Irregular patterns with several colors can be created by using a wet-on-wet technique with your watercolors. Blooms are one of the best ways to achieve this. But, how do you create a watercolor bloom?
There’s really no one answer to that question. Each artist has their own method, and each bloom will be slightly different. However, there are a few tips that can help you create beautiful blooms every time.
The key to success with this painting technique is to have patience and control the amount of water on your brush. Too much water will cause the colors to bleed and run together, while not enough water will make it difficult to blend the colors.
Here are some tips to help you create the perfect watercolor bloom.
What are Blooms?
Do you know why blooms occur? Do you know how and when to use them? If not, then this section is for you!
Blooms occur when some parts of the painting dry before others. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including a difference in pigment load, paper texture, or the amount of water on the brush.
Because blooms are often unpredictable, they can add an element of surprise and excitement to a painting. However, they can also be frustrating if you’re not expecting them.
There are two types of blooms: hard and soft. Hard blooms are defined edges with soft centers, while soft blooms have no defined edge and tend to be more diffuse. Hard blooms are generally created by applying a small amount of water to the brush and then adding color. The color will spread out from the point of contact and bloom as it dries.
Soft blooms are generally created by adding a lot of water to the brush and then adding color. The color will spread out evenly and bloom as it dries.
Either way, it’s important to have patience when creating blooms. Allow the first layer of color to dry completely before adding more. This will help prevent the colors from mudding together.
If you’re wondering how to use blooms in your paintings, the sky is the limit! They can be used to create a variety of effects, from delicate flowers to abstract shapes.
Techniques for Creating a Watercolor Bloom
Whether you want to learn how to draw a nose, a flower, an entire landscape, or a watercolor bloom, you’ll need to master the basic techniques first. Here are some step-by-step guides to creating a watercolor bloom.
Basic Watercolor Bloom Technique
This basic technique can be used to create a variety of blooms.
Step 1: Pre-wet your paper. This will help the colors spread and bloom evenly.
Step 2: Choose two or three colors. You can use more, but it might be difficult to control the blooms.
Step 3: Add a small amount of water to your brush and then load it with color. Apply the color to your paper, starting in the center and working your way out.
Step 4: Add more water to your brush and then add another color. Apply this color next to the first one, blending the two colors together as you go.
Step 5: Repeat step four until you’re happy with the result.
Dropping in Two Colors
The next technique is similar to the one above, but it uses two colors instead of three.
Step 1: Pre-wet your paper.
Step 2: Choose two colors.
Step 3: Add a small amount of water to your brush and then load it with color. Apply the color to your paper, starting in the center and working your way out.
Step 4: Add more water to your brush and then add the second color. Apply this color next to the first one, blending the two colors together as you go.
Step 5: Allow the colors to dry completely before adding more.
Colors with a high level of pigment will bloom more than those with low levels.
You can also create blooms by dropping in two colors while the first color is still wet. This will create a more diffuse bloom.
Adding Salt
Adding salt to your painting can create interesting blooms. The salt will absorb the color and create random patterns.
Step 1: Pre-wet your paper.
Step 2: Choose two colors.
Step 3: Add a small amount of water to your brush and then load it with color. Apply the color to your paper, starting in the center and working your way out.
Step 4: Sprinkle salt onto the wet area.
Step 5: Allow the colors to dry completely before adding more.
The amount of salt you add will determine the intensity of the blooms. Experiment with different amounts to see what you like best.
You can also try this technique with other materials, such as sugar or sand.
Dropping Water Into Color
This technique is, again, similar to the one above, but it uses water instead of salt. You can start by painting a shape with one color and then dropping water into it. The water will cause the color to bloom outward.
Step 1: Pre-wet your paper.
Step 2: Choose two colors.
Step 3: Add a small amount of water to your brush and then load it with color. Apply the color to your paper, starting in the center and working your way out.
Step 4: Use a clean brush to drop water onto the wet area.
Step 5: Allow the colors to dry completely before adding more.
The size of the drops will determine the intensity of the blooms. Experiment with different sizes to see what you like best.
You can also try this technique with other materials, such as glycerin or alcohol.
Creating Watercolor Blooms Tips
Now that you know the basics of how to create a watercolor bloom, here are some tips to help you get the best results.
Pick the Right Paper
The type of paper you use will make a big difference in the results. Hot press paper is smooth and won’t absorb the color as much, so the blooms will be more subtle. Cold press paper is more textured and will absorb the color more, resulting in bolder blooms.
Another factor to consider is the weight of the paper. Heavier papers will hold up better to multiple layers of color and won’t warp as easily.
Prepare Your Colors
As we mentioned before, colors with high levels of pigment will bloom more than those with low levels. So, if you want bold blooms, choose highly pigmented colors. You can also mix your own colors to get the perfect shade.
It’s important to use the right amount of water when working with watercolors. If the colors are too dry, they won’t bloom as well. If they’re too wet, they’ll run and blend together.
The best way to achieve the perfect consistency is to use a palette with two wells – one for water and one for color. Add a small amount of water to the wells and then add your colors. Use a brush to mix the colors until you reach the desired consistency.
Work Quickly
Watercolors dry quickly, so it’s important to work quickly when creating blooms. If the colors start to dry before you’re finished, spritz them with a little water to re-wet them.
Add Layers and Texture
One of the best things about watercolor blooms is that you can add multiple layers to create different effects. You can start with a light layer and then add more color for a bolder look. Or, you can add one color on top of another to create a new shade.
Adding texture to your painting can create interesting effects. You can add salt, sugar, sand, or other materials to your wet paint to create blooms with interesting patterns.
Experiment
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and materials. Watercolor bloom is all about trial and error. The more you experiment, the better you’ll get at it.
Spare some time to practice watercolor blooms and find what techniques work best for you. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful blooms that will add a touch of elegance to any painting.
How to Fix Watercolor Blooms
While blooms are beautiful, they aren’t always desirable. Here is how you can fix a bloom if you accidentally end up with it.
If the bloom is small, you can try to dry it with a hairdryer. The heat will cause the bloom to shrink. If the bloom is large, you can try to cover it with another layer of paint. Choose a color that will complement the blooms and paint over them.
You can also try using masking tape or a stencil to fix blooms. Simply place the tape or stencil over the bloom and then paint over it. The tape or stencil will prevent the new color from bleeding into the bloom.
When all else fails, you can always start again. It’s not ideal, but sometimes it’s the only way to fix a watercolor bloom.
Conclusion
Watercolor blooms can be beautiful and add interest to your painting. But they can also be frustrating if you don’t know how to control them. Fortunately, with a little practice, you’ll be able to create the perfect watercolor bloom every time. Happy painting!
