Painting Watercolors: First Steps with Cathy Johnson

Watercolor painting is a beloved medium for artists of all levels, known for its fluidity, transparency, and expressive qualities. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refresh your skills, this comprehensive guide by renowned watercolorist Cathy Johnson will provide you with everything you need to get started. From essential materials to step-by-step techniques, Cathy's expert guidance will help you explore the wonders of watercolor painting and create vibrant, meaningful works of art.

Materials

Paper

• Cold-pressed watercolor paper: This paper has a slight texture which helps to create interesting and varied brushstrokes. It's a good choice for general use, landscapes, and flowers.
• Hot-pressed watercolor paper: This paper has a smooth surface, making it ideal for detailed work such as portraits and animals.
• Rough watercolor paper: This paper has a rougher texture, which can add a rustic or textured look to your paintings. It's a good choice for abstract paintings or landscapes with strong contrasts.

Brushes

• Round brushes: These brushes are good for a variety of techniques, from detailed work to washes. They come in different sizes, from small to large.
• Flat brushes: These brushes are good for washes and creating backgrounds. They can be used to apply large areas of color or to create crisp lines.
• Wash brushes: These brushes are large, wide brushes that are used to apply washes of color over large areas. They can also be used to create soft, blended effects.

Paints

• Watercolor paints: Watercolor paints are available in a wide range of colors and come in different forms, such as tubes, pans, and sticks.
• Watercolor pencils: Watercolor pencils are another great option for beginners, as they are easy to use and control. They can be used to create a variety of effects, from washes to detailed drawings.

Other Materials

• Palette: A palette is used to hold your paints while you're working. It can be made of plastic, metal, or ceramic.
• Water container: You will need a container of clean water to rinse your brushes and to dilute your paints.
• Masking tape: Masking tape can be used to secure your paper to your work surface and to protect it from water damage.
• Pencil and eraser: A pencil can be used to sketch out your designs before you start painting. An eraser can be used to remove any unwanted pencil lines.

Getting Started

Step 1: Prepare Your Paper

1. Attach the watercolor paper to a sturdy support, such as a drawing board or a clipboard. Use masking tape to hold the paper in place.
2. Wet the paper with clean water and let it dry completely. This will help to prevent the paper from buckling when you start painting.

Step 2: Choose Your Colors

1. Select a limited palette of colors to start with, such as three or four basic colors plus