If you’re new to the world of art, you may be wondering which medium to start with. There are many options to choose from, including acrylics, oils, and pastels. However, one medium that is often recommended for beginners is watercolor. In this article, we’ll explore what watercolor is, why it’s a good medium for beginners [4], and some tips and resources to help you get started.
What is Watercolor?
Watercolor is a painting medium that uses pigments mixed with water to create a transparent, fluid effect. The paint is applied to paper, and the water allows the pigments to spread and blend together. This creates a unique, delicate effect that is difficult to achieve with other painting mediums.
Watercolor paints come in two forms: tubes and pans. Tube watercolors are more concentrated and can be diluted with water to create the desired consistency. Pan watercolors are dry and require water to activate the paint. Both types of watercolors can be used to create beautiful paintings, and the choice between them is a matter of personal preference.
Why is Watercolor a Good Medium for Beginners?
There are several reasons why watercolor is a good medium for beginners:
Watercolor is a Versatile Medium that Can be Used to Create a Variety of Effects
Watercolor is a versatile medium that can be used to create a wide range of effects, from delicate washes to bold, vibrant colors. This versatility makes it an excellent medium for beginners who want to experiment with different techniques and styles.
Watercolor is Relatively Easy to Learn and Use
While watercolor painting can be challenging, it is relatively easy to learn and use compared to other painting mediums. With a little practice, beginners can learn to create beautiful paintings that they will be proud to display.
Watercolor is a Relatively Inexpensive Medium to Get Started With
Watercolor painting requires minimal supplies, making it an accessible medium for beginners. All you need to get started is a basic set of watercolor paints, brushes, and paper. As you progress, you can invest in more advanced supplies, but the basics are all you need to get started.
Watercolor is a Portable Medium that Can be Taken Anywhere
Watercolor paints are easy to transport, making them an excellent medium for artists who like to paint on the go. All you need is a small set of paints, a few brushes, and some paper, and you can create beautiful paintings anywhere.
Popular Watercolor Techniques that Beginners can try
There are several popular watercolor techniques that beginners can try. One of the most basic techniques is wet-on-wet, which involves applying wet paint to wet paper to create soft, blended colors. Wet-on-dry is another technique where you apply wet paint to a dry surface for a more controlled effect. Other techniques include dry brushing, splattering, lifting, graded wash, and more. Beginners can experiment with these techniques to create unique effects and textures in their watercolor paintings. It’s important to practice and master these techniques to create beautiful watercolor paintings.
Tips for Beginners
If you’re new to watercolor painting, here are some tips to help you get started:
Start with a Basic Set of Watercolor Paints and Brushes
When you’re just starting with watercolor painting, it’s best to keep things simple. Invest in a basic set of watercolor paints and brushes, and practice blending colors and creating different effects.
Practice Blending Colors and Creating Different Effects
One of the unique features of watercolor painting is the ability to blend colors and create different effects. Practice blending colors to create smooth transitions and experiment with different techniques to create unique effects.
Don’t be Afraid to Experiment
Watercolor painting is a forgiving medium that allows for experimentation and exploration. Don’t be afraid to try new techniques and experiment with different styles. You never know what you might discover!
Resources
There are many resources available to help you learn more about watercolor painting. Here are a few to get you started [5]:
Books
There are many books available on watercolor painting, ranging from beginner’s guides to advanced techniques. Some popular titles include “The Watercolor Course You’ve Always Wanted” by Leslie Frontz and “Watercolor Painting: A Comprehensive Approach to Mastering the Medium” by Tom Hoffmann.
Websites
There are many websites dedicated to watercolor painting, including tutorials, tips, and inspiration. Some popular sites include Watercolor Affair [3], The Postman’s Knock [1], and Eden Gallery[2].
Classes and Workshops
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, consider taking a watercolor painting class or workshop. Many art schools and community centers offer classes for beginners, and there are also many online courses available.
Conclusion
Watercolor painting is a great medium for beginners who want to explore the world of art. With a little practice, you can create beautiful watercolor paintings that you will be proud to display. Whether you’re looking to create delicate washes or bold, vibrant colors, watercolor painting is a versatile and accessible medium that is sure to inspire your creativity.
Citations:
[1] https://thepostmansknock.com/painting-with-watercolors-for-beginners/
[2] https://www.eden-gallery.com/news/what-is-watercolor-painting
[3] https://www.watercoloraffair.com/how-to-start-watercolor-painting-first-steps-for-beginners/
[4] https://www.kerriewoodhouse.com/blog/watercolour-best-medium-beginners
[5] https://www.kingsframingandartgallery.com/blog/post/watercolor-painting-ideas-for-beginners
