Harness Your Creativity by Shifting Between Watercolour and Digital Art

Are you ready to elevate your artistic skills? Transitioning between different mediums can be a game-changer for artists and illustrators. For many aspiring illustrators, exploring both traditional techniques, such as watercolours, and modern approaches, like digital art, can unlock new possibilities. This combination can inspire fresh ideas and invigorate your creative process. In this post, we’ll dive into how switching between these two mediums can enhance your artistic journey.

Embracing the Unpredictable Nature of Watercolours

Watercolours are known for their fluidity and unique results. This unpredictability allows for spontaneous creation, which can lead to beautiful outcomes. When you start working with watercolours, you adopt a mindset that focuses on experimentation and flexibility.

For example, when blending colours, you may find that a splash of blue unexpectedly turns into a striking green. This teaches you to trust your instincts and remain open to surprises. Learning to accept that not every brushstroke will be perfect can be a powerful breakthrough. In fact, artists often find that imperfections create stunning textures that enhance their work. This acceptance can also breathe new life into your digital creations, granting you a newfound openness to experimentation.

Aditionally to watercolour, I also like to experiment with gouache and wax pastels like Neocolor II

Harnessing Digital Tools for Precision and Experimentation

On the other hand, digital art excels in precision. With tools like Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Fresco or Procreate, you have the ability to adjust colours, layers, and textures with ease. This flexibility allows for endless experimentation, making it a valuable resource for artists eager to improve their skills.

As you integrate techniques from your watercolour practice, consider using digital brushes designed to mimic watercolour effects. For example, brushes that replicate wet-on-wet or dry brush techniques can create captivating hybrids that blend the organic feel of traditional media with the control of digital artwork. Many artists find that using digital layers allows them to create complex pieces without the fear of making permanent mistakes. And there is always the beauty of undo.

Working on a flower design on Procreate using watercolour effect brushes.

Finding Inspiration in the Dichotomy

Switching between these two mediums does more than refine your skills; it also sparks new ideas. Alternating between watercolours and digital art can reveal inspiring contrasts in style and content.

For example, you might notice that the organic flow of watercolours influences the textures you choose to apply in your digital work. If your watercolour pieces are vibrant and full of life, consider using that energy to inform the colour palette and composition of your digital illustrations.

Furthermore, this back-and-forth can help you identify recurring themes in your art. You may find that certain subjects lend themselves beautifully to one medium. For instance, landscapes might translate well with the soft blends of watercolour, while detailed character designs might shine in a digital format. Recognising your strengths in each medium can help guide your future projects.

Mixed media composition: the shop was painted in watercolour, and the character and flower pot were created in Procreate using a mix of watercolour brush and dry-brush techniques.

Unleashing Your Artistic Potential

Transitioning between watercolours and digital art provides artists a unique opportunity to develop their creativity. By valuing the spontaneity of watercolours and the accuracy of digital tools, you can create a more diverse artistic practice that fuels your imagination.

The key is to remain open to what each medium offers. Allow the surprising joys of watercolour to inspire your digital illustrations and use the precision of digital art to enhance your watercolour techniques. You don't have to stick with watercolour only, here you can also use other mediums, like gouache, wax pastels, coloured pencils, etc. Whether you’re painting on paper or sketching on a tablet, each switch can spark a new wave of inspiration. Happy illustrating!