Episode 4 may be the fastest that I have felt 30 minutes go by. In it I discuss the important term “value” as the lightness/darkness of a color. It’s the most important characteristic of color. If you get the value correct, the painting will be read correctly by the viewer.

To demonstrate contrast and value and further stress the benefits of gouache as opaque watercolor, I paint on kraft-paper colored Stonehenge cotton paper. I had thought I would have the chance to demonstrate on black Stonehenge paper as well, but 30 minutes went by in a flash, and I didn’t finish the first painting, let alone visit a second.

Update: The completed paintings are shown in episode 6 and in the gallery below.

For my supply list and any other references made during the show, please see the resources page.