6 Simple Watercolor Texture Techniques

Create

Oct 27

Watercolor is fun and unique!

I LOVE watercolor's loose, free-flowing characteristics. Adding texture gives watercolor lots of dimension, beauty, and interest.

Below, I've outlined six simple watercolor texture techniques that are super easy to experiment with and play. The outcomes of texture techniques will always vary slightly, but the results will be gorgeous every single time.

Lifting

The techniques below are called lifting, meaning that some watercolor is being "lifted."

The lifting of paint creates different opacities and one-of-a-kind textures.

watercolor-lifting-with-Plastic-Wrap--Olive-Blossom-Designs.jpg — 1. Plastic Wrap

Plastic wrap leaves a gorgeous geometric pattern. To get a similar result:
• Crumple up some plastic wrap
• Paint an area of watercolor
• While paint is juicy and wet, gently and firmly press down onto watercolor
• Allow to dry
• Slowly peel back plastic wrap

watercolor-lifting-with-paper-towel-Olive-Blossom-Designs.jpg — 2. Paper Towel

Using a paper towel can create a pebbled like texture or something more random/organic.
• Paint out some watercolor
• While paint is wet and juicy lay out paper towel flat for pebbled effect
• Crumple up and blot in desired areas for a more organic texture

watercolor-lifting-with-cottom-ball--Olive-Blossom-Designs.jpg — 4. Cotton Ball

Using a cotton ball creates a soft and fluffy look... sorta like a cotton ball :)
• Press cotton ball into wet watercolor to absorb pigmnet
• Press harder and longer to absorb a lot of pigment or quick and soft for less

watercolor-lifting-with-rubber-stamp-Olive-Blossom-Designs.jpg — 6. Rubber Stamp

Rubber stamps create a beautiful ghosting effect.
• Paint out an area of watercolor
• While super wet gently and firmly press stamp onto Watercolor
• Allow to dry and gently lift off

5. Cotton Swab

Cotton swabs gives lots of control.
• Dab small amounts
• Drag it along or to create lines
• Roll tip to create varying effects

watercolor-lifting-with-bubble-wrap-Olive-Blossom-Designs.jpg — 3. Bubble Wrap

Using bubble wrap give a fun texture pattern
• Lay down and gently press into very wet watercolor.
• Allow to dry and gently remove

I hope these lifting texture techniques have inspired you. Don't limit yourself to what is listed in this post. Challenge yourself to find other items in your home or art studio to create new textures.