Watercolor Tips You Can Use Right Now

Ever wonder why some watercolor pieces look crisp while others turn into blurry puddles? The answer is usually a tiny habit you can change. Below are the most useful, no‑fluff tips that will keep your paints lively, your paper safe, and your results consistent.

How to Store and Ship Your Watercolors

Most beginners think any flat surface will do, but water‑based paint is picky. Let the painting dry completely before you stack anything on top. If you need to store a large sheet, place it between two sheets of clean, acid‑free paper and store it upright – not flat – to avoid warping.

When shipping, use a rigid cardboard tube or a sturdy box with plenty of padding. rolling a watercolor can be safe if you follow a few rules: use a soft, flexible backing (like a thin poster board), roll gently from the side with the painted side facing outward, and keep the roll tight but not squished. Once it arrives, unroll slowly and place the piece under a heavy book for a day to flatten any slight curls.

Everyday Techniques That Make a Difference

Scrubbing for texture. Lightly dragging a dry brush across damp paper creates grainy areas that look like stone or bark. Keep the brush dry, use a light hand, and repeat until you get the desired roughness.

Wet‑on‑wet control. Drop a little clean water onto a wet wash and watch the colors separate. This helps you keep soft edges without muddying the whole area.

Masking fluid tricks. Apply a thin line of masking fluid to preserve whites or create sharp edges. Once it dries, paint over it, then peel it off once the surrounding paint is dry. The result is crisp highlights without using gouache.

Don’t forget to clean your brushes properly. Rinse with lukewarm water, reshape the bristles, and store them upright. A dirty brush can leave unwanted pigments in the next wash and ruin your color control.

Finally, experiment with paper grain. Rough paper holds more water and gives a textured look, while smooth paper lets you do fine details. Switching between the two can add visual interest without extra effort.

These tips are simple enough for beginners but also valuable for seasoned artists who want to keep their work looking professional. Try one tip each week and notice how your paintings improve. Happy painting!"

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by Alaric Westcombe | May, 11 2025 | | 0 Comments

Watercolor painting looks simple, but most people struggle with it right from the start. The paint runs wild, the paper wrinkles, and colors don't always blend the way you expect. This article unpacks why watercoloring can be so tough and what makes it trickier than other media. You'll find concrete tips to help you relax and actually enjoy the process, plus a few facts about how pros handle common mistakes. Time to put those fears about watercolor to rest.

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