Watercolour

The governing principle of transparent watercolour is that the white paper supplies the lightest value and cleanest highlights. Before applying washes, identify the bright area and leave it unpainted; surrounding transparent layers can then create contrast that makes it appear luminous. Thick white poster colour changes the transparent medium, while black paint and repeated rubbing damage the surface or cannot restore a clean highlight. Thus option A is correct.

In the wash technique, paint is diluted with water and applied in a light, transparent layer on paper or another surface. It is used for even colour effects such as skies, backgrounds and soft tonal transitions. A thick raised texture is associated more with techniques such as impasto. Exam tip: Identify wash technique with diluted colour, transparency and an even layer.

In the wash technique, colour is diluted with water and applied in light, transparent layers. Therefore, it produces a soft, light, and transparent effect. A thick and rough effect is usually made with thick paint or techniques such as impasto, not with a wash. Exam tip: remember wash = diluted colour + water + transparent layers.

When more water is added to watercolour, the pigment is spread over a larger area and forms a thinner layer on the paper. The colour therefore appears lighter and more transparent. Option B is the opposite effect; a darker colour usually results from using less water or more pigment. Exam tip: more water in watercolour produces a lighter wash.