The Magic of Texture: A Deep Dive into Watercolor Granulation Techniques

Have you ever admired a watercolor painting and been captivated by its dreamy, mottled texture? That magical, grainy effect that adds so much depth and character to skies, landscapes, and even abstract pieces is a natural phenomenon called granulation. Many artists actively seek out this beautiful imperfection to breathe life and unpredictability into their work. This guide will demystify the process, exploring the science behind granulation, the specific tools you’ll need, and the techniques to both encourage and control this stunning effect. Prepare to transform your paintings from flat washes of color into dynamic, textured masterpieces.

Key Points: Unlocking Watercolor Granulation

• What is Granulation? Granulation is a textural effect where watercolor pigments clump together and settle unevenly into the “valleys” of the paper as the water evaporates. This creates a mottled, grainy, or speckled appearance.
• The Cause: The effect is primarily caused by the physical properties of the pigment. Heavier, larger, and more irregularly shaped pigment particles, often found in natural mineral and earth pigments, are prone to granulation.
• Essential Tools: To achieve granulation, you need three key components: granulating paints (like Ultramarine Blue or Burnt Sienna), textured watercolor paper (cold-press is ideal), and a liberal amount of water.
• Enhancing the Effect: You can encourage more granulation by using more water, working on a wet-on-wet surface, tilting your paper to help pigments settle, and using rougher paper.
• Controlling the Effect: To reduce granulation, you can use less water, work on smoother (hot-press) paper, use a hairdryer to speed up drying, or mix a small amount of a non-granulating color into your wash.

The Science and Soul of Granulation

At its core, watercolor granulation is a beautiful display of physics. Watercolor paint consists of fine pigment particles suspended in a binder like gum arabic. When you apply a wash to paper, the water carries these pigments. As the water evaporates or is absorbed, the pigment is left behind.

With most modern, synthetic pigments (like Phthalos or Quinacridones), the particles are tiny and uniform. They settle evenly, creating a smooth, flat wash of color. However, with granulating pigments, the story is different. These pigments are often derived from natural minerals and earths, resulting in particles that are larger, heavier, and more irregular in shape. Instead of settling evenly, these heavier particles are pulled by gravity into the textured pits (the “valleys”) of the watercolor paper, while the finer particles may float more on the “hills.” This separation is what creates the captivating mottled texture we call granulation.

This process is what makes granulation so exciting; it’s a collaboration between the artist, the paint, the paper, and the water. It introduces an element of unpredictability and organic texture that can be difficult to replicate by hand.

Your Granulation Toolkit: More Than Just Paint

While the pigment is the star of the show, achieving stunning granulation requires the right supporting cast.

• Granulating Watercolors: The most crucial element is, of course, the paint itself. Colors made from heavy, inorganic mineral pigments are the most likely to granulate. Classic examples include Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue, Cerulean Blue, Viridian, and many earth tones like Burnt Sienna and Raw Umber. Many artists love the specialized “super granulating” lines, such as those from Schmincke HORADAM or the Primatek series from Daniel Smith, which are formulated to produce intense textural effects.
• The Right Paper: The paper’s surface plays a massive role. Cold-press watercolor paper is the preferred choice for granulation. Its textured surface provides the necessary peaks and valleys for the pigment particles to settle into. Hot-press paper, with its smooth surface, will significantly reduce or even prevent granulation, while rough paper will enhance it even more.
• Water, Water, Water: Water is the vehicle that allows the pigment particles to move and separate. Using a generous amount of water in your washes is key to encouraging granulation. Some artists even report that using hard tap water can increase granulation compared to distilled water, due to the mineral content.¹

“There is no right and wrong way. This is art, after all–it’s all about expressing your vision! Some artists prefer granulating paints because they add depth and unpredictability to their paintings. Granulating paints can create a sense of texture and movement that is impossible to achieve with other techniques.”

Mastering the Craft: Practical Granulation Techniques

Once you have your supplies, it’s time to play. Granulation is not an exact science, and experimentation is part of the fun.

1. The Basic Granulating Wash: The simplest way to see granulation in action is through a wet-on-wet technique. Start by wetting an area of your choosing watercolor paper pads with clean water. Then, load your brush with a granulating color and apply it to the wet area. As it dries, you will see the texture begin to emerge.
2. Enhancing the Effect: To get more pronounced granulation, increase the amount of water in your paint-to-water ratio. You can also gently tilt your paper back and forth as the wash begins to dry. This movement encourages the heavier pigment particles to find their way into the paper’s texture. Dropping a bead of clean water into a semi-dry wash can also create beautiful, cauliflower-like blooms with intense granulation at the edges.
3. Controlling the Effect: What if you want less granulation? Perhaps you’re using a granulating color for its hue but want a smoother finish. The key is to reduce the pigment’s ability to move. Use less water and apply the paint to dry paper (wet-on-dry). You can also use a hairdryer to speed up the drying time, which “freezes” the pigments in place before they have a chance to settle. Another trick is to mix in a small amount of a non-granulating color, which can help to keep the wash more uniform.
4. Layering and Mixing: The magic truly happens when you start combining colors. When you mix a granulating color with a non-granulating one, the granulation will still show through. For example, mixing a granulating Ultramarine Blue with a smooth Quinacridone Rose can create a lovely purple where the blue settles into the texture and the rose stains the paper more evenly. When layering, it’s often best to allow each layer to dry completely to build up rich, complex textures. For more on blending, check out our guide to watercolour blending techniques.

Popular Granulating Watercolor Pigments

Creative Applications: Putting Granulation to Work

Granulation isn’t just a novelty; it’s a powerful tool for adding realism and interest to your subjects.

• Landscapes and Seascapes: This is where granulation truly shines. Use it to create the texture of sand on a beach, the rough bark of a tree, the weathered surface of a rock, or the atmospheric haze of a distant mountain range. A wash of a granulating blue can create a more dynamic and believable sky than a flat wash ever could. To master the basics, see our guide to watercolor painting.
• Abstract Art: For abstract artists, granulation provides a universe of texture to explore. Let go of control and allow the pigments to mix and settle on the paper, creating entirely unique and unrepeatable patterns.
• Using Additives: While not a “pure” technique, some artists experiment with additives. A granulation medium can be mixed with any watercolor to encourage a separating, curdling effect. Another popular kitchen staple, salt, can create fascinating starburst textures when sprinkled onto a wet wash. The salt crystals absorb the water and pigment, pushing the remaining pigment away. This differs from true granulation but offers another path to texture.

By understanding the principles of this technique, you move from being a passenger to a pilot, guiding the beautiful, chaotic dance of pigment and water. For more fundamental skills, explore these simple wet-on-wet watercolor techniques for beginners. Understanding your materials is key; learn more about the science of pigments and choosing the best paints for beginners.

Conclusion

Watercolor granulation is a testament to the beauty of imperfection. It’s a bridge between the artist’s intent and the natural tendencies of the materials. By embracing this effect, you add a layer of texture, depth, and organic authenticity to your work that is unique to the watercolor medium. So, pick up a tube of a granulating color, grab your cold-press paper, be generous with your water, and let the magic happen. Don’t be afraid to experiment, make swatches, and discover which pigments and papers speak to you. The textured worlds you can create are limitless.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes watercolor granulation?

Granulation is caused by heavy, irregular pigment particles that do not dissolve but are suspended in water. As the wash dries, these heavy particles settle into the textured valleys of the watercolor paper, creating a mottled or grainy effect. This is most common with pigments derived from natural minerals.

Is granulation in watercolor a good or bad thing?

It is a matter of artistic preference! Some artists love the texture and unpredictability it adds, especially for subjects like landscapes, stone, or skies. Others, who may be aiming for smooth, flat washes (like botanical illustrators or designers), might see it as an undesirable quality. There is no right or wrong; it is simply a characteristic to be used intentionally.

How can I make my watercolors granulate more?

To enhance granulation, use more water in your washes, apply paint to a pre-wetted surface (wet-on-wet), use rough or cold-press paper with a lot of texture, and gently tilt the paper as it dries to encourage pigments to settle. You can also use a commercial granulation medium.

Which watercolor brands have the best granulating colors?

Many professional brands offer excellent granulating colors. Daniel Smith is famous for its extensive Primatek line (made from actual minerals) and other granulating colors like their “Lunar” series. Schmincke has a popular “Super Granulation” series. Brands like M. Graham, Holbein, and Winsor & Newton also offer a wide selection of traditional granulating pigments like Ultramarines and earth tones.

Can I mix granulating and non-granulating colors?

Yes, absolutely! Mixing a granulating color with a non-granulating one can create beautiful effects. The granulating pigment will still settle and create texture, while the non-granulating pigment will create a more uniform stain of color, resulting in a complex and visually interesting wash.

Resources

1. Wassell, E. (n.d.). What’s granulation in watercolour & how to use it. Emily Wassell Art. Retrieved from https://www.emilywassell.co.uk/watercolour-for-beginners/list-of-techniques/what-is-granulation-granulating-paints/
2. Becktell, S. (2022, July 13). All About Watercolor Granulation. Strathmore Artist Papers. Retrieved from https://www.strathmoreartist.com/blog-reader/all-about-watercolor-granulation-by-sarah-becktel
3. Blundell, J. (n.d.). Granulating Watercolors What & Why. DANIEL SMITH Artists’ Materials. Retrieved from https://danielsmith.com/tutorials/jane-blundell-granulating-watercolors-what-why/
4. (2023, May 12). How To Use Salt With Watercolors. Greenleaf & Blueberry. Retrieved from https://www.greenleafblueberry.com/blogs/news/how-to-use-salt-with-watercolors
5. (n.d.). All you ever wanted to know about Watercolor Granulation. Watercolor Affair. Retrieved from https://www.watercoloraffair.com/all-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-watercolor-granulation/
6. (2025, May 16). Understanding Granulation in Watercolors: A Guide for Artists. Jackman’s Art Materials. Retrieved from https://www.jackmansartmaterials.co.uk/blogs/news/understanding-granulation-in-watercolors-a-guide-for-artists