To paint with water and markers, you typically draw and color your image first using water-soluble markers, and then use a wet paintbrush to spread and blend the ink.
This technique allows you to achieve watercolor-like effects with the convenience of markers. As demonstrated in one approach, "After I'm done drawing and filling my colors in and ready to start painting... Again all you need is a cup of water and a paintbrush to start painting you simply need to get water on the brush." This highlights the core steps: draw, color, then paint with water.
Understanding the Technique
Painting with water and markers relies on the water-soluble properties of the marker ink. When water is applied, the ink reactivates, allowing it to spread and mix on the paper, much like watercolor paint.
Materials You'll Need
- Water-Soluble Markers: Not all markers work; look for markers specifically labeled as water-soluble or watercolor markers.
- Paper: Thicker paper, like watercolor paper or cardstock, works best as it can handle moisture without buckling or tearing easily.
- Cup of Water: A clean container for your water.
- Paintbrush: Various sizes and shapes can be used depending on the desired effect. A round brush is versatile for blending and details.
- Optional: Paper towel for drying your brush.
Step-by-Step Process
Here's a basic guide on how to paint with markers and water:
- Draw and Color: Begin by creating your drawing using your water-soluble markers. You can fill in areas with solid color or add initial shading. Remember that the water will spread the color, so you don't need to fill every corner precisely if you plan to blend heavily.
- Prepare to Paint: As the reference notes, "After I'm done drawing and filling my colors in and ready to start painting," you simply need your water and paintbrush.
- Apply Water: Dip your paintbrush into the cup of water. Remove excess water by dabbing it on the side of the cup or a paper towel. You want the brush to be wet, but not dripping.
- Activate the Ink: Gently brush over the marker lines or colored areas on your paper. The water will reactivate the ink, causing it to dissolve and spread.
- Blend and Create Effects:
- Use more water for lighter, more transparent washes.
- Use less water for more controlled blending.
- Mix colors directly on the paper by brushing water over areas where two marker colors meet.
- Lift color by using a clean, damp brush to pick up ink from an area.
- Create gradients by applying water to one edge of a colored area and brushing outwards.
- Let Dry: Allow your artwork to dry completely. The colors will often settle and intensify slightly as they dry.
Tips for Success
- Test your markers: Always test your markers on a scrap piece of the same paper you'll be using to see how they react to water.
- Work light to dark: Like watercolor, it's often easier to build up layers of color. Start with lighter colors and add darker tones later.
- Control water: The amount of water on your brush dictates the intensity and spread of the color. Practice controlling your brush's wetness.
- Paper choice matters: The absorbency and weight of the paper significantly impact how the water and ink behave.
This simple method allows artists of all levels to explore blending and watercolor-like effects using readily available materials.
