In this article I show how to play with the blooming effect of watercolor paints using lots of water to create soft blends and edges. My favorite watercolor brand for this effect is QoR, because the Aquazol patented binder in these colors spreads aggressively when dropped into water… and I LOVE IT!
“Island” is a watercolor painting on Yupo paper by artist Tristina Dietz Elmes.
Some of the things you will learn include:
blooming effects of different watercolor brands
what papers and other surfaces work well
how to use a Mop brush to deposit water
applying paint and watching the spreading effect
using a spray bottle to encourage blending
ways to draw and paint on top of dried watercolor backgrounds
and more…
“Pink Dreams” QoR watercolors on Yupo paper by artist Tristina Dietz Elmes.
Soft Edges in Watercolor Workshop Video Replay
Below is the full video workshop of my live painting session. The paints, mediums and accessories used in the video are listed afterwards in this article. Enjoy! 🎨
Here are the video timeline sections if you want to jump to a particular part of the live session:
00:00 - Intro To Soft Edge Watercolors and Supplies
Feel free to ask me any follow-up questions in the comments below. Thanks for watching! 😍
Inspiration Artists
The artists I mentioned during the show from which I drew inspiration for this workshop were:
https://www.instagram.com/katiewhiteartist/ https://www.instagram.com/doloresphelpswatercolours/ https://www.instagram.com/karenriceart/
“Soft Edges” watercolor background with marker drawings and accents by artist Tristina Dietz Elmes.
Supplies List for Soft Edges Watercolor Painting
Here are links to the supplies list for the watercolor paints, mediums and accessories shown during the video. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases for links below that lead to Amazon.
Book - Peggy Dean's Guide to Nature Drawing & Watercolor 2019 (paperback) - https://amzn.to/4nubKcX
📙📘📗
QoR Watercolors High Chroma Set of 6 Tubes 5ml Each - https://amzn.to/3ZJZqLJ
QoR Watercolors Introductory Set of 12 Tubes 5ml Each - https://amzn.to/43Drumk
QoR Watercolors Tin Set of 24 Tubes 5ml Each - https://amzn.to/3TTG8zS
Holbein Watercolors Introductory Set of 12 Tubes 5ml Each - https://amzn.to/4kvlmSO
Holbein Watercolors Peacock Blue 15ml Tube - https://amzn.to/44wf4Mc
Daniel Smith Watercolors Cascade Green 5ml Tube - https://amzn.to/45J8rs6
Empty Watercolor Half Pans Set of 48 Plus Magnets - https://amzn.to/4dQ1BTA
Kristy Rice Watercolor Travel Tin with 12 Empty Half Pans - https://amzn.to/43Ktd9v
Pebeo Colorex Watercolor Ink Markers (dye based) Set of 12 - https://amzn.to/4l8MJCM
Pebeo Acrylic Paint Markers - https://www.dickblick.com/products/pebeo-acrylic-markers/
Painter's Color Diary Swatch Book Watercolor Paper 140lb - https://amzn.to/44t8TbO
US Art Supply Watercolor Paper Spiral Bound Book 5.5x8.5in 140lb 30 Sheets Set of 3 - https://amzn.to/4lhlXYD
Canson XL Watercolor White Cold Press (Lightly Textured) Paper Pad 140lb 9x12in 30 Sheets - https://amzn.to/4kBBhPU
Legion Papers Including Aqua Watercolor and Yupo - https://amzn.to/3HtcNcD
Yasutomo Mineral Paper 9x12in 20 Sheets - https://amzn.to/3HqX9ib
Kristy Rice Brush Set of 6 with Carry Pouch - https://amzn.to/3H391GP
Princeton Velvetouch Brushes Set of 5 - https://amzn.to/4jKsydo
Princeton Velvetouch 3/4" Mop Brush - https://amzn.to/45Q7pdQ
Princeton Aqua Elite Mottler Brush 1 1/2" - https://amzn.to/3FSHU0N
Silver Atelier Quill Brushes Set of 3 - https://amzn.to/4dmFFPE
Crow Canyon Mini Enamel Trays White with Blue Rim 4.75x4.75 in Set of 4 - https://amzn.to/4kpzqNq
Jackson's 10-Well White Ceramic Slant Palette - https://amzn.to/4j9Qnu0
5 Layers Stacking White Ceramic Watercolor Mixing Trays - https://amzn.to/43SxmIX
Faber Castell Collapsible Tulip Edge Brush Holder Water Cup - https://amzn.to/3Pxxyon
Wood Brush Rest Stand Set of 2 Holds 4 Brushes Each - https://amzn.to/3OrurOi
My Recommended Cloth-Like Viva Paper Towels 3 Double Rolls - https://amzn.to/3EPZhOW
🎨🎨🎨🎨
************************************If you would like to see other paints, mediums and art supplies that I recommend, click below to go to the Supply Links page on my website:
https://www.dietzart.gallery/supply-links
“Sunset on the Pond” QoR watercolor artwork by artist Tristina Dietz Elmes.
FREE Live Art Lessons Sunday Afternoons
SUNDAY afternoons I teach a FREE ART LESSON simulcast on YouTube Live and on the WhatNot auction platform followed by a giveaway and sale of my handmade marbled & collage papers as well as finished gift and art items on WhatNot. You can follow the QR code appearing in the YouTube video or follow the Invite link in the video description to join me on WhatNot for some great Live Auction Art & Gifts deals.
If you're new to Whatnot, sign up with the following link and get $15 in Whatnot credit to use to shop on the platform:
https://www.whatnot.com/invite/tristi...
I hope you'll join me and the thriving Artisan community over on WhatNot soon!
“Reflectionism” is a watercolor painting by artist Tristina Dietz Elmes.
Where to Find My Links
Sign up for my Artsy Newsletter here:
https://www.dietzart.gallery/newsletter 📜
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https://www.instagram.com/dietzart/ https://www.pinterest.com/dietzart/ https://www.facebook.com/TristinaDietzArt/
Check out and purchase my artworks on Etsy here: 🎨 https://www.etsy.com/shop/TristinaDietzArt
If you found my information helpful, I always appreciate tips at Buy Me a Coffee! Thank you for your support.☕
https://ko-fi.com/tristinadietzart
Happy Arting! 🎉