Essential Watercolour Techniques Every Beginner Should Master

Watercolour painting is both challenging and rewarding. Unlike other mediums, watercolours require you to work with the paint rather than against it. Master these essential techniques to build a strong foundation.

Understanding Watercolour Behaviour

Watercolours are transparent paints that rely on the white of the paper for luminosity. The water-to-pigment ratio controls everything from intensity to flow.

Wet-on-Wet Technique

Apply wet paint to wet paper for soft, diffused effects:

1. Wet your paper evenly with clean water
2. Wait until the sheen reduces slightly (not too wet)
3. Touch your loaded brush to the surface
4. Watch the paint bloom and spread naturally

Perfect for: skies, backgrounds, soft florals, atmospheric effects

Wet-on-Dry Technique

Apply wet paint to dry paper for crisp, defined edges:

• Ensure paper is completely dry
• Load brush with paint mixture
• Apply with confident strokes
• Edges will remain sharp and defined

Perfect for: details, architecture, botanical illustration, lettering

Glazing

Build depth through transparent layers:

1. Apply first wash and let dry completely
2. Apply second transparent layer over the first
3. Colours mix optically, creating depth
4. Repeat for complex colour effects

Tip: Use transparent pigments for best glazing results. Check our best watercolour paints guide for transparency ratings.

Lifting Technique

Remove paint to create highlights or correct mistakes:

• While wet: blot with tissue or dry brush
• When dry: rewet area and lift with brush or sponge
• Some pigments lift easily, others stain

Graded Wash

Create smooth transitions from dark to light:

1. Start with concentrated pigment at top
2. Add water to brush as you work down
3. Work quickly before paint dries
4. Tilt board slightly to help flow

Essential Supplies

Quality materials make learning easier:

• Artist-grade watercolours (student grade frustrates beginners)
• Cold press watercolour paper, 300gsm minimum
• Round brushes in sizes 6, 10, and 14
• Two water containers (one for rinsing, one clean)

Explore our watercolour paints guide and complete painting guides for detailed recommendations.