Here are a few advanced techniques to add some depth, texture, and sophistication to your watercolour paintings.

Layering (Glazing)
Watercolour’s transparency makes layering – or glazing – a powerful technique. Apply a light wash, let it dry completely, then add another thin layer on top. This builds richness without muddying colours. Tip: Use cooler tones in shadows and warmer glazes for sunlight effects.

Negative Painting
Instead of painting the subject, paint around it to define shapes. This method works beautifully for foliage, hair or intricate patterns. Load a medium consistency mix of paint and carefully outline the negative space, letting the untouched paper create the focal point.

Salt & Alcohol Textures
For organic textures (such as snowfall or rough bark), sprinkle table salt or drop rubbing alcohol onto wet paint. The salt absorbs pigment, creating starry bursts, while the alcohol repels it, forming lighter spots. You may want to experiment on some scrap paper first!

Lifting for Highlights
Forgot to reserve whites? Lift pigment with a clean, damp brush or a sponge while the paint is still damp (or scrub dried paint lightly with water). Magic eraser sponges (try the cleaning aisle in your supermarket or a store like Robert Dyas) work brilliantly for this but don’t scrub too hard otherwise you will permanently damage the paper. This works for soft clouds, reflections, or correcting mistakes.

Granulation Effects
Some pigments (e.g., ultramarine, ochre) granulate, creating gritty textures as they settle. Try using them on rough paper for atmospheric skies or stone textures. Pair with non-granulating colours for contrast.

Pro Tip: Control water carefully – too much can flood details; too little creates harsh edges. Test mixes on scrap paper first!

Want a challenge? Try combining techniques, like glazing over salt textures or negative painting into a wet-in-wet background. Happy painting!

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