Watercolor painting requires an understanding of the various stages of paper used in the process. The four main stages are wet, moist, damp, and dry. Each stage has its own characteristics and can affect the outcome of a painting in different ways.
Wet: This is when you first apply water to your paper. In this stage, your paper is as saturated as its going to get and from here, begins the drying process.
Moist: This is when the paper has been saturated with water and allowed to sit for a few minutes, allowing the pigment of your paint to spread evenly across the surface. The paper should be moist, but not wet if you want your paint to spread evenly across its surface. If the paper is too wet, you'll end up with an uneven wash.
Damp: Damp paper is the third stage of watercolor painting, and it's an important one. It's the stage where you can start to really get creative with your painting. The dampness of the paper allows for a variety of techniques that wouldn't be possible on dry or wet paper.
Dry: This is the final step in the process. At this point, you could have a fully dried painting, or you can continue to paint on the dry paper.
Techniques for Working with Watercolor Paper
Different techniques can be used to work with watercolor paper, depending on its stage of wetness.
Wet-on-Wet: This involves applying wet paint to a damp or moist surface. This technique allows for the colors to blend together in interesting ways, creating soft gradients and subtle textures.
Wet-on-Dry: This technique involves applying wet paint onto dry paper. This method allows for more control over the application of the paint, as it does not spread out as much when applied to dry paper.
Dry-on-Dry: This technique involves applying (almost) dry paint to a dry paper surface. You may have heard of the "dry brush" technique, which can be used to create interesting textures and effects, think highlights on a lake. The paint will not spread out on the paper like it would if it were applied wet.
Types of Watercolor Paper
Watercolor paper is an essential component of any watercolor painting, and there are a variety of types
available to suit different needs. The most common type is cold-pressed paper, which has a slightly textured surface that helps hold the paint in place. Hot-pressed paper has a smoother surface and can be used for more detailed work. Rough watercolor paper has an even more pronounced texture that can create interesting effects with the paint.
Tips for Working with Watercolor Paper
To get the most out of your watercolor paper, here are some tips for working with it:
Use Quality Materials: Quality paper is essential for a successful painting, as it will absorb and hold water better than lower-grade paper. It's also important to choose a paper that is thick enough to withstand multiple layers of paint without buckling or warping.
Prepare the Paper Properly: Before you begin, strech your paper by soaking it with water and securing it to a board. Begin only after the paper is fully dry. If you are working on a block (book of paper glued together on all four sides), you can skip this step.
Work Quickly: Working quickly is essential in order to capture the beauty and vibrancy of the colors before they dry. As soon as you have applied your paint to your paper, you must work quickly in order to achieve a desired effect.
Watercolor painting is a unique and rewarding art form that requires patience and practice to master. Understanding the stages of paper will help you become a better watercolor painter as you learn how to use them effectively in your work.
Happy painting!