Basic Watercolor Drills

When we explore the basic effects that can be achieved in watercolor the terms are fairly straightforward and familiar. “Wet in wet”, “dry-brush”, glazing, etc. describe the behaviour of water wherever it is found. Our daily household tasks mirror many effects that can be achieved in watercolor painting – coffee spills on the counter that leave a dark ring at the outer edge when dry, soapy bubbles, salt sprinkled on a plate that “pushes” the texture of a sauce, patterns of flowing wet color from detergent, spatters, sponge effects etc. Water is the pathway that pigment will follow. The more water, the lighter the pigment becomes as it dissolves. Less water, darker colors. Often in the painting process a new technique or idea to create a texture might occur and there are no rules. That old whisk brush that seems ready for the garbage might just produce wonderful feathery grasses or fur on a cat. The misty spray bottle, textured fabric or fine household sponge … if it comes to you, try it!
Notice that in these basic drills illustrated here that the project was created with a limited value range, yet many nuances of values come by default. Simple can be powerful.