Exploring Daniel Smith Watercolour: Rose of Ultramarine: A Watercolour Gem

In the world of watercolour painting, the choice of pigments can significantly impact the final artwork. Daniel Smith paints, known for their Extra Fine Watercolours and Watercolour & Gouache products, offer a wide range of high-quality pigments. One of my old favourites is Daniel Smith’s Rose of Ultramarine, a unique blend that has brought my rose painting to life. In this post, I’ll share insights about this exquisite colour, its composition, and why it can be advantageous for artists to use premixed colours like this one.

Art Supplies, Watercolour How toLouise De Masi10 June 2024Techniques, Beginner TipsComment

How to Create or Avoid Watercolour Blooms

When your paint no longer offers the sheen of freshness, it's time to step back and let the canvas breathe. Embrace this moment of stillness, allowing the paint to dry completely before introducing more pigment. This necessitates a swifter approach to your strokes - often a leap for watercolour beginners, who tend to meticulously shape their washes, giving time for the edges to start setting.

How to Paint Hard and Soft Edges in Watercolour

There are two effective methods to achieve soft edges in watercolour painting. The first is the wet-on-wet technique, where you are applying paint to wet paper. This method allows the paint to spread across the moist surface, naturally creating a soft edge as it disperses. You can apply this technique to paper that's visibly wet and shiny or to paper that's merely damp, after the initial sheen has faded.

Watercolour How to, Watercolour TechniquesLouise De Masi10 May 2024TechniquesComment

How to Identify and Use Warm and Cool Colours in Watercolour

Many beginners find colour wheels confusing and not very intuitive. Instead, I recommend a more straightforward approach and easy trick: utilising the online resources of reputable paint manufacturers like Winsor and Newton, Daniel Smith, or Schmincke. These companies organise their colours not just by hue but by temperature, which can be immensely helpful.

Watercolour How to, Getting StartedLouise De Masi8 May 2024FAQ, Technical GuidesComment

Watercolour Tips

Watercolour tips and techniques to help you improve your painting skills.