My last two paintings have required the lifting of watercolor pigment. Years ago I would have relied on a combination of techniques using scrubbing brushes, sponges, paper towels, and/or scrapping. But now I frequently use Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser.  Sold in nearly any large market, The Magic Eraser looks like a fine-cell, white sponge. However, it is made of melamine foam which is a very hard, micro-cell material. When it is slightly wet, the Magic Eraser acts like the finest sandpaper.For a watercolor painter, the Magic Eraser will remove layers of pigment and paper controllably.

When painting "Catching Some Rays" shown below, I had completely painted the background. I then protected the work I had done on the boat by covering the hull with tape, paper and masking fluid. I cut up a Magic Eraser sponge into smaller 1-inch cubes. After wetting a cube, I began dragging the Magic Eraser across the painting in the direction of the sun's rays. I applied higher pressure at the light source and tapered off as the light struck the boat. Since the erasers were wet, I often patted down the rays with paper towels to keep the ray edges soft and to assess progress. And progress was fast. My final swipes were with nearly dry Magic Eraser cubes.

Before painting "The "Deadliest Catch", Off Season", I knew I wanted cat's paw streaks (caused by light breezes that ripple the water surface) to add visual drama and contrast. I also knew these could be added and manipulated at the end of the painting process much more effectively than masking and preserving hard-edged white areas from the beginning. Therefore, when I had nearly finished the painting, I used masking tape to outline the shape of the cat's paws and prevent the unwanted removal of pigment from adjacent areas. I then used wet Mr. Clean Magic Eraser pieces to remove the deep blue-indigo pigment. I quickly blotted the streaks with paper towels and then removed the tape.   

Catching Some Rays      22" x 15"

The "Deadliest Catch", Off Season 30" x 22"