Very often my creative process revolves around creating a background and then doing something on top of it.  That focal image (or text, etc.) grabs your eye when viewing the piece and focuses your attention away from the background, allowing it to… well, to fall away to the point were you aren’t paying a ton of attention to it.  That’s why it’s named the background.

But what happens if you create one that you really like and want to have be the primary thing the view sees?  That’s where the idea of negative space comes in.  By defining a part of the background as your focal area and obscuring the remainder, you allow it to shine.  The easiest way to accomplish this is by using a mask and a dark color of paint.

In today’s video you’ll see how technically simple it is to accomplish this.  The bonus of the way I’m getting it done is that when you’re finished you’ll also have a mask that you can complete adding color to and use as an element on something else.  Twice the result with half the work.  There’s nothing not to like about that!

Supplies For This Video:

Joggles Water Color Art Parts

Joggles Disc Bound Watercolor Journals

Dylusions Paint

Inkssentials Mini Ink Blending Tool & Foam Refill

Joggles 9″ x 12″ Stencils (I used Punchinella Quintet)

Finnabair Art Alchemy Paint

Gelly Roll Pens