One simple hack to transform your watercolour stencilling

I cannot believe I didn't think of this!

I am slightly addicted to using stencils with my watercolour and mixed media work. They are brilliant for backgrounds, to add texture, for lifting out and a myriad of other different applications. However, because watercolour is so fluid, the danger is that the paint seeps under the stencil and you get a mucky effect. I usually get round this by using a sponge and stippling. And luckily, I am not a perfectionist.

However, I was browsing YouTube and saw a great video from ‪@JackieHernandezWatercolor‬ where she suggested using a make up blending brush. I've used these with ink pads, but it had never, ever, ever occurred to me to use them with watercolour. I immediately dashed off to try them out and they are brilliant! In this quick video, I show you before and after and how I've been using them in my work.

If you want to treat yourself to some brushes, you can get them here (affiliate link - won't cost you extra): https://amzn.to/41ofSTv. The silicone brush cleaning pads are here: https://amzn.to/4in5Qry

And if you fancy some more stencils - I think these are really useful:https://amzn.to/4idAio9 or https://amzn.to/3D8TGlT

I aim to share a tip or technique every week - usually on Sunday at 2pm. I might throw in a few bonus films or shorts, so it’s worth hitting the notification bell to be alerted to the next one.

Every like and comment tells YouTube to show this to more people, so please jump in and share with your creative friends. If you really, really like this content and want to support me you can donate at Kofi. I have just set it up at: https://ko-fi.com/lizchadertonartist

You can see my work here: www.lizchaderton.co.uk

If you would like more in depth courses, I offer lots to follow at your own pace over at www.lizchadertonstudio.co.uk

I run a couple of Facebook groups, so if you fancy joining there’s:

Watercolour on canvas   / watercolouroncanvas  
Watercolour Studio with Liz Chaderton
  / watercolourstudiowithlizchaderton  

My five books (so far) are:

Painting Watercolour on Canvas ISBN 9781785005893
Painting Animals in Watercolour ISBN 9781785007873
Line and Wash Painting ISBN 9781785009914
Painting Birds in Watercolour ISBN 9780719840814
Painting Watercolour Portrails ISBN 9780719842818

All are available direct from www.Crowood.com or from your usual bookseller.

If there is ever a topic you want explored, leave a comment and I will do my best to help. I try to answer all comments and questions.

#lizchaderton #watercolour #stencil