How to Paint with watercolors

Have some spare time and looking to pick up a new skill? Learn how to paint with watercolors in this tutorial. Watercolor painting is a great medium for all skill levels.

You Will Need:

• Watercolor paints

• Paper

• Tape

• Pencils

• A water cup

• A number 10 or 12 brush

• A palette

• A plastic cup of water

• A clean cotton rag

• Some tissue paper

• A hair dryer (optional)

Step 1: Pick out paints

Pick out non-staining watercolor paints, which do not fade in short durations. Check the "Lightfast" indicator on the tube.

Step 2: Soak and dry paper

Soak a rough 140-pound or thicker stock paper with "tooth" – dips and grooves – which will be less likely to wrinkle when wet. Dry it and tape it to a board inclined about 15 degrees, and smooth it out.

Step 3: Sketch an image

Sketch a simple box image on the paper in pencil, rinse a number 10 or 12 brush in the water cup and blot it dry. Load it with color from the palette and touch it to the paper.

Step 4: Paint first line

Paint a uniform line and lift your brush. If a narrow bead didn't form, you pressed too hard, so try again, releasing the bead as you lift.

Step 5: Continue filling

Continue filling the area, tilting the brush handle up to maintain a light touch, and letting the watercolor bead paint the wash for you. (Tip: Use a hair dryer to work faster, but be careful: you can accidentally make colors bleed or run.)

Step 6: Absorb excess paint

Absorb excess paint with a tissue to blot the brush, instead of rinsing. Touch the dried brush into the paint to draw the excess off the painting's surface.

Step 7: Continue experimenting

Continue experimenting with color and textures on different paper surfaces, using an array of brushes and color mixes. Read and study to develop your technique over time.