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Watercolor painting can be a challenge for any artist, even those that are exclusive to it’s techniques and soft methods. There are as large a variety of supplies for water paints as oils. You have the choice of tubes of already wet paint or cakes of solid color. It is not a good idea to use the same brushes as you would for oil or acrylic, the softer bristles work better for water than oil. On this page I will endeavor to give you the basics of doing water painting. |
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The first note to be added here is water. I have learned by the experience of ruined paintings that water is not created equal. I’ve always had wells rather than city water. Well water, while wonderful to drink, is terrible for painting. City water is not much better because of the various ‘treatments’ to make it ‘safe and healthy’ are not a good mix for painting. Both will create a ‘change’ in the color of your water paints. Well water leaves a yellowish residue, city water? I really don’t know, but with chlorine and fluoride added I’m sure it’s not good. What to use? Distilled is the only one I’ve found that works great. Brushes? There are a lot of choices and it is something of a personal preference. You should have several sizes and styles available but minimum would be a couple round, one small, one large, a couple flat, and maybe filberts. Paints? Whatever you prefer. Personally, I like the tube paints. I can use them directly from the tube, mix them on a palette, or create washes on a palette or even a plate. Palettes? Keep it simple. Even a plastic plate will work. they make a variety on palettes that will help keep the paint from drying too quickly. there are ‘mediums’ you can add to do all sorts of things, including one that allows you to treat the finished painting like an oil or acrylic in that you don’t have to frame it with glass. ( I haven’t tried it yet) Paper? Any heavy paper will work for trials, but you really should get real watercolor paper either on a block tablet or individual pages. Individual pages will need to be attached to a backing board to be painted. Water painting makes the paper ripple and the wetter you get it the more it ripples. It will not flatten back out! So attaching it to a backing board all the way around will minimize the problem. The last thing you need is time and something you want to paint. A light sketch first may help, but pencil lines will run with water so be aware, light sketch, or freehand. Don’t be upset if your first attempts are not perfect. Practice, practice, practice. |
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Contact Brandy: brandy@cougardesign.com |
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