How To

How to Learn the Basics of Watercolors

By Maryam Dimauro, eHow Editor
How to Learn the Basics of Watercolors
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So you have to decided to learn the basics of watercolours but don't know how to begin. Here are some basic tips to get you started.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Watercolor set
  • Brush
  • Watercolor paper
  • Sponge
  • Water
  1. Step 1

    Finding the right supplies might seem a daunting task. Your best bet is to not go for the most complex supplies just yet.There are three types of watercolors: the tube kind, the tablets and the regular watercolors. The most manageable are watercolor tablets. When choosing brushes, the most manageable ones are made of camel hair and not synthetic. Try picking three or four sizes ranging from large, wide-set brushes to smaller ones to manipulate small details. When choosing the right paper, try a paper that is not too thin or too thick.

  2. Step 2

    Before you start watercoloring shapes or drawings, try the technique first. Set up your work space and make sure you have the glass of water at hand. Start by dipping a large paintbrush in water and placing it in your desired color. The more water you add, the more dispersed it will look. The important thing to learn is to work fast, because watercolors tend to dry quite quickly.

  3. Step 3

    Remember the basics of shading; the darker and more concentrated paint tends to go at the top and can range from dark to light (more water-based, less color). Start with a strong color and slowly disperse it to lighter and more watery shades.

  4. Step 4

    Once you have covered your page, let it dry for awhile. You can then attempt to paint other shapes on top of it (for example, green mountains for the bottom). Try mastering this technique before you try more complex painting techniques and shapes.

Tips & Warnings
  • Remember to have an extra glass of water at hand, as the water gets dirty pretty quickly.
  • Try mixing two primary colors to get the desired secondary color.
  • Once you have mastered one color technique, you can combine various ones.
  • If you err, simply grab a generous amount of water on your paintbrush or dab the mistake with a dry sponge.
  • Paint fast, as this technique dries quickly.
  • Don't paint over the same spot too much, as the paper is delicate and might break.
  • Remember to allow time for the painting to dry before you attempt to move it, as it is quite delicate.
Photo Credit

http://www.watercolorpainting.com/watercolor-tutorials.htm

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