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Understanding Watercolor's Hard Edge Personality

The Mind of Watercolor

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Why does watercolor have such a hard edge and sometimes an even darker edge than the rest of the color? A frequently asked question that I answer in this video?

Other blending and water control videos:
How to Blend Watercolor Paint Wet on Dry
How to Blend Watercolor Paint Wet in Wet
Controlling Water / Pigment Ratio in Water...

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20 Comments

@Tupelo927 8 years ago

Please don't worry about being elementary or repetitious! As a beginner, watercolors intimidate & even mystify me. Thankfully, you're an excellent teacher- thorough, patient, & kind. I'm grateful to have found your channel.

@mikedimples 8 years ago

Using hot water makes the water dry faster, but with less edge. Ice cold water dries slower, but with more edge. Thought that was pretty interesting. Thanks for another top quality video btw.

@susanhamilton1822 8 years ago

Those hard edges were my biggest headache when I first started messing with watercolour and you cured it for me a long time ago. It was such a mystery to me in the beginning and I can imagine the new painters out there just pulling their hairs out. Even though I knew this stuff I still think it is one of your best tutorials ever. Thanks Steve.

@loricalass4068 7 years ago

i get a lift from the Scripture verses you sometimes put at the end of your videos. You are a really good teacher, too.

@pjrn70-k9n 8 years ago

Thank you. It's okay to let the more experienced watercolorists feel like they are in remedial school because for us newbies your expertise is invaluable!

@PhuongNguyen-wm8wi 2 years ago

I cannot even tell enough how grateful I am to find your series of fundamental techniques in watercolor. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and expertise with the world!

@BriggsMullen 5 years ago

I like how this video explains why edges happen rather than just how to prevent them. I found this video trying to learn more about creating hard edges in a controlled way, and I learned a lot.

@Brent_does_art 8 years ago

Hard edges- there when they're not needed and not when you want them.

@InLiquidColor 8 years ago (edited)

Oh man, lining up edges between two washes are my watercolor nemesis haha. Now, I've always worn glasses, but as I've gotten older, not only do I have to lean in, but I also have to do the wide eyes 😳 I'm sure it looks ridiculous and I'm often glad I don't film my face while painting 😂

@jobowers4225 6 years ago

Just have to say- your videos are the best tonic for when I feel like throwing my paints, brushes, paper, everything at the wall and giving up. Your calm, non judgmental and detailed approach always helps me when I'm feeling overly self critical and negative. I always come back to these lessons because I know they help me get better and give me the confidence to keep going. Thank you for being here! :)

@colleenkleinhans849 5 years ago

Beginners thank you for what may be obvious to others

@robertweinblatt2018 4 years ago

Repetition is what jams that stuff into my mind🤪

@clairetasker9181 7 years ago

New to this channel and watercolour, can’t tell you how helpful these tutorials are and what a lovely presenting style

@NerionLuno42 8 years ago (edited)

When I started watercolor years ago, I thought for a few years that these edges are special.
Because in my watercolor books was nothing about it.
I was always happy when I got the edges.

Sometimes I need the edges, sometimes not :-)

@Baobabaloo 2 years ago

My go-to watercolor channel! I learn something everytime.

@sam11182 8 years ago

I love it
that also helps a ton. Layers. I should stop charging in at full pigmented brushes and start with thin soft layers and THEN do it until its fantastic

@patrickhanley9049 6 years ago

hard edge looks great. that's what i want :)

@Childrs 2 years ago

All your videos are priceless. Thank you so much!

@pamelahubbell-gl7gr 2 years ago

I appreciate you repeating this I am an old beginner………I find it very helpful.

@EricaDreyer 2 years ago

I found your name on a FB beginners watercolor group recommending you.
I’m 60 and just picked up a brush for the first time. I love your beginner videos. You have such a talent for teaching.
I’m so excited to keep watching and learning. Thank you