15 Watercolor Painting Techniques for Beginners in 2023

Watercolor painting is a beautiful and versatile medium that has been enjoyed by artists for centuries. The delicate and transparent nature of watercolor paints allows for a unique and dynamic interplay of light and color that can’t be achieved with other mediums. In this article, we will explore some of the essential watercolor painting techniques that every watercolor painter should know in order to create stunning and expressive paintings.

Materials

Before we dive into the techniques, let’s first talk about the materials you will need to get started.

Watercolor paper

Watercolor paper is a must-have when it comes to watercolor painting. This type of paper is specifically designed to handle the unique properties of watercolor paint, such as its high absorbency and the need for a certain amount of “tooth” to allow for the paint to adhere to the surface. Look for papers that are at least 140lb (300gsm) weight and are either cold-pressed or rough.

Watercolor paints

Watercolor paints come in two forms, tube and pan. Tube paints are more versatile and can be mixed with water to create a variety of colors and values. Pan paints are convenient for plein air painting and traveling. Look for paints that are made with high-quality pigments, as these will be more lightfast and have a greater range of colors.

Brushes

Watercolor brushes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own unique properties. Round brushes are great for fine detail work and creating fine lines, while flat brushes are great for washes and creating broad strokes. Look for brushes that are made with natural hair, such as sable or squirrel, as these will hold more paint and create a smoother application.

Palette

A watercolor palette is used to mix and store your paint. It can be a simple plastic or metal tray, or a more elaborate mixing palette with wells for each color.

Basic watercolor techniques

Watercolor painting has a unique set of techniques compared to other painting mediums. Here are some basic watercolor techniques that are commonly used in watercolor painting:

Washes

Washes are the foundation of watercolor painting, and mastering them is essential for creating a wide range of values and colors. A wash is created by laying down a large area of color using a flat brush and a lot of water. To create a graduated wash, which is a wash that gradually changes from one color to another, start by wetting the paper in the area where you want to lay down the wash. Then, using a flat brush, paint the edges of the area with the lightest color, and gradually work your way to the darkest color.

Glazing

Glazing is a technique that involves laying down a transparent layer of color over an already dry layer of paint. This technique is useful for creating depth and luminosity in your paintings. To create a glaze, mix a small amount of paint with water and apply it to the surface of your painting, making sure to keep the brushstrokes as light and transparent as possible.

Dry brushing

Dry brushing is a technique that involves dragging a dry brush over a dry surface, creating a textured and impasto effect. This technique is great for creating a sense of movement and texture in your paintings. To create a dry brush effect, load your brush with paint and then wipe it off on a dry surface, such as a paper towel, until there is only a small amount of paint left on the brush. Then, drag the brush over the surface of your painting in the desired area.

Dry Brushing Watercolor Technique with Judy Rider:

Lifting

Lifting is a technique that involves removing wet or dry paint from the surface of your painting using a brush or a palette knife. This technique is great for creating highlights and for removing mistakes. To lift paint, dampen the area where you want to remove the paint, and then gently

use a brush or palette knife to lift the paint off the surface of the paper. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much lifting can weaken the paper and make it more difficult to paint on.

Salt

Adding salt to your wet paint can create a variety of interesting textures and effects. The salt absorbs some of the water and causes the paint to dry with a crystallized texture. To use this watercolor technique, simply sprinkle salt over the wet paint and then brush it off once the paint has dried.

Splattering

Splattering is a fun and dynamic technique that can add movement and energy to your paintings. To create a splatter effect, load your brush with paint and then flick it with your finger or a toothbrush to create small droplets of paint on the surface of your painting. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much splattering can make your painting look cluttered.

Few other watercolor painting techniques

Here are a few other watercolor painting techniques that I did not mention in the previous article:

• Negative Painting – this technique involves painting around the subject rather than painting the subject itself, creating a sense of depth and dimension.
• Masking – this technique involves covering areas of the painting that you want to keep white, or light, with masking fluid. Once the masking fluid is dry, you can paint over it and then remove it to reveal the light areas.
• Pouring – this technique involves pouring liquid paint onto the surface of your painting, rather than brushing it on. This can create interesting and unpredictable patterns and textures.
• Scratching – this technique involves scratching into the surface of the paint with a sharp tool, such as a toothpick or the end of a brush, to reveal the white of the paper beneath.
• Stippling – this technique involves using small dots of paint to create a textured or dotted effect.
• Pencil Sketching – this technique involves sketching the composition with a pencil before painting, to help you plan the composition and values of your painting.
• Black and White Painting – this technique involves painting with black and white paint only, creating a monochromatic painting.
• Dry-on-dry – this technique involves painting with dry paint on dry paper, which can create interesting textures and effects.
• Wet-on-wet – this technique involves painting with wet paint on wet paper, which can create a sense of movement and spontaneity.

These watercolor techniques can be combined with the techniques I mentioned before to create unique and expressive watercolor paintings.

In this tutorial you will learn 13 watercolor techniques that can help you create texture and different affects in your watercolor paintings:

Watercolor painting techniques FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about watercolor painting techniques to help you get started:

Final words

These are just a few of the many basic watercolor painting techniques that you can use to create beautiful and expressive watercolor paintings. Remember, the most important thing is to experiment and have fun. Every painting is a learning experience, and the more you practice, the better you will become. Happy painting! 🙂