Once you’ve mastered the basics of watercolor painting, You'll get eager to learn all there is about this fantastic form of art. That’s why we’ve assembled a list of creative tips ‘n’ tricks to take your art to a new level.
Splatter your paintbrushes.
While this one might seem simple, it’s not always second nature. Gently pull the bristles back on a brush that’s loaded with paint, release, and voila!
Rubber Band Watercolor Art
Stretch a few rubber bands across your canvas or paper to use your paintbrush in an unconventional way! Just paint across the page with a loaded brush and see the results.
Bleed colors into one another.
This can create colors like no other! Being sure to use a good amount of water, brush two colors next to each other to create a bleeding effect.
Watercolor Process Art
Instead of focusing on creating a piece, why not focus on the process? Put those watercolor brushes to use in any way you choose - just think about making shapes rather than making things.
Try scumbling.
Scumbling is the process of layering color in soft, indirect layers to create the desired color. Load up your brush and gently tap or spackle your canvas to create an interesting effect.
Erupting Watercolor Art
By combining salt, baking soda, vinegar, glue, and a little paint, you can create erupting art that’ll wow a crowd. Try it out on your paper for a bomb of color!
Explore negative painting.
While painting with watercolors can create wild color, sometimes it’s the negative spaces that say the most. Try using your brushes to fill in the background but not the subject for an unconventional look to your artwork.
Watercolor on Tape
Similar to our rubber-band trick, try putting tape on and around your canvas to create negative spaces. Painting over those tape pieces can create some fun shapes and once you’re done, you can just peel off the tape to see the results.
Splash your finished watercolor with water.
It may seem counterintuitive to spray your finished painting with water, but trust us when we say that the results can be amazing. It creates a dappled look to your painting that can take it to new heights.
Use treated paper.
Using your brushes on a new kind of paper can make your brushes feel like new. Try out glossy paper, matte paper, or even just a different color paper to put a fresh spin on your hobby.
Leave some areas unfinished.
While we may have got some negative spaces on our paper, what if we just left some areas unfinished? Allowing your viewer to see what your process was like through those unfinished spaces can be the tidbit that pushes your art to new heights.
Let the paint drip.
If you’ve got any unfinished spaces on your canvas, why not use your brush to drip some extra color onto your workspace? It can give your art an alternative look.
Use coffee filters.
Pick up those paintbrushes and some coffee filters to create interesting artwork with your favorite paints and a little water.
Who said coffee filters were just for coffee?
Paint on something that isn’t paper.
We’ve used our brushes on unconventional paper, but what about painting on things that aren’t paper? Cardboard, seashells, even pinecones can receive a watercolor treatment that makes a great gift or decoration.
Pour painting.
Using a smaller cup of water, pour some of your paint into the cup and pour it onto your canvas. After that, you can use your brushes for a new look to your artwork.
Use shaving cream.
Shaving cream creates a marbling effect that can create a beautiful background or a great abstract painting - anyone and everyone will be proud of your piece when you use this unconventional material.
Written by Alexis Mesa