Granulating Watercolor Sketchbook for Beginners
Everything you need to know to paint with Granulating Watercolor
Granulating watercolors refer to a type of paint that contains pigments with larger particles that settle into the crevices of the painting surface, creating a textured or granulated effect. This effect can add depth, visual interest, and unique characteristics to your watercolor paintings. To learn more about painting with granulating watercolors, here are some key points to consider. (read below)
*Signup for the Granulating Watercolor Sketchbook for Beginners class for in depth demos and instruction videos on mastering the paintings you see here on this blog:
Understanding Granulation in Watercolor:
Granulating pigments are made up of larger particles that separate from the binder and settle into the textured surface of the paper. This effect is more pronounced when using rough or textured watercolor paper. The pigment particles tend to cluster together, creating a granulated or speckled appearance.
Choosing Granulating Pigments:
Not all watercolors exhibit granulating properties. Some pigments have fine particles that do not granulate, while others have larger particles that do. When purchasing watercolors, look for pigments specifically labeled as granulating or check the manufacturer’s information to identify their granulating characteristics.
Here is a list of commonly used granulating watercolor pigments:
- Cerulean Blue
- Ultramarine Blue
- Cobalt Blue
- Prussian Blue
- Manganese Blue
- Viridian Green
- Hooker’s Green
- Sap Green
- Burnt Sienna
- Raw Sienna
- Yellow Ochre
- Raw Umber
- Burnt Umber
- Sepia
- Quinacridone Gold
- Indian Red
- Indigo
- Lunar Black
- Shadow Green
- Lavender
- Cobalt Turquoise
- Naples Yellow
White Nights and Schmincke have a line of Super granulating watercolor .
White Nights Watercolor Paint Set : Sold on Amazon
Schmincke Granulating Paint sets : Sold at Jacksons
Additional blog on Granulation…
Experimenting with Colors:
Granulating effects can vary depending on the specific pigment used. Some granulating pigments include cerulean blue, ultramarine blue, burnt sienna, raw sienna, yellow ochre, and sepia. However, it’s essential to experiment with different colors and brands to discover the unique granulation properties they offer.
Watercolor Techniques:
All of these techniques are being taught in easy 10 minutes classes in the Granulating Watercolor Sketchbook for Beginners Class<here>
To enhance the granulating effect, you can use various watercolor techniques:
- Wet-on-Dry: Apply the granulating paint on a dry surface, allowing the pigments to settle and create texture.
- Wet-on-Wet: Apply water to the paper before adding granulating pigments. The granulation will occur as the paint mixes and spreads on the wet surface.
- Tipping: After applying the granulating paint, tilt the paper to encourage the pigments to settle in certain areas, creating a more pronounced granulated effect.
- Layering: Apply multiple layers of granulating pigments, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next. This can enhance the granulation and create more depth in your painting.
Paper Selection:
The choice of watercolor paper can significantly impact the granulating effect. Rough or textured papers with more pronounced peaks and valleys allow the granulating pigments to settle into the texture, enhancing the granulation effect. Experiment with different paper surfaces to achieve the desired result.
Best Watercolor Paper for Granulation:
FABRIANO : ARTISTICO : BLOCK : 5X7IN : 25 SHEETS
Fabriano Artistico watercolour paper is mould made, produced with 100% cotton
Arches 12 Sheet Pads :
Arches Aquarelle Gummed Watercolor Pads are gummed down the short edge. The paper is mould-made, 100% cotton, and gelatine tub sized with a neutral pH.
Control and Manipulation:
While granulating watercolors can add fascinating textures, it’s important to remember that you still have control over the paint. You can soften or manipulate the granulation effect by diluting the pigment, blotting with a paper towel, or lifting the paint while it’s still wet. This is especially easy with the paint I recommend to you because it’s non-staining so most lift easily.
Exploring Combinations:
In this Granulating Watercolor Class for Beginners we explore different combinations of granulating watercolor. Combining granulating pigments with non-granulating pigments can create interesting contrasts within your painting. The granulated areas will stand out against the smoother sections, adding visual intrigue and complexity to your artwork.
Practice and Experimentation:
Like any watercolor technique, painting with granulating watercolors requires practice and experimentation. Take the time to explore different pigments, techniques, and surfaces to discover the effects you enjoy and how they can enhance your artistic expression.
The class is filled with easy 10 minute demos that make learning fun and convenient. There are plenty of practice demos for you to enjoy and hours of fun to have in this class. I hope to see you getting in there and developing your watercolor skills.
Remember, every watercolor artist has their unique style and preferences. I teach each one of my watercolor students how to embrace the granulating effect as a tool to enhance your creative vision and explore the possibilities it offers in your artwork.
