This article provides a three-step routine to eliminate 80-90% of common mistakes when working with watercolor paper. The first step is to prepare the paper by choosing solid alternatives such as parchment, Aquabord, rice paper, watercolor canvas, vellum, and synthetic paper. Cold pressed (NOT) paper is the most popular surface for watercolor painting due to its well-adapted properties.
A common mistake artists make when working with watercolor is using the wrong paper. Watercolour paper is designed to absorb water and prevent paint from bleeding. Cotton paper absorbs water beautifully, while professional grade cold press and rough papers have a nice textured or textured appearance.
When buying expensive materials, it is important to consider the quality of the paper and avoid buying expensive materials right away. Instead, layer something under the page and use less water. If using watercolor on non-watercolor paper, use paper tape or painters tape to “stretch” the paper and create a wet into wet wash.
Stack multiple sheets to help with bleed-through if using thin paper. Place graphite paper coated side down on watercolor paper and tape your drawing right-side-up on top. Use a pencil or eraser to trace the drawing on the paper.
In summary, this three-step routine helps eliminate 80-90% of common mistakes when working with watercolor paper. By following these steps, you can create a beautiful watercolor look and avoid common mistakes in the process.
📹 Three Common Water Problems and How to Fix Them | Watercolor Painting
When you first start painting in watercolor you will most likely encounter a few water problems. In this video I share three common …
📹 5 Watercolor Mistakes and How to Fix Them
1. Overworking your paper 2. Bleeding 3. Too much water 4. Too little water 5. Drips and spills (and an easy way to fix them) …
This is one of the most helpful tutorials on watercolour I’ve seen so far. To me, when it comes to watercolour painting, all about water is difficult. I don’t seem to get the hang of it – how much water, what paper? It’s always too wet or too dry and there are always unwanted water lines and water blooms. This was very useful, presented in your usual wonderful way.
The information you provide about watercolor techniques is superb. Thank you. I appreciate the quality of your articles – they are succinct and straightforward without any annoying chit chat, music, or other distractions like comments such as “I love this” or other exclamations about your work. Your voice is calm and easy to listen to. The photography is very helpful, especially close-ups showing where you’ve wet the paper or the degree of wetness. Your articles and instructions stand far above most on YouTube.
Wonderful tips and presentation as always. I had to laugh as I actually really liked how that first ” incorrect” drawn shape turned out. What a great way to get a highlight in the middle and lovely shadows on the edges. Of course if that’s NOT what you wanted then disaster, but I love how you repaired all of these. I just learned that dry hake brush thing this past weekend in a class when my paint was too wet for second layer and had too much bleed. Really works! Thanks for all you give.