Are you looking for a creative and playful way to explore abstract watercolor art?
In this post, I'll walk you through a fun painting session where I play with masking fluid, a ruling pen, and some bold neon watercolors.
Whether you're new to abstract art or want to try something different, this simple process might spark your creativity and help you loosen up with colors and textures.
Contents
What You'll Need for This Abstract Art Painting
Before diving in, let me walk you through the supplies I use in this project. It's always easier to enjoy the process when you're fully prepared.
To start, I grab my watercolor paper and some drawing gum—also called masking fluid or frisket. It helps preserve the white of the paper, which adds beautiful contrast later.
I also use a ruling pen to apply the masking fluid. If you've never tried a ruling pen for this, it's fun. It puts the fluid down smoothly and is easy to clean.
Along with the pen, I use some brushes and a range of watercolor paints. For this painting, I focus on blues, greens, and a super bright neon red to add a bold pop of color.
Preparing the Paper: Creating Organic Marks with Masking Fluid
Now it's time to prep the paper and lay down some interesting shapes. This step sets the tone for the whole artwork.
Applying Masking Fluid
I dip the ruling pen into the masking fluid and make random marks across the page.
One of my first blobs spreads out more than I expected, so I stretch it out and let it become part of a longer organic shape.
These marks help preserve the white of the paper, which adds a nice contrast once I paint over it.
I treat this central area like a focal point. From here, I let some tendrils stretch outward, off the page, and in various directions.
Some curl, some stretch straight, adding variety and keeping the composition lively.
Letting the Masking Fluid Dry
I let the masking fluid dry completely once I finish drawing with the masking fluid. This step is important. It keeps those light areas safe while I add layers of color later.
Letting it dry fully helps preserve the crisp edges and stops bleeding when I paint.
Experimenting with Colors: Wet-on-Dry Technique
With the masking fluid dry, it's time for paint! I love this part because the color blending and layering bring the whole piece to life.
Choosing Your Colors
For this piece, I paint wet-on-dry. That means I go in with a dry paper surface and wet paint. I start by choosing deep blues and rich greens.
Then, I mix things up and dip into a neon red. It's super bright—like highlighter bright—but I love experimenting, so I go for it.
Applying Paint
I load my brush and go straight from the pan to the paper. Starting on one side, I push the color into the nooks and crannies around the masking fluid.
The fluid resists the paint, leaving behind interesting negative space.
Next, I paint turquoise.
Then, I grab that neon red and blend it with the blues. It mixes beautifully and gives a purply neon effect that I enjoy.
I switch between colors—deep blue, neon red, a bit of turquoise—and let them blend on the page. The shapes I create are loose and organic. I vary their size and let the colors mix naturally.
As I move through the painting, I rinse my brush often. Since I'm mixing colors directly on the paper, I want to keep my paint pans clean but still allow those wet blends to happen.
I add more turquoise in the top corner and cover all the edges with color. One section turns into a bright area; I love how that glow adds energy.
When I'm happy with the layers, I set the paper aside and let everything dry.
Adding Depth with Stencils and Layers
With the paint dry, it's time to build more structure into the abstract piece using circles. I love how this part brings everything together.
Using Stencils to Create Circles
I pull out a stencil filled with circles of different sizes. I keep my focus area near the center and use the biggest circle. I lightly trace it in pencil, just to get the right placement.
As I move outward, I draw smaller and smaller circles, some even off the edge of the page. This gives a sense of movement and fading.
I also space them out more as they spread, like they're drifting away from the center.
Filling in the Circles
I return to my turquoise paint, but this time with a lighter wash. I fill in each circle, using the stencil to guide the shape.
I'm not too worried about being perfectly inside the lines—I want the basic circle shape to show.
These layers create a subtle 3D effect. I love how some paint and placement can make the circles rise off the page.
Final Touches: Adding Contrast and Detail
The painting looks good so far, but it still needs a bit of contrast to make the shapes pop. Let's add some black lines to pull the composition together.
Adding Black Lines for Contrast
I grab my liner brush and dip it into pure black watercolor. It's a deep, solid black. I keep the brush offscreen but dip carefully and return to the paper.
I slowly pull the brush across the paper from the focal point, letting the paint flow. I move slowly so my lines don't break.
This creates clean, smooth lines that cut through the shapes and give the piece structure.
I don't overdo it. Just a few lines are enough to bring value contrast and guide the eye. It adds a nice balance to the soft blends and bright neons.
Removing the Masking Fluid
Everything is dry now, and it's time for the best part—pulling off the masking fluid. I use a small gunk remover tool and gently rub the surface.
If I get a good starting point, I can pull off big chunks simultaneously, which is satisfying. One swipe, and you see all that preserved white space pop through the colors.
Now, I remove the tape, and we can see the final result.
Our painting is complete! Let’s step back and admire the beauty of the artwork.
Final Thoughts
I hope this inspires you to grab your supplies and try something playful with your watercolor set.
Which part of the process are you most excited to try—masking fluid, neon colors, or layering with stencils? Let me know, and don't forget to have fun with it!