Using watercolors can be intimidating. Even if you have used acrylics or oils, watercolors are a whole new ballgame. Whereas the other two mediums call for liberal use of materials, watercolors are the opposites. Less is more. To achieve the best effects, you add thin layers and let them dry to get the final result you are trying for. It is also often unforgiving.

Depending on the watercolor paper you are using, it is often impossible to fix mistakes. If you get to it fast enough, though, you can fix most problems. If it is on paper that doesn't already have a lot of paint on it, you can add more clean water and then dab up that water to remove paint. Refrain from scrubbing the paper or you risk damaging it.

It is best to begin a watercolor with a faint pencil drawing. Pencil lines can be later (carefully) erased or covered over with paint. If you are using watercolor pencils, your lines just become part of the painting, which is really the best option. Of course, I am a proponent of watercolor pencils, so I may have a slight bias.

Once again, remember that less is more. Not only in the amount of paint you use, but also in the details you try to put in your painting. If you are working from a photo or other source material, remember that you don't have to include every detail. Put only those things into your painting that tell a story. Other bits of info need not be added.

Remember, too, that watercolors require patience. I often have more than one painting going at any given time. Unless you want to work wet-on-wet, which is a great technique for blending, you will want to let your painting dry between layers. This is especially important if you are trying to apply details and finishing touches (including your signature).

The most important part is to enjoy yourself. Paper is cheap (compared to canvas). Make several versions of and go in different directions. You might be surprised with the results

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