Watercolour painting is a wonderfully expressive and versatile medium, but mastering it takes a mix of skill, patience, and practice. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your technique, there’s always something new to learn in the world of watercolours.
At The Online College of Art and Design, we’re passionate about helping artists of all levels unlock their creative potential. In this blog, we’ll share 10 tried-and-true tips for improving your watercolour painting skills. By the end, you’ll feel ready to take your artwork to the next level – and maybe even join one of our online courses for expert guidance!
Great tools make a world of difference. Start with artist-grade watercolour paints, brushes, and paper. While student-grade materials can be budget-friendly, professional supplies offer richer pigments and better durability, making your work stand out. Look for 100% cotton watercolour paper for the best results.
Water is the heart of watercolour painting, but managing it can be tricky. Too much water can lead to uncontrollable bleeds, while too little results in dull colours. Practise experimenting with the water-to-paint ratio to create vibrant washes and precise details.
Watercolours are perfect for building up depth and vibrancy. Use thin, transparent layers to slowly develop your painting. Remember to let each layer dry before applying the next to avoid muddying your colours.
Different brushes and strokes produce different effects. Flat brushes are great for washes and sharp edges, while round brushes are perfect for details and soft lines. Practise holding your brush at different angles to see how the strokes change.
In watercolour painting, the white of the paper often serves as your “white paint.” Plan your composition in advance and reserve lighter areas by using masking fluid or careful brushwork.
Wet-on-wet painting creates dreamy, soft edges as colours blend together on damp paper. Wet-on-dry painting, on the other hand, produces crisp, sharp lines. Combine these techniques to add variety and texture to your artwork.
Watercolour can be unpredictable, but that’s part of its charm. If something doesn’t go as planned, try to incorporate it into your painting rather than starting over. Happy accidents often lead to unique and creative outcomes!
Smooth transitions are essential for creating depth and realism. Practise blending colours by working quickly while the paint is still wet. Use a clean, damp brush to soften edges for seamless fades.
Understanding colour theory is key to creating harmonious compositions. Learn about complementary colours, warm and cool tones, and how to mix colours effectively. This will elevate your watercolour paintings to the next level.
The best way to improve your watercolour techniques is to practise regularly. Set aside dedicated time each week to experiment and create. Look for inspiration in nature, photography, or even other artists' work.
If you’re ready to take your watercolour skills even further, why not enrol in one of our online art courses? At The Online College of Art and Design, we offer comprehensive courses tailored to every skill level. Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an experienced artist refining your craft, our expert tutors will guide you every step of the way.
Our flexible, online learning model means you can study from anywhere at your own pace – perfect for busy schedules. Plus, our supportive community of artists will keep you motivated and inspired throughout your journey.
Watercolour painting is a rewarding and beautiful art form that anyone can learn with the right guidance and practise. Start applying these tips to your work and see how your skills transform.
Ready to dive deeper into the world of art? Explore our courses here and let’s create something extraordinary together.
With the right tools, techniques, and support, the possibilities are endless. Your watercolour masterpiece is waiting – what will you create?
OCAD is part of the Cambridge Online Education Group - Company number 06594953
Registered UK Learning Provider 10033485
Cambridge Online Education Ltd
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. To learn more, go to the privacy page .
I haven't started my courses yet with Cambridge Online Education, but so far, my experience has been really positive. The enrollment process was very straightforward, and any questions I had were answered. The platform looks well organised, and there are plenty of resources available. I'm looking forward to beginning my studies.
Tutors are very patient and helpful
four stars
Basically a teach-yourself course by following poorly-written assignments briefs. No lessons. No teaching. Briefs that contain conflicting information - if you ask for clarification, you don't get a reply. For some sections, you are expected to describe, analyse & evaluate and are given 30 words to do that in.
The course gets you what you need; a degree. However, I think there's a lack of guidance in all areas of the course. The responses of teachers are vague and not clear and they don't encourage you to explore different ideas, especially if it isn't coherent to the exam board. The response times of teachers are also not the best, sometimes not replying on the days that they are supposed to be in office. There's also a lack of praise in responses from teachers, which I think is vital for students when it comes to constructive criticism. From experience, constantly being told things I need to improve on and nothing that I've done well in terms of my art work is crushing.
I registered Photography course level 2 for my daughter. Registration process was easy and straight forward. My daughter finds the course interesting and easy to follow. Tutor is helpful.
**Title: Exceptional Online Education with Incredible Results** As a parent of two teenage boys enrolled at Cambridge Home School Online, I can confidently say this has been one of the best decisions we’ve ever made for their education. Both my sons recently completed their mock exams, and the results were absolutely outstanding! Their hard work, combined with the expertise and dedication of their teachers, has made all the difference. The teaching staff at Cambridge Home School Online are second to none. Not only are they highly knowledgeable in their subjects, but they are also genuinely committed to each student’s success. The personalised support my boys receive is far beyond what they experienced in their previous schools. Teachers take the time to explain complex concepts, encourage questions, and create a truly engaging and supportive learning environment. One thing I was initially concerned about with online schooling was the social aspect, but this has been handled brilliantly. My sons have made strong friendships with their peers through classes, homework study groups that they are able to organise themselves, and even organising meet-ups. The school also offers a variety of extracurricular clubs, including drama, art, cookery, crafts, chess, creative writing, debating and many more, There is bound to be at least one club to suit each student! These clubs have given my boys the chance to connect with others who share their interests and develop new skills outside the classroom. The flexibility of the online format has been a real game-changer for our family. My sons can structure their study schedules to suit their individual needs, all while benefiting from the structure and guidance provided by their teachers. The small class sizes mean they’re truly seen and valued as individuals, and their teachers are able to tailor lessons to their abilities and learning styles. What I particularly appreciate is how the school nurtures more than just academic excellence. It emphasises vital life skills like time management, resilience, and critical thinking, all of which have been instrumental in their exam preparation. There are also regular fun competitions such as art, music, creative wring for students to take part in. My boys have grown not just as students but as confident, well-rounded individuals. If you’re considering an online school, I couldn’t recommend Cambridge Home School Online highly enough. It’s a place where students are inspired to reach their full potential while also forging meaningful friendships and enjoying a rich extracurricular life. Thank you, Cambridge Home School Online, for providing such an outstanding educational experience!
So far it has been a good experience and the tutors are very good and quick to reply whenever you have a question.
I am doing a level 2OCAD ART AND DESIGN course. I’m only just over a month in and am finding the actual art course and tutors very good. Howerver, not being an IT expert I am finding the working online very difficult. I am only still on the course because an online art teacher came to my aid and sorted my IT problem out when I had been off line to the course for a week. They do not have an IT department and the administration department did not answer my problems when I emailed them with screen shots. The chats are very good but the email administration is poor, emails are not answered. Tutors keep to term times so it is not a good idea to start in eg July when tutors are on holiday. I joined in July and lectures are available any time but I did not discover them until the term started. I’m sure overall I shall enjoy the course but it is not for the faint hearted or those that find IT difficult
Assignment instructions are not always clearly stated but the tutors are there to help
Cambridge Home School Online