Watercolour Skills

 

Materials

For this module you will need:

  • watercolour paper

  • brushes

  • watercolour paints

  • water & kitchen paper

  • optional: a pencil or pen and scissors

Resources

I have here a PDF about colour theory for you, which includes a little extra exercise for those who want more!

The Basics

 

Watercolours 101 / Brush Control - 6 min

A great place to start! Warming up with some exercises on gradients and brush control.

Password: basics1

Watercolours 101 /basic techniques - 12 min

Let’s look at how to use 2 colours at the same time, while learning the basic
dry-on-wet and wet-on-wet techniques.

Password: basics2

 

You Colour Palette

Yummy Colour Palette - 7min

Put on some fun music and let’s do some colour mixing! We’ll be looking at colour theory and how to find the colour combinations that work best for you!

Password: mixing1

Yummy Colour Palette Part II - 7min

Continuing with some exercises to test out our colour combinations and a small exercise to try methods of mixing while painting.

Password: mixing2

Watercolour Demo 1

demo 1 > before we paint! - 4 min

Before you begin, it is important to plan and prepare your illustration! I take you through the first few steps and decisions you need to make.

Password: demo1

4CD20D56-A53A-4B33-9AB0-12E929C4FB53.jpg

demo 2 >the whole process!- 10 min

OK, grab that nice drink and settle yourself on your favourite chair! This longer video will take you through my full painting process of the “cow diety” illustration.

Password: demo_cow

Key moments to keep an eye on (which are also highlighted in the video):

  • I introduce masking fluid,

  • I use the gradient technique,

  • I use a variety of mixing techniques and you can see their effect,

  • And brush control is key for details here.

I made this illustration in 2 parts: One day prep work and the first layers. Second day I got into the zone and painted in one go. Remember to start with a small illustration!

Watercolour Demo 2

demo 2 > before we paint! - 8 min

I take you again through the first few steps and decisions you need to make. I show you how I choose colours, test thumbnails and the first layers.

Password: demo2prep

porcession1.png

demo 2 > From Start to Finish! - 10 min

Get comfy again and watch how I paint this larger piece called “procession”.

Password: demo2full

Key moments to keep an eye on:

  • Painting a background and multiple layers

  • Brush details

  • Playing with contrast by making bold colour choices

  • Working with fineliners

I made this illustration in 3 parts: One day prep work and the first layers. Second day I went for second and third layers but had to take a step back before continuing. When I came back to this piece, I realised I was finished and just needed the fineliner details.

When working on large canvases do take your time and take a step back. Do not be afraid of that first “muddy look”! This is where most people get discouraged - push through!!!

>> you’re doing great!