Adding the bokeh effect is one of the most enchanting ways to bring depth and beauty to your art.
If you want to create that soft, blurry, light-filled background in your watercolors, you're in the right place!
In this post, I'll walk you through three different techniques to achieve the bokeh effect, and by the end, you'll be able to add this stunning detail to your paintings effortlessly.
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Understanding the Bokeh Effect in Watercolor
Bokeh, a term originating from Japanese, means “blur.”
In photography and painting, it refers to those beautifully diffused, out-of-focus light spots that add depth and interest to the background.
When you see blurry, soft circles of light—often lighter than the surrounding background—those are examples of bokeh.
It's a technique frequently used in Christmas-themed paintings, where twinkling lights in the background create a warm, magical atmosphere.
Key Guidelines for a Successful Bokeh Effect:
Before jumping into the techniques, here are a few key things to remember:
- The light spots should be lighter than the surrounding background.
- Edges must be soft because blurry things aren't sharp.
- You can randomly place or overlap the circles for a more natural feel.
- Try varying the size and value of the circles for depth—some darker, some lighter. This variation helps to create a dynamic and interesting look in your watercolor painting.
Technique 1: Using Masking Fluid
The first technique I'll share with you is using masking fluid, which is the method I used for a Christmas painting that many of you loved.
It's simple, effective, and guarantees crisp white bokeh circles that won't be disturbed by the paint layers.
Here's how I do it:
Step 1: Draw Circles
Start by drawing the circles where you want your bokeh effect to appear.
Use a pencil to sketch them out lightly, so they're not too obvious under the masking fluid later.
These circles will represent your light spots.
Step 2: Apply Masking Fluid
Now, take your masking fluid (I like using a pen, but you can also use a bottle you prefer) and carefully trace over the circles you drew.
This will protect them from any paint later on. If you use a bottle, though, keep in mind that it can have a strong odor.
Step 3: Paint the Background
After the masking fluid has dried completely, it’s time to start painting!
Apply your first layer of watercolor over the entire background, covering and surrounding the masked circles.
Since the masking fluid is in place, you don’t need to be overly careful—your bokeh spots are safe.
This method allows you to use techniques like wet-on-wet blending, creating smooth transitions of color in your background.
If you want a rich, dreamy effect, experiment with different hues, like soft blues or warm sunset tones.
Step 4: Remove the Masking Fluid
Once your painting is completely dry, gently remove the masking fluid by rubbing it off with your fingers or an eraser.
Underneath, you’ll reveal crisp, untouched white circles that pop beautifully against your background.
Step 5: Adjust and Soften the Bokeh Effect
To make the bokeh look more natural, soften the edges of some circles by lightly dampening them with a clean, wet brush.
You can also pull in a little color from the background to give them a subtle tint.
If you want more variety in your bokeh, try adding a diluted wash of pink, blue, or any other color inside some of the circles.
This step adds depth and prevents the circles from looking too stark against the background.
You don’t have to go overboard—just a hint of color can make a big difference!
Pros of Using Masking Fluid
- Protection: Masking fluid ensures that your bokeh circles stay white, even with multiple layers of paint.
- No Smudging: The circles are fully protected from paint, so you don't need to worry about ruining them.
- Fun to Experiment: It's a great method if you love layering and creating soft blends.
Cons of Using Masking Fluid
- Time-Consuming: You'll need to wait for each layer to dry before moving on to the next. Plus, removing masking fluid carefully can take time.
- Requires Patience: If you're not careful, you might smudge the masking fluid or the paint around it.
- Drying Time: You can't rush the drying time with a hairdryer or heat gun, so be prepared to wait.
Technique 2: Painting Around the Bokeh
If you're looking for a faster method, painting around the bokeh might be the technique for you.
This method requires precision but saves time by eliminating the need for masking fluid.
Step 1: Draw Circles Lightly with a Pencil
Start by lightly sketching your bokeh circles with a pencil. You can trace small round objects like buttons or coins to keep the shapes neat and even.
Since there’s no masking fluid protecting them, these circles will need to remain untouched as you paint.
Step 2: Carefully Paint Around the Circles
Now, carefully apply watercolor around your circles, leaving them white.
This step requires patience and a steady hand because once you paint over a circle, there’s no easy way to fix it.
For small circles, you may need to switch to a detail brush to navigate tight spaces.
If you accidentally cross the lines, it could ruin the effect—so precision is key!
Step 3: Blend the Edges to Keep Them Soft
One downside of this technique is that it tends to create harder edges around the circles.
To fix this, use a clean, damp brush to gently blend the edges into the background.
This step helps soften the look and creates a more natural, out-of-focus effect.
Step 4: Add Depth by Varying the Circle Sizes and Values
Since this method relies entirely on your painting skills, your circles may not turn out perfectly round.
You can refine their shapes if they look uneven or wonky by carefully adjusting the surrounding paint.
You can also vary the size and brightness of the circles to make the bokeh effect feel more dynamic and realistic.
Pros of This Method
- Faster: No need to wait for masking fluid to dry.
- More Freedom: You can adjust your circles as you paint without worrying about removing masking fluid.
Cons of This Method
- Precision is Key: You'll need a steady hand to avoid messing up the circles.
- Risk of Hard Edges: If you're not careful, the edges of your circles may become too sharp.
- Difficult to Maintain Perfect Circles: It can be hard to keep all the circles uniform without a stencil.
Technique 3: Lifting Paint
Lifting is one of my favorite techniques, and it's also one of the quickest ways to create bokeh.
Lifting allows you to remove paint from your watercolor painting, revealing the paper underneath to create soft, glowing bokeh spots.
Step 1: Paint the Background
Start by applying a layer of watercolor to your painting. You can work with either wet or dry paint, but the lifting method will vary slightly depending on which one you use.
- For wet paint: Apply a fresh, even layer of color and get ready to lift while it's still damp.
- For dry paint: Use a wet brush to reactivate and lift the color.
Step 2: Lift Circles While the Paint is Wet
If your background is still damp, you have a few options for lifting the paint to create bokeh circles:
Using a dry brush: Press the dry brush gently onto the wet paint within a circular guide (such as a roll of tape) to lift the pigment. The brush will absorb the color, revealing lighter areas. Make sure to keep your brush dry by dabbing it on a paper towel between each lift.
Using a paper towel: Lightly press a piece of paper towel onto the wet paint in a circular motion. While this method works, the edges might not be as clean compared to other techniques.
Using a template (coin or button): Place a small, flat object like a coin or button under a paper towel. Then, press it firmly onto the wet paint. This method ensures you get a perfectly round shape every time.
Step 3: Lift Circles from Dry Paint
If your background is already dry, don’t worry—you can still create bokeh circles using a wet brush.
Wet your brush: Use a clean brush dipped in water and lightly paint circular shapes over the dry background. Let the water sit for a few seconds to loosen the pigment.
Blot the paint: Dab the wet area with a tissue or paper towel to lift the color and reveal a soft, glowing bokeh effect.
Refine the circles: If you want more control, you can use a stencil to draw perfect circles before lifting the paint.
For an even cleaner lift, some artists use a magic eraser to remove watercolor pigment. If you’ve never tried it, it’s worth checking out—it erases watercolor effortlessly!
Pros of Lifting Paint
- Quick and Easy: Lifting paint is fast and doesn't require extra tools like masking fluid.
- Soft Edges: This method naturally creates soft edges, which is ideal for bokeh.
Cons of Lifting Paint
- Can Damage Paper: If you lift too much paint or use poor-quality paper, you might damage the texture.
- Requires Good Timing: Lifting works best when the paint is damp but not wet, so it can be tricky to time it perfectly.
(Bonus) Technique 4: Using Alcohol or Other Liquids
This method is straightforward and fun. By applying alcohol to wet watercolor paint, you can create beautiful bokeh effects quickly.
Step 1: Apply a Wet Layer of Paint
Start by painting your background and leaving the paint wet. This technique works best with a fresh, damp layer of watercolor.
Step 2: Use Alcohol to Create the Bokeh Effect
Dip a cotton swab into alcohol (vodka or rubbing alcohol) and lightly apply it to the wet paint. You'll see the paint move and create soft, circular marks, similar to bokeh.
Step 3: Adjust the Effect
Depending on your needs, you can leave the circles as they are or adjust the size and shape by adding more alcohol or varying the pressure on the cotton swab.
Pros of the Alcohol Method
- Quick and Easy: It's a fun, fast way to create a bokeh effect.
- Works with Common Household Liquids: You don't need any special tools – just grab some alcohol or even perfume!
Cons of the Alcohol Method
- No Pure White Bokeh: This method doesn't work for creating crisp white bokeh circles.
- Only Works on Wet Paint: You can't use it with dry paint, so timing is essential.
Final Thoughts
Creating the bokeh effect in your watercolor paintings can elevate your artwork and give it that dreamy, magical touch.
Whether you prefer the precision of masking fluid, the skillful approach of painting around your circles, the softness of lifting, or the fun of using alcohol, each technique has its unique charm.
Why not give them all a try and find your favorite?
Ready to create your stunning bokeh backgrounds? Let me know which technique you like the best!