Learn watercolor techniques with AI

Watercolor painting materials

Before you pick up a brush, get set up with the materials you need to succeed with search and generative AI. Ask for AI input on the best paper for watercolor, brush recommendations, and more with AI prompts like these:

• I’m learning watercolor painting for beginners. What materials do I need?
• What’s the best paper for watercolor painting? Make a table of stores near [location] that carry it and include price, address, distance from me, and any coupons or upcoming deals.
• Give me a quick primer on watercolor paintbrushes. Which kinds do I need, how do I use them, and how can I tell if they’re high quality?

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Watercolor techniques to learn

With materials ready to go, get your brush and your feet wet with easy watercolor painting techniques or deepen your skills with advanced techniques. Ask generative AI for examples, instructions, and pointers to put these techniques into practice on your own paper. Try prompts like these to explore watercolor ideas for every skill level:

Beginning watercolor techniques

If you’re just starting out, use prompts like these to lay the foundation of your watercolor painting practice:

• I’m new to watercolor painting, and I want to start by painting a tree. What are three techniques I should use in this first attempt?
• Explain the difference between wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry watercolor techniques. Provide three exercises that teach me how to use each technique. Include links to explainer videos.
• I want to play with texture in my watercolors. Give me five easy watercolor techniques to try—like using salt—and suggest how I can make the most of them.

Advanced watercolor techniques

If you’re looking for a challenge or to push your watercolor skills further, try prompts like these:

• I’m an advanced watercolor artist looking for a challenge. Give me three watercolor painting prompts to enhance my use of the “charging colors” technique.
• Make a list of the most experimental watercolor artists working today. Explain each artist’s unique style and recommend one or more techniques to try based on each.
• Design a course of study to deepen my knowledge of creating depth in my watercolor paintings. Provide advanced-level instruction.

More watercolor painting inspiration

If you’re wondering what to paint or which watercolor techniques to try, find inspiration with AI. Try prompts like these to expand your artistic horizons and set out on new creative adventures:

• Show me watercolor paintings from every continent to help me find inspiration for my own work. Provide both common and unusual styles.
• Compare watercolor painting techniques from five lesser-known American artists of the 20th century. Tell me about their subjects and show me some of their work.
• How many ways can I approach painting a watercolor sunset? Show me examples that might inspire a new artistic avenue.

Thanks to AI, learning how to paint in any style has never been easier. Find more ways to improve your everyday with AI in the Microsoft 365 Life Hacks hub.