What to Watercolor Paint

Are you looking to try your hand at watercolor painting but feeling overwhelmed with all the options out there? With countless subjects and styles to choose from, it can be difficult to determine what to paint. Do you want to capture the beauty of nature with landscapes and flowers? Or perhaps delve into portraiture or still life?

But fear not, as a seasoned painter and researcher, I am here to guide you through the process of selecting the perfect subject for your new watercolor masterpiece. We will explore various genres and themes, taking into consideration your individual preferences and skill level. So grab your brushes and let’s dive in!

Popular Subjects to Paint with Watercolors

Watercolor painting is a popular form of art that involves the use of water-based paints on paper. It is a versatile medium that can be used to create a wide range of styles and subjects. Some popular subjects that are commonly painted in watercolor include landscapes, still life, portraits, and animals.

Landscapes are perhaps one of the most popular subjects for watercolor paintings. They allow artists to capture the beauty of nature and create stunning works of art that evoke emotions in viewers. When painting landscapes with watercolors, it’s important to pay attention to the colors and textures found in nature.

Still life paintings are another popular subject for watercolor artists. This type of painting involves arranging objects such as fruit, flowers, or other household items on a table or other surface and then painting them from observation. Still life paintings can be simple or complex and offer an opportunity to experiment with different color combinations.

Portraits are also a common subject for watercolor painters. The transparency and fluidity of watercolors make them ideal for capturing subtle details such as skin tones and shadows. When painting portraits with watercolors, it’s important to pay attention to the proportions and features of the subject.

Animals are another popular subject for watercolor paintings. Whether it’s a domestic pet or a wild animal in its natural habitat, animals can make compelling subjects for artists looking to capture movement, texture, and personality.

Other Popular Subjects Include:

– Flowers
– Seascapes
– Buildings/architecture
– Abstract art
– Fantasy/artistic interpretation

Tips for Choosing Your Subject:

– Choose something you’re passionate about.
– Look around your surroundings for inspiration.
– Experiment with different subjects until you find what works best for you.
– Consider your skill level – some subjects may require more advanced techniques.

Choosing a Color Palette for Your Watercolor Painting

When it comes to watercolor painting, choosing the right color palette is essential. The colors you choose will set the tone and mood of your painting, and can help to create depth and texture. Here are some tips for choosing a color palette:

Consider the Subject Matter:

The subject matter of your painting can play a big role in determining your color palette. For example, if you’re painting a beach scene, you’ll likely want to use shades of blue and green for the water and sand tones for the beach.

Choose Colors that Complement Each Other:

Colors that complement each other can create harmony in your painting. Complementary colors are those that are opposite each other on the color wheel, such as red and green or blue and orange.

Create Depth with Light and Dark Tones:

Using light and dark tones of a single color can create depth in your painting. For example, using light blue for the sky and dark blue for shadows on buildings can give your painting a sense of depth.

Experiment with Different Color Combinations:

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different color combinations until you find what works best for you. Try mixing different colors together to create unique shades or use a limited palette to challenge yourself creatively.

Tips for Using Color:

– Use lighter colors in the foreground and darker colors in the background to create depth.
– Consider using warm colors (red, orange, yellow) for objects in the foreground and cool colors (blue, green, purple) for objects in the background.
– Play around with different brush strokes and techniques to add texture to your paintings.

Essential Materials for Getting Started with Watercolor Painting

Getting started with watercolor painting doesn’t require a lot of expensive materials. Here are some essential materials you’ll need to get started:

Watercolor Paints:

Watercolor paints come in two forms – tubes or pans. Tubes are more concentrated and can be diluted with water to create the desired consistency, while pans are pre-dried cakes of paint that can be activated with water.

Brushes:

There are many different types of watercolor brushes available, but a good place to start is with a round brush in size 6 or 8. You may also want to invest in a flat brush for washes and a detail brush for smaller areas.

Paper:

Watercolor paper is specially designed to absorb water without warping or curling. Look for paper that is labeled as “cold-pressed” or “hot-pressed.” Cold-pressed paper has a slightly textured surface, while hot-pressed paper has a smooth surface.

Other Essential Materials Include:

– Water container
– Palette for mixing colors
– Masking tape (to create clean edges)
– Pencil and eraser (for sketching out your painting)

Techniques and Styles That Work Well with Watercolors

Watercolors offer endless possibilities when it comes to techniques and styles. Here are some popular techniques and styles that work well with watercolors:

Wet-on-Wet Technique:

This technique involves applying wet paint to wet paper, allowing the colors to blend together naturally. This technique is great for creating soft edges and blending colors together seamlessly.

Dry Brush Technique:

The dry brush technique involves using very little water on your brush, resulting in a drier brush stroke that creates texture and depth.

Gouache:

Gouache is similar to watercolor but has a higher concentration of pigment, resulting in more opaque colors. This medium can be used on its own or in combination with watercolors to create unique effects.

Other Techniques and Styles Include:

– Glazing (layering transparent washes to create depth)
– Impressionism (using loose brushstrokes and color to capture the feeling of a scene)
– Realism (creating highly detailed and realistic paintings)
– Abstract (using color and shape to create non-representational works of art)

Using Watercolors on Different Types of Paper or Surfaces

Watercolor paints are most commonly used on paper, but they can also be used on other surfaces such as canvas, wood, or fabric. Here are some tips for using watercolors on different surfaces:

Paper:

Watercolor paper is designed to absorb water without warping or curling. Using anything other than watercolor paper can result in buckling or bleeding. Look for paper that is labeled as “cold-pressed” or “hot-pressed.” Cold-pressed paper has a slightly textured surface, while hot-pressed paper has a smooth surface.

Canvas:

Canvas is not typically used for watercolor painting because it does not absorb water like paper does. However, if you want to try painting with watercolors on canvas, you’ll need to use a special ground that allows the paint to adhere properly.

Fabric:

Watercolors can be used on fabric by first applying a fabric medium that will help the paint adhere. Once the fabric medium has dried, you can apply your watercolor paints as usual.

Tips for Using Watercolors on Different Surfaces:

– Always test your materials before starting a project.
– Use the appropriate primer or ground for the surface you’ll be painting on.
– Be aware that the texture of the surface will affect how the paint appears.
– Use a light touch when painting on delicate surfaces.

Creating Depth and Texture in Your Watercolor Painting

Creating depth and texture is essential for making your watercolor paintings come to life. Here are some tips for creating depth and texture in your paintings:

Layering:

Layering washes of color can create depth in your painting. Start with light washes and gradually build up darker colors.

Dry Brush Technique:

Using very little water on your brush can create a drier brush stroke that creates texture and depth.

Salt:

Sprinkling salt onto wet watercolor paint can create interesting textures as the salt absorbs the pigment.

Other Techniques for Creating Depth and Texture Include:

– Scratching into wet paint with a dry brush or palette knife
– Using different types of brushes for different effects
– Lifting off color with a damp brush or paper towel

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Working with Watercolors

Watercolor painting can be challenging, especially if you’re new to the medium. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when working with watercolors:

Using Too Much Water:

Using too much water can cause your colors to become diluted and muddy. Remember to use less water when applying darker colors.

Not Planning Ahead:

Watercolors require some planning before you start painting. It’s important to have an idea of what you want to achieve before you start applying paint.

Not Letting Layers Dry:

Allowing each layer of paint to dry completely before adding another layer is essential for preventing colors from bleeding together.

Other Common Mistakes Include:

– Overworking your painting
– Not using enough contrast
– Using too many colors

Incorporating Other Mediums into Your Watercolor Painting: Tips and Tricks

Watercolors can be combined with other mediums to create unique effects. Here are some tips and tricks for incorporating other mediums into your watercolor paintings:

Ink:

Ink can be used to add fine details or lines to your watercolor painting. Use a dip pen or fine liner brush for precision.

Pastels:

Pastels can be used over dried watercolor paint to add texture and depth. Use soft pastels for best results.

Gouache:

Gouache is similar to watercolor but has a higher concentration of pigment, resulting in more opaque colors. This medium can be used on its own or in combination with watercolors to create unique effects.

Tips for Incorporating Other Mediums:

– Experiment with different combinations of mediums to find what works best for you.
– Be careful not to overwork your painting when adding additional layers.
– Allow each layer of paint to dry completely before adding another medium.

In conclusion, there are endless possibilities when it comes to what you can watercolor paint. From landscapes and portraits to abstract designs and botanicals, the only limit is your imagination. Choose a subject that inspires you and let your creativity flow onto the page.

Frequently Asked Questions about What to Watercolor Paint

What is the golden rule of watercolor?
Do not make decisions based on pleasing others, instead focus on what brings you personal satisfaction and enjoyment, even when it comes to choosing paint.

What is the most important thing in watercolor painting?
Watercolor painting is a style that is typically employed for depictions of landscapes, cityscapes, and seascapes. It requires a great deal of precision and attention to detail to succeed.

Is Watercolour painting easier than acrylic?
When it comes to choosing between acrylic and watercolor paints, both have their benefits, but acrylics are generally easier to work with and mistakes can be easily corrected. On the other hand, watercolors can be challenging to master and mistakes are often difficult or impossible to correct.

Do you wet the paper before watercolor?
If you plan to use a wet-on-wet painting technique, the watercolor paper should be moistened beforehand. However, this can cause the paper to buckle and create an uneven surface, which may make it difficult to control your brushstrokes.

What are the 4 pillars of watercolor?
The ‘Four Pillars of Watercolour’, which consist of color, shape, value, and edges, are essential components in creating stunning paintings. These pillars are not shortcuts or strategies, but rather fundamental principles that are necessary for success.

Why watercolor is the most difficult?
Watercolour is considered to be the most challenging medium to master due to its unforgiving nature. Mistakes are particularly noticeable in watercolour due to its transparency, and correcting them can be difficult. Unlike with opaque mediums such as acrylic or oil, mistakes cannot simply be erased or painted over.