How to make watercolour ground (clear/transparent), so you can work on wood, patterns or text

Making your own watercolour ground is easy, and preparing your own canvases for watercolour is simple. But I got to wondering, would my recipe work with transparent gesso and modelling paste? If it did, you could work on wood panels and have the grain of the wood show through. You could work on pages or a book, or sheets of music. So I set about finding clear modelling paste and transparent gesso, to see if it worked as well as the Daniel Smith transparent or the Schmincke version.
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This film takes you through the experiment and then I show you how to prepare a wood panel to accept watercolour. I use ink and watercolour to paint a robin and show you the results. I am delighted to say it worked really well.
If you enjoyed this, please consider subscribing. If you like working in watercolour on canvas or panels, you would be welcome to join our group 'Watercolour on canvas': / 463275440905151 and then there is my book 'Painting watercolours on canvas' which is available worldwide.
#lizchaderton #watercolorground #loosepainting

[@jeaninehinckel77]

Wow, holy cow I love love love how you create your art. Absolutely wonderful. So creative and FREE!

[@LizChadertonArt]

thank you!

[@judymills873]

I just found you, I can’t wait to try painting on a canvas. Love all the useful tips you give, love your paintings and really love your cow painting!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you so much!

[@polgara28]

What a fabulous idea! I love the fluid, loose yet detailed way you have with your art. I especially love the way you do buildings, but your animals are very special! Lovely.

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your lovely comments!

[@brianchandler4323]

Many tks Liz, Are your homemade DIY gesso and modeling paste also acid free (archival) tks again brian

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Liz, thank you for sharing your recipe for watercolor ground! I have watched the other videos and I still need to buy modeling paste, so now before I purchase any I will look for transparent versions! Thank you for sharing all of your knowledge with us. I am always looking for money saving ideas I have been painting with watercolors for years and years, I am still learning about this wonderful medium! I appreciate your efforts to instruct and educate yourself and your viewers, thank you.

[@LizChadertonArt]

You are so welcome - the wonderful thing is that we never stop learning. transparent is tricky to find in the UK, but seems easier in the US.

[@jeaninehinckel77]

Excellent information. Thank you so much!!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lisajensen1843]

Wow… I’m so glad you have a channel! Love your method of teaching and your wonderful sense of humor 😊

[@LizChadertonArt]

Welcome!! Glad you are enjoying it

[@batuhankahraman5474]

This opens doors to a wide variety of paints to make at home.

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad you found it helpful

[@Erginartesia]

Nice experiment! The paint flowed surprixingly nicely. I also like the using a roller idea for getting it on the surface. In fact, I like the whole idea of painting on the wood panel. You might want to try Golden’s GAC 800 instead of the modeling paste

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thanks for the tip will take a look

[@lalawoods3702]

Thank you as always Liz for your great generosity in sharing your painting knowledge and your tips. Always helpful.

[@LizChadertonArt]

It's my pleasure, I enjoy the challenge of making these films. I just wish I was better at cinematography!

[@SuDaChiWa]

This was great, Thank you. Beautiful painting as well.

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@erikaleighart]

Thank you so much for sharing your recipe for clear watercolor ground!

[@LizChadertonArt]

My pleasure 😊

[@teraperry1008]

Another fantastic idea! It's a way for me to get back to watercolor painting...thank you!

[@LizChadertonArt]

welcome back to watercolour!

[@ewwwobbie]

That was amazing! I had no idea it was even possible to do anything you just did! Thank you for the mind blowing information. I am so excited!

[@LizChadertonArt]

It is very liberating to discover new surfaces and ways of working.

[@ewwwobbie]

@@LizChadertonArt it sure is!

[@alexandrasanches2473]

What a delight to see! Thankyou for sharing! Big hug!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mycreativeescape]

Wow! Just wow! ❤️

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you!

[@alisonburke7563]

Absolutely beautiful .

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you very much!

[@simosimo7560]

Incredible effect!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad you think so!

[@lindas5412]

Thanks so much, wonderful tutorial! Always enjoy your instructions

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you! Happy if it is useful.

[@triciabennetts6578]

Love your work Liz - thankyou for sharing! ❤️

[@LizChadertonArt]

You are so welcome!

[@paulabrown6840]

It’s gorgeous! 😃

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you! 😊

[@corinnemarneffe3286]

Great piece once again, thanks so much for sharing!

[@LizChadertonArt]

my pleasure!

[@paulabrown6840]

I was out today looking for watercolor ground! Couldn’t find it. Thanks for this video! He’s a Beaty!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@suegreen940]

This looks amazing! Thanks for sharing! Never tried painting on wood! I do have some ready made clear watercolour ground but have never actually used it!

[@LizChadertonArt]

have a go. I love using it on printed paper too, like music scores.

[@along9971]

Beautiful!!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you! 😊

[@melissaaldosari8024]

Beautiful!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you!

[@CLOUDSINTHEKITCHEN]

glorious!!!!

[@LizChadertonArt]

oh good

[@yasuewho]

Wow! Thank you! I need something like this for a project!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sianfaber9409]

Very inspiring thank you

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@andreamills5467]

Hi Liz. Thank you so much for your videos, they have really helped me and I love your paintings ❤. I was wondering if you have tried making black watercolour grounds the same way?

[@LizChadertonArt]

here’s a short: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKGQdXeJjdx0ps0

[@mjrewerts]

I love this! ❤. Did you use a permanent ink for your first layer? Also I’m curious as to what makes the ground absorbent? The natural wood background looks lovely! 👍🏼

[@LizChadertonArt]

Indian ink - permanent. The modeling paste seems to add the absorbency

[@Nancy-ii5yo]

I just used the Golden absorbent grounds on watercolor paper that went bad. It a 300# watercolor paper and for some reason I couldn't blend anything on it, the color just stayed in one place and stained the paper. It was Carson watercolor paper that I purchased at Hobby Lobby and I did have for a few years before I decided to use it. Nonetheless, the grounds did work, but you can't keep going over it with layers as it will loosen the color underneath. So you have to just be ready to lay it down one time and let it go. Love the way the Robin turn out on the wooden panel.

[@LizChadertonArt]

Sounds like the sizing had deteriorated, it makes washes go blotchy. It can happen depending how it’s stored. I believe you can apply a wash of gelatin to resize it, but I’ve never tried. Yes, layering on top of watercolour ground is tricky!

[@valeriegehling4358]

Like this too. But, as I know you have a studio do all the treatments you use & show us smell, as some chemicals do. I ask as we live in a flat & I work on our dining room table. I think here there are some sprays & Schmincke products I can buy but, I know my husband will complain as he’s smell sensitive to me using chemicals here. I guess the cellar would be an option but carrying all equipment down many steps could be hazardous for me.? I really like your recipes if if I can’t use them. Thanks.

[@LizChadertonArt]

These aren’t smelly at all! They aren’t solvent based, so I think you would be fine

[@nightynightshade]

You are absolutely LOVELY!❤️ you remind me of Emma Thompson 😍

[@LizChadertonArt]

Really?? I wish! Thank you

[@nightynightshade]

@@LizChadertonArt stop wishing! It's already true🥰 you're welcome!

[@angela14962002]

❤❤❤

[@LizChadertonArt]

thank you!

[@JanineMKartist]

Lovely work. Yes this reminds me now how to make my own. I do a lot of mixed media. I think I have clear modeling paste . I’m Also thinking of trying to add pearlescent pearl ex mica to Mimic Daniel Smith pearlescent ground, but still be mostly transparent.

[@LizChadertonArt]

oh that’s a good idea. I used their pearlescent ages ago and it did give a nice shimmer. generally I’m not a glittery kind of person. transparent modelling paste is really hard to get hold of here.

[@JanineMKartist]

@@LizChadertonArt would extra heavy gel work?

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@JanineMKartist I don't think so. The modelling paste adds absorbency, and gel is not absorbent (as far as I know).

[@la_papetrie]

Hi new sub amd follow on ig ..just love what your doing art wise and sharing this unique technique, as your video started I was thinking ohh I wonder if ink can be used and to my delight you did exactly that ..wonderful 🙏👏🌟

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thanks so much 😊

[@ArtistInNewHampshire]

It might be a good idea to run that second goop through a strainer.

[@LizChadertonArt]

YOu are probably right. I am happy to fish bits out...

[@EvgeniaEmets]

amazing, thank you! I guess you can use on canvas too? and then can I roll and fold canvas, do you know if this would crack? (I asked this question on another video - would apprecaite your response...

[@LizChadertonArt]

yes, I use on canvas all the time. I wouldn’t fold the canvas ever, but rolling should be fine. Roll with the painting outermost and unroll as soon as feasible, preferably in a warm environment, so it can relax naturally.

[@carolratcliff]

Great demo Liz! ❤️ Does it work similar to watercolor paper or how would you describe it? Thanks for your help.

[@LizChadertonArt]

All the manufacturers say watercolour ground makes the surface like paper and I just don’t think that’s true. It is useable and fun, but different. If you watch my tips for canvas they hold true for wood too, or indeed any surface prepared with a watercolour ground kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5eUqqiPrrmZidU

[@taylors726]

Thank you! I painted on wood the other day, but without the grounds. It turned out well, but the paint just soaked into the wood which made for difficulty in blending. I never thought to look for transparent grounds. I do have a couple of questions. How is doing time? Do the under layers move & get disturbed like on canvas?

[@LizChadertonArt]

The layers will move quite easily, just like on canvas which is one of the reasons I do the waterproof Indian ink layer first. You need to make sure each layer is really dry and then use less water in top layers. Drying time is just like on canvas and depends on how warm and dry your atmosphere is. Have fun! It stops it bleeding into the grain and lets the colours blend.

[@martimalaspina6385]

Hello Liz, just absolutely love your style of painting and teaching. Will your recipe work to make a general watercolor ground like Qor or Daniel Smith? And can it be thinned so not to be so thick?

[@LizChadertonArt]

Yes it will. use white gesso and paste and it works brilliantly, see kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGjciqx_p7l4iaM. you can use 10% water to think if needs be.

[@martimalaspina6385]

@@LizChadertonArt thank you so much for your help 😊

[@boojay111]

Hi Liz great tutorial, any iseas how to create high relief rocks stones etc. on paper first to cover with watercolour. I saw in your demo there were 'skins' of gesso and wondered if you have used them to create under layer surface? Many thanks K

[@LizChadertonArt]

I have used tissue paper stuck to either canvas and then covered in water could ground or onto paper and then watercoloured. It makes a fab surface to work on. I haven’t done this (yet) but Golden Fibre paste can be used as a skin. I Don’t think gesso would be thick enough to use.

[@JanineMKartist]

Canada has a brand called Triart and they have clear. I find this pandemic is making it harder to find certain things. I think that’s what I have I have to check my stash .

[@LizChadertonArt]

we don’t get Triart here. yes, the pandemic has disrupted lots of supply chains. we also have Brexit, so a double whammy.

[@JanineMKartist]

oh and keep checking them to see when they come in stock

[@pattyscotter2077]

Just watched this very informative video, I've been wanting to try the clear watercolor ground and I'm wondering - do you sand the ground before painting on it and would Acrylic waterproof ink work? Thank you for all of your wonderful videos, Happy painting!

[@LizChadertonArt]

if you want a smoother surface you can sand, but you don’t have to. Acrylic inks can be used and work beautifully

[@pattyscotter2077]

@@LizChadertonArt , thank you, Liz!

[@nachobidness2553]

Great video, Liz! How does your recipe compare to using matte medium as a ground?

[@LizChadertonArt]

I’ve never used matte medium as a ground for watercolour, so I’m afraid I can’t compare. I wouldn’t have thought it was absorbent enough - have you tried it?

[@veystone2580]

Daniel Smith sells Transparent Watercolor Ground. 😊

[@LizChadertonArt]

I know 😊….and Schmincke. But it’s not available in all countries and if you can get hold of the paste and gesso, it’s far cheaper to make your own.

[@veystone2580]

@@LizChadertonArt didnt know about Schmincke! Thank u! 😊

[@pringles613]

Beautiful outcome! Have you tried it on glass or a very clear surface? I'm on the hunt for something really clear and finding shop bought are still too cloudy

[@LizChadertonArt]

No, I haven't. I've used it to make a wine bottle label, but that was coloured glass and clarity wasn't important. So you are trying to watercolour on clear glass? I've only seen acrylics, enamels and specialist paints used successfully. Good luck!

[@pringles613]

@@LizChadertonArt Thank you for the response! I'll experiment when I have time and report back =)

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@pringles613 look forward to that. There are specialist glass primers I’ve see, from the diy view point. I do not know how they would react with watercolour

[@MadRushMusic]

Hi Liz, You mention music. I have lots of Victorian sheet music some pages of which are incomplete etc... I wonder if using the clear ground would separate the watercolour from the ancient foxed paper so that it would not deteriorate further? I will try your recipe and see what happens. Thanks for alll the videos. Deni

[@LizChadertonArt]

Great idea! I think that would work. I would use spray mount or similar and stick it to board first, then add the transparent ground. this will stop the sheet music buckling and support it.

[@MadRushMusic]

@@LizChadertonArt will try it, thanks x

[@brianchandler4323]

One quick question For a watercolour ground, is your homemade gesso and acrylic paste combination "acid free" ???

[@LizChadertonArt]

If both gesso and modelling paste are acid free, then the resulting mix is too! It’s a physical mix rather than a chemical reaction, so yes!

[@ashval1408]

May god make me as cool as you

[@LizChadertonArt]

I am the least cool person - ask my kids!!!

[@caroleveseaman6210]

You have probably been asked a million times but what make was that black marker pen you used on the eye please. I'm looking for a nice archiva penl to draw after I've watercoloured that will last and not die before the ink it's used up. Any advice would be appreciated. I absolutely love your paintings.

[@LizChadertonArt]

I’ve just taken a look. it was a Uniball Eye pen. It’s a roller ball with pigment ink.

[@caroleveseaman6210]

@@LizChadertonArt thank you. I'm new to watercolour. I thought pigment ink would run when wet. So than you very much

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@caroleveseaman6210 pigment ink is waterproof and fade proof. BUT on a watercolour ground, like here, you can blend it with water if you are quick.

[@caroleveseaman6210]

@@LizChadertonArt another lesson learnt. Thank you so much

[@catchip]

Thank you! I have Dr PH Matins lightfast india inks.. I find they lesson the absorbancy of the surface so watercolour doesn't adhere or sink in when layered over it.. Have you ever come across this?

[@LizChadertonArt]

If you use them undiluted or pretty strong, yes Tgey will impact the absorbency as they are waterproof. So if possible use the watercolour before the inks.

[@catchip]

@@LizChadertonArt Thanks so much for always answering our questions... must take a fair amount of your time..

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@catchip 😆 It does!

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Sooooo... is watercolour ground just clear gesso with thickener added?

[@LizChadertonArt]

the modelling paste makes it more absorbent. Tge thickening isn’t important…you can add 10% water if you need to thin

[@ArtJourneyUK]

@LizChadertonArt aha! Makes sense.

[@saloniagrawal5896]

Is the modelling paste also called "texture"? If so I can use texture + gesso maybe.

[@LizChadertonArt]

Texture paste is different from modelling. it is often gritty. Modelling is to allow you to do really thick palette knife or brush marks

[@saloniagrawal5896]

@@LizChadertonArt thank you. Could I perhaps use white gesso with the modelling paste? Also, how can I check if it's working, is it when the canvas threads don't show through the watercolors? I'm new to this, so any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Liz.

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@saloniagrawal5896 if you are happy with white watercolour ground, white gesso plus white paste, if you want clear then both gesso and paste need to be clear. Three thin layers is best. The canvas texture will still be visible. Sand down between layers if you want a smoother finish like a hot press paper.

[@saloniagrawal5896]

@@LizChadertonArt That's great. Thanks Liz.

[@christinehucks6997]

Beautiful!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you!

[@geniuskatie6813]

❤❤❤

[@LizChadertonArt]

🥰