How to Use Watercolor Tube Paints

Do you ever find yourself staring at a blank canvas, feeling overwhelmed by the thought of using watercolor tube paints? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Watercolor painting can be both exhilarating and intimidating. The beauty of this medium lies in its unpredictability, but that same quality can also be a challenge for beginners.

But fear not, because with the right tools and techniques, anyone can master the art of watercolor painting. In this article, we will explore how to use watercolor tube paints effectively to create stunning works of art. From selecting the right materials to mixing colors and applying paint, we’ll walk you through each step of the process. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or simply looking to try something new, this guide is for you. So grab your brushes and let’s get started!

Understanding Watercolor Tube Paints: What You Need to Know

Watercolor tube paints are a popular medium for artists because of their versatility and vibrant colors. Unlike traditional watercolors that come in pans, watercolor tube paints are packed in small metal or plastic tubes that allow for easy application and mixing. They are made from a combination of pigments, binders, and water, which makes them highly transparent and dilutable.

One thing to keep in mind when working with watercolor tube paints is that they dry quickly, so it’s important to work fast or use a wet-on-wet technique to avoid unwanted lines or streaks. Another factor to consider is the quality of the paint you’re using. High-quality paints tend to have more pigment, which results in richer colors and better lightfastness (the ability to resist fading over time).

The Benefits of Using Watercolor Tube Paints

There are several advantages to using watercolor tube paints over other mediums:

– Versatility: Watercolor tube paints can be used on a variety of surfaces, including paper, canvas, and even wood.
– Transparency: Because they are highly diluted with water, watercolor tube paints create an ethereal effect that allows light to pass through the layers of color.
– Easy Mixing: With watercolor tube paints, it’s easy to mix colors together to create custom shades.
– Convenience: The tubes make it easy to transport your supplies without worrying about making a mess.

The Differences Between Watercolor Tubes and Pans

While both types of watercolors are made from the same ingredients, there are some key differences between them. For one thing, pans tend to be less concentrated than tubes because they contain less binder. This means that you may need more layers of color when working with pans than with tubes.

Another difference is in how they’re used. With pans, you need to wet the pigment with a brush before applying it to your surface. With tubes, you squeeze out the amount of paint you need and dilute it with water as desired.

Essential Materials for Working with Watercolor Tube Paints

To get started with watercolor tube paints, you’ll need a few basic supplies:

– Watercolor paper: This type of paper is specially designed to handle the wetness of watercolors without buckling or bleeding.
– Brushes: Choose brushes that are specifically designed for watercolors, as they tend to be softer and more absorbent than other types of brushes.
– Palette: A palette is essential for mixing colors together. You can use a plastic one or invest in a ceramic or glass palette for easier cleaning.
– Water container: You’ll need a container for clean water to dilute your paints and clean your brushes.
– Masking tape: Use masking tape to secure your paper to a flat surface and create crisp edges on your painting.

Optional Supplies

In addition to the basics, there are some optional supplies that can make working with watercolor tube paints even easier:

– Spray bottle: A spray bottle filled with water can be used to keep your painting wet while you work.
– Board: A board can be used underneath your paper to prevent buckling and warping.
– Sponge: Use a sponge to create texture in your paintings by dabbing it onto wet paint.
– Eraser: An eraser can be used to remove unwanted pencil lines from your painting.

Preparing Your Watercolor Tube Paints for Optimal Use

Before using your watercolor tube paints, there are a few things you should do to prepare them for optimal use:

1. Squeeze out a small amount of paint onto your palette.
2. Dilute the paint with clean water until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Use a brush to mix the paint and water together until it’s smooth and even.
4. Repeat this process for each color you plan to use.

It’s important to note that different colors may require different amounts of water, so it’s a good idea to test each color before applying it to your painting. You can also experiment with diluting the paint with different amounts of water to create unique effects.

Techniques for Creating Unique Effects with Watercolor Tube Paints

One of the best things about working with watercolor tube paints is that there are countless techniques you can use to create unique effects in your paintings:

1. Wet-on-wet: Apply wet paint onto a wet surface to create soft, flowing lines and blurred edges.
2. Dry-brushing: Use a nearly dry brush with minimal water to achieve a textured effect.
3. Salt technique: Sprinkle salt onto wet paint to create a crystalline effect.
4. Splatter technique: Dip a toothbrush or small brush into diluted paint and flick it onto your paper for a splattered effect.
5. Layering: Build up layers of color by allowing each layer to dry before adding another on top.

Mixing Colors with Watercolor Tube Paints: Tips and Tricks

Mixing colors is an essential part of using watercolor tube paints, but it can be tricky if you’re not sure what you’re doing:

– Start with primary colors (red, yellow, blue) and mix them together in various combinations to create secondary colors (orange, green, purple).
– Use a color wheel as a reference guide to help you understand how different colors work together.
– To lighten a color, add more water instead of white paint, which can make your colors muddy.
– When mixing colors together, start with the lighter color and gradually add darker colors until you achieve the desired shade.

Controlling Consistency When Using Watercolor Tubes

One of the biggest challenges when working with watercolor tube paints is controlling the consistency of your paint:

– Use a small amount of paint to start and gradually add more as needed.
– Test each color on a scrap piece of paper before applying it to your painting.
– Dilute the paint with water as needed until you achieve your desired consistency.
– Use a dry brush to remove excess water from your paper or painting to prevent unwanted bleeding or streaking.

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Working with Watercolor Tube Paints

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when working with watercolor tube paints:

– Using too much water: Too much water can dilute your colors and cause them to bleed together, so be careful not to over-dilute your paint.
– Overworking your painting: Working too long on one area can cause the paint to become muddy or make unwanted lines appear, so work quickly and move onto other areas of your painting.
– Not using enough pigment: If you’re not getting the vibrant colors you want, try using more pigment in your paint mixtures.
– Not planning ahead: It’s important to have a plan for your painting before you begin, as it can be difficult to make changes once the paint has dried.

Cleaning Up After Using Watercolor Tube Paints: Best Practices for Longevity

To ensure longevity and prevent damage, it’s important to clean up your supplies after each use:

1. Rinse out any remaining paint from your palette and brushes with clean water.
2. Dry off any excess moisture from your brushes using a clean towel or cloth.
3. Store your brushes horizontally in a brush holder or container to prevent bending or warping.
4. Keep your tubes tightly capped to prevent the paint from drying out.
5. Store your supplies in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat sources.

In conclusion, watercolor tube paints offer a versatile and vibrant medium for artists of all levels. With proper techniques and tools, anyone can learn how to use them to create stunning works of art.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Use Watercolor Tube Paints

Do you mix watercolor paint tubes with water?
To utilize these tubes, remove the cap and gently extract a small quantity of paint onto a mixing tray or watercolor palette. Remember, a little amount will suffice! Blend a secondary color by directly intermixing them with a brush or add water to weaken the intensity as per your desired tone.

Why use watercolor tubes?
Tubes of watercolours are useful for artists who work with larger paper formats or need to fill in larger areas of their artwork. They are also more cost-effective when refilling empty pans. However, certain types of paints are better suited for use in pans.

Are tube watercolors better?
Tubes of paint are more convenient and have faster wetting times compared to paint pans. This is because tubes contain moist paint that is already soft, while pans are dried hard and may take longer to soften when water is applied.

Can you let tube watercolor dry?
To prevent your watercolor paints from drying out or becoming sticky, it is important to always keep them closed when not in use, even if it is only for a short period of time.

Do you wet on wet or wet on dry watercolor?
Watercolor painting uses a basic technique called wet-on-dry, which is ideal for adding layers or details to a painting. This technique gives a more precise and detailed look, and is often used in realistic-style watercolor paintings, but can also be applied to loose-style painting. In contrast, wet-on-wet watercolor technique creates a soft and diffused effect.

How do you soften watercolour paint in tubes?
The paint inside a tube can be revived with water because the pigment particles are surrounded by a substance called gum arabic. Gradually add water to the tube until the desired consistency is achieved, or instead, cut away the dried paint and use it like a half pan.