Watercolour Looks: Soft Edges, Washes and Paper Texture
What makes a picture look like watercolour, and how to choose photos that suit a soft, painterly effect.
Watercolour has a distinctive look: glowing colour, soft edges and the feel of paper showing through. Some art effects aim for it.
What defines watercolour
- Transparent washes. Thin layers of colour let the paper shine through, giving luminosity.
- Soft, blended edges where colours meet wet.
- Hard edges where paint dried before the next colour touched it.
- White of the paper left unpainted for highlights.
- Loose, fresh strokes.
Comparison with other media
| Medium | Look |
|---|---|
| Watercolour | translucent, soft, luminous |
| Oil paint | thick, rich, opaque |
| Pencil | fine, grey, controlled |
| Ink | bold lines, high contrast |
| Pastel | soft, powdery, vivid |
Photos that suit a watercolour look
- Landscapes with soft light, mist or water.
- Flowers and gardens.
- Skies at sunrise and sunset.
- Beach scenes.
- Portraits in soft, even light.
Scenes with lots of fine detail or hard shadows may look busy rather than dreamy.
Colour and mood
Watercolour tends to feel light, airy and gentle. Muted or pastel palettes usually look natural. If your photo has very saturated colours, the effect may look artificial, so try softening the colour first.
Simplify
Watercolour artists leave things out. Photos with a clear subject and uncluttered background best echo that.
Paper texture
Rough paper texture adds authenticity. Some effects overlay paper grain. If you print, choose a textured or matte paper to strengthen the look.
Tips for using effects
- Choose a bright, soft photo.
- Try the effect and judge the edges and colour.
- Don't over-process. Subtlety looks better.
- Compare several versions.
Framing watercolour prints
Watercolours suit a light mount with plenty of white space, and a simple frame.
Learn by painting
If you're curious, try a beginner's watercolour set. Even a few washes teach you how the medium behaves, and give you a sharper eye for the effect.
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