Painting perfect circles in watercolor
Master the art of painting perfect circles in watercolor with this step-by-step tutorial. Learn how to use the rim of a jar, cup, or bowl to create flawless circles that add elegance to your artwork. Follow along as I demonstrate the technique and provide useful tips for achieving precise shapes using a pressing method on dry paper.
Creating precise shapes in watercolor can be challenging, but there are various techniques to achieve flawless circles. In this blog post, we will delve into a unique method that involves using the rim of a jar, cup, or bowl to press against the paper, resulting in perfect circles that add a touch of elegance to your artwork.
Tools and Materials: Before we dive into the technique, let's gather the necessary tools and materials:
Watercolor paper: Choose a high-quality, acid-free watercolor paper that can withstand the water and pigment without warping.
Watercolor paints: Select a vibrant color palette of your choice.
Brushes: Ensure you have a variety of brushes, including a round brush for filling in the circles.
Palette: A mixing palette or a porcelain dish for blending and diluting the watercolor paints.
Water container: A clean container for rinsing your brushes and grabbing water for any pipette work to create drips as seen in the video above.
Jar, cup, or bowl: Find an object with a smooth rim that matches the size of the circles you wish to create.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Prepare your workspace: Find a comfortable and well-lit area to work in. Lay down a protective sheet to prevent any accidental spills or splatters on your working surface (I only sometimes do this).
Choose your object: Select a jar, cup, or bowl with a rim that matches the desired size of your circle. Keep in mind that different objects will yield different circle sizes, so experiment with various options to find the perfect fit for your artwork.
Wet the paper if you want a soft, defused shape. If you want a crisp circle, make sure your paper is dry.
Mix your watercolors: Prepare the desired hue by mixing the watercolor paint on your palette. Adjust the intensity and transparency of the color by adding more water or paint as needed.
Dip the rim of your chosen object into the watercolor paint or paint the edges of the rim with your brush. Make sure the paint evenly coats the rim without any excess or drips.
Press the object to the paper: position the rim of the object where you want it on the paper. Press it down evenly for a few seconds, allowing the paint to transfer onto the paper.
Lift the object: Carefully lift the object straight up from the paper to avoid smudging the circle. Admire the clean, perfect circle you've created!
Repeat and experiment: Repeat steps 5 to 7 to create as many circles as you desire. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors, sizes, and placements. Overlapping circles can produce intriguing effects and add depth to your artwork.
Finishing touches: Once the circles have dried, you can use a round brush to add additional details, shadows, or highlights to enhance your composition.
Practice and explore: Like any artistic technique, achieving mastery requires practice. Take the time to experiment with different objects, papers, and colors to discover the possibilities and develop your unique style.
Painting perfect circles in watercolor adds a refined and polished touch to your artwork. By utilizing the rim of a jar, cup, or bowl, you can effortlessly create flawless circles with precision and elegance. Remember to experiment, practice, and have fun with this technique, as it will not only help you refine your skills but also allow you to explore your creativity in the captivating world of watercolor painting. So grab your brushes, gather your supplies, go forth, and PAINT!