Texture in watercolor can add both depth and drama..and they are fun, too!

The textures shown here are all done in prussian blue. If you are going to use one of these texture, practice first on a small scrap of paper. Different colors will react differently to the techniques. Try experimenting with laying several colors together.

Click here to read more on Creating Textures in Watercolor...

Here is a new step by step watercolor by the very talented Alistair Butt.

Click here to view this step by step watercolor lesson.

This article will provide you with a general understanding of some of the more basic watercolor painting techniques.

Flat Wash Technique

The flat wash technique is one of the more basic and common of the various techniques. The flat wash technique is usually used when large areas of the canvas need to be covered. You will want to lay out the watercolor wash evenly and uniformly. First you will need to dampen the area of your canvas where you will be applying the watercolor wash. Make certain to have an adequate amount of water and pigment available before your start. If you should have to stop for any reason, it will be difficult to match your layers. It is better to have more than less available. The angle at which you apply the watercolor wash is important. If the angle is too steep your wash will run down the paper. If the angle is too level, then you won't have enough movement. Use a large brush for this technique and start your first stroke at the top of the paper. Continue applying the watercolor wash going down the paper, but alternate sides as you move down.

Glazing Technique

The glazing technique is when you apply a thin transparent color over a completed dry layer of color. This technique creates some very interesting blends of new color. You will need to use a non-staining, transparent color for this watercolor technique. You should use a soft brush and don't apply that much pressure.

Wet In Wet Technique

Wet in wet is simply applying a wet wash over a wet surface. You start by evenly wetting the paper with a brush or spray bottle. Have a sponge handy to absorb any excess water. You want your paper to be evenly saturated. Then apply your watercolor.

Dry Brush Technique

With the dry brush technique, your paper is completely dry. You then apply a fairly dry pigment with very little water to the paper.

The dry brush technique should only be used where you want to draw focus or create texture in your painting. It's always a good idea to use various watercolor brush techniques in a single painting. This results in a more interesting painting.

Lifting Off Technique

Artists use this technique when they want to remove watercolor from a certain area of the panting. It is usually done by first wetting the area that needs to be removed with a clean sponge and then absorbing the color with a tissue. If you find that the color does not come off right away, then let the water soak in a bit longer and try again. If you still are unable to remove the color, then dampen a bristle brush and gently scrub the area. You should use extreme care with this watercolor technique, as there is a risk you can damage the paper.

I hope this article on watercolor techniques has helped. Happy Painting!

I put together an ebook not too long ago with the help of 6 very talented artists. This ebook contains 6 step by step art demonstrations with illustrations.

If you are a beginner artist interested in seeing how a work of art is completed, or if you are simply a lover of fine art, then I am sure this book will be a nice treat.


Please click here for more information on downloading this free ebook.

Free step by step watercolor painting demo by the very talented Margaret Crowley-Kiggins. Many artists are intimidated by faces. In this demonstration, using an accurate light pencil drawing as a guide and the original photograph as reference, Margaret will show how to paint a portrait of Alyssa. She used three brushes: Winsor Newton Series 7 sizes 5, 7, and 10 rounds.

Click here to learn How to Paint Watercolor Portraits

Learn to Paint in Watercolor with Frank Webb

Join world-renowned watercolor artist and master teacher Frank Webb in a fast-paced energetic overview of seven approaches to watercolor painting in this watercolor instructional dvd, Using Your Head, Heart & Hand - a packed 112 minutes.

Using Your Head, Heart & Hand

In this watercolor instruction DVD Frank Webb begins his presentation with his favorite materials and then quickly moves on to teach a basic grounding in design terms and concepts. He then develops a 'value sketch' from a line reference drawing. He uses the value sketch in each of the following seven chapters as a springboard for his watercolor technique demonstrations. In doing so, the difference that this technique makes in the final painting becomes clear.

After each technique demonstration, Frank uses completed watercolor paintings as examples of finished pieces. His style is bold and decisive.

Frank breaks down this watercolor workshop into learning chapters that cover, Direct Painting, Wet Into Wet, Color Patching, Easel Drizzling, Calligraphic Painting, Layering and Darks First. Using his step-by-step procedure will impart valuable lessons for every artist wishing to improve their painting skills.

This workshop is a wonderful quick overview of watercolor and an energetic kick in pants for anyone wanting to break away from photo realism. In the design section Frank includes reminders about design and composition.

112 min.

Click here for DVD pricing and purchasing information.

Naturally, you'll start with the white of the paper. From there, I take a color I'll be using in the painting and begin to draw my image. In this instance, I'm using a mat board that's been coated with gesso. I like this surface because the watercolor is so easily erased if a mistake is made. At this point, I've chosen to do a complimentary color scheme, yellow and blue....

Click here to read more of this free watercolor lesson...

You may already have your own preference for watercolors, if you don't, or if you are feeling adventurous, you may want to give the following palette of colors a try. The following colors are considered to be wonderful in terms of purity and pigment strength. They also work quite nicely when mixing together.

Cadmium Red

Cadmium Red has good permanence. You won't need to use a lot of this color. Just a little of this pigment can go a long way.

Permanent Rose
Permanent Rose is a more modern color and is sometimes used to replace the less permanent Rose Madder.

Cadmium Yellow
Cadmium Yellow is a bright color with a high tinting strength.

Cadmium Lemon
Cadmium lemon is a bit paler than Cadmium Yellow but is equal in
permanence.

Winsor Green
Winsor Green has good permanence and mixes quite well with Burnt
Sienna.

Winsor Blue
Winsor Blue has very good permanence and has become more popular widely replacing Prussian Blue.

French Ultramarine
French Ultramarine also has good permanence and gives your washes a very rich deep tone.

Burnt Sienna
Burnt Sienna is a very nice earthy tone with good transparency.

Raw Umber
Raw Umber is also a great earthy color with good permanence.

For more great watercolor tips & techniques
, visit our main site at http://www.creativespotlite.com/watercolor-techniques.htm

You will find more watercolor lessons & tips at our blog:

http://www.artinstructionblog.com/?cat=8

Like any new form of art, watercolor painting can be difficult at first. It is only with time and practice that one becomes a better painter. Never become discouraged by your mistakes or lack of progress.

To start watercolor painting you will obviously need to purchase supplies. Purchase the best possible materials that you can afford. We all want to save as much money as possible, but if you work with cheap materials, you are not going to be happy with the end result, especially if you spend days or even months on a particular painting.

This does not mean you should go out and spend hundreds of dollars on top of the line supplies right away. Start off buying a small amount of good quality supplies until you become more experienced.

PAPER:

The quality and texture of the watercolor paper you choose will have a dramatic effect on the final outcome of your painting. Watercolor paper comes in several different categories: cold pressed, hot pressed, and rough. Rough paper has the highest tooth of all watercolor papers, giving you the most texture. Hot pressed paper has the smoothest surface available. Cold pressed paper has a slight texture to it and is more versatile. Cold pressed paper is the most popular paper amongst watercolor artists.

Two other things to be aware of when purchasing your watercolor paper are sizing and weight. Sizing is when the fibers of the paper are treated to make them less absorbent. The weight of the paper is the weight measured in pounds of one ream (approximately 500 Sheets). A heavier paper would have a weight of 300lbs or more, while a lighter paper would have a weight of 90 or 140lbs for example. The lighter the paper, the more likely it will wrinkle when wet. Lighter paper should be stretched to avoid this.

You will have to experiment with the different papers to find the one you like most.

PAINT:

Watercolor paints come in both Student and Artist quality. Artist quality paint has a more intense vibrant color. Student grade paints have more fillers in them rather than pigment, which is why they are less expensive. Many artists recommend only using artist quality paints, but it really is a matter of taste. Experiment on your own with both grades to form your own opinion.

Watercolor paint is available in tubes and pans. With watercolor pans, you have to add water to the dry cake in order for it to be workable. With pans, make sure your brush is clean before picking up a new color; otherwise you will dirty your colors. With a tube, the paint is more workable, but be careful not to squeeze out more paint then you need.

Purchase only a few primary colors and learn how to mix your own colors rather than purchasing premixed colors.

When you become more experienced, you can then start incorporating more colors into your palette.

BRUSHES:

Brushes are probably the most important part of an artist's supplies. The watercolor brush should be of good quality, with the ability to perform well under most conditions.

Brushes come in an assortment of sizes and shapes. There are both natural hair brushes and synthetic brushes. Natural hair brushes are more expensive, while synthetic brushes may not perform as well as natural brushes. It is therefore recommended that you purchase a blended brush that is made with both natural and synthetic hairs.

You do not need a ton of brushes to get started in watercolor painting. In the beginning, a few good brushes should do the trick.

You should at least purchase a round brush, a flat wash brush, an oval wash or mop brush, and a rigger or liner brush for fine details.

PALETTE:

You will need a palette for mixing your watercolor paint. The best kind of palette for mixing watercolor paints is a white palette. Since watercolor paint is transparent, a white surface seems to be the best color for clearly seeing your mixtures.

GETTING STARTED:

Now that you have a basic of idea of the watercolor supplies you need, it's time to find a place to setup your studio. You will want a location in your home or elsewhere that is quiet and where you will not be interrupted.

Next you will need a painting table. If you can, invest in a drafting table. If not, you can use a regular table. Whatever kind of table you use to paint on, it is important that your painting surface is inclined to a 15 or so degree angle.

Next you want to make sure you have an organized and clean painting area before you begin. Make certain that you have all the materials you will need within reach for that particular painting session.

Here are some things you should consider having in your watercolor studio:

- A large see through plastic jug to hold water.
- A clean absorbent cotton rag for drying your brushes
- A spray bottle filled with water to keep your paint wet and your palette clean
- Pencils for sketching
- Erasers
- A sketchpad for doing preliminary sketches.
- Container for your brushes

WHAT SHOULD I PAINT?

Many painters often struggle with this question. If you find yourself feeling uninspired or confused about what to paint, simply remember what subject in life that you feel an emotional or deep connection with. When you have this type of connection to a subject, your painting will reflect that passion and you will not lose interest.

You can develop great ideas for subjects in a variety of different ways. If you are a lover of the outdoors and nature, simply taking a trip with a camera can do wonders. If you love animals, you could take a trip to the zoo and snap off some shots or head to an aquarium and do the same. Take your photos back to your studio and find the most desirable subject for your painting.

I wish you the best of luck with your watercolor painting. If you become frustrated or discouraged remember that every artist has been there. The key is to never give up.

For more great watercolor tips, visit http://www.creativespotlite.com/watercolor-lessons.htm today!

Learn to paint with watercolor

In Volume 2 of the 6-volume watercolor instructional video workshop, The Traditional Watercolor Approach, Cheng-Khee Chee paints an active street scene. showing how he creates the scene using combined reference materials then makes bold adjustments to create a cohesive, strong design with activity and atmosphere. Chee uses his heart in the first half of the workshop and his mind in the second half.

The Traditional Watercolor Approach: The Many Styles of Cheng-Khee Chee, Vol. 2

Watercolor painter Cheng-Khee Chee (AWS DF, NWS) is a master of painting & design and the synthesis of Eastern and Western philosophies and styles. Chee has stretched the boundaries of watercolor media through this synthesis.

This art video presents a rare opportunity to study with a man who has been described by people who know him as "A Modern Day Master," a "Complete Artist."

In this first art instruction "technique" video workshop, The Traditional Watercolor Approach, Cheng-Khee Chee paints an active street scene. The first half of the video workshop Cheng-Khee discusses how he creats the scene using combined reference materials. He develops and transfers the painting onto the large-size paper, expresses emotional content, use of strong color and brush work and blocks in large areas, working toward detail.

In the second half of this watercolor video workshop Cheng-Khee Chee analyzes his painting and makes bold adjustments to create a cohesive, strong design with activity and atmosphere. He explains his rationale for each of his actions. This process has been described as: Chee uses his heart in the first half of the workshop and his mind in the second half.

Click here for more information including pricing, customer reviews and a free video preview!