Main Aspects to Note When Making Watercolour Paintings Quality of Materials: Invest in good quality watercolour paints, brushes, and paper. Quality materials can significantly impact the final result of your painting. Paper Selection: Choose watercolour paper that is specifically designed for watercolour painting. The weight and texture of the paper can affect how the paint behaves and the overall look of your painting. Water Control: Mastering water control is crucial in watercolour painting. Learn how to manipulate the amount of water on your brush and on the paper to achieve different effects, from washes to fine details. Colour Mixing: Understand colour theory and how different pigments interact with each other. Learn how to mix colours effectively to achieve the desired hues and tones in your painting. Layering and Transparency: Watercolour is known for its transparent quality. Experiment with layering colours to create depth and richness in your paintings. Allow each layer to dry completely before adding another layer to prevent colours from mixing unintentionally. Value and Contrast: Pay attention to the values (lightness and darkness) in your painting. Create contrast to add interest and dimension to your artwork. Experiment with different techniques such as lifting, glazing, and dry brushing to achieve a range of values. Brush Techniques: Practice different brush techniques such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, dry brushing, and splattering to achieve various textures and effects in your paintings. Composition: Consider the composition of your painting before you start. Think about the placement of elements, balance, and focal points to create visually appealing artworks. Patience and Practice: Watercolour painting can be challenging, so be patient with yourself and allow yourself to make mistakes. Practice regularly to improve your skills and develop your own style. Experimentation and Creativity: Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and approaches. Watercolour painting offers endless possibilities for creativity, so have fun exploring and discovering what works best for you. Various Sizes: When starting out with watercolor painting, it's common for beginners to experiment with various sizes to find what suits their preferences and style. Here's a range of sizes commonly used by artists, from smallest to largest: 1. Postcard Size (4" x 6" or 5" x 7"): Painting on postcard-sized paper is a great way to start as it allows for quick experimentation and practice without feeling overwhelmed by a large canvas. 2. Small Sketchbook (6" x 9" or 8" x 10"): A small sketchbook provides a bit more space for exploration while still being manageable for beginners. 3. Quarter Sheet (11" x 15"): This size is often recommended as a step up from smaller formats. It offers more room for detail and composition without being too intimidating. 4. Half Sheet (15" x 22"): Painting on a half sheet of watercolor paper provides even more space for creativity and allows beginners to work on larger compositions. 5. Full Sheet (22" x 30"): Working on a full sheet of watercolor paper offers the most space for expansive compositions and intricate details. However, it may be more challenging for beginners to handle due to its size. 6. Custom Sizes: Artists often work on custom sizes depending on their preferences and the requirements of their projects. Some may prefer working on smaller, more intimate pieces, while others may enjoy the challenge of painting on a large scale. The optimal size for a beginner to try depends on their comfort level, available space, and personal preferences. Starting with smaller sizes allows for easy experimentation and skill development before gradually progressing to larger formats. Link About Painting Surface Q & A