Getting started with watercolor!
Visiting the Craft Cafe at West & Bloom Art Collective? Check out these detailed instructions tips and tricks for getting the most out of your watercolor experience!
Your exact materials might look a little different, but follow these tips and don’t be afraid to experiment!
Spritz the paint palette (the “pan”) to activate the colors, repeat as needed. A little paint goes a long way in watercolor. If you see color spilled across pans, you can use a damp paper towel to lift out the spill.
Activate the Paint
Create washes in the shades you like by adding water to the mixing tray and transferring paint to the wells. More water means lighter and more translucent colors.
Pick Your Colors
Wet on dry → paint from the wash or pan directly on dry paper (most control).
Wet on wet → paint clean water on the paper, add bits of pigment from the pan/washes to the water.
Patience is your friend, let paint dry before adding layers or painting nearby sections to avoid color bleeding and muddying.
Paint!
Use paper towel and water to clean your brush and avoid accidental mixing. Dip your clean brush in clean water before picking up a new color. Use paper towel to control brush wetness.
Water and Paper Towel
Use paper towel or a clean brush to pull up extra pigment from your paper and create highlights.