Features

Watercolor Essentials
From choosing the right brushes and paper to getting the most out of glazing and drybrushing techniques, find everything you need to know to get started painting in watercolor.
By Greg Schaber and Maureen Bloomfield

The Power of Placement
Good paintings start with good designs. Learn where to place shapes and values for maximum impact.
By Donald Clegg

Layer On, Lift Off
Create convincing depth and texture in your watercolors by mastering simple layering and lifting techniques.
By Alan Wylie

A Workshop on Workshops
Advice from four popular instructors—and one student—on how to get the most from your workshop experience and what to do once you get back home.
Compiled by Joanne Moore

Windows of the Soul
Simple tips for capturing the essence of your subject in compelling watercolor portraits. Hint: It's in the eyes.
By Irwin Greenberg

A Series of Ideas
Painting a series is a great way to delve deeper into a favorite subject, and to develop as an artist and storyteller.
By Michele Suchland

Fresh as a Flower
Don't overdo it. Learn how to get a lively painting in one session with these 11 simple tips for getting it right from the start.
By Charles Reid

Color 101
Get more expressive color by learning to simplify your palette, control your paints and mix like a master.
By Donna Zagotta

Drawing Workbook
This ultimate drawing guide for the absolute beginner shows you everything you need to know to create a solid foundation for your watercolor painting.
By Mark Willenbrink

Columns

From the Editors

Reader Tips
A collection of your best watercolor tips, techniques and ideas. Compiled by Patricia Craft Watson

Material Matters
Frustrated by buckling paper and time-consuming stretching methods? Try these easy-to-follow techniques from Frank Webb that will ensure a flat painting surface every time. By Greg Schaber

Color Corner
Go beyond black and white. Jazz up your sketchbooks with color, and sharpen your painting skills at the same time. By Judi Betts

Practical Creativity
Double the media, double the fun. Try these six techniques for combining watercolor with colored pencil. By Cathy Johnson

Technical Q&A
Art materials experts weigh in on using a fugitive color, storing watercolor paper and applying varnish to your paintings. By Mark Gottsegen and Ross Merrill

Back to Basics
Paint daisies like a pro in four simple steps. By Mark Willenbrink