Watercolour painting is often described as one of the most magical and versatile mediums in the art world. Its fluidity, transparency, and unpredictability make it both challenging and deeply rewarding. If you’ve ever wanted to try watercolours but didn’t know where to start, this blog is for you.
Why Watercolours?
Watercolours are perfect for capturing the delicate beauty of nature, from flowing rivers to soft, blooming flowers. They are also highly portable, making them ideal for plein air painting or quick sketches on the go.
Watercolour painting thrives on unpredictability. Unlike oils or acrylics, which rely on control and layering, watercolours embrace an element of chance, rewarding artists who allow the pigments and water to flow organically. In a recent session, I encouraged my students to let go of rigid expectations and embrace the fluid nature of the medium, creating luminous, delicate effects.
Embracing the Flow
One of the fundamental joys of watercolour is its ability to flow and blend in unexpected ways. Instead of fighting the medium, I urged my students to work with it—tilting their papers, adding splashes of water, and letting pigments merge naturally. By relinquishing control, they discovered that even so-called mistakes could lead to breathtaking textures and colour variations.
We also explored wet-on-wet techniques, allowing soft edges to form and create atmospheric depth. The key takeaway? Watercolour rewards patience and intuition, encouraging artists to work in harmony with its spontaneous character.
In my Watercolour for Beginners Course, I covered a range of essential topics to help new artists get started with confidence. Here’s a breakdown of what we explored:
Getting Started: Essential Supplies
Paints: Start with a basic set of student-grade watercolours. Look for tubes or pans in primary colours (red, blue, yellow) to mix your own shades.
Brushes: A round brush (size 6 or 8) and a flat brush are great for beginners.
Paper: Use watercolour paper (140lb/300gsm) to prevent warping. Cold-pressed paper has a nice texture for most techniques.
Palette: A simple plastic palette with wells for mixing colours will do.
Basic Techniques to Try
Wet-on-Wet: Apply water to the paper first, then add paint for soft, blended effects.
Wet-on-Dry: Paint directly onto dry paper for sharper, more controlled lines.
Layering: Build up colours gradually by letting each layer dry before adding the next.