Uploaded April 2023 | Updated September 2026, 5 hours ago
In this short tutorial, Erik shows you how to paint a simple watercolor wash. A wash is a layer of watercolor paint that is applied to a large amount of your paper’s surface with a brush. Washes can be used to create a variety of effects, such as backgrounds, skies, and water. Washes can be one color, or many at once that blend together.
By the end of this video, you will be able to paint a basic watercolor wash. This is a great technique to learn if you are new to watercolor painting.
Here are some tips for painting a watercolor wash:
* Use painter’s tape to secure your watercolor paper to your table. This will help to prevent the paper from buckling or warping.
* For a smooth wash, use a soft, round brush, preferably new or well-maintained. This will help you to create simple, even wash.
* Start with a light touch, especially when adding dark colors (blues, purples, or blacks). You can always add more paint, but it is difficult to remove it once it is on the paper.
* While the paint on the page is still wet, you can blend easier with it. Once watercolor dries, it doesn’t blend as seemlessly as when it is still wet and you add to it.
* If puddling occurs, you can shift the paper around to help spread out the puddle, or you can dab away some water and pigment with paper towel.
* If your wash is for a background, let the paint dry completely before adding another layer on top of your wash. This will help to prevent the colors from bleeding together and help create depth in your scene.
* Experiment with different colors and techniques. There are no rules when it comes to watercolor painting. Have fun and see what you can create!
I hope you enjoy this short tutorial. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below, and consider subscribing or liking the video if you found it helpful.
Dabu Doodles is the art of Erik Reichenbach. Learn more at DabuDoodles.com
In this short tutorial, Erik shows you how to paint a simple watercolor wash. A wash is a layer of watercolor paint that is applied to a large amount of your paper’s surface with a brush. Washes can be used to create a variety of effects, such as backgrounds, skies, and water. Washes can be one color, or many at once that blend together.
By the end of this video, you will be able to paint a basic watercolor wash. This is a great technique to learn if you are new to watercolor painting.
Here are some tips for painting a watercolor wash:
* Use painter’s tape to secure your watercolor paper to your table. This will help to prevent the paper from buckling or warping.
* For a smooth wash, use a soft, round brush, preferably new or well-maintained. This will help you to create simple, even wash.
* Start with a light touch, especially when adding dark colors (blues, purples, or blacks). You can always add more paint, but it is difficult to remove it once it is on the paper.
* While the paint on the page is still wet, you can blend easier with it. Once watercolor dries, it doesn’t blend as seemlessly as when it is still wet and you add to it.
* If puddling occurs, you can shift the paper around to help spread out the puddle, or you can dab away some water and pigment with paper towel.
* If your wash is for a background, let the paint dry completely before adding another layer on top of your wash. This will help to prevent the colors from bleeding together and help create depth in your scene.
* Experiment with different colors and techniques. There are no rules when it comes to watercolor painting. Have fun and see what you can create!
I hope you enjoy this short tutorial. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below, and consider subscribing or liking the video if you found it helpful.
Dabu Doodles is the art of Erik Reichenbach. Learn more at DabuDoodles.com
