Enhancing depth and finding form

Once the masking fluid was completely dry, I concentrated on defining the shapes in the mossy rocks and adding to the rock pool with deeper colour and enriched washes with gouache. Transparent washes added depth – particularly with rich indigo mixes. A little permanent white was added to the green mixes, which were diluted with water to create semi-transparent washes, again to add depth. The masking fluid allowed me to be loose and free with my marks; because it leaves very sharp edges when removed, I covered several of the rock shapes completely as I painted loosely and instinctively. The three close-ups show in detail how this was achieved (top right)