DEMONSTRATION
Blurry Background and Sharp Focal Point

With a still life you can paint the background on wet paper and your focal point on dry paper, thereby replicating a much-loved photographic style.

1 Prepare Drawing and Wet the Paper

Use a pencil to create your drawing, and then mask any objects that should not be painted when the background is painted. In this example, I’ve covered whole berries with masking fluid. Use a big soft brush to wet your whole paper with clean water.

2 Paint the Background

Paint your background in a wet-on-wet manner; the colors will spread a bit and form soft edges.

3 Lift Color as Desired

You can carve out lighter areas with a tissue.

4 Continue to Lift Color

Use a dry or “thirsty” brush to lift color in a more detailed manner. Allow the background to dry.

5 Paint Focal Point

Remove the masking fluid. Paint your main subject using a wet-on-dry technique.

BERRIES (DETAIL)

The background has been painted with soft edges, replicating a photographic effect.