Watercolour Background Papers

Hi guys!

We thought we'd dig out my old Windsor & Newton watercolour paints and inks, and create some background papers for Zakiya to use in her scrapbooking,journalingg and penpalling projects.

Very, very old Windsor & Newton paints!

I haven't painted in many years, and some of these paints date back to my art school days (hmm ... we're talking 29 years ago!!), so although they were fairly dried out, I was massively impressed that they were still usable.  

Paints set out in groups of colour

We made sure the kitchen table was covered with plenty of newspaper, and I fished out a pad of watercolour paper, a selection of paint brushes (most of which I also use for my silk painting), a couple of plastic palettes, and a jar of clean water - and we were ready to get going!

   

We had a lot of fun experimenting with using dry paper and also soaking the paper before we applied the paints and inks. Remember, in order to keep your colours crisp you do need to wash your brush out in clean water before you go on to the next colour. 

Work in progress

Here's a little video of Zakiya playing with different dabbing and splatting effects to create a wash of blues and purples.

We played with blended stripes, splodges, more defined sections, and the effects that can be achieved by applying water to the paper before you add the paint ...

Blue splodges bleeding into the wet background

Playing with pinks and blues to create purple washes

Blended stripes

Defined "ocean-like" stripes

The painted backgrounds were then left to dry ready for Zakiya to cut up and use as papers for her various projects.

Keep crafting x

Where to buy

You will find Windsor & Newton paints, brushes, palettes, watercolour paper etc. at most hobby or art suppliers. Prices will of course vary, so it's a good idea to shop around both online and at local arts & crafts shops. Windsor & Newton paints can be a little more expensive than other brands, but you do get what you pay for. They've always been my "go to" brand of watercolour and acrylic paints.


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