Watercolor painting is often described as one of the most challenging yet rewarding artistic mediums. The transparent nature of the paint creates luminous effects that can't be achieved with other media, but it also requires a different mindset and approach compared to oils or acrylics. In this article, I'll share some professional techniques that have helped me develop my own watercolor style over the past twenty years.

Understanding Your Materials

Before diving into techniques, it's crucial to understand your materials. Watercolor paint comes in tubes or pans, and each has its advantages. Tubes provide more vibrant color immediately, while pans are more portable and economical. I recommend beginners start with a limited palette of professional-grade paints rather than a larger set of student grade. The quality difference is substantial and will affect your results dramatically.

Paper is perhaps even more important than the paint itself. Cold-pressed paper (with a slight texture) is the most versatile for beginners. Hot-pressed paper is smoother and better for detailed work, while rough paper creates dramatic textures. I recommend 100% cotton paper with a weight of at least 300gsm (140lb) for best results.

As for brushes, synthetic-natural blends offer good quality at reasonable prices. You need fewer brushes than you might think – a large round (size 10-12), medium round (size 6-8), small round (size 2-4), and a flat brush (3/4 inch) will handle most tasks.

Wet-on-Wet Technique: Creating Atmospheric Effects

The wet-on-wet technique involves applying wet paint to wet paper, allowing colors to blend and flow naturally. This technique is perfect for creating atmospheric skies, misty landscapes, and soft backgrounds.

Start by wetting your paper evenly with clean water using a large flat brush or natural sponge. The paper should be damp but not pooling with water. While the paper is still wet, load your brush with diluted paint and touch it to the paper. Watch as the color spreads and blooms! Add additional colors while the paper is still wet, allowing them to blend organically.

The key to controlling wet-on-wet is understanding the wetness of your paper. If it's too wet, colors will blend completely and lose definition. If it's not wet enough, you won't get that beautiful flowing effect. With practice, you'll develop an intuitive sense for the perfect moisture level.

Wet-on-Dry Technique: Creating Definition

When you need more control and defined edges, the wet-on-dry technique is your go-to approach. As the name suggests, you apply wet paint to completely dry paper.

This technique allows you to create sharp edges and precise details. It's perfect for painting architectural elements, tree branches, or any subject that requires clear definition. The secret to successful wet-on-dry painting is controlling the water-to-paint ratio on your brush. Too much water will cause unwanted blooms, while too little will make your paint drag on the paper.

Layering and Glazing

One of watercolor's unique properties is its transparency, which allows light to reflect through layers of paint and off the white paper beneath. Glazing takes advantage of this quality by building up thin, transparent layers of color.

The most important rule of glazing is to ensure each layer is completely dry before applying the next. This prevents colors from mixing and muddying. Start with the lightest colors and gradually work toward darker tones. This technique requires patience but results in rich, luminous colors with incredible depth.

Creating Texture

Watercolor offers numerous ways to create interesting textures that can bring your paintings to life:

• Salt technique: Sprinkle table salt on wet paint to create a starry or granular texture as the salt absorbs moisture and pushes pigment outward. This works beautifully for creating texture in beach scenes or starry skies.
• Plastic wrap: Press crumpled plastic wrap onto wet paint, then remove when dry for a mottled, organic pattern perfect for foliage or water.
• Lifting: Rewet dry areas with clean water and lift color using a paper towel or clean brush to create highlights or clouds.
• Dry brush: Use a brush with minimal water and drag it across textured paper for a scratchy effect that's perfect for creating foliage, grass, or weathered surfaces.

Controlling Water

The most challenging aspect of watercolor for many artists is managing water. Here are some tips:

Keep two water containers – one for rinsing your brush and one for clean water to mix with paints. This prevents your colors from becoming muddy.

Use a paper towel or cloth to control the moisture in your brush. Touch the brush to the towel to remove excess water before picking up paint or applying to your paper.

Tilt your paper to control flow. For beginners, I recommend painting on a slight incline (about 15-20 degrees). This helps water flow downward in a controlled manner rather than pooling unpredictably.

Embracing the Unexpected

Perhaps the most important watercolor lesson is learning to embrace unpredictability. Watercolor has a mind of its own, and some of the most beautiful effects happen by happy accident. While control is important, allowing the medium to express its natural properties often leads to magical results that couldn't be achieved through tight control.

In my own practice, I've learned to create a balance between control and spontaneity – planning the overall composition and values while allowing the watercolor to work its magic in the details.

Remember that mastering watercolor is a journey, not a destination. Even after decades of painting, I'm still discovering new techniques and approaches. Be patient with yourself, practice regularly, and enjoy the process of working with this beautiful medium.