Is watercolor Really Difficult to learn? That’s the question for today! Well I have heard this many a times, “Watercolor is not easy to learn” but is this true or just a myth?
Let’s find out!
Well let me break it to you that it is a total myth, Watercolor is a beautiful medium to explore, and with some practice and learning it the right way, anyone can learn and paint beautifully.
With a any type of painting medium, you don’t need to be born with talent or creativity as this can be very easily developed with right techniques and practice.
Nothing is IMPOSSIBLE. THE WORD ITSELF SAYS I’M POSSIBLE!
Audrey Hepburn
So back to the burning question, “Is watercolor Really Difficult to learn?” 6 Helpful Facts and Secrets you must Know to break this myth-
Myth 1: Watercolor mistakes cannot be corrected-
On the contrary watercolor mistakes can be corrected with layering and lifting easily. Although it being a transparent medium this can be a little bit challenging but with the right techniques you can easily correct or cover up mistakes.
With layering or glazing you can add layers dark pigment to make it less noticeable.
Lifting will help you pick up the paint with the help of brush and tissue and start over again.
Also sometimes you can use the mistake in a creative way and make it a part of your art, painting is not about perfection but it’s about embracing your mistakes and learning from them and growing.
With time as your skills improve you will be able to do this even more easily and you will even learn to embrace the mistakes!
Myth 2: You need to learn how to draw first
Watercolor is a medium that allows you to express yourself freely and creatively. You don’t need to be able to draw to create a beautiful watercolor painting. No one is born creative; this is something which can be developed with determination and practice!
Drawing is certainly not a requirement, it can be a choice though. With just brush strokes you can paint beautiful abstract and loose style paintings.
When you begin the best way to experiment is painting loose style and abstract, this does not need any pencil drawing. This also helps with exploring your creative style.
Also you can directly paint with the brush once you know your colors and style, so you may never even need to draw and some artist love to stick to that.
Myth 3: You can’t use white and black paint
Another misconception about watercolor is that you can’t use black or white paint. However, this is also not true.
Though most preferred way of incorporating white is by leaving white space beforehand, You can easily use white to create pastel shades, this will make watercolors a little opaque but many artists like doing that, they use it especially for florals or to create contrast in their paintings. I personally use white mainly for splatter.
Black is my favourite as it won’t make the colors opaque, I love painting shadows with it, creating depth, detailing and I also like using it in many of my paintings as is, eg. paint black center of flowers.
Myth 4: You should be very creative to try Watercolors
You must be a Creative person to paint with watercolors is another myth. Creativity can be easily developed with practice. Watercolor painting is a form of self-expression and can be enjoyed by anyone, irrespective of their skill level. Anyone can learn the basic techniques of watercolor painting and use it as a medium expressing their own creative self. You can take classes, watch YouTube tutorials and get books to learn the proper way. You can check this blog post for beginner friendly ideas.
Myth 5: Watercolors are difficult to control
Again this comes with experimenting and practice, once you get to know your colors this becomes an easy task. Watercolors are very versatile, they do require a different approach from other mediums but that doesn’t mean that they are difficult to control. With techniques like layering, right water : paint ratio, lifting etc. watercolor can be easily controlled. Knowing you paint, paper and brush also helps to have a control on your painting. With proper understanding anyone can paint beautifully with watercolors.
Myth 6: Watercolors only produce pale and dull color paintings
This is another common myth, I have never seen the beautiful glowing vibrancy that watercolors give in other mediums, it is very unique and special.
This does depend on the materials and techniques used, but if done properly watercolors produce the most vibrant and beautiful colors. With the right materials and tools and proper knowledge of the Color theory this is very easy to achieve.
Since watercolors are transparent, they allow the artist to build up color gradually and create luminous and glowing effects. With layering different colors, the artist can create complex and sophisticated color harmonies, as well as interesting and lively color blends.
Bonus- Myth 7: Only expensive materials will make a good Watercolor Artist-
Good art depends on techniques more than the materials. Expensive materials can never limit a good artist, so never use this as an excuse if you are willing to learn.
Good material do help a lot but they are not the only way, most medium range supplies are good enough to give you a good start. With a little research and informed decisions you can work with quality materials that won’t break the bank. Still confused, check out my free Watercolor Materials guide HERE.
Is Watercolor Really Difficult to learn? No it is not! In fact Watercolor is easy and fun to learn! Here is why-
Is watercolor Really Difficult to learn? Not really! Watercolors are very simple, mostly non-toxic, with easy clean up, all you need is very basic supplies like paint, paper and brush to start!
Do remember that watercolor is unique and different because of its transparency. It can be challenging if you switch from acrylics or oils to watercolor as those techniques won’t work here, when artists try to use those same techniques with watercolors then disaster strikes!
Watercolors dry fast, they give you so many opportunities to help you explore your creative side with its beautiful techniques! The variety of techniques in watercolor keeps the painting process interesting and engaging.
Finally, watercolor is a relatively affordable medium for people of all skill levels and budgets. It is a great choice for beginners who are just starting to explore the world of art.
In conclusion, watercolors are fun and relatively easy, they can be just as controllable as any other art medium if you have the right techniques and materials in place.
All you need is to have open mind, willingness to learn and a little patience (okay a lot of patience!)
All the best!
Till next time,
