Watercolor For Beginners: Your Guide To Getting Started

Watercolor is a beautiful and versatile medium that can be enjoyed by beginners and experienced artists alike. If you are a newbie to watercolor and aren’t sure if you can do it, we will work together and get you on your way!

Let’s talk about it!

Choosing Your Materials

Before you can start watercolor painting, the first thing you’ll need to choose is your materials. Here are some things to consider:

Brushes: The right brushes are essential for watercolor painting. Look for brushes with soft, absorbent bristles that can hold plenty of water and pigment. Round brushes are a good choice for beginners, as they can be used for both detail work and broader strokes.

I prefer to start with a round 6 and a round 2. A round 6 or an 8 can be used for the basic wash and layering, whereas a round 2 is best for detail.

Paints: There are many different types of watercolor paint available, from student-grade to professional-grade.

As a beginner, you will start with pan paints as they are easy to work with and also very portable! If tube paints are more your jam, check out my post on Pan vs Tube Watercolor to learn more!

Palette: A palette is used to hold and mix your paint. You can use a traditional plastic palette, porcelain, or my favorite – the old-fashioned white enamel pans our great-grandmas used to use in the kitchen.

Paper: The type of paper you choose will affect the outcome of your painting. Look for paper that is specifically designed for watercolor painting with a weight of 140 lb. My paper of choice is Canson Watercolor 140 lb.

For more detailed information on watercolor supplies, read all about it in my blog post, Watercolor Supplies for the Beginner.

Setting Up Your Workspace

Once you have your materials, it’s time to set up your workspace. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Choose a well-lit area: Good lighting is important when working with watercolors. Natural light is best, but if that’s not possible, use a bright lamp.
• Protect your work surface: Watercolor can be messy, so it’s a good idea to protect your work surface with a plastic tablecloth or some newspapers. Keep either an old washcloth or rag or even paper towels with you as you will use them to blot your brushes as well.
• Keep your water clean: Dirty water can affect the color of your paint, so it’s important to keep your water clean. Change it often and use a separate container for rinsing your brushes.
• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and materials. Watercolor is a versatile medium that allows for a lot of creativity and experimentation.
• Practice: Daily practice can help you achieve better results!

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful watercolor paintings. Just remember to have fun and enjoy the process!

Read more about setting up your watercolor workspace for more detail on a successful start to your painting.

Basic Watercolor Techniques

Watercolor is a versatile and fun medium that allows you to create beautiful and unique paintings. If you want to learn how more about basic techniques on the vertical and slanted hold of the brush as well as creating shapes, grasses, flowers, petals, and more, read 5 Basic Watercolor Brush Strokes Exercises For Beginners

Here are some basic watercolor techniques that you can use to get started:

Wet on Wet

Wet on wet is a technique where you apply wet paint onto a wet surface. This technique is great for creating soft and blended backgrounds or for creating a sense of movement in your painting. To use this technique, start by wetting your paper with clean water using a brush. Then, apply your paint onto the wet surface and watch as the colors blend together.

This is my favorite technique for painting skies, as it gives a realistic effect.

Wet on Dry

Wet on dry is a technique where you apply wet paint onto a dry surface. This technique is great for creating sharp and defined edges or for adding details to your painting. To use this technique, start by applying a layer of paint onto your dry paper. Once the paint has dried, you can add additional layers of paint to create depth and texture.

If you are impatient like me and hate to wait until my paint dries, a hair dryer works wonders!

Dry Brush Techniques

Dry brush techniques are used to create texture and detail in your paintings. To use this technique, dip your brush into your paint and then remove most of the paint by wiping it on a paper towel. Then, use the brush to apply the remaining paint onto your paper. This technique works best on dry paper and can be used to create a variety of textures such as tree bark or fur.

By using these basic techniques, you can create a variety of textures and layers in your watercolor paintings. We will experiment with these techniques in future posts.

For more information on watercolor techniques, I wrote a whole post on watercolor techniques that will give you the basics on getting started.

Understanding Watercolor Medium

Watercolor is made up of a pigment, gum arabic, and other additives.

Transparency and Opacity

One of the unique properties of watercolor is its transparency. This means that the color of the paper will show through the paint, which can create interesting effects. In contrast, opaque colors will completely cover the paper and other colors underneath.

It is important to note that not all watercolor pigments are transparent. Some are more opaque, which can be useful for creating highlights or adding texture. When selecting colors, it is important to consider their transparency and opacity to achieve the desired effect.

Mixing and Blending Colors

Watercolor is known for its ability to mix and blend colors. This is because the paint is water-soluble, which allows for easy blending and layering. When mixing colors, it is important to consider the color wheel and the properties of each pigment.

For example, mixing complementary colors (opposite colors on the color wheel) will create a neutral gray. Mixing warm and cool colors can create interesting color harmonies. It is also important to consider the transparency of each color when mixing, as this can affect the final result.

When wanting to use black, I find it best to just mix a bit of all the colors on your palette to make a natural black.

The best part is if you want orange paint, but don’t have any, mix red and yellow to the shade you want. Same for blue and yellow for a nice green. If you want a darker green add a bit of your black. The possibilities are endless.

Watercolor Painting Composition

Now let’s discuss two crucial aspects of watercolor painting composition: planning your artwork and working with light and shadows.

Planning Your Artwork

Before you start painting, it’s important to plan your artwork carefully. Consider the subject matter, the composition, and the values you want to convey. Here are some tips to help you plan your watercolor painting:

• Start with a rough sketch of your subject matter. This will help you to determine the composition and the placement of different elements in your painting. Use light pencil strokes. Just remember that a pencil cannot be erased once paint is on it. So use a light touch. Unless you are doing a line and wash painting it can be darker. (See below image)
• Think about the focal point of your painting. This is the area that you want to draw the viewer’s attention to. Consider using contrast, color, and value to create a strong focal point. The focal point does not always have to be front and center but should be in a prominent place on your canvas.
• Create a sense of balance in your painting. This can be achieved by using symmetry, asymmetry, or radial balance. For example, when painting a landscape, the items in the front should be larger than the items in the back, like trees in the distance, etc.
• Consider the overall mood and atmosphere you want to convey. This can be achieved through the use of color, value, and composition.

Working with Light and Shadows

Light and shadows are two elements of watercolor painting composition. They can create depth, dimension, and a sense of realism in your artwork. Here are some tips to help you work with light and shadows:

• Identify the light source in your painting. This will help you to determine where the highlights and shadows will fall. To figure this out, see where your light source begins and if the shadows fall to the front, back, or sides. Look out on a sunny day and study how shadows fall on natural elements.
• Use value to create the illusion of light and shadow. Darker values will create shadows, while lighter values will create highlights. I prefer to use Ultramarine Blue for shadows as it gives a realistic effect.
• Use color temperature to create the illusion of light and shadow. Warmer colors will appear closer to the light source, while cooler colors will appear further away.

By following these tips, you can create a well-planned and visually appealing watercolor painting composition. We will be experimenting with these techniques in future posts.

Troubleshooting Common Watercolor Issues

Fixing Mistakes

Making mistakes is a natural part of the watercolor process, but it can be frustrating when you’re not sure how to fix them. Here are some tips for fixing common mistakes:

• Blotting: If you accidentally apply too much paint, you can blot it with a clean, damp brush or paper towel. This can help lift some of the excess paint and prevent it from spreading further.
• Scraping: If the paint has already dried, you can use a razor blade or other sharp tool to gently scrape away the unwanted paint. Be careful not to damage the paper or underlying layers of paint. This technique can be a bit tricky and I am not a fan of it.
• Erasing: Some watercolor papers are designed to be erasable, meaning you can use an eraser to remove unwanted paint. However, be aware that erasing can damage the paper and may not be effective on all types of paint.

What I love about watercolor is that a lot of happy accidents occur.

Jane Seymour

Preventing and Lifting Unwanted Paint

Prevention is always better than cure, so here are some tips for preventing and lifting unwanted paint:

• Control: One of the best ways to prevent mistakes is to maintain control over your brush and paint. Practice using different brush strokes and techniques to achieve the desired effect, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and textures. I always have a practice paper next to me to try a difficult brush stroke or effect.
• Lifting: If you notice a mistake before the paint has dried, you can try lifting it with a clean, damp brush or paper towel. Simply dab the area gently until the paint starts to lift, then blot it with a dry towel to absorb the excess moisture.
• Layering: Another way to prevent mistakes is to work in layers, building up the paint gradually instead of applying too much at once. This can help you maintain control over the paint and make it easier to correct mistakes if necessary. Layering is always the best practice when working with watercolor.

Remember, mistakes are a natural part of the watercolor process, and the best way to improve is to keep practicing. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new techniques, and always be patient and gentle when correcting mistakes. Remember to be kind to yourself as you will make mistakes, but sometimes those mistakes can make it into something new and fun!

Exploring Watercolor Styles and Subjects

Let’s explore three popular styles of watercolor painting: landscape, abstract/modern, and line and wash.

Landscape Painting

Landscape painting is one of the most popular subjects for watercolor artists. It allows you to capture the beauty of nature and create stunning works of art. To create a successful landscape painting, you need to understand the basic principles of composition, color, and value.

One of the most important things to consider when painting a landscape is the sky. The sky can set the tone for the entire painting and can be used to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. You can use a variety of techniques to create different types of skies, such as wet-on-wet or dry-brush techniques.

As I stated earlier, I love to use wet on wet for skies. I let some of the white of the paper shine through. Using a scrunched up paper towel, you can blot your paper to make fluffy clouds as well!

Another important aspect of landscape painting is the use of color. You can use a limited color palette to create a harmonious and unified painting, or you can use a wide range of colors to create a vibrant and dynamic painting. It’s important to understand color theory and how to mix colors to achieve the desired effect.

Abstract and Modern Watercolors

Abstract and modern watercolors are a departure from traditional landscape painting and offer a more experimental and expressive approach to watercolor painting. These styles allow you to explore color, shape, and texture in a more abstract and non-representational way.

One of the key elements of abstract and modern watercolors is the use of color. You can use bold, bright colors to create a sense of energy and movement, or you can use muted, subdued colors to create a more contemplative painting.

Another important aspect of abstract and modern watercolors is the use of texture. You can use a variety of techniques to create different textures, such as salt, alcohol, or wax resist. These techniques can add depth and interest to your painting and give it a unique and personal touch.

For a fun snowy night, using salt will create a beautiful effect. Just regular table salt will do, or you can use larger grains, but table salt is best for me.

In future posts, we will play around with salt as well as wax. You will love what it can do!

Line And Wash Paintings

This is one of my favorite styles of watercolor. Line and Wash involves roughly sketching your drawing out and then painting over the sketch. You can either start the outline with a micron pen or just trace over your pencil sketch once finished with the painting.

Caring for Your Watercolor Art and Materials

When it comes to watercolor art, proper care and maintenance can help ensure that your paintings and materials last. Here are some tips for preserving your watercolor art and materials:

Preservation

Watercolor paintings are delicate and can be easily damaged if not properly preserved. It is important to keep your paintings away from direct sunlight and high humidity, as these can cause the colors to fade or the paper to warp.

To protect your paintings, consider framing them behind UV-protective glass or storing them in a portfolio or acid-free sleeve.

Cleaning Brushes

To keep your brushes in good condition, it is important to clean them thoroughly after each use. Rinse your brushes in warm water and gently reshape the bristles with your fingers.

Avoid using hot water or harsh soaps, as these can damage the bristles. For stubborn stains, use a gentle brush cleaner or a mixture of warm water and mild soap.

If you clean them after each use, your brushes will last a long time. Be sure to store them upright and never on their bristles, as this will damage them.

Storing Paintings

When storing your watercolor paintings, it is important to keep them flat and protected. Avoid stacking paintings on top of each other, as this can cause them to stick together or become damaged. Use acid-free tissue paper to separate paintings and store them in a dry, cool place.

I purchase Display Books to keep my paintings in. These display books are just the right size for my watercolors.

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your watercolor art and materials remain in good condition for years to come.

Stay Colorful, Stay Creative, and. HAVE FUN!

~Laurie

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