Glazing always muddied my work, but my latest piece proved me wrong

Tbh, I thought glazing was for perfectionists who had too much time. Layering those thin washes on a pine tree landscape gave it a realism I've never achieved. Small win, huge difference.

3 comments

3 Comments

the_hayden1mo ago

You know, I had the exact same hang-up about glazing (always thought it was for those pristine watercolorists who never spill their tea). But then I tried it on a series of cloud studies, and the way it built up depth was almost magical, like watching weather form on paper. It's one of those techniques that feels pointless until it clicks, and then you can't imagine working without it (seriously, my earlier paintings look so flat now). Glad to hear it's working for you on landscapes too, because pine trees are a beast to get right without that atmospheric haze.

lewis.tara1mo ago

Cloud studies? Glazing clicked. @the_hayden, same.

diana_grant311mo ago

My first attempt at glazing looked like a toddler mixed mud with water, and I almost gave up on it entirely. But then I saw @the_hayden's comment about cloud studies, and it made me stubborn enough to try again. Now I'm convinced glazing is just witchcraft disguised as art technique, especially when you see those layers build up. My clouds went from flat cotton balls to actual sky, and I can't believe I ever painted without it. Pine trees are next on my list, so wish me luck before I ruin another perfectly good landscape.

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