How to paint a graded watercolour wash for beginners

What you need

• Watercolour paper, such as Arches rough or hot pressed
• One watercolour paint, such as Alizarin Crimson
• Large soft mop brush, such as size 4
• Mixing palette
• Two jars of clean water
• Drawing board and masking tape
• Paper towel or cloth

Steps

1. Tape your watercolour paper to a drawing board and prop the top edge up slightly, so the wash can flow down as you work.

2. Mix a strong puddle of one colour, such as Alizarin Crimson, on your palette. Load a large soft mop brush, like a size 4, without flooding it.

3. Start at the top of the paper. Paint one horizontal band from left to right, keeping the brush moving and the band even.

4. Dip the brush in clean water and add a little to the palette puddle, or pick up water separately, to make the next band lighter.

5. Paint the next band just under the first, overlapping the wet edge. Work quickly so the two bands merge instead of drying apart.

6. Repeat across the paper, adding more water each time. Keep the last band pale and finish with clean water at the bottom.

7. Wipe away any drips at the taped edges with a damp cloth, then let the paper dry flat before removing the tape.

Tips and common mistakes

Questions

What is a graded wash?

A graded wash is one continuous layer of colour that changes from strong to weak, usually dark at the top and pale at the bottom.

Can I use any brush?

A large soft mop or wash brush holds enough water for an even band. A small detail brush makes the wash harder to keep smooth.

How do I stop hard edges?

Paint the next band while the previous one is still shiny and wet, and overlap the edge gently. If it dries, stop and start a new wash.

This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.