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Wet-on-Dry Watercolor Painting Tips for Beginners

evergreen treecontributed by Leanne Guenther

Wet-on-dry refers to adding watered down colours to dry paper.

The wet-on-dry technique is a popular method in watercolor painting, where wet paint is applied to a dry surface. This technique results in more defined shapes and edges, making it perfect for details and more controlled effects. Here are some helpful tips for young artists to master the wet-on-dry watercolor painting technique:

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Instructions:

Tip 1: Prepare your workspace

Tape your watercolor paper to the board using masking tape to keep it secure and flat while you paint. Set up your paints, brushes, water container, and palette nearby.

 

paint paletteTip 2: Mix your colors

Select the colors you'd like to use and mix them on your palette. Start with a limited color palette and add more colors as needed.

You don't need to wash out your palette when you're done painting unless your colours are starting to get muddy. You can just rewet your colours and keep painting!

 

Tip 3: Load your brush

Dip your brush into the water, then gently tap it on the edge of the container to remove excess water. Load your brush with the first color from your palette.

 

Water Color Technique: LayerTip 4: Apply paint to dry paper

Begin painting on the dry surface of your watercolor paper. The wet-on-dry technique will result in more defined shapes and sharper edges compared to the wet-on-wet method.

 

Water Color Technique: LayerTip 5: Layering and glazing

The wet-on-dry technique is perfect for layering and glazing. Wait for the first layer of paint to dry completely before adding a new layer. This will help you build up depth and intensity without disturbing the previous layers.

 

too much water causes blooms or cauliflower effectsTip 6: Control water content

Keep an eye on the amount of water on your brush and paper. If your brush is too wet, it may create backruns or unwanted blooms. If it's too dry, the paint may not flow smoothly. Adjust the water content by dabbing your brush on a paper towel or cloth before picking up paint.

 

different brushes and water to pigment ratios with wet-on-dry techniqueTip 7: Create texture and details

Use the wet-on-dry technique to add texture and details to your painting. Experiment with different brush strokes, line widths, and paint consistency to achieve various effects.

 

feathersTip 8: Be patient and practice

Mastering the wet-on-dry technique takes time and patience. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts don't turn out exactly as you hoped. Practice regularly and continue to learn from each painting.

 

By following these tips, young artists can learn to create vibrant, detailed watercolor paintings using the wet-on-dry technique. Embrace the process and enjoy your artistic journey!

 

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