pinterest How to Painting Watercolor: a Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

How to Painting Watercolor: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

how to painting watercolor

Watercolour painting is a unique and beautiful art form that requires skill, talent, and creativity. If you are interested in learning how to painting watercolor and becoming a skilled artist, this guide is for you. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about painting with watercolor – from the basics of color theory to more advanced watercolor painting techniques.

We will also provide helpful tips and resources that will undoubtedly aid you in your journey to becoming a watercolor artist and improve your watercolor skills. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

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Contents

What is Watercolor Painting?

Watercolor painting is a type of painting that uses water-soluble pigments and paints to create vivid and vibrant works of art. Unlike other painting mediums, watercolor requires a meticulous approach and careful planning, as mistakes can be difficult to correct once the paint has been applied.

That said, with practice and dedication, you can become an accomplished watercolor painter in no time! After all, the watercolor art showcases a vast amount of information and knowedge and your creativity is the limit.

watercolor paper

Watercolor History

Aquarella is a relatively new form of watercolor that is often called aquarelle or acquarella. Watercolor painting is the oldest form of painting dating back to cave paintings. You need to go far back in time to find the roots of this technique, to the time when prehistoric humans in the Paleolithic ages painted the walls of their caves with mixtures of oils.

Watercolors can be found on papyri and in Egypt’s Artforms. However, these are still largely used by artist Albrecht Dürer from the Renaissance period when they became popular.

How Does The Color Theory Work?

Now that we know what watercolor painting is, let’s talk about color theory – an essential component of any painting process. In a nutshell, color theory is the study of how colors interact with one another. When it comes to watercolor painting, there are three primary colors: red, yellow, and blue.

These three colors are the foundation of all other colors and can be mixed together to create an endless array of hues. For example, red and yellow make orange, while blue and yellow make green.

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In addition to the three primary colors, there are also three secondary colors: purple, green, and orange. These colors are created by mixing two primary colors together to produce a new, unique color.

Beyond the primary and secondary colors, there are also tertiary colors, which are created by mixing two adjacent primary or secondary colors together. For example, yellow-green is a tertiary color that is made by mixing yellow with green.

As you begin painting with watercolor, it’s important to experiment with different color combinations to see what works best for you. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to mix colors – ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what looks best on the paper.

watercolor skills

What You Will Need

Before we dive into the world of watercolor painting, it is important to gather all of the supplies you will need for your journey. Here is a list of everything you will need to get started:

  • Watercolor paints
  • Paper
  • Watercolor palette
  • Water
  • Watercolor brushes
  • Painting medium (optional)
  • Paper towels
  • Other painting or drawing supplies, depending on your preferences

Once you have gathered all of the necessary supplies, it is time to start exploring the world of watercolor painting! Stay tuned for our in-depth guide on this fascinating art form.

how to painting watercolor

Common Watercolor Painting Techniques

Now that we understand the basics of color theory, it’s time to dive into some of the most commonly used techniques in watercolor painting.

Wet Painting

One of the most important watercolor techniques is wet on wet painting, which involves applying wet paint over a damp or wet surface. In contrast to using completely dry paper, this watercolor technique can produce softer edges and more vibrant colors, though it requires careful planning and a steady hand.

Glazing

Another common technique is glazing, which involves applying multiple layers of translucent paint over the same area to achieve a more vibrant and defined color. Glazing can be used in combination with wet on wet painting for even more dramatic effects.

how to painting watercolor

Masking Out

Another popular technique is masking or “masking out” certain areas of the painting. This can be done with masking tape, rubber cement, or any other type of removable adhesive. Masking allows you to preserve the white of the paper in certain areas, which can create more contrast and interest in your painting.

Stippling

Another popular style is stippling, which involves using small dots of paint to create a desired image or effect. This technique is often used to create textured backgrounds or to add detail to a painting. Once you have mastered some of these basic techniques, you will be well on your way to becoming a watercolor painting pro!

There are endless possibilities when it comes to painting with watercolor. From abstract and impressionistic styles to more realistic approaches, the sky is the limit when it comes to your creative expression.

how to painting watercolor

How To Paint Using Watercolor

There are a few key things to keep in mind when painting with watercolor. First, always start with a light touch – it is much easier to know how much paint than it is to remove it.

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Second, be patient – watercolors take time to dry, so don’t be afraid to let your painting sit for a while before making any final adjustments. Finally, experiment with different techniques and color combinations to find what works best for your personal style and preferences.

The Benefits Of Using Watercolor Paint

Watercolor paints offer a wide range of benefits to artists. These paints allow for smooth, even strokes and fantastic color blending, giving artists greater control over their work and enabling them to create vibrant, nuanced pieces.

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In addition, watercolor paints are non-toxic and easy to clean up, so artists can focus on their art without worrying about messes or fumes. Another key advantage of watercolor paints is their versatility.

These paints can be used in a wide range of applications, from illustrations and fine art to book covers and greeting cards. So if you’re looking for beautiful colors and smooth textures in your artwork, then watercolor paints are definitely worth considering!

practicing watercolors

Watercolor VS Other Types Of Paint

Watercolor paint is unique in its ability to produce both soft, delicate effects and bold, vibrant colors. This makes it a popular choice for artists of all skill levels, from beginner painters to experienced professionals.

While watercolors are typically associated with abstract or impressionistic paintings, they can be used to create a wide variety of different styles and effects. Combined with different techniques and tools, watercolors can be used to create everything from realistic landscapes to abstract works of art.

So if you are looking for a new medium to explore or simply want to add some variety to your creative toolkit, why not try out watercolor painting? With so much versatility and potential for creative expression, it is sure to become one of your favorite artistic tools.

how to painting watercolor

Are Watercolors Cheaper?

It should also be noted that watercolors are not more durable than oils and are of good quality when properly shown to the user. Remember that many of today’s most ancient paintings were watercolors.

How much does the material cost? The cost of a certain material might allow the differing prices to be justified. It seems watercolor paintings are cheaper. Well, this is one other surprise: Watercolor paint is the most expensive paint in the world.

A 10 ml lightfast watercolor tube costs approximately 2000%. With the price of 200 ml oil tubes, one should buy 10-15 ml watercolors. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, painting with watercolor is a wonderful way to express your creativity and explore your imagination.

dry technique

Will Your Watercolor Painting Fade?

When you paint with watercolor, one of the most important things to consider is whether your painting will fade over time. While some paintings may fade and become less vibrant, others may completely lose their color.

Factors that can affect the fading process include factors like the paper that was used for the painting, as well as the quality of the paint itself. Additionally, changes in temperature and humidity can also have an impact on how quickly a watercolor painting fades or decays.

Many techniques and products can help to preserve your watercolor paintings and prevent them from fading over time. Whether you choose to frame your painting behind glass or apply a special protective coating, there are plenty of methods available to ensure that your masterpiece lasts for years to come!

how to painting watercolor

Types Of Paper You Can Use For Watercolor Paintings

Watercolor paintings utilize many types of paper. For example, you might use traditional watercolor paper, which is typically very thin and designed to be flexible. This type of paper works best for washes and gradual color changes.

Alternatively, you could opt for thicker watercolor paper, which is better suited for bold color blocks and initial brushstrokes. Other options include drawing paper or even regular printer paper, which can work well as long as it is smooth and absorbent enough.

Ultimately, your choice of paper depends on the type of effect that you want to achieve with your painting. So, it’s important to experiment with different types until you find one that works best for your needs. Regardless of what type of paper you choose, the key to great watercolor paintings lies in blending colors effectively!

creative journey

Top 5 Best Watercolor Brands You Should Try

Watercolor painting is a popular hobby for people of all ages, and it’s a great way to relax and express your creativity. If you’re thinking about giving the watercolor painting a try, you’ll need to invest in a good-quality watercolor set.

With so many different products on the market, it can be tricky to know which one to choose. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a watercolor set:

The type of paper you use will have a big impact on the finished product. So, be sure to buy watercolor paper specifically designed for painting. Regular printer paper will not work well.

Look for a set that includes a variety of colors, including both basic and brighter shades. This will give you the most flexibility when it comes to painting.

Mix some watercolor paints together to create new colors, so don’t feel like you need to buy an enormous set. A smaller set of high-quality colors will be better than a larger set of cheaper colors. Here are some sets you can try out:

Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolors

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Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolors are some of the most popular and trusted watercolor paints on the market today. Made by one of the oldest and most established names in the world of art, artists of all levels love these paints, from beginners to professionals. What makes their watercolor paints so great?

For one thing, they contain high-quality pigments that provide rich, vibrant color with every stroke. In addition, their highly concentrated formula make them a great value for artists on a budget. And perhaps best of all, they are incredibly easy to work with, allowing you to achieve beautiful results with little effort.

Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been working with paint for years, Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolors are sure to become one of your go-to tools for everything from portraits and landscapes to still life and abstract pieces.

Prima Marketing Watercolor Confections: The Classics

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Prima Marketing’s Watercolor Confections line is one of the most popular watercolor paint sets on the market. These paints are blendable and highly pigmented. This makes them perfect for a wide variety of creative projects.

Whether you’re an experienced or just starting out, these paints are sure to delight and inspire you with their rich, vibrant colors. If you love creating custom shades, the range of colors in this set will provide endless possibilities for experimentation. Whether you’re painting landscapes or adding creative touches, Prima’s Watercolor Confections puts the power of creativity at your fingertips!

Reeves 24-Pack Water Color Paint Set

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If you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-use watercolor paint set, look no further than the Reeves 24-pack. This set comes with everything you need to create vibrant, lifelike paintings in a variety of different hues and tones.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, the Reeves watercolor set has something to offer. With so many different colors at your disposal, you’ll be able to make your creative vision come to life.

interesting textures

Royal Talens Van Gogh Watercolors

Royal Talens Van Gogh watercolors are some of the most popular student-grade paints on the market, and it’s not hard to see why. The colors are incredibly vibrant and the pigments are very rich, making for beautiful paintings.

The price is also very reasonable, especially considering the quality of the paint. Another thing that makes Royal Talens Van Gogh watercolors so popular is that they are very easy to work with. The paint flows smoothly and evenly, and it doesn’t drip or bleed.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, you’ll find that these paints are a joy to use. If you’re looking for high-quality watercolors at a great price, Royal Talens Van Gogh watercolors are definitely worth checking out.

Daniel Smith Introductory Watercolors

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Daniel Smith is one of the leading manufacturers of watercolor paints. Their introductory set is the perfect way to get started with this versatile medium. The set includes a wide range of colors, from bright primaries to rich earth tones, allowing you to experiment with a variety of effects. The paints are highly pigmented, giving you vibrant results, and the hand-crafted wooden box is both attractive and functional.

Best of all, the set includes a booklet with tips on using watercolors, making it easy to start painting. Whether you’re a beginner or  experienced, this watercolor set is a great way to explore the world of watercolors.

With so many different techniques to choose from, there truly is something for everyone when it comes to watercolor painting. So why not grab your paints and brushes and start creating today?

If you’re looking for a fun way to relax, why not try paint by numbers? Get our numbers kits online or in stores, and they’re easy to follow.

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