How to Control Water in Watercolor Painting

Watercolor painting is beautiful but challenging. One of the biggest struggles beginners face is controlling water.

Too much water can create unwanted edges, blobs, or sharp borders. Too little water can make the painting look dry and lifeless.

I’ve been there too! Over time, I learned simple but effective tricks to manage water, and I’m excited to share them with you.

In this article, I’ll teach you how to control water when painting with watercolor so you can create smooth, professional-looking results.

Understanding Water Control in Watercolor

Water plays a crucial role in watercolor painting. It affects how colors blend, dry, and interact with the paper.

If you don’t control it properly, you may end up with unexpected results. Let’s take a closer look at why water control is so important.

Why Water Control is Essential in Watercolor Painting

Water determines the flow and transparency of your paint. The right amount of water helps you create smooth transitions and soft blends.

Too much water, however, can lead to puddles and uneven drying. On the other hand, too little water can result in harsh, dry brush marks.

By learning how to manage water effectively, you can achieve beautiful, controlled results in your paintings.

The good news is that you can take full control of the water on your paper with a few simple techniques.

Common Water-Related Issues in Watercolor

Many beginners face similar problems when they first start using watercolors. Here are some of the most common issues:

• Puddles and Uneven Drying: When too much water pools in one area, it dries unevenly, leaving unwanted marks.
• Sharp Edges and Blooms: If a wet area meets a drier one, it can create sharp, unnatural borders or “blooms” where pigments push outward.
• Unexpected Color Shifts: Water affects how pigments settle on the paper. If not controlled, colors may dry lighter or darker than expected.

Techniques to Control Water Effectively

Over time, I developed a few habits that completely changed the way I paint. Here’s what I do to keep my water and paint under control.

#1. Preparing Your Brush Before Painting

Before I touch my paper, I ensure my brush is ready. A wet brush holds a lot of water; if I don’t manage it properly, it can release too much onto the paper.

Here’s what I do:

1. Wash the brush – Always start with a clean brush. This removes any leftover pigment.
2. Press the brush against the edge of the water container – This helps remove large water droplets.
3. Check the moisture level – If the brush still holds too much water, I adjust it before picking up any paint.

These small steps make a huge difference in how much water ends up on the paper.

#2. Controlling Water Before Applying Paint to Paper

Even after adjusting my brush, there’s still a chance I might have too much water. That’s why I always make a stop before touching the paper.

Instead of going straight to the paper, I:

• Lightly dab the brush on a paper towel to remove excess water.
• Check how wet the brush feels. If it’s still too wet, I dab it again.

This quick habit prevents my brush from dumping too much water onto the painting. Over time, it has helped me gain much better control over my washes.

#3. The Magic Trick: Using the Brush to Absorb Excess Water

Sometimes, I don’t realize I’ve used too much water until it’s already on the paper.

Maybe I painted a flower petal, and suddenly, there’s a large puddle forming around the edges.

Instead of panicking, I use this trick:

1. Wash the brush – A dirty brush won’t absorb cleanly.
2. Dry it with a paper towel – This removes excess moisture.
3. Hold the brush at a 30-degree angle and touch the puddle with the tip.

The brush works like a sponge, pulling the extra water back in. This simple trick has saved many of my paintings from unwanted edges and puddles!

#4. Handling Large Watery Areas

Larger areas, like leaves or backgrounds, can be tricky. If there’s too much water, the paint won’t dry evenly.

In these cases, I have two options:

• Use a paper towel to absorb water along the edges – This helps prevent harsh drying lines.
• Use a dry brush to move the water gently – I make sure to dry my brush often and use soft strokes to avoid damaging the paper.

This keeps my washes smooth and prevents unwanted marks from forming.

Tips for Practicing Water Control for Better Results

Water control takes practice, but the good news is that it becomes second nature over time.

Here are some ways to develop good habits and improve your technique.

Tip#1: Developing a Habit of Using a Paper Towel

A paper towel is one of the most valuable tools in watercolor painting. Keeping it next to your workspace allows you to adjust your brush’s moisture level quickly.

Every time you pick up paint, pause for a moment to check if your brush holds too much water.

If it does, dab it lightly on a paper towel before painting. This small habit can make a huge difference in the final look of your painting.

Tip#2: Practicing Water Control with Simple Exercises

If you want to master water control, try practicing with small exercises. For example:

• Paint simple shapes like tulips, roses, or leaves. Observe how water moves on the paper and adjust accordingly.
• Experiment with different brush moisture levels. Try painting with a drier brush versus a wet one to see how they behave.
• Test the absorbent brush trick. Intentionally create a puddle and practice using your brush to soak up excess water.

With regular practice, you’ll become more confident in managing water and controlling your brushwork.

Wrapping Up

Water control is a fundamental skill in watercolor painting, but with the proper techniques, it’s easy to master.

You can prevent unwanted edges, puddles, and blooms by managing brush moisture, using a paper towel, and practicing absorbent brush techniques.

The key is consistency—keep a paper towel nearby, practice these techniques, and soon, water control will feel natural.

Now it’s your turn! Try these tips in your next painting and see the difference for yourself.