By definition, watercolor is paint that is activated by adding water to create shades that are delicate and easy to layer once dried. It can be difficult to get the hang of watercolor if you are new to the world of painting, which is why this guide has been created to help you feel more confident with experimenting.
Watercolor is one of the most versatile types of paint, and it can be a great way to discover a new form of self-expression. For some, watercolor is even cathartic and can be a way to calm the mind. Whatever purpose it serves for you, make sure that you keep in mind these ideas before investing in supplies.
Get Supplies
The first thing that you need to do is check that you have the right supplies. Good quality materials are essential to get the most out of your watercolor, because it can make the paint last longer and create the right effect. Use this link to find some good watercolor brushes for beginners, and browse the recommended ones for your intended purpose.
Another thing you should consider is that not all paper is created the same. While sketchbooks have slightly thicker paper than printer paper, watercolor paper has been made to be more resistant to water. This means that it is less likely to fall apart after being heavily covered in watercolor.
The final piece of the puzzle comes from the paint. Again, some brands have created watercolor paints that are easy to use but might not be as easy to layer, whereas others are higher quality and will last a long time when used correctly. If you want to spend money on something that will last through regular use, then it could be worth investing in artist quality watercolor paint.
Because of the increased demand on watercolor paint, there are several main forms that the paint is available in. Depending on which you choose, there will be different ways to combine them with water in order to begin painting.
The traditional dry paints are activated by wiping them with a wet brush, whereas others come in a tube which is similar to acrylic paint. This form of watercolor requires less water, which is why it is worth reading the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
Keep It Simple
It’s important to remember that everybody starts somewhere, and if you are concerned about what you want to paint, it’s worth keeping it simple. This means if you want to take a screen break, you should just pick up a paint brush and let your mind run free.
The great thing about watercolor is that the possibilities are endless, and that nobody is going to criticize what you have made if you don’t want them to. Start off with simple designs or patterns if you find it easier, and build your confidence from there.
Work From Light To Dark
Once you have had the time to experiment a little with colors and patterns, you might want to try layering. For scenes, portraits and landscapes, it’s worth remembering to work from light to dark. Watercolor is a very delicate and subtle paint, which is why you should remember that you can add accents and shadows later.
It’s more important to focus on filling the main areas with the lightest colors first, so that you can figure out how the sunlight or other light source would interact with the objects you are painting.
Things To Remember
Mixing
It’s worth trying different surfaces for mixing colors ahead of time, because it is down to personal preference. Some people prefer to layer their paint in order to create the desired color or effect, while others mix on the lid of their watercolor container. Other options for mixing include a spare piece of paper or a regular palate.
Two Water Pots
Keep two pots or jars of clean water at any time. This way, you can use one for mixing colors, and another purely for keeping your brush clean. It can make your colors a lot more crisp, because you won’t have shades that haven’t been correctly washed away in them.
Keep A Rag Handy
Watercolors can be messy, and you will want to keep a spare rag or kitchen towel within reach. This can allow you to soak up excess water from your painting if you think that you have mixed the paint too much. A spare rag can also be used to keep your brushes dry after washing them, which will help keep them in good condition and lasting longer.
Summary
There are a lot of things to remember when you are preparing to watercolor, but it is definitely worth persevering because it can be a therapeutic process once you have got the hang of it. Layering and shading will come later, so make sure you start with the basics and build your confidence from there.