How to Start Watercolor Painting – First Steps for Beginners — Louise De Masi Watercolour Artist (2024)

Fundamental Skills Every Watercolour Beginner Must Master

Are you new to watercolour? Wanting to gain deeper knowledge of techniques and skills to master? Whether you started painting years ago or need guidance on where to start - this post is for you!

Bookmark this page, for it's your treasure map to the riches of watercolour painting. The following knowledge and resources will ease your way into the wonderful medium and will let you explore with a light heart and a curious mind!

Think of this guide as your trusty map through the enchanting landscape of watercolour painting. As we embark on this journey together, keep in mind that what lies ahead is the essence, the very heart, of what every beginner needs to know.

But fear not! For those thirsting for deeper watercolour knowledge, each section below serves as a gateway to a more expansive universe of tips, tricks, and detailed guides.

Consider this your go-to resource, a foundational pillar to bookmark and return to time and again as you navigate the waters of watercolour. Imagine we're setting sail on the S.S. Watercolour, a ship as sturdy as your determination and as filled with potential as your palette.

Ready to dip your brush into the boundless possibilities?

Water Control

Water, the lifeblood of watercolour painting, demands respect and understanding. The dance between water and pigment on your brush is a delicate one, leading to aspectrum of effects, from the boldness ofwet-on-dryto the softness ofwet-on-wettechniques. For a more detailed exploration of mastering water control, check out myin-depth guide.

Mixing Colours

The quest for theperfect shade of watercolour paintis akin to alchemy,blending hueswith the precision of a master chemist. Whether you mix colours on your palette or directly on watercolour paper, the journey to finding the perfect shade is endlessly rewarding. And there is much more to learn! Think warm colours, cool colours, colour wheel and more. A dedicated post onmixing colourswill guide you through thenuances of colour theoryand beyond.

Watercolour Washes

Flat washesare the very basis of many watercolour paintings and a good way to start your painting process. Avariegated watercolour washis a technique that involves blending two or more colours together on the paper in a seamless, flowing manner, creating a smooth transition from one colour to another. The art ofgradient washes—where colours gently fade from a darker value into a lighter value—is a fundamental skill that adds depth and emotion to your work.

Master these techniques with the help of my focused guides and watch as your paintings come to life with a new sense of dimension.

Dry Brush Technique

Fortexture and detail, the dry brush technique is your go-to. This method brings a tactile sense to your paintings, perfect for depicting the roughness of nature or the fine details in urban scenes. It's a fundamental skill to master when practicing watercolours.Learn moreabout dry brushing in a specialised post.

Layering and Glazing

Layering andglazingare the keys to depth and luminosity in your paintings. These techniques allow you to build colour and complexity in a controlled, deliberate manner. Start painting with layers and learn to glaze with this comprehensive guide.

Lifting-Off Paint

Mistakes aren't just forgivable; they're erasable. The lifting-off technique shows you how to correct your course, lighten areas, and add highlights on watercolour paper. A detailed exploration of this technique awaits your discovery.

Understanding Pigment Properties

Each pigment has apersonality — knowing it can be the difference between frustration and fulfilment.Transparency, staining strength, andgranulationaffecthow your colours behaveon paper. Get to know your pigments intimately with my in-depth analysis.

Composition and Planning

A beautiful painting starts with thoughtful composition andplanning. Learn toenvision your masterpiecebefore your brush ever touches the paper, with tips on the rule of thirds, focal points, and balance. My guide on composition and planning is the perfectstarting point.

Edge Control

Master the art of defining thesoftness or hardnessof edges to add depth and dimension to your paintings. Use wet techniques for soft edges that suggest distance and dry techniques for hard edges to draw attention to detail. I explainlost edgesin a special blog post.

Understanding and Utilising Colour Temperature

Harness the power ofwarm and cool coloursto create mood, depth, and spatial relationships in your work. Balance and contrastcolour temperaturesto guide the viewer’s eye and evoke specific emotions.

Tonal Values

Learn to see and replicate thelightness or darkness of colours, crucial for depicting three-dimensional forms andcreating a focal pointthrough contrast. Practice with grayscale to understand the dynamic range of watercolour.

Practice and Patience

Above all, watercolour painting is a journey ofpractice and patience. Every brushstroke is a step forward, and every painting is a lesson learned. Embrace the process and let your love for painting be your guide.

Online Classes

The internet is a vast resource ofguidanceandtutorialsto help hone your skills - all from the comfort of your own home!

As you set off on this colourful adventure, remember that the information here is just the beginning. Each skill outlined here opens the door to deeper understanding and mastery, all designed to enhance your journey through the captivating world of watercolour painting.

Bookmark this guide, explore the linked posts, and let your creative spirit soar. Welcome to the vibrant, challenging, and ultimately rewarding world of watercolour painting. Your journey starts here, but the paths you'll explore are endless.

Get started or continue learning - I am rooting for you!

If you are interested in learning to paint in watercolour, I have over 170 online, voiced over watercolour tutorials for all skill levels.