Watercolour Tips

Every watercolour painting goes through an awkward middle stage.

The shapes may look disjointed. The colours may feel uncertain. At this point many painters assume the painting has failed and stop working on it.

In reality, this stage is completely normal.

Once darker values are added and the painting develops further, many paintings begin to come together.

What often looks like failure is simply the middle of the process.

Watercolour is responsive. The paper surface holds pigment delicately, and repeated brushing disturbs that balance.

When we scrub, rework, or keep adjusting an area that has already begun to settle, we break the surface of the paper. Pigment lifts unevenly. Texture becomes patchy. What was once fresh begins to look tired.

Often this happens not because we lack skill, but because we hesitate. We add one more stroke. Then another. And slowly, clarity disappears.

The key to wet on wet is timing. Watch the sheen on the paper rather than relying on instinct alone. Too wet, and the paint will spread uncontrollably; too dry, and edges will become harder than intended. Less brush movement often leads to better results. You can practice wet-on-wet by painting graded washes or flat washes. A spray bottle can help keep the paper evenly wet without introducing too much water, although I prefer thoroughly wetting my paper and if necessary I take the excess amount of water off with a damp brush.

Watercolour has a reputation for being difficult. Not because it lacks beauty, quite the opposite, but because it asks for a particular kind of attention. It responds immediately. It records every choice you make, whether intentional or not. Where other mediums allow for correction and revision, watercolour asks for awareness, patience, and trust.

A very wet, diluted mix can easily create a puddle on the paper, and that’s when dark edges form. When there’s too much water in the wash (and on the paper), it spreads out across the wet area as it dries and carries the pigment with it, leaving that darker ring around the outside. Using a slightly stronger mix when you apply paint gives you much more control and helps your washes dry evenly.