Julie Ann Karlsson shared some of her favorite techniques using DANIEL SMITH Watercolor Ground and Luminescent watercolors.

She began by highlighting areas in her artwork where the features of Luminescents really shine. She also showed us her favorite types of mini travel palettes, including an upcycled mint tin which she painted with watercolors, after applying a coat of Titanium White Watercolor Ground.

Julie talked about a variety of ways to use Watercolor Ground – for making corrections, covering not-so-desirable paintings, adding unique textures and creating a dark surface for painting with Luminescents.

Julie Ann’s reference photo for the full one-hour demo (watch it below) was a beautiful blue butterfly resting on a rough, rocky surface. After blocking out the butterfly shape on her paper, she randomly mixed a wash of earthy, granulating colors for the first layer of the background, including Zoisite Genuine, Sodalite Genuine and Goethite. After the wash was dry, she added small strips of cotton cheesecloth in thin layers with Transparent Watercolor Ground to mimic the texture of the rocks.

Once these areas are allowed to dry overnight, then she adds another layer of colors on top, blending with enough water so the pigments puddle inside the webs of cheesecloth web, as well as travel across the fibers. Lastly, she paints the butterfly shape with Mars Black Watercolor Ground and adds her delicate designs for the wings with shimmering Luminescent colors, which look extra bright and vibrant against a velvety, smooth black surface.

Here’s a Q&A with Julie Ann:

If you could only take three colors with you to paint on a deserted island, which three would you take?
My current favorite triad is Hansa Yellow Medium, Anthraquinoid Red and Prussian Blue – they make such a great range of mixes! But I think I would have more fun with Blue Apatite Genuine, Monte Amiata Natural Sienna and Hematite Burnt Scarlet Genuine – even though they have limitations as a color triad, they do make fun mixes which granulate really well together to create pleasing effects. Such a difficult choice – and I thought it was hard to limit my dot card to only 18 colors!

Describe a recent art show you attended that was particularly inspiring.
I recently had the opportunity to attend a watercolor show featuring the work of several artists who had studied under me. What a privilege to see their progress as artists, and to have played a part in their art journey. I love the thrill of seeing people discover watercolor and then watching them grow.

What are some recent photos you’ve taken that might inspire you to paint?
My phone is actually super full of photos at the moment. Summer here in Sweden is short but GORGEOUS! Lots of summer flowers and bumble bees, beautiful meadows and lakes, my four grandchildren, old houses, sunrises…I’ll be able to enjoy summer all through our long dark winter.

What is the best piece of advice another artist has given you?
Give yourself permission to play and enjoy the process, and accept that some things will turn out well and other things won’t.

What are you excited about working on next?
It has been awhile since I painted on a full sheet and I’m thinking of doing something floral…

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Join us online each week for an Up Close and Personal Conversation with Daniel Smith CEO and Owner, John Cogley and guest artists from around the world. On Thursdays (2:00pm Pacific), John highlights various features of our products and answers your questions. On Fridays (10:30am Pacific), a guest artist follows up to share how they incorporate those features into their art. Click here for the upcoming week’s Zoom links.

Check our Facebook page for news about upcoming guest artists or to watch past replays. Each Zoom meeting is also recorded and shared on our YouTube channel. La traducción al español está disponible – selecciona el canal en español en Zoom.