Category Archive

Have you ever found an old set of watercolor paints that you had forgotten about? It’s like finding hidden treasure, but the question is–are they still good?  Does watercolor paint expire? According to manufacturers, tubes of watercolor will last for 5 years. Pan watercolors should be good for at least 10 years. This varies depending upon the storage conditions. Moldy …

There’s nothing like a brand new watercolor palette to give your creativity a kickstart. But the problem with a new palette is the paint tends to bead up when you mix colors on it.  How do you prevent watercolor paint from beading up on a palette? The beading will eventually go away just by using the palette. Allowing the watercolor …

When you’re first learning how to paint with watercolors, you’ll wonder if it’s okay to use white in your paintings. Teachers sometimes discourage the use of white, but famous watercolor artists use it successfully in their paintings. So, what’s the answer? Can you use white in a watercolor painting? Yes, you can use white in a watercolor painting. Watercolor artists …

There are a number of reasons why you may want to paint on the back of a sheet of watercolor paper. For example, it’s a good way to make use of failed paintings, or perhaps you just prefer the texture. Painting a double page spread with watercolor in a sketchbook is another instance where you have to to paint on …

If you’re new to watercolor painting then you may be wondering what a watercolor block is and how to use it. I first saw a watercolor block when I was in high school. I couldn’t figure out why it was glued on all four edges until my art teacher demonstrated how to use it. What is a watercolor block? A …

If you’re new to watercolor, you may be wondering why artist grade watercolor paint is so expensive. Not only is it more expensive than student grade watercolor, it’s more expensive than oils and acrylics, if you compare the price by volume. Why is watercolor paint so expensive? Artist grade watercolor paints are more expensive than the student grade variety because …

The grainy look isn’t necessarily a bad thing in a watercolor painting. In fact, I often choose pigments that are granulating so that I can create interesting textures in my paintings. However, some subjects don’t benefit from granulating colors. Glass objects, for example, may look more realistic if you use pigments that are more transparent and smooth. Why do my …

When I start to feel like I’m in a rut with my artwork, I like to switch things up by trying out new tools and materials. One thing that I’ve discovered about watercolor painting is that the paper you choose will have a dramatic impact upon the results. Can you use drawing paper for watercolor? Some drawing papers may accept …

You’ve put the finishing touches on your watercolor painting, but now you’re wondering about what to do about the pencil drawing. Should I erase the pencil drawing in my watercolor painting? I don’t recommend erasing the drawing because it’s difficult to erase once you paint over it. This is true even when you just wet the paper with plain water. …