5 Essential Tips for Practising Watercolour

5 Essential Tips for Practising Watercolour

Watercolour is a beautifully unpredictable medium, full of surprises and spontaneity. If you’re exploring it, here are a few things that might help along the way:

1. Let It Flow

Water has a life of its own—it moves, blends, and reacts in unexpected ways. Instead of trying to control it too much, enjoy the organic movement. That’s where the magic happens.

 

2. Be Patient

Watercolour is all about layers and timing. In a world where everything moves fast, it forces you to slow down, take your time, and simply enjoy the process. If patience isn’t your strong suit (it’s not mine either!), a hairdryer on a low setting from a distance can help speed things up—just be gentle with the paper.

3. Less Is More

Start with light washes and build up to darker tones gradually. The paper itself is your light, so preserving some areas can add depth and contrast. Overworking a piece can take away its freshness, so knowing when to stop is just as important as knowing where to add more.

4. Choose the Right Paper

Over the years, I’ve experimented with different papers, but I always come back to 300gsm Arches paper. It makes a huge difference—not just in how the paint behaves, but also in how enjoyable the process feels. Using good materials can save a lot of frustration.

5. Enjoy the Process

There’s no right or wrong way to explore watercolour. Play, experiment, and let yourself be surprised. Your inner child will thank you for it.

Most importantly, have fun! 🎨



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