Revive Old Paint tubes

Posted by on Feb 1, 2024 in Watercolor Tips

Here is a video showing how I revive old dried up paint tubes. They still hold a lot of paint.

A tool for fine masking lines

A tool for fine masking lines

Posted by on Sep 19, 2022 in Watercolor Tips

This ruling pen works great for fine masking. It is better that a small brush because if the masking dries, it easily can be removed. It just rubs right off!! I found that small brushes tended to have the mask dry and gum up quicker so this really helps for the finer lines. I still […]

Signing My Paintings with a Glass Pen

Signing My Paintings with a Glass Pen

Posted by on Sep 19, 2022 in Watercolor Tips

I have always struggled with signing my paintings. My name is long and I am not that proficient with a rigger brush. Pens with small points have been my preference but a judge (Anne Abgott) once told me that if a watercolor show does not allow ink, that signature could disqualify the painting. Also it […]

Take a Photo

Take a Photo

Posted by on Nov 20, 2018 in Watercolor Tips

My best plein air tip is to make a habit of always taking a photo before you put a mark on your paper.  As you reach for your pencil to begin your initial sketch or before you open your painting supplies, take a photo.  If you make this a habit, you won’t ever be caught […]

Tearing Paper – Karate Chop

Posted by on Nov 20, 2018 in Watercolor Tips

After many years and tearing many sheets of watercolor paper, I recently learned about this method from Karlyn Holman which is so much easier than any method I’ve previously used. It makes a nice beveled edge also. I found a video showing how to do it on You Tube. Video on how to tear paper

My Favorite “Scrubber”

My Favorite “Scrubber”

Posted by on Nov 20, 2013 in Watercolor Tips

I have used a number of tools that are supposed to help soften the edges in watercolor paintings or remove small areas of color. These are often referred to as “scrubbers”. My favorite is a fabric brush. I have them in all sizes and they are very inexpensive. You can buy them here.