From intricate fabric textures to the play of light and shadow, discover Daniela Werneck’s labor-intensive watercolor techniques that bring this piece to life—where every detail, from embroidered dresses to patterned tiles, tells a story of culture, patience, and inspiration.
Watercolor Painting Spotlight: “A Sunny Morning”
By Daniela Werneck
www.danielawerneck.com
Olivia, my 13-year-old model, came to my studio on a sunny Friday morning in late spring 2024. The days were starting to warm up, and the light was just gorgeous. We set up a little corner on the balcony, and she comfortably posed for about an hour, soaking up the beautiful weather. Coming from a tropical country, I’ve always loved outdoor life, and sunlight is a big source of energy for me. It’s one of my main inspirations.
Everything about this painting inspired me—everything from the textures of the fabrics to Olivia’s beauty and, of course, the light. The textures were a huge part of this piece, which made it a bit more labor-intensive, but that’s what excites me the most.
The white you see in the painting isn’t really white paint; it’s the surface itself, left untouched. To get this effect, I have to remove the pigment, like when I paint the dress. I start by applying the color I see in the fabric’s background, along with the light and shadow nuances, then I remove the paint to create the embroidery, all while using a small flat brush.
Afterward, I layered more watercolor to add depth and texture. I used the same painting technique to make the blanket and curtain and other details of the painting, so it’s a very long painting process that requires a lot of patience, a quite different technique from what people usually expect from watercolor.
And of course, the tiles in the painting are a recurring theme in much of my work. They represent my roots and culture, blending influences from both Brazil and Portugal.
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