Watercolors are a great way to add a different dimension to the paintings. The shades and shadows can be depicted effectively with this particular type of paint. Transparency is probably the most important feature of these colors. They are capable of making the paper look shiny with a luminous effect and the washed looks are quite easy with watercolors.
There are many artists who are simply fond of watercolors. This is a good choice for the beginners as well. Once you learn some effective tips about using watercolors you can master the art. Here are some of the best tricks that can be extremely helpful for those who are looking forward to master the art of painting with watercolors.
The first principle of watercolor usage is that you should start giving the shades from lighter to the darker. This gives the painting an illusive appeal, which is capable of instigating the imagination within the observer. The paper you use to make the watercolor paintings hold a lot of importance. With the difference in quality of paper, the complete look of the painting can change.
Generally there are two specific types of papers available in the market for the watercolor paintings. One of them is the hot pressed ones. The other type is the cold pressed paper. It also depends on the fiber quality of the paper. There are light and heavy fiber available. The light papers have a tendency to form wrinkles if you fold them much.
Next you need to choose the paints very carefully. They should be the best ones available in the market. This again depends on the skills of the artist. You can use the best artist watercolors if you are seasoned enough to handle them in aright manner.
There are varieties of colors available and it is quite easy to mix and match with the watercolors as they dissolve in the water instantly. Never try to use the dry cakes for coloring, as they are meant for mixing with water. This is the reason why you should be choosy about the quality of the colors.
Some of the cheaper ones take too much time to get dissolved in the water and they often clot on the paper. The watercolor paints, which are in a semi-liquid, form and generally packed in tubes or bottles, are all right if you use them without water. But in that case you will get a dark shade and if you wish to get lighter shades then mix water to it. Try to buy the watercolors from an authentic brand instead of the local ones. Always use good brushes and a spacious palette while painting with watercolors as this will affect a lot on the look of the painting.
Many beginning artists have trouble with one of the small techniques used widely in water painting called the wrist flick. This is the ending position of the brush stroke. Now pivot from your wrist push the brush tip up and away in a "flicking" motion. The last part of the stroke flicks out in a feathery point. Practice several times in each color you have. As you hit each stroke, vary the thickness of the strokes trying to imitate grasses, branches, or even feathers.
I, sometimes, rest my brush hand on top of my other hand for some of the brush strokes. Try this technique for stability and control of detailed flick strokes. Continue practicing the stroke on your paper. Be aware that a spectacular scene may grow naturally as you practice.
Along with suggesting grasses, branches, and feathers effortlessly, the Wrist Flick and variants are handy when rendering hair in portraiture or wildlife painting. A little Wrist Flicking can go a long way to finishing off a landscape painting. Too much can do a painting in before you know you've gone too far.
Masking is one of the most important techniques that you should master as you improve your water paintings skill. Masking fluid is the most common masking agent. It comes in colorless and in colors. Most artists use the colored so they can see where it has been applied. Others say the colored fluid is distracting or can cause them to alter the color of paints they use.
We know that the "white of the paper" is important. It creates the very light in the painting. White can easily get lost and once it is lost, it is hard to get back. Watercolor paints and paper have minds of their own - that quality of "happy accidents" is what makes this medium so much fun! (But also so difficult, some say the hardest, to master.) A lot of artists will never use masking and others swear by it. Anything goes and whatever works for you to create the painting you want is okay. Experiment with all sorts of masking aids to find what works best for you.
What to buy: Masquepen Artist's Masking Fluid (has a nib); W&N MASKING FLUID (colorless); Daler Rowney Art Masking Fluid (colorless); SAA Blue Mask Masking Fluid; Miskit; Cheap Joe's Masking Fluid (very reasonably price!); Art Maskoid; Graphix Prepared Friskit Film; Pebeo Drawing Gum; Water Media Polyester Film Overlay; Incredible White Mask
Most of these and other masking aids can be found at the major online art suppliers.
We want you to have fun working on your watercolor paintings.
Mike Dodd has sinced written about articles on various topics from Low Carb Diet, Jewelry and Cooking Tips. The author, Mike Dodd, knows a great deal about .. Mike Dodd's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.