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Start from the Basics
Just like any skill, practice and repetition are key when learning how to paint with watercolors. Here are some simple techniques that every watercolor beginner should familiarize themselves with.
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Flat Washes: This type is the most basic technique in watercolor painting. It involves charging your brush with its belly full of paint and making horizontal brush strokes while maintaining an even pigment load. Pro tip – soak the area you’re going to paint with clean water first. When you lay the watercolor mix, it will flow down the path of the water. This method is beneficial for creating background or sky.
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Graded Washes: This technique involves the gradual transition from a dark pigment to a lighter one. Begin with a saturated pigment and gradually mix in more water to lighten the color as you work your way down the page.
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Wet on wet: Wet on wet is another important technique. You start by painting an area of the paper with water and then adding paint to it. The paint will spread across the wet area, creating a soft and diffuse look.
Get the Right Brushes
The kind and size of brush matter when it comes to watercolor painting. Natural hair brushes are ideal, especially those made from sable, as they can hold a lot of water and paint. Synthetic brushes can also deliver satisfying results. Flat brushes are ideal for flat washes and larger areas, while round brushes are great for general purposes. Smaller brushes are perfect for detailed work.
Work on Composition and Color Theory
Understanding color theory and composition is crucial in creating a visually appealing art piece.
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Color Theory: Familiarize yourself with the color wheel. Learn about primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. Learn how to mix your colors to create custom shades. Understanding warm and cool colors will also help you create a mood in your painting.
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Composition: The rule of thirds is a simple but crucial concept in composition. Divide your canvas into nine equal sections and place the subject of your painting along these lines or where they intersect, which balances the detail and color in your painting.
Understanding Water Control
Controlling the water can be challenging for beginners in watercolor painting. Remember that less is more. It is advisable to start with thin washes and gradually build up the color. It is much easier to darken a color than it is to lighten it. Having a piece of scrap paper will also come in handy for testing your colors before applying them to your painting.
Preserve Your Whites and Lights
In watercolor painting, you use the white of the paper to create light in your painting. Imagine the lightest parts of the painting and withhold color in these areas.
Experiment with Salt, Wax and Other Textures
Did you know that you can create exciting textures in your watercolor painting using household items? Sprinkling salt on wet watercolor creates a starry effect, while wax resist adds unique elements. Moreover, try splattering, scratching, scrubbing, or sponging to create different textures and depth in your paintings.
Learn From Others
Learning is a never-ending process. Seek out workshops, online tutorials, local classes, or art groups in your area. Observing how others use watercolor can provide you with valuable insights. Remember, each artist has their unique style. Use what you learn to enhance your skills, and don’t be hesitant to add your personal touch.
Practice Regularly
The key ingredient in improving at painting, or any art, is regular practice. The more often you do it, the more familiar you become with the materials and techniques, leading to significant improvements over time.
Embrace Mistakes
Watercolor is unpredictable, and that’s part of its charm. Embrace the happy accidents and treat them as opportunities for learning and improvisation.
Keep a Painting Journal
A painting journal is a fantastic tool for tracking your progress, as well as noting and reflecting upon anything you have learnt or discovered about watercolor painting.
