What is a watercolor wash?

A watercolor wash is characterized by the application of a thin layer of diluted paint, which allows for a translucent effect on the paper. This technique is fundamental in watercolor painting as it helps create soft backgrounds, gradients, and variations in color intensity without the heaviness that can come from thicker paint applications.

Using a wash enables artists to build up colors gradually, achieving depth and richness in their artwork while maintaining the light and airy quality that watercolor is known for. This allows the underlying paper to show through, contributing to the overall luminosity of the painting. The other options represent different artistic techniques that do not align with the specific qualities of a watercolor wash, which emphasizes thin, transparent layers rather than opacity or texture.