how to make watercolor

5 Magical Ways to Make Watercolor: A Beginner’s Guide to Unleashing Your Inner Artist

Watercolor painting is a beautiful and expressive medium that can be enjoyed by artists of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, making your own watercolor paints is a fun and rewarding way to save money and customize your art supplies.

In this blog post, you will learn everything you need to know about how to make watercolor. We’ll cover the different methods, the materials you’ll need, and some tips and tricks to help you get started. So grab your brushes and let’s get started!

Materials You’ll Need

Before you start making watercolor, you’ll need to gather a few materials. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:

• Gum arabic: This is the binder that will hold your pigments together.
• Pigments: These are the powdered colors that you will use to make your paint.
• Water: You’ll need water to mix your pigments and gum arabic.
• Glycerin: This is optional, but it can help to keep your paint from drying out too quickly.
• Honey: This is also optional, but it can help to give your paint a glossy finish.
• Containers: You’ll need containers to store your paint in.

Methods for Making Watercolor

There are several different methods for making watercolor. The method you choose will depend on the materials you have available and the type of paint you want to make.

Method 1: Using Gum Arabic

This is the most common method for making watercolor. It’s simple and produces high-quality paint.

1. In a bowl, combine 1 part gum arabic with 2 parts water.
2. Stir until the gum arabic is completely dissolved.
3. Add pigments to the mixture until you reach the desired color.
4. If desired, add glycerin or honey to the mixture.
5. Pour the mixture into containers and let it dry.

Method 2: Using Gelatin

Gelatin is a good substitute for gum arabic. It’s less expensive and easier to find, but it doesn’t produce as high-quality paint.

1. In a bowl, combine 1 part gelatin with 6 parts water.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the gelatin is dissolved.
3. Add pigments to the mixture until you reach the desired color.
4. If desired, add glycerin or honey to the mixture.
5. Pour the mixture into containers and let it dry.

Method 3: Using Egg Tempera

Egg tempera is a type of paint that is made with egg yolks and pigments. It’s a very durable paint, but it can be difficult to work with.

1. In a bowl, whisk together 1 egg yolk with 1 part water.
2. Add pigments to the mixture until you reach the desired color.
3. If desired, add glycerin or honey to the mixture.
4. Pour the mixture into containers and let it dry.

Method 4: Using Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint can be used to make watercolor, but it’s not as traditional as the other methods. Acrylic paint is more durable and water-resistant than watercolor, but it can be more difficult to control.

1. In a bowl, mix together 1 part acrylic paint with 2 parts water.
2. Add pigments to the mixture until you reach the desired color.
3. If desired, add glycerin or honey to the mixture.
4. Pour the mixture into containers and let it dry.

Method 5: Using Food Coloring

Food coloring can be used to make watercolor, but it’s not as pigmented as the other methods. Food coloring is also more likely to fade over time.

1. In a bowl, mix together 1 part food coloring with 2 parts water.
2. Add pigments to the mixture until you reach the desired color.
3. If desired, add glycerin or honey to the mixture.
4. Pour the mixture into containers and let it dry.

Tips for Making Watercolor

Here are a few tips to help you make the best watercolor paint:

• Use high-quality pigments. The quality of your pigments will affect the quality of your paint.
• Experiment with different colors. There are endless possibilities when it comes to making watercolor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and combinations.
• Add glycerin or honey to your paint. This will help to keep your paint from drying out too quickly.
• Let your paint dry completely before using it. This will help to prevent your paint from cracking or peeling.

Wrapping Up

Making your own watercolor paint is a fun and rewarding experience. With a little bit of practice, you can create beautiful, custom-made paints that will help you to express your creativity.

If you’re looking for more information on how to make watercolor, be sure to check out our other articles:

• How to Choose the Right Watercolor Paper
• How to Paint with Watercolor
• 10 Watercolor Techniques for Beginners

FAQ about Making Watercolor

How do I make watercolor from scratch?

P: Gather your materials: gum arabic, pigment, glycerine, water, and a palette.
A: Mix the gum arabic with water to create a binder.
S: Add the pigment and glycerine to the binder and mix well.

What kind of paper is best for watercolor?

P: Arches, Hahnemuhle, and Fabriano are popular choices.
A: Look for high-quality, acid-free paper that can absorb water well.
S: Heavier weight paper (140 lb or more) is less likely to buckle.

What brushes should I use for watercolor?

P: Natural hair brushes (e.g., sable, squirrel) hold water well.
A: Round brushes are versatile, while flat brushes can create broad strokes.
S: Experiment with different brush sizes and shapes to achieve various effects.

How do I mix watercolor colors?

P: Use a palette to mix colors.
A: Wet the brushes and pick up the pigments you want to mix.
S: Blend the colors by swirling the brushes together.

How do I create washes with watercolor?

P: Dip your brush in water and then in the pigment.
A: Apply the diluted paint to the paper in even, flowing strokes.
S: Let the wash dry before adding more layers.

How do I paint light and dark values with watercolor?

P: Use more water for lighter values and less water for darker values.
A: Layer colors to build up depth and contrast.
S: Experiment with different techniques to achieve the desired effects.

How do I prevent watercolor paint from bleeding?

P: Use masking fluid or tape to protect areas of the paper.
A: Wait for the first layer to dry before applying additional layers.
S: Avoid overworking the paint and use smooth, even strokes.

How do I fix mistakes when painting with watercolor?

P: Dampen a brush or sponge and gently lift the mistake.
A: Allow the area to dry and apply a new layer of paint.
S: If necessary, use masking fluid or tape to cover the mistake.

How do I preserve watercolor paintings?

P: Let the paintings dry completely.
A: Frame them with acid-free materials.
S: Store the paintings in a dry and protected environment.

How do I learn more about watercolor painting?

P: Take classes, read books, and practice regularly.
A: Join workshops or online communities to connect with other artists.
S: Study the works of master watercolorists for inspiration and techniques.