Watercolor painting is a beautiful and expressive art form, but when I first started, I made so many mistakes simply because I didn’t know certain key things. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot through trial and error, and today, I want to share the top 10 things I wish I knew sooner. Hopefully, these tips will help you avoid frustration and improve your watercolor skills faster!
1. Understanding Warm and Cool Colors
Not all reds, yellows, and blues are the same! Some are warm-toned, while others are cool-toned. The way you mix them together affects the vibrancy of your colors. For example:
- Mixing a warm red with a cool blue can result in a muddy purple instead of a bright one.
- A cool red and a cool blue will create a vibrant purple.
Knowing this earlier would have saved me so much time and frustration when mixing colors!
2. Checking the Labels on Your Paints
Watercolor paints have different characteristics, and their labels tell you important information about them, such as:
- Transparency: Some paints are transparent, while others are opaque. Transparent paints work best for layering and glazing.
- Staining vs. Non-Staining: Staining paints sink into the paper and are hard to lift, while non-staining paints can be easily lifted to create highlights and textures.
- Granulation: Some pigments create textured, grainy effects, which can be beautiful in landscapes.
- Lightfastness: This tells you how long the colors will last without fading over time.
Understanding these details helps you choose the right paints for your needs!
3. The Different Drying Stages Matter
Watercolor isn’t just wet or dry—there are different drying stages! If you add wet paint to a slightly damp area, you’ll get unexpected blooms or cauliflower effects. To control your painting better, be mindful of the drying process and either:
- Work quickly to keep everything evenly wet.
- Wait for the layer to dry completely before adding details.
4. The Importance of Watercolor Paper
I used to think any paper labeled “watercolor paper” was good enough, but that’s not true. The quality of your paper makes a huge difference! Cheap paper can cause streaky washes, unwanted blooms, and dull colors. Investing in high-quality 100% cotton paper helps watercolors blend beautifully and stay vibrant.
5. Layering is Key
Unlike other painting mediums, watercolors are all about layering. Instead of trying to get the perfect color in one go, build up your painting in thin layers:
- Start with light washes and gradually add darker layers.
- Use negative painting techniques to define shapes.
- Layering adds depth and dimension to your work!
6. Using Different Brush Sizes Makes a Big Difference
I used to paint with just three similar-sized brushes, and it made things harder than necessary. Different brush sizes help you work more efficiently:
- Large brushes: Great for big washes and backgrounds.
- Medium brushes: Perfect for general painting.
- Small detail brushes: Essential for fine lines and small details.
7. Not All Brushes Hold Water the Same Way
The type of brush you use affects how much water and paint it can hold:
- Natural hair brushes (like sable) hold more water, making them great for smooth blending.
- Synthetic brushes can work well but may require more frequent reloading with paint.
If you’re struggling with dry, streaky brushstrokes, it might be your brush rather than your technique!
8. Using Two Jars of Water Keeps Colors Clean
Dirty water leads to muddy colors—especially with yellow! Using two jars of water makes a huge difference:
- Jar 1: For rinsing your brush.
- Jar 2: For clean water to mix fresh colors.
This simple trick keeps your colors vibrant and prevents accidental contamination.
9. A Porcelain Mixing Palette is Better Than Plastic
Plastic palettes cause paint to bead up and spread, making mixing difficult. Porcelain palettes, on the other hand:
- Keep paint in place for easier mixing.
- Are smoother and easier to clean.
- Help you see the true color of your paint.
This small upgrade can improve your color mixing experience significantly!
10. Quality Over Quantity
It’s tempting to buy a giant set of cheap watercolors, but fewer, high-quality paints will make your life much easier. Instead of struggling with weak, chalky pigments, invest in a few artist-grade colors that mix well together.
A basic high-quality palette with warm and cool versions of red, yellow, and blue is enough to create nearly any color you need!
Final Thoughts
If I had known these tips earlier, I would have avoided so much frustration in my watercolor journey! I hope these lessons help you improve faster and enjoy painting even more.
Unleash Your Creativity: Resources to Get You Started
Ready to start painting? Here are some resources to help you get started:
- If you’re unsure where to start, I’ve created a free guide to help you kick off your watercolor journey. It’s packed with tips and resources to make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. Download here!
- Grab a copy of my book, “No-Fail Watercolor.” This comprehensive guide is packed with tips, techniques, and inspiring projects to jumpstart your watercolor journey. Click here to learn more!
- Join my watercolor membership TEAL! If you'd like to develop your watercolor skills, increase confidence in your art, and transform your creative outlet into a regular source of joy and peace while surrounded by a supportive community of watercolor artists, sign up to the priority list here!
Happy painting!