WATERCOLOR PAINTING FOR BEGINNERS-9 PRO TIPS | 2023

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Do you dream of creating stunning watercolor paintings but feel intimidated by the medium? Are you looking for guidance on how to get started with watercolor painting for beginners?

Watercolor painting is a beautiful and expressive art form that requires a bit of patience and practice, but it’s not as difficult as it may seem. With the right tips and techniques, you can master this medium and create stunning artworks that capture your unique style and creativity.

In this guide, I’ll take you through 9 essential pro tips that will help you get started with watercolor painting. You’ll learn about the basic tools and materials you need to get started, as well as techniques such as wet-on-wet, dry brush, glazing, masking, lifting, salt technique, and splattering.

But that’s not all. You’ll also gain valuable insights on how to find inspiration and motivation, how to develop your own unique style, and how to stay motivated as you progress in your practice.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist looking to explore a new medium, this guide will provide you with the guidance and inspiration you need to unlock the magic of watercolor painting. So why wait? Start your journey today and discover the beauty and creativity of watercolor painting!

Table of Contents

1. Start with good quality Art Supplies

When it comes to creating Watercolor, even as a beginner, having good quality art supplies is essential. Investing in high-quality materials not only improves the overall quality of your watercolor painting but also makes the process more enjoyable. Here are some reasons why you should start with good quality art supplies:

My Watercolor Painting supplies

Improved Results: High-quality art supplies provide better results because they are designed to perform better. For example, a good quality watercolor paint will have a higher pigment concentration, resulting in brighter and more vibrant colors. Similarly, good quality watercolor brushes will have better bristles that hold more paint and allow for better control.
Longer-Lasting: Good quality art supplies last longer because they are made with higher quality materials. This means that you will not have to replace them as often, saving you money in the long run.
Easier to Work With: Quality art supplies are designed to be easier to work with, which can make the creative process more enjoyable. For example, good quality watercolor paper will not wrinkle or tear as easily, making it easier to create precise lines and smooth washes.
Healthier: Good quality art supplies are often made with non-toxic materials, making them safer to use. Cheaper art supplies may contain harmful chemicals or have a strong odor, which can be harmful to your health.
Professional Results: If you are creating watercolor art with the intention of selling it or displaying it publicly, using good quality art supplies is crucial. Cheap supplies can make your work look amateurish, whereas high-quality materials can make it look professional.
Experimentation: High-quality art supplies give you more options for experimentation. For example, a good quality watercolor paint will have a higher pigment concentration, allowing you to create different shades and hues by mixing colors.
Confidence: Using good quality art supplies can give you more confidence in your work. When you know that you have the best tools for the job, you can focus on creating without worrying about the quality of your supplies.
Versatility: Good quality art supplies can be versatile. For example, I have a Rosemary Series 33 round brush sized 7 & I can finish a whole painting with one single size on my sketchbook. The strokes can be versatile with this brush. You know why? Because it is one of the best watercolor brushes out there.
Inspiration: High-quality art supplies can inspire you to create more. When you have the best tools at your disposal, you may be more likely to experiment with new techniques or try new styles of art.
Personal Investment: Investing in good quality art supplies is a personal investment in your craft. When you invest in your supplies, you are also investing in yourself and your creativity. Good quality art supplies can help you create art that you are proud of and that reflects your unique style.

In conclusion, starting with good quality art supplies is essential for creating Watercolor paintings that are of a high standard and that you can be proud of. High-quality materials can improve your results, last longer, be easier to work with, and inspire you to create more. When you invest in your art supplies, you are investing in your craft, your creativity, and ultimately, yourself.

2. Learn to know, not copy

The internet has revolutionized the way we learn and acquire new skills. Nowadays, there are countless resources available online that can teach you just about anything, including watercolor painting. With a simple search, you can find both free and paid courses, tutorials, blogs, and videos on the subject.

While these resources can be incredibly helpful in learning the basics and improving your skills, it’s important not to fall into the trap of copying exactly what the teacher or instructor is doing. Instead, it’s essential to develop your own unique style and approach from the outset.

Trying to replicate someone else’s work may seem like an easy shortcut, but it can actually hinder your progress and development as an artist. By copying, you’re limiting yourself to someone else’s vision and ideas, and you’re not allowing yourself the opportunity to explore your own creative potential. Additionally, you risk becoming a mere imitator rather than an original artist.

However, if you give your own twist to what you’re learning, you’re allowing yourself to put your own stamp on your artwork, and you’re actively developing your own unique style. This is crucial because having your own style sets you apart from others and makes your work more recognizable and memorable. Whether you’re pursuing watercolor painting as a hobby or a career, having a distinct style is essential for success.

In the long run, developing your own style will help you grow as an artist and gain more confidence in your work. It will also make your art more fulfilling, enjoyable, and satisfying. Plus, it will open up new opportunities for you, such as exhibiting your work or selling your pieces.

In conclusion, while there is no shortage of resources available to learn watercolor painting, it’s important to remember to always put your own unique spin on what you’re learning. By doing so, you’ll be able to develop your own style in a much shorter time than you might think, and this will pay off in the long run, whether you’re pursuing watercolor painting as a career or simply as a hobby.

3. Keep a mini sketchbook

Watercolor painting is a beautiful and captivating art form that can create stunning works of art with just a few simple materials. One of the keys to successful watercolor painting is having a plan and working out your ideas before starting your final piece. That’s where keeping a mini sketchbook comes in handy.

Stillman & Birn Watercolor Sketchbook

A mini sketchbook is a small, portable notebook that you can carry with you wherever you go. It can be as small as 3 x 5 inches or up to 5 x 7 inches, depending on your preference. This sketchbook is specifically dedicated to watercolor painting, and it’s where you can explore and experiment with different ideas, techniques, and color combinations.

Here are some reasons why keeping a mini sketchbook is beneficial for watercolor painting:

Easy to carry: A mini watercolor sketchbook is small and compact, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go. You can take it to the park, coffee shop, or on a hike and use it to capture your surroundings and inspiration.
Experiment with techniques: A mini watercolor sketchbook is an ideal place to try out new techniques and experiment with different watercolor painting styles. You can practice different brushstrokes, washes, and layering techniques without worrying about making mistakes on your final piece.
Test out color combinations: One of the challenges of watercolor painting is finding the right color combinations that work well together. With a mini watercolor sketchbook, you can test out different color combinations and see how they look together before applying them to your final painting.
Plan your composition: A mini watercolor sketchbook is the perfect place to plan out your composition and work out any issues before starting your final piece. You can sketch out your ideas and make any necessary adjustments to the composition until you’re satisfied with the result.
Build a portfolio of ideas: Keeping a mini watercolor sketchbook can help you build a portfolio of ideas and inspiration that you can refer to later. It’s a great way to track your progress and see how your skills have developed over time.
Keep a record of your progress: A mini watercolor sketchbook is also a great way to keep a record of your progress as a watercolor painter. You can date each entry and see how your skills have improved over time.

To get started with your mini watercolor sketchbook, you’ll need some basic supplies, including a watercolor sketchbook, watercolor paints, brushes, and a water container. You can choose a watercolor sketchbook with either cold-pressed or hot-pressed paper, depending on your preference. Cold-pressed paper has a rougher texture and is ideal for creating texture and depth in your paintings, while hot-pressed paper has a smoother texture and is better for detailed work.

When starting a new entry in your mini watercolor sketchbook, begin by lightly sketching out your composition with a pencil. Then, use your watercolor paints to fill in the details and experiment with different techniques and color combinations. Don’t worry about making mistakes – the beauty of a mini sketchbook is that you can make as many mistakes as you need to until you get it right.

In conclusion, keeping a mini watercolor sketchbook is an excellent way to enhance your watercolor painting skills. It allows you to experiment with different techniques and color combinations, plan out your compositions, and build a portfolio of ideas and inspiration. With just a few simple materials, you can carry your mini sketchbook with you wherever you go and capture the beauty of the world around you in watercolor.

I personally use Moleskine Watercolor Journals, Stillman & Birn Zeta Series Sketchbooks & Hahnemuhle Watercolor Sketchbooks. All three are my favourite & I always have a hard time choosing between them.

4. Start with limited color palette

Watercolor painting is a beautiful and versatile medium that has captured the attention of many artists for centuries. One of the key challenges in watercolor painting is choosing the right colors to use. A common approach is to use a limited color palette, which means using a small number of colors in a painting. Starting with a limited color palette in watercolors can be a great way to improve your painting skills and create more cohesive and harmonious artwork.

Primary Colors

Here are some tips on starting with a limited color palette in watercolors:

Choose a limited number of colors: The first step is to choose a limited number of colors to work with. Start with three to five colors that are versatile and can be mixed together to create a variety of shades and hues.
Understand color theory: It’s important to have a basic understanding of color theory to create a balanced and harmonious painting. The color wheel is a helpful tool that can help you identify complementary, analogous, and triadic color schemes.
Experiment with color mixing: With a limited number of colors, you can experiment with color mixing to create a wide range of shades and hues. This will also help you understand the properties of different pigments and how they interact with each other.
Use a warm and cool version of each color: A limited color palette can still be versatile if you choose warm and cool versions of each color. This will give you a wider range of tones to work with.
Plan your painting ahead of time: With a limited color palette, it’s important to plan your painting ahead of time. Decide on the mood and atmosphere you want to create, and choose your colors accordingly.
Don’t be afraid to experiment: A limited color palette can be a great opportunity to experiment and push your creative boundaries. Try mixing unexpected colors or using colors in unconventional ways.
Practice, practice, practice: As with any skill, practice is key. Experiment with different limited color palettes, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The more you practice, the more confident you will become in your color choices and mixing abilities.

In conclusion, starting with a limited color palette in watercolors is a great way to improve your painting skills and create more cohesive and harmonious artwork. With a basic understanding of color theory and some experimentation with color mixing, you can create a wide range of shades and hues with just a few colors. Remember to plan your painting ahead of time and don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes. With practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful watercolor paintings with a limited color palette.

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5. Don’t worry about mistakes or the end result

Watercolor painting is a beautiful and versatile medium that offers a unique range of artistic possibilities. One of the most important aspects of watercolor painting is its fluidity and unpredictability, which makes it challenging and exciting at the same time. One of the keys to success in watercolor painting is to let go of the idea of perfection and embrace the process of creating art.

One of the biggest fears that many beginner watercolor artists face is the fear of making mistakes. This fear can be paralyzing and prevent artists from taking creative risks and experimenting with new techniques. However, it’s important to remember that mistakes are a natural part of the creative process and that they can often lead to unexpected and exciting results.

One of the benefits of watercolor painting is that mistakes can often be corrected or incorporated into the final artwork. For example, if you accidentally add too much water to your painting, you can simply lift off the excess water with a paper towel or brush. Alternatively, you can use the unintended effect to create a new texture or pattern in your painting.

It’s also important to remember that the end result of your painting is not the most important thing. Instead, focus on the process of creating art and enjoying the journey. Watercolor painting is a wonderful way to express yourself and explore your creativity, so don’t worry too much about whether your painting will turn out perfectly.

One way to overcome the fear of mistakes is to practice sketching and painting in a small watercolor sketchbook. This can help you to experiment with different techniques and color combinations without worrying about the end result. You can use your mini sketchbook to create quick sketches or studies of your subject, or to simply explore different color palettes and brush strokes.

Another strategy is to take a step back and evaluate your work from a distance. Sometimes, when we’re too close to our artwork, it can be difficult to see the big picture and appreciate the overall effect. By stepping back and taking a break from your painting, you can gain a fresh perspective and see your work in a new light.

Ninja Technique: Use the phone camera preview to see if the painting is on the right track. I do my compositional corrections with this technique & it is a very powerful way to do so.

Ultimately, the key to success in watercolor painting is to embrace the process of creating art and to let go of the fear of making mistakes. With practice and perseverance, you can develop your skills and create beautiful and unique works of art that reflect your personal style and vision. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with watercolor painting!

6. Join like minded Art communities & forums

Joining like-minded art communities and forums is an excellent way to learn new techniques and gain inspiration in the watercolor medium. In today’s digital age, there are many online communities and forums that cater specifically to watercolor enthusiasts. These platforms are ideal for connecting with other artists, sharing your work, and receiving feedback on your techniques.

One of the most popular online communities for watercolor artists or any artist in general is the Urban Sketchers Community. This community is a great resource for artists of all skill levels and covers a wide range of topics, including techniques, tutorials, and reviews of art supplies. Users can also post their own work and receive critiques from other members.

Another popular online community is the Reddit Watercolor subreddit. This forum is an active community of watercolor artists who share their work, techniques, and tips. It’s a great place to learn about new techniques and get feedback on your work.

There are also many Facebook groups dedicated to watercolor art. These groups are typically private, but they can be a great resource for connecting with other artists and sharing your work. Some popular Facebook groups for watercolor artists include Watercolor Artists Worldwide, Watercolor Lovers, and Watercolor Society.

In addition to online communities, there are also many local art clubs and societies that cater to watercolor artists. These groups often hold workshops, exhibitions, and other events that are open to members. Attending these events is a great way to meet other artists and learn new techniques.

Whether you’re just starting out in watercolors or you’re an experienced artist, joining a community of like-minded artists is a great way to improve your skills and gain inspiration. These communities offer a wealth of resources and support, and can help you grow as an artist.

You may try joining or forming groups of like minded artists locally as well as globally. Make a facebook group or whatsapp group, go out to paint together as and when possible, share your works, get it criticised(constructively)/appreciated. You will really get your daily dose of inspiration from your co-artists in these groups.

7. Practice different Watercolor Techniques

Watercolor painting offers a wide range of techniques that artists can explore to create stunning and unique artwork. It is essential to practice different techniques to improve your skills and create more diverse paintings. Here are some of the techniques that you can try out:

Salt technique in Watercolor

Wet-on-wet technique: This technique involves painting onto a wet surface. The colors blend and flow into one another, creating beautiful gradients and soft edges. This technique is great for creating loose and impressionistic paintings.
Dry brush technique: This technique involves using a dry brush to paint onto a dry surface. This technique creates rough textures and visible brush strokes, making it perfect for painting landscapes and other textured surfaces.
Glazing: This technique involves layering transparent colors on top of each other to create a luminous effect. This technique is ideal for painting delicate details and creating a sense of depth in your artwork.
Masking: This technique involves using masking fluid to protect areas of the painting from watercolor. This technique is useful when you want to preserve specific areas of your painting and create sharp, clean edges.
Lifting: This technique involves removing paint from a painting by lifting it off with a damp brush or paper towel. This technique is useful when you want to create highlights or adjust the value of certain areas of your painting.
Salt technique: This technique involves sprinkling salt onto a wet painting. As the painting dries, the salt absorbs the pigment and creates interesting textures and patterns.
Splattering: This technique involves splattering paint onto a wet or dry surface to create a speckled effect. This technique is great for adding texture and interest to a painting.

It is essential to practice these techniques regularly to become proficient in watercolor painting. Experiment with each technique and see how they can be combined to create unique and stunning artwork.

8. Understand the importance of values

Watercolor painting is all about creating values, which are the differences between light and dark areas in a painting. Values can be used to create depth, contrast, and texture in a watercolor painting. It is important for a watercolor artist to understand how to use values to create a successful painting.

Watercolor Tonal Values

Firstly, it is important to understand that the value of a color changes as it is mixed with different amounts of water. The more water that is added to a color, the lighter the value becomes. Conversely, the less water that is added, the darker the value becomes. This is important to keep in mind when creating washes, as the value can be adjusted by adding more or less water.

Secondly, it is important to understand the value scale. The value scale is a range of values from light to dark that can be used to create contrast and depth in a painting. A simple value scale can be created by using a single color, such as black or gray, and painting a series of squares from light to dark. This scale can be used as a reference when painting to ensure that the correct values are being used.

Thirdly, it is important to understand the concept of tonal value. Tonal value refers to the overall lightness or darkness of a painting. It is important to have a range of tonal values in a painting to create contrast and interest. A painting that is all the same tonal value can appear flat and uninteresting.

Finally, it is important to understand how to create texture through values. By using a range of values, an artist can create the illusion of texture in a painting. For example, by painting a dark value over a light value, an artist can create the illusion of a shadow or crevice.

In conclusion, understanding the importance of values in watercolor is essential for creating successful paintings. By mastering the use of values, an artist can create depth, contrast, and texture in their paintings. It takes time and practice to master the use of values in watercolor, but with patience and dedication, it is possible to create beautiful and impactful paintings.

9. Experiment with Mixed Media

Watercolor is a versatile medium that can be combined with other art materials to create unique effects and textures. Experimenting with mixed media can help artists add depth and interest to their watercolor paintings. Here are some tips for incorporating mixed media into watercolor art:

Use Watercolor Pencils: Watercolor pencils can be used to create intricate details and shading in a watercolor painting. Draw with the pencils and then blend with water for a watercolor effect.
Add Texture with Salt: Salt can be sprinkled onto a wet watercolor wash to create a unique texture. The salt will absorb the paint and leave a speckled pattern.
Layer with Collage: Adding layers of paper or other materials can create depth in a watercolor painting. Use collage techniques to add interest and texture to your work.
Try Masking Fluid: Masking fluid is a liquid rubber that can be painted onto a surface to protect it from watercolor paint. This technique can be used to create intricate details or highlights in a painting.
Use Ink or Pen: This is my personal favourite. Adding ink or pen details to a watercolor painting can create a contrast and help define edges and details.
Incorporate Gouache: Gouache is an opaque watercolor paint that can be used to add highlights or details to a watercolor painting. It can also be used to create a more opaque layer over a transparent watercolor wash.
Add Texture with Tissue Paper: Tissue paper can be crumpled and then painted over with watercolor to create a unique texture. The paint will seep into the creases of the paper and create an interesting effect.
Experiment with Wax Resist: Wax can be used to create a resist against watercolor paint. Draw with wax on the paper before painting and the paint will resist the areas with wax.

Incorporating mixed media into watercolor paintings can help artists create unique and interesting pieces. It’s important to experiment and find what works best for your style and preferences.