The method and use of watercolors have evolved over the past few decades. Watercolor art has come a long way, thanks to the various types of watercolors invented. Artists used to be restricted to pans and tubes, but they now come in the form of pencils, pens, markers, and more. While these paints all do the same job, each of them yields a unique result and effect. It’s up to you which one suits your needs, preference, and budget. Here are the most popular and best watercolor paints for beginners: Watercolor 36 Pan Set
Nature Close-Ups: Easy Watercolor Paint Project
This is an easy watercolor project with no drawing required. Instead, the project makes use of grey-scale photographs printed on watercolor paper to jump-start your painting. Turn completed paintings into a collection piece by mounting them together or use them on handmade greeting cards for little functional works of art.
Supplies
Watercolor paper, smooth finish
Watercolor pan set & brushes
Patterns
Step-by-Step
I have shared the photographs I used in the patterns for this project. They have already been edited for painting using simple photo editing software. If you’d like to use your own photograph, adjust the photo using your favorite photo editing tools. Remove the color from the photograph, changing the image to a very light grey-scale version. You want to see some areas of shadow with plenty of open light space. Keep in mind that the printed version of the image is likely to appear lighter than what you see on your computer screen.
Cut watercolor paper to letter paper size that will fit in your laser printer. Many manufactured watercolor papers have one side of the paper that is smoother than the other. Load your paper using the printer’s bypass option (single paper feed not from a tray) so that printing will happen on the smoother side (if possible). Adjust the settings on your printer to accept the heavy watercolor paper and print one photograph on one sheet of paper.
If you’ve painted on watercolor paper before, when you begin using these printed papers you’ll notice that the absorbency of the paper has been altered by the toner laid down in the printing process. What you’ll see is that very loose paint, with lots of water added, will tend to bead on the surface rather than being immediately absorbed. At times you can use that effect to your advantage to create attractive random texture while painting. In general, though, you’ll want to use more paint and little water when first painting in an area of the image. As more paint is applied to a section of the image, the toner barrier is reduced and the paper will accept loose washes of color.
The Begonia
Paint the other images following a similar pattern. Paint the shadows and background first using a dark, undiluted color. Paint the flower petals next, applying some fairly ‘dry’ paint that blends with more water into less intensely pigmented areas. Leave some white or light spaces on the flower petals. Deepen shadows and dark edges along the edges of the flowers by dropping additional color into water applied to those areas.
The Blanket Flower
Color palette: blue, purple, red-orange, orange-yellow, yellow-green
The Rose
Color palette: burnt sienna, cerulean blue, blue-green, olive green, black
The Clematis
Color palette: Blue, blue-green, purple, magenta, yellow
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Lee Ann is a mixed media hobbyist who enjoys using her Cricut machine for art projects as well as decorations for her home and garden. She’s a new empty-nester with 2 adult daughters. Now she and her husband are free to embark on that US pizza eating tour they always talked about. Lee Ann provides IT support to Craft-e-Corner.
Types of Watercolor
The method and use of watercolors have evolved over the past few decades. Watercolor art has come a long way, thanks to the various types of watercolors invented. Artists used to be restricted to pans and tubes, but they now come in the form of pencils, pens, markers, and more. While these paints all do the same job, each of them yields a unique result and effect. It’s up to you which one suits your needs, preference, and budget. Here are the most popular and best watercolor paints for beginners: Watercolor 36 Pan Set
Watercolor Pan Set
Often readily available in little solid dry cakes, this looks similar to an inexpensive watercolor set for kids. Watercolor pan sets are relatively straightforward to use than other types, making them a preferred choice for beginners. Most pan sets come in a handy case with a lid, which can be used as a palette. These are not just travel-friendly; they’re budget-friendly too. If you want to try easy watercolor ideas, then this is an excellent set to start with. Metallic Watercolor 14 Pan Set
Watercolor Pencils
This type of watercolor is in the form of a pencil. It perfectly combines drawing and painting, making it a favorite among artists and coloring enthusiasts. Its versatility and the variety of results make it more appealing than other coloring mediums. If you are a beginner who is still testing the waters and experimenting with various color combinations, you’ll find these pencils extremely helpful. With these, it is easier to play around with unique color combinations and try multiple techniques. You can either use these pencils dry (like a colored pencil) or wet (like watercolors). When you activate it with water, you can quickly achieve the look and feel of a watercolor painting. Woodless Watercolor Pencils Starter Bundle Here are three step-by-step instructions on how to use watercolor pencils:
- Pick a color. Start coloring your chosen image with it.
- Once you’re happy with your coloring, activate the pigment by adding water to it.
- Use a wet paintbrush or dip your pencil in water to activate it.
- To intensify the colors, add more colors through layering, or mix them with other colors. The creative possibilities are endless!
Give these watercoloring pencils a try today!
Watercolor Brush Markers or Brush Pens
If you have used alcohol markers before, then it’ll be easier for you to use these brush markers. These are super convenient since you have a water brush and watercolor in one tool. The barrel is filled with water-based color, which can be applied straight from the marker or diluted with water for a softer look. These often come in a set with a wide variety of colors. The brush tip is soft, flexible, and sturdy and disperses the pigment easily.
Here’s how to use them:
- Apply your chosen color on the paper by squeezing the
- Then move the pigment and watch the paint flow like any other watercolor ink.
- Feel free to dilute the color by adding more water or intensify it by adding more pigment.
- Start blending the color and create easy watercolor paintings.
Liquid Watercolors
Although these are relatively new to the game, it has quickly caught the attention of artists and coloring enthusiasts. Since they are much more saturated than pans, you don’t need much when using these. You can dilute it if you want a lighter color. These are pretty vivid and beginner-friendly.
If you have done your research about the best watercolor for beginners, then you may, or may not have, come across gouache.
What is gouache?
Gouache is a type of paint that is somewhat similar to watercolor but designed to be opaque. According to Wikipedia, this is a “water-medium paint consisting of natural pigment, water, a binding agent (usually gum arabic or dextrin) and some additional inert material.” You have probably seen some designs or paintings made with gouache; you just didn’t recognize it. Artists often use it to create illustrations, comics, posters, or other graphic designs. Like watercolor paint, gouache needs water to be activated. It dries to a matte finish; that’s why it’s ideal for graphic designs.
What Is The Difference Between Gouache and Watercolor?
Before you seek easy watercolor paintings and ideas, you must know the difference between these two popular coloring mediums.
Between these two paints, gouache is more opaque, and watercolor is more translucent. Simply put, when you apply watercolor pigment to paper, you can still see the paper underneath the color. Whereas when you use gouache on paper, the paper won’t show through the paint. With gouache, it’s easier to create smooth plains with just one color. It also dries lighter and has a chalk-like filler. Both of them are relatively easier to use than oil paint, and they both dry quicker. If you’re looking to build layers and achieve flowy and watery textures on your watercolor art, then watercolor paint is a better choice.
Is Gouache Easier Than Watercolor?
If you’re a beginner who simply cannot decide which medium is better, you can always try both. Both of these mediums are excellent for newbies to the world of watercolor painting. Both are more forgiving, as compared to oil paint and acrylic paint. Since you can reactivate these with water, it leaves more room for mistakes and gives you a lot of flexibility. Keep in mind, though, that it all depends on the brand that you’re using. Cheap brands will most probably not create the results that you are aiming for.
Discover artists’ top choice of watercolor markers here!
How Do I Start Watercoloring?
There are a ton of easy watercolor paintings and watercolor art ideas best suited for beginners. It could get overwhelming, especially if you are entirely new to this art. The critical thing to remember is to start small and simple. Experiment with your chosen medium. Learn the basic techniques and practice them constantly. Like every other hobby, you cannot master any technique or skill without practicing.
Here are eight easy watercolor ideas and watercolor tutorials for beginners!
Wet-on-Wet Technique
This is one of the easiest watercoloring techniques and is definitely a must-try for beginners. As the name suggests, this technique means adding wet pigment onto a damp paper. Water is used mainly to wet the paper. Watch the video below to get a better understanding of this technique.
No-Line Watercoloring Technique
Another must-try technique for beginners, this gives off a freehand vibe, making it look like a true watercolor artist created your work. With this technique, you use very light ink to stamp your image and blend the colors through the lines to make them disappear. Here’s a no-line video tutorial to help you practice.
Watercolor Wash
Looking to create a quick and instantly beautiful background on your watercolor art? Try this technique! This involves building up layers of pigments and applying a layer of diluted pigment, which is slightly transparent, onto your paper. The beauty of this technique is that they’re fun to do, and you can always make it your own. Almost every mistake you make is salvageable when you do a wash.
Here are the five types of watercolor wash:
- Dry flat wash
- Wet flat wash
- Gradient or ombré
- Variegated
- Wet on wet wash
Watch the watercolor tutorial below to learn how to do this technique.
Salt on Watercolor
An oldie but goodie technique that you must give a shot. It follows the same process as watercolor washes and the wet-on-wet method. However, you add salt – yes, the seasoning! – onto the paper, while it’s still wet. It’s fun, quick, and easy! A great technique to try for easy watercolor paintings! Watch the video below!
Detailed Watercoloring Technique
While most techniques for beginners are more messy and free-flowing, you can always try incorporating details into your artwork. The video here will show you how to create both easy and detailed watercolor art.
Lazy Man’s Watercoloring Technique
Are you in need of quick and straightforward watercolor painting ideas? You definitely have to give this technique a try! The video tutorial below will enlighten you on how to do this fun little hack!
Loose Watercoloring Technique
Also known as the messy watercolor painting technique, this is also an effortless, free-flowing technique that is ideal for all levels. It is especially great for beginners! Watch this video and give it a try!
Scribbling Technique
This method is extremely easy and fun; even kids can do it! If you are looking for simple watercolor painting ideas that you can try with your family or friends, this is it! You only need to prepare the necessary supplies such as watercolor paper, a paintbrush or water brush, and your chosen type of watercolor, and you’re all set! Here’s a short video showing how to do this fun technique!
Watercolor, as you already know by now, is an incredibly unpredictable medium. Wonder why it has “water” in its name? It’s only natural that it will flow and is harder to control. Don’t try to control it! Just go with the flow and enjoy the process. Whether you’re picking this up as a new hobby or trying to master becoming a watercolor artist, keep these basic techniques in mind and practice them as much as you can.
