Water, Romila Datta, 13x9in (33x23m), dry brush watercolour

Explore the essential watercolour approaches so you can confidently dip your brush and let the creative journey unfold.

Whether it’s a misty Lake District landscape or a botanical study, watercolour has captivated artists for centuries. For beginners, watercolour offers a blend of freedom, unpredictability, and a soft aesthetic that is uniquely satisfying.

Essential watercolour techniques

Regardless of style, there are a few key techniques every watercolour artist should know.

Wet-on-wet: For soft edges and dreamy blends, wet the paper before applying paint.

Wet-on-dry: For sharp edges and defined shapes, paint onto dry paper.

Lifting: Use a clean, damp brush or paper towel to lift pigment and create highlights.

Glazing: Apply transparent layers over a dry section to build depth and colour.

Dry brush: Use minimal water to create scratchy, textured strokes. Great for creating bark, fur, or gritty effects.

Watercolour styles to explore

If you're new to watercolour, don't stop here! Explore our other beginner-friendly guides to learn all you need to progress and develop your watercolour skills.

Loose watercolour

Loose watercolour is all about embracing imperfections and letting water do the work. The goal isn’t photorealism, it’s mood, movement, and colour.

Best for: Landscapes, florals, abstracts

Vibe: Expressive, flowing, atmospheric

Try this technique: Wet your paper first (wet-on-wet technique), then drop in pigment and watch it bloom. Use a round brush and let your hand stay relaxed to avoid getting too detailed. Allow colours to bleed and blend for natural gradients.

Beginners tip: Use cold-pressed or rough textured paper to enhance the soft, organic feel.

Detailed and botanical illustration

This style requires patience and a steady hand. Perfect for nature lovers and detail-oriented creatives who enjoy getting up close with petals, stems, and textures.

Best for: Flowers, insects, natural studies

Vibe: Precise, delicate, scientific yet romantic

Try this technique: Use the wet-on-dry technique for clean, crisp edges. Layer transparent washes to build up colour slowly. You can use fineline pens or pencils for initial outlines or postpainting accents.

Beginners tip: Hot-pressed paper (smooth texture) is ideal for this style, allowing fine details to shine.

Urban sketching with watercolour

This sketchbook-friendly style captures the hustle of real life in real time. Popular across London, Brighton, and Edinburgh, urban sketching has a growing UK community.

Best for: Street scenes, cafés, travel diaries

Vibe: Lively, observational, modern

Try this technique: Start with a quick ink sketch of your surroundings, then add splashes of watercolour. Don’t worry about perfection, it’s about capturing a moment. Use a limited colour palette for cohesion and speed.

Beginners tip: Invest in a portable watercolour set and a water brush pen for easy outdoor painting.

Abstract watercolour

Abstract painting with watercolours lets go of representation and embraces freedom. Perfect for experimenting with colour, texture, and movement.

Best for: Mood, emotion, colour exploration

Vibe: Playful, intuitive, expressive

Try this technique: Explore wet-on-wet techniques and salt for texture. Use unconventional tools like sponges, toothbrushes, or palette knives. Focus on colour harmony and rhythm rather than form.

Beginners tip: Let each layer dry before adding more to avoid muddying the colours.

Watercolour and mixed media

A Duo of Toucans, mixed media on board, 20x20in (50x50cm) by Liz Chadderton

This is where watercolour meets collage, ink, graphite, or even digital art. Ideal for artists who like breaking the rules and mixing materials.

Best for: Art journaling, experimental pieces, textured works

Vibe: Layered, eclectic, personal

Try this technique: Paint your base layers with watercolour. Add ink lines, stencils, stamps, or even newspaper clippings once dry. Use masking fluid or washi tape to preserve white space or create clean shapes.

Beginners tip: Make sure your paper is heavy (at least 300gsm) to handle multiple media without warping. Remember, there’s no single ‘right’ way to paint with watercolour. Part of the joy is in the unpredictability. So let the paint flow, stay curious, and above all - have fun.

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