Watercolor Painting Lessons
Watercolor paintings are unique in that their wide array of textures and colors make them one of the more popular and distinctive art forms. With this in mind, it's easy to see why many opt for watercolor painting lessons when they want to start a new hobby. Does this sound like you? Here are a few suggestions on how to get started.
Before you begin watercoloring, you should do your best to find the best supplies available. These include quality brushes, paints, watercolor pencils, types of paper, and canvases. While browsing online or in your local art store, you may discover that these items are a lot pricier than you first thought, but they do tend to last longer than the cheaper models.
For example, you will need a wide assortment of brushes for your watercolor painting lessons. These allow you to create a variety of shapes, brush strokes, and textures. These include flat brushes, round brushes, pointed brushes, “mop” shaped brushes, and several more. Ideally, the handles should be made of durable materials such as wood or bamboo and the bristles should consist of animal hair, such as sable or goat, that is durable and flexible.
For paints, most artists go for solid blocks of paint as well as paint that comes from a tube. The blocks can be firmly wedged in the palate in a manner not unlike ice cubes, allowing the artist to dab their damp brush against them and paint small or intricate areas. Tube paint, on the other hand, is squeezed out on a flat surface and is much easier to blend and dilute. Tube paint is typically used for broader areas requiring stretches of consistent color.
Having both types of paint allows you to have the two main textures that will allow you to create your masterpiece. The tubed paints allow for a thicker, more solid coating, while the block paints are perfect for lighter or more transparent applications. Watercolor pencils are also useful for experimental sketching or establishing where to paint.
Finally, paper is an important addition to any watercolor painting lessons. The texture, thickness, and weight all make the difference between a well planned, crisp, professional painting and a droopy, stained, sloppy one. Some painters use sketchbooks with thick, stiff pages, while others prefer canvases. For watercolor painting lessons, it's likely you'll need both. Learn more about how you can prepare for your watercolor painting lessons today!