If you need help with your watercoloring techniques, I recommend Watercolor Artist Magazine. It is a colorful, inspirational, and informational art magazine. I am new to watercolor and this magazine has aided in my lessons of color theory, composition, and helpful tips. I especially enjoy the colorful painting illustrations and supply list in case I want to paint what I see. A very good, helpful magazine for a beginner/immediate watercolorist.

There are different kinds and grades of watercolor and watercolor paper, each has its own consistency and behaves differently. The quality of the watercolor painting is heavily influenced by the grade of paper that the painting is on. This is more pronounced when applying the techniques such as wet in wet and dry color lifting. Texture grade are also important consideration when applying a dry brush technique. The rule of the thumb when choosing a watercolor paper is that the more expensive and popular the brand used, the easier the work becomes for the artist because of the consistency and the high quality of materials that are used.

When using watercolors, it is important to use the full range of paint consistency. The densest possible color is obtained by using the paint as it comes from the tube. The lightest color is obtained by using paint heavily diluted with water, or applied to the paper and then blotted away with a paper towel. Generally, paint directly from the tube should be used only with drybrush application: if the paint is used to completely cover the paper it typically dries to a dull, leathery appearance (called bronzing).

Usually one part tube paint must be diluted with 2 to 3 parts water to eliminate bronzing in paint applied with a large brush to dry paper; with 4 to 6 parts water to produce the most saturated color; and with still more water to produce delicate tints of color and to enhance pigment textures (granulation or flocculation). The main point is to take advantage of the complete range of paint effects that are produced at different paint consistencies.

The question do I sketch out what I want to paint first or do I start to paint is a common question. A good practice is to draw a few light lines to help you establish placement in the work. Lightly sketching an idea out is an acceptable practice. It is not uncommon to see pencil lines in finished watercolor paintings. Just don’t overdo it. Once you have your lines in place begin to paint your lightest and largest areas. Watercolors are not only painted from light to dark, but also from basic shapes to more detail as the painting progresses.