Dry brushing creates wonderful textures for grass, hair, and rough surfaces.
Building Your Technique Library
Watercolor is a medium of delightful unpredictability, but mastering a few core techniques will give you the control needed to express your artistic vision. We focus on practical guides without overcomplicating the process.
The Core Washes
Washes are the foundation of watercolor painting. A wash is a broad application of thinned paint used to cover a large area.
- Flat Wash: An even, solid color across the paper. Great for skies or base layers.
- Graduated Wash: A wash that transitions smoothly from dark to light. Ideal for creating depth or sunsets.
- Variegated Wash: Blending two or more colors together while they are still wet.
Specialty Effects
Once you are comfortable with washes, you can explore texture techniques like dry brushing for rough surfaces, or using household items like salt to create fascinating, organic patterns in your pigment.