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Watercolour in 4 steps
Discover the world of watercolour and let your creativity flow! Whether you are a beginner or have experience, the right brushes, watercolours, and watercolour paper will help you master stunning techniques step by step.
Check out our watercolour DIYs
Watercolour hand lettering poster
Easy watercolour gift-tags
Cupcake card
Natural pigment watercolouring
Stretching watercolour paper
What is watercolouring?
Watercolouring is a painting technique using water-based paint. The paint consists of pigment and a binder that is diluted with water, creating transparent layers and subtle colour transitions.
Characteristics of watercolouring:
- Transparency: colours are built up in thin layers.
- Technique: often done on special watercolour paper that absorbs water well.
- Materials: watercolour paint, brush, and water.
- Application: suitable for landscapes, portraits, illustrations, and abstract art.
Because of the behaviour of water, the painter cannot fully control everything. This gives watercolouring a characteristic loose and spontaneous look.
Is it "watercolouring” or “watercolours”?
Many people confuse the terms. Watercolouring means painting with watercolour paint. Watercolours are the artworks made with this technique. In other words: you watercolour, and the result is watercolours.
What do you need to get started with watercolouring?
Watercolour paper
When watercolouring, you use paper specially designed to hold water and paint well. Watercolour paper is thicker than regular paper and often has a slight texture. This keeps it flat and allows colours to stand out beautifully.
Brushes and pens for watercolouring
For watercolouring, you use different types of brushes. Round brushes are versatile, flat brushes are suitable for broad strokes, and small brushes are ideal for details. Waterbrushes with a built-in water reservoir are also handy, perfect for on-the-go use and smooth transitions.
Watercolour paint
Watercolour paint is transparent paint based on water. You dilute it with water to create light layers and smooth colour transitions. The paint is available in pans and tubes, and in our range you can mainly order sets.
The ultimate 4-step guide: How to start watercolouring
Want to learn how to paint with watercolour paint? With this simple step-by-step guide for beginners, you’ll discover how to start watercolouring yourself — or watch the video by Karin Luttenberg for extra inspiration.
1. Gather your materials
Make sure you have everything ready: watercolour paper, watercolour paint (pans or tubes), brushes, a jar of water, paper towels, and optionally a waterbrush.
2. Start with a sketch
Lightly draw your design with a pencil. Trace the lines with a waterproof fineliner or marker so they won’t smudge. Then gently erase the pencil lines.
3. Add colour to your design
Wet your brush, pick up some paint, and apply it in thin layers. Start with light colours and gradually work towards darker tones. Dab your brush on paper towel if it’s too wet. The more water you use, the lighter the colour.
4. Let your painting dry
Allow the paper to dry completely before painting over it again. This prevents smudges and keeps your colours bright and clean.
Extra watercolour tips for beginners
- Test colours on a scrap piece of watercolour paper first.
- Avoid using too much water to prevent warping.
- Try different brushes and find what suits your style best.
- Mistakes don’t exist — unexpected effects make watercolouring truly unique!