Watercolor Painting Tips

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Tables of Contents
A Short Primer On Watercolor
Choosing Your Watercolors And Painting Materials
Effective Watercolor Techniques
Painting Through Ages: History Of Watercolors
Mixing Watercolors: A Simple Guide For The Serious Artist
Online Watercolor Painting Lessons
Painting With Water: Some Basic Exercises On Using Watercolors
Starting Watercolors: Basic Techniques In Painting
The Art and Science Of Mixing Watercolors
The Joy Of Making Watercolors
Watercolor As One Of The Most Popular Medium Of Painting
Watercolor Techniques
Watercolor Basics for Beginners
Watercolor Painting For Kids
Watercolor Painting Ideas
Watercolors And Arts For Children
Watercolors For Beginners
Watercolors: From Time and Beyond
Watercolors: How To Start Working With Them
Watercolors: What You Need To Remember
Watercolor Paintings Why You Should Try It
Links

A Short Primer On
Watercolor
There is a myth going around that of all the drawing arts, watercolor
is the hardest to master. That assessment is far from the truth,
according to the many watercolor artists, famous and otherwise.
In fact, they assert that learning how to paint with watercolor is
totally fun and easy, especially so if you are artistically-inclined.
Another good thing going for it is that it is low-cost and is much
easier to master than, say oil painting.
Benefits
From the creative point of view, watercolor painting offers just as
much artistic possibilities for self-expression as all the others. The
satisfaction of finishing your art work is just as priceless as any.
From a practical point of view, watercolor equipments (and
materials) are lightweight and easy to transport. The materials
(paper, paints, pencil, etc.) are not expensive and easy to purchase.
Watercolors use water to thin it whenever it is used and are non-toxic
at all. The paints are cleaned easily from the brushes with water and
soap and are not smelly.
For people on the go, the painting kit for watercolors does not take
up much room in your bags. Because it is portable and its ease of
use, watercolors are preferred by artists in doing their sketches or

studies.
Artists usually do their warm up art exercises on watercolor still
life, landscapes, or some abstract portraits to trigger their creative
juices. Some experienced artists use it to make small-scale studies
for some big murals they intend to do in the future.
Materials and media
For mixed media pieces, watercolor blends well with colored
pencils, watercolor pencils, graphite and ink. Where before
watercolor traditionally use paper as their medium, there is now a
special watercolor canvas manufactured specially for watercolor use.
Some creative people paint on antique book pages and on other
vintage materials like old postcards and stationeries.
Characteristics
Watercolor paint usually has that translucent, ethereal quality that
usually comes out in the finished art work. Some talented watercolor
artists layer images and other artistic strokes in such a way that
whats underneath shows through. Some of these works are simply
breath-taking.
However, the downside is that it is difficult to cover mistakes in a
watercolor art work simply because it shows through. (Usually, these
professional artists avoid these by pre-planning what they are going
to work on, and how to work it out, including those masterful
layering strokes.)
Sketching

Like most other artists in other fields, watercolor artists usually

sketch in their art composition very lightly with a pencil before
applying the watercolor. Most often, watercolor art works usually
dries up fast after work.
Also, the total color scheme of the piece is usually lighter than what
it appeared to the viewers when it was still wet. Of course, there are
other watercolor techniques that are done that makes the work really
wet.
Painting techniques
Techniques such as wet-on-wet (very wet brush and wet paper) or
wet-on-dry (wet brush on dry paper) are just two of the techniques.
Other effects are created with splattering, using salt and others.
However, dried watercolor paint rewets easily and can be
reactivated. Once finished, watercolor paintings are sealed with a
protective spray. This seals in the colors and protects the surface.
Are you interested?

Choosing Your
Watercolors And
Painting Materials
If you are planning to start watercolour painting and you are a
novice, then the first thing you need to do is purchase your

watercolors and painting materials. For a beginner, it seems that

everything is just the same. Sometimes, looking for painting
materials could be overwhelming since there are a lot of choices.
To make shopping easier, here are the painting materials you will be
needing and what you need to look for.
Watercolors
Watercolors could be in cake sets or in tubes. Watercolors would
usually have the basic colors included. The white colored cake or
rube is usually opaque and are often used in Gouache painting. If
you are just starting or a student in watercolour painting, then you
could look for brands that offer watercolour for academic or for
students. There are watercolors which are artist rated, you could start
using them once you have learned the basics of watercolour painting.
There are different colors, like transparent and semi-transparent
watercolors let light pass through the surface. There are also opaque
and somewhat opaque colors like red, oranges and violet. You could
also look for neutral colors.
Brushes
It is important to pick brushes which are intend for watercolour
painting, since brushes that are intended for other types of painting,
may damage the watercolour paper. Make sure that you are getting
brushes which are guaranteed not to lose its hairs. Also, not all
brushes are the same, there are flats which are used for broad areas,
they have long bristles and square ends. Rounded bristles with
pointed tips are for adding details. Filbert brushes have almond
shaped ends which are ideal for creating shapes.

Watercolor papers
There are different kinds of watercolour papers it could be machinemade paper, rough paper, hot-pressed paper, and cold-pressed paper.
Their difference would be on the texture and the grains.
Watercolour papers are not only different based on their
manufacturer, but also based on the brand of the paper.
When buying watercolour papers, choose papers that are acid-free.
Papers that have too much acid would change to yellow as time
goes. Although, we usually think that watercolour papers are only
white, that is not true. There are watercolour papers that have warm
tints and colors.
Weight is also another important things to consider when looking for
watercolour paper. This shows how thick the paper is, it is usually in
pounds or grams per square meter. The 300gsm is the mostcommonly used paper. While the 200gsm is considered lighter but
may cause more problems since it is thinner.
Palette
There are three kinds of palette which you could use. The first one is
the cake and pan, since it they have built-in fold out palettes. While
for tube watercolors, there are flat plates which looks like the
palettes being used in schools. The covered plastic palette is actually
does not waste too much watercolour.
Extra materials you need for watercolour painting.
These are actually just pencils, pens, eraser, old towels, tissue papers
and of course water. You would need clean tap water for cleaning

the brushes and the other one for painting.

Effective Watercolor
Techniques
Painting using watercolor is one of the easiest things to do if you
have the right set of supplies and you are familiar with the simple
techniques that you can use.
For beginners, it is advisable to complete a simple set of watercolor
supplies including pigments and paints, brushes, a palette, paper, and
water. Once you have all these, you may proceed to using different
watercolor techniques including:
1. Washes Technique. This is considered the simplest and most
basic watercolor techniques. You can use the flat wash which is done
by wetting the area of paper. You can cover it by the wash after
mixing enough paint to fill the entire area easily. You can also use
the graded wash wherein the paint or the pigment is slightly diluted
using more water in each horizontal stroke which will lead to
gradual fading of shades. The graded wash technique is best for
painting skies.
2. Glazing Technique. This is quite similar to the wash technique
but uses a transparent and thin paint that is applied over existing
washes instead. The main idea here is to adjust the tone and shade of
the wash underlying it. In using the glazing technique, make sure
each layer is used evenly. The glazing technique is perfect for
creating a cool gray glaze that are usually pushed back the end of the

buildings.
3. Wet in Wet Technique. This refers to the technique which is
simply done by applying pigment to wet paper. As a result, soft
undefined shapes will come out from slightly blurred marks. This
technique is usually applied over existing dry washes. This technique
is best used when pushing images of bushes into a certain distance.
4. Dry Brush Technique. This is the opposite of the wet in wet
technique because the brush loaded with paint and less water is
usually used over a paper that is dried completely. Here, the marks
that were produced have hard edges and are very crisp. The usual
result of this technique is that it will make your image come forward
from your painting.
5. Lifting Off Technique. Here, some watercolor pigments are
usually dissolved. Then, these are lifted off once it has been dried
completely. The lifting off technique can be done simply by wetting
the area and by removing the pigment using a brush. With the help
of tissue and clean water, the pigment can be wiped off. The blotted
pigment will produce unique hard edged shapes and lines. This
technique is ideal for producing foreground shadows.
6. Dropping in Color Technique. This is another simple technique
usually used by beginners in watercolor painting. Here, a color is
introduced to a wet region of the paper and blended well. Usually,
the unpredictable but it is always proven to produce interesting
results since it makes the color gradations more vibrant.
These watercolor techniques can be learned by conducting a simple
research in the Internet or by simply browsing books or magazines
on crafts and paintings. You can also ask people who are into using

watercolor in producing paintings to get first hand tips.

Painting Through Ages:

History Of Watercolors
Watercolors or watercolour has been around for ages. It remains to
be one of the most popular medium. People of all ages have been
using watercolour to create wonderful art works. It is common for
children to have watercolors in their school bags.
For the French, watercolors are referred to as aquarelle. Aquarelle is
a painting technique where the colors are transparent. It was quite
popular during the 18th to 19 century in Europe. Most of those who
paint using this technique were French and English landscape artists.
It was 18th century when more and more artists were using
watercolors for painting such as J.M.W. Turner and John Sell
Cotman. They are both known in history as great artists, especially
Cotman, who was created unique works of art.
But the use of paint did not start during this period. Human has been
using paint and colored pigments to illustrate human life as early as
the time of the primitive man. Egyptian tombs and temples are also
decorated with these different designs using colored pigments and
drawn on papyrus. Paint was also used to design Japanese
handmade papers, calligraphy, and other visual art form.
European monks during the Middle Ages used tempera to create
manuscripts which are also considered a form of art. One of the
most famous illuminated book was the Limbourg brothers, Paul,

Herman, and Jean book which was often referred to as The Book of
Hours. It was more known as the calendar Les Tres Riches Heures
du Duc de Berry which was created in 1415. During the
Renaissance period, more visual artists in Europe emerged and
various art works have made major influences on the subsequent art
forms.
The development of paper also had an impact on the emergence of
the watercolour tradition. Paper started as a luxury item, which is
why watercolour was also evolving slowly. China has been
manufacturing paper earlier than their European counterparts.
England has produced its first mills in 1495. It was only during the
18th century when Britain started making quality paper.
With the increase in the availability of paper, drawings and other
creative ideas was explored. It was Albrecht Durer who was
considered as the first watercolour artist during the 15th century.
When the production of high quality paper surged in the last period
of the 18th century, the watercolour tradition in Britain started.
English J.M.W. Turner emerged during this period and was one of
the best watercolour painters during this century.
In 1780s, a British company started manufacturing which are
specially made for watercolour painting. Painters used to ground
their color pigments, until the late 18th century when another
Englishman named William Reeves started selling them as portable
cakes.
It was towards the end of 18th century when the watercolours
reached America. American painters were still working in the
shadow of European known artists. gradually, new watercolour
painters from the American showed their talent like Thomas Eakins

and Winslow Homer. Considerable amount of painters were using

watercolour as their medium which is why the American Society of
Painters in Water Color was established in 1866.
Eventually, American watercolour artists started to break away from
their European and British counterparts. Unlike the strict traditions
followed in British schools, Americans do not have restrictions.
Because of this, American watercolour painters were able to explore
and more important watercolour painters gained recognition.
Nowadays, watercolors have become accessible for everyone.
Everybody who is interested in expressing their artistry using
watercolors could try. There are watercolour painting classes offered
which could guide both adults and children in watercolour painting.

Mixing Watercolors: A
Simple Guide For The
Serious Artist
Watercolors are a fine medium for any artist to work in. Most
people's experiences with the medium are when they are children but
the purview of watercolor paintings goes beyond that of juvenile
beginnings. Oils and acrylics maybe the medium favored by many
serious artists but watercolors have produced some masterpieces in
their own right, especially by those of the English school in the
sixteenth century. Watercolor as a medium is a difficult thing to
master unlike the steadiness of oil, watercolors change the canvas

and are an active part of the process because of its temperament.

There are several techniques unique to the school that help an artist
attempt to work with the changes wrought by the medium.
One of these techniques is to create your own paints. Most expert
painters prefer to do this, even though there is a plethora of
commercial choices available on the market. This is a field where
watercolor excels unlike oils and acrylics with their toxic and
difficult to manage components, watercolors are easy-to-use with an
easily available solvent. Their odorless nature and low maintenance
requirements also make watercolors an attractive choice for most
painters. Mixing your own watercolors is also a simple task all
you'll need is a few easily available items and you'll be set. You can
actually buy watercolor mixing kit they can be found in most art
supply shops and are a great way to get you started. However, if
your shop is a bit lacking, you can mix your own paints without a
kit.
First of all, you'll need a few tools you'll need a few palette knives
and a muller. A muller is essentially used to grind pigment you'll
find one in most art supply shops. The palette knives are to cut the
binders and pigments into easily manageable pieces. They also
double as spatulas, if necessary. Note that you'll need to keep them
clean constantly or your paint will have impurities that will
eventually ruin it. This also runs true for any pots or pans you'll be
using the process.
Next, when you've got all the tools, you'll have to get the
ingredients. Pigments are easy to come by since they're already sold
as such. You'll have to make your own binder though binders are
what make sure the pigments stay uniform and stick to the canvas.
To create your binder you'll need the following:

 2 parts of pulverized gum Arabic

4 parts of boiling distilled water
1 part of glycerin
Put the gum in and pour the boiling distilled water over it. Stir in the
glycerin. After cooling strain the solution through cheesecloth into a
clean glass jar. Your simple binding solution is now ready for use.
Afterwards you mix pigment and binder by grinding the binder into
it. A good rule of thumb for this mix is binder to pigment. This
is a long and tedious process; to test how it's going by using brush
and paper for a few test strokes. It needs to be ground finely for the
perfect paint the act of getting it right is an art in itself, so don't be
disappointed if you fumble on your first few tries.
Making your own watercolors is a difficult but a rewarding task. Just
remember to keep on trying until you get it right.

Online Watercolor
Painting Lessons
Because of its nature as fun and exciting activity, watercolor painting
has become a popular hobby for many people. Aside bringing out the
creativity from a person, painting using watercolor has also a
lucrative activity that lead to the offering of various painting courses
and classes.
Instead of taking time to go to a specific school or establishment just

to take up watercolor painting courses or workshops, it is best if you

do it at home. Aside from saving you time from attending classes, it
will also help you save up on some many because you only have to
rely on self-study. Taking watercolor painting courses at home can
also give you the freedom you need in creating unique designs
without having to feel pressure from other people.
Taking watercolor painting courses online
The best way to take watercolor painting courses at home is by
enrolling at online watercolor painting classes. Today, there are so
many websites that hold watercolor painting classes.
These classes teach step-step-step procedures on how to use
watercolor in painting, what are the materials that should be used,
choosing the best supplies, basic ideas for beginners, watercolor
methods and techniques, and so many watercolor painting ideas.
Taking watercolor painting courses at home will give you enough
time to reflect what subjects to work on. By surfing the Internet, you
can find various watercolor painting classes that would interest you.
Aside from painting simple subjects, you can also learn how to paint
more intricate images by learning various techniques and methods.
You can also learn to do more detailed paintings because you will
have more time to practice and experiment after the class.
Various watercolor painting courses available online are intense and
in-depth. You can even opt for one-to-one watercolor painting
classes that are especially created for your level.
In online courses, there are creative and dedicated professionals who

will assist you in the whole process of watercolor painting. If you are
a neophyte, opt for courses that teach the basics of watercolor
painting. Here, you will have an introduction to watercolor painting
and the basic techniques in watercolor painting, as well as tips for
creating simple but good images. Usually, these courses for
beginners focus on painting simple subjects and you will be given
assignments to work on. You can even practice what you have
learned right after the watercolor painting class.
For those who have prior knowledge on watercolor painting, there
are also online courses that are created and conceptualized for you.
In these classes, amateur watercolor painters are encouraged to bring
higher level to their creations and they are also taught to be more
experimental on their application methods.
When you take online courses for watercolor painting, you will learn
not just effective and efficient sponge and brush techniques but also
on proper color combination. You will learn to combine colors that
would really have a nice effect based on the subject that you have
chosen. You will discover that you can use and combine colors that
are not common to the design you will paint. And, you will learn to
mix paints and pigments very well without wasting them when you
did not achieve the color combination that you desire.

Painting With Water:

Some Basic Exercises
On Using Watercolors

Painting with watercolors can be the most challenging experience a

beginning painter may have. This is because of the difficulty with
handling this particular medium. Water is a difficult base to work
with because it warps the paper beneath it and the fact that it does
not stick immediately to the paper when applied. This means you
need to have a deft touch to your handling of the medium so that it
reaches its maximum potential.
How exactly exactly do we go about learning how to paint
watercolors properly? Well, here are a few exercises where you can
earn the skills necessary to have a skilled hand with the medium.
a) Painting Bands One of the basic things that you need to learn is
how to control your laying down of color. First, ready several colors
for use. You will also need average-sized paper to do your strokes
on. Then, choose your heaviest brush for this exercise. Then you dip
your brush heavily in a particular color, then draw a long stroke
across your paper. Don't make a straight line draw a wavy, curved
line. When you've done with your stroke, immediately clean you
brush then move on to your next color and do the same thing under
your previous line. Make sure that the lines are as close possible
without touching. Especially avoid mixing the colors. Do this until
the paper is filled. This exercise teaches you how to control your
strokes so that you maximize coverage without causing an overlap.
b) Varying Thickness - You don't always lay down a flat
continuous line. You need to learn how to vary the thickness of your
strokes. Prepare the same materials as the last exercise. Fully load
your brush with watercolor, then do a straight stroke across the
paper. While doing this, increase pressure on the brush to thicken the
lines, then decrease pressure to thin the line. Alternate the thin and

thick parts. After doing one stroke, clean your brush and do another
stroke in another color however, try to match the previous thin parts
with thick parts and vice versa. Try to avoid any overlapping parts.
This teaches you how to control the application of your paint's width
at will another useful skill for a prospective watercolorist.
c) Flicking Strokes Prepare the same materials once again. This
time you will learn to apply light and fast strokes. If done
improperly, they have a tendency to spill all over the page but if
done well, the effect is similar to drawing blades of grass. To do
these strokes, ready your brush with color. Then place the brush on
paper angled towards you. Do a quick flick outwards and upwards.
The end point of your stroke should end in a feathery point. This can
be difficult at first, but just keep on trying.
There you go, three simple exercises that teach you control of your
brush and paint as it hits the paper. Continued practice will only earn
you improved skill, so keep on doing it to improve!

Starting Watercolors:
Basic Techniques In
Painting
Watercolors as a medium is probably one of the trickiest. This is
because of the fact that it is based on water that makes it
problematic. Water, unlike oils and acrylics, doesn't stick to the
canvas. It actually warps the canvas as it wets it. The fact is that

watercolors fight you the entire way through a painting. If this is so,
why use them at all? Because watercolors are non-toxic and easy-touse. Oil paints and acrylics need special care when used and can be
dangerous for those using them. This is great for beginners as it
gives them less things to worry about.
What they do have to worry about is how to paint properly using
watercolors. For those people who're still having trouble painting in
this medium, here are a few tips to help you improve your technique:
a) Have A Good Set Of Supplies One of the rules getting anything
done is to have a good foundation. In painting, this means you have
to have a decent set of supplies. Substandard equipment can make
your attempt at watercolors a painful experience. To get a proper set
of supplies, here are the important ones you need: a proper brush, a
good set of paints and the appropriate type of paper. There are a few
more things that you need, but these three are the most important.
First of all, if you can only have one brush, then purchase a #8 round
red sable watercolor brush. Other brushes can be purchased later, but
this particular brush is good for general use. Next, you can purchase
a good set of academic watercolors as a starter set for your attempt at
painting. These usually have a good selection of pigments for you.
Finally, always use watercolor paper, whether they be in a pad or a
sheet watercolor paper is thicker and heavier so you won't have to
deal much with the warping caused by the water being painted on
the paper.
b) Learn To Hold Your Brush Using your brush properly is another
way to make sure your painting comes out right. There are several
ways to hold your brush to maximize the effect of your painting. The
classic hold is used when you're using the brush like a pen this is
why you hold it similar to the grip used when writing, although your

hand is further back on the brush. Another hold is the pinch, where
you hold the brush as if you were picking it up from the table. This
allows you to better paint downward strokes. There are several other
holds that you will need to know, but these two are the most basic.
c) Learn How To Wash - Washing in watercolor terms is to build up
layers of color with your brush to get a particular level of depth and
detail. This is the most basic skill in watercolor painting so you will
need to learn it. It's simple really for a simple flat wash, just paint an
initial stroke on the canvas, then follow it up with another stroke
beneath it. The result should be like a stacking tower of color.
There you go! These tips should help you start on your way to
proper watercolor painting.

The Art and Science Of

Mixing Watercolors
One of the most important aspects in watercolor painting is the sense
of color. Some people have the inborn talent of discerning colors.
Most of us dont have that innate gift and have to learn them from
scratch. Happily, it is one talent that can be studied and mastered.
In watercolor painting, mixing colors have become an art in itself. A
wrong shade here or there can either attract or repel a viewer. Of
course, it may take a long time to master such a simple thing as
color. Happily again, some people are fast learners.
The basics

In school, we get to know that the basic colors are red, yellow and
blue and that the secondary colors are green, orange and purple.
In basic art classes we are also taught that reds, oranges and yellow
are named warm colors. Greens, blues and purples are cool colors.
Mixing
One of the first lessons in mixing colors is this the most intense
(and the purest) color come from combining two primary colors that
lean toward the same secondary color. On the other hand, the more
colors you mix together, the less pure your mixtures will become.
The difficulty in mixing watercolor paints comes from the absence
of a color neutral tube color for each of the primary colors red,
yellow and blue. Some claim they have them but these are colors
that are just close and that most of them have a color bias or they
lean towards some other color.
Combinations
Mixing colors need not be very complicated if you try to think first
on the color you want to produce. If, for instance, you want pure
vibrant purple, get it from a red and a blue that is biased towards
purple.
A less intense purple can be had from the orange-biased red and a
purple-biased ultramarine blue. For a dull purple, use the orangebiased red and the green-biased blue.
The same principle, more or less, governs colors that are opposite
each other on the color wheel (ex: red and green). When mixed

together, these colors will simply neutralize each other, producing

only grayish, brownish color.
(One technique: To produce the color you want, use no more than
three colors. Begin with the lightest one; add the darker one little by
little until you get the shade you want.)
Neutralization
Mixing more than two pigments or mixing two pigments that are
biased on two completely different colors will always result in
neutralized mixtures. (Neutralized here means less intense or
less pure.)
However, these less intense mixtures can be wonderful colors, too,
and you need to know how to mix them to play them off against
brighter, purer colors.
The science and the art
Another forgotten fact is that mixing colors is a matter of proportion.
How much of each one goes into the mix determines the color shade
of that mix. However, never over-mix your pigments.
One last word your watercolor looks different on paper and on the
palette. Choose what suits you fine.

The Joy Of Making

Watercolors

I think everyone has had the opportunity to paint with watercolors.

This is mostly because painting with watercolors has become a
regular activity in schools. Watercolors may be difficult to master
but unlike oils or acrylics, they are essentially child-friendly. This is
because they are so easy-to-use and their water base is non-toxic.
This is why most preschools and kindergartens usually use them in
parts of their curriculum. Who hasn't seen or experienced finger
painting? Watercolors are an excellent medium for any budding artist
to start in. This is why they're also making them is an excellent
activity to share with them.
The idea of making paints maybe daunting, but it should be noted
that most artists before the twentieth century mixed their own paints.
It's just most people have forgotten the art of mixing paints because
we often see art materials packed and and ready-to-use. The act of
creating your own paints is actually pretty easy even more so where
watercolors are concerned. Another plus is that we're making the
children's version mixing a batch of watercolors for professional use
is much more involved process.
First, you'll have to get together some basic ingredients. You'll need
the following:
3 tbsp baking soda
3 tbsp cornstarch
3 tbsp white vinegar
1 1/2 tsp light corn syrup
food coloring
Note that the measurements can be doubled or tripled depending on
how many people will be using the watercolor. This should be

enough for a small group of four, but for larger groups add a bit
more.
By the way, the corn syrup is the binder, the substance that will keep
your pigments together, for your watercolor so its pretty important.
You might not be able to come up with corn syrup; the easy
substitute is to make your own glucose syrup. Sounds difficult but
glucose syrup is just a fancy name for a sugar solution. To make it,
just boil two cups of sugar in a cup of water. Mix it well until you
have a clear solution. Now that you have your binder, it's time to
start.
First of all, mix the vinegar and baking soda together in a small
bowl. It will start to foam, but that's a natural reaction so you just
keep mixing. When the foaming has died down, it's time to add the
cornstarch and your syrup, whether it be corn or glucose, to the mix.
Keep on mixing until you get a smooth consistency to the mix. This
will be your base.
Now that you're got your base, it's time to create your color sets. Get
several bottle caps or small containers of similar size and pour in the
base. After you've used up all the clear base, you just add food
coloring to them. Be generous with your application the color needs
to spread well so this means you also have to stir a bit. When you're
done, there's only one step left; put the caps in a cool dry place so
that they can dry. By morning, you'll have a dry set of watercolors
ready for use!

Watercolor As One Of
The Most Popular
Medium Of Painting
Watercolors had been utilized by artists all over the world for many
centuries. It is as a way of expressing their emotions through
painting. It is a kind of paint that is composed of a water-soluble
pigment. They vary greatly in value, ranging from light colors to
dark, as they are soluble in water. It is said that the use of the
medium has started way back the paleolithic Europe but the history
of it as an art medium only began in the Renaissance.
The most important traditions in watercolor paintings are said to be
botanical and wildlife illustrations. Watercolor painting is said to
spread during the 18th century because of some factors. First, people
who belong in the elite and aristocratic families valued watercolor
painting as one of the incidental adornments of a good education.
Next, it also became useful as an effective way to depict properties,
terrain, fortifications and to illustrate public works for surveyors,
mapmakers, military officers and engineers. The advent of the
heavier and more heavily wove papers and brushes are some
examples of innovations brought about by the popularity of
watercolors.
There are four basic ingredients in watercolor paints. Pigment is the
most important. It gives color to the paint. Natural minerals were the
earliest known pigments. Arabic gum, on the other hand, is the one

responsible for holding the pigment in suspension and fixing it to the

painting surface. To change the viscosity, hiding, durability or color
of the pigment, additives must be added. Lastly, a solvent is needed
to thin or dilute the paint for application.
In the past, using watercolors required a lot of labor as they were
available in small blocks that needed to be wet and rubbed out in
water. Today, the modern commercial watercolor paints are available
in two forms. The first type is sold in collapsible metal tubes in
standard sizes. The other one is called pan paints that are available in
two sizes. These commercial watercolor paints are made in two
grades. Some paints are formulated with fewer fillers. They are
called artist quality paints. Having fewer kaolin or chalk makes the
watercolors have richer colors and vibrant mixes.
On the other hand, some paints are formulated with less pigment.
These paints are called student grade paints. Watercolor painting is
done in several techniques. Wet and glazes is a basic technique. To
disguise or efface individual brush strokes in the painting, a diluted
paint is applied to produce a unified area of color. This is wash. To
apply one paint color at the top of a previous paint layer is called
glaze.
Another technique is wet and wet. This technique is considered to be
one of the most distinctive features of watercolor painting. The
application of paint or water to an area of the painting which has
already been applied with either paint or water is how this technique
is done. For precision and control, drybrush is the best technique to
use. Building up or mixing the paint colors with short precise
touches that blend to avoid the appearance of pointilism is the
objective of the technique.
In the end, whatever the technique the painter prefers, watercolor

still remains as one of the best art medium available in bringing life
to art pieces.

Watercolor Techniques
As in all of art, each art form has amassed a collection of techniques
that were discovered years ago when these art forms were in its
growing years. Some of them had survived time, had become
traditions and are in use today.
The following are some methods in vogue today in the beautiful art
of watercolor painting.
Washes
The first on the list as it is the most basic of them all, washes is
subdivided into f itself. The first is the flat wash. One way of doing it
is wetting the area on the paper and mixing enough pigment to fill it
up.
The graded wash requires that the pigment is slightly diluted with
water with each stroke. The resultant wash fades out gradually and
evenly.
Glazing
This is almost the same technique as a wash, except that it uses a
thin, transparent pigment applied over dry existing washes. This is
mainly to adjust the color and tone of the underlying wash.
The trick is to make sure the first wash to be painted over is dry.

Wet in Wet
Wet in wet is applying the pigment to a wet paper. Depending on the
wetness of the paper, the resulting strokes can vary even from each
other. It could be soft undefined shapes or some slightly blurred
marks.
This technique is applied over existing washes. You just have to
make sure the laid-on washes are dry.
Simply wet the paper with a large brush and paint into the dampness.
Those marks made by wet in wet make very subtle background
regions in the painting.
Dry Brush
This is almost the opposite of the wet and wet technique. The brush
with a pigment and slightly soak with water is dragged on a dry
paper.
The marks produced by the strokes tend to come forward and are
crisp and hard-edged. They are best applied around the focus of
interest in the painting.
Lifting Off
To lift off color and pigment from the artwork, wet the area with a
brush and clean water and blot the pigment away with a tissue.
Masking some areas of pigment with strips of paper in the lifting
process will bring out some interesting hard-edged lines and shapes.
(Some pigments are difficult to remove and should be avoided in this

technique Prussian blue, Windsor red, yellow and blue.)

Dropping in Color
For some surprise, you may try this technique. The process is simple.
Introduce a color into a wet region and let it bleed, blend, and feather
without interruption.
The resulting shapes and forms are unpredictable and interesting,
and can be astonishing sometimes. This is one color gradation that
cannot be achieved by mixing the pigment on the palette.
Splattering
For certain needs of the painting, splattering paint can be done to
achieve what you want.
First, dip a brush (or a toothbrush, depending on the size of spatter
you want) into the paint. Scrape the bristles with a finger from your
other hand and aim the spatter in your painting.
Tissue Paper Texture
The paint on the surface should not be so wet. Use a crumpled tissue
to pick up the paint. The image left behind can approximate rocks,
foliage or treetops.
With a curious mind and some creativity, you can discover some
techniques of your own. Watercolor painting is a fluid art.

Watercolor Basics for

Beginners
Artists agree that watercolor probably one of the versatile painting
mediums out there. For beginners, watercolor is the best medium to
use because it can give the artist the freedom to create free-style
paintings or even realistic and detailed paintings, depending on how
he or she uses it.
If you are planning to engage into painting using watercolor, it
would be best to have the supplies needed and learn the basics
techniques for beginners.
Getting the supplies needed
Before you can start with painting using watercolor, you need
supplies. These supplies would enable you to unleash your creativity
and paint whatever picture your heart desires.
The basic watercolor painting supplies include pigments and paints.
In many stores, watercolor paints come in several forms including
cake or moist pan watercolors or tube color sets. Its up to you which
type you would want to experiment with first. Cake watercolors or
tube sets usually have a good selection of basic pigments and colors
ideal for transparent watercolor painting.
Do not use the white paint that is included in most cake or tube color
sets. For starters, pre-packaged watercolor tubes are ideal because
these are easy to use. Since you are just a beginner, opt for brand

names stating "academic" or "student" grade watercolors because

these are cheaper. When you have gained mastery in watercolor
painting, you can upgrade to using "artist" grade watercolor supplies
which are of better quality but more expensive.
For beginners, it is ideal to choose a balanced palette of cool and
warm colors including yellows, reds, greens and blues. Specific
pigments include Cadmium Yellow Light, Pthalocyanine Blue,
Cadmium Yellow Medium, Pthalocycnine Green, Cadmium Red
Medium, Hooker's Green, Alizarin Crimson, Burnt Sienna,
Ultramarine Blue and Burnt Umber.
Brush is also a must. For beginners, one brush may be enough.
Choose a good quality of brush and opt for the #8 round red sable
watercolor brush. But if you can buy more than one brush, choose
those synthetic or synthetic-blend brushes such as the round #4. You
can also add the 1" flat which is very useful if you will be doing
detailed works.
Paper is also another major consideration. For starters, choose any
watercolor block, pad, or loose paper weighing #140 or higher.
Experts say that the heavier the paper is, the better output will be
produced since there are lesser chances of damping the paper while
painting.
You will be needing a watercolor palette. If you are using cake and
pan watercolor sets, you need not worry about the palette since these
come with built-in-fold out palettes. But if you are using tube
watercolor sets, you need a palette to start with. For starters, a flat
white dinner plate can be used or a plastic 6-welled palettes that are
cheap but durable.

Water is a must for watercolor painting. Since you are just

beginning, you can use tap water in a jar, glass, or a small bucket.
Two containers with clean water is a must so you can rinse the brush
to make it ready in using another color.

Watercolor Painting
For Kids
Many parents buy their kids a simple watercolor set as young as six
years old to make the painting as learning experience for them.
Aside from instilling the value of art appreciation, parents encourage
their kids to paint using watercolors because this can teach them the
value of resourcefulness, creativity, patience, and perseverance.
Getting Started
Next to using crayons, kids are very fond of using watercolors when
painting. Aside from being an enjoyable activity that kids can share
with their parents, painting using watercolor can also be one of those
activities they can share with their playmates and friends.
But, before you get excited in starting to teach your kids the beauty
of watercolor painting, there are some things you need to consider:
1. Interest. The first thing to consider in encouraging your kids to
get into watercolor painting is their interest in the craft. If your child
is one of those who are into art and into drawing or collecting good
images, then she or he is the perfect candidate for the activity. This is
because she/he already has the drive and the creativity to create
another masterpiece. But if your child is not yet interested with

crafts and arts, it doesnt mean he/she cannot indulge into watercolor
painting. In fact, this is the perfect time to introduce him/her into a
new world of exciting and enjoyable activity.
2. Space. Aside from the interest of your child in art, another thing
you need to consider is the availability of space where your kids can
do the activity. Since watercolor painting requires a lot of materials,
you will need a space big enough for them to sprawl and to scatter
the materials they will use for watercolor painting. It is advisable
that you provide a space where kids can do their watercolor painting
and a place where they can leave their stuff.
3. Availability and cost of supplies. You also need to consider the
amount of materials and the cost of supplies your child will need.
Since you are about to teach him /her basic watercolor painting, you
will need a basic set composed of paints and pigments, brushes,
papers, palette and water.
Since you will be the one teaching your child about watercolor
painting, it would be best if you are familiar with it. Or it would be
best if you will learn watercolor painting on your own. When your
child sees you doing the activity he or she will be influenced in
engaging into the craft.
One way to learn the basics of watercolor painting is to get a crash
course online. Aside from the basic techniques in watercolor
painting, you can also learn painting tips and application methods.
By enrolling to an online watercolor painting class, you can also be
introduced to different styles and modern techniques.
The length of the various watercolor painting courses available
depends on your knowledge about the craft and how much more

would you want to learn. But, basic online courses for watercolor
painting usually last from four days up to one week. Then, you will
be asked to complete the rest of the exercises at home.

Watercolor Painting
Ideas
One of the most popular mediums used for painting it watercolor.
This is because it is easily available in almost all art supplies stores,
it is easy to use and it is cheaper compared to other mediums used
for painting.
If you are one of those who are interested in painting, you might
want to start with watercolor painting first. This is quite ideal
because using watercolor for painting will give you the freedom to
paint freely without worrying that you are wasting art supplies.
Also, seasoned artists also agree that watercolor painting can serve
as a very good foundation for painting since it trains the neophyte in
controlling pigments using water. To those who have decided to give
watercolor painting a chance, it is best to acquire a complete set of
watercolor supplies first.
These would include a set of paints and pigments composed of cool
and warm colors such as red, green, red, and blue. You would also
need fine set of brush composed of round and flat brushes for texture
and details. Thick paper is also needed for watercolor painting
because it would absorb the water used along with the paint without
being destroyed. Also, a palette is a must especially to those who

will use tube watercolor sets.

Once you have all these supplies, you must also learn the basic
techniques that are used in watercolor painting such as wash,
glazing, wet in wet, dry brush, lifting off, and dropping in
color. These techniques guide you how to use your pigment in
various ways to achieve different effects.
After getting all the supplies that you need and learning mostor
allthe watercolor techniques available, the next thing to be done is
to get ideas what to paint. Experts say painting ideas dont come in a
rush. You need to be observant on your environment and focus on
the things that you want to paint.
For starters, they are encouraged to go on a nature trip since the
nature is the best muse any painter or artist can ever have. Once on
a nature trip, you have to observe the things that you see such as the
trees, animals, plants or even the clouds in the sky. You have to
memorize its details so it would be easy for you to draw that certain
images from your memory.
The most basic watercolor painting ideas you can get from nature are
images of trees, profile shots of flowers, the panoramic sky, animals
in their natural state, and bodies of water.
You can paint these images as you see them or you can paint these
according to you interpretation. Although it is ideal to paint these
images in their normal state, it would not hurt if you experiment on
their colors, orientation, sizes and shapes.
Aside from nature, you can also get watercolor painting ideas from
people that you see, places you have been and experiences you have

had in your life. All you have to do is to focus on what you want to
paint and a surge of ideas will come along the way.

Watercolors And Arts

For Children
Involving children into art will help them explore their creativity,
imagination, artistic skills and kill boredom without spending too
much. Art is great way for children to express themselves, there are
different kinds of artistic expressions they could explore. One of
them is watercolor painting.
Watercolors are easy to clean so children could easily use them.
There are also different watercolour exercises that children can do.
For example, the wet on wet technique. Let the children apply
watercolour on a dry and wet piece of paper. Let them describe how
applying paint on dry and wet surfaces are different and where they
can be used.
With color blending, let children mix different colors and draw
different images that they see around them.
Black and white watercolour painting is another great activity.
Color the entire paper in black and then let it dry. After drying,
draw on the black paper using white watercolour with their own
design. It could also be done the other way around, with the paper
white and the watercolour designs in black.
Thread painting uses thread which is dipped in paint. Arrange the

thread on the paper in whatever way you want. Then press and pull
the thread creating designs on the paper.
Use watercolour in coloring decorative items that the children
made like paper maches.
Watercolor painting is also a great activity for parents and their
kids. Everything nowadays is so fast-paced that we forget to spend
more time with family and children. Watercolour painting is a great
way to slow down and enjoy life with our family.
When teaching children with art, it is important to understand that
what the children see is different from what adults see. They may
color animals which are far from their actual colors. Let the children
express themselves in this creative experience. It is important to
keep in mind that children have potential for artistic expression.
Parents, guardians and teachers have the responsibility to let children
express their artistry.
There are different studies showing that involving children in art
would help them reduce their stress. They are able to develop selfconfidence since they have created something which is appreciated
by other people. Aside from improving their confidence, they are
also able to improve the senses like vision and sense of touch.
Teaching art on kids could help in their cognitive growth, improve
their memory, helps them understand better, and enable them to
become competent. Art could also improve their symbolic
communication since children were able to translate what they see
around them into their own symbols and reflection of reality.
For older children, parents may still interest them in painting. Art
materials and art books could pique their interest and eventually

involve them in art and craft making. Watercolour painting is just

one of many art media which can be maximized by the kids.
Adolescents and young teens could explore other media like comic
strips. Parents should keep in mind that childrens involvement in
art should never be forced, instead the children should be provided
with opportunities where they can make their own decision.

Watercolors For
Beginners
Just like any art form, watercolors could be very intimidating and
confusing for beginners. It may be difficult at first but practice
would surely make it easier and eventually, hone your skills as an
artist. There are things that you need to understand first before
wetting your brush with paint.
Of course, you would need to have the right materials. You would
need brushes, pencils, old towels and of course, the watercolors and
some 300gsm paper. You may also need some tissue when it comes
to painting techniques. There are some painting techniques which
can be easily learned by novices:
Flat wash technique. This is basic technique for watercolour
painting. Wet the surface area where you will be painting the wash.
When the surface is wet, apply the color pigment from top to
bottom, the horizontal bands slightly overlapping. Let it dry. Once
it is dry, you would notice that the color of the wash looks like it is
fading in and out evenly.

 Glazing technique. This is similar to the wash technique, the

color which are ideal for glazing are permanent rose or cobalt blue.
Just like the wash technique the color pigment is applied over the
paper. You just have add layer after layer until you have reached the
desired color or effect. But before you apply the next layer, it is
important that the wash or the underlying layer is completely dry.
Wet in Wet. A very simple way of adding color to your painting.
You just add the color pigment to a wet paper. Since the paper is
wet, it can give you a blurry and undefined effect.
Dry Brush. The opposite of the wet technique. All you need to do
is apply the brush with the color pigment on a dry paper. You could
add a bit of water. If the wet technique would provide you with
blurry images, this one would give you the opposite. The lines are
hard and defined.
Dropping in Color. Another technique that provides great effect.
All you have to do is place a pigment to a wet portion, it will blend
and create an unpredictable and vibrant effect.
Basic coloring techniques are not the only things you need to learn.
Learning what colors to pick and use are also important. Even if you
are tempted to put all the colors you like to use on your palette, you
just have to limit the colors you will be using given the fact that
youre just beginning to paint.
To capture the interest of the onlooker, the focal point should be
obvious and well positioned. A watercolor painting does not have to
be detailed or have the finest detail. With watercolour painting, it
would be the interesting details and textures which could bring the
painting into life.

Using watercolors would be difficult at first, but with practice, your

artistic skill is bound to improve. Aside from practice, the most
important thing, is loving and enjoying art and painting with
watercolors.

Watercolors: From
Time and Beyond
Many of us became really conscious about the proper use of
watercolor when we reached preschool. It was a prerogative for
students to bring various art materials and one of them being
watercolors. Alongside with it came crayons, thick pencils and
colorful erasers. Truly, our childhood days were filled with vivid
colors and pictures. However, amidst all these childhood
experiences, the watercolor itself has a colorful history to share.
Watercolor is used both as a medium and a method: as a medium for
it is utilized as a material for painting in different styles such as
portraits and landscape paintings; and as a method because it was
and up until now an ongoing process wherein a product of art is
created through the usage of the medium itself. Through the name
itself, watercolors would not work without of course water. Hand in
hand these two must always be present in order to teach and learn
the method.
The manipulation of watercolor in society dates back from as early
as the paleolithic era wherein watercolor-based drawings were then
seen in caves of Europe. These drawings were 32,000 years in age
and are not merely decorations of the caves but were discovered to

be portraits of an ongoing habitation of people who thrived back

then. Through drawing by watercolor, historians were able to
uncover the livelihood and mysteries of people in the past. It was
also used as manuscript illuminations for the Egyptians. However
its great launched begun during the Renaissance when Albrecht
Durer during the 15th and the 16th century crafted paintings using
the medium with themes like botanical and wildlife landscapes.
Durer was considered as one of the earliest exponents of watercolor
as a medium. It even led to the development of a school of
watercolor painting in Germany which was spearheaded by Hans
Bol which was also known as a personality in watercolor paintings
during the Durer Renaissance.
Mostly, watercolor operation was taught during the Baroque period
and were commonly used by easel painters who make sketches and
cartoons. The height of watercolor capitalization however, was
through the production of wildlife and botanical paintings in the 19th
century. The accuracy and the ability of the medium to condense and
interpret wildlife and botanical ventures are still present today as
variables to illustrate scientific and museum publications.
It was not only in Europe however where the adoption of
watercolors dominated. It also reached England in the 18th century
and was commonly used among the aristocrats and the elites. It was
an art for the upper class of the English society. Watercolor was
noted as a good education especially for women in the community. It
also even helped the different people in the workforce such as
mapmakers, surveyors, architects and engineers. They use
watercolors to draw terrains and other geological data and public
projects which consequently led to the hunt of topographical painters
which made a breakthrough of high opportunities for the said job.
Adding to that, watercolor based drawings were included in

publications and manuscripts which eventually directed the real

growth of the medium. In America, on the other hand, watercolor
only became famous in the middle of the 19th century. From
America, it then disseminated throughout the neighboring countries.
From mainly a combination of synthetic or natural pigments, a
binder such as arabic gum, additives and a solvent, commenced the
dawn of the era of watercolors. Though it may seem only as a simple
medium, it has evolved into a method of art that launched a change
in history. Throughout the world, the popularization of watercolor
saw the different civilizations of human history. Indeed, its colors
has painted the world in the past, now and from time and beyond.

Watercolors: How To
Start Working With
Them
Watercolors are a difficult medium to work with. However, they can
also be the most rewarding for any beginning artist. This is because
the different techniques that you learn as you develop your skills will
help you even more when you start working with oils and acrylics.
Watercolors are a temperamental medium and learning how to work
with the paint and letting it flow properly from your brush to canvas
is a great asset for your future development as an artist. How does
one start their journey in watercolors?
First of all, you need to get the right materials. Get a good selection

of paints high-quality paints usually produce high-quality work

because they work well on the paper and the brush. Get a good start
set of colors - most sets follow the standard collection of red, blue,
white, black, yellow, purple, ochre, umber, and sienna. These starter
colors give you a wide range to work with in your starting lessons in
the art. The next thing you need to pick up is a set of three brushes: a
medium size round brush, a small size round brush, and a flat brush.
These will be your basic brushes for painting, Finally, you need to
choose the right paper to work with. It is better work with watercolor
paper when painting using watercolors this is because watercolor
paper is thicker and more durable when used with this particular
medium. Ordinary paper would warp from the contact of water and
would have the paint spread in an unpredictable manner. Proper
watercolor paper stands up to the punishment and the paint works
with it properly.
After choosing the materials, you'll need to know a few basic
techniques in watercoloring. The most basic technique is washing.
This describes the process of layering paint on the canvas while
creating the illusion of depth and detail. The basic wash goes like
this:
Set your initial boundaries a small rectangle or square would help
set your parameters.
Use your flat brush and dip it well in paint. Draw a stroke from left
to right. Stop at the boundary you set.
Dip your brush again and repeat the stroke this time underneath the
first store, overlapping it.

 Repeat again and continue until you reach your bottom boundary.
Congratulations! You've done your first flat wash!
Washing is where it all begins. Most techniques using watercolors
are based on washing. Your initial wash was on a flat horizontal
surface. Can you imagine doing it on an easel, with the canvas
vertical? The effect would have been different because the water
would have been flowing down. Flat washes are easy another type of
wash is the graded wash. This means that the color slowly fades as
the wash progresses. Here's how to do it:
Set your initial boundaries once again a small rectangle or square
would help set your parameters.
Use your flat brush and dip it well in paint. Draw a stroke from left
to right. Stop at the boundary you set.
Now, dab your brush a little and use a lighter mixture by using
more water or a different paint.
Make your next stroke beneath your first one, making sure to
overlap it. You'll notice the difference immediately.
Repeat again and continue until you reach your bottom boundary,
while progressively using a lighter mixture.
There you have it! A graded wash is often used to display changes in
color tone.
These two watercolor techniques are just the beginning. There is a
whole constellation of painting techniques that can only help you as

you progress as a watercolorist.

Watercolors: What You

Need To Remember
Watercolors appeal not only to adults but to children as well. Whats
great about it is that for those who have painting experience already,
learning watercolour painting is another thing to explore. While, the
for beginners, watercolour painting is fascinating to explore.
For taking care of painting materials remember to be:
Use your paint generously.
Use both sides of the paper. If you made a mistake on one side
then you may successful on the other side of the paper.
Cover your tube or cake of paint so that it would not get hard.
Use fresh paint everytime. Using dry and hard paint would just
wear your brushes out.
Keep your palette clean. Never leave paint on it.

 Clean your brushes and make sure that it would also not get hard.
Whenever painting make sure that you have clean rags.
Use enough water, too much water can make paint uncontrollable.

Here are some useful painting tips using watercolors from Ron
Ronsons painting school.
When painting distant greens, make them look week. Make the
foreground greens rich in color. To add texture, you could make the
greens appear muddy.
When painting the sky, make sure to keep the clouds appear
smaller if they are far. Do not use tissue to dab the clouds.
When painting water, remember that water is colorless, its color is
from what surrounds it. Rivers and seas, would have different
characteristics, therefore it would look different.
When painting rocks, it could be given strength by rapid directional
strokes.
When painting trees, leave to leave some foliage missing so that
the body or stem of plants will be show.
Buildings and old houses can also be a subject of watercolour
painting. When painting buildings avoid similar color on the walls
to avoid boring look. When painting a town, there is no need to
paint all the doors and the windows. You could just pick some to

convince the one who is looking at it.

Painting people and animals is another difficult subject to do. There
are some painters who are very nervous about adding people and
animals to their art works since they are afraid of not meeting any
mans standards.
When drawing animals and shoes, make sure that they will have
shadows. This will keep them anchored to the ground.
Put shadows on the figure to ensure that they would be anchored to
the ground
Try to paint the figures smaller, thinner rather than being stumpy.
Make your figure fit the picture.
For the figure to standout, counterchange them. A light figure for a
darker background.
Do not let the head of the figure get too big.
Make sure that these steps are always being practiced. A craft which
is not practiced is more likely to be forgotten or never develop.
Watercolors as a form of visual art could surely teach a person a lot
about colors, tonal values and establishing distance. it would just
require patience and of course, practice.

Watercolor Paintings
Why You Should Try It
Paintings add up to the beauty of homes, offices, and business
establishments. If you have the skill to paint, you should try to
develop it. Learn more about painting by enrolling in painting
classes or you can research about it online. Whether you're an adult,
teenager, or a kid, learning how to paint is not that difficult
especially if you put your heart into it. While you're trying to find a
media to use, perhaps you might want to try watercolor paintings.
You can express your chosen subject matter through the use of
watercolors. In fact, there are many advantages in using this media
over other types of media. It is also a beautiful way to convey your
feelings through your painting.
Here are some of the best reasons why you should try watercolor
painting.
1. It is easy as compared to other types of painting, watercolor
painting is really easy and you can expect better results in a very
short time.
2. Fast there are certain techniques that you should learn in
watercolor painting. Once you learn such techniques, you can do
quick washes and spontaneous strokes. This is the beauty of
watercolor painting and you can finish your piece in less than an
hour and the greatest thing is that you will get satisfying results.

3. Great for people who are always on the go if you travel often,
carrying watercolor kits is not a problem. The kits are lightweight
and come with compact boxes that you can carry around with ease.
The paper used in watercolor painting can be purchased in blocks so
you dont need a lot of space. Preparing the papers needed is also not
required.
4. Does not smudge as compared to charcoal and pastel, watercolor
painting doesnt smudge.
5. Dries quickly in several minutes, your art piece is already dry.
But if you use oil paints for your painting, it would take days or even
weeks before the piece dries up completely.
6. Watercolor is also a fluid because of its nature, with only a few
strokes, you can already fill large areas.
7. 'Accidents' can contribute to your creativity you dont have to
worry about accidents during watercolor painting because it can
magically develop into something beautiful. You can even pour the
watercolor on the paper as you start your painting and see what
designs it can create.
8. Watercolor painting is versatile in look and style you can do
illustrational works as well as abstract arts. You can experiment in
some designs that you haven't done before and it will all depend on
your skill and creativity.
Experts say that using watercolor is hard because the artist or painter
can't control it easily. For beginners, heres a good advice let the
watercolor's magic work. Dont interfere at first and see the designs
it can create and start painting from there. Allow endless

explorations and you can surely enjoy your creativity for the rest of
your life.
As an art lover, you already know that sometimes beautiful paintings
come as accidents. But this should not be the reason to stop
practicing. If you frequently practice, in time, you will be able to
control your strokes and create more artistic and unique watercolor
paintings. Never stop learning because by doing so, you can develop
more interesting and artistic ideas that you can use in your paintings.

Links
Teachings of the Ascended Masters www.summitlighthouse.org
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