Purposeful Painting in Watercolors with Ox Gall Liquid

Painting with watercolors can be very enjoyable when using Ox Gall liquid as a medium with this media. The main purpose of Ox Gall liquid is to improve the flow of watercolor paints onto paper, board or canvas. This medium allows easier flow of the paint over a heavy sized surface such as cold pressed paper. Hot pressed paper does not need this agent used with it, as it is usually a very smooth surface. Ox Gall liquid can also be added to the water used to dilute watercolor paints. Any artist will find that the use of this medium can greatly enhance the use of watercolor paints.

Using watercolor paints alone on a heavily sized surface can make skipping effects as a brush drags the fluid and paint along its path. This may or may not be the artist's intention, but if it is not then a small drop of Ox Gall liquid should be used in the paint and mixed well. Care should be taken as to not use too much Ox Gall for the same reasoning as using too much water. Depending of the coverage area, you may need to add maybe one more drop of this enhancing medium. The nice fluid look of the paint will be visible when this is done correctly. You may want to practice...a lot...before producing that masterful painting you want to create.

Most artists who use watercolor on paper or canvas usually start with a clear wash to wet the surface for wet on wet technique. This usually means they are going to paint until the painting is done. This is where Ox Gall liquid can be just as helpful. Place two to three drops of it into the water wash. Almost like gesso, an Ox Gall Liquid application in wash form will create an easier maneuverability over the surface as the artist begins applying the watercolor paint. The textured background will not be able to grab so easily at the paints on the brushes while the artist switches from one color to the next.

When using this technique, it is not necessary to use Ox Gall liquid in the paints since this would be an over usage of this medium. This would also make the painting take that much longer to dry. Think of it as linseed oil in oil painting or flow improver in acrylics. Maybe you have not gone that far in painting, but still too much of any medium can ruin a well intended painting. Using Ox Gall liquid on hot pressed paper as a wash may be a bit redundant. Even the use of it in the paints on hot pressed paper may not be a good idea until you have a much better feel for how it works.

Another solution to not applying an Ox Gall wash directly to the painting surface or in the paints is to have a designated water container, no more than eight ounces, with a few drops of the medium added to the water. Use this as the dilutant for the paints, and have a separate container of water set aside just for constant cleaning of the brushes. It does not take much to achieve the right results you may be looking for in your watercolor painting.

As with any other watercolor medium, take your time to learn how to use Ox Gall liquid properly to produce the look you are trying to master. Keep a journal as to what works and what does not work. The journal should be by your side at all times along with your travel pack of watercolor materials so that you can do things in Plein Air. Since Ox Gall liquid usually comes in a container about 2.5 fluid ounces, it may last you much longer than you expect.

You may find it more convenient to purchase a dropper bottle and fill it with the Ox Gall liquid for easier and lighter transportation. Every little bit of weight does add up after accumulating more materials for painting in watercolors, and most store bought containers are made of glass. Good luck in your endeavors in watercolor painting, and try not to be afraid of expanding your horizons by using Ox Gall liquid.

Sources:
Personal Experience
Winsor & Newton's website