What Are 3 Common Mistakes That People Make When Using Watercolor

Watercolor painting is a beautiful and unique art form that requires a delicate touch and attention to detail. The beauty of watercolors lies in their ability to blend and flow across the paper, creating stunning visual effects that are hard to replicate with other mediums. However, for those new to watercolor painting, there are some common mistakes that can lead to frustration and disappointment.

Have you ever tried watercolor painting only to be left with a muddy mess on your paper? Or maybe you struggled with controlling the amount of water you used, leaving your painting looking washed out or lacking depth. These are just a couple of the common mistakes that people make when using watercolors.

In this article, we will explore three of the most common mistakes made by beginners when working with watercolors. We will dive into the root causes of these errors and provide tips on how to avoid them in the future. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting out, understanding these pitfalls can help improve your skills and take your watercolor paintings to the next level.

Basic Techniques for Beginners Using Watercolors

Watercolor painting is a popular hobby and art form that has been around for centuries. It can be challenging for beginners to get started, but with the right techniques, anyone can create beautiful watercolor paintings. Here are some basic techniques that every beginner should know:

Wet-on-Wet Technique

The wet-on-wet technique is one of the most fundamental techniques used in watercolor painting. It involves applying wet paint to a wet surface, which allows the colors to blend and bleed together. This technique is great for creating soft, flowing backgrounds or blending colors together.

To use this technique, first, wet your paper with clean water using a brush or spray bottle. Then apply your paint directly onto the wet surface using a brush. The colors will begin to mix and blend together as they spread out on the paper.

Tips:

• Use high-quality watercolor paper for best results.
• Don’t overwork the paint, as this can cause it to become muddy.
• Experiment with different color combinations to create unique effects.

Dry Brush Technique

The dry brush technique involves using a dry brush to apply paint to a dry surface. This creates a textured effect that is great for adding detail or texture to your paintings.

To use this technique, load your brush with paint and then remove most of it by wiping it off on a paper towel or cloth. Then use short strokes to apply the paint to your dry paper.

Tips:

• Use an old or stiff brush for best results.
• Experiment with different amounts of pressure and stroke lengths to create different textures.
• Avoid overworking the paint as this can damage your brush.

Layering Technique

The layering technique involves applying multiple layers of paint to create depth and richness in your paintings. This technique is great for creating realistic shadows, highlights, and other details.

To use this technique, start by applying a light wash of color to your paper. Once it has dried, add another layer of a darker color on top. Repeat this process as many times as necessary to achieve the desired effect.

Tips:

• Use transparent colors for best results.
• Allow each layer to dry completely before adding a new one.
• Experiment with different color combinations and layering techniques to create unique effects.

The Impact of Paper Type on Watercolor Paintings

The type of paper you use can have a significant impact on the final result of your watercolor painting. There are several factors to consider when selecting watercolor paper, including texture, weight, and absorbency.

Paper Texture

Watercolor paper comes in three main textures: rough, cold-pressed (or NOT), and hot-pressed. The texture affects how the paint interacts with the surface of the paper.

Rough paper has a bumpy surface that creates interesting textures but can make it difficult to achieve fine detail.
Cold-pressed watercolor paper has a smoother surface than rough paper but still provides some texture.
Hot-pressed papers have an extremely smooth surface that is ideal for fine detail work but may not hold up well under heavy washes or layered painting.

Tips:

• Consider the style of painting you want to create when selecting your paper texture.
• Try out different textures to see which one you prefer for your art style.
• Rougher papers are great for creating textured effects, while smoother papers are better for fine detail work.

Paper Weight

The weight of the paper refers to how thick and heavy it is. Heavier weight paper can handle more water and paint without buckling or warping.

Watercolor paper typically comes in weights ranging from 90lb to 300lb. Lighter weight papers are great for practice or sketching, while heavier weight papers are ideal for finished works of art.

Tips:

• Consider the amount of water you will be using when selecting your paper weight.
• Heavier weight papers are more expensive but may be worth the investment if you plan on creating finished pieces.
• Lighter weight papers may buckle or warp under heavy washes, so be sure to stretch them first if needed.

Paper Absorbency

The absorbency of the paper refers to how quickly it absorbs paint and water. Papers with high absorbency dry faster but require more layers to achieve rich colors and depth.

Conversely, papers with low absorbency retain moisture longer, allowing colors to blend and mix together naturally.

Tips:

• Consider your painting style when selecting your paper’s absorbency.
• Avoid overworking highly absorbent papers as this can cause them to become muddy.
• Experiment with different types of paper to see which one works best for your style and preferences.

Common Color Selection and Mixing Mistakes in Watercolor Painting

Not Understanding Color Theory

One of the most common mistakes that beginner watercolor artists make is not understanding color theory. Color theory is essential to creating beautiful watercolor paintings because it helps you understand how different colors interact with each other. Without a basic understanding of color theory, you may end up with muddy or unappealing color combinations.

To avoid this mistake, take the time to learn about primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. Understand how complementary colors work together and experiment with different color palettes to see how they interact on paper.

Tips:

• Experiment with mixing different colors to get a feel for how they behave.
• Invest in a color wheel to help you understand complementary colors.
• Take an online course or read books on color theory.

The Dangers of Overworking a Watercolor Painting

Ruining Paper Texture

Watercolor paper has a unique texture that can be ruined if you overwork your painting. When you try to fix mistakes by adding more paint or scrubbing at the paper, you can damage the surface of the paper and create unwanted textures.

To avoid this mistake, practice patience when working on your watercolor painting. Let layers dry completely before adding more paint or making adjustments. Use gentle brushstrokes instead of scrubbing at the paper.

Tips:

• Work in thin layers rather than trying to achieve everything in one go.
• Avoid using too much water which can lead to buckling and warping of the paper.
• If you need to make corrections, use blotting paper or a clean cloth instead of scrubbing at the paper.

The Importance of Planning and Sketching in Watercolor Art

Skipping the Planning Stage

Many watercolor artists skip the planning stage and jump right into painting, but this can lead to mistakes down the line. Without a plan, you may struggle with composition or end up with an unbalanced painting.

To avoid this mistake, take the time to sketch out your idea before you start painting. This will help you work out any issues with composition or balance before you commit to paint.

Tips:

• Use a pencil or light-colored pen for your sketches so that they don’t show through your watercolors.
• Experiment with different compositions until you find one that works for your subject matter.
• Don’t be afraid to make mistakes in your sketches – this is the time to play around and experiment.

The Effects of Different Brush Strokes and Techniques on Watercolor Paintings

Using Too Much Pressure

When it comes to watercolor painting, using too much pressure on your brush can lead to unwanted effects like bleeding or feathering. It can also damage the bristles of your brush over time.

To avoid this mistake, practice using a light touch when applying paint. Let the natural flow of water and pigment create interesting textures instead of forcing it.

Tips:

• Experiment with different brushes to get a feel for how they behave under different levels of pressure.
• Try using dry brush techniques for interesting textures without using too much water.
• Avoid pressing down hard on your paper as well – use just enough pressure to make contact with the surface.

The Risks of Improper Drying and Storage of Watercolor Paints

Storing Paint Tubes Incorrectly

Improper storage of watercolor paints can lead to them drying out or becoming unusable. Leaving paint tubes open, exposing them to extreme temperatures or sunlight can all damage the paint.

To avoid this mistake, be sure to store your watercolor paints in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the caps tightly closed when not in use and store them upright.

Tips:

• Invest in a good quality palette with wells for mixing your colors.
• Label your paints with the name and brand for easier identification later on.
• Clean your brushes thoroughly after each use to prevent leftover pigment from contaminating other colors.

Tips for Achieving Successful Results with Watercolors: Avoiding Common Mistakes

Relying Too Much on Reference Photos

While it’s helpful to use reference photos as a starting point for your painting, relying too heavily on them can lead to a flat and uninteresting painting. Instead of copying the photo exactly, try using it as inspiration and adding your own creative touches.

To avoid this mistake, experiment with different angles and lighting instead of just copying the photo directly. Use your imagination to add interesting details or change up the composition.

Tips:

• Take reference photos yourself so that you have more control over the subject matter.
• Use multiple photos or combine different elements from various photos to create an original piece.
• Don’t be afraid to take artistic liberties – remember that you’re creating art, not just copying a photo.

In conclusion, it is important to avoid three common mistakes when using watercolor: not using enough water, not waiting for layers to dry before adding more, and not planning ahead. By being mindful of these mistakes, artists can improve their watercolor skills and create beautiful pieces of art.

Frequently Asked Questions about What Are 3 Common Mistakes That People Make When Using Watercolor

What is the golden rule of watercolor?
Do not prioritize pleasing others over your own preferences. Instead, choose what makes you happy, even if it goes against others’ expectations.

What is the difficulties with watercolour?
Watercolour painting is challenging as it is unpredictable. The pigment tends to flow and spread in unexpected ways, making it hard to control. Additionally, since the pigment dries lighter and is transparent, it is difficult to correct errors as they show through subsequent layers.

What are the rules of watercolor?
When using watercolor paints, it is best to start with the lighter shades and gradually move towards the darker ones. This is because in watercolor painting, the white space is created by the paper, not the paints. The paints are transparent, so if you apply light colors over dark ones, the lighter colors won’t stand out as much.

What is the secret to watercolor painting?
You don’t have to vigorously rub or stroke the paper when using watercolors as the paint will naturally absorb into the damp areas of the paper. The paint will only spread where the paper is wet, and the dry areas surrounding the wet spots will act as a barrier to keep the paint from spreading.

What are the pros and cons of watercolor?
Watercolor has the advantage of creating natural transparency due to its water-soluble properties. It also allows for adjustments even after drying. However, the medium’s tendency to soak into paper can result in staining and difficulty in fully removing the paint once dry.

What are the 4 pillars of watercolor?
The “Four Pillars of Watercolour” include color, shape, value, and edges, which are essential elements for creating beautiful paintings. These pillars should not be seen as tricks or gimmicks, but rather as the fundamental building blocks necessary for success in watercolor painting.