints are also useful when mixing media or for techniques where a more opaque finish is desired.