Getting Started Watercolor Painting
The delicate and subtle patterns typical of watercolor pieces have captured the imaginations of artists for centuries. Are you just getting started watercolor painting? Are you unsure where to begin? Here are a few suggestions to help you get moving.
First and foremost, when it comes to getting started watercolor painting, it is crucial that you have high quality supplies. You should have a variety of animal hair brushes with definite shapes to the bristles and sturdy wooden or bamboo handles. Your paper should have the appropriate thickness and texture for each piece, especially as watercolors are one of the few mediums that actually soaks into the paper. Your paints should also be of high quality?otherwise all of the skill in the world won't cover up the fact that something just looks off about your painting and you can't figure out why.
Another part of getting started watercolor painting is attending a class. This may seem silly if you're painting as a hobby, but even if you don't plan on doing much with your painting, it's still a good idea to learn more about the medium you're working with. This includes learning brush strokes, watercolor painting methods such as wet on wet, or even simply how to hold your brush while performing certain techniques. Your teacher will also be able to correct you and answer any questions you may have. Attending a class is good for getting started watercolor painting because it teaches you good habits from the beginning.
Classes also teach you what mistakes not to make when getting started watercolor painting. These include such taboos as leaving your paintbrush in its rinsing cup for long periods of time. Not only does this warp the shape of the bristles, but it rots the wood of the handle as well. You should also learn how to clean and dry your supplies thoroughly. Given that quality art supplies are very expensive, it's a good thing to learn how to preserve them for as long as you can and get the most out of your dollar.
If you can't attend a class for one reason or another, the next best thing is to try an instructional DVD. While it doesn't give you the same benefits as a classroom, it will work if you're just getting started. DVDs often explain the basics of watercolor painting, and you can watch them anytime you like, repeating scenes which explain interesting or difficult concepts until you have them down. Learn more about getting started watercolor painting today!