Watercolors

Watercolors, also known as aquarelles, are made from dye pigments that dissolve in water. They typically contain elements such as gum arabic and honey. The simplest way to paint with them is by applying them with a wet brush onto paper or cardboard.

When painting with them, it’s best to use watercolor paper (watercolor cardboard), which is stronger and more resistant to water. One of the popular techniques for painting with watercolors is the "wet-on-wet" technique. In this method, the paint is applied to a pre-wetted surface using a very wet brush.

The goal is for the colors to blend and merge into each other, creating amazing color forms that flow gently into delicate shades. This method relies more on the randomness of color mixing rather than the deliberate control of paint application. Transparent paints are suitable for this technique.

Layering colors is another method of painting with watercolors. This is achieved by applying a thicker layer as a base and covering it with more diluted paint. Here, it’s important to wait for each layer to dry before applying the next.

There is also a method for painting with a dry brush. It can be applied when using semi-liquid dyes. Watercolors in tubes are suitable for this, as their moist consistency allows for the application of wet and dense colors. Watercolors are characterized by their slight transparency, light and delicate appearance on the painting paper, lack of odor, and non-toxicity.

 

Types

 

1. According to Storage Form, Watercolors are Divided into:

• Watercolor Pans

These are small containers filled with watercolor paint. Quality paints are not compressed. This allows the paint to dissolve with a single touch of the brush, preserving the quality and intensity of the pigments. When paints are compressed, dissolving them takes much longer.

• Watercolor Tubes

Some artists prefer to work with watercolor in liquid form. These only need to be diluted. In terms of consistency and painting method, they are an alternative to watercolor pans.

• Watercolor Pencils

Watercolor pencils are designed for drawing on paper, after which the applied colors are diluted with water. Drawing with them is very easy and convenient. The goal of watercolor pencils is to first draw the objects and then dilute them with a water-dipped brush. Drawing with these pencils is convenient as it allows for precise fixation of the lines of the figures in the painting. After diluting with water, a beautiful watercolor painting is created.

• Watercolor Pastels

They are used directly on paper. After that, the drawing is wetted to achieve a watercolor effect. Another way to use them is to scrape off part of the pastel and dissolve it in a palette with water. They can also be used by touching the surface of the pastel with a damp brush and then painting on the sheet.

 

2. According to Application

According to their application, watercolors are divided into two types:

• Children’s

Children’s watercolors fall under the category of non-professional. They can come in the form of dry pigment pressed pans or honey-based. Children use them to paint on sketchbooks or notebooks, using a round brush and water. Children’s paints are available at affordable prices.

• Professional

Professional watercolor paints are available in various forms. In tubes, jars, and ready-made palettes. They are mostly creamy rather than in powdered form. They are used for painting landscapes, still lifes, and portraits. Poster paints are also part of this category.

 

Application

Watercolors are the most preferred and widely used painting material. They are suitable for people of all ages. Their advantage is that they are completely harmless and odorless. They are used to create paintings of different natures – landscapes, still lifes, portraits.

They are a favorite coloring material for small children. They are easy and convenient for them to use. Soft brushes and the use of a lot of water make working with them fun and enjoyable. Painting develops creative thinking, aesthetic sense, creativity, a sense of elegance and beauty in children. It calms and relaxes the mind and consciousness.

A set of watercolors and a watercolor sketchbook would be an ideal gift for any child. This is a great way to fill the children’s free time productively. For this purpose, you can choose from children’s watercolor paints. They are affordable, have rich colors, and are completely harmless.

On the other hand, professional watercolors are intended for experienced artists. Their price category is higher. The colors are more pigmented and resistant to time. They are used to create landscapes, still lifes, and portraits. These paints are the oldest painting material ever used.

Paintings created with them are delicate and airy. This effect is characteristic only of watercolors. The reason for this is that they are diluted with a lot of water, aiming for the colors to blend as much as possible. This gives an airy feel to the images on the sheet. When painting with watercolors, there is one rule: to paint in one breath.

Two painting techniques are known:

Wet-on-Wet

In this technique, the sheet is first wetted with water, and then the colors are applied.

Dry-on-Dry

The goal here is the gradual application of shades to achieve a gradual saturation of the sheet. Everything can be painted with watercolors. In fact, watercolor is one of the most complex painting techniques.

It requires mastery, true professional skills, and aesthetic sense. It takes years to learn, but talent, which cannot be acquired just through years of experience and practice, is crucial.

With the help of delicate watercolors, you can create unique sea landscapes, as well as paintings depicting nature, just as delicate and unpretentious as it is in reality.

You can use the four basic colors, creating more shades from them, or choose a palette with more colors. It is customary to use round brushes for watercolor painting.

It is preferable to use brushes made of natural hair. They are gentle on the paper, making painting with them more pleasant and easy.

It’s good to use special watercolor paper that doesn’t wrinkle when wetted with water. When working with this material, it is very important to change the water frequently to avoid muddy colors on the sheet.

Also, after finishing work, clean the brushes thoroughly and don’t leave them in the jar of water. If left in it, they risk deforming and becoming unusable. With watercolors, a painting cannot be replicated twice. Every spot made on the sheet is unique and unrepeatable.

Watercolor is the most delicate and airy technique in painting. The resulting paintings are mystical, delicate, and extremely fine.

If you haven’t worked with this type of paint yet, don’t miss the chance to enjoy painting with them. You will see for yourself how easy and enjoyable it is.

Art is boundless, and watercolor is one of the most perfect and interesting techniques. You can use painting guides to familiarize yourself with the methods and techniques of working with this material. Besides painting guides, you can look for video materials to gather valuable information and get useful tips.

 

Prices

At the EM ART online store, we strive to keep prices low and affordable for our customers. We often have discounts from the regular prices of the items. The cost of the products in the category depends on the type, size, and quantity.

 

Why EM ART?

EM ART is the most well-stocked online hobby materials store. With us, you will find everything you need for your creativity:

• various types of work tools,
• various types of beads,
• different types of paper,
• cardboard,
• jewelry accessories,
• decoration materials and gift packaging, at affordable prices.

All items are made from high-quality and safe materials. We often have discounts on various items, which every customer can take advantage of. With us, you can shop wholesale and retail. For wholesale traders, we have preferential prices.

 

Delivery

After you have chosen the necessary hobby materials, you need to enter your personal data – full name, contact phone, and address where you want to receive your shipment. Expect your order to arrive within a few working days. For orders worth over 100 BGN, delivery is completely free.

If you have any questions, you can contact our online consultants, who are available to you every day from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 to 18:30.

Indulge in inspiration and make your most unique ideas a reality!