Granulation and flocculation—what's the difference? I've been super curious about this for a while now. Every time I paint, I notice how pigments behave differently, and it makes me dig deeper.
I found something really cool—and kind of overlooked. So, in this post, I'll explain both watercolor effects in detail. If pigment texture fascinates you, too, let's explore this together!
Contents
What Is Granulation in Watercolor Painting?
Granulation is something most of us can spot right away. But what actually causes it? Let me explain.
Granulation Meaning and How It Affects Your Artwork
According to a great post I read on Jackson's Art blog, granulation happens when pigment particles settle unevenly on the paper.
That uneven deposit is what creates those lovely, visible textures we all know and love. It gives character to washes and adds mood to otherwise flat areas.
Examples of Granulating Watercolors
Let me show you what I mean. I've already compared pigment with cobalt turquoise before. You can clearly see the granulation in action there! The pigment spreads evenly, but the granules still create texture.
The same thing happens with Potter's Pink. The particles are pretty evenly distributed across the page, yet they still leave that rough, grainy effect. That's classic granulation. It shows up clearly and adds beauty to the piece.
What Is Flocculation in Watercolor and Why It Matters?
Now, let's move on to something less common—but even more fascinating. I'm talking about flocculation!
Flocculation in Watercolor: Definition and Unique Effects
While granulation is about uneven settling, flocculation is a little different. It happens when small pigment particles are attracted to each other and group together.
These tiny clumps form visible patterns on the paper—and trust me, they look amazing!
You won't see flocculation everywhere. It's rare. But when it happens, the result is magical. Instead of even texture, you get these concentrated patterns that feel so alive.
Why Flocculating Watercolors Are Rare and Fascinating
I don't know why, but I've been drawn to flocculation! Maybe it's because it's harder to find and doesn't behave like most watercolors. It feels like a hidden treasure in the world of pigment.
Honestly, not a lot of artists talk about it. So I felt like I had to!
Examples of Flocculating Watercolor Pigments
Let me show you some pigments I've found that flocculate beautifully. It took me a while to gather these, but they're worth it!
Top Flocculating Colors from Daniel Smith
Here are three colors from Daniel Smith that show flocculation really clearly:
- Transparent Yellow Oxide: You'll see the pigment particles grouping together. It's so different from granulation!
- Transparent Brown Oxide: Same effect here. The particles don't just sit on the paper; they form small clumps.
- Transparent Red Oxide: This one shows the strongest example of flocculation in my experience. The pigment gathers in specific areas, creating a bold texture.
More Flocculating Paints: Winsor & Newton Mauve (PV16)
There's one more color I have to mention—Winsor & Newton's Mauve, made with PV16 manganese violet. This one shows flocculation so clearly! You'll see the pigment cluster up in a way that looks intentional, even though it's just how the paint behaves.
These examples show how flocculation stands apart. Instead of even grain, you get natural patterning and texture from clustered particles. It's beautiful!
Flocculation vs Granulation in Watercolor: What's the Difference?
How do you tell these two effects apart? It's all about the way the pigments sit on the paper.
How to Tell Granulation and Flocculation Apart
Granulation means the pigment spreads and settles unevenly, but still fairly evenly across the page. Flocculation, on the other hand, means the pigments attract each other and form visible groups.
In short:
- Granulation = scattered, grainy texture
- Flocculation = clustered pigment patterns
Both are natural pigment behaviors, but they create different effects.
Flocculation Is a Type of Granulation: An Easy Analogy
Here's how I make sense of it: flocculation is a kind of granulation, but not all granulation is flocculation.
It's just like the shape analogy—all squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares. Flocculation fits inside the bigger category of granulation. Once I saw it that way, it finally clicked!
Exploring the Artistic Use of Flocculation in Watercolor
Now that we've seen examples and broken down the difference, let's talk about what this means in practice.
Can Flocculating Paints Enhance Your Watercolor Art?
I'll be honest—I'm not exactly sure how this applies to painting technique just yet. I'm still exploring! But the behavior of these pigments intrigues me.
There's definitely potential to use these effects for unique textures and depth in a painting. It's something I want to keep experimenting with—and I think it could open up new creative possibilities.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how watercolor pigments behave—whether they granulate or flocculate—can add depth and texture to your art. Each effect brings something unique to your painting.
Why not explore these pigments in your next piece and observe how they settle on the page? You might discover new ways to enhance your watercolor work through texture alone.