Watercolor painting is a relaxing form of art and an excellent hobby choice. Here is everything you need to enjoy watercolor painting.

BY ALEX TOWNASTALLI, ARTCENTRON

There are many mediums for painting, and watercolors are among the most popular due to their ease of use and beautiful results. These paints start off dry, but when you add water, they become smooth and easy to pick up with a paintbrush. One of the biggest benefits of this type of paint is that you can easily thin it for transparency or make it thicker for deeper shades of color. If you’re looking for a new painting medium or a fun and relaxing hobby, join us as we discuss everything you need to enjoy watercolor painting.

Watercolor Paint Supplies

You need a few supplies to get started on your painting adventure. Let’s look into each supply and how you’ll use it as you paint.

Watercolor paints

Watercolor paints come individually and in trays with multiple color choices. You can also make your watercolor paints using mica powder for more versatility and color options. There’s no need to go overboard and buy every color available when you’re starting. Stick with the basics and practice blending for lots of different shades.

Paper

There’s paper specifically for watercolor painting, and it’s a good idea to use it instead of something else. It’s thick enough to handle the wet paint easily and won’t soak up so much that you lose the colors.

Palette

You’ll use a palette for testing and mixing colors. You can purchase one or use a paper plate at home.

Disposable Cups

You only need a couple of cups of water to rinse the brushes and wet the watercolors.

Easel

You can survive without an easel. However, it’s quite helpful when painting since you can look at your work straight on instead of down. There are full-size easels or tabletop ones that are just as useful. You’ll need a flat surface, such as a piece of cardboard, behind your watercolor paper when using an easel.

Paint Brushes

Choose brushes of various shapes and sizes, and clean them well after painting. Most watercolor paints are easy to clean out of brushes with soap and water.

Paper Towels

You’ll be thankful for paper towels as you paint with watercolors. There’s a lot of water involved, and spills happen. You’ll mostly use the water to dab your brush before wetting the paint and to rinse brushes in between colors.

Sketch Your Picture

Before painting, it’s wise to sketch the picture you’d like to paint onto the paper. Use a pencil and draw lightly so that you can easily paint over the pencil markings.

Find a Quiet Place

All forms of art are great for relaxing and reducing stress. Find a quiet place, even if you have to schedule painting sessions when everyone else in the house is away. This way, you can focus and enjoy every minute of watercolor painting.

Once you have everything you need to enjoy watercolor painting, your supplies should last a while, and you can replace them as you go.