✨ Struggling with messy watercolor blends or harsh edges? You’re not alone! One of the biggest challenges for beginners is learning how to control water to create smooth, seamless transitions. In this video, I’ll show you three must-know watercolor techniques that will help you achieve soft blends and crisp, clean details.
🎨 These techniques include:
✅ Soft edges—how to create them using both wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry methods
✅ Hard edges—how to add definition and make details stand out
✅ [Bonus Tip] Drying between layers—a game-changer for more control and depth
By the end of this video, you’ll have more confidence in handling watercolor, plus a deeper understanding of edge control—essential for achieving a more realistic or refined painting style. I’ll also share examples from my own artwork so you can see these techniques in action!
TIME STAMPS:
00:29 Wet-on-wet: Soft edges
04:17 Bonus tip: Dry between layers
09:00 Wet-on-dry: How to soften edges
11:56 Wet-on-dry: Hard edges
NEWSLETTER:
https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/1409545/sites/149870199202383245/5WpDla
(Be sure to check your spam if you don’t receive your first email within a few minutes of sign up)
FREE OUTLINE:
https://bit.ly/3F1gTru
REFERENCE PHOTOS:
https://pixabay.com/photos/flower-wild-rose-petals-flora-6302260/
https://unsplash.com/pt-br/fotografias/um-close-up-de-uma-flor-rosa-rSNV6CaKG_U
How to TRACE OUTLINES to watercolor paper:
Using a photo:
https://youtu.be/GaUUPEaDK1Q
OR
Using an outline:
https://youtu.be/2V-0tqy3mbA?si=j4UU3Xd1hjBPWxR9&t=426
SUPPLIES (Canada)
My personal (current) watercolor palette:
https://www.deltaart.ca/product/00/11GRA33106/Graham-Watercolor-15-ml.-Hansa-Yellow-Deep
https://www.deltaart.ca/product/00/11GRA33140/Graham-Watercolor-15-ml.-Phthalocyanine-Blue
https://www.deltaart.ca/product/00/11GRA33156/Graham-Watercolor-15-ml.-Quinacridone-Rose
https://www.deltaart.ca/product/00/11GRA33190/Graham-Watercolor-15-ml.-Ultramarine-Blue
https://www.deltaart.ca/product/00/11QOR70002651/QoR-Watercolour-11-ml.-Quinacridone-Magenta
Arches watercolor paper:
Large sheets (I buy these most often):
https://www.deltaart.ca/product/00/52ARC52313/Arches-Watercolour-Paper-140-lb-Cold-Press-22-X-30
9x12 pad:
https://www.deltaart.ca/product/00/52ARC400014950/Arches-Watercolour-Pad-140-lb-Cold-Press-9-X-12-1795092
Pads and blocks: all sizes:
https://www.deltaart.ca/category/ARCBLK/arches-watercolor-blocks-pads?limit=12
Canson XL watercolor paper:
https://www.deltaart.ca/product/00/52CAN100510941/Canson-XL-Series-Watercolor-30-Sheet-Pad-140lb300gsm-9-X-12
https://www.deltaart.ca/product/00/52CAN100510942/Canson-XL-Series-Watercolor-30-Sheet-Pad-140lb300gsm-11-X-15
Simply Simmons Brushes:
https://www.deltaart.ca/product/00/24ROB255085006/Simply-Simmons-SH-Round-6
https://www.deltaart.ca/product/00/24ROB255085008/Simply-Simmons-SH-Round-8
https://www.deltaart.ca/product/00/24ROB255085010/Simply-Simmons-SH-Round-10
https://www.deltaart.ca/product/00/24ROB255085012/Simply-Simmons-SH-Round-12
The “scrubber” brush (not the exact brand I have, but similar)
https://www.deltaart.ca/product/00/24ROB255062008/Simply-Simmons-SH-Chisel-Blender-8
1”Flat Wash brush
https://www.deltaart.ca/product/00/24ROB255055100/Simply-Simmons-SH-Flat-Wash-1
SUPPLIES: (USA)
Watercolor Paper:
Arches Cold Press Paper: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086WSQV9H
Watercolor Paint:
My top recommendation:
M Graham:
Hansa Yellow Deep: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JPF5IM
Phthalocyanine Blue: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JPH5TO
Quinacridone Rose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JPLY4Q
Ultramarine Blue: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0044TW074
Artegria Brushes:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FBDKG5K/
Simply Simmons brushes
https://www.michaels.com/product/simply-simmons-short-handle-round-brush-10472911
My favorite FREE reference photo sites:
https://unsplash.com/
https://www.pexels.com/
https://morguefile.com/
https://pixabay.com/
#WatercolorForBeginners #WatercolorTechniques #WatercolorTips #EdgeControl #WatercolorPainting