To use Crayola watercolor paint effectively, you'll need water to activate the colors and control their transparency. Here's a breakdown:
Activating the Paint
The key to using watercolor paints is water!
- Pre-wet the paint: Using a clean paintbrush, add a small amount of water to the color you want to use. This helps to activate the pigment.
- Wait 30 seconds: Let the water sit on the paint for about 30 seconds. This allows the pigment to dissolve and become easier to work with.
- Stir Gently: Gently stir the water into the paint to create a smooth consistency.
Controlling Color Density and Translucency
The amount of water you use directly affects the color intensity and transparency:
- Deeper, denser color: Use less water. Pre-wetting the paint beforehand (as described above) is crucial.
- More translucence: Mix the activated paint with more water in a separate mixing tray or on a plastic plate. This will create lighter, more transparent washes of color.
Tips for Success
- Use appropriate paper: Watercolor paper is designed to absorb water without buckling. Regular paper will warp and tear.
- Clean your brushes: Rinse your brushes thoroughly with clean water after each color to prevent muddying the colors.
- Experiment: Watercolor painting is all about experimenting! Try different techniques and amounts of water to see what works best for you.
- Start light: It's easier to add more color than to take it away. Begin with light washes and gradually build up the intensity.
