Watercolor painting basic technique is mastered by practice. Some of these include flat washes, glazing and wet in wet are the first three. Then, there are dry brush, lifting off, and dropping in color. Familiarity with these processes can help you create the watercolors of your dreams.

Many people begin with flat washes. This is a simple system of wetting the paper and applying enough pigment to color in the area. The pigment is then dried. Teachers often advise against working into washed areas until they are completely dry.

Glazing is the term for applying very thin layers of pigment over dry flat washes. This is done to enhance the original color. It can be used to deepen the color saturation of a particular area.

Wet in wet refers to painting on wet paper with a large brush. This method is used to create backgrounds and can be used, carefully, over dry washes. Dry brushing is the reverse. Dry pigment is loaded onto the brush and applied to dry paper. This creates stark lines that draw the attention of the viewer.

Lifting off is a way of removing paint after it has dried. Water dissolves the pigment and it is blotted off with a tissue. This is done to lessen attention to a particular area. Dropping in color is a method of applying pigment to a very wet part of the paper and letting it run or bleed without manipulation. This can result in different combinations than can be achieved by traditional color mixing.

Composition and color balancing are two more areas of watercolor basic technique. Many people choose to take an introductory class at a local school or art supply store. More information is available on the Internet, at the local library or by visiting and talking to local artists.