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,ย 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 youโre looking for a new painting medium or a fun and relaxing hobby, join us as we discuss everything you need to enjoy watercolor painting.
You need a few supplies to get started on your painting adventure. Letโs look into each supply and how youโll use it as you paint.
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. Thereโs no need to go overboard and buy every color available when youโre starting. Stick with the basics and practice blending for lots of different shades.
Thereโs paper specifically for watercolor painting, and itโs a good idea to use it instead of something else. Itโs thick enough to handle the wet paint easily and wonโt soak up so much that you lose the colors.
Youโll use a palette for testing and mixing colors. You can purchase one or use a paper plate at home.
You only need a couple of cups of water to rinse the brushes and wet the watercolors.
You can survive without an easel. However, itโs 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. Youโll need a flat surface, such as a piece of cardboard, behind your watercolor paper when using an easel.
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.
Youโll be thankful for paper towels as you paint with watercolors. Thereโs a lot of water involved, and spills happen. Youโll mostly use the water to dab your brush before wetting the paint and to rinse brushes in between colors.
Before painting, itโs wise to sketch the picture youโd like to paint onto the paper. Use a pencil and draw lightly so that you can easily paint over the pencil markings.
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.