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Lesson #1 - Salt For Texture.

Nature paints our trees with a broad brush of earthy Autumn colors. Fall leaves are favorite subjects for many watercolor artists, and the perfect project to try a salt technique, which produces texture and natural veining. Painting leaves are also great for beginner students, who may be intimidated by larger, more complex subjects. Do not use anything less than 140 lb. grade watercolor paper. Cold press medium or rough papers are best for the salt technique. Study the photos below while you read the step-by-step instructions: 

Step 1: Draw a leaf with a hard lead pencil, placing it in the center of the paper.

Step 2: Dampen only the leaf with plain water.

Step 3: Add a generous amount of paint to the damp paper. Yellow Ochre was used for this demonstration.

Step 4: Sprinkle salt in the areas that you want to have texture. The salt absorbs the water based paint, producing a textured result. The type of salt you use is a personal choice. Kosher salt produces large areas of texture and table salt produces smaller areas.

Finish the leaf by darkening the tips, line the veins, spatter-paint with a stiff brush, and lift a few bug holes to add interest.