How to Watercolor Without Brushes

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Too many beginning watercolor artists find that it is a medium hard to control and blend. Why not go with the flow, so to speak, and try abstract expressionism. This kind of art will not create a realistic picture, but instead it will make a piece of art that is full of feelings and emotions. The idea is to have color, value, shape and texture in the piece, and it’s all done by applying the paint with anything but a brush. This is a great stress reliever, too.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Canvas
Music of your choice
Things to apply color: spray bottles, roller ball tubes, string, old cans with holes in them, squirt bottle, yarn, strainers, leaves, feathers etc.
Items for creating texture: salt, alcohol, tissue paper, a scraper, blow dryer, screen, pantyhose, cheesecloth, etc.
Your imagination

Step1

Lay the canvas down on a table or if it is large, lay it on the floor.

Step2

Turn your music on and think about what you want to do with regard to color combinations, shape and composition of your art piece.

Step3

Using the different color applicators add your color to your canvas; use your imagination to apply colors with different application techniques; squirt it on, throw it on, pour it on, etc.

Step4

Add texture to different areas of your piece by sprinkling salt in different areas of wet paint or blowing the paint around with a blow dryer etc. Use different techniques and items to create different effects.

Step5

When you think you have it finished, let it dry and frame if desired.

Tips & Warnings

Put your emotions and feelings into the painting.
Experiment with different items and techniques, as you never know what will create something unique.
Let each layer dry and keep adding layer upon layer, till you’re satisfied.
Don’t over mix the colors as this will make it muddy in appearance.
Don't be too critical of your art piece; it will be beautiful.