Watercolor Painting Tips

A lot of artists helped me when I was getting started in both Photography and in watercolor painting and today  continue to share their "secrets" they have learned over time.  Some of these "secrets" they were given from other artists that crossed paths in their careers while other they discovered on their own.  Sometimes you pick up these "tricks of the trade" tidbits simply by trial and error.  Sometimes through other sources.  I guess as my Grandfather used to say, "Even a blind pig will find an acorn every once in a while!"  In any case, I owe a lot of people for their gracious sharing and continually try to repay the debt by sharing with other artists who's career paths I cross.   These "secrets" have helped me avoid a lot of mistakes (although I have and continue to make my share) and I hope by sharing, they will save you time and frustration as well.  It is therefore my goal to share some of these "tricks of the trade secrets" with you from time to time.  I am not the best at finding the time to update these pages, put I pledge to do my best.  Email me and let me know how I'm doing from time to time if you find some of the information helpful.

Watercolor Painting Tip #1:  Watercolor Paper.  Can a different watercolor paper really make a difference?  The answer is yes, very much so.  Watercolor papers come in all sizes, textures, materials and weights by all kinds of different manufacturers.  And, each one will tell your theirs is the best.  Painting on too light weight paper can really influence the outcome of your watercolor painting experience.  Painting on the wrong surface paper can make painting either a real ordeal or a pure pleasure.  A word of advice - whatever your budget for purchasing painting supplies, spend at least 40% on your watercolor paper.  Then spend another 30% on paints and 30% on brushes.  Paints and brushes can and will have an impact on your painting, but not to the extent that a quality paper will make.  I prefer Arches 140lb. Cold Press watercolor paper in blocks.  Although any good quality rage cotton 140lb+ cold or rough press paper will work just fine.   I totally stay away from hot press paper because I have found that the medium is hard enough to control without adding more difficulty to the process with hot press paper.