Watercolor painting tips and techniques

Need some watercolor painting tips? You've come to the right place!

Click below to see watercolor painting questions from other visitors to this page... and read the answers!

When to paint background washes in watercolors 
Reader Question: Is it preferable to paint in background washes before or after painting the subject? What are the pros and cons? Hi Jo, …

How to paint with watercolors on regular canvas 
Reader Question: I have some regular stretched canvas used for oils and acrylics. Do I have to do anything to the canvas in order to watercolor on it? …

Can you use watercolors on a normal canvas?  
Reader Question: Can you use watercolors on a normal canvas? How about on a gessoed canvas? I've been enjoying painting on watercolor paper but I like …

Preparing a watercolor canvas 
Reader Question: When using a watercolor canvas, do you need to wash it off before you begin to paint with watercolors? You don't need to prepare …

Painting with watercolors without damaging the paper 
Can you explain how to paint with watercolors without damaging the paper? Hi Davina, The damage that can be done to watercolor paper depends …

How do I know what type of watercolor paper to use? 
I am a beginner watercolor painter and I'm not sure what type of paper to buy. It seems like there are so many that it's almost overwhelming. I want …