Hey friends!
In this video I show you how to paint an urban sketch I made a while ago!
I use watercolors for this sketch, and try to keep the color scheme as simple as possible.
Watch the video first, and then read on for my key tips on how to paint with watercolors (=
Okay! Hope you enjoyed the video (=
Now, for my key tips of how to paint using watercolors…
1. Start light
At first, you want to apply a very diluted, bright layer of color. It’s so much easier starting with bright and then moving onto darker tones.
If you start with a dark tone, you’ll possibly lose much of the potential beauty of the drawing.
2. Test the color first
Before applying the color to your drawing or sketch, use a “test” paper to get a preview for the color.
If you are not pleased – simple re-mix the color!
If you want it to be lighter – draw a few quick lines on the test paper to “get rid of” some of the paint, and then apply it to your drawing.
3. Play with the blot
If you ever worked with watercolors, you probably know this one.
When you start painting with the brush, there will be a big “blot” – an area that is more loaded with color.
You want to imagine that you are spreading out this blot as evenly as possible, over your drawing.
If you have a small area to paint, get rid of some of the paint first, or that blot will stay there, un-smeared…
But what if you already painted, and are stuck with the leftover of this “blot”…?
4. Dab it away!
If you are left with excess paint, simply use a tissue or a napkin to dab some of it away.
A word of warning though – don’t dab it multiple times with the same side of the tissue, or you may paint some of it back in a nearby area.
Use a new tissue for every individual dab (=
5. Layering
Now that you have a basic light layer, decide on a light source.
Then, simply begin adding a second layer, using the same tone, or a darker / different tone if you please.
Watercolors mix pretty well, but I think 3-4 layers is the limit. Four is for extreme cases as well.
6. Blend it in
What if you already painted with too dark of a tone for a second layer, and can’t / don’t want to dab it away?
Simply blend it in with the previous tone!
How?
Well, first make sure the brush currently has very little (to none) paint in it.
Then, use the side of the brush (meaning the length of the hairs of the brush) to blend the border between the two different tones.
Don’t be afraid to apply some pressure and use short quick movements.
And that is it!
Thank you for watching / reading / subscribing!
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Let me know if you have any additional questions, and I’ll be happy to help.
Until next time,
– Liron