How to Create Art From Leftover Watercolor Paint!

I have been an artist all my life. I'm somewhat of a free spirit when it comes to art. I like to experiment with mediums and styles.

What Can I Do With Extra Paint?

I've been making art since I can remember. I believe I was drawing and coloring as soon as I could pick up a crayon. Being able to create is the one thing that keeps me sane sometimes. It's just what I love to do.

Over the years I have changed styles, changed mediums and just changed...period! Sometimes I've even questioned myself as an artist because I thought I had to be a certain way or have a certain style. However, as I've gotten older, I have decided to embrace the fact that sometimes I just don't know who I am as an artist. I have decided to just create and be happy. Honestly, that has made me the happiest as an artist.

My most recent love is watercolors! I used to view them as being one of the most difficult mediums to use (I still believe so). However, I have made up my mind to look at this medium in a different light. Watercolors are fun and flowing, and that is how I have started using them.

What You'll Need:

• Dr. PH. Martin's Watercolor Bottles: These are my absolute favorite watercolors. When you use them with the flowing style that I have just written about, they work great. One drop of paint will just flow through the water. The colors are also so bright and vibrant. I love them!
• Sakura Micron Pens: I started using the Micron Pens because they are acid-free and archival ink pens. They also do not fade over time. If you like pen and ink, you will love these pens.

Here is an example of what I started creating!

1. Watercolor Abstract in Blues & Greens

First let me say, I love liquid watercolors and the dilemma I have had in the past is that I always have paint left over when I'm finished with a painting. A lot of times I just rinsed it down the sink! I have always hated doing that, especially since paint is expensive. So I decided to start using my leftover paint to create abstract pieces.

When I start an abstract piece, I usually create a shape on the watercolor paper with water. If you have used watercolors, you know that they go where the water goes. Once I have my shape designed with water, I just start to put drops of paint and let them go where ever they desire. I always say that watercolors have a mind of their own, so I let them be free! Once I feel like I've added enough paint, I let them dry. Then once they dried, sometimes I used a pen to make some fun designs. Sometimes I see objects and sometimes I see just shapes. In this next painting, I saw a landscape!

2. Watercolor Abstract Landscape

These works of art are quick and easy to make. I find that they are great to use if you have a large empty space and not a lot of money for art. Once you have several you can get them framed and move on to creating an awesome gallery wall.

3. Watercolor Rainbow Abstract

In the Watercolor Rainbow Abstract painting where I used rainbow colors, I actually see Patrick from SpongeBob doing a disco dance...LOL! Anyone else see it? I didn't notice until I was finished.

4. Watercolor Abstract With Blues & Purples

This design I created using blues and purples. It's not one of my favorites just because purple is one of my least favorite colors to work with. I tend to stick with blues and greens, in case you didn't notice. I also love working with orange! Ok, let's get back to discussing this painting. I'm still trying to decide if I should add ink to this one. So far I am leaving it as is! What do you think? Do you see anything?

Comments

Sandra Holt (author) from Grand Rapids, Michigan on July 11, 2018:

Jeff, You should write an article about your first experience with watercolors. :)

J Zod from Nairobi on July 10, 2018:

Hey Sandra,

You articles are really awesome. I will try out water colours. Its been so long since I last used them.

Sandra Holt (author) from Grand Rapids, Michigan on July 07, 2018:

Hey Jeff, I actually paint with acrylics as well and love them! I say give watercolors a try. I do not have a huge space to paint, so I used watercolors when I don't feel like making a huge mess...lol. If you do try watercolors, I recommend just experimenting with them to see how they flow on the paper before you plan painting something specific. :) Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.

J Zod from Nairobi on July 07, 2018:

I prefer painting with acrylics. I agree with you that water colours are difficult to handle.I might try them though.