WATERCOLORS FOR BEGINNERS:FUN TECHNIQUES-PART 2

As promised, here is part 2 of the easy watercolor techniques I covered last week. I’m positive that with this post, you’ll be able to be attain the basic skills required to paint in watercolors. Happy reading!

If you’ve stumbled upon this post from Pinterest or anywhere around the web, chances are you haven’t looked into part 1 of easy watercolor techniques. Also don’t forget to read my learn watercolors series if you’re a beginner and love the medium.

Today’s post will cover some more easy watercolor techniques which will help you easily achieve certain textures. Enjoy!

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Materials required:-

1. Watercolor paper
2. Watercolor paints-Recommended beginner set and artist set
3. Watercolor brushes
4. Spray bottle
5. Micron Pen or any waterproof pen
6. Rubbing alcohol

1.Layering technique

This technique is pretty straightforward. The opposite of blending happens here. After applying the first layer, allow it to dry. Only and only when the first later is dry, go over with the second layer. If the surface of the paint is cool on touch, it will still need to dry slightly more. This is a brilliant technique of you want your background objects to show up. For example, a sheer curtain, plaid pattern (similar to the one shown here) etc.

2.Dry brush technique

The amount of water to pigment should be considerably less here. In fact water should only make your brush slightly moist. Keep your brush at an angle to get a better effect. This watercolor technique looks will form dry marks on paper which helps show texture. This is great for areas like the crashing of waves, rough blades of grass, textured walls etc.

3. Wet plus dry technique

This method utilizes both the wetting ability of watercolor and its ability to form a dry texture. Take some moist pigment on your brush. Drag the brush and then lift your brush vertically to get the bristles to form a dry stroke at the end.

With a single stroke you’ll be able to form a beautiful texture. An example of this watercolor technique would be blades of dry grass.

4.Water Spray technique

This technique uses plain ‘ol water to create a pretty texture.  Lay down pigment on paper and then take a spray can and spritz water on it. The one I used did not spread much but if you use one of those used for watering plants, it will work better.

But it still formed a pretty cool texture wherever the water fell. Just be careful to cover the surrounding areas while you spray.

5.Waterproof pen technique

Draw a pattern of your choice first. I used a Pigma micron pen here because it dries quickly and is absolutely waterproof. Go over it using watercolors either in detail or a wash like I did. You’ll see your  background peeking through and it’s intact with no smudging whatsoever.

6.Rubbing alcohol

Look at that beautiful pattern created with a drop of alcohol. Fabulous isn’t it? I had these alcohol swabs lying at home which I decided to test. See that beautiful white ring that’s formed? Fabulous isn’t it? The second drop was put down when the paper was almost dry. Can you see that both formed different patterns. This definitely reminds me of Shibori dyeing technique.

7.Scratch technique

Quite simply, this method calls for scratching out pigment. A word of caution though, you might end up tearing your paper if you’re not careful. Keep a light touch and be sure not to damage the surface of the paper much.

I hope these easy watercolor techniques are what you’ve been looking to learn. There are so many different ways of doing watercolor and these are some that I use.

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What do you think?

What are you looking forward to trying out the most in these easy watercolor techniques? I love the unpredictability that rubbing alcohol poses. What future watercolor basics would you like me to cover? Let me know all about it in the comments below. Be sure to tag me on Instagram with #makeinkstruck . Cheers!

About zakkiya @ inkstruck studio

Zakkiya is the creative blogger and founder of Inkstruck Studio. She’s a self taught artist who let go of her architecture profession to pursue her passion in art. Zakkiya likes to write detailed tutorials in watercolor, calligraphy, and hand lettering. She also teaches watercolor workshops occasionally in Doha where she’s based currently. Other passions include traveling, photography, and basketball.When she’s not working, you can find her cuddling and running around with her toddler boy.