Book excerpt: In watercolor paintings it is the masterful use of washes that creates depth, spontaneity and atmosphere. In Mastering the Watercolor Wash, Joe Garcia provides clear, simple step-by-step instructions that teach the four basic washes: flat, gradated, wet-into-wet and streaked. Painters will find plenty of guidelines and 33 demonstrations that combine these techniques to create light and shadow effects, as well as a variety of textures for popular subjects including rocks, clouds and sand.They'll also learn how to develop unique textures and special effects using salt, a palette knife, masking fluid, sponges, dry brushes, spattering and lifting techniques.Joe Garcia's work has been published in Wildlife Art, Watercolor Magic, Art of the American West, Best of Wildlife 2 and Splash 3. It has also been featured in the prestigious Birds in Art annual exhibit. Joe teaches workshops in watercolor and nature painting. He lives in Julian, California.