Learning Watercolour

Getting started with watercolour painting.

Although I have briefly touched on the materials and equipment that I use, I feel it is important to go into a little more depth and supply you with some guidelines on some of the materials you will need. You don't need to go overboard on this, you can create some fantastic art using just one colour and one brush. In fact it's good practice to try doing this, you'll learn a lot about colour values and minimising brush strokes.

Which watercolour paper should you use. 

Watercolour paper is an essential material for any watercolour artist, and there are many different types available. Each type of paper has its unique characteristics that can affect how the paint behaves and how the final painting will look. Here are some of the most common types of watercolour paper and what they are most useful for when painting:

1. Cold-Pressed Watercolour Paper: Cold-pressed paper, also known as "not" or "medium" texture, has a slightly textured surface that makes it ideal for a wide range of watercolour techniques. This type of paper is versatile and suitable for most watercolour painting styles.

2. Hot-Pressed Watercolour Paper: Hot-pressed paper has a smooth surface that makes it ideal for fine detail work and for painting subjects with a lot of intricate patterns or lines. This type of paper is less absorbent than cold-pressed paper, so it can be more challenging to work with.

3. Rough Watercolour Paper: Rough paper has a highly textured surface that creates a lot of interesting textures and patterns in the paint. This type of paper is ideal for creating expressive and impressionistic paintings.

4. Handmade Watercolour Paper: Handmade paper is created by traditional methods and often has a unique, irregular texture. This type of paper is ideal for creating one-of-a-kind paintings with a lot of character and personality.

5. Watercolour Paper Blocks: Watercolour paper blocks are pre-stretched and glued on all four sides, which prevents the paper from buckling or warping when it gets wet. This type of paper is ideal for outdoor painting or when working with large washes of paint.

6. Watercolour Paper Pads: Watercolour paper pads come in a variety of sizes and are ideal for artists who want to work on small or medium-sized paintings. They are easy to carry and convenient for painting on the go.

In general, the type of watercolour paper you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the style of painting you are creating. When selecting paper, consider the texture, absorbency, and weight of the paper, as well as any special features such as pre-stretched blocks or handmade paper. By experimenting with different types of watercolour paper, you can find the perfect paper to bring your paintings to life.

Selecting the colours for your watercolour palette.

Selecting the most useful palette of watercolour paint colours can be a subjective decision, as it depends on personal preferences and the subject matter an artist wishes to paint. However, there are some colours that are considered to be staples in any watercolour palette. Here are some of the most useful watercolour paint colours:

1. Ultramarine Blue: A rich blue colour that is perfect for painting skies and bodies of water.

2. Cadmium Yellow: A bright, warm yellow that is perfect for painting sunsets, flowers, and landscapes.

3. Alizarin Crimson: A deep red colour that is ideal for painting flowers, sunsets, and portraits.

4. Burnt Sienna: A warm brown colour that is ideal for painting landscapes, buildings, and portraits.

5. Viridian Green: A cool green colour that is ideal for painting trees, grass, and foliage.

6. Raw Umber: A neutral brown colour that is ideal for painting landscapes, animals, and still life subjects.

7. Paynes Grey: A dark grey colour that is ideal for creating shadows and depth in paintings.

When it comes to the format of watercolour paint, artists can choose between pans and tubes of pigment. Pans are pre-dried cakes of paint that are available in a range of colours, and they are portable, easy to use, and convenient for outdoor painting. Tubes, on the other hand, contain wet paint that can be squeezed out as needed. Tubes are more flexible, as they can be used to create custom colours and are often more economical in the long run.

In conclusion, the most useful palette of watercolour paint colours for an artist will depend on the subject matter they wish to paint and their personal preferences. Ultramarine Blue, Cadmium Yellow, Alizarin Crimson, Burnt Sienna, Viridian Green, Raw Umber, and Paynes Grey are considered to be staples in any watercolour palette. When it comes to the format of watercolour paint, artists can choose between pans and tubes of pigment based on their needs and preferences.

Choosing watercolour brushes..

Choosing the right brushes is essential for achieving successful watercolour paintings. There are many different types of brushes available, and the selection can be overwhelming for beginners. Here are some of the most useful brushes for watercolour painting, along with considerations for whether they should have synthetic or natural bristles, and their longevity:

1. Round Brush: The round brush is the most versatile brush for watercolour painting, and it can be used for both fine details and broad strokes. It is available in a range of sizes, from small to large. Both synthetic and natural hair brushes are suitable for this purpose, and the longevity of the brush will depend on the quality of the bristles and how well they are cared for.

2. Flat Brush: The flat brush is ideal for creating washes and filling in large areas of colour. Synthetic brushes tend to work better for this purpose as they hold more water and are less likely to lose their shape over time.

3. Rigger Brush: The rigger brush, also known as a liner brush, is a long, thin brush that is ideal for painting fine lines, such as grasses, tree branches, and lettering. Synthetic and natural hair brushes are both suitable for this purpose, but synthetic brushes tend to hold their shape better over time.

4. Mop Brush: The mop brush is ideal for creating soft, blended washes and for lifting colour. Natural hair brushes are preferred for this purpose as they hold more water and are softer than synthetic brushes.

5. Fan Brush: The fan brush is ideal for creating texture, such as painting fur or foliage. Synthetic brushes tend to work better for this purpose as they can create more defined texture.

When choosing between synthetic or natural bristles, it is important to consider the quality of the brush and the intended use. Synthetic brushes tend to be more durable and less expensive than natural hair brushes, but they can sometimes lack the softness and flexibility that natural hair brushes provide. Natural hair brushes, on the other hand, are more expensive but can provide better control and softness for delicate work. Ultimately, the longevity of the brush will depend on the quality of the bristles and how well they are cared for. Proper cleaning and storage of brushes can help extend their lifespan.

Now you're ready to start watercolour painting.

1. Plan and Prepare: Before starting your watercolour painting, plan and prepare your materials, including the watercolour paints, paper, brushes, and any other tools you may need.

2. Use High-Quality Materials: High-quality watercolour paints, paper, and brushes are essential for successful watercolour painting. Invest in good quality materials that will produce the results you desire.

3. Start with Light Colours: Start with lighter colours and gradually build up to darker colours as you work on your painting. This will help you avoid mistakes and make it easier to correct any errors.

4. Layer Colours: Use layers of watercolour paint to create depth and dimension in your painting. Apply a light wash first and then build up the colours with subsequent layers.

5. Use Wet-on-Wet Technique: The wet-on-wet technique is a popular technique in watercolour painting that involves applying wet paint onto a wet surface. This creates a unique blending effect that can be used to create beautiful gradients and soft transitions between colours.

6. Practice Control: Controlling the amount of water and paint on your brush is essential to successful watercolour painting. Practice controlling the amount of water and paint you use to achieve the desired effect.

7. Create Texture: Watercolour painting allows for the creation of beautiful textures and effects. Experiment with different techniques such as splattering, dry brushing, and salt sprinkling to create texture in your painting.

8. Keep it Simple: Don't overload your painting with too many colours or details. Keeping it simple can help you create a beautiful, harmonious painting that is pleasing to the eye.

9. Use Reference Material: Reference material such as photographs or sketches can be helpful when painting. They can help you capture the essence of a subject and provide guidance for colour and composition.

10. Practice: Like any skill, watercolour painting requires practice. Set aside time to practice regularly and experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you.

Amazing watercolour artists you may wish to follow and learn from.

1. Joseph Zbukvic: A Croatian-born watercolour artist who is known for his urban and landscape scenes. His work is characterized by loose and fluid brushwork and a strong sense of light.

2. Alvaro Castagnet: An Uruguay-born watercolour artist who is known for his atmospheric and moody cityscapes and landscapes. He often uses bold and dramatic colours to create dynamic compositions.

3. Lian Quan Zhen: A Chinese-born watercolour artist who now lives in the United States. He is known for his loose and expressive brushwork, and he often incorporates calligraphy and Chinese painting techniques into his work.

4. Shirley Trevena: A British watercolour artist who is known for her vibrant and colourful paintings, which often incorporate unusual and unexpected elements. She is the author of several books on watercolour painting.

5. David Taylor: An Australian watercolour artist who is known for his detailed and realistic paintings of landscapes and buildings. He often incorporates strong contrasts and dramatic lighting into his work.

6. Keiko Tanabe: A Japanese-born watercolour artist who now lives in the United States. She is known for her loose and expressive style, which often incorporates strong colours and contrasts.

These are just a few examples of the many talented watercolour artists alive today. You can find these artists and many others on social media platforms such as YouTube and Instagram, where they often share their work and insights into their creative process. It's well worth checking them out.