Value the Layers
Cakes have layers; onions have layers; ogres have layers; and watercolors have layers. As Shrek tried to teach us, there’s more to ogres that what we first see, and the same is true with watercolors and life. So our next watercolor wisdom - lessons I’ve learned through watercolor that can be applied to life – is…
Value the layers…
For detailed watercolor paintings, layers are necessary to reach depth of color, create shape and texture, and produce the details within the project. But most viewers of the painting only see the overall result; they don’t notice or even know about the layers it took to get there.
Layers help the artist reach the harmony between color values (lighter colors and darker colors). We often begin with a lighter layer of color, then add another layer for mid-tones, and then add a layer of the darker tones. Once those darker tones are added, we may realize we need more depth in the lighter and/or mid-tones. It’s all about harmony. And the layers help us find that perfect match.
Layers also help us correct a previous layer. This is easier with opaque paints, like acrylics and oils, but it works with watercolors as well. Sometimes we need to fix something painted earlier by adding another layer or lightening/lifting a layer and trying again. It’s through the layers that we finally find the destination of our painting journey. And we value the layers that help us get there.
In life, every experience or phase could be viewed as a layer, and our lives are built experience by experience, moment by moment, phase by phase, and layer by layer. Every layer is an opportunity to learn or correct or accept or grow… from our mistakes and our successes. The next layer might correct a previous layer or maybe it will build on a previous layer or maybe it will make a previous layer that once was ugly more beautiful. Life can be difficult, and that layer might seem ugly; but another layer of life can help us overcome or learn or accept and move on.
Life is all about learning, growth, acceptance, correction… and layers help us live life... layers are life. And in watercolor, layers are the life of the painting as well. We need to value all the layers and allow them to teach and develop us along the journey.