Watercolor painting is a beautiful and relaxing art form that can produce stunning results. However, it can also be challenging to master, especially for beginners who may not know how to evaluate their own work. In this article, we will introduce some basic criteria that can help you assess your watercolor paintings and improve your skills. These criteria are:
- Composition
- Color
- Perspective
- Texture
- Transparency
- Connectedness
- Clarity
Composition
Composition is the arrangement of elements in your painting, such as shapes, lines, values, and focal points. A good composition should create a sense of balance, harmony, and movement in your painting. It should also guide the viewer’s eye to the most important parts of your painting and create a clear message or mood.
Some tips for creating a good composition are:
- Use the rule of thirds to divide your paper into nine equal sections and place your focal points along the intersections or lines.
- Use contrast to create interest and variety in your painting. Contrast can be achieved by using different values, colors, shapes, or sizes.
- Use repetition to create unity and rhythm in your painting. Repetition can be achieved by using similar elements, such as colors, shapes, or patterns.
- Use negative space to create breathing room and emphasize your positive shapes. Negative space is the area around or between your subjects that is left unpainted or lightly painted.