Layer colors
Watercolor is a thin medium, so it is important to build up slowly and mix colors on top of
each other.
Pull in color
Watercolor paper can be used to pull out a lot of color by applying a dry saturated stroke
with little water, showing a light source or edge.
Lift color
The color lifting technique is a great watercolor tip for beginners, allowing them to quickly
erase mistakes.
Building up color
This activity will help you practice building up color from plain water to a saturated paint
mix. Try this activity a few times to experiment with different colors and to begin to feel
comfortable building up color.
Creating gradient
we'll be working with two colors and slowly transitioning from one to the other. We'll use
colors that are close together on the color wheel to create harmony. The transition
should be soft and subtle, and the real work happens in the palette.
Wet on dry
Wet on dry is a technique used to create layers of color and loose strokes by painting a
wash of wet paint on dry paint. After it has dried, paint on top of it to reveal the bottom
layer.
Wet on wet
Watercolor paint can be used to create ethereal washes by wetting paper with a brush
and dipping it into another color.
Use salt to create texture
Salt can be applied to watercolor paper to create a sandy-looking effect.
Rubbing alcohol
Watercolor paint and rubbing alcohol are similar to oil and water, and can be used to
create an alluring effect similar to tie-dye.
Dry brush
Dry brush is just as it sounds; take a dry (or mostly dry) brush and dip it into
your paint. Afterward, spread it over a dry piece of paper. The result will be a
highly textured mark that’s great for implying fur or hair.
Spatter
The spatter technique creates a chaotic, Jackson Pollock-esque effect by loading a
brush with pigment and using your finger to flick it onto paper. Another option is to use a
secondary brush and knock it against it, but it has less control over where the paint
goes.
Flat wash
A flat wash is a great watercolour technique for beginners to practice to create a flat
base for their picture.
Sponging
Play around with different styles of sponges to create interesting textures.
Scrumbling
Scumbling is a great technique for creating irregular waves of colour with a semi-wet
paintbrush, but be careful not to overwork it. Watercolour paints are available from a
variety of brands, so try as many as you can.
References:
Koehler, E. L. (2021, May 18). 11 Beginner Watercolor Painting Techniques & Useful Tips. Art
Studio Life.
[Link]
%20Watercolor%20Painting%20Techniques%20%26%20Useful
%20Tips,8%208.%20Pull%20in%20color%20. . .%20More%20items
Calderón, A. V. (2018, September 4). 5 Basic Watercolor Techniques for Beginners | Artsy.
Artsy. [Link]
beginners
Barnes, S. (2023, January 24). 11 Popular Watercolor Techniques All Painters Need to Know.
My Modern Met. [Link]
Evans, G. (2022, July 21). 15 Watercolour Painting Techniques Every Artist Should Try. BLOG.
[Link]
should-try/
