Using Water For The Best Watercolour Results

It sounds simple, it sounds basic…but understanding the role of water in watercolour painting is critical for making progress with our work. So, let’s Put The ‘Water’ in Watercolour!

We have a never-ending fascination with watercolour equipment – paints, brushes, paper, palettes…but there’s very little mention of WATER! And without it, we don’t have a medium – it really is that important. So, in this video, we take a look at some aspects of using water, and how these are essential for creating that lovely ‘watercolour look.’

In the video, I address and demonstrate the following points:

1) Water creates luminosity and transparency
2) Water allows pigments to flow and facilitates colour blending
3) Water moistens our paints – how much do we need, and how do we do that?
4) Water helps us to soften the edges of our watercolour washes
5) Water tints (lightens) our paints.

I also briefly discuss some practical tips regarding using water – water pots, how often to change water etc.