Some people think that their paintings appear to be lifeless and dull. Often the brightness of the color seems pretty flat and does not shine through. It may be that only part of your painting is affected, but if this is the case I would recommend glazing it.

This is a very disappointing result for the artist. Sometimes it can be because the artist has used too much turpentine as a medium, or may just be bad paintwork. Everybody has days where things do not go just as you intended. This is the challenge you face when you paint.

Generally glazing can be a godsend. It can be used in many ways. Personally, I could not do without it. I find that it brings my work to life as it were. It is an important step of the artwork that was invented years ago.

So you need to bring your painting to life. Do not underestimate the value this process can give to your work. This can provide the ultimate glow you require for landscapes, skies, water, trees, mountains etc. You will find it brings out hidden depths. It will also serve on certain sections or just bring your whole piece together to it’s conclusion.

We have all experienced glass and the way the sun filters through it. Well this is what the effects of glazing are like. It can produce a chilled effect or bring added warmth. All it is, in fact, is when your first layer of paint is dry, adding another thin film of color on top.

However the first layer needs to be completely dry before you proceed, or you will have problems with intermingling shades. Obviously the colour you place on top has to be a transparent one.

You will have come to realize now that this is a very important step of your work. It can bring about the feeling of distance and space, but also adds strength and purpose to your work. I love using it as it seems to successfully bring my work to a happy conclusion.

At first you may find it hard to achieve great results. It is a learning curve through trial and tribulation. Basically what you will find is, what and where do I do this? Only by trying colours will you find out.

So now you have reached the experimental stage. For instance try a warmer colour over a paler shade. Like a strong violet over a pale yellow, or a dark green over yellow. I find it inspirational the strength of colour that can be produced.

Do not, whatever you do, mix your color with a white when you are glazing. Keep it really pure. If you use oil as a medium you can rub this on really thinly. Just remember to keep it pure!

If you are looking for strong, vibrant effects, get out your palette. Try putting, for example, a very strong red on top of a much weaker shade and see what prevails. You can have so much to work with to great effect. Then you could round it off with a layer of gel. Some people just prefer this.

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