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Do This to Level Up Your Watercolor Techniques & Get Stunning Results

If your watercolors have ever turned out chalky, dull, or flat, don’t worry—you’re not alone.

JAE JOHNS DIGEST

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Hello friend!

If your watercolors have ever turned out chalky, dull, or flat, don’t worry—you’re not alone. But did you know there’s a proven way to avoid this problem and make your paintings look vibrant and professional?

In my latest article, I break down exactly why your watercolors may be chalky and how you can fix it right away. Discover how to get clear, stunning watercolor results here.

Here are some quick tips to get started:

  1. Choose artist-grade supplies: Cheaper watercolors often use more binder than pigment, leading to opaque, chalky results.

  2. Test your paints for transparency: Run a simple test with a black marker line to see which paints are opaque.

  3. Stop overmixing on the palette: Instead, blend colors directly on the paper for clean, vibrant results.

  4. Use high-quality paper: Artist-grade paper absorbs paint better, preventing feathering and muddiness.

These small adjustments can transform your work, making your colors glow and your details pop. And if you’re still struggling, you might be surprised at the easy fixes I share in the full guide. Read the full article and level up your watercolor game here.

Start implementing these tips today and see how quickly your watercolor results improve. Happy painting!

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QUOTE FROM THE MASTERS

“You will see, in the future I will live by my watercolors.“
— Winslow Homer

5 IDEAS YOU CAN PAINT WITH WATERCOLOR IN LESS THAN 5 MINUTES

  • Mountains in Mist: Layer soft washes of gray or blue to form distant mountains disappearing into misty, white spaces.

  • Coffee Mug: Sketch the round shape of a mug with a quick wash of color and add shadows for a cozy, everyday scene.

  • Falling Leaves: Use warm, earthy tones to paint simple leaf shapes scattered across the paper, capturing their natural flow.

  • Bird on a Branch: Paint a quick silhouette of a bird with a delicate branch beneath it for a charming, minimalist piece.

  • Silhouetted Trees: Use dark paint to sketch quick, shadowy trees against a light background for an instant atmospheric effect.

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Jae

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