“Batik” (aka poured) watercolor method can be seen in process here (Linda Baker) and here (Leslie Redhead). Poured watercolor paintings are (usually) done using only the three primary colors red, blue, and yellow; they may be “warm” or “cool” pigments—but the end result doesn't differ much, from my experience.
Totally white areas are masked off to preserve them; liquid primary colors are poured strategically onto the pre-moistened paint surface and then the surface is tipped to blend; excess paint is poured off and the surface is allowed to dry completely. The next darkest areas are then masked off and the pouring/blending/drying process is repeated, anywhere from 3 to 6 times depending on the desired level of detail. Often the darkest areas and fine details are added at the end using traditional brush techniques. By the time the final pour is dry and it is time to strip all the masking agent off, it's kind of a big, mysterious mess of stained paper and masking agent, but the "big reveal" moment when the masking is removed can be seriously exciting! The painting may seem like a failure at first look, but it is often quite salvageable once details and "cleanup" are completed.
Though it appears a random and childlike approach, it takes practice to get the subtleties of value right, and I've had some big fails mixed in with some happy endings. It is both tediously fascinating and fascinatingly tedious. It's also a very rewarding process that can produce realistic or impressionistic final images. Due to the drying time between pours, a painting is easily a 4- to 6-day process, so they're not exactly “one-a-day” projects... ;)
The real key to a good outcome begins with an excellent reference photo that has a strong play of light and shadow--if there is not enough difference in value throughout the image, the painting will be very "blah."
Series of 5 prepared for a class demo, "White Flower". These were poured more or less simultaneously. It is remarkable how the colors varied in the finished works, though not surprising, given the somewhat random nature of the process.
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