Roughly, we have 3 basic ratios , thick , medium and transparent. That's how they look on a plastic palette VS paper

The more water you add, the bigger your puddle the mixture makes, and the lighter the colour will be.

Nuance. We never use such ratio. Watercolor should never be opaque

Step 1. Get the color ready for use
Dip your brush into a cup of water. and add a few drops into a pan. So the pant will be "activated". Wait for 20-30 seconds

Step 2. Dip your brush into this color and dab it onto a palette

Step 3. Add more water onto the palette, blend it well

Test. When paints start forming into a single puddle - we have the right (thick) ratio

Step 4. Make a wash

Nuance! Before applying color onto paper - we squeeze the brush with a paper towel and then dab a bit of paints. We do it for a better control

1. Dab more water
2. Mix it into a puddle
2. Dry your brush
4. Dab the paint again
5. Draw a medium wash

Repeat the same and paint a transparent wash

👀 Watch how I do it 👇

Exercise 🖌
Practice this basic scale that includes thick, medium and transparent ratios. Make it with different colors

Watercolors - are very nuanced paints. We can create a whole range of shades from darkest to lightest

The more shades you can create - the more confident and skillful you become

Extra exercise 🖌
Try to paint a full scales with a gradual transitions of the pigment value