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 Leftover Watercolor 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 it is). 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 With Blues & Greens

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.

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3. Watercolor Rainbow Abstract

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

Watercolor Rainbow Abstract Painting - Do You See What I See?

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?

Which Watercolor Abstract Is Your Favorite?

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.