What technique would you use to create a smooth transition from one color to white in painting?

The choice of a graded wash is ideal for creating a smooth transition from one color to white in painting. This technique involves gradually mixing water into the paint as you work, allowing for a seamless movement from a darker color to a lighter tone or even to pure white. The controlled dilution of the pigment creates a soft gradient, making the transition appear natural and fluid.

In contrast, a flat wash typically results in an even layer of color without variations in tone, which wouldn't achieve the desired gradient. Drybrush is a technique that uses a brush with minimal paint, creating texture and a more opaque effect rather than a smooth color transition. Impasto involves applying paint thickly to create texture and depth, but it doesn't lend itself to gradual color changes like a graded wash can. Thus, the graded wash stands out as the most effective technique for smoothly transitioning from color to white.