Independent writing about watercolour
Guides, comparisons and reviews, from choosing your first materials to techniques that take years to settle. Practical where it should be, and slower where it matters.
Watercolour beginner mistakes: the five that matter most
Most early frustrations with watercolour come down to the same handful of problems. Understand what they are and why they happen, and the medium becomes considerably less mysterious.
Also worth reading
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Technique
Glazing in watercolour: transparent layers explained
Thin washes laid over dry ones, and the pigments that suit them.
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Materials
Artist vs student watercolour paints: what really changes
What separates the two grades, and when the difference matters.
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Reviews
Watercolour brushes under £30: four synthetic rounds compared
Compared by fibre, size range and published dimensions.
Where do you want to begin?
Start from the question in front of you. Each route leads to the guide that answers it.
Artists & their watercolours
Turner: the structure behind the light
His watercolours seem to dissolve the world. Look closer at three paintings, and the drawing, selective detail and reworked paint holding them together begin to appear.
Read the Turner piece14 min read
Recent writing
New guides, comparisons and reviews, newest first.
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JMW Turner’s watercolours: the structure behind the light
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How to paint skies and clouds in watercolour
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How to paint trees and foliage in watercolour
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How to use masking fluid without tearing watercolour paper
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How to start watercolour: a clear order for your first painting
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How to paint watercolour from a reference photo
The letter
Once a month, worth reading.
New writing from the site, the occasional material recommendation, and brief notes on painting. Sent monthly, nothing more.
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