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How to paint water with watercolors in 30 minutes
In this tutorial, talented artist and educator Terry Harrison shows you how to create stunning watercolor landscapes in just half an hour. Easy language, intelligible explanations, step-by-step tasks and expressive illustrations will help you quickly master the technique of watercolor painting. Also in the book…
Learning how to draw beautiful designs on baby faces is not at all difficult, even if you are not an artist at all. Delight your children and their friends with simple but very beautiful face painting designs! All you need is special paints or water-based markers, wet wipes and 10 mi…
Before you is a modern tutorial on drawing with watercolors by the famous Italian artist Valerio Libralato and the famous artist-designer Tatyana Lapteva. This book is a compilation of previous works and contains the most important information for an aspiring artist. Draw...
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A new book by contemporary British artist and teacher Billy Showell will inspire all lovers of botanical illustration. Bright and unusually realistic images, many examples, detailed explanations and secrets of various techniques and methods of drawing - this practical guide will intrigu…
Taking a brush and watercolors in hand, every kid dreams of drawing like an adult. I would like the bird in the picture to look alive, so that the colors are like in reality and those vivid images that a violent children's fantasy draws on paper are obtained. In her new book, Ruth Wagner-Weber teaches kids exactly...
Valerio Libralato offers to enjoy the beauty of the world and learn how to paint it in watercolor. Subtle, airy and sensual watercolor painting is ideal for those who are inspired and appreciate beauty. In this book, the author will tell you how to paint flowers in watercolor, which ...
This simple and easy guide to the techniques of drawing a human figure in watercolor will help you master the techniques of professional artists in the shortest possible time and achieve impressive results. Step-by-step workshops, paint-by-numbers exercises and the work of masters of painting will help you successfully complete…
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In How to Understand Watercolor, renowned artist and veteran teacher Tom Hoffmann reveals the mysteries of watercolor painting. The author shares professional tricks, detailing the relationship between color, tone, moisture, and composition. This guide will help both beginners and experienced artists to…
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In his new book, Billy Showell shares the secrets of botanical illustration and reveals a unique technique for achieving depth of color and fantastic detail. Here you will find step-by-step instructions for practicing this or that technique, professional recom…
This easy-to-follow watercolor tutorial will help you master the techniques and techniques of professional artists in no time. Step-by-step workshops, paint-by-numbers exercises and the work of masters of painting will help you successfully complete all creative tasks and achieve mastery. …
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For Jean Haynes, paints are treasures, and the brush is a magic wand with which the British artist and teacher offers to be transported to the vast shining world of watercolor. Experiments, unusual effects, step-by-step demonstrations and practical recommendations are waiting for you. Having mastered the author's technique ...
We bring to your attention a modern tutorial on drawing portraits in watercolor by the famous Italian artist Valerio Libralato. This book will be an invaluable guide for aspiring artists just trying their hand at watercolor painting. Detailed descriptions, many…
Welcome to our watercolor corner. Let's remember together what a pleasure it is to paint with watercolors. It is a magical process and an amazing result if you stop being afraid and find a little time. You can create a beautiful drawing, even if you don't know how to draw at all. You will see for yourself when you do these few exercises that we have prepared especially for you from our best watercolor books.
1. The world of watercolor
A book about drawing without rules. You never thought that watercolor could be like this - free, vast, radiant. Experiments, unusual effects, step-by-step demonstrations and practical recommendations are waiting for you.
It doesn’t matter who we are, how old we are or what experience we have, we can always learn new things.
Playing with watercolor spots
In this exercise, we will apply bold shades of orange and purple side by side and see how they blend smoothly in the center of the leaf. Try making color transitions where you can't tell where one hue starts and another ends. The merger should look harmonious. Sprinkle salt over the entire surface of the still wet leaf: fine salt on one side and coarse rock salt on the other. Let the work dry.
This technique is suitable for depicting roosters and animals with curly hair, such as poodles or sheep. Do you see silhouettes in your patterns?
2. How to understand watercolor
Perhaps this is one of the most colorful and large books that we have. Almost 200 paintings by the best watercolorists under one cover! Their common denominator is respect for paint and confidence in working with it. In this guide, renowned artist and experienced teacher Tom Hoffmann reveals the secrets of watercolor painting and shares professional tricks.
You will learn to THINK like a watercolorist.
Why do you want to draw this?
Usually the artist writes not so much the subject of the image as his understanding of this subject. A big part of the pleasure of contemplating pictorial masterpieces lies in the fact that we - consciously or not - penetrate the author's intention.
Understanding the reasons is the first thing to do before you get started. After choosing the subject of the image, ask yourself: “What exactly attracts me to it?” Before making decisions about how to write, I need to focus on why I want to do it. Think about it - and then what attracted you initially is guaranteed to become part of the finished work.
An artist who has learned to separate what should and should not be depicted boldly embodies any of his ideas.
3. Sketchbook artist
A sketchbook is a great place to embody any artist's ideas. This book is about improvisation. About the magic that turns objects and objects, emotions, impressions, smells and sounds into memories. Most of the drawings in this book are done in watercolor.
Together with famous contemporary artists, you will go to paint in deserts and thickets, capitals and small towns. Try working alone, with a friend, and in a group. See how to choose stories, simplify them, or work slowly and thoughtfully. Here is an example of a watercolor sketch.
Favorite story sketch
Start with a small sketch, then sketch out the outlines of the sketch. In the next steps, add the fill of the general plans. And then work out the details with a dry brush or gouache.
Such a watercolor sketch will evoke much more emotions than a simple photograph.
4. Portraits of fruits and vegetables
And for those interested in botanical illustration, Billy Showell's Portraits of Fruits and Vegetables will delight. Her book with stunning illustrations will enchant anyone and teach you how to draw mouth-watering pictures on the go. We are even a little afraid for the pages of this book: you will definitely want to taste some of them, the drawings are so realistic.
Draw blueberries
Draw the outlines of blueberries. Wash with cobalt blue. Moisten the berry with water. Apply paint on the top and left side. While the paint is drying, make a thick mixture of Cadmium Red Dark, French Ultramarine and a small amount of Cadmium Yellow Light. Moisten the berry, wait until the water is absorbed, drip the resulting mixture. Don't paint over highlights. Apply paint. With a clean, damp brush, soften the edges and make sure the paint doesn't drip onto the highlight.
While the paint dries, with the tip of the brush, "adjust" the dark color to where you want, including small ledges (dots) along the top edge of the berry. Prepare a rich mixture of indigo and cadmium red dark and apply the color to the berry with the tip of the brush. Working in the dry brush technique, achieve the darkest tone. Give the drawing a realistic look by softening the edges with a damp brush tip. Sharpen the details.
5. Portraits of flowers from A to Z
Another book by Billy Showell will be a source of inspiration for both beginners in botanical illustration and those who have already mastered the basics. The main part of the book is devoted to 40 workshops - portraits of flowers from A to Z. Each portrait is accompanied by step-by-step instructions and a list of mixed colors that were used in the drawing. For novice artists, there is a detailed section on materials, technique and color.
Three brushes plus basic watercolor colors - and on your table are captivating thin stems, fragile buds, velvet leaves, petals of heavenly beauty.
6. Watercolor inspiration
And this unusual creative album with stickers will help to practice building a composition and choosing colors. It contains 60 beautiful watercolor paintings of nature at different times of the year, created by four artists from around the world. At the end of the book are sheets of stickers (as many as 500 pieces!), which will help you create your own picture. It's almost like painting, only with stickers.
Look at images of flowers, berries, butterflies, birds, trees and wait for the muse to visit! If you do not let go of brushes and paints, then you will surely find ideas for your paintings in the album. You can practice right on the pages of the book: just finish the compositions with watercolors. Or take stickers - and go ahead, create.
7. Botanical portraits
In his third book, Billy Showell talks about the materials, techniques and techniques he uses to create incredibly beautiful portraits of flowers, fruits and vegetables. Using images of flowers, greenery, fruits and vegetables as examples, Billy introduces the reader to his painting techniques that will inspire an artist of any level. You will learn how to draw petals, scalloped edges, velvety surfaces, fluffy buds, glossy leaves, fine patterns, inflorescence details.
Brush work No. 4
The #4 sable brush is great for painting small plants. A small petal can be depicted with one or two strokes. The brush holds and releases the optimal amount of paint, and long, thin stripes on the stem can be drawn without re-painting.
8. When the sun was a blob
This notebook contains several watercolor exercises. They are suitable for warming up and will teach you to feel the color and shape. This is not just a coloring book or a line book! She encourages to think creatively, draw freely and find your own style in art.
Exercise
Prepare purple, blue and green watercolors. Do these simple 4 fantasy and relaxation exercises. Feel the freedom of movement, the ease of strokes and the joy of the process.
9. Artbook. Your life in words and pictures
Your artbook is a place where you can safely improvise, improve your drawing skills, and capture the important ideas and events of your life in a creative way. This colorful book will give you inspiration and all the tools you need to create your sketchbook and draw for fun.
Brush with reservoir
It does not matter where you are: the world at every turn gives us reasons to experience surprise and respect. All this deserves to be included in the artbook. Reservoir brushes are very helpful when there is no way to lay out all the necessary watercolor supplies around - in a cafe, on an airplane, in nature.
The book contains a lot of advice that will help you start creating, enter memories into an art book, and develop your talents on its pages.
Watercolor paints are one of the most beloved by artists. Firstly, watercolor has a lot of different techniques, and secondly, it can be used to create a beautiful drawing, even if you don’t know how to draw at all.
These techniques will help beginners learn how to draw, and professionals can refresh their memory and find inspiration and ideas.
1. Painting with a flat brush
Step 1
Draw a square or rectangle to mark the beginning and end of the layer.
Choose a darker shade (it's easier to see) and starting from the top left corner, brush down on the paper and gently draw a straight line all the way to the top right corner.
But: left-handers should draw from the right corner to the left.
Step 2
Fill the brush again with paint.
Start the next stroke from the bottom edge of the first one, try to cover the buildup of paint that formed from the bottom of the first stroke.
Hint 1: If the buildup of paint in the first stroke has not flowed completely into the second, then increase the angle of your easel to help the paint flow freely.
Hint 2: By increasing the angle of inclination, you also increase the chances of getting uncontrolled flows of paint. Therefore, try to work faster or have something like a rag or sponge handy to quickly remove drops.
Step 3
Repeat the previous step, also trying to cover the accumulation of paint in the top stroke.
Hint 3: You can use the flat edge of the brush to "cut off" the beginning of the layer and make it even.
Hint 4: If you want to flatten the end edge of the layer, then at the end of the stroke, pause and brush up and then down as you would with the start edge.
Hint 5: If the stroke is broken, then immediately fill the brush with paint and re-swipe it.
Step 4
Repeat the previous steps until the very end. Try to stick to the same tone of paint.
Hint 6: You won't believe how different the behavior of brushes, paints and paper from different brands can be. Usually, the more expensive and popular brands make your job easier by providing high quality products.
Hint 7: If your strokes break even if the brush is full of paint, then you are using too thick paper, or the paper is too rough. If you come across such paper, then sprinkle water on it, blot it with a clean sponge and let it dry. This will make the surface more receptive to your paint.
Step 5
Rinse the brush and squeeze out any remaining water from it. Carefully pick up the blobs of paint left underneath the last stroke with the brush, but don't take too much paint or you will discolor your drawing.
To create more texture in your drawing, leave it to dry at an angle. So the paint will take on a more interesting look.
Gradient
Step 1
Draw a square or rectangle. Then dip your brush into the darker shade of paint (it's on the palette to mix) and gently stroke the brush.
Step 2
Dry the brush with a sponge or paper towel and dip it again in a lighter shade.
Then draw a new stroke, overlapping the bottom of the previous one. Notice that the left side of the layer has already merged with the previous stroke. Let gravity do its thing.
Step 3
Rinse the brush again and dry it. And then refill the brush with paint and make another stroke. Repeat this process until the very end.
Hint 1: If the stroke breaks or does not go as smoothly as you would like, quickly refill the brush with paint and repeat the layer.
Step 4
Rinse the brush with clean water, dry it and pick up any remaining paint.
Hint 2: Try this technique by working with different colors and creating interesting transitions.
watercolor glaze
Step 1
This technique requires improvisation and imagination. For example, we will draw an impromptu landscape.
First, paint the sky and the river with blue paint. We will separate the paint with a small amount of water, this will be a waterfall.
Step 2
We draw clouds of dark pink color and we start to draw a mountain in yellow color. We will also mark the lower part of the figure in yellow.
The example uses light and transparent tones so you can see how the layers interact.
Step 3
By mixing cobalt blue and ultramarine blue, we will paint the horizon of the mountain and shade the small yellow slope.
Hint 1: let each layer dry. You can use a hair dryer to speed up this process. Keep it at least 25-30 cm away, turn on the cool setting and set the hair dryer to the lightest air flow. No steam or hot air!
Step 4
To shade and add interesting colors, use orange. With it, we will create the coast in the foreground and shade the sky.
Hint 2: if you have drops of excess paint, rinse and dry the brush as you did in the previous techniques, and pick up drops with it.
Step 5
Please note that the images show different brushes for painting. You can use the ones you have available.
Take a dark blue color and shade the top of the mountain with it, changing the pressure on the brush and turning it around to create an interesting texture.
Step 6
Using the same blue color, let's play with the waterfall by drawing some circles. Sometimes visual clichés become your friends.
We will wash the brush and pick up the yellow color, with which we will add visual details to our shores.
Step 7
Once the paint is dry, shade the bubbles in the waterfall with a hint of purple. So we will make them more interesting.
Step 8
We need to link some elements and add trees. In the example, we used round templates for crowns, but you can draw as you like.
Step 9
In brown we will depict tree trunks. Also with the help of blue we will shade the water and the sky a little more. Then, using pink, blue and green, paint the grass in the foreground.
Step 10
Use a mixture of pink and red to add the final details. Our trees are bearing fruit now, and there are several fruits under them.
If you look closely, you can see how each layer interacts with each other. A darker shade has more power, but when the colors overlap, they create an interesting and beautiful combination.
“Wet” technique
Step 1
Wet the paper with water
Step 2
Blot the paper with a clean sponge, removing excess water. Try to achieve an even distribution of moisture on the paper, you should get a satin effect.
If the paper is shiny, it means that it is too wet, blot it again.
Step 3
We will paint the landscape again. Let's start, of course, with the sky. Using this technique, it is easier to draw the background first, then moving on to the objects of the foreground.
Step 4
We continue to draw the sky until we start to like it. The strokes will blur, creating an interesting effect.
Step 5
Now let's move on to the grass in the foreground. Using green, make a few wide strokes, leaving room for the stones.
As the paper dries, the strokes become less and less blurry.
Step 6
Let's add forms. To do this, use different shades of green and draw trees on the horizon.
Step 7
After adding the trees, let's try to add texture to them. To do this, use a darker shade of green to set the accents.
Step 8
Add stones using gray color. We filled in the gaps in the foreground with this color, leaving some gaps.
Try to use either dark or cold shades. Using both dark and cold shades will create visual dissonance.
Step 9
We will place accents to diversify the drawing. Using a crimson hue, we depict several floral elements in the foreground. Let the crimson flow as it wants. Then, using a dry brush, remove the color from the middle of the spots.
Step 10
Then, drip clean water into the center of these spots to allow them to blend into the grass.
The hardest part about this technique is knowing when to stop. If you overdo it with blurs and colors, you will end up with a messy drawing.
This technique gives a slightly strange, but interesting result. A drawing made in this technique has a hypnotizing effect.
Dry brush drawing
Step 1
We think the name of the technique speaks for itself. We will need to pick up paint on a brush, blot it from excess liquid with a paper towel or sponge, and only then paint.
Let's start with a pencil sketch. After that, roughly mark the sky, moving the brush over the surface of the paper.
Step 2
Let's draw green trees on the horizon line, outlining what will later become our lake.
Then, by mixing mauve with blue, draw the first layer of the tree trunk.
Step 3
Let the drawing dry and add some elements: the reflection of a tree in the lake and the flow of water.
Mixing green and blue, shade the coast on the background part of the image and let the painting dry again.
Step 4
Mix an intense blue with ultramarine and paint a layer on the trunk of the tree to create the shadows and texture of the bark.
Step 5
Then, using shades of orange, we will depict the autumn landscape by painting the background trees.
Step 6
Having finished with the previous step, with a light orange tint, we will depict the reflection of the trees in the water.
Also, by mixing gray with blue, we will place dark accents on the trees.
We will also add trees on the other side of the horizon. Let's mark the shapes of the trees in orange.
Step 7
Let's take water. Use dark green and brown to achieve the desired color. And with wave-like movements we will draw water in the lake.
Step 8
When painting a lake, change the pressure on the brush to add texture.
Clue: if the brush is too wet, the paint will look flat. Dry the brush to intensify the colors.
Step 9
Let's add some grass under the tree, using the same color as the grass in the background.
Step 10
Let's add some details to the foreground.
We will also darken the lake a bit by adding a blue tint. And also shade the sky with the same color.
We remove moisture
This technique will require several sponges. It is suitable for the image of clouds, soft light. And it can also control the behavior of colors.
Sponges
Makeup sponges are the best. They absorb well and give an interesting effect.
Avoid rubbing the paper with the sponge, and if you do, be very careful not to damage the paper.
Paper towels
With their help, you can create clearer highlights. But paper towels absorb a huge amount of paint very quickly. Therefore, they can absorb fresh paint completely.
Paper towels can come in handy if you make a mistake. Then you can quickly remove the paint.
Dry brush
You can use a dry brush to create a pattern using this technique. To do this, rinse thoroughly and wring out the brush. With it, you can create clear lines.
Other methods:
- You can spray water where you want to remove the paint and then soak it up with a sponge.
- Use different fabrics to add texture
- You can use fingers or other parts of the body. The skin can also absorb moisture.
Discoloration of dried paint
Brushes for watercolor paint
Use clean water and a cloth, wet the desired areas, gently rub the pattern and remove moisture with a dry brush. This method allows you to control the areas you lighten.
Brushes for oil or acrylic paint
Stiff bristles allow you to quickly scrape paint from the desired area. But it is worth noting that this method can damage the paper, so control yourself.
Here, just as in the first method, you must first moisten the area, and then process it with a brush.
Spray and towel
Take a spray bottle and spray on the desired area, and then apply a paper towel to it. This method leaves large light spots and gives an interesting effect.
Sandpaper
Very rarely used, as it can damage the paper. It is best used at the end to add texture. You don't need water for this method, just rub the drawing in the right place.
Blades and knives
Can be used to highlight small areas and create crisp lines. This method is also very risky as it can damage the paper.
Sponges
You can also use sponges. Wet the desired area and dry it with a sponge.
For more than 75 years, Walter Foster Publishing has been publishing drawing and painting tutorials for millions of amateur artists who, with their help, have learned to work in various painting and graphic techniques. The nature of the presentation of the material in our manuals is presented in such a fascinating and accessible form that even those who have never touched a brush or pencil before discovered the artist's talent in themselves. This is the guide to watercolor painting for beginners, presented here.
A bit of history.
Walter Foster Publishing was founded in the 1920s by one man. Walter Foster, a well-known artist, educator, and collector, began producing art tutorials from his home in Laguna Beach, California. He himself wrote, illustrated, printed, bound, packaged, delivered and distributed them. In the 1960s, with the growth of his work, he commercialized production, which allowed him to expand the company and enter the world market. Walter Foster passed away in 1981 at the age of 90, but he is remembered as a kind and dedicated man, author of unique educational books.
About our products.
At Walter Foster Publishing, we strive to uphold the tradition of our publishing house by producing only the highest quality products. We know that artists, as a rule, strive to improve their skills and open up new creative horizons. Because a beginner artist often doesn't know where to start, we offer step-by-step drawing and painting tutorials that are accessible, entertaining, and inexpensive.
Perhaps today you opened one of our manuals for the first time, or maybe you are already familiar with our products. In any case, we are sure that the watercolor book will not only help you master this difficult technique, but also give you pleasure. And whatever your creative ambitions, we wish you the best of luck and hope you always enjoy the creative process!
Carolina Linscott has been fond of paints and painting for as long as she can remember herself. As a professional watercolor artist, Karolina says: “I am happy because I do what I love and do it to the best of my ability. I feel like I am going up an escalator and there is no end in sight to my journey into the world arts".
Although Caroline studied painting as a second subject in college, she started watercolor about 10 years ago. A longtime fan of fine art watercolor, Caroline began taking classes in Sedona, Arizona and soon couldn't stop painting.
She currently lives in Southern California where she teaches watercolor painting to children and adults. Carolina is active in local arts councils and in the State Artists Association. She served as President of the Women Artists of the American West for three years; her tenure ended in November 1998. She is also the author of The Visual Arts of the American West (1999).
Watercolor painting for beginners tutorial
The unique properties of watercolors make them a fascinating and unpredictable artistic medium. Due to the fact that they are diluted with water, they acquire transparency and often give unexpected effects. Now you can have fun and experience the joy that watercolor gives. Once you understand how to paint with watercolors (and can use their properties), you will be amazed at how easy it is to create beautiful paintings. In the pages of this self-guided book on watercolor painting, I will introduce you to some of the basics of watercolor painting and some professional techniques using examples of different subjects. I hope these examples inspire you to pick up your brush and start painting. After reading this book, you'll be ready to move on to the next step with Jerry Medway's Watercolor Step by Step guide. Ita, are you ready? Then get to work!
Marina Mylnikova
A wonderful and well-written book from the series "Learning to draw with Olga Shmatova" for adults and children who want to learn how to draw correctly and beautifully. It clearly and in detail describes all the basic techniques of watercolor painting. All material is presented in an accessible form. The child can independently, without the help of adults, deal with it. The book contains many illustrations and illustrative examples. Looking at this wonderful edition, I immediately want to pick up a brush and start painting. The print quality is good. Thick offset paper, hardcover, color, detailed step-by-step instructions and descriptions. Even an adult who has never studied at an art school, but who has a desire to just draw, will find a lot of interesting and useful things in the book. I think that this is a unique collection of all existing watercolor techniques. In this book, you can master a large number of these techniques and learn how to use them in practice, as well as discover more than 20 subjects to create wonderful paintings.
7 0
Tatiana Levina
Having started to draw with paints with a two-year-old son, she was so fond of that she wanted to learn how to draw really beautifully, for which she acquired Olga Shmatova's Tutorial. I am completely delighted with the book, because in it, as a beginner, the basics of artistic watercolor painting are very intelligibly, methodically and consistently explained to me: tools and materials are described in detail (in particular: what brushes are, how they differ and in what cases they are used; different types of paper and paint types, etc.); a minimum set for beginners is given, as well as specific instructions on where to start drawing. The author talks about how to get to know the properties of paints better, and shares numerous artistic techniques of work on specific examples, analyzes the most common mistakes of novice artists. The tutorial contains techniques for applying fills, softening the edges in dry and wet, using a dry brush, stamps, salt, stencils, lacquering liquid, splattered and others. I study this book regularly and I am pleased to note that my diligent newbie daub is gradually taking on a decent artistic look. I am convinced that the title of the book fully reflects its content. This is the self-taught. I am very satisfied with the purchase.
7 0
Korchagina Anna
A very good manual with a number of advantages over similar publications. This is, firstly, the simplicity and availability of materials, tools and equipment recommended by the author. Secondly - a detailed description of the properties of watercolors, features for working with them, practical advice on testing paints and paper (after all, with seeming simplicity, the watercolor technique is quite complicated). Thirdly, in addition to step-by-step recommendations, the book provides examples of unsuccessful work with a detailed analysis of such results. Acquaintance with the technique of watercolor is better to start with this book. It will not be superfluous in the future thanks to the many original artistic techniques. Everything is very simple, accessible, interesting for both the child and the adult. Plus, the quality of the publication is good: dense offset pages, clear printing, color inserts on each page with technical information. Such an appetizing book! By its very appearance, it makes you want to take up a brush and draw.
