Mastering Watercolour Painting Techniques: A Guide for Beginners and Beyond

Posted by Marc Jackman on

Watercolour Painting Techniques | Jackman’s Art Materials

Mastering Watercolour Painting Techniques: A Guide for Beginners and Beyond

Watercolour is often praised for its ethereal beauty, transparency, and the way it seems to dance across paper. But behind that fluid elegance is a toolkit of versatile techniques that every watercolourist—whether beginner or professional—should explore. From controlled washes to expressive textures, learning these core techniques will help you unlock the full potential of your paints.

Whether you’re just picking up a brush or refining your skills, this guide breaks down the most essential watercolour techniques and how to use them in your creative process.

1. Wet-on-Wet

What it is: Painting with wet paint onto a wet surface (either pre-wetted paper or another wet colour).

What it does: Creates soft edges, spontaneous blends, and dreamy transitions between colours.

When to use it: Ideal for skies, backgrounds, atmospheric effects, and abstract washes.

Tips: Work quickly to control blooms. Use a mop or large round brush to lay down clean water first.

2. Wet-on-Dry

What it is: Applying wet paint to dry paper or a dry layer of paint.

What it does: Produces sharp, defined edges and clean shapes.

When to use it: Great for detail work, layering, or painting precise objects like leaves or buildings.

Tips: Ensure the paper is completely dry before painting. Use a small round or liner brush for detail.

3. Glazing (Layering)

What it is: Applying transparent layers of colour over dry layers to build depth or shift tone.

What it does: Creates luminosity, colour complexity, and soft shadow effects.

When to use it: Ideal for shadows, botanical painting, and enhancing colour intensity.

Tips: Use transparent pigments and let each layer dry completely before glazing again.

4. Lifting

What it is: Removing pigment from the paper while wet (or re-wetting and lifting from dry).

What it does: Lightens areas or creates highlights and textures.

When to use it: Great for clouds, highlights in eyes or hair, and reflections.

Tips: Use a clean, damp brush or paper towel. Cold-pressed or hot-pressed paper lifts better than rough.

5. Dry Brush

What it is: Using a brush with very little water to drag pigment across the surface.

What it does: Leaves broken, textured marks.

When to use it: For bark, rocks, grass, or expressive texture.

Tips: Use a stiff brush on rough paper for best results. Avoid overloading with paint or water.

6. Splattering

What it is: Flicking or tapping paint onto the paper.

What it does: Creates dynamic textures and energy.

When to use it: Snow, stars, leaves, abstract backgrounds.

Tips: Use a toothbrush or stiff brush and protect surrounding areas with paper or tape.

7. Salt Texture

What it is: Sprinkling salt onto a wet wash.

What it does: Salt absorbs pigment and water, forming textured, crystalline patterns.

When to use it: Skies, stone, sand, or icy textures.

Tips: Use coarse salt on a wet, even wash and let it dry fully before brushing it off.

8. Masking Fluid

What it is: A liquid rubber used to block out white areas of paper.

What it does: Preserves highlights and white space from paint.

When to use it: Intricate white areas like fine tree branches or light reflections.

Tips: Apply with an old brush or silicone tool. Let dry completely before painting over and remove only when fully dry.

9. Scratching (Sgraffito)

What it is: Scraping into the paper with a sharp tool while wet or dry.

What it does: Adds linear texture or highlights.

When to use it: Great for grasses, hair, feathers, or textured details.

Tips: Use a palette knife, needle tool, or back of a brush handle. Be gentle to avoid tearing the paper.

10. Backruns and Blooms

What it is: Adding water or wet paint to a damp or drying wash, causing a bloom or cauliflower effect.

What it does: Creates spontaneous, organic shapes.

When to use it: Florals, clouds, or experimental textures.

Tips: Control blooms by timing your additions carefully and embracing happy accidents.

Choosing the Right Materials

  • Paper: 100% cotton, 300gsm (140lb) or heavier is ideal for water handling and texture.
  • Brushes: A mix of rounds, flats, and mops gives you maximum control and variety.
  • Pigments: Use professional-grade watercolours with high pigment loads for the best results.

At Jackman’s Art Materials, our professional watercolours are handcrafted with the highest-grade pigments and gum arabic to help you achieve these techniques with ease and consistency.

Final Thoughts

Watercolour may look effortless, but it's built on a set of techniques that take time and practice to master. The beauty of the medium lies in its balance between control and spontaneity. By learning these core watercolour painting techniques, you can build confidence and create work that’s vibrant, expressive, and uniquely yours.

Whether you're painting botanicals, portraits, or abstract art, these techniques will help bring your vision to life—one brushstroke at a time.

Explore our watercolour collection:

Stay fluid. Stay curious. Stay creative.


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