Light, like airy, color lines, a composition that seems translucent - this is what an unusual and beautiful effect you can achieve if you paint with watercolors. By the way, ancient China is considered to be its birthplace, since paper appeared there, which is primarily used in the creation of watercolor masterpieces. At the same time and place include the first drawings written with the help of such paints. But watercolor did not conquer Europe immediately - only at the beginning of the century before last, it managed to take a strong place in the history of world art. Well, now we turn to practical recommendations addressed to those who dream (albeit deep in their hearts) to become a great and famous artist.
How to draw in watercolor: a choice of paints and palette
Immediately, we note that it is better not to purchase watercolor paints that are sold in office supplies and are intended for children's creativity. You decided to take up painting seriously, didn't you? Professional watercolor can be dry (in the baths) and liquid (in tubes). Both are good. To choose what you like to do more, we recommend that you try both types. By the way, liquid paints have a creamy consistency and dissolve better in water.
You will also need a palette in order to mix the primary colors and achieve the desired shade. This tool should be plastic. Of course, you can get by the fact that you will use paper as a palette, but under the influence of water it will turn into spools that will begin to stick to the brush and only spoil the entire composition. In addition, as artists noted, mixing colors on paper, it is difficult to achieve intense shades.
How to draw in watercolor: a choice of brushes
For starters, you can easily get by with just two brushes. Choose one thinner (with a diameter of a holder from 3 to 5 mm), and the second - thicker (about 1 cm). High-quality brushes should be squirrel, soft and have pointed tips. Before buying, check the drawing tools as follows: moisten the tip of the brush with water and see if it is well assembled. This quality will be important for drawing small details.
How to draw in watercolor: paper selection
Ideally, special watercolor paper is suitable for you . This material will not roll off from the water, and the colors on it will not erode. In addition, today watercolor paper is produced with various textures (“under the canvas”, “eggshell”, etc.), which helps artists achieve the best results.
How to draw in watercolor: first strokes
Now that you have stocked up on everything you need, it's time to get down to business. About how to draw with watercolor pencils, liquid or dry paints, of course, a professional can best tell. Today in large cities there are more than one art school, where masters give lessons.
On the other hand, the Internet can also be invaluable, where you can download video lessons in watercolor, read relevant literature from which you can get acquainted with such basic concepts as composition, perspective, as well as the rules for mixing primary colors.
You should not try yourself as a portrait painter or copyist as a beginner. Start with the simplest techniques to just get to know the watercolor, to understand how to act in order to achieve this or that desired effect. Gradually hone your skills, painting more complex still lifes, and then landscapes. Also, it will not be amiss to visit art galleries to get acquainted with paintings made in watercolor.
In general, go for it! Do not be afraid to stain paper with paints and do not be discouraged if you cannot keep proportions. Modern painting can appear in completely different manifestations, so it is likely that your canvases can soon be seen at some secular art exhibition.