Are you looking for a new painting technique to take your creativity to the next level? Then, wet-on-wet painting is the technique for you! This technique is known for its unique and expressive results, offering endless possibilities to express your creativity. In this blog, we delve deeper into wet-on-wet painting and discover everything you need to know to get started. From the basics to advanced techniques, you'll find it all here. Keep reading and get inspired!

 What to expect:

• What is wet-on-wet painting?
• What are the benefits of wet-on-wet painting?
• Wet-on-wet painting with children
• Materials you need for wet-on-wet painting
• Step-by-step wet-on-wet painting
• Tips and tricks

What is wet-on-wet painting?

Wet-on-wet painting is a technique in which paint is applied to a wet surface, allowing the colours to blend and merge on the canvas. Unlike traditional painting techniques, where you wait for one layer of paint to dry before applying another, wet-on-wet painting is done quickly and spontaneously. This creates vibrant and dynamic effects that are difficult to replicate with other techniques.

 This technique is commonly used in watercolour and oil painting but can also be used with acrylic paint. Both beginners and experienced artists love it for the freedom and expressiveness it offers.

The benefits of wet-on-wet painting

1. Quick results: Because you work directly on a wet surface, this technique allows you to build layers and create effects rapidly without waiting for the paint to dry.

2. Soft transitions: the wet paint makes it easy to blend colours seamlessly, resulting in soft and smooth transitions.

3. Vibrant colours: The paint blends on the canvas, keeping the colours bright and lively.

4. Spontaneous creativity: Wet-on-wet painting encourages improvisation and experimentation, allowing you to unleash your creativity and achieve unique results.

Wet-on-wet painting with children

Wet-on-wet painting is a fantastic activity to do with children for several reasons. Firstly, it gives children the freedom to experiment creatively. They can mix colours, create shapes, and explore textures without restrictions, allowing them to create unique works without worrying about the end result.

The process of wet-on-wet painting is also highly interactive for children. As they paint on a wet surface, they can see how the paint blends and forms new shades right before their eyes. This makes the painting a dynamic process where they can experiment with different techniques and see how their creations come to life.

Additionally, wet-on-wet painting is educational. Children learn about the properties of watercolours, how colours mix, and the effects they can achieve by blending different colours on a wet surface. Moreover, handling brushes and applying paint on the paper helps develop their fine motor skills.

Another benefit of wet-on-wet painting is the immediate results it provides. Since the paint is applied directly onto the wet paper, children can instantly see the effect of their brushstrokes. This immediate feedback can boost their confidence and encourage them to further experiment and try new things.

In short, wet-on-wet painting is not only fun for children but also a valuable activity in which they can express their creativity, develop new skills, and, most importantly, have a lot of fun.

Materials needed for wet-on-wet painting

Before diving into wet-on-wet painting, it's important to have the right materials on hand. Here's a list of essential supplies:

• Canvas or paper: Choose high-quality canvas or specialised paper suitable for wet techniques such as painting paper or watercolour paper.
• Paint: Use good-quality paint in the desired colours. Watercolour, oil paint, and acrylic paint are all suitable for wet-on-wet painting. You can also create a thin, watery paint by mixing pigment powder or colour powder with water.
• Brushes: Ensure you have an assortment of brushes in various sizes and shapes, including flat and round brushes, to create different effects.
• Water (for watercolour paint or powders): Use water to thin and mix the paint on the paper.
• Medium (for oil paint and acrylic paint): For oil paint and acrylic paint, you can use a medium to thin the paint and extend the drying time.
• Palette: Use a palette to mix and store your paint while painting.
• Paper towels: Use paper towels to remove excess paint from your brushes and clean up any spills.

Step-by-step wet-on-wet painting

Now that you've gathered all the necessary materials, you can start creating your wet-on-wet painting. Follow these simple steps to create a beautiful work of art.

1. Prepare your workspace by arranging all materials within easy reach and using appropriate protection for your surface.
2. Lightly moisten your canvas or paper with water. This helps the paint to blend and flow more easily on the surface.
3. Choose your colours and mix them on your palette until you achieve the desired shades.
4. Apply the first layer of paint to the damp surface using broad, loose strokes. Experiment with different brush techniques and colour combinations.
5. Work quickly and spontaneously, allowing the paint to find its own path and avoiding overcorrecting or overmixing.
6. Add more layers if needed while the paint is still wet to add more elements to your painting.
7. Let your painting dry completely before adding further details or varnishing your work.

Check out the following video for 12 wet-on-wet painting techniques with watercolour paint. You can try these techniques yourself to practice these techniques.

While the previous video provided tips on applying the wet-on-wet technique with thin watercolour paint, you might also be interested in how this technique works with thicker oil or acrylic paint. Check out the video below with 5 tips for beginners:

Tips and tricks to improve your wet-on-wet painting skills

Looking to take your wet-on-wet painting skills to the next level? Here are some tips and tricks that might help:

• Experiment with different surfaces: Try painting on various types of paper or canvas to see which works best for your style.
• Play with texture: Use different brushes and techniques to add interesting textures to your paintings.
• Don't be afraid to make mistakes: Wet-on-wet painting encourages experimentation, so don't be scared to take risks and just see what happens.
• Take the time to practice: Like any art form, wet-on-wet painting requires practice and patience. Take the time to experiment and improve your skills. As you become more familiar with your materials and understand how they work together, you will be able to apply them to bring your vision to life.

With this information and these tips, you're well on your way to creating beautiful wet-on-wet paintings that are sure to impress, whether on your own or with your children. We hope you'll give it a try and wish you lots of fun painting!