Watercolour Paint

Artists are drawn to watercolour paint for its fluidity and the ability to build depth through transparent layers. The medium's transparency allows underlying colours to shine through, creating richness and complexity in the artwork.

Watercolour paint offers a softer appearance compared to other mediums, making it ideal for capturing delicate subjects like landscapes, portraits, and botanical illustrations. Its quick-drying properties also enable artists to work efficiently, layering colours without long waiting periods.

‘The key element that opens up watercolour to people is understanding paint consistency. Paint consistency is how it feels on the palette. Is it very watery? Is it milky, creamy, thick like Marmite? And then how wet is your page? The interaction between those two characteristics is really important.’

— Tom Shepperd - Watercolour Painter, Teacher, and Co-presenter of the Ask an Artist Podcast.

The use of watercolour dates back to ancient times, with early forms found in Egyptian tomb paintings and other ancient civilisations. In Europe, watercolour painting gained prominence during the Renaissance for its use in manuscript illumination and botanical illustrations.

Artists like J.M.W. Turner, Albrecht Dürer, and William Blake have used watercolour paint to create some of their most renowned works. The medium has a rich history spanning centuries, evolving with new techniques and materials but always cherished for its unique qualities.

At Jackson's Art Supplies, we are dedicated to offering high quality watercolour paints from trusted brands, ensuring that artists receive superior materials for their creative endeavours.

Our selection includes a wide range of watercolours from popular brands like Daniel Smith, Holbein, Schmincke, Winsor & Newton, and our own Jackson’s Artist Watercolours.

- Extensive Range: We provide a huge range of watercolour paints, from student-grade to professional quality watercolours.
- Competitive Pricing: Our commitment to affordability means you can access top-quality paints without compromising your budget.
- Customer Trust: With a 4.8-star rating on Trustpilot, we are recognised for our exceptional service and product quality.

By choosing us, you're investing in quality materials that will enhance your artistic expression.

Shop for Watercolour Paint

Ready to elevate your watercolour paintings? Browse our extensive collection of watercolour paints and find the perfect paints for your next masterpiece. Start your order online today and take advantage of our competitive prices and fast shipping.

Need more help? Visit Contact Us and Help & Advice pages for expert guidance on selecting the best watercolour paints for your needs.

What Are the Best Brushes for Painting with Watercolour?

Watercolour brushes typically have shorter handles for enhanced control and precision. They come in a vast range of shapes and sizes, including flat, mop, fan, and rigger brushes, each designed to achieve different techniques.

The bristle types vary from different grades of synthetic fibres to natural hair like sable, goat, and squirrel. Natural hair brushes often offer superior water retention and a softer touch, while synthetic brushes provide durability and affordability. Choosing the right brush depends on the desired effect and personal preference.

Why Do Some Artists Apply a Wash Before Painting?

Applying a wash involves covering the paper with a thin, diluted layer of paint before adding details. This technique allows artists to embrace the wet-on-wet method, which helps prevent hard edges and creates smooth transitions between colours.

A wash can establish a background colour, such as a sky in a landscape painting, and sets the tone for the artwork. It provides a harmonious base that unifies the composition.

What Is the Wet-on-Wet Technique?

The wet-on-wet technique involves applying paint onto a wet surface. This can be wet paper or a layer of paint. This method allows colours to blend and flow freely, creating soft transitions and diffused edges.

Landscape artists often use this technique to create realistic skies, water reflections, or atmospheric effects like mist and fog. It encourages a spontaneous and fluid approach to painting.

What Is the Wet-on-Dry Technique?

Wet-on-dry refers to applying wet paint onto dry paper. This technique offers artists greater control and precision, making it ideal for adding fine details and sharp edges to a painting.

Since the paint doesn't bleed or flow into surrounding areas, it's perfect for defining shapes, adding texture, or layering colours without disturbing the underlying layers. Wet-on-dry is essential for achieving clarity and crispness in your work.

What Is Dry Brushing?

Dry brushing is a technique where the artist uses a brush loaded with minimal paint and water. This method creates a textured, scratchy effect that can add detail and a sense of texture to a painting.

Dry brushing is particularly useful for depicting surfaces like rough wood, grass, or hair. By lightly dragging the dry brush over the paper, the paint catches only the raised parts of the texture, enhancing the dimensionality of the artwork.

How Do Artists Paint Fine Details in Watercolour Paintings?

Artists employ several methods to add fine details in watercolour paintings. Using the wet-on-dry technique allows for precise application of paint. Fine brushes with pointed tips also enable intricate work.

Additionally, techniques like glazing—applying thin, transparent layers of paint over dry areas—can build up depth and detail. Other methods include scumbling (using a dry brush to apply broken, speckled colour) and splattering (flicking paint onto the paper) to create texture and dynamic effects.

Are There Other Types of Watercolour Aside from Paint?

Yes, watercolour is available in various forms beyond traditional tubes and pans. Watercolour pencils allow artists to draw with pigment-rich pencils that can be activated with water to create painterly effects. Watercolour sticks offer a crayon-like format that can be used wet or dry. Watercolour inks provide intense, flowing colours suitable for both painting and calligraphy.

Why Is Watercolour Paper Better Than Regular Paper?

Paper for watercolour painting is created with specific properties to handle the demands of water-based paints. Its thickness and composition provide superior absorbency, preventing the paper from buckling or warping. Its weight and durability enable it to withstand wash and lifting techniques common in watercolour painting.

Do You Sell Watercolour Paint Sets?

Yes, we offer a wide selection of watercolour paint sets suitable for all skill levels. Our sets range from introductory kits for beginners to comprehensive collections for professional artists.

Featuring brands like Daniel Smith, Holbein, Schmincke, and our own Jackson’s Artist Watercolours, these sets come in various sizes to meet your artistic needs.

How Can I Learn More About Watercolour Paint?

For a comprehensive guide on watercolour painting, materials, and tips, visit our Guide to Watercolour.

You can also learn more about watercolour paint on Jackson’s Art Blog. It's an invaluable resource for artists at all levels looking to deepen their understanding of this diverse medium. There are also a wide variety of Books and Magazines available for watercolourists.