10 Common Watercolour Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Watercolour is loved by artists for its beautiful transparency, flowing colours and unique ability to create soft washes and expressive details. However, it can also be a challenging medium to master.

Many beginners struggle not because of a lack of creativity, but because of a few common mistakes that are easy to avoid.

From choosing the wrong paper to using too much water, understanding these challenges can help you improve your technique and enjoy the painting process more.

1. Using the Wrong Watercolour Paper

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is using paper that is not designed for watercolour.

Regular paper can buckle, tear, and prevent your colours from flowing properly. Quality watercolour paper allows you to build layers, create smooth washes and lift paint without damaging the surface.

For the best results, choose professional watercolour paper such as:

Saunders Waterford Watercolour Paper
https://artsuppliesaustralia.com.au/collections/saunders-watercolour-paper

Arches Watercolour Paper
https://artsuppliesaustralia.com.au/collections/arches-watercolour-paper

A good-quality paper can make a bigger difference to your artwork than upgrading your paints.

2. Using Too Much Water

Water is what makes watercolour unique, but controlling it is the key.

Too much water can lead to:

Weak colours
Uncontrolled spreading
Uneven washes
Loss of detail

Practice controlling your water-to-paint ratio. A wetter brush creates softer washes, while a drier brush gives stronger colour and more control.

3. Using Too Much Paint Too Soon

Many beginners try to achieve dark, intense colours immediately.

Watercolour works best when built gradually.

Try:

Starting with lighter washes
Allowing layers to dry
Building depth slowly

Professional watercolours provide stronger pigment and better transparency, making it easier to create beautiful layered effects.

Explore our watercolour range:

https://artsuppliesaustralia.com.au/collections/paint-watercolour

4. Choosing the Wrong Paint Quality

Not all watercolours behave the same way.

Student-grade paints are great for learning, while professional paints offer:

Higher pigment concentration
Better colour mixing
Improved transparency
More vibrant results

Discover artist favourites including:

Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolours
https://artsuppliesaustralia.com.au/collections/daniel-smith

Winsor & Newton Watercolours
https://artsuppliesaustralia.com.au/collections/paint-watercolour

5. Using the Wrong Brush

Your brush is one of your most important tools.

A quality watercolour brush should:

Hold enough water
Maintain a fine point
Release paint smoothly

A versatile round brush is ideal for beginners and experienced artists because it can create both fine details and larger washes.

6. Mixing Too Many Colours

One common mistake is mixing too many colours together, which can create muddy results.

Instead:

Start with a limited palette
Learn how colours mix together
Understand the behaviour of different pigments

Professional watercolours such as Daniel Smith and Winsor & Newton offer a wide range of beautiful pigments to explore.

7. Not Testing Colours Before Painting

Every pigment behaves differently.

Before starting your artwork, create a small colour chart to understand:

Colour strength
Transparency
Mixing results

This simple step can help you plan your painting with more confidence.

8. Painting Too Dark Too Quickly

Unlike acrylics or oils, watercolour usually works from light to dark.

Remember:

Your paper creates your brightest highlights
Build colour slowly with multiple washes
Protect important light areas before painting

9. Not Allowing Layers to Dry

Patience is an important part of watercolour painting.

Adding new paint before the previous layer dries can create:

Muddy colours
Unwanted bleeding
Loss of detail

Allowing each layer to dry will give you much more control.

10. Expecting Perfect Results Immediately

Every artist makes mistakes while learning watercolour.

The best way to improve is through:

Regular practice
Experimenting with different techniques
Learning how your materials behave

The right materials will make the learning journey easier and more enjoyable.

Build Your Watercolour Collection

Whether you are just starting out or looking to upgrade your materials, choosing quality supplies can transform your painting experience.

Explore:

🎨 Watercolour Paints
https://artsuppliesaustralia.com.au/collections/paint-watercolour

📄 Watercolour Papers
Water Colour Papers | Art Supplies Australia

🖌️ Watercolour Brushes
https://artsuppliesaustralia.com.au/collections/watercolour-brushes