Try These Amazing Watercolor Techniques

Philippine map watercolor poster by Local Artist Siara Gogh

Are you still wondering why many people are so engrossed with watercolor paintings? Then you just have to look at some of them to see how awesome they are. This painting may be intimidating for some, especially for beginners, but there are many techniques that you can try to see and experience the beauty and versatility of watercolor painting. Read on to learn more about these techniques and you can try some of them and have them displayed in your rooms.

Watercolor washes

Laying watercolor wash can be done on a wet surface or a dry one. Although mistakes can be committed, the secret is not to try fixing them. Just let them be since adding another layer once the original stroke has dried is more obvious. Washes are the backbone of watercolor painting. The wash can be differentiated by the size and swipe of the brush. Washes are used to fill in large background areas, or to create underlying forms that will have more detail and deeper tones. 

Wet-In-Wet painting

This is one of the basic techniques in watercolor painting. You may not realize it, but you have probably done this technique before. Start by brushing water onto the paper. Dip the brush in paint and spread it over the water wash. As such, the paint will weather and diffuse.

Underpainting

This technique is a monochrome wash that is used for the first layer of the painting. Add layers of transparent washes over the underpainting and these will provide a realistic and luminous effect. 

Gradients and color blending

In a simple watercolor wash, only a single color is used. However, depth can be added by using more hues in a gradient, You can start adding fresh watercolor to a wet paint surface. The second color can have a more intense version of the same hue of a different hue. With a wet surface, the colors will blend slightly and create a natural gradient in the tones. 

Layering watercolors

Dimensions can be created by adding layers of the watercolor once the color of the paint has dried. Be sure that the paper is also dried, or else the colors will unwantedly blend together and get messy. Do not add much water to the second color since this can dampen the initial color, thus blending the colors. 

Dry brush

This requires little paint and water to create a scratchy brushstroke. This can be used for an entire painting but is still perfect for creating texture. Mix your pigment, making sure that the paint mixture is not that wet. Dip the dry brush into the paint and remove excess moisture. Brush lightly across the surface and this can highlight the texture of the paper. 

Watercolor blooms

Blooms can be created when very wet paint spreads on a drier area of a painting. When you apply wet paint on a damp wash, the liquid forces the original pigment out and creates irregularly shaped splotches. Lay down a colorful wet wash and let it dry a little. Load the brush with water and touch it lightly to the paper. Blooms are created by drops of water. 

Lines, Hatching, and Crosshatching

Lines of any size and shape can be painted with the use of watercolor. Place lines beside each other or layer them perpendicular to each other for a hatching or cross-hatching effect. For clean lines, you can use a small, pointed brush and load it with pigment with the use of a dash of water. Paint a line on the paper and the shade can be determined by the amount of water used. 

Sponge painting

A textured sponge is also an unimportant tool to paint foliage on trees or sand on a beach. All you need to do is to dip it into the pigment and press it on the paper. 

The Beauty of Watercolor Painting

Turtle Poster in interior

We have seen various arts over the years, but watercolor paintings evoke an incomparable beauty. You may have your own descriptive words when you see one. For us, the words can be legendary, beautiful, WOW! Watercolor has an inner beauty that pulls anyone in. This medium offers rich, vivid soft, and soothing tones. It is also considered to be one of the accessible and versatile art forms that can turn any plain paper into remarkable artwork. 

Watercolor painting likewise has different characteristics that are good to know, especially if you want to try watercolor painting. Just like in any painting, these factors are important for you to turn any plain paper into something monumental.

Transparency

The natural beauty of watercolor is based on its luminosity and transparency. When mixed with water, it gives the water-soluble pigments or palette its transparent with pastel-like properties. Once applied, it allows the whiteness of the paper to highlight and enhance the luminosity of the painting. 

Staining and non-staining paints

Applying watercolors immediately penetrates the fibers of the paper and stains it. On the other hand, non-staining watercolors stay on the surface of the paper and can be lifted when dry.

You can test watercolor before using them. Paint a patch of color and let it dry. Then try to scrape off some paint with a stiff, wet brush. The staining quality of the paint is determined by the amount of pigment that remains. 

Granulating quality

Depending on the pigment, the particles in the paint may be considered to be heavy or light. The particles of watercolor paints are heavier and tend to separate from the water. Granulating paint adds interest and texture to a painting. 

Fugitive and non-fugitive paints

Fugitive paint tends to fade quickly while non-fugitive paints will not fade over time. This element determines the longevity of the art. Thus, it is important to use good quality paint so that the art will last longer. 

Final thoughts

Watercolor paintings are among the popular art that has been created over the years. They have certain effects on the overall art that may be considered unique as compared with other forms. The colors they create with the blending easily distinguish watercolor painting over the others. The beauty is even enhanced with the stroke, depth, and subject. The art is even taught during primary years, in which kids are given the tools needed to create their art. Sometimes other tools are added in addition to the brush. Kids can create art based on their imagination, and how simple it may be, but one can easily distinguish that watercolor is used. Some of you may also be familiar that even vegetable cut-ups can be used to create art on plain paper. This is one of the amazing things about watercolor – its versatility. 

Abstract in living room art wall

Abstract in living art wall

Create a warm and a bright room with these multi-colored posters. A perfect posters to create a wall art that can be the focal point of any room. Buy all posters here!

Your Home Needs Personalized Wall Art

A blank wall is considered to be a sign of emptiness and loneliness. Though some people may think otherwise. However, it is an eyesore having to stare at blank walls and it may leave a bad impression on your guests. These days, creating wall art is becoming a trend in every living space. Many experts believe that a wall without a captivating and personalized wall art is like an artist without creativity. 

Wall art makes any wall look fun and exciting. Styling your wall with paint is a thing of the past. With carefully selected pieces, you will have the interior appearance of your dreams. Though sometimes choosing the right pieces may be quite a challenge since they need to blend well with the overall style of your home. Read on to know about the advantages of having good personalized wall art. 

Create a focal point in your room

Every room looks better with a focal point that captures the attention of your family and guests. A beautifully designed wall art reflects everything about you. A framed poster of a landscape or seascape can boost the appearance of the room and can be called your very own. 

Make any wall look vibrant

If you get the chance to visit classrooms these days, you will notice that the walls are covered with posters. This is so that students may not feel lazy or sleepy. They will have something to look at and can somehow stimulate their mind and interests. The right wall art can set the mood in the room where you can relax, dream, and imagine. Wall art also helps in transforming any depressing environment into a lively place. 

Wall art reflects your personality

The wall arts on your walls are all about your interests. For instance, your interests are in sports or any outdoor escapades. The wall art that you create somehow tells your story uniquely and interestingly. As such, you must choose the pieces carefully and according to your preferences. 

Stimulates conversation

Tired of the routine and boring conversations? Experts believe that if you share the same interest with someone, you will be able to initiate a conversation that may last long. As such, it should be fun and engaging. Personalized wall art is a great conversation starter. 

Choose the right color palette

Wall art decorations help you to pick the colors of the paint to complete the beauty of your place. With wall art, you will now have a complete picture of what colors to add to your room. With the wall art in place, the process of choosing the right color palette will be easier than usual. With the use of framed personalized art, the color palette of your room can be chosen according to the colors that are seen in the art. For instance, art that has cool colors mean that the palette may be in blue, green, or any other cool hues. The bedroom for instance can be dominated by cool colors for a more relaxing and comfortable ambiance. 

COLLECTION ART WALL

COLLECTION ART WALL

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Selfcare Beige with Van Gogh and Paul Klee art wall

SELFCARE BEIGE WITH VAN GOGH AND PAUL KLEE ARTWALL

Give your walls a boost with earth-colored posters. A cool and easy way to add life to your home. Arrange them in a random layout and see the transformation they do to your home interior. Creative inspiration only from Artdesign.

Number of posters: 6

Cool Ways To Personalize The Restaurant Interior

Food is good but wine is better Poster in interior

For people who are planning to start a restaurant, the menu is not the only factor to boost the business. Owners should also take into consideration the aesthetics of the restaurant. The interior is vital to attracting customers. It should reflect both an exceptional culinary and sensory experience. Here are some ideas that you may use to improve the appearance of the interior. 

The layout plan

Before doing some revamping, it is important to create a layout plan. The layout should give you a bird’s eye view of the location, size, and setup of the furniture. For instance, the location of the washroom and the kitchen. The layout will also maximize the space of your restaurant and must clear the traffic for both customers and servers. 

Appealing entrance

One way to attract customers is to create an eye-catching entrance, It should be inviting, unique, and classy. It should match the theme of the restaurant and must give the customers a glimpse of the food served. 

The demographics

Study the market. Who will be your customers? If you are targeting students and teenagers, use bright colors, with music-based wallpaper and retro furniture. You may also want to add funky decorations with attractive lighting fixtures. If you are targeting professionals and working individuals, it is recommended to have a modern design. Use light-colored furniture with cushioned seatings. 

Be wise, light it up

Lighting is crucial and should have a combination of electric and natural light. These types can evoke a soothing and calming effect. Never rule out the colors as these can affect the mood and ambiance. Fine-dining restaurants look better with tabletop light in a semi-dark room to induce a romantic and intimate ambiance. 

Choose the right colors

Colors are known to have a great impact on the overall ambiance. Never use dull colors as restaurants should have bright lights to make them look spacious. Use soft-pastel colors for family-style restaurants as these are not harmful to the eyes of children. In general, the colors must be coordinated with the theme and the target customers. 

Table styles

Many experts recommend arranging the tables in such a way that it meets the demands, need, and privacy of the customers. The arrangement must not also impede the movement of the server and customer. 

The flooring

Never forget the flooring and there are many options for a restaurant. Look at several factors such as safety. The flooring must not be slippery no matter the material used. Consider using flooring that can absorb and dampen noise. Concrete and carpet are recommended for this. It should also be durable to avoid frequent replacements. Lastly, choose budget-friendly flooring and these may be vinyl, carpet, or laminate to exotic woods.

Creative Ways To Decorate The Living Room Walls

Art wall 213

Living rooms can have different functions. It can be used as a relaxation area, a sitting area, or a casual living space. It is a room where you can relax and be comfortable with your family and friends. Create a living room that is more fun and exciting by decorating the walls. Here, we will give you some ideas and inspiration on how to transform any dull wall into something fun and exciting.

Living room wall decorating ideas

The living room is the first to be seen after the main entrance. It is also considered to be a common area where you can receive guests and bond with your family and friends. Many people use the room for relaxing and just enjoying some “me time”. As such, it is just right to ensure that the room has a welcoming vibe.

There are various ways to create an extraordinary living room. By decorating the walls, you can easily achieve the appearance that you have been looking for. Walls may have different appearances and you can use various materials to make the wall appealing. 

Wall gallery  

Framed photos in different sizes can be combined to create a wall gallery. This wall art can evoke a sense of nostalgia especially when photos of your family and friends take the center stage.

Wall murals 

These are innovative wall coverings and are gaining popularity these days. No need to worry about painting the walls as these wall coverings can do the job easily. They come in various designs such as images of nature, sceneries, art, and graffiti. 

Memorabilia

Many of us have interests. Collecting various items is one of the hobbies that is loved by many. Different items can be collected and considered to be valuable, such as action figures, toys, travel posters, baseball caps, and old coins. Pick a spot in the room where you can display them with the help of installed shelves. The items can be arranged in such a way that they will draw the attention of the audience.

Posters 

The display of posters is one of the easiest and most cost-efficient ways to decorate the walls. Posters come in a wide range of designs and can create a vibrant living room. Framed posters are even more fantastic as the color and appearance of the frames can add beauty to the prints. 

Mirrors

These are often used in the living room or any room for that matter to give an impression of a larger room. Mirrors are also used to reflect natural light into the living room for a brighter and warmer atmosphere. Mirrors that are framed with driftwood can evoke a log cabin experience. 

Final thoughts

Decorating the walls of the living room is one of the best makeovers that you can give your home. Discussed are easy-to-follow tips and inspirations for a more appealing room. The goal is to create a living room that will be enjoyed by your family and friends.

Sleep Soundly With These Bedroom Color Ideas

Art wall 231

Insomnia is one of the biggest dilemmas of many individuals. It has been observed that there are different reasons why this is experienced by many people. One of the reasons is the ambiance of the bedroom which is influenced by certain factors. The color of the room greatly affects the mood and contributes to the sleepless nights of many people. This can easily be remedied by choosing and incorporating the right color for the room. Read on to learn more about choosing the right bedroom color and decor to help people have a deep and relaxing night. 

What color to choose?

Many experts believe that there are ways to help an individual have a deep sleep. One of these is the design of the interior, particularly the colors. Choosing the right bedroom color can be one of the solutions for people to have a proper sleep pattern. Cool colors such as blue and green are proven to help create a room that is calming and relaxing.

The colors and sleep

It is a proven fact that the colors of the bedroom influence sleeping patterns. Studies have been continuously conducted to find the association between room colors and sleeping habits. 

Rooms that are dominated by cool colors, particularly the color blue help people enjoy longer sleep as compared to those in a room with different colors. Hues of blue are associated with calmness and can help in lowering blood pressure and heart rate. People who are staying in a room with hues of blue can sleep for an average of 7 hours and 52 minutes. 

Other colors may also contribute to sleeping patterns, yet the average length of hours of sleep is shorter than those of people in a bedroom with shades of blue. Yellow, for instance, promotes sleep for around 7 hours and 40 minutes, green for 7 hours and 36 minutes, orange for 7 hours and 28 minutes, purple for 5 hours and 56 minutes, gray for 6 hours and 12 minutes, and brown for 6 hours and 5 minutes. 

The reason why the color blue promotes good sleep is because of the receptor cells in the retina of the eyes. These cells are called ganglion cells and are highly sensitive to the color blue. Ganglions are likewise responsible for sending information directly to the brain. As a result, body activities are regulated and controlled. 

If blue is not your preference, you can still use other colors and hues that can promote deep sleep. Neutral colors such as gray and silver are also known to promote good sleeping habits. In addition to these, pale yellow can have the same effects as that neutral colors. 

Wall decor and sleep

The display of posters is one of the easiest and fastest ways to set the mood and atmosphere of the bedroom. The designs and images featured in posters come in a wide variety. They also come in colors that can help promote sleep. With the creation of wall art in the bedroom that is dominated by hues of blue, individuals will be able to have a good sleeping pattern. 

In Pursuit of Happiness

Family Minimalist Sketch poster in an interior

Life is a combination of both happiness and sadness. Becoming happy is not that impossible, but depends on our perceptions. There are many things that can make us happy, such as traveling, reading, shopping, cooking, playing, and singing. Our life is packed with excitement and satisfaction and happiness can easily be seen on our faces. Happiness is all about getting inner satisfaction and the well-being of the mind and body. It is expressed in various forms like excitement, pride, joy, and gratitude. 

What makes us happy?

This is probably one of the questions that are difficult to answer and probably a confusing one. We find happiness even in the smallest things in life. It is difficult to list all these things as they greatly depend on every individual. It may be your family, doing some volunteer work, the beauty of nature, your room, your favorite music, or your most-loved pet. The list may be long and not the same with even your closest friend or family member. People can be happy with different things. It is likewise a misconception that wealth and success are crucial for being happy. If this is true, then only the wealthiest will be happy in this world. Happiness comes from the things that we love to do and these cannot be bought with money. 

Being happy in your home

In a fast-paced world, it is important to have a space to relax and slow down a little. We all need a place where we can be healthy and happy, and feel safe, secure, and protected. However, this is not just about emotions. They have to be supported through materials, interior design, and decorative items. Colors, for instance, play an important role in boosting the mood of an individual. Cheerful, mood-boosting colors bring optimism and energy to your rooms. 

Interior decorations are likewise crucial in creating a happy ambiance. Decorating the walls with various items like personalized framed art, personal keepsakes, souvenir items, wall coverings, and others. Any blank walls can be seen as dull and boring. However, with these wall decors, everything changes. This is your chance to level up the overall appearance of your home. 

Plants and other natural elements

Mental health is quite a big topic nowadays. While we are still battling the pandemic, we also need to take care of our mental health. One of the easy ways to improve our mood and help reduce stress and anxiety is to fill your home with plants. Indoor plants help a lot in improving our health and indoor air quality. Gardening is a great activity to do with your loved ones. Not only gardening can evoke health and environmental benefits, but it can likewise strengthen the bond between the family members. 

Make a memory wall

Memory walls display artifacts, pictures, and other items from family and friends. It celebrates the family as a whole and shows all of the good times you spent all these years. Among these, the easiest way to create a sophisticated memory wall is to display pictures in black frames or white frames. The items should take up the entire wall and each item needs to be equally spaced from the other. This wall design can help you remember all the memorable moments that you have spent with your loved ones.