Watercolour 101 : the comprehensive beginner's guide

Watercolour Tubes: Vibrant and Customizable

Watercolours in tubes contain concentrated liquid paint, offering vibrant, highly pigmented colours. They are ideal for artists who require intense hues or larger quantities of paint for bold washes or expansive works. Tubes allow for greater control over the amount of paint used, making it easier to mix custom colours.

Advantages:

• Intensity of Colour: The pigments in tubes are wet and concentrated, providing strong, vivid colours that are ready to use immediately.
• Custom Mixing: Artists can dispense specific amounts, facilitating detailed colour blending or creating custom palettes.
• Flexible Application: Tubes are excellent for large-scale paintings or techniques requiring abundant paint, such as wet-on-wet washes.
• Rehydration-Friendly: Paint dispensed from a tube can be left to dry on a palette and reactivated later, offering some of the convenience of pans.

Drawbacks:

• Portability: Tubes can be messier and less convenient to transport than pans, as they may leak or burst under pressure.
• Storage: Paint squeezed onto a palette can dry out if not used promptly, leading to potential waste unless rehydrated.

Watercolour Pans: Compact and Convenient

Pans are small, hardened blocks of watercolour paint housed in trays or sets. They are either "full pans" or "half pans," with full pans containing more paint. Pans are popular for their convenience, making them a go-to choice for plein air painting or artists on the move.

Advantages:

• Portability: Compact and tidy, pans are easy to transport and require minimal setup.
• Ease of Use: Paint is activated with a wet brush, making pans simple to use with little risk of spilling.
• Long-Lasting: Because they are solid, pans tend to last longer than tubes when used sparingly.
• Cost-Effective: Pans often come in pre-assembled sets, making them an economical choice for beginners.

Drawbacks:

• Limited Intensity: Pans may require multiple brush passes to achieve the same pigment concentration as tubes.
• Restricted Mixing: The smaller amount of paint on a brush may make it harder to mix large quantities of custom colours.
• Wear and Tear: Repeated wetting and use can wear down the pan, potentially mixing colours unintentionally if pans are placed too close together.

Choosing Between Tubes and Pans

The decision between tubes and pans often depends on the artist's style, workspace, and goals. For those working on large, vibrant compositions in a controlled environment, tubes provide unmatched flexibility and intensity. On the other hand, for travel, outdoor sketching, or convenience, pans are hard to beat.

Many artists find that having both formats offers the best of both worlds. Using pans for quick sketches and travel while reserving tubes for studio work and large projects can ensure versatility. Ultimately, the choice comes down to preference, but understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each can help artists make the most of their watercolour experience.

Basic Watercolour Techniques

Washes

• Flat Wash: Evenly apply one color over a large area.
• Graded Wash: Gradually transition from a darker to lighter shade.
• Wet-on-Wet: Apply paint to wet paper for soft, blended effects.
• Wet-on-Dry: Paint on dry paper for more defined edges.

Mastering washes is fundamental to watercolour painting. Experiment with different brush pressures and angles to achieve a variety of effects.

Layering

Build depth and dimension by applying multiple layers of translucent color. Allow each layer to dry completely before adding the next. Layering requires patience but is key to creating realistic and vibrant artworks.

Dry Brush

Use a barely damp brush to create textured, scratchy strokes ideal for fine details.

Lifting

Remove pigment from the paper using a damp brush or paper towel. This technique is great for creating highlights or correcting mistakes.

Splattering

Flick paint from your brush to add dynamic texture or splashes of color to your artwork. Control the size and intensity of splatters by adjusting the amount of water and pigment on your brush.

Tips for Beginners

• Start Small: Practice on small pieces of paper to build confidence and test techniques. Working on smaller scales allows you to focus on mastering specific skills without feeling overwhelmed.
• Use a Limited Palette: Focus on mastering a few basic colors before expanding your collection. Limiting your palette encourages creativity and helps you understand color mixing.
• Experiment: Try different papers, brushes, and techniques to find what works best for your style. Experimentation is essential for discovering new possibilities in your art.
• Embrace Mistakes: Happy accidents often lead to unexpected creativity. Use them as opportunities to learn. Watercolour painting is about embracing imperfections and letting the medium guide you.
• Learn from Others: Watch tutorials, join workshops, or take a class to gain insights from experienced artists. Engage with online communities or local art groups to share your work and receive constructive feedback.
• Stay Consistent: Dedicate regular time to practice. Consistency is crucial for improvement. Set aside a specific time each week to focus on your art, even if it’s just for 30 minutes.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Uneven Washes

• Challenge: Achieving a smooth wash can be tricky.
• Solution: Keep your brush evenly loaded with paint and water. Practice maintaining consistent brush pressure to achieve even results.

Paper Warping

• Challenge: Excessive water causes paper to buckle.
• Solution: Use heavier paper and tape it down to a flat surface. Pre-stretching your paper by soaking and drying it can also help.

Overworking

• Challenge: Overworking areas can muddy colors and damage paper.
• Solution: Know when to stop. Step back and assess your work regularly.

Color Bleeding

• Challenge: Unintended blending of colors.
• Solution: Allow layers to dry fully before adding new colors. Using a hairdryer can speed up the drying process.

Advanced Techniques to Explore

• Glazing: Apply transparent layers over dried paint to create depth and intricate color blends. Glazing requires a light touch and careful planning of color values.
• Masking: Use masking fluid to preserve areas of white paper while painting over others. This technique is especially useful for highlights or intricate details.
• Salt Texture: Sprinkle salt onto wet paint to create unique, crystalline textures. The effect varies depending on the size of the salt granules and the wetness of the paint.
• Negative Painting: Paint around an object to define it, leaving the object itself unpainted. This approach is excellent for creating contrast and visual interest.
• Pouring Technique: Pour diluted paint onto paper for bold, abstract effects. Use masking fluid or tape to control the areas where the paint flows.

These advanced techniques open new avenues for artistic exploration.

Caring for Your Supplies

• Brushes: Rinse thoroughly after each use and store them flat or upright. Avoid letting paint dry on the bristles, as it can damage them.
• Paints: Keep pans clean and tubes tightly sealed. For pan paints, allow them to dry before closing the lid to prevent mold.
• Paper: Store flat in a dry place to avoid curling or damage. Use archival-quality storage options to preserve your finished works.
• Tools: Regularly clean your palette and other accessories to maintain their usability. Sharp tools like knives should be handled carefully to avoid accidents.

Proper care extends the life of your supplies and ensures consistent performance.

Inspiration and Next Steps

Ready to dive in? Explore our beginner's material guide and start with simple subjects like flowers, landscapes, or abstract designs.

At DeSerres, we’re here to support your artistic journey with high-quality watercolour supplies and expert advice. Explore our selection today and bring your vision to life!