Ah, watercolors. They are the simplicity and elegance that everyone loves. While they look do effortless, it is quite guise for a technique that takes lots of patience and time. Ever since college, I have been dappling in watercolor illustration but also finding it turing into a big grey mess. After a day and a half of playing around and not worrying about the outcome, I think that I have some tips for learning to watercolor:
1. Have the correct brushes. Unlike oil painting, smooth synthetic brushes with a thin pointed tip are best. Also start with small brushes.
2. Let go of what you want and let whatever happen happen. Put down that pencil and start with a blank page. If you were a artist like me, this was the hardest part. I have always pre-planned all my finals with pencil sketches. But hide those pencils and start with thin also translucent color
3. Take your time and don't rush the process. In the past, I was quick to attempt to add more color to my drawing which ended up with it turning into a utter mess. Watercolors need time to dry before moving onto layering more color one. I suggest watching tv or listening to music while watercoloring. Take quick couple minute breaks in between layers.
4. Layering! Slowly build color up and mix colors by layering slowing. Play around with this too. Layering different colors while one is still just a little wet can give you that effortless elegance.
I hope these 4 tips can help you in your watercolor adventures and leave a photo or comment below with your illustrations!
