What term describes the technique of adding a large area of color in watercolor painting?

The term that describes the technique of adding a large area of color in watercolor painting is 'wash.' A wash is created by diluting watercolor paint with water and applying it in an even layer over a surface, allowing for a transparent look that can yield beautiful gradients and soft backgrounds. This technique is fundamental in watercolor painting, as it enables artists to establish a foundational color across larger sections of their work, creating depth and atmosphere.

In contrast, impasto refers to a technique in painting where paint is laid on the surface very thickly, usually in oil mediums, to create texture. Glazing involves applying thin layers of translucent color over dried paint to modify the appearance of the colors beneath, which works well in oil painting but is less common with watercolors. Scumbling is a technique that involves applying a layer of light, opaque paint over a dry underpainting to create a textured effect, typically used to add highlights or soften edges in a more controlled manner. Each of these techniques serves different purposes and effects in painting, but wash specifically pertains to the application of broad, diluted areas of color in watercolor work.