Step-by-step | Watercolor Painting

: Start with a light contour drawing using an HB pencil. If your composition has areas that must remain pure white (like snow or birch trunks), apply liquid masking fluid to protect those sections.

: Apply your lightest colors first using a "wet-on-wet" technique, which involves wetting the paper before adding paint to create soft, blended edges ideal for skies or distant hills.

: Remove any masking fluid to reveal clean white paper and add subtle shadows to ground your subjects. Phase 3: Common Pitfalls and Expert Tips

: A versatile kit usually includes a large flat brush for washes and round brushes (sizes #8 to #12) for general work.

Before beginning, it is vital to assemble the correct materials, as watercolor paper is particularly sensitive. Professional-grade paper is often preferred because it lacks a protective varnish and requires high-quality fibers to absorb water without warping.