Watercolour has a reputation for being difficult. I'd argue it has a reputation for being honest — what you put in, you get out. And once you understand a few fundamentals, it becomes one of the most satisfying mediums there is.
Start with the right paper
This is the single most important thing a beginner can do. Cheap paper buckles, bleeds, and fights you at every turn. I recommend at least 250g (cold press is a good all-rounder — not too rough, not too smooth). Fabriano is reliable and won't break the bank.
Three colours are enough to begin
You don't need a full set. A warm yellow (like raw sienna or cadmium yellow), a cool blue (cerulean or ultramarine), and a red (alizarin crimson or cadmium red) will give you everything you need to mix a huge range of colours. Learn these before expanding.
Water is your most important tool
Watercolour is not paint with a bit of water added — it's water, controlled. How much water is on your brush, how wet the paper is, and how much pigment you load will determine almost everything about how the paint behaves. Practice loading your brush fully, then drying it slightly on a cloth before touching paper.
Make friends with the white of the paper
Unlike oils or acrylics, you can't paint white on top. The paper is your white. Protect the lightest areas by leaving them unpainted from the start. This takes a bit of planning but becomes instinctive quickly.
Don't overwork it
The most common beginner mistake is going back into a wash that's still damp to "fix" something. This causes blooms and muddy patches. Wait. Let it dry. Then assess. Patience in watercolour is a technique.
Come to one of my Tuesday or Saturday workshops if you'd like to try all of this with someone guiding you through it. All materials are provided.
Join a workshop
Every Tuesday and Saturday, 10:30am – 1:00pm at Abercrave Welfare Hall. All materials and refreshments included.
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