… SO LITTLE TIME
Watercolor Artist: John Lovett Click Here
HARD – LOST – BROKEN – LOST
Watercolor Artist: LOUISE DEMASI Click Here
Join us at Ida Mae Atelier for a watercolor class focused on a simple but powerful skill: painting edges. While we’ll be using bumble bee and floral as our subject, mastering edges will improve every part of your painting—from florals and landscapes to portraits.
So, what are edges, and why do they matter? Think of them as the “how” of connecting shapes. Using different edges brings your painting to life!
Here’s a simple guide to the four main types of edges:
1. Hard Edges: For Focus & Definition
- What they do: Hard edges are sharp and clear, like a pencil line.
- When to use them:
- To draw the viewer’s eye to your main subject.
- To define a solid shape, like the crisp outline of a rock in the foreground.
- To create contrast against softer areas.
2. Soft Edges: For Depth & Atmosphere
- What they do: Soft edges are blurry and gentle, with a gradual fade.
- When to use them:
- To make objects feel distant and create a sense of depth.
- To paint soft things like clouds, mist, or shadows.
- To give your painting a dreamy, peaceful mood.
3. Lost Edges: For Mystery & Form
- What they do: A lost edge is when a shape blends so completely into its surroundings that you can’t see the boundary anymore.
- When to use them:
- To connect shapes and make an object feel more three-dimensional.
- To create mystery by letting the viewer’s imagination fill in the blanks.
- To suggest movement, like in flowing water.
4. Broken Edges: For Texture & Energy
- What they do: Broken edges are sketchy and irregular, like a dashed line.
- When to use them:
- To show rough texture, like on a bumpy rock surface.
- To create sparkling light effects, especially on water, by letting bits of white paper show through.
- To make your painting feel lively and spontaneous, rather than overworked.
Ready to Practice? Choose an image from below to add to Cotton Paper
Understanding how to use these edges will give you the confidence to paint with more light, depth, and emotion. We can’t wait to explore these techniques with you in our stone and river rock watercolor class at the atelier
“Creativity is at the edges,”
– Seth Godin