Step-by-Step Tutorial! If you love the watercolor aesthetic but want to use acrylic paint, this is how you can achieve the same look! I am showing this tutorial as painted on a wooden snowflake that I ordered from Michaels, but you can use these same steps and techniques on canvas or other surfaces. Questions? Leave a comment!
We all make mess up our watercolor paintings sometimes, even me! (Frequently my foster kittens.)
Lifting is the process of removing watercolor pigment from your papers surface with a paper towel or sometimes a dry brush.
PRO TIP: using an untextured soft paper towel works miracles! Some napkins and towels tear or leave behind bits of material. Viva Cloth-like Paper Towels are my absolute favorite and must-have for any watercolorist! This is not sponsored or endorsed- I’m saying this because it’s true! Good luck!
You’re gonna want to SAVE this tutorial for later! These are the two most basic watercolor techniques you need to know!
Wet on Dry: this means the paint is wet but the paper is dry. You’ll get very precise brushstrokes this way- necessary for details!
Wet on Wet: this means the paint is wet AND the paper is wet! Use clean, clear, water for a light coat. Not so much water that your paper will buckle, but just enough so the water will absorb into the top layer. (Check out my tutorial called “The Perfect Amount of Water,” for more help!) Then, drop wet paint onto the wet surface and let it blossom!
Need more watercolor help? Drop your questions in the comments for more tutorials!