One More Colorful, Textural Effect.

Most watermedia artists have seen the mystifying effect when ordinary isopropyl alcohol is sprinkled on a wet watercolor painting. The effect is a pattern of circles and dots, like an explosion of white flowers. 

Try this yourself - Using a large brush loaded with wet, juicy watercolor, quickly brush the watercolor paper. Next, while it's still wet, sprinkle (put your thumb over the opening so you can control the amount - you are sprinkling, not pouring) the alcohol over the surface and see what happens.

If nothing changes, the paint was either too dry or too thick - or too wet. 

Try different strengths of alcohol for different effects. It takes a little practice! The results dry into a beautiful, random pattern. I use this technique to break up a flat, solid section of wet paint. It adds visual texture.

When you try this technique, I suggest using the alcohol sparingly - 

and in one section  only. Not overall. A little goes a long way. When dried, 

the result is a wonderfully new creative surface to begin on.

Sprinkle... Don't Pour.

Don't forget. Watch the video!