Your top ten watercolour questions answered

Opus Resource Library

This article is shared from our friends at Winsor & Newton , trusted makers of fine art materials for generations.

In this article, they’ve collated the most popular watercolour questions and answered them all in one handy guide. Bookmark this page for the next time you’re planning to pick up your watercolour paints.

What is watercolour?

Watercolour is a mixture of finely ground pigment suspended in a binder made of Gum Arabic. Other ingredients are added to stabilise the paint, making it as lightfast as possible, so your work stands the test of time.

What paper should I use and what’s the difference between hot press and cold press?

Using watercolour paper is key because it is designed to be absorbent; it can withstand large quantities of water without cockling (causing the paper to ripple). The smoothest surface is hot press, which is best for scientific, detailed and hyper-realistic work, whereas cold press has a more textured surface and is great for effects like granulation and texture.

Best paintbrushes for use with watercolour?

Watercolour brushes are ideal because they have soft bristles, making them perfect for working in smooth layers of colour. The size of the brush is crucial depending on what you want to do; the belly of the brush is the widest part, and the bigger the belly, the more water and paint it can carry. Smaller brushes are great for detail, but they don’t hold as much water and pigment.

What’s the difference between gouache and watercolour?

In a nutshell, traditional gouache, like Winsor & Newton Designers Gouache, has a higher pigment load than watercolour. Therefore, gouache is great for flat, opaque areas of colour and works well in combination with the transparency of watercolour.

How can I create texture with watercolour?

How you use your brush can add texture. If you work in a ‘dry brush’ technique, using less water, it leaves more pigmented, scratchy marks. Alternatively, watercolour mediums add texture. Mixing in granulation medium gives a mottled appearance to colours that would otherwise appear as a smooth wash. Granulation medium can be used undiluted, instead of water, for a more pronounced effect. In addition, Aquapasto medium gives watercolour a thicker, impasto quality.

How do I mask a watercolour painting?

Masking fluid is the best way to mask a painting. Any area, no matter how delicate, will be protected from subsequent layers of colour with masking fluid. Then, when the paint is dry, gently rub off the masking fluid with your finger to uncover the layer underneath.

How can I use pens with watercolour?

Pens and watercolours are fantastically compatible. Drawings made with fineliners are ideal for making a sketch as a first step before colour, or for adding details on top of watercolour later. The juxtaposition of line with washy colour makes for a lovely contrast. Fineliners come in a variety of nib sizes, allowing for lines that run from subtle to bold.

How do I use watercolour pencils?

Watercolour pencils can be used in three ways: as a coloured pencil, to create drawings that can be transformed later with water, or the tip can be dipped in water before drawing. Some people like the slightly different texture to a watercolour pencil over a traditional coloured pencil , so they just use them to draw. The real beauty of these pencils is in the versatility that comes from transforming marks into watery washes while leaving other areas as they were drawn, letting the two textures work together. Dipping the tip in water creates soft lines as another option.

What’s the best beginners’ watercolour set?

The Cotman Watercolours Deluxe Sketchers' Pocket Box is the best choice for beginners because it has everything needed to start enjoying watercolour. It includes 16 colours to allow for great mixes, a travel brush, a pencil for sketching your composition, and a kneaded putty rubber.

What watercolour set would you recommend for practicing artists?

The Professional Watercolour Complete Travel Tin - 24 Half Pans is the best set for practicing artists. It has all the most exciting colours and is perfect for traveling. It also includes two mixing areas thanks to the fold-out, double-lid closure.