Back to Basics!

Hello!

After a brief hiatus from all things brush lettering and calligraphy, I've decided it's time to get back to the basics. What better way to jump in than with a small challenge?

If you're like me and have found little time and/or energy to devote to your creative side, it can be frustrating to know where to begin. Therefore, I've devoted this post to the first step of a new challenge. What's that new challenge I keep referring to?

The New Challenge: Watercolor Lettering

I'm sure this hardly sounds like a challenge, but if I'm being completely honest, I haven't tackled actual watercolor lettering. In fact, I usually stick to my Tombow Dual Brush Pens or Pentel Sign Pens if I choose to add verbiage with a watercolor painting.

My perfectionism tends to get the better of me if the lines aren't crisp or the colors aren't clearly defined. Thus, I've set this challenge as a way to tackle that insecurity about my work.

Materials Needed:

1. Watercolor Paper- I use 300g/140lb weighted paper

2. Watercolor Brush(es)- I use a rounded brush tip (Winsor & Newton Cotman) for smaller letters and a water brush pen for larger lettering.

3. Watercolor paints

4. Brush holder- I use a piece of coral I found on the beach instead of buying one

Step One: Choose your color pattern

My source of inspiration for colors was based off of the doughnut card you see in the picture.

Step Two: Understand your water to paint ratio.

Now this is quite tricky because not all brushes, paper, paints, etc. are created equal. Furthermore, it depends on what letter and how large that letter is.

Step Three: It's okay to go back and touch up the edges of your letters for a sharper line. Keep in mind that there will distinctive lines where you go back over the letter depending on how dry the letter is.

Keep practicing and happy creating! If you have any tips feel free to comment below!