How to Watercolor

By eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor

Rate: (15 Ratings)

Watercolor is one of the most complex methods of painting. "Practice makes perfect" is a good motto to keep in mind.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • & #3 Watercolor Paintbrushes
  • Art Sets
  • Fan Watercolor Paintbrushes
  • Flat Watercolor Paintbrushes
  • Round Watercolor Paintbrushes
  • Watercolor Blocks
  • Watercolor Brush Cleaners
  • Watercolor Brush Holders
  • Masking Tape
  • Pencils
  • Watercolor Paints
  • Watercolor Paper

Step1
Squeeze paints from tubes onto palette.
Step2
Mix colors to complete the necessary palette.
Step3
Tape paper securely to drawing surface.
Step4
Sketch subjects with a drawing pencil if you wish.
Step5
Wet paper with water using paintbrushes.
Step6
Apply paint to produce desired results.
Step7
Let dry completely.

Tips & Warnings

  • There are a wide variety of results and methods within this medium.
  • Practice with different brushes, forms and qualities of paints.
  • Experiment with different degrees of wetness.
  • Different weights and contents of papers make the biggest difference. Experiment.
  • Buy the highest quality tools you can.

Comments

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Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 If you're lazy, like I am, and don't like squeezing out paint from tubes, use watercolor crayons. You can draw with them, then when you're ready to paint, simply dip your brushes into clean water and work the picture as needed. You can lift highlights with Q-tips or with a clean brush, then blot off the excess paint with paper towel. This works best on heavier papers. Use the best brushes you can afford. More expensive brushes keep their tips longer and lose less hairs than cheap ones.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Avoid using pan paints as much as possible. These will ruin your brushes much quicker than tube paints, and the colors are more difficult to mix. Invest in tube paints as soon as possible.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Using masking tape or paper Tape, tape off the edges where you want your border (mat) to be. You can paint in between these and you will have a nice white border around your picture when you finish and peel off the tape.

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eHow Article:  How to Watercolor

eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor

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