Mastering the Art of Watercolor

Watercolor painting is one of the most interesting and relaxing forms of art. It allows you to express yourself in new and exciting ways by using different colors, shapes, and textures. If you’re looking for a new way to relax and unwind, then this is the perfect medium for you. In this article, we will be discussing how to make watercolor in a relaxed English language that is easy to follow even for beginners.

Before we get started, it’s important to note that there’s no one right way to make watercolor. Every artist has their own techniques, preferences, and tips that work best for them. Therefore, the process we’ll be discussing is just one way to make watercolor. You can adapt it to your personal style and preferences. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process!

Choosing the Right Paper

Choosing the right paper is key to creating a successful watercolor painting. Watercolor paper comes in different weights and textures, so it’s important to choose the right one for your project.

Weight

The weight of watercolor paper is measured in pounds per ream (a ream is 500 sheets). The most common weights are 90-pound, 140-pound, and 300-pound. The weight you choose will depend on the style and technique you plan to use.

90-pound paper is the lightest weight and is best for experimenting with different techniques before moving on to heavier weight paper. 140-pound paper is the most popular weight and is great for most watercolor projects. 300-pound paper is the heaviest weight and is ideal for large-scale paintings.

Texture

Watercolor paper also comes in different textures, including rough, cold-pressed, and hot-pressed. The texture you choose will affect the way the paint is absorbed by the paper.

Rough paper has a bumpy texture, cold-pressed paper has a medium texture, and hot-pressed paper has a smooth texture. Rough paper is best for loose, expressive paintings, while cold-pressed paper is ideal for a range of styles and techniques. Hot-pressed paper is great for detailed work.

Cotton Versus Wood Pulp

When choosing watercolor paper, you will also need to consider whether you want cotton or wood pulp paper. Cotton paper is the best quality paper and is more expensive than wood pulp paper. It is also more durable and can handle more water and paint.

Wood pulp paper is less expensive and is fine for practicing or experimenting with techniques. However, it is not as durable and may not hold up as well over time.

Pre-Stretched Paper

Pre-stretched watercolor paper can save time and ensure a smooth surface for painting. This paper comes already attached to a wooden board and has been stretched to prevent warping.

If you choose to use pre-stretched paper, be sure to soak it in water before beginning to paint. This will ensure the paint is evenly absorbed and will prevent the paper from buckling or warping.

Tools and Materials needed for Watercolor Painting

In this section, we will discuss the different tools and materials that you need to get started with watercolor painting.

Watercolor Paints

Watercolor paint is one of the essential materials for watercolor painting. You can choose between student-grade and artist-grade watercolors, depending on your budget and skill level. Artist-grade watercolors are of higher quality and have a higher pigment concentration compared to student-grade watercolors.

Watercolor Paper

Watercolor paper is specially designed to absorb water and hold paint. Choose a high-quality watercolor paper to avoid buckling or warping. The weight of the paper is also crucial, ranging from 90 to 300 pounds. A higher weight paper is thicker and sturdier, making it ideal for wet-on-wet techniques and heavy washes.

Watercolor Brushes

Watercolor brushes come in different shapes and sizes, each with its unique purpose. Some of the basic shapes are the round brush, flat brush, and filbert brush. The size of the brush will depend on the size of your painting and the detail you want to achieve. Invest in high-quality brushes to have better control and precision.

Water Containers

You will need water containers to clean your brushes and dilute your paint. You can use small jars or plastic cups as water containers. Use one container for clean water and another for dirty water to keep your colors clean.

Palette

A palette is where you mix and hold your paint. You can choose between a plastic or porcelain palette. Porcelain palettes are more durable and easy to clean than plastic palettes.

Pencil and Eraser

You will need a pencil and eraser to sketch your design on your watercolor paper before applying paint. Use an HB or 2B pencil to avoid the pencil lines showing through paint.

Masking Tape

Masking tape is essential in watercolor painting to create sharp edges and protect areas of the paper you don’t want to paint. You can use low tack or artist-grade tape to avoid damaging the paper.

Spray Bottle

A spray bottle is handy to create texture and soften colors in your painting. Fill it with clean water and spritz it onto the paper to create different effects.

Palette Knife

You can use a palette knife to mix different colors and apply paint to your paper. A palette knife is also useful in creating texture and scraping off excess paint.

Board and Clips

A board and clips are handy to keep your paper flat and prevent buckling. You can use a clipboard or buy a specialized watercolor board. Use clips to hold your paper in place while you paint.

3. Choose Your Watercolor Paint Supplies

Once you’ve prepared your workspace with materials, it’s time to choose your watercolor supplies. There are many brands of watercolor paints available, and it’s important to find the ones that work best for your style of painting. Here are some important factors to consider when choosing your watercolor supplies.

The Types of Watercolor Paints

Watercolor paints come in two different types: pans and tubes. Pan watercolors are solid and come in a circular metal tin. Tube watercolors come in a soft plastic tube and are in liquid form. Pan watercolors are better for artists who want to travel with their paints, while tube watercolors are better for artists who work in a studio environment. Tubes offer more color options than pans, as they produce more intense color and can be blended easily.

Find the Right Brushes

The brush is an essential part of producing any watercolor artwork, and it’s important to choose the right brush for your project. Brushes come in different sizes, shapes, and stiffness, and it’s important to find the ones that work best for your painting technique. A good rule of thumb is to use larger brushes for bold areas and smaller brushes for detail work. You will also want to look for brushes that have a good amount of “spring,” meaning they will snap back to their shape after each stroke.

Invest in Good-Quality Paper

Paper is one of the most important components of watercolor painting, as the texture, weight, and finish of the paper will affect the way paint adheres and spreads. It’s important to choose the right paper for your project. Watercolor paper comes in different weights, with the heaviest paper producing the best results. You will also want to consider the texture of the paper, as a rougher texture will result in a different look than a smoother texture.

Get Accessories to Enhance Your Painting

Watercolor accessories can also enhance your painting experience. Consider purchasing a palette, which is a flat, plastic tray designed for holding and mixing paint. You can also purchase a water brush, which is a brush that holds water in its handle, eliminating the need to constantly dip your brush into water. Tape and masking fluid can also be used to create fine lines or to create areas of negative space.

Start Painting

Once you have gathered all your supplies, it’s time to start painting! Try experimenting with different techniques and styles, starting with simple shapes and working your way up to more complex scenes. Remember that watercolor painting is all about experimentation and having fun, so don’t be afraid to make mistakes and try new things.

Happy Painting!

Congratulations! You now know how to make your own watercolors. Experiment with different color combinations and techniques to create stunning works of art. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep practicing and have fun. Thanks for reading and come back soon for more exciting art tips and tricks. Let’s paint the world with colors!