Exploring the Watercolor Artwork Process: A Journey from Concept to Creation

Watercolor painting is a mesmerizing art form that captures the beauty of color and light in a fluid, translucent way. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, understanding the processes involved in creating watercolor artwork can deepen your appreciation and enhance your own skills. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the various stages of the watercolor artwork process, from initial concept to finished piece.

1. Inspiration and Conceptualization

Every artwork begins with an idea. Take time to explore different sources of inspiration—nature, photographs, or even other artists. Jot down your thoughts, create mood boards, or sketch initial ideas. This phase is all about finding what resonates with you and envisioning what you want to express through your watercolor piece. I tend to go one of 2 ways when I am making a painting. Either I have made thumbnail sketches and have done mini mock ups with color and full on placement ideas or, I just start to paint and see where it goes. 

2. Gathering Materials

Choosing the right materials is essential for achieving the desired effects in your watercolor artwork. Here’s a basic list of supplies you'll need:

• Watercolor Paper: Opt for high-quality, heavy paper (200-800 gsm) to prevent warping.
• Watercolor Paints: These come in tubes or pans. Experiment with different brands to find your favorites.
• Brushes: A variety of sizes and shapes will help you create different effects. Round brushes are great for detail, while flat brushes work well for washes.
• Palette: For mixing colors, a good palette is crucial.
• Water Container: Keep your brushes clean and your paints fluid.
• Paper Towels or Rags: Handy for blotting and corrections.

 

3. Sketching the Composition

Before diving into color, create a light pencil sketch on your watercolor paper. This will serve as a guide for your painting. Keep the lines soft to avoid them showing through the paint. Consider composition principles like balance, focal points, and the rule of thirds to enhance your artwork's overall appeal.

4. Planning the Color Palette

Select a color palette that aligns with your vision. Watercolors are transparent, so think about how colors will layer and interact. You might want to create a color chart or swatches to test combinations and decide how you'll approach your piece.

5. Laying Down the First Wash

Begin with a light wash of color to establish the base layer. This is often referred to as the "underpainting." Use a large brush and plenty of water to create a smooth application. Allow this layer to dry before moving on to more detailed work.

6. Building Layers

Once the first wash is dry, start adding layers to build depth and dimension. Work from light to dark, adding details gradually. Watercolor is forgiving in the sense that you can create beautiful effects with wet-on-wet (applying wet paint onto wet paper) and wet-on-dry techniques (applying wet paint onto dry paper). Experiment with these methods to discover the unique textures and gradients that can be achieved.

7. Adding Details

As your painting develops, switch to smaller brushes to add finer details. This could involve highlighting certain areas, defining shapes, or introducing contrasting colors. Take your time here, as the details will elevate the overall impact of your artwork.

8. Final Touches

After the main elements are complete, assess your work for balance and harmony. You may want to add final touches, such as splatters for texture or glazes for depth. Make sure to step back frequently to view your piece from a distance, which can help you spot areas that may need adjustment.

 

9. Preservation and Display

Once your artwork is complete and fully dry, consider how you want to preserve it. Watercolors can be framed behind glass to protect them from dust and fading. Alternatively, you could create prints or digital copies to share your art with a broader audience.

My favorites

Watercolors: 

• Kuretake Gansai Tambi
• Yasutomo - Chinese Style Watercolors
• Windsor Newton- Cotman
• Aqua Drop
• Knicker Poster Paint 

I also use a lot of hand made pigment watercolors from small makers. Definitely try out as much of you can with what resources are available to you. Also, keep in mind that ink, natural pigments and stains can also be used in your watercolor. 

Brushes: 

I buy really cheap brushes for the most part but I do have a few higher quality sets as well for fine lines or specific techniques. I still prefer natural hair brushes over synthetic ones, but this is my personal preference. It also helps that over the years I have amassed a collection of brushes. 

Paper:

This one is a tricky one, I use so many different types of watercolor and rice paper depending on what kind of project, series, collection, or item I am making. 

Pallets: 

I have a piece of plexiglass, several dozen different wells, and 4-5 WHITE ceramic bowls for mixing my paints in. I usually lay the same type of paper under the plexiglass so I can see what color I am mixing as I'm mixing. This way you have a better idea of what the color is going to look like on the paper as well. 

Conclusion

The watercolor artwork process is a journey of exploration and creativity. Each stage offers opportunities for learning and experimentation, whether you’re capturing the delicate petals of a flower or the sweeping landscapes of nature. Embrace the unpredictability of watercolors, and allow your unique style to shine through. Happy painting!