Practice Makes Progress - Easy Exercises To Improve Your Watercolor Skills
Watercolor painting is a beautiful and rewarding art form that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their experience level. If you're new to watercolor painting, it can be helpful to start with some simple exercises and projects that will allow you to practice and refine your skills. Here are some easy exercises and projects that will help you as a beginner to get started with watercolor painting.
Color Swatches
Use color swatches to get to know your palette and come up with new color combinations
One of the simplest exercises you can do is to create a color swatch chart. This involves painting a small square of each color in your watercolor set onto a piece of paper. This will help you become familiar with the colors in your set and how they interact with each other.
Wet-on-Wet Technique
Another great exercise is to practice the wet-on-wet technique. This involves wetting the paper with clean water and then dropping in color. This technique allows colors to blend and create beautiful gradients. Experiment with different brushes, papers, and colors to see what works best for you.
Painting Simple Shapes
Another way to practice your skills is to paint simple shapes. This can include painting a circle, a square, or a triangle. Use different brushes and papers to create different textures and effects. You can also experiment with layering colors to create depth and interest.
Painting a Landscape
Once you feel comfortable with the basic techniques, try painting a simple landscape. You can use a reference photo or paint from imagination. Start with a light wash and build up the colors and details as you go. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things.
Materials to Use
When it comes to materials, it's important to use high-quality products that will produce the best results. Here are some materials to consider:
Watercolor Paints: Look for high-quality watercolor paints that are highly pigmented and produce bright, vibrant colors.
Brushes: There are different types of watercolor brushes, including round, flat, and filbert. Experiment with different brush shapes and sizes to see what works best for you.
Paper: Look for watercolor paper that is thick and can handle a lot of water. There are different types of watercolor paper, including hot press, cold press, and rough. Experiment with different types to see what works best for your style.
Watercolor painting is a beautiful and rewarding art form that can be enjoyed by beginners and experts alike. By practicing with simple exercises and projects, you can refine your skills and create beautiful works of art. Don't be afraid to experiment with different materials and techniques to find what works best for you. With time and practice, you'll be creating stunning watercolor paintings in no time!
