ELI5: What Is Watercolor Painting?

Watercolor painting is a way of making art by mixing dry, colorful paints with regular water so they spread smoothly across paper.

Think of it like making a cup of sweet juice or tea at home:

• When you dip a teabag into water, the clear water slowly changes color and becomes see-through.
• Watercolor paint works the exact same way. It comes in dry, hard little cakes, but as soon as you touch them with a wet paintbrush, the colors wake up.

• Lots of water: If you add a big drop of water, the color looks soft and light, just like a pale pink strawberry milk.
• A little water: If you use just a tiny drop of water, the color looks very bright and bold, like a shiny red apple.

Because watercolors only need a brush, a cup of tap water, and some paper, people love using them to quickly capture everyday moments, like painting a family pet, a colorful flower in the garden, or a bright sunset outside the window.