How to Tear Large Sheets of Watercolor Paper
In this lesson, you will learn how to quickly and neatly tear a large sheet of watercolor paper into smaller sizes, without needing a ruler, scissors or a knife.
Benefits of tearing down a larger sheet:
- you can create paintings in many different sizes and formats.
- tearing paper results in a lovely soft edge, similar to a deckle edge.
- larger sheets may be less expensive than pre-cut small sheets, pads or blocks.
NOTE: Pre-cut sheets, pads or blocks ordered online are sometimes now less expensive than larger sheets ordered online (probably due to savings on shipping costs).
For this course, most project templates are sized for one-sixteenth (5.5 x 7.5″) of a full sheet (22×30″). You can substitute pre-cut 5×7″ or 6×9″ sheets, or any roughly similar size.
You will need:
- a sheet of 140 lb watercolor paper
- clean flat surface
- a plastic jar lid approx 3-4 inches in diameter (or, if you happen to have a bone folder from other crafts, you can use that instead)
Course Content
Getting Started
- Gqthering Your Supplies
- How to Tear Large Sheets of Watercolor Paper
- How to Properly Rinse and Care for Your Brushes
- How to Make a Painting Support Board
- How to Remove Masking Tape Without Tearing Your Paper
- How to Set Up Your Workspace
Project 1 — Spring Chickadee
- Project 1 Overview
- How to Transfer a Drawing to Watercolor Paper
- How to Make and Apply Vibrant, Juicy Color
- Exploring Brushmarks
- The Mechanics of Mixing Watercolors
- How to Spatter Watercolor Paint
- Project Lesson — Spring Chickadee
Project 2 — Marbles in the Sun
- Project 2 Overview
- Achieving Soft Edges in Watercolor
- Introduction to Shadows and Highlights
- Project Lesson — Marbles in the Sun
Project 3 — Rainbow Rose Window
Project 4 — Dawn and Dusk at the Lake
- Project 4 Overview
- Laying Flat and Graduated Washes
- Glazing Over a Previous Wash
- Five Techniques for Trees in Watercolor
- Project Lesson — Dawn and Dusk at the Lake
Project 5 — Daisies in a Jar
- Project 5 Overview
- Reserving Whites and Lights, Part 1 — Intentional Blooms
- Reserving Whites and Lights, Part 2 — Lifting Wet and Dry Paint
- Reserving Whites and Lights, Part 3 — Negative Painting
- Reserving Whites and Lights, Part 4 — Using Resists
- Project Lesson — Daisies in a Jar