12 watercolor techniques in one page
Explore 12 Essential Watercolor Techniques in One Page
Exercise to explore different expressions and see what watercolor can do. It's an opportunity to test new paper and watercolor paint, creating a valuable go-to glossary for future illustrations.
Remember, this is an exercise, a practice - embrace the process, without focusing on final artwork results.
Tips:
Note down the paper and watercolor type for reference. Different paper textures provide different results. Understanding the materials is key.
Use an easy-to-peel washi tape to create a 4x3 grid. Use a hairdryer to remove the tape glue for easy peeling when done.
Enjoy.
1. Solid colour
Apply a generous amount of solid watercolor paint, keeping the surface wet.
Use for: Creating solid backgrounds
2. Layers
Begin with a light, watered-down paint. Allow it to dry completely. The first layer is always lighter, in the background, far away.
Apply the second layer darker, adding depth and perspective. Let it dry fully.
Add a third layer.
Use for: Mountains and enhancing landscape perspective.
3. Spots on colour
Create a shape with watered-down paint. Let it dry.
With a different color, add spots (small, concentrated areas of paint). Depending on the amount of water and drying time, these spots will create a smooth overlapping effect.
Use for: Mimicking animal skins
4. Wet color spots
Create a shape with very wet watered-down paint, with sharp details.
With a different color, add spots, and let it freely blend. Watch the paints blend and create a feathery effect. The first layer will define the space where the second paint can go.
Be mindful of water quantity, as it can crumble the paper.
Use for: Silhouettes.
5. Soft blend of two solid colors
Apply two different watercolor paints, each one starting on the opposite side. Let them touch.
Blend with an empty dry brush (no water, no paint).
Use for: Foggy or smooth sky transition effects.
6. Wiping away
Apply very wet watercolor paint.
Use dry paper tissue to soak areas, revealing the paper underneath and creating create fantastic random shapes.
Use for: Clouds.
7. Texture
Apply very wet watercolor paint and allow it to partially dry. Soak areas with newspaper to create a sharp crack effect.
Use for: Clothes and movement.
8. Spots with brush
Cut a piece of paper to mask the area that will not receive paint.
Splash paint with a brush. Use your finger horizontally to tap your brush.
Use for: Creating textured spotted backgrounds.
9. Dry paint brush
Use paint on a dry brush. Do not use too much water, use solid paint.
Dry the brush slightly on a separate napkin, then open the brush fibers before applying.
Use for: Grass and fur
10. Wet paper
Wet the paper with clear water. Let it dry, but not 100%. (It will take some time to dry.)
With a different color add spots to create blurry non detailed shapes. Do not use too much water with the new color. It will blend very smoothly.
Use for: Background elements like distant trees.
11. Water on paint
Watercolor solid wet paint (prefer a dark shade). Wait a few seconds… when the paint is still wet, drop clean water drops.
Tip: For a more dramatic effect, add grains of salt to the water drops that will absorb and distort the cleared-up areas.
For: Underwater effect.
12. Wet colours meet
Two different very wet watercolor paints, each one starting on the opposite side.
Allow them to blend naturally.
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Enjoy the unpredictable and be surprised by the effects. This exercise is a learning opportunity
An exercise in letting go.
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PRISM: The Art Journey of Cosmic Spectrum
Hello Everyone!
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