How to Paint with Watercolors

Learn the basics of watercolor painting with simple techniques for mixing colors and creating beautiful art.

1. Set up your painting space. Find a flat surface near a sink if possible. Tape your paper to the table if you want crisp edges. Fill two containers with clean water - one for cleaning your brush, one for mixing colors. Put on old clothes or an apron because watercolors can be messy!
2. Prepare your paints. If using tube paints, squeeze a small amount of each color onto your palette, leaving space between colors. If using pan paints, add a few drops of water to each color and let them soften for a minute. Start with just 3-4 colors - you can always add more later.
3. Test your brush and water. Dip your brush in clean water and touch it to a paper towel to remove extra water. Your brush should be damp but not dripping. Practice making different strokes on a scrap piece of paper to get the feel for how much water to use.
4. Start with simple shapes. Begin by painting basic shapes like circles, squares, or simple flowers. Touch your damp brush to the paint, then paint on your paper. Notice how the color flows - this is what makes watercolors special! Let each shape dry before painting nearby areas.
5. Try mixing colors. While your paint is still wet on the paper, add a different color and watch them blend together. You can also mix colors on your palette first. Try yellow and blue to make green, or red and yellow to make orange. Clean your brush between different colors.
6. Experiment with water amounts. Use more water for lighter, softer colors and less water for darker, more intense colors. Try painting on wet paper for dreamy, flowing effects, or on dry paper for sharper lines and shapes.
7. Let your painting dry. Watercolors look different when wet versus dry - they usually get lighter as they dry. Let your painting dry completely flat. This usually takes 10-20 minutes depending on how much water you used.