Top Tips and Mistakes To Avoid On Your Watercolour Journey! 

Mistake #1: Over Working The Paper

One of the most common mistakes beginners make is applying too much paint or water to the paper. This can cause the paper to warp or even tear. To avoid this, make sure to use the right amount of paint and water for your specific paper type.

🖌️ Tip: Use a light touch when applying paint and water, and work in small sections. This will help you maintain control and avoid overworking the paper.

Mistake #2: Not Using Enough Water

On the other hand, not using enough water can result in dry, scratchy-looking paint strokes. Watercolour paint relies on water to blend and flow smoothly, so make sure to use enough water to achieve the desired effect.

🖌️ Tip: Experiment with different ratios of paint to water to find what works best for you. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and add more water as needed.

Mistake #3: Using Too Much Paint

Watercolour is meant to be a transparent medium, so using too much paint can result in a muddy or opaque painting. This can be especially true for beginners, as it’s easy to get carried away with adding too much pigment.

🖌️ Tip: Start with a light wash and build up gradually. This will help you achieve the desired level of colour without overwhelming the paper.

Mistake #4: Not Planning Ahead

Watercolours are a fluid medium, which means it can be difficult to make changes once the paint has dried. To avoid this, take the time to plan ahead and have a clear idea of what you want to paint before you start.

🖌️ Tip: Sketch out your composition lightly with a pencil or charcoal before adding paint. This will help you visualize your design and make any necessary adjustments before committing to colour.

Mistake #5: Not Using the Right Paper

Using regular paper or low-quality watercolour paper can result in unsatisfactory results, such as paper warping or paint bleeding. Invest in high-quality watercolour paper that’s specifically designed for your medium.

🖌️ Tip: Research different types of watercolour paper and choose one that suits your style and preferences. Remember, good quality paper is an investment in your artistic journey.