Essential Watercolour Painting Techniques for Beginners

Watercolor painting is all about playing with color and having fun. One of the great things about watercolor is that it offers a wide range of techniques that allow you to create different textures and effects in your paintings.

Watercolor painting of a strawberry using my own “Glass” painting technique

I always want to encourage you to experiment as much as possible and never feel like you need to stick to the „right“ technique. After all, the best art usually presents a certain aspect, technique or subject that hasn‘t been interpreted or executed in this way before.

There are however some basic watercolor techniques and this is how you can use them to create stunning works of art:

Wet-on-Wet Technique

Place a drop of paint on wet paper and watch the paint flow freely

The wet-on-wet technique involves applying wet paint to wet paper. This creates a soft, diffused look that is perfect for creating backgrounds, skies, and other areas where you want a smooth, blended look. Simply wet your paper with a brush or spray bottle, and then apply paint to the wet area. The paint will spread and blend with the water, creating a beautiful, ethereal effect.

Dry Brush Technique

Let the bristles of the brush and the texture of the paper work for you with the dry brush technique

The dry brush technique involves using a brush that is relatively dry to apply paint to the paper. This creates a rough, textured look that is great for creating tree bark, rocks, and other natural textures. To use this technique, load your brush with paint and then wipe off the excess on a paper towel. Then, use the brush to create rough, scratchy strokes on your paper.

Glazing Technique

Let it all shine through with the glazing technique

The glazing technique works by applying thin, transparent layers of paint to build up color and create depth in your paintings. This technique is great for creating luminous, jewel-like colors and adding complexity to your paintings. Let each layer of paint dry completely before applying the next layer. You can create subtle changes in color by layering different hues over each other.

Layering Technique

Layering basically means building up layers of paint to create a sense of depth and dimension in your paintings. This technique is great for creating realistic landscapes and still lifes, and it can also be used to create abstract works of art. Start with the lightest colors and work your way up to the darkest. Each layer should be allowed to dry completely before applying the next. You know a painting is completely dry when it no longer feels cold to the touch.

Creating Textures and Effects

Beautiful irregular shapes created by salt on wet paint

In addition to these techniques, you can also create a wide range of textures and effects in your watercolor paintings. You can use salt to create a mottled, speckled effect, or you can use a plastic wrap to create a crinkled, textured look. You can also use a sponge to create a stippled effect or a toothbrush to create a spattered effect.

Watercolor painting really is all about experimenting and having fun. By using these techniques and playing with different materials, you can create stunning works of art that are unique and expressive. So don't be afraid to try something new and see where your creativity takes you!