How To: Paint a Winter Scene Using Masking Fluid

In my video tutorial, I show you how to use masking fluid to create a winter scene. Masking fluid (also called drawing gum) is painted on with a brush. Once it dries, you can paint over it in watercolour. Once the watercolour is dry, you rub off the masking fluid with your fingers, and voilà! All the areas covered in masking fluid remain white (the colour of the paper).

Masking fluid is great for any illustration where you want to paint detailed white shapes. Watercolour is transparent so white paint cannot be applied on top of dark colours. It’s also very difficult to paint around a white space to define the shape, for instance, if you were painting snow falling. To achieve a wonderful, spontaneous line, masking fluid is the way to go.

Follow along my tutorial below. It’s 5 minutes long and suitable for beginners. Share your work with me on Instagram @virginiajohnsondesign!

Materials needed

  • Masking fluid or drawing gum

    • I used drawing gum by the Pebeo brand.

  • Watercolour paint

    • Recommended brands: Daniel Smith, Winsor & Newton, Schmincke or any other professional grade watercolour will do the trick.

  • 1 thin paintbrush for the masking fluid

    • Choose a brush that you don’t care about because it will get gummy after painting with masking fluid.

  • 1 thick paintbrush for watercolour paint

  • Watercolour paper

    • I use the Canson brand.

  • Container of water

    • An old yogurt container or mason jar works well.

Step 1: Illustrating with masking fluid

Use your thin brush and masking fluid to paint your winter scene. Remember that the areas you are painting will eventually become the white shapes that you see in my illustration. Let the masking fluid dry for 20 minutes.

Step 2: Painting the background

Take your thick brush and watercolour paint. Paint the entire image in your chosen background colour and make sure to paint over all the masking fluid areas. Let it dry completely (about 5 minutes).

Step 3: Putting it all together

Use your finger to rub off the masking fluid. All that will be left are detailed white shapes contrasted against your background colour. You can then decide to paint more detail within the white shapes or you can leave them white.

virginia johnson