How to Draw with Watercolor: A very Brief Introduction To Watercolor

Used in the past by the Egyptians on papyrus and by the Chinese on silk, it gradually evolved to become an important medium on paper. Its original use on paper was to elaborate upon line drawings with monochromatic washes. Color followed, with the line still used for drawing and modeling of form. It was not until Winslow Homer appeared, that watercolors became a medium to be handled directly on the spot in a broad manner. While these early water colors were used as a means of study from nature for subsequent oils, they came to have all the power contained in the heavier oil medium. Water color continues to be a medium that lends itself readily to painting on the spot, and working directly from nature is the most vital part of learning to handle it, aside from the original intention of studying the various aspects of nature. It is only alter a long period of outdoor study that a reasonably convincing watercolor can be made in the studio. If you have worked in oils, you will find the knowledge you have acquired painting with this heavier medium very helpful in watercolor painting. Experience in drawing and composition, and the training of your eye to see color, will all stand you in good stead. Now all you have to do is master the technique of handling watercolors!
Introduction
Material and Techniques
Paint and other materials
Paper
Brushes
Color
Vibrant colors
Color mixing
Light and dark
Perspective
Creating depth with color
Focal point
Focal point