Free 6 Hour Watercolor Course for Beginners

This amazing video includes a FREE 6 hour watercolor course for beginners that starts with the very basic techniques and ends with more advanced ideas. If you are serious about learning watercolors, this is your opportunity to do it! You will not find a better resource on the internet, that I'll assure you.

The 100% free video is below along with supporting images, text explanations and more. Enjoy and be sure to subscribe if you want to see more like this.

Essential Watercolor Supplies for Beginners

To start your watercolor journey, you’ll need a few key supplies. Let’s explore the essentials you’ll need to begin creating beautiful watercolor art.

Paints and palettes

When choosing watercolor paints, you have two main options: pans or tubes. For beginners, tubes are often the best choice. They’re easy to use, and come in a variety of colors. A good starter set might include 12 to 24 colors, giving you plenty of options to mix and experiment with.

As you progress, you might want to explore professional-grade paints, which offer more vibrant colors and better lightfastness. However, student-grade paints are perfectly fine to start with and can produce beautiful results.

For your palette, a simple plastic or ceramic dish with wells for mixing colors will suffice. Some paint sets come with built-in palettes, which can be very convenient for beginners.

Brushes and paper

Brushes are crucial tools for watercolor painting. To begin, you’ll need a few round brushes in different sizes. A size 6 or 8 round brush is versatile for most techniques, while a smaller size 2 or 4 is great for details. You might also want to add a flat brush for washes and a larger round brush for covering larger areas.

When it comes to paper, it’s worth investing in good quality watercolor paper. Look for paper that’s at least 140 lb (300 gsm) in weight. Cold-pressed paper is a good all-around choice for beginners, offering a nice texture that works well with most techniques.

Additional tools and accessories

To round out your watercolor kit, you’ll need a few more items. A water container is essential for cleaning your brushes and diluting your paints. Paper towels or a clean cloth are useful for blotting excess water and creating texture effects.

Fundamental Watercolor Techniques

Mastering fundamental watercolor techniques is essential for beginners to create stunning artwork. These techniques form the foundation of watercolor painting and allow artists to explore various effects and styles.

Wet-on-wet technique

The wet-on-wet technique involves applying wet paint to a wet surface, creating soft, blended effects. To use this method, first dampen the paper with clean water. Then, load your brush with paint and touch it to the wet surface. Watch as the colors spread and blend, creating beautiful, dreamy effects perfect for painting skies, landscapes, or abstract pieces.

Wet-on-dry technique

Wet-on-dry is a more controlled technique where wet paint is applied to dry paper. This method allows for more precise shapes and defined edges. It’s ideal for adding details or creating sharp contrasts in your artwork. To practice this technique, simply apply paint to dry paper using a loaded brush. Experiment with different brush strokes and paint consistencies to achieve various effects.

Washes and gradients

Washes are an essential watercolor technique for creating smooth, even areas of color. A flat wash involves applying a uniform layer of color across the paper. To create a gradient wash, start with a more concentrated color at one end and gradually dilute it as you move across the paper. This technique is perfect for painting skies or creating depth in your artwork.

To improve your skills with these fundamental techniques, practice regularly and experiment with different colors and brush strokes. As you become more comfortable with these basics, you’ll be able to combine them to create more complex and interesting watercolor paintings.

Tips for Improving Your Watercolor Skills

To enhance your watercolor skills, consistent practice is crucial. Set aside dedicated time for painting, even if it’s just a few minutes daily. This regular practice will gradually build your confidence and skill set. Remove barriers that might prevent you from painting by preparing your supplies in advance. Have your paper, water, brushes, and palette ready before you begin.

Regular practice exercises

Focus on painting small and often. Smaller watercolor paintings allow you to practice timing, which is essential in watercolor. You’ll also get more practice with drawing, composing, and color mixing. Try dedicating 10 minutes a day to practice specific skills, such as painting skies or figures. Keep a piece of scrap paper nearby to test brush marks before applying them to your painting.

Experimenting with color mixing

Create a color mixing journal to document your experiments and use it as a reference for future paintings. Start with lighter colors when mixing and don’t over-mix. Let colors blend naturally on the paper for a more spontaneous effect. Try using a limited palette of three to four colors to improve your understanding of each pigment and reduce the chances of creating muddy colors.

Learning from online tutorials and resources

Explore free watercolor tutorials on platforms like YouTube. Look for artists whose style resonates with you. Online classes and subscription-based platforms like Skillshare offer in-depth tutorials on various watercolor techniques and subjects.

Conclusion

Watercolor painting offers a world of creative possibilities for beginners and experienced artists alike. With the right supplies, fundamental techniques, and a willingness to experiment, anyone can start creating beautiful watercolor art. The tutorials and tips shared in this article provide a solid foundation to begin your watercolor journey, from choosing the right paints and brushes to trying out exciting effects like the salt and plastic wrap techniques.

As you continue to explore watercolor painting, remember that practice is key to improving your skills. Set aside time to paint regularly, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. Don’t be afraid to try new techniques, mix colors, and learn from online resources. With patience and persistence, you’ll soon find yourself creating stunning watercolor pieces that express your unique artistic vision. So grab your brushes, let your creativity flow, and enjoy the magical world of watercolor painting!