From the article you will learn how to paint flowers with gouache, create a picturesque rustic and Mountain landscape And. At the end given useful tips, which will help make the work easier and do it as accurately as possible.
The content of the article:
It's nice to look at paintings created by artists. Many people like to admire the paintings and mentally transport themselves to where the plot takes place. But not everyone knows that if you wish, you can become a painter and create canvases for yourself, your family, and give them to your friends. If you like this type of creativity and will be able to transfer scenes onto canvas, then this activity can be profitable if you sell paintings. So let's draw, and perhaps you will be so captivated and enjoy this activity that it will become your favorite hobby and even a source of income.
How to draw flowers with gouache
This is one of the most spectacular types of paint. Paintings made using this technique look voluminous and look great. Sometimes a pencil sketch is first made, then the contours are painted over - the dark elements are done first, then increasingly lighter ones.
If you need to draw a landscape in which most of the sky is occupied, then using the filling method, its background is painted, and then the details are drawn.
If you want to reproduce poppies like this on canvas, start your drawing by creating a background. To work you will need:
- gouache;
- palette;
- paper for watercolor or gouache;
- brushes;
- cloth;
- jar of water.
So, before depicting flowers in gouache, starting from the upper right corner, touch up a sheet of paper with straight diagonal movements, not reaching the bottom. Here, paint it with light green paint.
Now mix green and yellow colors, draw a few light blades of grass in the foreground of the canvas. Add yellow highlights. Watch the video at the end of the article, which explains step by step how to draw flowers with gouache.
Now in a cell of the palette, mix white paint with a small amount of emerald and add a few light highlights to the canvas.
Now make a light pink paint, adding a little white to the red, and use a thin brush to apply highlights to the flowers.
To paint with watercolors, you can use various brushes, each of them has its own number. The thicker the brush, the higher the number. To draw the background, use voluminous wide brushes, and thin ones to depict small details.
Next you need to mix green and white paint to paint the buds and petals. Now draw the core of the poppy in black. Add a little green to the white paint and paint highlights on the buds and stems.
Here's how to paint flowers with gouache to make them look as realistic as possible. With the help of this paint, picturesque paintings are also created.
How to easily draw a winter landscape with gouache
For beginners, such a drawing should not cause difficulties, since it is very easy to create.
For work take:
- a set of artistic gouache, consisting of 12 colors;
- sheet of A 3 format;
- 2 flat pig bristle brushes No. 9 and 18;
- palette;
- a jar of water.
For application thick paint a palette knife is used on the canvas, as well as for mixing and cleaning the palette. Using it, paint is applied in relief or even strokes.
This is the tool you will need to draw mountains. If you don't have a palette knife, then replace it with a small, dull knife. You can adapt the most unusual items, for example, use a slightly sharpened ice cream stick, or make a palette knife from an old business card holder.
Mix purple, blue and white paint. Using diagonal movements from right to left, apply several confident strokes on the canvas. The paint in this place should be in a thick layer. Let it dry and apply over white. Then continue painting the landscape with gouache.
Now mix dark green and purple and use the resulting paint to paint fir trees on the left side of the canvas. To do this, make horizontal strokes with a large flat brush, they should be longer at the bottom than at the top. Draw the tops of the Christmas trees.
Next, use whitewash to make them snowy. Also draw white clouds on background. On the right you can depict another Christmas tree. Below the line of the mountains, draw the outlines of the forest and create snowdrifts in the foreground using white paint. She will also help you draw them in the center of the landscape.
Here's how to paint with gouache so you can get something like this painting. If you liked the theme of mountains, you can create several more landscapes, first making a pencil sketch.
How to draw a landscape step by step
If you have never done this before, then you can enlarge the presented pencil drawing, attach a sheet of paper to it and simply redraw it.
Here we see all the necessary outlines:
- clouds;
- foreground vegetation;
- bushes
Draw the clouds using white. Apply a few strokes of the same light paint to create white highlights in the sky.
For the mountains you will need a brown tone, here you can use some green strokes to paint the vegetation.
Using the same paint, depict a meadow. Dark green strokes will fall on the canvas in the form of bushes. The same paint will help you paint the stems of plants; you will paint flowers using yellow.
How to draw nature with gouache
We will also begin to create nature with pencil sketch. To simplify the task, also attach a piece of paper to the screen and redraw. Now green depict the forest in the center and left in the background. While this paint dries a little, apply blue to the sky and the flowing river.
Apply a light green tone to the lower part of the forest. Now let's work with yellow paint. With this tone, gild the tops of the trees and the lower part of the forest on the left.
Cover some trees with dark green paint, as shown in the photo. When it dries, apply a yellow or light green tone to make the painted trees more realistic.
Paint the coastal rocks dark purple, then apply gray and crimson tones here. Add small details to the trees, and the gouache painting, depicted in stages, is ready.
You can draw a beautiful landscape by watching the video. A step-by-step lesson will help you create a different picture.
Village landscape in gouache
This is what you will get as a result of your work. But first you need to work a little. Paint the sky with blue, white and burgundy paint. Mix it directly on the sheet, adding water.
While this part of the painting is drying, wash your brush. You need to use it to draw the trees located in the background and the ground. Use dark brown paint to depict a tree trunk, and a thin brush to depict branches.
But what rural landscape without rural houses? Draw them in the background using orange, black and brown.
You will create foliage using the following interesting method. Take a brush with round bristles, dip it in yellow, burgundy, green and tap the paper to paint the foliage.
Draw the flowers in the same way, but using red, yellow, and pink paint.
You've got a colorful village landscape that will decorate a wall in your room or become a much-needed gift. You have learned how to paint with gouache. In conclusion, check out some useful tips that will help you do it correctly and accurately.
When using gouache, follow these tips:
- Gouache is sold in tubes and small jars. Buy it in the packaging you like best.
- You don't have to buy a lot of flowers at once. The main thing is to purchase the necessary ones: white, blue, black, yellow, red, brown. You can create some others by mixing these paints.
- Before you apply colors to the canvas, even if you don't mix gouache, apply it to your palette first. This way you won’t make a mistake in color and can make the paints of the desired thickness by adding required amount water.
- If the gouache cracks, add a little gum arabic to it and stir well.
- Wait for them to dry before adding additional coats of paint on top of the first or lower ones.
- Since gouache is water-based, when you're done and the paint is dry, coat it with varnish. It is better to process each color separately, thoroughly rinsing the brush, which will absorb the paint.
Having learned useful tips and read about how to paint flowers and landscapes with gouache, you will be able to create amazing paintings using this paint and have a pleasant time doing an interesting activity.
All children love to draw. But sometimes things don’t turn out the way a child wants. Or maybe he doesn’t have enough familiar ways to express himself? Then you can inspire him to experiment with different techniques, among which there is sure to be a favorite one. After this, your child will probably want to invent something new.
Bright Side I have collected the most interesting techniques for you.
Dot patterns
First we draw the simplest squiggle. Then using cotton swab and paints (gouache or acrylic) we make intricate patterns as the soul pleases. It is better to pre-mix the paints and dilute them slightly with water on the palette.
Frottage
A technique familiar and loved by many since childhood. We place an object with a slightly protruding relief under a sheet of paper and paint over it with pastel, chalk or an unsharpened pencil.
Foam prints
Having dipped a sponge in thick gouache, the child can draw landscapes, bouquets of flowers, lilac branches or animals.
Blotography
One option: drop paint onto a sheet and tilt it in different directions to create an image. Second: the child dips the brush into the paint, then places the blot on a sheet of paper and folds the sheet in half so that the blot is imprinted on the second half of the sheet. Then he unfolds the sheet and tries to understand who or what the drawing resembles.
Hand and foot prints
It's simple: you need to dip your foot or palm in the paint and make an imprint on paper. And then use your imagination and add a couple of details.
Paint patterns
For such an application you need to apply a thick layer of paint onto the paper. Then, using the opposite end of the brush, scratch patterns on the still wet paint - various lines and curls. When dry, cut out the desired shapes and paste them onto a thick sheet of paper.
Fingerprints
The name speaks for itself. You need to paint your finger with a thin layer and make an imprint. A couple of strokes with a felt-tip pen - and you're done!
Monotype
A design is applied to a flat, smooth surface (for example, glass) with paint. Then a sheet of paper is applied, and the print is ready. To make it more blurry, the sheet of paper must first be wetted. Once everything is dry, you can add details and outlines if desired.
Scratch
The highlight of the work is that the drawing needs to be scratched. A sheet of cardboard is densely shaded with spots of multi-colored oil pastel. Then you need to mix black gouache with soap on a palette and paint over the entire sketch. When the paint is completely dry, use a toothpick to scratch the design.
Air colors
Marbled paper
Paint a sheet of paper with yellow acrylic paint. When it is completely dry, paint it again with diluted pink paint and immediately cover it cling film. The film needs to be crumpled and gathered into folds, since they are the ones that will create the desired pattern. We wait until it dries completely and remove the film.
How to use acrylic paints correctly? This is a simple science, but it has many significant nuances. There is practically no need to learn how to apply them correctly on the chosen base - acrylic painting does not require any special techniques. Quite the contrary - with these paints you can work in any style and on any surface. Acrylic is perfect for working with both a palette knife and regular art brushes. The structure of the paints allows you to draw thin graceful lines and broad strokes in the picture with equal success.
Today we will look at what is better to draw on acrylic paints.
How to paint with acrylic paints on canvas?
Canvas - this is an ideal base for acrylic, because on it opens up best qualities this paint. Among them are:
- water resistance - acrylic is essentially a liquid plastic, which is why after drying it is completely waterproof, and it is at least very difficult to damage it in conditions of high humidity;
- The transparency of the paint can vary depending on your wishes. This is very simple to do - just dilute it with water (however, no more than 20%);
- mixing. In order to get the desired shade, darken or slightly lighten the tone of acrylic, simply mix several of the desired colors.
Thus, to the question: “Is it possible to do acrylic painting?”, the answer will be unequivocal - of course, yes. Moreover, you can work in absolutely any technique, since acrylic is ready for any challenge.
If you paint with acrylic paints on canvas, then you need to adhere to the following rules:
- Before you start painting, make sure your paints are in good condition. Keep in mind that acrylic dries quickly, and the drier it is, the more difficult it is to work with. Therefore, do not forget to periodically wet the palette with water.
- Start with drawing large details, change large brushes to thinner ones. Think about it: perhaps it will be more convenient for you to paint large areas with a more transparent tone, and make the details bright.
- Periodically dry your brushes with a clean cloth.
- Don't be afraid to mix different colors and mix the paint with water in the correct proportion (no more than 20 percent water).
How to paint with acrylic paints on nails?
The water resistance and vapor permeability of acrylic attracted the attention of manicurists. They didn’t even doubt whether it was possible to paint with this paint on their nails, because it significantly expanded their capabilities. One tube of this wonderful decorative material could simultaneously serve as a base layer, translucent toner and modeling paste. It also has another very attractive property - it can be mixed with different solid particles, such as glitter and modulators. There are a lot of master classes on the Internet that will help you learn step by step how to make elegant drawings with acrylic paints on gel polish.
Of course, discussions about whether it is possible to paint with acrylic on nails coated with gel polish do not subside, because many still consider this material too toxic for such close contact. However, we hasten to reassure you - high-quality artistic paint does not pose any threat to health.
How to paint with acrylic paints on paper?
Is it possible to use this paint to paint paper sheets, and what paper is best to do this on? This is enough frequently asked question for those who use acrylic for the first time. And this is not surprising, because for this coloring material the right basis very important. The fairly dense structure of the paints and some features of their use do not allow working with thin and smooth leaves. Therefore, if you want them to fit correctly on the base, opt for thick embossed paper or cardboard. This rule will answer you one more very important question: Is it possible to paint with acrylic on wallpaper? This technique of artistic painting on walls is often used in designer renovations. And all because a small drawing made by a master’s hand can completely transform a room.
What wallpaper can you draw on? The answer to this is not so simple. On the one hand, the chemical characteristics of acrylic make it absolutely compatible with any material, on the other hand, painting embossed textured wallpaper is quite difficult (but at the same time realistic). Thus, when deciding on painting finishing materials, first of all focus on the complexity of the design and your level of skill.
How to paint with acrylic paints on fabric?
As mentioned earlier, acrylic is absolutely compatible with any base material, so the answer to the question of whether it can be used to paint on silk or any other fabric is clear. Of course you can. However, before you start working on clothing, pay attention to the material it is made of. Natural fabric dyed with synthetic dye is more resistant to frequent washing and constant mechanical stress than synthetic fabric. Therefore, it is the composition of the material that will primarily determine whether something can be drawn on clothes, and what kind of thing it is better to do it on.
To apply an acrylic design to fabric, use step-by-step painting or ready-made stencils (this will not particularly affect the overall result). If you are working with such dyes for the first time, then it makes sense to first practice on an old T-shirt. This way you can accurately determine the brush number you need, as well as the desired paint thickness.
What can you paint on with acrylic paints?
As you already understand, the number of materials that acrylic is compatible with is truly amazing. You can draw with it on almost any surface without any fear of possible consequences. The only question that is in doubt is: is it possible to make drawings on the face? There is no doubt about the excellent quality of the drawing, but whether you can wash it off later is questionable. However, the Internet is replete with ideas for painting with acrylic on leather (or rather, products made from it).
A lot can be said about the versatility of acrylic paints - they can be used to paint on felt boots, on ceramics and on a concrete wall with equal success. They are used even on an industrial scale, making drawings on factory dishes or painting jewelry.
How to paint with acrylic paints on wood?
When painting on wood, it is worth remembering that this material should not be painted without a primer - the material will absorb too much paint, and the drawing will turn out uneven. This rule applies exclusively to natural unpainted wood. When applying a pattern to an already painted surface, no primer is needed. However, when painting on plywood, it is still worth applying an adhesive layer - it will ensure reliable adhesion of the decorating material and the smooth base.
We paint flowers with acrylic paints
The technique of drawing a rose or tulip step by step with acrylic is no different from that used when working with oil paints, watercolors or gouache. This is often used when restoring furniture, accessories and jewelry. New material will be able to replace other types of dyes, and besides, it is also much stronger than them.
Acrylic coloring pigments are widely used in restoring toys. With their help, you can correct or re-draw the doll's eyes and lips, or even completely redraw her face.
Using acrylic, you can also paint abstract paintings, use abstraction to decorate a vintage box, or transfer it to an old T-shirt. To be honest, there is not much difference in what to draw with this material (winter, clouds, and a Christmas tree turn out equally well).
There are no special secrets to learning how to paint with acrylic from scratch. However, it is worth knowing some tricks of working with acrylic.
Firstly, you need to make sure that the paint is always wet - acrylic dries very quickly.
Secondly, always work in overalls - then it will be almost impossible to wash off the coloring pigment.
Thirdly, monitor the quality of the paint. The thing is that unscrupulous manufacturers often use harmful and toxic ingredients. This is why it is so difficult to answer the question of whether pregnant women and young children can paint with such paints. This can be done if you completely trust the manufacturer and use well-ventilated areas for work.
And we have a channel in Yandex.Zen
Subscribe to receive the latest materials as soon as they are published!
7 basic techniques for painting with watercolors, acrylics, gouache
A box of paints can give an amusing trip into a fantasy world. Amazing images, enchanting landscapes, fairy-tale heroes. You can learn how to create drawings with pencil and paints according to the instructions, step-by-step recommendations. Prepare a set of brushes and paper, sponges and napkins, simple pencils and sponges. Be patient and get started! Drawings with paints for beginners - that's what we'll talk about today.
Let's look at drawing methods for beginners with three types of paint:
Study this review and choose what you will be more comfortable working with when doing drawings for beginners. So, let's learn to paint!
How to paint with watercolors correctly
Beloved by many artists, young children and fairly experienced adults, watercolor can be used for painting in the most different techniques. How to learn to draw this magic paint, even a novice artist can easily understand. Beginners will be able to quickly master drawing techniques, and professionals will have inspiration and a whole galaxy of new ideas.
There are 7 basic watercolor painting techniques for beginner artists.
Paint with a flat brush
First, you need to draw an image of a square or triangle so that the beginning and end of the layer are marked. Then choose darker shades. Immediately use the upper left corner. Gently touch the brush to the paper, draw a line straight to the top right corner and draw a masterpiece!
Left-handers should draw in the reverse position - starting from the right corner.
Gradient
Start drawing with a square or rectangle. Choose a darker shade by mixing on the palette. Next comes a layer of light shade, it will merge with the previously drawn one to achieve an interesting combination of color transitions.
Glaze
Improvise, fantasize: a combination of light transparent tones will allow you to get great combinations.
You need to wait for each layer to dry.
"Wet" technique
For spectacular designs, you need to evenly distribute the moisture over the surface of the paper - this will provide a satin look. Start with the background. This drawing technique allows you to achieve a hypnotizing effect.
Dry brush painting lessons
First you need to sketch the image with a pencil. You need to apply the paint after you have removed the excess with a napkin.
No excess moisture
You will need to stock up on sponges. Excess moisture must be removed from the sheet. Do not rub the paper vigorously. This job can be done well with makeup sponges.
Technique for bleaching paint that has dried
You will need clean matter and water. It is necessary to wet the area of the drawing, gently wipe and remove any remaining moisture using a dry brush.
Techniques for using different paints
How to paint with acrylic
Acrylic paint perfectly combines the best properties of watercolor and oil, and after drying the paintings are not afraid of moisture and sunlight. Simple drawings Even a child can do this with such paints.
The universal properties of acrylic lie in the ability to apply each subsequent layer to the previous image. Unlike watercolor, you don't have to wait for a layer to dry before applying a new one. Explore easy instructions and get started!
To begin with, you can learn to use six colors. Later, the palette will gradually expand to 18 shades. Also prepare:
- The surface for the painting is wood, glass, plastic, paper, cardboard, canvas.
- A set of brushes made of synthetic and natural materials.
To obtain high-quality paint, it must be diluted with a solvent or water. Undiluted paint is used on synthetic surfaces and dries faster.
There are several techniques for painting with acrylic:
- Wet - on a canvas that has been moistened with warm water.
- Dry - using several brushes.
- The method of glazing in layers is to apply a thick layer and then paint a picture.
- “Impasto” – similar to oil paints, with wide, clearly visible strokes.
For a drawing, a novice artist needs to choose a base surface and paint in a jar or tube. Choose a drawing technique that interests you. Prepare a palette of colors.
Synthetic brushes are more suitable for working with undiluted paints. If you choose watercolor technique, it is better to take natural bristles.
At the end, you can additionally apply strokes with a felt-tip pen, ink, marker, gel pen, or pencil. The simplest technique Even a child can master drawing from scratch.
Once you master the basics of the technique, you will be able to draw on fabric and glass, create aerial landscapes or portraits. Even painting your favorite T-shirt will be easy if you learn how to work with acrylic.
On video: step by step lessons acrylic painting.
How to draw with gouache
Children master drawings with gouache paints for beginners in early age. This paint is loved by kids for its ease of application and because the image does not blur, unlike watercolors. Gouache allows you to get more vibrant drawings.
For older people, instructions from the Internet will help them create a unique landscape. The basis of the pattern can be the following surfaces:
There are the following types of gouache:
Sketch right away with a simple pencil. When learning to draw, start with dark shades, gradually moving to light tones. Mix paints on color wheel. Step-by-step drawing with children will allow you to get beautiful images on paper.
If you mix adjacent colors in a sector, you will get a dirty shade. Shadow can be rendered with green, blue or purple, but not black.
Whatever technique you choose, the main thing is that inspiration comes to you. We wish that all the works are successful, that you like them, and that they give you ideas for further creativity. With the help of such an activity you can throw out your emotions and impressions. Draw with confidence and pleasure!
Master classes on painting with watercolors and gouache (2 videos)
What to draw when you're bored?
What can you draw when you're bored? A question to which lessdraw.com actually has a hundred answers, but let's talk about everything in order.
The simplest ideas for beginners
Not all of us can draw well, and we don’t really want to bother with complex drawings in those moments when we’re just bored. I offer a whole range of cool and interesting drawings, which you can draw in those moments when you or your child really want to take up drawing to kill boredom:
More ideas
What else can you draw when you're bored? Let's get creative.
I’ll leave you with some cool drawings for inspiration - if you still haven’t figured out what to draw when you’re bored, just look at the gallery and choose what you like!
Drawing lessons
How to draw a landscape step by step
Drawing with paints is not only very interesting, but also educational. A landscape executed in different techniques calms, gives positive emotions and instills in the artist a sense of beauty.
From our lesson you will learn how to draw a landscape step by step and what you will need for this.
Landscape
Painting with watercolor or gouache provides a wide choice of landscapes. 
For example, one of the most impressive subjects for drawing is mountains. They can be either smooth, like a mountain range, or sharp. By depicting mountains, you have the opportunity to show the contrast between sky and earth, high plains and slopes.
Another significant point is the weather. It’s very exciting to paint winter mountains: you can “play” with shadow and light, with different shades and reflections on the white snow. Ultramarine, yellowish, turquoise, ocher or burgundy color– all this is quite appropriate on snow cover. The main thing is to choose the right color scheme.
A summer landscape depicting mountains will be no less interesting for novice artists. Picturesque and beautiful: warm shades of grass or cool colors on pine branches, a riot of greenery and colors. At the same time, you do not need to carefully draw them - the bolder and freer the brush lies in your hand, the easier and more relaxed the picture will be.
Important: landscape is not only nature, but also a certain atmosphere, into the creation of which we invest our mood and emotions.
Where does the landscape begin?
Any drawing must begin with a layout on a sheet of paper. Make the sky smaller than the earth or vice versa. Please note that these parts do not have to be the same.
If you are drawing mountains, be sure to think about which peak will be higher and which will be lower. You should not depict identical mountains, although this happens in reality. It is best to make them different compositionally, which will add a certain dynamics to your drawing.
Pay special attention to objects located in the foreground - what is closest to the artist, that is, to you. The foreground is always drawn more diligently and in more detail than the background.
Now let's try to draw a mountain landscape in gouache.
Landscape in gouache step by step: drawing mountains
Stage 1
Take special A3 drawing paper and make a preliminary sketch, mixing white and blue gouache, paint over the sky. While it is still wet, paint clouds with white gouache, using a circular motion with the brush to create a mixture of colors. Using this technique will make the sky cloudy and a little fantastical. 
Stage 2
Let's move on to the image of the mountains. Mix white gouache with blue, add a little purple and completely paint over the mountains. Mix the same color with white and immediately paint over the areas of the mountains that are located in the light. In order not to disturb the aerial perspective at the base of the mountains, make the color light. 
Now comes the fun part! Do you want to learn how to draw a landscape step by step for beginners? various options? Then let's draw snow-capped mountains.
Stage 3
Using a palette knife, scoop up some whitewash and, pressing lightly until the paint is dry, use the tip of the palette knife to make slits on the mountain. Paint the shadow areas in the same way, only with a bluish tint of gouache.
Important: do not use a large number of gouache and do not mix it with water - the paint should be thick. Practice first on a separate sheet of paper and only then start drawing. 
Stage 4
Mix white with blue gouache, and then use smooth strokes to walk at the foot of the mountains. 
Stage 5
Now mix blue paint with green and paint a forest. Add ocher or other shades of yellow and green to depict a forest. Use the same colors to paint the ground.
Stage 6
Paint the lake by mixing white and blue gouache and adding a little green. 
Stage 7
Final step. Again, mix the blue and green paint, and then, making large strokes, paint over the future bushes. 
Stage 8
Using light ochres and greens, complete the bushes. 
OK it's all over Now. You have successfully completed the task and painted a beautiful mountain landscape.
More articles on gouache painting can be found in the special section
Landscape in watercolors step by step: painting a sunset
Next we will look at how to paint a sunset using watercolors. Everything you need in in this case– watercolor and watercolor paper. Let's get started?
Stage 1
Without making a preliminary sketch and after moistening the sheet a little with water, start painting the sky. To do this, take blue, purple, pink and orange watercolor colors. You can draw the clouds the way you like, mixing colors and creating unusual transitions. 
Stage 2
While the paint is still wet, mark more dark color long shot - it should be different from the sky. And a little closer to you, using a dark purple tint, make the plan even darker. Also draw a small fluffy tree and leave the work until completely dry. 
Stage 3
Using a dark purple hue, paint the tree trunk, adding burgundy splashes in some places. Paint the ground with the same color to make it look as much like the roots of a tree as possible.
Then, using a thin brush, slowly draw tree branches of different widths and lengths: thick and thin, long and short. Make the branches a little lighter in the background and darker in the foreground. 
Ready! You yourself painted a colorful and very beautiful sunset.
So, we have learned how to draw mountains and a sunset, but no less interesting will be a detailed analysis of landscape painting techniques and the nuances of choosing paint: gouache or watercolor.
More articles on painting with watercolors can be found in the special section
There are many techniques to paint a landscape with paints. But if you are a beginner artist, then step by step drawing It will be easier using gouache. It is easy to use: it has no specific odor, easily mixes with water and washes off. Any brushes are suitable for working with gouache, but it is best to give preference to pony or synthetic brushes.
This technique is also suitable for beginners because if you make a mistake, it can be easily corrected by painting it with another layer of paint. In addition, the next layer applied to the dried pigment will not mix with the previous one. The main difference between gouache and acrylic oil paints– she can draw more freely, without fear of making a mistake. 
It doesn’t matter how you draw parts of the picture - all at once or separately. For example, you can first paint over the ground and sky with gouache, and then paint the foreground, trees and clouds.
Note: to speed up your work, apply paint to objects immediately, without leaving it “for later.” Agree, it is much easier to do everything in one stage, rather than wait for the painting to “dry”.
This option for painting a landscape is no less interesting and is also quite suitable for beginning artists. You can easily master the watercolor technique if you know some tricks and important rules.
Painting with watercolors is primarily about working with layers. The paint is translucent, which means mixing each new layer with the previous one cannot be avoided.
- Errors are excluded - this is what anyone who picks up watercolors needs to know.
- The key to success is thick paper. The rough special surface perfectly absorbs watercolor paint and guarantees a good effect.
- Nearby objects must be painted with bright colors, everything else must be mixed with water and pale. Unlike oil, acrylic or gouache, watercolors are written “liquidly”.
- When working with watercolors, it is best to use brushes with natural squirrel or pony bristle.
And, of course, do not forget that painting a landscape with paints in several stages is a rather difficult task for a beginning artist. Many questions arise here: how to arrange everything on a sheet, how to get a certain color, how to highlight this or that object, etc. Answers come only with experience.
The best advice that can be given to all beginners in painting is to practice more - draw the most ordinary objects. Remember that the sooner you understand that realism directly depends on highlighting some details and creating contrast, the sooner everything will work out.
So what is landscape? This is good training for any artist and keeps you from getting lost. main topic images and at the same time gives freedom of imagination.
Hi all! You really asked me to publish watercolor painting lessons, and I thought for a long time where to find suitable material, because this topic is not new, and there is already a lot of different information on the Internet, so I decided not to invent it, but to use materials from foreign authors. This article is the first, but not the last. I hope you enjoy it and find it useful!
This article covers the basics you need to know to get started with watercolors. However, if you continue to scratch your head after reading, then please feel free to ask questions in the comments! I will be happy to answer you!
Before I started writing this article, I decided to do a little research on the Internet about painting. watercolor for beginners. Thus, I reasoned, I would not miss a single moment, and would write best post. But good God... I've been painting with watercolors all my life, and the information I found on Google stunned me. After three too many overwhelming articles, I threw up my hands and decided that I would show you how I, personally, work with watercolors - and the adjective to my watercolor approach is “simple”.
Tools and materials
First, I want to talk about the materials and tools you will need. Of course, the most obvious tool would be a watercolor set.
I prefer the set from Greenleaf & Blueberry. It's a little pricey, but I love it! However, if you are just starting out, there is no need to invest in expensive kits.
Advice from the site:
Go to the nearest art store and buy an art set of watercolor paints that suits your price, the main thing is that it is not for children 😉
If you live in the outback, where it is difficult to find such a product, then you can order a set through an online store. So that you can get an idea of the cost, I’m sending you examples of sets that are easy to find in our country:
Finally you will need pure water and fabric(I use an old dinner napkin) or paper towel to dry the brush.
Any glassware will do, I use an old mug.
Transparency of watercolor
The great thing about painting with watercolor is that you have complete control over the opacity of the paint. Watch how one color can change depending on the ratio of water and paint on the brush!
The picture on the left shows what a brush stroke looks like with a lot of water and a little paint. The illustration in the middle has a more equal ratio of water to paint. The picture on the right has more paint than water.
You may be thinking, “That's all well and good, but how can I control this water/paint ratio?” Before you do anything, apply a drop or two of water directly to the cuvettes you plan to use. This will wet the paint and make it ready to go. Then, you can do one of two things:
1. Use a palette
You can take a palette and mix three different shades of the same color on it. For the first color, use a brush to apply about eight drops of water into the indentation. Then, dip the still wet brush into the already moistened watercolor and transfer the color to the palette.
Apply about five drops of water into the second cavity. Again, dip your still wet brush into the watercolor and transfer the color into the water. Be sure to agitate the brush so that all the paint comes off! If this new color is very similar to your first, add more paint.
For the darkest shade, you will simply work directly with paint from the pan, the shade should be very saturated.
2. We work directly from the watercolor set
You can use the concentration of water on your brush to control the shade of the paint. If you want a very light shade, wet your brush well with water and touch the tip of the brush to the paint. If, when transferring to paper, you find that the concentration of paint is too high, dip your brush in water again, and apply this water directly into the paint on the paper. The color will become more transparent! For midtones, you'll still be applying watercolor with a damp brush, but using more paint. For darker tones, I dab my brush with a tissue (it will still be damp, but not saturated) and then take the paint straight from the kit.
Mixing
The reason we looked into transparency is for mixing and overlaying colors. By using various shades With one color you can make any look come true. I'm going to show you how to turn a circle into a ball using watercolor blending and transparency:
1. First, draw a circle in the lightest shade.
2. Assume the light is at the top right as shown in the picture. Accordingly, the shadow will be in the lower left corner of the circle. To start painting the shadow, use your brush to pick your medium shade. Draw the shadow as if it is “hugging” a crescent-shaped circle, like this:
3. You can see that there is now a definite separation between the shadow and the highlight. To get rid of this difference and create a smooth transition, you need to mix the colors together - an easy task when painting with watercolors! To mix, submerge the brush in water to remove any remaining paint from the brush. Dry the brush to make sure all the paint is gone, then wet the brush bristles again with water. Then, place the brush on the separation between the shadow and the highlight and drag the middle shade with water, it will blur. Soon, you won't be able to tell where the mid-tone and light end and where the shadow begins!
4. Now it's time to add a dark shadow to the bottom of the circle. Apply a dark shade around the bottom of the sphere, as in the photo.
5. Mix the dark shade the same way you did with the middle shade, and voila!
6. You can add a drop shadow if you want. To do this, draw a thin line on the opposite side of the light below the sphere, like this:
Then, you need to draw out the color with a brush dipped in water until it disappears.
You might find it easier to understand the concept of blending/shading if you watch the video:
If you want more practice with blending and shaping, I'd recommend painting these shapes in different colors:
You could make the sphere green, the cube blue, etc. Drawing shapes like these helps you understand how to make things look three-dimensional. Yes, it can be a little boring... but so rewarding!
Mixing watercolors
To mix watercolors, you definitely need a palette, whether built into your kit or separate. The process of mixing colors is simple: apply one color to the palette and then add another color. Mix them together and you get a new color!
If you have a small selection of colors in a set, knowing how to mix will come in handy. There are many sources that tell you what colors to mix together to achieve the desired result.
If your mixed color dries out in your palette, don't worry. You can re-wet it and it will be as good as new no matter how much time has passed.
Today on the Internet you can find a lot of different information about. Of course, each artist’s approach to work may differ from each other. And every way of drawing will be correct!
Nevertheless, I decided to make my tiny contribution to the “web of the Internet”, since I work with this type of paint, along with traditionally oil and varnish stained glass paints. You can view my paintings in different execution techniques at
The whole complexity of painting with acrylic paints lies in the details. The general principles of applying these paints and their combinations differ little from oil. But nevertheless, mixing, applying them to the surface, as well as transparent glazing are somewhat specific. Previously I wrote in painting.
For those who are just looking at acrylic and trying to paint for the first time, it is useful to take the first steps using a proven method. That's why this article appeared: I will tell you in it how to paint with acrylic paints in such a way as to take into account their main features. This is, of course, not an absolute rule, since any painting is a whole living world and accordingly, improvisation in art is welcome.
Two sketches with acrylic paints
In the photo I select one of the acrylic sketches for further work on canvas with oil.
IN musical art most likely there would be no jazz if it were not for the virtuoso musical improvisation of the musicians. By the way, did you know that many musicians have shown talent in fine arts? Take an interest and see for yourself the talent
In the future, if you decide to continue working with them, you will be able to experiment with certain subtleties, improvising and creating your own music on canvas! So, let's go...
Getting started: preparing the palette, brushes and paints
You can paint with acrylic paints on cardboard, on thick paper intended for acrylic, but it is better, of course, to use a suitable canvas for acrylic painting. Therefore, painting with acrylic paints on canvas will be the right decision!
If you are not ready to paint on canvas now, then start simple, with acrylic paper, with a canvas structure. You can later glue such work onto thick cardboard, hardboard or canvas. And as they say, frame it and hang it on the wall!
Supplies before starting acrylic painting
Already at the stage of preparation for work, you need to take into account the main features of acrylic paints.
First feature: they dry very quickly, both on the palette and on the canvas. Therefore, to prepare paints, you need to either use a special palette or constantly maintain them in a semi-liquid state. If you decide to apply the masks impasto or with a palette knife, then this feature will only help you.
How long does acrylic paint take to dry?
Everything directly depends on the thickness of the stroke; the thinner it is, the faster the acrylic dries! If the drying speed in acrylic painting confuses you, and you are hesitant to try them in your work because of this, then don’t worry. Today on Art Space appeared special drying retardants.
Retarders for acrylic painting
They dilute acrylic paint and it will not dry on the palette for hours, remaining in the desired consistency. It also dries noticeably slower on canvas.
Second feature: Acrylic paints darken slightly after drying, dulling by about a tone or two. Therefore, initially we select them so that in their working form they are a tone or two lighter than we need in the picture. This is especially important if you are adding where a stroke has already been placed. That is, one stroke on top of dry paint will be visible... try it and you will understand for yourself.
Sketch with acrylic paints
The photo above shows an example of a previously made sketch with acrylic paints. This sketch was prepared before the main work - painting on the wall. The drawing must be clear and correctly written. Therefore, the image on the wall must correspond to the sketch, since there will be an exact repetition, only on a larger scale.
Notice the transition from light to dark in the arch opening.... This effect can be achieved by glazing, as if transparently covering it with one paint on top.
A picturesque layer of paint is the main thing in painting, so we begin work by choosing the colors and shades of your future composition. As a rule, beginning artists simply take the colors of paints that are in their kit, that is, in tubes. What if you need colors that are not in the tube? Here the ability to mix colors comes to the rescue, to get a new shade. After all, it is through mixing that we get new interesting color variations!
A wealth of shades is obtained by mixing
Glaze with acrylic paints- a separate topic. If you are just learning acrylic, then paint in independent, dense tones, just get used to the colors and their features. Once you've mastered the basics, you can start playing around with creating translucent foiling layers.
Below in the photo from left to right: the usual method of applying paint, the second option is a post-pose technique, the third is a light watercolor-lisser technique.
Examples of paintings in different acrylic techniques
Important Feature: with each stroke, try to form the contours that you want to see in final version. Acrylic paints dry in just a few minutes and it may happen that when you want to finalize the outline, it will already dry and fade, and the new layer on top will contrast with it and prevent you from correctly assessing the intermediate option.
It is advisable, of course, to immediately outline the contours of objects that have contrasting edges. This will make the task of drawing each individual one easier.
Another nuance: the brush needs to be washed often, especially when drawing very fine details. For example, animal hair, grass, small stones require very fine brush strokes. If a large amount of paint sticks to the brush and it dries out, the hairs stick together and the strokes become thicker and rougher. They fail to create the desired structure.
In one day or evening, it is advisable to complete one complete independent element, at least one layer of it. Then, after drying, the next day you can start with a new element and not worry about whether the part you completed today will contrast with the one you wrote yesterday.
Painting with acrylic paints on canvas
On a note
Remember that acrylic paints practically cannot be washed off clothes. Therefore, it is advisable to write with them in a durable apron or work coat.
This may be your first acrylic painting and it doesn't have to be perfect. Its task is to let you understand how to work with acrylic correctly, how it lays on canvas or paper, how long it takes to dry and what result is obtained when applying it.
When you write it, you will already understand why certain shortcomings arose, and in your next works you will be able to avoid these mistakes. That's why write boldly, evaluate the result, draw conclusions and improve. Perhaps acrylic will help you fully unleash your creative potential!
For those who want to improve and want to move forward, I offer a complete video course, a guide using the example of a painting in a modern style. Video is the most convenient way to learn, in my opinion. Lesson announcement 📌
Friends, so that the article does not get lost among many similar ones, save it to your bookmarks. It will always be at your fingertips at the right time.
Ask your questions below in the comments, I usually answer all questions quickly
How to learn to paint with watercolors from scratch?How to learn to paint with watercolors from scratch?
Watercolor painting is one of the most difficult in the world, but at the same time, it is the most delicate, fragile and attractive for beginning artists. What's so special about it? The whole secret is in the transparency of the lines, thanks to which even the most insignificant color transitions are visible. The wateriness of the pattern, which gives it volume. But how to comprehend this not simple art? How to learn to paint with watercolors from scratch? Before we start drawing, we need to select auxiliary materials. Art school For adults and children, in its courses it offers professional drawing training in any technique, but you can learn it yourself. Let's look at the points in this article that will help us with this.
On what paper and with what brushes do you paint with watercolors?
1. Paper. It’s better to immediately buy a watercolor one, it’s not expensive (about 40 rubles for a notebook). Its difference from the usual one is in the dense texture of the sheets. Such paper will not swell from water and warp.
2. Brushes. In a painting store, first take two brushes. Small and big. Squirrel fur is well suited for watercolor paints.
3. Palette. The choice of palette is not important; we choose any one. Some artists replace the palette with a small glass; it is practical to use and easy to clean.
4. Paints. Children's honey paints with the addition of lemon and other things - immediately set aside. We won't need them. In the artist store we take any professional paints. Open them and look at the colors, you should like them. It is not necessary to take the most expensive ones, this is not important.
How can beginners learn to paint with watercolors step by step?
How to paint beautifully with watercolors? In order for our watercolor drawings to be of high quality, we need to master several basic techniques.
1.Uniform filling. Draw a square or rectangle on paper. It is better to choose a darker color, it will be easier to see. Place it on the brush and stretch it from one corner to the other. Paint again. Draw the next strip so that it overlaps the previous one. If the first strip does not completely flow into the second, then tilt the sheet of paper. Pick up the paint and continue to paint stripes, maintaining a uniform shade. Rinse the brush in water and squeeze. Smooth out the dark stripes with a brush. Let the drawing dry. If you get a rectangle evenly filled with paint, you've succeeded.
2. Dependence of paint shade on the amount of water. We put paint on the brush and draw the first line, then lower the brush into the water and draw the second one 1 cm from it. Continue to dip the brush in water and draw lines until they become as transparent as possible. This exercise helps you feel how much water you need to add to get the desired shade.
3.Gradient. The goal of this exercise is to obtain a uniform transition from dark to light. Pick up paint with a brush and draw a vertical line, then dip the brush in water and draw a second one so that it extends slightly beyond the first and the paint begins to flow. We repeat the same thing again, adding water. We achieve a complete color transition. Run the last strip with just water. Dry your brush and run a roller of paint underneath the fill.
Learn to paint with watercolors step by step using various techniques for beginners
How to start painting with watercolors? It is necessary to comprehend the basics of art. These are certain exercises, by doing which you will master the first basics of painting with watercolors.
1. Wet on wet. Wet a small piece of paper with water. The sheet should be evenly saturated with water. Now take the paint on the brush and brush it over the wet area. Watch how the paint flows. Practice adding more or less paint to a piece of paper. This will be very useful to you.
2. Flow from color to color. First, let's draw any shapes with water. Take, for example, a blue color on a brush and apply it to the figure. Add a little burgundy and yellow. You should achieve a smooth transition from one color to another. If this does not happen, add some water.
3. Layering. Let's draw the background as in the first exercise. Let's wait a little and let it dry completely. Draw a couple of circles on the background different colors and let it dry. Draw a third layer on the circles.
4. Reception using table salt. Draw a background and sprinkle a little regular table salt on top. We wait. The salt crystals gradually absorb the paint and become like stars. The effect is most noticeable in dark areas.
5. Clouds using a napkin. Fill in the background and while the paint is still wet, begin to apply a napkin, giving it a shape. This way we get a texture that resembles clouds. This technique can be used to correct mistakes that you encounter while drawing. Just blot off any excess paint.
6. Splashes. We put paint on the brush and run our finger over the brush over the paper or drip it, forming uneven splashes over the entire surface. It is better to cover the table with a cloth to avoid contamination.
10 common mistakes beginner artists make
1. Love yourself. Many artists begin to scold themselves and unnecessarily criticize their paintings. There is no need to do this. If you drew something, praise yourself. Everything you do is just for you and to fulfill your creative needs. The more you enjoy the drawing process, the better you will do.
2. Use comfortable materials. High quality brushes, paper and paint. Then the drawing process will bring you only pleasure.
3. Copy scenes from famous artists. They will serve as the basis of your knowledge.
4. Show your paintings to all your friends, relatives and acquaintances. Donate your painting. Gather like-minded people around you who will support you.
5. Warm and cold colors. Use more cool tones in the distance and warmer ones up close. This will show aerial perspective in your painting.
6. Do not paint the entire background with one paint. Change the tone, mix colors, create color in your painting. Make two or three strokes with one color, add another. The more shades you use, the more interesting your painting will be.
7. Give the painting a chance to dry. This way you will make it more elaborate and deep.
8. Show volume up close. Apply more paint to nearby objects using a palette knife. Make them voluminous.
9. The more colors you mix, the more picturesque your painting will be. Mix in halftones.
10. Decorate paintings with baguettes. It gives the picture additional volume.