How to Hand Color Photographs in Watercolor

Breathe life into photographs with watercolors.

Watercolors lend themselves especially well to hand coloring photographs, since the result is light and unlikely to obstruct photo details. A typical photograph with a shiny finish won't take the diluted colors of watercolor paints well; in order to hand color photographs, you must first treat them or scan them and use a secondary copy. Using a light hand, applying water color to photographs brings black and white pictures to life with a variety of hues.

Things You'll Need

• Shellac
• Sandpaper
• Fiber-based paper
• Watercolors
• Paint brush
• Water

Instructions

1. Prepare your photograph for painting. Photographs can be painted in two ways. If using an original photograph, first brush a thin coat of shellac over the photograph. Once the shellac is dry, use a fine grit sandpaper to make the surface slightly rough so the watercolors adhere to the picture. If you don't want to use the original photograph, scan the picture onto your computer, then use a photo editing program to lighten the contrast to allow more detail to show through. Then, print the photograph on fiber-based paper, which takes the color well and will need no other preparation.

2. Wet your brush. Blot it on a clean paper towel and apply it directly to the watercolors in your palette. When hand coloring photographs, ensure that your paints aren't diluted excessively. Using a damp brush achieves the brightest color without diluting the paint.

3. Apply the colors to the photograph. If you've scanned and then printed the photograph, you have a wider margin for error than if you were to use the original photograph. Use a light hand when first applying the watercolors, remembering that watercolor paint lends itself well to layering and looks more lifelike when applied in layers as oppose to one, thick coat.

4. Paint from the outside of the photograph to the center. Watercolors look most lifelike and professional when a darker outer rim is applied, and the details of the photo have a light wash of color. Starting from the outside of the photograph allow you to assess the colors of the photo and continually use a light hand for the best results. When painting, don't layer so thickly that details in the photo are obscured.

5. Allow the paint to dry completely before handling the photograph. The moisture of the paint will make the photograph pliable and more prone to damage until it dries and hardens through the process. Once dry, it's fine to handle and finish your photograph with a frame to help preserve your work and the photograph.

References

• Unblinking Eye: Communicating a Unique Vision: Hand Coloring Photographs
• "Handcoloring Photographs: Step by Step": Sandra Laird, et al.