Water color artists have been around since man first used his finger or a stick to paint on cave walls. Since then they have come a long way. This medium is so versatile that it suits many different styles. If you are a beginner, here are some tips which can help you to avoid obvious mistakes and be more successful in your attempts.
A limited palette of colors is suggested for those who are just beginning. Rather use limited colors and learn how to mix them than confuse the issue with too many. A good brush or two is important. Cheap brushes are not advised as they shed hairs and do not retain their shape. A good brush will hold enough paint and will not have to be constantly reloaded. Other useful items are sponges and paper towels. Preparation is vital as water colors dry quickly and sections of the same tones need to be done at the same time.
When starting out, do not be too cautious. Sometimes you have to surrender control to discover the qualities of the paint. Use a big brush and make broad sweeps. There are many techniques which have to be learned, such as working wet on dry or wet in wet. You need to find out all about using washes and how different ratios produce different light effects. You need to observe for yourself how colors flow and blend together. The only way to learn all the different techniques is to go step by step and try it all out for yourself.
Beginners need to remember that colors are darker when wet. As they dry they become lighter. If you find that they are too light, you can still remedy this by adding more layers. If colors are too dark, they can be re-wet and some of the color removed.
Simplicity is vital when you are beginning. You will not paint a masterpiece with your first attempt. Rather choose a simple subject and execute it well than something intricate and complicated.
When looking at your subject, you need to ignore all the finer details initially and group similar values together. It is often hard as a beginner to see values as color gets in the way. When making a value study, using the white of the paper as the lightest value and then reducing all the other values to a light, a middle and a dark helps to create a good composition. Colors and details come later.
Once you have made your value study, you may want to mask out the areas you intend to leave white with masking fluid. This helps to keep it white while you are applying the other colors around it. It can then be rubbed off once the darker values have been painted in.
Water color artists love their medium for its versatility and the light effects which can be created. There are those who use a controlled, precise style such as those who produce botanical paintings. Others follow a more impressionistic approach to their work. The only way to find your particular expression is to practice and experiment.
A limited palette of colors is suggested for those who are just beginning. Rather use limited colors and learn how to mix them than confuse the issue with too many. A good brush or two is important. Cheap brushes are not advised as they shed hairs and do not retain their shape. A good brush will hold enough paint and will not have to be constantly reloaded. Other useful items are sponges and paper towels. Preparation is vital as water colors dry quickly and sections of the same tones need to be done at the same time.
When starting out, do not be too cautious. Sometimes you have to surrender control to discover the qualities of the paint. Use a big brush and make broad sweeps. There are many techniques which have to be learned, such as working wet on dry or wet in wet. You need to find out all about using washes and how different ratios produce different light effects. You need to observe for yourself how colors flow and blend together. The only way to learn all the different techniques is to go step by step and try it all out for yourself.
Beginners need to remember that colors are darker when wet. As they dry they become lighter. If you find that they are too light, you can still remedy this by adding more layers. If colors are too dark, they can be re-wet and some of the color removed.
Simplicity is vital when you are beginning. You will not paint a masterpiece with your first attempt. Rather choose a simple subject and execute it well than something intricate and complicated.
When looking at your subject, you need to ignore all the finer details initially and group similar values together. It is often hard as a beginner to see values as color gets in the way. When making a value study, using the white of the paper as the lightest value and then reducing all the other values to a light, a middle and a dark helps to create a good composition. Colors and details come later.
Once you have made your value study, you may want to mask out the areas you intend to leave white with masking fluid. This helps to keep it white while you are applying the other colors around it. It can then be rubbed off once the darker values have been painted in.
Water color artists love their medium for its versatility and the light effects which can be created. There are those who use a controlled, precise style such as those who produce botanical paintings. Others follow a more impressionistic approach to their work. The only way to find your particular expression is to practice and experiment.
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