*This post contains affiliate links. I receive small commissions for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. These commissions help me keep this site up and running, in order for me to keep providing helpful and inspiring art content. :)
Looking for new techniques to make your watercolor paintings more unique and interesting? What are watercolor blooms and how are they created? Watercolor is a challenging, but extremely rewarding painting medium. As opposed to mediums like acrylics or oils, watercolor encourages us to be light-handed, to embrace surprises, and to not overly describe our subjects. Because plenty of water is brought in throughout the painting process, there's only so much that we can actually control. In order to arrive at great watercolor paintings, we must learn to balance between strategizing and letting go. Yes, it's important to think critically and go in with a plan in order to arrive at the results that we're after, but it's also important to allow the water/paint to do their own thing and to embrace surprises that happen along the way. By learning new techniques, we develop a deeper knowledge of the medium and discover new ways to make more intentional use of the unique effects that watercolor allows. Blooms are one of the effects that this medium is known for. They are a great technique to know about, as they can help us add great visual textures, as well as deliberate points of interest to our artwork. 
Kingfisher watercolor painting by Erika Lancaster.
Today, I'm excited to share another very helpful guest blog post that shares lots of information about watercolor blooms, and 5 different ways they can be created. Dee Maene is a London-based artist and art teacher. She has a deep love for watercolor and enjoys exploring different artistic mediums, including digital drawing and painting. Dee enjoys bringing in experimentation and play into her creative practice, and has a passion to encourage others to do the same. She likes pushing herself artistically, and strives to produce artwork that's not only beautiful, but meaningful. Without much further ado, let's jump into her article! 5 Ways To Create Beautiful Watercolor Blooms
By Dee Maene
Watercolor blooms are a great way to add life to your paintings. They are also not only incredibly satisfying to create, but relatively easy to do once you get the hang of water control. Blooms happen when a drop of water falls on wet paint and spreads, pushing the paint that's on the paper outwards. They can be created by dropping in clean water into paint, or by dropping in more paint into paint, as long as that initial layer of water/paint is still wet. Watercolor blooms are one of the most magical things that can happen when painting with this medium. They are unique to watercolor and definitely add an element of surprise to the painting process. Another reason why it's important to know different ways to create blooms, is because they enable us to create softer effects that have a more ethereal quality than regular brushstrokes, which can add variety and a touch of elegance to your paintings. So, if you're looking to add a little bit of magic to your watercolor paintings, definitely try experimenting with blooms! There's a variety of different ways blooms can be created and, in this blog post, I'll be sharing 5 techniques that you can start using today. Technique 1: Dropping a Single Color On Water (Basic Watercolor Bloom Technique) One of the simplest and most effective ways to create a watercolor bloom is to drop a single color into water that's been applied on your painting surface. The bloom will happen naturally as the paint spreads out into the water. This technique is especially effective with darker colors, such as blues and greens. Step-by-step process: 1. Pre-wet a section of your paper with clean water using a larger brush and going over the area at least 3-4 times to arrive at an even sheen. 2. Swivel your paintbrush in your container of water to pre-wet it, and load it with nice, juicy color you've prepared on your mixing palette. 3. Touch the tip of your brush to the surface of the water. 4. Allow the color to drop from the brush onto the water. 5. Repeat steps 3-4 until you have achieved the desired effect. 6. Allow the bloom to dry before adding additional colors or details. This basic technique can be used to create a wide variety of effects, from delicate flowers in landscapes and scenes, to textures and points of interest in abstract pieces. With a little practice, you'll be able to produce beautiful blooms that are truly one-of-a-kind.
Dropping paint into wet paper.
Technique 2: Dropping In Two Colors The graded watercolor blooms technique is achieved by dropping two colors side-by-side on wet paper. The colors will mix together where they meet and create a bloom effect. This technique is best achieved with two colors that have high levels of pigment, such as Magenta and Cobalt Blue. It's important to work quickly when dropping the colors onto the paper, as you want them to mix together before they start to dry. Also, make sure that you completely remove the previous color from your paintbrush bristles before loading your paintbrush with the next color. To create a more pronounced bloom effect, you can drop the colors from a higher height, farther away from the surface. This technique can be used to create beautiful and atmospheric paintings with a soft and ethereal quality. I often use this technique when creating galaxy watercolor paintings.
Dropping in a different color on or beside a previous color.
Technique 3: Using Salt The salt technique is another great way to create blooms, though this one is more so used to create visual texture in larger areas. By sprinkling salt on wet paint, you can achieve a variety of effects depending on the amount and type of salt used. For example, coarse salt will create larger blooms, while fine salt will create smaller blooms. You can also experiment with different types of salt, such as Epsom salt and Kosher salt, to see what effects they produce. In addition, you can control the intensity of the blooms by adjusting the amount of salt you use. A little salt will create subtle blooms and less visual texture, while a lot of salt will create more dramatic blooms and a higher visual texture. Whether you're looking for delicate flowers in landscapes, or to add snow into snow scenes, using salt is a great way to add interest to your watercolor paintings. Step-by-step process: 1. Paint a wash of color on your paper (I'd recommend using a darker color). 2. Sprinkle in salt, while the paint is still wet. 3. Allow paint to dry completely. 4. Dust off salt to reveal the beautiful visual texture.
Dropping in salt into wet paint. *Left image shows salt granules just dropped into wet paint. Right image shows the texture created once the paint has dried and salt hast been removed.
Technique 4: Dropping Clean Water Into Color We can also create watercolor blooms by dripping clean water on wet paint. The drop of water spreads and pushes the paint outwards, revealing more of the white paper underneath and creating a whitish bloom. Step-by-step process: 1. Start by painting a shape on your paper with any color. You can drop in another color if you'd like. 2. While the paint is still wet, use a dropper, a pipette, or a paintbrush loaded with only a small amount of water, to slowly drip water onto the center of the shape. 3. Allow to dry. You can control the size and shape of the bloom by adjusting the amount of clean water you drop in. Experiment with different colors and techniques to create unique blooms. By splattering clean water on wet paint, a mottled texture can be achieved via tiny blooms!
Dropping in water into wet paint. *Image on the left shows water that has been dropped into wet paint. Image on the right shows visual texture created when paint has been splattered onto wet paint.
Watercolor Blue Whale by Erika Lancaster. Mottled texture was created by splattering clean water on the blue-gray color while it was still wet.
Technique 5: Splattering Color Into Water Flicking wet paint on wet paper, whether it's been pre-wetted with clean water or a colored wash has been applied, is an easy and fun way to create a speckled texture. You can use any color paint you like, but I find that using two or three colors works best. The consistency of your color mixture has to contain a good amount of paint in it, and some amount of water. Make sure your mixture doesn't have so much water that you start dripping water all over your painting and too much water runs down your paintbrush as you're doing your flicking. Hold the brush close to the paper and then quickly flick your wrist so that the bristles hit the paper with a light tap. Another way you can do this by loading up your paintbrush with paint, and use your Index finger to flick your paintbrush bristles. This second option works great when you're using synthetic brushes that have spring-y bristles that "snap" back. You can experiment with varying the amount of paint on the brush, the type and size of paintbrush used, and the distance from the paper, to get different effects. Once you've made a few dots, take a clean brush and blend them together lightly. Add more dots if you want a fuller effect. Allow the paint to dry completely before framing or displaying your work.
Flicking/splattering paint on wet paper. *Image on left shows two different colors splattered on paper. Image on right shows red paint splattered on orange paint that was still wet. The wetter the paper is, the more "blurred" and soft the edges of those shapes will be.
Must-Know Tips For Better Watercolor Blooms 1. Choose the right type of paper Different types of paper absorb water differently, and this can impact your painting. Choose a good-quality watercolor paper that is thick enough to hold the water without buckling or warping. I recommend using a cold-pressed paper that is at least 140 lb/300 gsm. This type of paper is thick enough to hold the water without warping, and it will also give your painting a nice textured finish. If you're looking for a smooth finish, you can use hot press watercolor paper. This type of paper has a smooth surface that is ideal for painting detailed blooms. Just keep in mind that hot press paper is a bit more delicate and can warp more easily.
2. Use a light touch When painting watercolor blooms, it's important to use a light touch. This will help prevent the paint from spreading too much and ruining your painting. If you want more control over the way your watercolor paint flows, use a smaller brush and add the paint slowly, building up the color gradually. I use a size 3 or 4 round brush for most of my watercolor blooms. And remember, you can always add more paint if you need to, but it's much harder to remove paint once it's on the paper. So start with a light touch and then build up the color gradually until you get the effect you're looking for. 3. Add water sparingly Too much water can cause the paint to run and make your blooms look muddy. Add water sparingly, and only when necessary, to avoid this problem. I like to use a small spray bottle to mist my paper before I start painting. This gives the paint something to cling to so that it doesn't run too much when I add water. If you do accidentally add too much water, simply blot the excess moisture with a paper towel. Be careful not to rub the paint too hard, or you'll end up with a blurry bloom. 4. Use different colors for variation One of the best things about watercolor blooms is that you can use any color you want. To add interest and variation, try using two or three colors instead of just one. I like to use a light color for the base of the bloom and then add a darker color around the edge. This creates a nice contrast that makes the blooms pop. You can also experiment with different color combinations to see what you like best. Just remember to stay within a similar color family so that you don't accidentally create a color you don't want when they start intermixing.
5. Experiment and have fun The best way to learn how to paint watercolor blooms is to allow yourself to explore, simply for the fun of it. Try different techniques, colors, and papers until you find a look that you love. And don't be afraid to make mistakes. Watercolor is a forgiving medium, and even the most experienced painters make mistakes. Just relax and enjoy the process. With a little practice, you'll be able to create beautiful watercolor blooms! Frequently Asked Questions What is a bloom in watercolor? A bloom is a type of watercolor painting technique where paint is spread outwards from a central point, creating a flower or cauliflower-like effect. How to avoid watercolor blooms? There are a few things you can do to avoid watercolor blooms: use the right type of paper, use a light touch, and develop great water control. It's all about making sure that the amount of water in your paint mixtures, in your paintbrush bristles, and on your paper is what you need for what you're trying to do. If there's too much water in any of these, or not enough, it'll be hard to arrive at the effects you're after. This is why we have to constantly check on these three things during the painting process. What causes watercolor blooms? Watercolor blooms are caused by adding water to wet paint. The water disturbs the paint, pushing it outwards and creating a bloom effect. How do you control watercolor blooms? You can control the size and shape of watercolor blooms by adjusting the amount of water you add. Experiment with different techniques to get the results you want. What causes back-runs watercolor painting? Back-runs are created when we drop in way too much water (or watery paint) on paint that is still wet. If our paper is still wet, and we're going to be dropping in paint or clean water to create blooms, we have to be in control of the amount that we're dropping in. If too much drips down, it can flow into areas we don't want and we can create splotches. It's all about water control! The more you practice, the more easily you'll be able to tell when there's way too much water in the three key areas mentioned before (paint mixtures-paintbrush-paper). You'll intuitively change the paint-to-water ratios in your mixtures, load up your paintbrush more or less, and add more water to your paper (or allow it to dry), depending on what you're intending to do in that point in time in the painting process. Practice these five key techniques to create beautiful blooms in your watercolor paintings. Remember to experiment and have fun with this medium – the possibilities are endless! I hope this post was helpful and inspiring for all of you getting started with watercolors! Thanks so much to Dee Maene for so generously sharing all of this useful information with us. Thank you for reading and I wish you tons of progress and enjoyment in your art journey.
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*This post contains affiliate links. I receive small commissions for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. These commissions help me keep this site up and running, in order for me to keep providing helpful and inspiring art content. :)
What's the difference between drawing on white paper vs. drawing on toned paper? Will drawing on toned paper help you improve your art skills faster? What advantages does this type of drawing/sketching substrate have? As I've explained in past blog posts and YouTube videos, I 100% believe that drawing is the basis for all kinds of art. Through drawing, we're not only able to increase our knowledge and skills with essential art fundamentals such as perspective, 3D form and value, but we're also able to develop basic skills such as our observation and our hand-eye coordination. To read more about how drawing will improve your painting skills, check out this blog post. As a painter, I make time for my sketching practice routinely, as I know this will positively impact my painting, and it is incredibly fun and enriching to explore new tools and substrates. Today, I'm excited to share another great guest blog post that sheds light on why drawing on toned paper can help us continue developing our art skills. Emily Clare is the artist and author behind the Fine Art Tutorials website, which is a great educational resource for art enthusiasts looking to improve their skills with drawing and painting. Over at her website, you can find step-by-step guides, beginner-friendly tutorials, and interviews with professional artists. Clare is primarily a painter working with oils, but just like me, she loves working with a range of drawing and painting mediums. Her interest in art began at a young age, when she started drawing portraits. Today, her subjects of choice are landscapes and seascapes. Let's jump into her article! 8 Advantages of Drawing on Toned Paper
by Emily Clare
When it comes to choosing the right paper for drawing, there are a lot of options to consider. The color of the paper you choose can greatly impact the finished look of the drawing. Toned paper is a great substrate for artists to work on and if you've not tried it before, it's worth experimenting with. Toned drawing paper usually comes in cool gray tones and warm brown tones, so pick the one you think will work best for your kind of artwork. In this blog post, we will explore 8 advantages of drawing on toned paper. Keep reading to learn more! 1. You can work much faster
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Strathmore Softcover 400 Series Toned Sketch Artist Journal
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Strathmore 400 Series Recycled Toned Sketch Wirebound Pads
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You can use a variety of different drawing tools on toned paper including chalk, conté crayons, pastels, charcoal sticks or pencils, and regular colored pencils.
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You can protect your artwork and keep it from smearing with a fixative.
I hope this post was helpful and inspiring!
Thanks so much to Emily Clare for so generously sharing all of this useful information with us.
Thank you for reading and I wish you tons of progress and enjoyment in your art journey.
I hope this post was helpful and inspiring!
Thanks so much to Emily Clare for so generously sharing all of this useful information with us.
Thank you for reading and I wish you tons of progress and enjoyment in your art journey.
Seeing artistically does not happen automatically. We must constantly develop our powers of observation.
-Eugene Delacroix
I often receive messages from beginner artists asking me how or where to start for faster, more effective progress.
The one skill I'd advise beginners to strategically work on developing right away is their observation.
This may sound obvious, but there's so much misinformation out there that creates confusion among aspiring artists to the point that, lots of them, don't truly get started at all.
Not to mention, there's such a desire to move forward at lightning speed, they skip over the basics (which only leads to hitting walls and plateaus).
This is why I wanted to share today's message and tips with you.
Why is building up your observational skills so important as a beginner artist?
Being able to draw or paint doesn’t only involve knowing how to use your medium effectively.
It's also about taking in visual information on a deeper level and thinking about it critically in order to replicate (and even improve) what you're seeing on paper/canvas.
Without good observation, you simply won’t be able to draw or paint a subject accurately.
*Unless you've already built up this skill in the past, you know your subject on a deep level, and have perhaps lost sight over the years. If a skilled, knowledgeable artist looses a percentage of her/his sight, in many cases she/he will be able to make up for the information she/he is lacking.
Even abstract artists who’re working more intuitively and/or don’t use any type of reference photo or life subject, still need to make use of their observation as more colors, shapes, lines, and textures get added to the paper/canvas.
By using their observation and critical thinking, they make choices as to what to add, subtract or alter to improve their visual compositions.
This is why, as we move on in our art journeys, it’s essential to continue developing our observational skills alongside mastery over our medium(s).
What is observation, exactly?
Observation is a process that involves our eyes and our brains/conscious thought.
Most non-artists tend to see things only at surface level.
Great observation is about being conscious and aware of what’s in front of you, taking it in via all senses possible, and making connections.
As artists, this practice allows us to better inform our work and more information gets stored in our brains long-term.
Not to mention, it results in more expressive, unique artwork that has ourselves in it.
5 Practical Tips for Developing Your Observational Skills
1. Use references or draw/paint from direct observation
If you're a beginner artist and you still believe things like: "real artists don't use references" or "real artists work solely from imagination", it's time to realize these are total myths and not how the creative process works (at least not for most of us).
Continuing to believe this will only hinder your progress.
In this blog post, I provide three examples of famous artists who used reference photos as inspiration for their work. Artists use all kinds of references, in all kinds of ways.
*Think about it: If you don’t have anything to look at and study, how can you possibly build up your observational skills?
It’s also through using references and drawing/painting from direct observation that we learn about essential Art Fundamentals such as Color, Light Behavior, Perspective and Anatomy.
Also, remember: The way we think things look like is often not what they actually look like in real life.
2. Observe before putting pencil/paintbrush to paper
Before jumping into the drawing or painting process, take a few minutes to observe your reference or whatever you have in front of you.
Ask yourself questions such as:
Once you start with your drawing or painting, make sure you continue looking and analyzing.
You can ask any professional artist that makes use of references or direct observation, and they’ll tell you that over 50% of their working time is spent observing!
1. Use references or draw/paint from direct observation
If you're a beginner artist and you still believe things like: "real artists don't use references" or "real artists work solely from imagination", it's time to realize these are total myths and not how the creative process works (at least not for most of us).
Continuing to believe this will only hinder your progress.
In this blog post, I provide three examples of famous artists who used reference photos as inspiration for their work. Artists use all kinds of references, in all kinds of ways.
*Think about it: If you don’t have anything to look at and study, how can you possibly build up your observational skills?
It’s also through using references and drawing/painting from direct observation that we learn about essential Art Fundamentals such as Color, Light Behavior, Perspective and Anatomy.
Also, remember: The way we think things look like is often not what they actually look like in real life.
2. Observe before putting pencil/paintbrush to paper
Before jumping into the drawing or painting process, take a few minutes to observe your reference or whatever you have in front of you.
Ask yourself questions such as:
- What interesting relationships do I see in terms of color, value, shape, size and texture?
- Is there contrast present? How is this contrast being created?
- What techniques can I use to render the different sections of my drawing/painting to best describe each area?
Once you start with your drawing or painting, make sure you continue looking and analyzing.
You can ask any professional artist that makes use of references or direct observation, and they’ll tell you that over 50% of their working time is spent observing!
Check out my FREE Patreon-exclusive tutorial and class samples here.
3. Get to know your subject
The more you know about your subject, the more you’ll notice.
This is why it's so important, especially if you’re drawing/painting a subject that's new to you and/or is more complex, to inform yourself about it.
Go beyond using just one single reference.
Compile photos, watch videos, read about the characteristics that make it different from other subjects of its kind. Take notes.
For example, if it's your first time drawing a portrait, you're likely going to arrive at much better results if you learn about the structure and proportions of the human head, as well as individual facial features, before jumping into the final piece.
3. Get to know your subject
The more you know about your subject, the more you’ll notice.
This is why it's so important, especially if you’re drawing/painting a subject that's new to you and/or is more complex, to inform yourself about it.
Go beyond using just one single reference.
Compile photos, watch videos, read about the characteristics that make it different from other subjects of its kind. Take notes.
For example, if it's your first time drawing a portrait, you're likely going to arrive at much better results if you learn about the structure and proportions of the human head, as well as individual facial features, before jumping into the final piece.
4. Cut out distractions
In order to truly observe, we need to stay in the present and focus.
The ability to focus deeply is uncommon in this fast-paced, constantly multitasking world.
However, as artists, it’s important to develop this ability and also to protect our working time by minimizing distractions in order to “get in flow”.
We must allow ourselves the time to immerse ourselves in our subjects.
*A few things I do that help me stay focused are: I have my phone on Airplane Mode or in another room, I don’t have social media or any tabs open on my computer that I don’t absolutely need, and I let other people know I’ll be working to minimize interruptions.
This may sound hard, but I promise it gets easier the more you do it!
5. Bring in all your senses
Skilled observers will take in, analyze and remember their surroundings using every sense possible.
Try engaging not only your sight, but also smell, touch, sound and taste.
This will inform your work more fully and there will be much more of yourself in it because we all experience things differently.
Try practicing this in your everyday life, even when you’re not preparing to create a new piece. It will help you turn this into a habit.
Extra points if you actually record your observations in writing!
*Bonus Tip
Play memory games on your own or with a friend.
Observe a scene or a photograph for a full minute, then write a descriptive paragraph about it without looking.
Try recalling as many details as you can. It often helps to go from general towards specifics.
I hope these tips were helpful!
In order to truly observe, we need to stay in the present and focus.
The ability to focus deeply is uncommon in this fast-paced, constantly multitasking world.
However, as artists, it’s important to develop this ability and also to protect our working time by minimizing distractions in order to “get in flow”.
We must allow ourselves the time to immerse ourselves in our subjects.
*A few things I do that help me stay focused are: I have my phone on Airplane Mode or in another room, I don’t have social media or any tabs open on my computer that I don’t absolutely need, and I let other people know I’ll be working to minimize interruptions.
This may sound hard, but I promise it gets easier the more you do it!
5. Bring in all your senses
Skilled observers will take in, analyze and remember their surroundings using every sense possible.
Try engaging not only your sight, but also smell, touch, sound and taste.
This will inform your work more fully and there will be much more of yourself in it because we all experience things differently.
Try practicing this in your everyday life, even when you’re not preparing to create a new piece. It will help you turn this into a habit.
Extra points if you actually record your observations in writing!
*Bonus Tip
Play memory games on your own or with a friend.
Observe a scene or a photograph for a full minute, then write a descriptive paragraph about it without looking.
Try recalling as many details as you can. It often helps to go from general towards specifics.
I hope these tips were helpful!
*This post contains affiliate links. I receive small commissions for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. These commissions help me keep this site up and running, in order for me to keep providing helpful and inspiring art content. :)
Wondering how to use watercolor pencils for best results? How are watercolor pencils different from regular colored pencils and traditional watercolor paint? Where to start when learning about this versatile medium?
Watercolor pencils are an incredibly fun, beginner-friendly, versatile medium that continues gaining popularity among art enthusiasts all around the globe.
What makes watercolor pencils so different from other art mediums is the fact that they're a drawing and painting tool all wrapped up in one. They're a blend of characteristics offered by traditional colored pencils and particularities of watercolor paint.
Because of this, watercolor pencils bring an infinite amount of possibilities in terms of both strategies to go about creating art, but also in overall outcome/style.
However, this also makes them a bit confusing in terms of what basic skills and techniques we should cover as beginners, which are the best supplies to use alongside them, etc.
There are a few key things that I’ve learned as I’ve continued exploring and pushing myself with this medium throughout the last few years.
Wondering how to use watercolor pencils for best results? How are watercolor pencils different from regular colored pencils and traditional watercolor paint? Where to start when learning about this versatile medium?
Watercolor pencils are an incredibly fun, beginner-friendly, versatile medium that continues gaining popularity among art enthusiasts all around the globe.
What makes watercolor pencils so different from other art mediums is the fact that they're a drawing and painting tool all wrapped up in one. They're a blend of characteristics offered by traditional colored pencils and particularities of watercolor paint.
Because of this, watercolor pencils bring an infinite amount of possibilities in terms of both strategies to go about creating art, but also in overall outcome/style.
However, this also makes them a bit confusing in terms of what basic skills and techniques we should cover as beginners, which are the best supplies to use alongside them, etc.
There are a few key things that I’ve learned as I’ve continued exploring and pushing myself with this medium throughout the last few years.
Egg on Toast. Watercolor pencils on paper. Erika Lancaster.
My Top 5 Watercolor Pencil Tips
1. Use quality watercolor pencils
Truth be told, when I first started using watercolor pencils, I didn’t like them at all.
I struggled to get the vibrant colors I wanted, there was way too much texture left behind, and I had trouble blending colors, as well as creating gradients.
It wasn’t until I invested in better quality watercolor pencils that I started actually enjoying the process and liking my end results.
I first invested in a smaller (but better quality) set with 12 colors from Derwent. Once I understood the medium a bit better, and was confident in the fact that I wanted to go long-term with it, I invested in a larger set from Faber-Castell.
A couple of the best watercolor pencils in the market are: Faber Castell's Albrecht Durer and Caran D'ache Museum Aquarelle. Both offer smaller and larger sets.
*Always remember, larger sets are not necessarily better than smaller sets.*
2. Give thought to your paper
With watercolor pencils, we usually bring in at least some amount of water into the process. Because of this, it’s essential to work on paper that’s intended for water-soluble mediums such as watercolor paper.
I enjoy working on hot press watercolor paper, which is the least textured of all. The more textured your paper is, the more visual texture and “sketchiness” will be left at the end. This is because the tip of your pencils will skip against the tooth of the paper as the pigment is being applied. In other words, the pigment is not applied evenly.
Two brands that offer great hot press watercolor paper are Canson and Winsor & Newton.
Another thing to consider is the thickness of your paper. Whenever you’re bringing water in, you’ll likely want medium-to-heavier weight paper (140 lbs. in weight or more).
Thinner papers will easily buckle or even tear, making the process more frustrating than it needs to be.
Another option is illustration board! It's smooth and very sturdy.
Nature Scene with Bridge. Watercolor pencils on paper. Erika Lancaster.
Check out my FREE Patreon-exclusive tutorial and class samples here.
3. Pre-select your colors
I’m a huge believer in giving thought to your colors before jumping in, as well as in limiting the amount you'll be using for the piece on hand.
By swatching out and choosing the specific watercolor pencils you'll be using, there’s much less of a chance you’ll accidentally create undesired colors as your painting.
Also, by keeping your amount of colors limited and thinking about repeating colors throughout your piece, you’ll arrive at more harmonious results.
Five minutes of prep work can make a huge difference in how smoothly your process goes, as well as in the quality of your end results.
4. Protect your highlights and lightest value areas
Just like when working with traditional watercolor paint, I like incorporating the brightness and beauty of the paper as part of the piece.
We're working with transparent paint after all and there's no need to bring in white!
Before getting started with the painting process, I plan for highlight areas and light value sections where I want to make use of very translucent color.
I make sure to apply little-to-no color in these areas so that, at the end, I have plenty of my paper shining through them.
Heavier applications of color are reserved for darker midtone areas and darkest darks.
This creates that dimension, lightness and glow that watercolor allows.
5. Embrace the sketchy look!
Unless you’re applying your colors on a separate paper that you're using as a palette, activating them with water there, and only applying color on your painting with a paintbrush *I share about this technique in the video below (34:43)*, you’ll likely always be left with some amount of texture.
This is the case, even when you’re working with higher quality pencils and the smoothest of papers.
You can certainly go in and try to get rid of every-single-little textured section, but this often leads to an overworked, flat look.
Now-a-days I embrace the texture left behind by the pencils and actively think of ways to combine painterly effects with some amount of sketchiness.
This creates a balance that's visually pleasing and interesting to look at.
3. Pre-select your colors
I’m a huge believer in giving thought to your colors before jumping in, as well as in limiting the amount you'll be using for the piece on hand.
By swatching out and choosing the specific watercolor pencils you'll be using, there’s much less of a chance you’ll accidentally create undesired colors as your painting.
Also, by keeping your amount of colors limited and thinking about repeating colors throughout your piece, you’ll arrive at more harmonious results.
Five minutes of prep work can make a huge difference in how smoothly your process goes, as well as in the quality of your end results.
4. Protect your highlights and lightest value areas
Just like when working with traditional watercolor paint, I like incorporating the brightness and beauty of the paper as part of the piece.
We're working with transparent paint after all and there's no need to bring in white!
Before getting started with the painting process, I plan for highlight areas and light value sections where I want to make use of very translucent color.
I make sure to apply little-to-no color in these areas so that, at the end, I have plenty of my paper shining through them.
Heavier applications of color are reserved for darker midtone areas and darkest darks.
This creates that dimension, lightness and glow that watercolor allows.
5. Embrace the sketchy look!
Unless you’re applying your colors on a separate paper that you're using as a palette, activating them with water there, and only applying color on your painting with a paintbrush *I share about this technique in the video below (34:43)*, you’ll likely always be left with some amount of texture.
This is the case, even when you’re working with higher quality pencils and the smoothest of papers.
You can certainly go in and try to get rid of every-single-little textured section, but this often leads to an overworked, flat look.
Now-a-days I embrace the texture left behind by the pencils and actively think of ways to combine painterly effects with some amount of sketchiness.
This creates a balance that's visually pleasing and interesting to look at.
If you enjoyed this video and found it helpful, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel. I share a brand new video every week with art tips, drawing and painting tutorials and mindset/productivity tips for artists. *Subscribe HERE*
Check out some of my Watercolor Pencil
Step-by-Step Tutorials:
I hope these tips and tutorials were helpful if you're getting started on your journey with watercolor pencils, and wish you tons of enjoyment with them.
*This post contains affiliate links. I receive small commissions for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. These commissions help me keep this site up and running, in order for me to keep providing helpful and inspiring art content. :)
Struggling with an art block or creative rut? Looking for ideas to get the most out of Inktober this year? Eager to take your art further, whether in terms of skill development or expanding your audience?
Participating in online art challenges can be an amazing way to get back into creating art consistently after a break, as well as to improve your drawing/painting skills in a short period of time.
Not to mention, because so many people will be participating and sharing consistently, it's also a great way to get your art out there and start growing your name as an artist.
I've personally participated in Inktober a few times in the past and have gotten a lot from pushing myself to complete them. You can check out video timelapses I've shared of past sketching processes, things I learned from the challenge and more in past posts.
I also recently shared a video over at my YouTube channel in which I explain the main reasons why participating in daily art challenges like Inktober can be so powerful for artists, as well as my main tips to help you reach the finish line while enjoying every step of the way. You can check it out here.
To add to the Inktober/Fall art challenge goodness and helpful tips, I'd love to share an article today which was kindly contributed by Debbie Woodliffe. Debbie's not only been working in the creative industry for nine years, but has always had a deep love for art and it's been her hobby her entire life.
As a creative, Debbie knows what it's like to struggle with blocks. Inktober and similar challenges have helped her move past them and get back into the flow of consistent art creation.
Below, she'll be sharing her top tips that'll help reignite your creativity and take your art to a new level with Inktober 2021.
Without further ado, let's get into her article!
Struggling with an art block or creative rut? Looking for ideas to get the most out of Inktober this year? Eager to take your art further, whether in terms of skill development or expanding your audience?
Participating in online art challenges can be an amazing way to get back into creating art consistently after a break, as well as to improve your drawing/painting skills in a short period of time.
Not to mention, because so many people will be participating and sharing consistently, it's also a great way to get your art out there and start growing your name as an artist.
I've personally participated in Inktober a few times in the past and have gotten a lot from pushing myself to complete them. You can check out video timelapses I've shared of past sketching processes, things I learned from the challenge and more in past posts.
I also recently shared a video over at my YouTube channel in which I explain the main reasons why participating in daily art challenges like Inktober can be so powerful for artists, as well as my main tips to help you reach the finish line while enjoying every step of the way. You can check it out here.
To add to the Inktober/Fall art challenge goodness and helpful tips, I'd love to share an article today which was kindly contributed by Debbie Woodliffe. Debbie's not only been working in the creative industry for nine years, but has always had a deep love for art and it's been her hobby her entire life.
As a creative, Debbie knows what it's like to struggle with blocks. Inktober and similar challenges have helped her move past them and get back into the flow of consistent art creation.
Below, she'll be sharing her top tips that'll help reignite your creativity and take your art to a new level with Inktober 2021.
Without further ado, let's get into her article!
Reignite your Creativity and Take Your Art Farther with Inktober 2021
by Debbie Woodliffe
As days get shorter and the weather gets cooler, it can become difficult to find inspiration and it can be easy for our creativity levels to drop.
Luckily, there are lots of drawing and art challenges during the Fall season that we can take part in, which can help reignite our passion for art and get our creative juices flowing again.
One of these challenges is Inktober, which is an incredibly popular daily drawing challenge that lots of people participate in every year.
Whether you prefer traditional art mediums or are a digital artist, keep reading for my top tips to get the most out of Inktober, and advice to keep you inspired and creative this season.
What's Inktober?
Inktober is a worldwide event where tens of thousands of creatives, artists and art enthusiasts share their unique take on specific drawing prompts. It was made popular by ink artist Jake Parker, who created the challenge because he wanted to hone his ink drawing skills and exchange artistic inspiration with others.
These types of challenges are common within the artistic community as they not only have the power to help people overcome art blocks, but also remain consistent with their practice and make tons of progress in a short period of time.
Also, because thousands of people participate in the same challenge, it’s super easy to get motivated because everyone’s constantly sharing their unique takes on the prompts.
All you have to do to get your daily inspiration is follow the #Inktober hashtag on social media during October, and use this same hashtag to share your own artwork with the community!
It’s that simple.
Are there any rules for Inktober?
While there’s nothing to stop you from creating your own art and using the aforementioned hashtag, there are a few things you should do to ensure you get the most from the challenge:
1. Create a drawing using any type of ink (you can sketch it out in pencil first)
2. Post the picture to social media and use the hashtags: #inktober and #inktober2021
3. You can post daily, every other day, or each week – it’s totally up to you.
Just remember, you’ll get the most out of the challenge if you remain consistent and complete all the prompts. For tips on making it through the challenge, check out Erika's recent video on Inktober tips.
*Top Tip:
You don’t need to share your work online if you don’t want to. However, it can be a real learning experience when others provide you with constructive criticism or praise, as well as when you do it for others.
What's the prompt list for Inktober 2021?
Since 2016, the Inktober team has been releasing the official prompt list via their website for everyone to see. They also share it on their social media profiles.
As days get shorter and the weather gets cooler, it can become difficult to find inspiration and it can be easy for our creativity levels to drop.
Luckily, there are lots of drawing and art challenges during the Fall season that we can take part in, which can help reignite our passion for art and get our creative juices flowing again.
One of these challenges is Inktober, which is an incredibly popular daily drawing challenge that lots of people participate in every year.
Whether you prefer traditional art mediums or are a digital artist, keep reading for my top tips to get the most out of Inktober, and advice to keep you inspired and creative this season.
What's Inktober?
Inktober is a worldwide event where tens of thousands of creatives, artists and art enthusiasts share their unique take on specific drawing prompts. It was made popular by ink artist Jake Parker, who created the challenge because he wanted to hone his ink drawing skills and exchange artistic inspiration with others.
These types of challenges are common within the artistic community as they not only have the power to help people overcome art blocks, but also remain consistent with their practice and make tons of progress in a short period of time.
Also, because thousands of people participate in the same challenge, it’s super easy to get motivated because everyone’s constantly sharing their unique takes on the prompts.
All you have to do to get your daily inspiration is follow the #Inktober hashtag on social media during October, and use this same hashtag to share your own artwork with the community!
It’s that simple.
Are there any rules for Inktober?
While there’s nothing to stop you from creating your own art and using the aforementioned hashtag, there are a few things you should do to ensure you get the most from the challenge:
1. Create a drawing using any type of ink (you can sketch it out in pencil first)
2. Post the picture to social media and use the hashtags: #inktober and #inktober2021
3. You can post daily, every other day, or each week – it’s totally up to you.
Just remember, you’ll get the most out of the challenge if you remain consistent and complete all the prompts. For tips on making it through the challenge, check out Erika's recent video on Inktober tips.
*Top Tip:
You don’t need to share your work online if you don’t want to. However, it can be a real learning experience when others provide you with constructive criticism or praise, as well as when you do it for others.
What's the prompt list for Inktober 2021?
Since 2016, the Inktober team has been releasing the official prompt list via their website for everyone to see. They also share it on their social media profiles.
5 Tips to Get the Most Out of Inktober 2021
This art challenge is a fun one as it encourages you to try a specific medium you may not be very familiar with, or to hone your skills with ink if it's a medium that you've always been drawn to, but perhaps haven't been very consistent with.
Ink can certainly be tricky to work with, given its fluidity and permanence. However, it’s an incredibly versatile medium, and with a little practice, it can be used to create impactful and very unique artwork.
1. Push your boundaries
The key to boosting your creativity is to expand your boundaries and take steps into new artistic realms. This is why the challenge works so well – it provides specific (yet general) criteria points that are open to interpretation and it has an easy-to-follow structure.
Because the prompts are pre-selected, you might be forced out of your comfort zone, which will always lead to growth.
When it comes to working with ink, it might be worthwhile to learn about alternative shading and mark-making techniques like hatching and crosshatching, or to look for inspiration in Pop Art or silkscreening artwork for ideas on how to use flat/solid shapes instead of trying to go for the usual gradient shading.
Remember that your comfort zone is just that – comfy and what you're used to. You won’t be learning new things if you aren’t trying them, so Inktober is the perfect excuse to get started with something new.
2. Share your art like a pro and start making money
Why not sell your works of art online on marketplaces like Redbubble, Society6 or Etsy?
To showcase your artwork effectively, take high quality, clear photos. Experiment with stylized, personalized backgrounds or white backgrounds - figure out what makes your artwork shine at its best, and start noticing what your audience responds to most.
Here’s a top tip when taking photos of art – natural light is best, so take photos next to a window at the right time of the day or try doing it outside during the day. Morning or later in the evening when the sun is not high up in the sky often is best. Overcast days can also be great, as the light is not very stark.
Alternatively, place your work against a blank white laptop screen for a professional back-lighting effect!
3. Make it personal
Remember that the key to selling your art is creating an outstanding experience for your customer and personalizing your products.
When people purchase work from an artist, they buy into an experience. Think of different ways you can make the buying process a positive one, and of how you can set apart your products from others in a way that won't break the bank.
These make a huge difference and it won't only help your customers remember you, but will entice them to keep coming back.
A very cool idea is to package your inky creations with some equally impressive packaging. Use some protective sheets and backing boards, nice looking Washi tape, a custom branded stamp, and a thank you card with your social media profiles so they can stay in touch.
If and when you set up shop online, don’t forget to make use of keywords and categories, on whichever site or platform you choose to sell from. Inktober will see far more searches within the ink or monochromatic art categories.
4. Pick your tools
Drawing and painting with ink can be a little tricky, but with a few tips and a little practice, you’ll be creating masterpieces in no time at all.
You can use any kind of ink pen or tool – from fountain pens to fillable brushes, or standard brushes and Indian ink tubs. If you want less mess and a more portable way of inking, go for technical liner pens in a range of different sizes. Smaller sizes like 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 are excellent for those fine lines.
Check out some awesome recommendations for pens and inks in this article!
Don’t be afraid of regular ballpoints either!
Setting yourself constraints such as using specific colors or adding a specific background design like Erika mentions in her last Inktober tips video, is a great way to encourage creative thinking and unusual approaches.
5. Choose the right paper
It's always important to give thought to the paper or sketchbook you'll be using for the challenge, and to consider the type of inking tool you'll be using on it.
For ink drawing, medium weight and thicker papers work best. It's also important to consider the papers' texture, as your pens' nibs can feel like they have to fight against heavily textured papers and can even be damaged by them.
Personally, when I use technical pens or nibs, I prefer smoother paper and medium weight does the trick. When I use ink tubs and brushes, a bit of texture is great and thicker paper is required.
It ultimately depends on what you like to draw/paint, the style you're going for, and what you personally enjoy.
Watercolor or mixed media sheets or sketchbooks are popular options among many artists participating in Inktober.
So are you feeling ready to step up your creative game with Inktober 2021 and smash through any creative blocks? Remember to be consistent, bold and experimental. After all, practice makes perfect and working on something completely different can do wonders for your creative mind.
This art challenge is a fun one as it encourages you to try a specific medium you may not be very familiar with, or to hone your skills with ink if it's a medium that you've always been drawn to, but perhaps haven't been very consistent with.
Ink can certainly be tricky to work with, given its fluidity and permanence. However, it’s an incredibly versatile medium, and with a little practice, it can be used to create impactful and very unique artwork.
1. Push your boundaries
The key to boosting your creativity is to expand your boundaries and take steps into new artistic realms. This is why the challenge works so well – it provides specific (yet general) criteria points that are open to interpretation and it has an easy-to-follow structure.
Because the prompts are pre-selected, you might be forced out of your comfort zone, which will always lead to growth.
When it comes to working with ink, it might be worthwhile to learn about alternative shading and mark-making techniques like hatching and crosshatching, or to look for inspiration in Pop Art or silkscreening artwork for ideas on how to use flat/solid shapes instead of trying to go for the usual gradient shading.
Remember that your comfort zone is just that – comfy and what you're used to. You won’t be learning new things if you aren’t trying them, so Inktober is the perfect excuse to get started with something new.
2. Share your art like a pro and start making money
Why not sell your works of art online on marketplaces like Redbubble, Society6 or Etsy?
To showcase your artwork effectively, take high quality, clear photos. Experiment with stylized, personalized backgrounds or white backgrounds - figure out what makes your artwork shine at its best, and start noticing what your audience responds to most.
Here’s a top tip when taking photos of art – natural light is best, so take photos next to a window at the right time of the day or try doing it outside during the day. Morning or later in the evening when the sun is not high up in the sky often is best. Overcast days can also be great, as the light is not very stark.
Alternatively, place your work against a blank white laptop screen for a professional back-lighting effect!
3. Make it personal
Remember that the key to selling your art is creating an outstanding experience for your customer and personalizing your products.
When people purchase work from an artist, they buy into an experience. Think of different ways you can make the buying process a positive one, and of how you can set apart your products from others in a way that won't break the bank.
These make a huge difference and it won't only help your customers remember you, but will entice them to keep coming back.
A very cool idea is to package your inky creations with some equally impressive packaging. Use some protective sheets and backing boards, nice looking Washi tape, a custom branded stamp, and a thank you card with your social media profiles so they can stay in touch.
If and when you set up shop online, don’t forget to make use of keywords and categories, on whichever site or platform you choose to sell from. Inktober will see far more searches within the ink or monochromatic art categories.
4. Pick your tools
Drawing and painting with ink can be a little tricky, but with a few tips and a little practice, you’ll be creating masterpieces in no time at all.
You can use any kind of ink pen or tool – from fountain pens to fillable brushes, or standard brushes and Indian ink tubs. If you want less mess and a more portable way of inking, go for technical liner pens in a range of different sizes. Smaller sizes like 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 are excellent for those fine lines.
Check out some awesome recommendations for pens and inks in this article!
Don’t be afraid of regular ballpoints either!
Setting yourself constraints such as using specific colors or adding a specific background design like Erika mentions in her last Inktober tips video, is a great way to encourage creative thinking and unusual approaches.
5. Choose the right paper
It's always important to give thought to the paper or sketchbook you'll be using for the challenge, and to consider the type of inking tool you'll be using on it.
For ink drawing, medium weight and thicker papers work best. It's also important to consider the papers' texture, as your pens' nibs can feel like they have to fight against heavily textured papers and can even be damaged by them.
Personally, when I use technical pens or nibs, I prefer smoother paper and medium weight does the trick. When I use ink tubs and brushes, a bit of texture is great and thicker paper is required.
It ultimately depends on what you like to draw/paint, the style you're going for, and what you personally enjoy.
Watercolor or mixed media sheets or sketchbooks are popular options among many artists participating in Inktober.
So are you feeling ready to step up your creative game with Inktober 2021 and smash through any creative blocks? Remember to be consistent, bold and experimental. After all, practice makes perfect and working on something completely different can do wonders for your creative mind.
Suggested Supplies for Inktober
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I hope this post was helpful and inspiring!
Thanks so much to Debbie Woodliffe for so generously sharing all of this useful information with us. It has certainly gotten me excited for Inktober and all the amazing work I'm sure I'll get to see next month.
Thank you for reading and I wish you tons of progress and enjoyment in your art journey.
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to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
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is a participant in the Shareasale.com Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Shareasale.com partner companies.
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