How can I use watercolour paints?

Question

I have no idea how to do this. I have a few little tubes of watercolour paints and I don't know how to go about using them (do i add water to the brush and then add paint?).

Thanks.

Answer 1

Usually you add water of the same volume to the paint first and then you grind both with your brush to a consistant paint. That just answers your question. Watercolor has a whole lot of techniques and tricks. It took me a while to get use to the medium. Read books about it and practice. Been at it for 15 years now and it's rewarding. Check out my stuff at www.janeilarlegui.deviantart.com

Answer 2

I have just been exploring this with my experienced sister and a couple of books. There is an Eye Witness thin book that is amazing for the variety of things you can do (examples, not techniques). You are supposed to squeeze a bit of the stuff out of the tubes into separate little cups in a color holder, although you can do it on a pallette board if you are careful. If you are going to paint in washes, which some watercolorists say is the only way, you add a few drops of water to loosen up the paint in the cup and then transfer some paint to an empty cup and thin it more to get colored water of the type you want, more or less intense. It is here that you collect colors to make a mix. You will need two small glasses or containers of water, one to wash the brush frequently and one of clean water to use with the paint, and a towel or rags to dry the brush so you control the amount of water you are moving. If you want more intense color, you can use the soft puddle of color.
Get a book to discuss wet on wet and blending and when you should let the color dry before continuing to paint.

Answer 3

You dip the paint brush in water then in paints and then you create!

Answer 4

Yes.. you get a cup of water and paintbrush , dip the paintbrush in the paint and then slightly dip it in the water to give it a , well, watery effect . It looks very nice :)

Answer 5

yep, debbie pretty much hit that one square on the head.....i love using watercolors, it may seem a little childish sometimes, but the pictures come out great, and its fun.