Class notes 4/20/2018

"Wet Wash" represents the final stages in the Landscape Painting.  This is done after appropriate color has been applied to the picture, with paper being dry.  Now color is added when the paper is wet/damp.   With wet-wash, one can work more slowly and deliberately, and it is a matter of achieving an overall feel and atmosphere.  Also, the wet rice paper shows the color more vividly and accurately -- closer to the effect after the picture is mounted with a backing paper (an essential final step).

Wet-wash is done on a felt substrate.  The wet rice paper is quite flimsy, and needs the support.  Be sure that the felt is clean!!  It must not have any flakes of ink or color on it.   Completely wet the paper using a spray bottle. Then use paper towel to blot off excess water -- paper should be damp, not wet.  Apply color, being mindful that the brush cannot be too wet.  Also no heavy color.

3 tasks to do interactively.  There is no formula, but make sure you step back  and look(!!).
First, strengthen spatial relation.  Near and far elements should have proper relation; usually the near is darker, and has a warmer tone. 
Second, build clouds and mists, by adding bluish color to their periphery.  The white space left behind, uncolored, is the cloud.  Be mindful of the shape of the cloud -- it should convey a sense of movement.
Third, add distant mountains with bluish color.  White again needs to be preserved, at the lower edge of the mountain form -- atmospheric haze.

Finally, a light bluish grey is brushed on to the sky.  Make sure the color is well mixed and uniform.  Use horizontal strokes.

If desired, additional wet-wash can be done, after the paper has dried and the color fixed.

See the videos below.
Landscape Painting -- Wet Wash
Landscape Painting -- Wet Wash the Sky

The end result: