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A Beginner’s Guide to Watercolor Brushes: Understanding the Different Types

Introduction

Are you new to watercolor painting and feeling overwhelmed by the array of brushes available? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! In this beginner’s guide, we’ll be delving into the world of watercolor brushes and breaking down the different types. From synthetic to natural hair and rounds to flats, we’ll explain everything you need to know about selecting the perfect brush for your painting style. So grab a cup of tea and join us on this exciting journey as we explore the art of watercolor through its most essential tool – the paintbrush.

There are a variety of watercolor brushes available on the market, each with its own unique set of characteristics. Selecting the right brush can be a daunting task. Understanding the differences between them should help make the decision a little easier. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the different types of watercolor brushes in hopes that this will help you select the best brush for your needs.

The Different Types

As a beginner watercolorist, it’s important to understand the different types of brushes available, and what each is best suited for. In general, brushes can be divided into three categories: Round, Flat, and Filbert. Within these categories you’ll also find Detail, Rigger, Spotter and Mop brushes.

Brief Overview

Round brushes are the most versatile, and can be used for a variety of applications. Flat brushes are best suited for washes and large areas of color. Filbert brushes are a combination of both round and flat, and can be used for a variety of medium-sized area applications.

Flat Tipped Brushes

Flat Brush

  • Large flat brushes can be used for washes
  • Perfect for creating even layers of color.
  • They can also be used to create crisp, clean lines or even dry brush effects.

Angled Brush

A type of flat brush that —instead of being straight across— features a tip that is tapered from short to long.

  • Great for painting sharp lines and -of course- angles.

Round Tipped Brushes

  • The most versatile
  • The brush watercolorists use most often.
  • They come in sizes 0-24
    • Small round brushes are best for detailing or filling in small areas.
    • Large round tipped brushes (mop brushes) are best for washes

Filbert Brushes

A brush that is basically flat, but is oval shaped at the tip. It doesn’t come to a point like round tipped brushes, but because of the slightly rounded area at the bottom of the brush part, it is considered both round and flat.

  • Can be even better for blending colors than flat brushes
  • Good for painting plants and floral designs

Choosing the Right Brush for Your Artwork

Like I mentioned in the beginning of this article, there is a wide variety of brushes available on the market. Each is designed for a specific purpose. Choosing the right brush for your artwork is important because it can affect the overall look and feel of your painting. Now that you know more about the basic types of brushes and their shapes, another thing to take into consideration when selecting a brush is the brush size and bristles.

The size of the brush will determine how much paint it can hold and how wide or narrow your strokes will be. Bristles can be made from natural or synthetic materials, each with their own benefits. Natural bristles are usually softer and more absorbent, while synthetic bristles are stiffer and can be more durable.

Understanding Brush Sizes

When it comes to brush size, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The size of brush you’ll need will depend on the application you’re using it for.

For example, if you’re painting fine details a 1/10 size round brush might be what you need. For line work, you’ll probably want to use a rigger brush. These are also called script or liner brushes. If you’re painting larger areas or washes, you’ll want to use a wash or mop brush like I’ve mentioned above. Ultimately, it’s up to you to experiment with different sizes and find what works best. Until you have the experience, and know what you want to do, it’s hard to know exactly what you need.

To Get Started

We recommend choosing a 10-15 piece set of inexpensive basic brushes. Just until you get a feel for what works best for you. This set should ideally include multiple rounds in various sizes, a few flats, and a few angular brushes. With these essential brushes, you’ll be able to experiment with different techniques and find the ones that work best for you before investing in more expensive or professional brushes.

Where to Purchase Watercolor Brushes

Conclusion

Learning about the different types of watercolor brushes is an essential part of any beginner’s journey. By understanding how the materials and shapes result in unique brush strokes, artists can find a style they are confident in while experimenting with new techniques. The right brush will make your creations stand out further and play to your strengths as an artist. Hopefully, this guide has given you some insight into what goes into choosing the right watercolor brushes to help you create beautiful artwork!

Forest Fae | Watercolor & Ink
Betta | Watercolor
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Care & Maintenance

There are a few things to keep in mind when taking care of your watercolor brushes:

  • Never leave your brushes submerged in water
  • Use either a very mild soap or no soap and lukewarm water to clean your brushes after each painting session.
    • Avoid using hot water, as this can damage the bristles.
  • Very gently massage the bristles with your fingers under running water
    • Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.

With proper care and maintenance, your watercolor brushes can last for many years of painting enjoyment!

Tips and Techniques for Working with Watercolor Brushes

When it comes to watercolor brushes, there are a few things you should know in order to get the most out of them. Here are some tips and techniques for working with watercolor brushes:

  1. Always use a fresh, clean brush. This will help ensure that your colors are vibrant and your brushstrokes are smooth.
  2. When loading your brush with paint, make sure not to overload it. Too much paint on the brush will result in coarse, streaky brushstrokes.
  3. To achieve fine lines and detailed strokes, use a pointed or round tip brush. These brushes are ideal for painting small areas or adding finishing touches to a painting.
  4. Flat tipped brushes are great for large areas of color or for creating washes of color.
  5. Experiment with different brushstrokes to create interesting effects. Some common strokes include stippling, scrubbing, and flicking.
  6. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and combinations. Watercolors can be very forgiving, so don’t be afraid to try new things!
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The Power of Art

—-A short blog post about art—-

Art is Essential

I believe that art is powerful tool for personal expression, self-awareness and creativity. Art can help us connect with others, make us feel good about ourselves and inspire us to do great things.


I believe that color is a language and that each of our lives has its own unique story to tell. Anyone can explore how colors work together in different ways and the kinds of art we can create with them.

We have the opportunity to use so much of ourselves, our lives and experiences in our art to express things we can’t put into words… To create moods and set the tone for different environments.

My vision is to help people to express their own unique individuality, their innermost feelings and dreams. Or be something new, different or strange, without fear of what others might think.

Be inspired by the power of art. I believe that when we use our creativity and fill the world with art, it enhances not only our lives but also the world around us.

Life imitates art far more than art imitates life

Oscar Wilde
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Why I Started My Business

I started Color Space Art Studio in late 2022, as a way to show my artwork to anyone willing to look. By this time, I had been working on perfecting my art for the past few years with the intention of starting my business when I could afford better supplies, or when my techniques lived up to the standards that my favorite artists had set.

Eventually, on a whim, I just decided to go for it. It’s been quite a learning experience so far, and I’m more than happy to continue learning how to do it, and do it better. This is all new territory to me and so out of my comfort zone, but I think it’s something I really needed in my life.

Original Artwork by Ashy Page | Thoughtful – Poster | https://colorspaceartstudio.com/products/thoughtful

The Decision to Go Into Art

For the record, I haven’t only been an artist for a few years. I’ve loved art and drawing since I was young. I’d always been told by family, friends and classmates how talented I was but I never thought I could ever turn it into something more than just a hobby. Even though my talent and skill kept getting better over time, it still wasn’t good enough. I never thought anyone would actually want my art, let alone pay money for it.

It wasn’t until I had had my third child, that I started to change my mind. I’d already been through cosmetology school, but then I had my second child and I was worried that career path wouldn’t pay well enough to support my small family. I got into nursing at another point, after that until I had to leave that school due to a medical condition. With trying those things, and not finishing/being able to follow through with them, I felt like a failure. I was so afraid to try again. Especially with my art.

Failing at something you aren’t passionate about, doesn’t hurt as much as failing at something you love.

Original Artwork by Ashy Page | Iris – Sticker | https://colorspaceartstudio.com/products/iris-bubble-free-stickers

All Or Nothing

I was spending so much of my time trying to reach this unrealistic level of talent and skill I thought I needed to have for anyone to be interested in purchasing my artwork.

At some point, out of the blue, I just made some accounts on different social medias and started a Shopify store. I signed up for a print on demand service, and immediately started taking pictures of, and scanning my work to upload and make into stickers.

I’ve since moved on to posters, canvas prints, and even acrylic prints, which I’m happy to say I have sold 1 of, for $154!!! I of course, didn’t get the entire profit, since I’m going through a POD service, but that’s alright. I’m thrilled that anyone in the world would like, or believe in my art enough to spend a couple dollars, let alone that much money on it.

I just wish I had believed in myself sooner, or at least trusted that eventually it will all work itself out.

Get Your Money’s Worth – How to Make The Most of Painting Supplies

Introduction

Are you tired of spending a fortune on art supplies only to feel like you’re not getting your money’s worth? We’ve all been there. But fear not, fellow artist! In this post, we’ll be sharing some tips and tricks for maximizing your investment in those pricey paints, brushes and papers. Hopefully my advice, will help you get to create stunning works of art while making the most out of every cent you spend. So let’s dive in and learn how to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to expensive art supplies!

When it comes to using expensive art supplies, there are a few things you can do to get the most out of them.

  1. Be sure to use them properly!
    • Read the instructions that come with your supplies and follow them to ensure that you’re using them in the way they were intended.
  2. Take care of your supplies.
    • Clean them after each use and store them properly when you’re not using them. This will help prolong their lifespan and keep them in optimal condition.
  3. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
    • Try new techniques and methods with your supplies to see what kinds of results you can achieve. You may be surprised at how much more you can get out of them than you ever thought possible!

What are the Benefits of Investing in Quality Art Supplies?

There are many benefits of investing in quality art supplies, including:

  1. Improved creativity and artistic expression – When you have access to high-quality art supplies, you can explore your creativity to its fullest potential and produce truly stunning works of art.
  2. Increased durability – Cheap art supplies often break easily or wear out quickly, whereas quality supplies are built to last and can withstand heavy use. This means you’ll get more value for your money in the long run.
  3. Enhanced colors and textures – With quality art supplies, the colors will be more vibrant and the textures will be richer and more realistic. This can make a big difference in the final appearance of your artwork.
  4. Greater precision – Quality art supplies allow you to be more precise in your work, which can be especially helpful if you’re working on detailed projects.
  5. Better overall results – When everything comes together, investing in quality art supplies will result in better overall artwork that you can be proud of.

How to Get the Most Out of Expensive Supplies

Reusing Surfaces

It can be tempting to want to use every last drop of your expensive art supplies, but sometimes it pays to reuse surfaces. For example, if you’re painting with oil paint, you can use a piece of old cardboard or paper as a palette. If you’re using watercolors, you can tape down your paper so that you can reuse the reverse side. By reusing surfaces, you’ll be able to extend the life of your supplies and save money in the long run.

Stretching Canvas & Watercolor Paper

One of the best ways to get your money’s worth out of expensive art supplies is to properly stretch and store them. This will ensure that they last as long as possible and remain in good condition. Here are some tips on how to properly stretch canvas and watercolor paper:

  • Use a clean, dry surface when stretching canvas. Make sure there are no wrinkles or creases in the fabric.
  • Use stretcher bars that are the correct size for your canvas. Attach the bars securely so that they do not warp or bow over time.
  • When stretching watercolor paper, use moistened strips of paper or adhesive tape to secure the edges. Allow the paper to dry completely before framing or hanging it.
  • Store stretched canvases and watercolor papers in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. This will help prevent them from discoloring or fading over time.

Making Use of Scraps & Remnants

If you’re like most artists, you hate to see any of your art supplies go to waste. After all, they can be quite expensive! Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your scraps and remnants:

  1. Make smaller paintings or sketches.
  2. Use them as practice pieces.
  3. Frame them and give them away as gifts.
  4. Sell them at art fairs or online.
  5. Use them in collages or mixed media projects.
  6. Donate them to schools or community organizations.
  • Utilizing Art Supply Samples

One of the best ways to save money on expensive art supplies is to utilize art supply samples. Many companies that sell art supplies offer free samples of their products, which can be a great way to try out new products without committing to a full purchase. Additionally, many retailers will allow you to return unused samples for a full refund, so you can always get your money back if you’re not satisfied with a product.

To find art supply samples, simply search online or visit your local art store. Many stores keep a stock of free samples on hand, and they’ll often be happy to give them to you if you ask. If you’re unsure about whether or not a store offers free samples, it never hurts to call ahead and ask.

If you get your hands on some free art supplies, make sure to put them to good use. Experiment with different mediums and techniques to see what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different products until you find the perfect combination for your needs. And most importantly, have fun! Art should be enjoyable, so make sure to explore and experiment until you find what brings you the most joy.

Tips for Shopping on a Budget

When it comes to investing in art supplies, it is important to remember that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get quality products. There are a few tips you can follow to help you save money while shopping for art supplies:

  1. Shop around and compare prices before making a purchase.
  2. Look for sales and coupons to help you save money on your purchase.
  3. Buy in bulk when possible to get the best price per unit.
  4. Avoid buying impulsively and only buy what you need.
  5. Research products before purchasing them to ensure you are getting a good deal.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you are getting the most bang for your buck when shopping for art supplies.

Conclusion

Art supplies can be expensive, but with a little bit of thought and care, you can get the most out of them. When it comes to investing in art supplies, there are many different ways to save money while still getting what you need. From buying in bulk to researching cheaper alternatives online, there is no reason why you have to break the bank just to create your masterpiece. So take some time out today and start shopping around for those high-quality art supplies that will help make your artwork stand out from the rest!
In addition to finding ways to save money on art supplies, it is also important to take care of the supplies that you do purchase. Proper storage, maintenance, and cleaning will help to extend the life of your supplies so that you can get the most out of them. Additionally, don’t forget to check with local art supply stores for discounts or special offers. With the right combination of cost-saving measures and proper care, you can maximize your investment in art supplies and create beautiful artwork that will last a lifetime!

A collection of unfinished paintings

The Best Paper for Watercolor Painting

Introduction

Hello and welcome to Edgy Art for Outcasts. In this article, I will be talking about the different types of watercolor paper and my favorite kind that I absolutely can’t live without. Let’s jump right in!

Paper

Obviously paper is an essential for any watercolorist, but it’s the type of paper that matters. And there are so many to choose from. all respond differently to paint and water today. I’ll save that for another day. So be sure to follow/subscribe so you don’t miss out!

Hot Press Paper Blocks

Yes, although most watercolorists I’ve met, know of or follow online typically prefer Cold press, my heart will forever belong to Hot press paper. I do think Cold press is great depending on what you’re trying to do with it, here are the pros and cons

Cold Press

  • Very versatile
  • Suitable for not only experienced artists, but beginners as well
  • Rougher surface than hot press
    • Which does well with smooth washes or detailed work
  • Absorbs a lot of water more slowly which gives you more time for
    • Blending
    • Adding colors
    • Lifting color
This is one of the very first pieces I did -and finished- on hot press paper. This one specifically was 10”x14” Stonehenge Aqua Hotpress Paper Block

Hot Press

  • Very smooth, hard and sturdy surface
  • Holds onto color extremely well
    • Good for really detailed or bright work
  • Can be slippery, which could make it hard to control.
  • Blending can be difficult because the water soaks in quickly.
  • Lifting color is nearly impossible

Watercolor Paper Brands:

My favorite brand, by far, for cold or hot press paper is definitely Arches. It can be pricey so I prefer to get mine from websites like Blick Art Materials or amazon. The hot press paper blocks, the single sheets of rough cold press paper. It’s practically to die for. I definitely recommend giving it a try. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Brands like Canson, Strathmore and even Grumbacher are indeed good brands, but they are more for beginners as they pill more frequently and aren’t as high artist quality. another great brand for watercolor I like a lot is Legion. They have a lot of different types so be sure to check them out also.

Goth
Succulent
Forest Fae
Iris

What I’ve Learned So Far; Watercolor

Constantly Learning

I’m always learning new things when it comes to art. Whether it be about the materials, the technique or even myself. That’s what is so great about art, there is always room for improvement and always more to learn. I’m a self-taught artist because like many people, I can’t exactly afford to go to a good art school. Going to a good school does help, but I know plenty of people who became great artists by teaching themselves. You can do it too.

Materials:

Going in to watercolor, you might not want to spend too much money on supplies at first but let me tell you, the quality of your brushes, paper and paints makes a huge difference and it might just be worth the investment. To have paper that has less pilling, to have brushes that don’t fray or shed, and to have paints that give you bold, opaque colors can completely transform your artwork. You don’t want to spend your time layering a painting just to have the paper start pilling from soaking up too much water.

I’ll be making another post about which papers and brushes I like the best and prefer to use. So feel free to subscribe and keep a lookout for that.

Technique:

I’ll just start by saying, always, always with watercolor, paint from light to dark when you’re layering. Light colors will not show up over dark colors. However, if you want to add highlights, white or other light acrylic paints, pens, and colored pencils — the good ones, like prismacolor — will show up over your dark colors. Adding acrylic can actually add texture to your paintings.

Now, when lining your paintings, don’t use black sharpie because in the light, it leaves a glare. The same goes for some black pens. Instead, I’ve learned to use very opaque black watercolor paint, and if I don’t have dark enough paint, I use acrylic instead.

That’s all for now. I’ll be sure to include some tutorials of what I’m talking about in my future posts.

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Pricing Artwork with Imposter Syndrome

Tips on how to price your work are located further down, so feel free to skip pass my rambling if you’re just here for the info.

I can’t tell you how blown away I was by the responses I got the first time I asked for listing price opinions.

It was maybe 8:00AM and I had already been staring at my product listing page for about an hour before I finally realized there was no way I could accurately price this piece of mine. Frustrated and as far from decided as I could’ve ever been, I knew I needed to get something listed. Just to get me started, you know? But I had already spent weeks deciding exactly which of my original paintings would be the first one I listed for sale.

Sorting through probably a hundred —or so— different pieces, setting aside the ones that weren’t suitable for sale whatsoever. Paintings with uneven borders, pencil lines that wouldn’t erase and the paint didn’t completely cover, and obviously I couldn’t sell the ones I painted on the backside of previously failed projects, even if they did look flawless. Anyone buying my work deserved better than recycled paintings. If they weren’t perfect, they weren’t worthy.

Left with my smaller but still large pile of paintings to choose from, I raised my standards and started disqualifying paintings based on what sizes are usually preferred by other artists’ clients and fans, art collectors and enthusiasts.

The ones too small to fit into frames were definitely a no go, because I kept asking myself, “what would anyone even do with these tiny things?” And I kept giving myself the same answers… “Too small to display.” “If anyone wants something this small, I’m sure they would rather just buy one of my prints.” “The prints are going to be cheaper. You can do way more with a sticker than you can with a little scrap of paper.” If a painting was an odd shape or had unusual dimensions (like 6.5” wide, and nearly 18” long) then that was an automatic no.

I was narrowing the options down and didn’t realize that not only was I being unnecessarily and excessively critical of my work, but I was also being very closed minded about my customers, clients or audience would actually want. I’d forgotten that I could literally post just about anything on Etsy, and someone in the world would probably want it. It’s more a matter of that specific person finding the product than anything else.

However, a decision was eventually made. My final choice, “Betta”, a small watercolor and black ink painting —with slightly uneven borders.

This was my first piece listed, for only $36, which I now realize, I could’ve given myself a little more credit. It can just be so difficult to trust that your artwork might be something people actually want to buy. And for some reason, no matter how good my paintings are, I feel like they’re not worthy enough. But to be a professional artist, you’ve got to start somewhere. So here are a few guidelines on how to price your artwork if you’re like me and have some doubts about your worth as an artist.

How To Price Your Work:

  1. Multiply the painting’s width by its length to determine the total size in square inches
  2. Then decide how much to charge per inch,
  3. Calculate your hourly rate
  4. Calculate the cost of materials such as the frame, canvas, paper, etc.
  5. Be honest about the quality of your work. And if you have a hard time determining how good your work is, ask opinions from people you know will be honest with you such as friends, family or even people on social media.
  6. Put it all together

As an example, we’ll say this is for unframed oil painting at $2 per inch, on a 10″x10″ canvas is $200. Add the cost of a canvas, which is probably about $9.99 and round that to $210, if your hourly wage is $16 an hour and you’ve spent 3 hours in total on this painting, you should charge $258 for your painting. Now, that price may seem high but if your work is absolutely fantastic, then you’re worth it and they might even be worth more. if you’re not at that level yet, just lower your cost per inch and your hourly rate. And you can always look for similar types of artwork, art styles and see what other people are charging, if that helps make it easier to make a decision. Good luck!

Tips for Artists with Kids

Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com

It can be difficult to find the time to make art when you have little ones, especially young enough not to be in school yet. We love our kids but let’s be honest, it can be a little inconvenient to have little ones coming up and asking all of the questions -like kids do- about what you’re doing when you’re trying to concentrate. Or my favorite, when they grab the expensive art supplies and offer to help. Maybe you’re like me and you take videos of your art process for social media content. In that case, it can be difficult to get good takes when your little ones are sticking their faces and hands in front of the camera.

Whether art is your hobby, your profession or you hope for it to be your profession someday, the best way to improve or be consistent is by creating art all the time. That can be hard to do after having kids. With all the cleaning, meal making and spending time with them that you already do, it might leave little time for your own passions. And these tips might seem obvious but at least for me, it took me a while to learn them. I had basically been on hiatus from my painting after my second daughter was born until I eventually found out a couple easy ways to carve out the time for it. So, let’s get to it.

When the Kids are Sleeping

Early Mornings:

My kids usually wake up around 6-7 in the morning, so what i started doing was waking up earlier, usually around 5:00 to get in an hour of quiet time for myself. Which doesn’t just give me time to focus on my art but it really makes the rest of my day smoother. Having that time to unwind, drink my coffee and create in the quiet is my self care and “me time”.

Midmornings and Afternoons:

If you have kids that are still taking naps, naptime is the perfect time to get some artwork done. You won’t have the kids all up in your artwork, and the natural light outside will be perfect for creating or making content for socials.

Late Nights:

Late nights after the kids are asleep may not be ideal for lighting but I’ve personally found nights as a great time to come up with ideas and be creative. Nights are the time I set aside for rough drafts and concept drawings.

Including the Kids:

If finding the time to do art without the kids isn’t feasible, then here are a couple ways to include them in the activity.

Get Them Their Own Supplies

Personally, my watercolor supplies are pretty dang pricey and even though I adore my kids, I really can’t have them using up my expensive watercolor paper or fraying my expensive brushes. Instead, I just buy them kids art kits and supplies on places like

That way they can do their own thing while you do yours, and still get to spend quality time with you. And there is nothing wrong with getting them started with art young. My youngest daughter is 4, and I started having her paint watercolor with me when she was 3. And I even got her some small 10×7 canvases to practice acrylics on.

Getting your money’s worth: 6 ways to re-use watercolor paper

Are you tired of wasting watercolor paper every time you make a mistake or finish a painting? Don’t throw it away just yet! With these 6 creative and practical ideas, you can re-use your watercolor paper to its fullest potential. Say goodbye to wasted resources and hello to getting your money’s worth.

If you’re anything like me, you have a hard time throwing away pretty pieces of watercolor paper – but can’t keep them if they’re not quite “perfect.” If you can relate, then this post is for you! I’m sharing six different ways to re-use your watercolor paper so that you can feel good about using up every last scrap. Let’s dive in!

Introduction to Watercolor Paper

Watercolor paper is a paper specifically designed and manufactured for use with water-based media. As its name suggests, watercolor paper is ideal for painting with watercolors, but it can also be used for other wet media such as inks, gouache, and acrylics.

Watercolor paper is made from a variety of different materials including cotton, linen, wood pulp, and synthetic fibers. The type of material used will affect the absorbency and texture of the paper. Watercolor papers come in a variety of different weights or thicknesses, which is measured in pounds (lbs). Heavier papers are generally more durable and can hold up to multiple washes of paint without warping or buckling.

In addition to its weight, watercolor paper also comes in a variety of different textures including hot press (smooth), cold press (slightly textured), and rough (very textured). The type of texture you choose will depend on your personal preference and the type of painting you plan to do.

When purchasing watercolor paper, be sure to look for a product that is acid-free and archival quality. This will help ensure that your paintings will last for many years to come.

What can you do with it?

Watercolor paper is durable and thick. You don’t have to use it just for watercolor. It can be used for a variety of art projects. Here are some ideas of what you can do with watercolor paper:

Watch this video on my TikTok to see how I re-use my paper.
  1. The obvious one; Paint on it with watercolors – Watercolor paper is specially made to withstand the heavy pigments and wetness of watercolors. The thick paper will also prevent your colors from bleeding through to the other side.
  2. Draw on it with pencils, charcoal, or pastels – The smooth surface of some watercolor paper (like hotpress) is ideal for drawing and sketching. The thicker paper will also hold up better to erasing and reworking than thinner papers.
  3. Make collages – Watercolor paper’s sturdy construction makes it ideal for gluing down smaller pieces of paper or fabric to create a textured collage.
Unfinished artwork of mine

1. Create Collages

To create a watercolor collage, start by tearing or cutting your watercolor paper into small pieces. Next, use a glue stick to attach the pieces of paper to a larger piece of cardstock or construction paper. Once the glue is dry, you can begin painting your collage with watercolors. Experiment with different techniques and colors to create a unique work of art.

2. Use as Stencils

Assuming you don’t want to just throw away your watercolor paper after a project is complete, or if your piece got messed up, or didn’t turn out how you wanted it to, there are a couple different ways you can re-use it! One way is to use it as stencils for future paintings.

You can either draw or paint directly on the watercolor paper, then cut out the shape you want to use as a stencil. Or, if you’re feeling extra creative, you could fold the paper in half and cut out a symmetrical design. Once you have your stencil, simply place it on top of a new piece of watercolor paper and trace around it. Then fill in the tracing with whichever colors you’d like!

This is a great way to add interesting shapes and patterns to your paintings, and it’s a fun way to recycle old paper.

3. Print on the Paper

If you’re not ready to give up on your watercolor paper just yet, there are ways to make it last a bit longer. One way is to print on the paper, especially if it’s a piece that has gotten a little worn, or has some accidental paint splatters or drops on it. Printing a design over that, can actually hide it well depending on what kind of design you choose to do.

You can print on watercolor paper using any kind of printer, but inkjet printers work best. Once you have your printed design, you can also add other mediums such as gouache or acrylic paint to create more interesting textures and effects.

4. Paint on Both Sides of the Paper

  1. Begin by finding an old, unfinished, abandoned or failed painting.
  2. Flip it over and tape it to a board or table top
  3. Draw or transfer your outline. And begin painting.
    • You can continue to paint on either side of the paper until the paint no longer adheres well or the paper becomes too fragile to work with.
Outlining before I start painting

5: Create Postcards

This is a great way to use up small pieces of watercolor paper. Simply trim the paper down to postcard size (4”x6”), and then get creative! You can paint a landscape scene, write a letter to a friend, or even just doodle – the possibilities are endless. Once you’ve finished your design, add a stamp and address on the back and send it off in the mail.

6. Turn one sheet into more

If you’re using professional watercolor paper, did you know that you can actually get more than one use out of a single sheet? With a little bit of creativity, you can turn that one sheet into multiple paintings or sketches, and get your money’s worth out of it!

Here are some ways to get more use of of less paper:

1. Paint on both sides of the paper. This will obviously halve the amount of paper you have to buy, but it will also give your paintings interesting texture and variation.

2. Cut the paper into smaller pieces and use them as mats for smaller paintings or sketches. You can even frame them individually!

3. Use the paper as collage material. This is a great way to add interest and texture to your paintings.

4. Save your scraps and use them for testing colors or painting techniques. You don’t have to waste a whole sheet just to experiment!

5. If you accidentally ruin a painting, don’t toss the whole sheet – see if you can salvage part of it and turn it into something new.

These unfinished little things all came from a single sheet of Arches coldness watercolor paper.

With a little bit of creativity, you can get multiple uses out of a single sheet of watercolor paper!

Conclusion

Watercolor paper is an investment, so it’s important to get as much use out of it as possible. With these five ways to re-use your watercolor paper, you can make the most of your purchase and enjoy all the wonderful art you create! Whether you’re looking for a way to practice different techniques or just want to use up every last scrap of paper, we hope that these tips have given you some ideas on how to do just that. Give them a try and see what amazing artworks come from it!

Not Your Average Artists — A Deeper Understanding of Creators of Gothic Art

The Best Thing About Creating Art

Art is often about feelings and emotions–the things that we can’t quite explain or put into words but still feel deep within our hearts. It celebrates the differences in it’s creators and gives you a way to use your creativity to express yourself in an unconventional way.

Self-expression is a tool that can help you feel better about — and accept who you are or help you connect with others who share similar feelings.

You don’t have to be good at painting or drawing to express yourself through art; all that matters is that it makes you feel something.

Alternative Art

It’s dark, it’s moody, and it’s atmospheric
This is because artists want to express emotions that are difficult to convey any other way. Or they want to express emotions in a way that others can visually see, to understand or share in those emotions.

Gothic art celebrates the beauty of darkness; it revels in pain, suffering and death because these are universal experiences shared by everyone throughout history.

Ashy Page

The artists who create this type of artwork and embrace these things sometimes see no reason why others are scared of, ashamed by or uncomfortable with these common and inevitable parts of life.

Misconceptions

Continue reading “Not Your Average Artists — A Deeper Understanding of Creators of Gothic Art”