Pick a Color
Composition Guidance
Visual guides to help place elements on your canvas for stronger compositions.
Rule of Thirds
Divide your canvas into a 3x3 grid. Place key elements along the grid lines or at their intersections for a more dynamic and balanced composition.
Golden Ratio
The golden ratio (~1.618) appears throughout nature and art. Use these proportions for element placement, or visualize a golden spiral to guide the flow of your composition.
Focal Point
Every good painting has a clear focal point. Use contrast in color, value, or detail to draw the viewer's eye. Leading lines can direct attention toward it.
Balance
Visual balance doesn't always mean symmetry. Try asymmetrical balance using elements of different visual weight, or radial balance with elements radiating from a central point.
Watercolour Techniques
Tips and water-to-paint ratios for common watercolour techniques.
Wet-on-Wet
- Apply paint to paper that is already wet
- Creates soft edges and beautiful blending
- Use plenty of water on both paper and brush
- Pitfall: Over-wetting causes uncontrolled blooms and runs
Dry Brush
- Use a brush with very little water and concentrated pigment
- Creates textured, broken strokes with character
- Focus on loading pigment, not water
- Pitfall: Too much pressure can damage the paper
Glazing
- Apply thin, transparent layers over completely dry washes
- Builds up color and depth gradually
- Use plenty of water to ensure transparency in each layer
- Pitfall: Applying layers before the previous one dries muddies colors
Pigment Reference
Properties of common watercolour pigments to help you choose the right paint for the job.
| Swatch | Code | Name | Transparency | Granulation | Staining | Lightfastness |
|---|
Painting Journal
Track your progress and reflect on your watercolour journey. Entries are stored in your browser.