5 of 10

Write now Article Tools

Watercolor painting is an inexpensive way to create paintings for your own enjoyment or for others to enjoy. Watercolor has traditionally been used by artists to do quick sketches in the field as this medium is very portable, lightweight and easy to clean up after painting.

Watercolors come in two forms: wet or dry. Paints come in small tubes in many colors and it only takes a tiny amount mixed with water to create your color palette. There are many commercially available mixing trays with reservoirs for the water and paint or you can use ice cube trays or any other household containers for your own comfort and usefulness.

Watercolor paints also come in dry "cake" form, in small packaging for ease of transporting. This type of paint can be easily fit into a purse, bag or anywhere with brushes and then once the painting destination is reached, water can be obtained and painting can begin. The price of these paints is nominal and they come in a full range of colors. This type of watercolor is very compact and while there is some inconvenience of needing to let the cakes dry before traveling, this is offset by the convenience.

Paper that is used should be specifically designed for watercolor painting or wet techniques. Watercolor papers have just the right amount of surface finish to allow some "bleed" of colors without absorbing too quickly. Different papers have different effects, and the artist may need to experiment with different manufacturers and weights to find just the right effect. Finely detailed work will require a smoother surface than more loosely structured work. "Cold press" papers will give your work a chance to feather and bleed, as the surface has more texture. "Hot press" will be best for finely detailed work as the surface is smoother and has less texture.

One benefit of watercolors is the way the artist can combine them with other mediums such as ink, watercolor pencil, markers, or permanent markers. Once again, experimentation will let the artist know which products will give the best effect. Combining permanent markers with water soluble markers will allow some areas to bleed color and others to remain sharply defined.

Watercolor painting is most effective for artists who wish to work quickly and on the move. It is better to make many paintings than work on the same one for a very long time, as watercolors are not as forgiving as techniques of "painting over" mistakes are not as possible with this medium.

Learn more about this author, Brenda G. Koscelny.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Learning to paint with watercolors?
We want to hear your view. Write now!