USING WATERCOLORS

Select a paper with care. Most artists use a paper manufactured specifically for watercolor, 90 pounds or greater in weight. The paper surface will affect the final image. "Cold Press" has a moderate texture and is most popular "Rough" has more texture and is more difficult to control. "Hot Press" has a very smooth surface.
Lighter weight paper should be stretched before painting. Wet the paper and tape it to a horizontal or slightly tilted surface. Allow to dry and contract before painting; this prevents the paper from buckling when it is wet again.

Colors should be diluted with water, not used straight from the tube.
Colors can be mixed on the palette, or by layering on the painting. Some mistakes can be lifted by sponging with clean water and blotting; however, some "staining" pigments can't be entirely removed. See our color charts or Technical Specifications to find out which colors contain staining pigments. Paint with light colors first and work up to darker colors. Watercolor paintings should be mounted and framed under glass. Varnishes and fixatives are not necessary.

SPECIAL EFFECTS IN WATERCOLORS

• The best way to use white in a watercolor painting is simply to leave an area unpainted, allowing the paper to show through.
• Use a masking fluid such as Miskit Liquid Frisket to shield areas of the painting from overlaid washes.
• Different effects are achieved by painting on wet or dry paper, using a wet or dry brush. Try combinations of these techniques in one painting.
  Partially lifting areas by blotting up wet color can give a subtle, ghostly effect.
• Create a resist effect by painting over an area of oil pastel or crayon. Washes will bead up, creating a stippled look. For a starburst effect, sprinkle salt on an area of wet paint. Do not overdo this, as it can be detrimental to the painting. If random white dots are desired, spatter the area to be overpainted with a toothbrush dipped in Miskit.
• Try leaving a thin unpainted line around each area of color for a mosaic effect. This area can be left as is or given a light wash to blend tones.