Wet-on-Wet Watercolour Background with Random Stamped Dots

A project from our live show CREATE AND CRAFT - Join Carley Duff for her brand new IMALA 22 Launch show 1 - Broadcast 4th OCT 22 · 04/10/2022 · watch it from 57:30

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Create a vibrant, modern card background using the wet-on-wet watercolour technique with rainbow colours blending organically across the surface. Random stamped dots in coordinating colours are added to the wet watercolour, creating an artistic, contemporary effect. This loose, expressive technique combines fluid watercolour painting with stamping to produce a unique, eye-catching design featuring roses and polka dots.

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Step by step

1. 

   Stamp yellow roses and green leaves onto white cardstock using the IMALA stamp set and black ink. Add a polka dot background pattern using a dotted stamp.

   ▶ watch this step (57:30)
2. 

   Wet the background area around the stamped roses with clean water using a water brush, avoiding the stamped images themselves.

   ▶ watch this step (58:00)
3. 

   Drop watercolour paint onto the wet surface in various colours including yellow, pink, blue and green, allowing them to blend naturally on the polka dot background.

   ▶ watch this step (58:15)
4. 

   Add more water to the surface using a water brush to encourage the colours to diffuse and create soft edges between the rainbow hues.

   ▶ watch this step (59:00)
5. 

   Using a contrasting colour ink (such as black), stamp random circles or dots over the wet watercolour background. Work across the entire surface, varying the placement and size of the dots for visual interest.

   ▶ watch this step (59:30)
6. 

   Step back and assess the balance of colour across the entire background. Check that the watercolour washes are evenly distributed and the stamped dots create visual interest throughout the design.

   ▶ watch this step (1:00:00)
7. 

   Add additional touches of colour to areas that need more depth or balance. Work the watercolour into the existing wet areas, allowing the colours to blend naturally. Focus on enhancing the rainbow effect around the stamped roses and polka dot background.

   ▶ watch this step (1:00:30)
8. 

   Soften the edges of the watercolour background by adding clean water with a damp brush. Blend gently to create smooth transitions between the colours.

   ▶ watch this step (1:01:00)
9. 

   Use a heat tool to dry the watercoloured background completely, moving it over the entire surface until the paper is dry to the touch.

   ▶ watch this step (1:01:30)

Tips from the show

• Avoid working the paint too much once it is wet, as this can create muddy colours.
• Use clean, drier colours when adding multiple layers to prevent muddiness.
• You do not need to be precise with this technique; random placement creates a more artistic effect.

More from this show

• Textured Aperture Card with Crackle Paste and Heat Embossing
• Kinetic Spinning Aperture Card with Layered Elements
• Watercolour Painted Stamp Portrait with Blended Colours
• Layered Stamp Masking Technique for Scene Building
• Ink Blending and Watercolour Wash Technique on Stamped Image

Written up from the show itself. See every guide from our shows · free how-to guides · watch live on My Telly