The success of a marine scene usually depends upon the artist's rendering of the water surface and associated reflections. When working with watercolors, the use of gum arabic can achieve an exciting wet appearance. Gum arabic is the binder used with most watercolor pigments. By itself, it is a relatively thick liquid that is sticky and nearly colorless. It can be purchased in small bottles. Mix it with the watercolor or apply it to the paper before the reflections are painted. Paint  before or after the gum arabic dries. Experiment. The gum arabic tends to "freeze" the paint for dramatic wet-looking surfaces. Use sparingly and thin with water. If applied full strength, the gum arabic will dry glossy and may crack.
 

Terry Madden, host of Terry Madden's Watercolor Workshop, has teamed up with Watermen Art. See Terry Madden and Bill Hudson demonstrate how the Mahl Bridge can benefit your art.