DIY Watercolor Unleash Your Inner Artist

DIY watercolor offers a captivating journey into the world of artistic expression, allowing you to create vibrant and unique colors from scratch. This hands-on approach provides a sense of accomplishment and control over your artistic process, fostering a deeper connection with your creations.

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The process of mixing pigments, binders, and water to create your own watercolor paints is both fascinating and rewarding. You can experiment with different colors, textures, and techniques, discovering endless possibilities for artistic exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, DIY watercolor provides a platform for creativity and self-discovery.

The Allure of DIY Watercolor

The world of watercolor painting has experienced a resurgence in popularity, and a significant part of this trend is fueled by the growing interest in DIY watercolor. Creating your own watercolor paints offers a unique and rewarding experience that goes beyond simply using commercially available paints.

The allure of DIY watercolor stems from a combination of factors, including the desire for creative freedom, the ability to customize colors, and the satisfaction of crafting something beautiful with your own hands.

The Benefits of DIY Watercolor

Creating your own watercolor paints offers a plethora of benefits, both artistic and economical.

Unique Color Palettes: DIY watercolor allows you to experiment with pigments and create your own unique color palettes. You can combine different pigments to achieve specific hues and shades that are not readily available commercially. This opens up a world of possibilities for your artwork, enabling you to express your artistic vision with greater precision and individuality.
Cost-Effective: While high-quality commercial watercolor paints can be expensive, creating your own paints can be a cost-effective alternative. You can often find pigments in bulk at a lower cost than pre-made paints. This makes DIY watercolor an attractive option for artists on a budget or those who wish to explore a wider range of colors without breaking the bank.
Control Over Ingredients: DIY watercolor allows you to control the ingredients in your paints. You can choose natural pigments, such as those derived from minerals, plants, or insects, and avoid synthetic pigments or additives that you may be sensitive to. This provides a sense of control over the materials you use and the potential impact they may have on your health or the environment.

Creative Freedom and Satisfaction

The creative freedom and satisfaction associated with DIY watercolor are arguably the most compelling reasons for its growing popularity.

Experimentation and Exploration: DIY watercolor encourages experimentation and exploration. You can try different pigment combinations, explore different binding agents, and experiment with different techniques. This process of discovery is an integral part of the creative journey and can lead to unexpected and exciting results.
Personal Connection to Artwork: Creating your own paints fosters a deeper personal connection to your artwork. The effort and care you invest in crafting your paints translate into a greater appreciation for the final product. This connection can enhance your artistic expression and provide a sense of accomplishment.
A Rewarding Process: DIY watercolor is a rewarding process that combines creativity, experimentation, and craftsmanship. The act of creating your own paints is an art form in itself, and the satisfaction of seeing your paints come to life is a testament to your skill and creativity.

Gathering Your Supplies

Embarking on your DIY watercolor journey requires assembling a collection of essential tools and materials. The quality of your supplies directly influences the vibrancy and longevity of your artwork. This section provides a comprehensive guide to selecting the right materials for your watercolor adventure.

Pigments

Pigments are the heart of watercolor, determining the colors you create. A wide variety of pigments exist, each with unique characteristics that impact their performance.

Pigment Types: Pigments are categorized into two main types: inorganic and organic. Inorganic pigments are derived from minerals and tend to be more lightfast and opaque, while organic pigments are derived from plants, animals, or synthetic sources and are generally more transparent and less lightfast.
Lightfastness: Lightfastness refers to a pigment’s ability to resist fading when exposed to light. It is crucial to select lightfast pigments for artwork intended for long-term display. Pigments are rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the least lightfast and 5 being the most lightfast.
Transparency and Opacity: Transparency describes how much light passes through a pigment, while opacity refers to its ability to block light. Transparent pigments allow the paper’s surface to show through, creating subtle washes, while opaque pigments cover the paper completely, providing bold, solid colors.

Choosing high-quality pigments is essential for creating vibrant and long-lasting watercolor paintings. Invest in pigments with high lightfastness ratings and a good balance of transparency and opacity to achieve the desired effects in your artwork.

Creating Your Watercolor Paints

The allure of DIY watercolor lies in the freedom to create your own unique colors. You can experiment with pigments and binders, crafting a palette that reflects your artistic vision. Making your own watercolor paints is a rewarding experience that allows you to explore the nuances of color and understand the science behind these artistic tools.

Mixing Pigments, Binders, and Water

The basic recipe for watercolor paint involves combining pigments, a binder, and water. The pigment provides the color, the binder acts as a glue to hold the pigment together, and water helps to create the desired consistency.

Pigments: These are the finely ground colored powders that provide the color to your paints. You can find a wide variety of pigments online or at art supply stores. Some popular choices include:
- Earth Pigments: These are derived from natural sources like clay, iron oxides, and manganese. They tend to be opaque and produce warm, earthy colors. Examples include ochre, umber, and sienna.
- Synthetic Pigments: These are manufactured pigments that offer a wider range of colors and hues. They can be opaque or transparent, depending on their composition. Examples include cadmium yellow, ultramarine blue, and quinacridone magenta.
Binder: The binder acts as a glue, holding the pigment particles together and allowing them to adhere to paper. The most common binder for watercolor paints is gum arabic. It’s a natural gum that dissolves in water, creating a sticky solution that binds the pigments.
Water: Water is essential for creating the desired consistency of your watercolor paint. You can add more or less water depending on how watery or thick you want your paint to be.

The Role of Gum Arabic in Watercolor Paint Consistency

Gum arabic is a crucial component of watercolor paints, affecting their consistency and flow.

“Gum arabic acts as a binder, holding the pigment particles together and allowing them to adhere to paper.”

The amount of gum arabic you use will determine how thick or thin your paint is. A higher concentration of gum arabic will result in a thicker, more opaque paint, while a lower concentration will create a thinner, more transparent paint. Gum arabic also helps to create a smooth, even flow of the paint on paper.

Exploring Watercolor Techniques

Watercolor techniques are diverse and offer a wide range of possibilities for creating stunning effects. The beauty of watercolor lies in its fluidity and transparency, allowing for beautiful blends and washes. Let’s explore some common techniques that will enhance your watercolor journey.

Wet-on-Wet Technique

Wet-on-wet is a technique where you apply watercolor to a wet surface, allowing the colors to blend and diffuse seamlessly. This creates soft, ethereal washes with a sense of movement.

* Applying the technique: Begin by wetting the paper with clean water using a brush or sponge. Then, apply watercolor to the wet surface. The water will cause the pigment to spread and create a soft, blended effect.
* Controlling the flow: The amount of water used will influence the intensity and fluidity of the colors. More water creates a lighter, more diffused wash, while less water results in a more concentrated and defined effect.
* Example: Imagine painting a sunset using the wet-on-wet technique. You could start with a wet wash of orange and yellow, followed by a lighter wash of pink and purple, allowing the colors to blend naturally and create a soft, luminous sky.

Dry-Brush Technique

The dry-brush technique involves using a brush with very little water, resulting in a textured and slightly rough effect. This technique is ideal for creating details, adding texture, or emphasizing lines.

* Applying the technique: Dip your brush into a small amount of water, then into the watercolor paint. Remove excess water by blotting the brush on a paper towel. Then, apply the paint with light, quick strokes.
* Creating texture: The amount of water will determine the degree of texture. A very dry brush will produce a more prominent, textured effect, while a slightly damp brush will create a subtler texture.
* Example: You can use the dry-brush technique to create the texture of tree bark or the rough surface of a rock.

Layering Techniques

Layering involves applying multiple washes of watercolor, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next. This technique creates depth, richness, and dimension in your paintings.

* Applying the technique: Start with a light wash of watercolor, allowing it to dry completely. Then, apply a second wash of a different color or a darker shade of the same color. Continue layering as desired, ensuring each layer is dry before applying the next.
* Creating depth: Layering allows you to create depth by building up layers of color. You can use lighter washes for the background and darker washes for the foreground to create a sense of perspective.
* Example: Imagine painting a landscape. You could start with a light wash of blue for the sky, followed by a darker wash of green for the trees, and then a brown wash for the ground. Each layer adds depth and dimension to the painting.

Watercolor Palette Design

Creating a custom watercolor palette is an exciting part of the DIY process. It allows you to tailor your colors to specific projects and themes, while also ensuring you have the perfect blend of hues for your artistic endeavors. Designing a well-organized palette is crucial for easy access and efficient mixing, ultimately leading to a more enjoyable and productive painting experience.

Designing a Custom Watercolor Palette

A well-designed watercolor palette not only reflects your artistic style but also enhances your workflow. Consider the following factors when designing your palette:

Project Theme: Determine the primary colors and shades needed for your project. For instance, a landscape palette might require earthy tones, while a floral palette might focus on vibrant hues.
Color Harmony: Choose colors that complement each other, creating a visually appealing and cohesive palette. Explore color theory principles like analogous, complementary, or triadic harmonies to guide your selection.
Personal Preference: Incorporate your favorite colors and those you frequently use. A palette that reflects your artistic style will inspire you and encourage experimentation.

Organizing Colors for Easy Access and Mixing

Organization is key to a functional watercolor palette. Here are some tips for arranging your colors:

Color Families: Group similar colors together, such as warm reds and oranges, cool blues and greens, or neutral browns and grays. This allows for quick identification and mixing.
Value Progression: Arrange colors from light to dark within each color family. This helps you visualize the tonal range and easily locate the desired shade.
Frequent Use: Place the colors you use most often in easily accessible areas, like the center or front of the palette.

Creating a Visually Appealing and Functional Palette, Diy watercolor

A visually appealing palette is both functional and inspiring. Consider these tips:

Palette Material: Choose a palette material that is durable, easy to clean, and non-reactive with watercolor paints. Plastic, ceramic, or metal palettes are popular options.
Palette Shape and Size: Select a shape and size that fits your needs and painting style. A rectangular palette is a classic choice, while a round or oval palette can be more compact.
Divisions and Wells: Consider the number and size of divisions or wells in your palette. Smaller wells are suitable for mixing individual colors, while larger wells can accommodate larger quantities of paint.

Watercolor Paper Selection

Choosing the right watercolor paper is crucial for a successful painting experience. The paper’s surface, weight, and sizing all play a significant role in how the paint behaves and how the finished artwork looks.

Paper Texture

The texture of watercolor paper, also known as its “tooth,” influences how the paint lays down and interacts with the surface.

Hot-pressed paper has a smooth surface, ideal for detailed work and delicate washes. The smooth surface allows for precise control and minimizes the risk of paint bleeding.
Cold-pressed paper has a slightly textured surface, offering a good balance between control and texture. It’s a versatile option for a wide range of subjects and techniques.
Rough paper has a pronounced texture, creating a more textured effect and allowing for bold washes and expressive brushstrokes. It’s suitable for dramatic landscapes and abstract paintings.

Paper Weight

Paper weight, measured in pounds (lbs) or grams per square meter (gsm), determines its thickness and durability.

Lightweight papers (90-140 gsm) are thinner and less expensive, suitable for practice and sketches.
Medium-weight papers (140-200 gsm) offer a good balance between weight and affordability, suitable for most watercolor projects.
Heavyweight papers (200 gsm and above) are thick and durable, ideal for multi-layered paintings and techniques that involve heavy washes or scrubbing.

Paper Sizing

Sizing refers to the treatment applied to the paper surface to make it resistant to water.

Sized paper is treated to minimize paint bleeding and feathering, allowing for more control over washes.
Unsized paper is untreated, allowing for more spontaneous and unpredictable effects. It’s often used for techniques like “wet-on-wet” where the paint flows freely.

Choosing the Right Paper

For detailed work and delicate washes: Hot-pressed, medium-weight paper with sizing.
For a balance between control and texture: Cold-pressed, medium-weight paper with sizing.
For bold washes and expressive brushstrokes: Rough, heavyweight paper with sizing.
For practice and sketches: Lightweight paper with sizing.
For multi-layered paintings and techniques involving heavy washes: Heavyweight paper with sizing.
For spontaneous and unpredictable effects: Unsized paper.

Watercolor Brushes

Watercolor brushes are an essential part of any watercolor artist’s toolkit. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, each designed for specific techniques and effects. Choosing the right brush for your needs is crucial for achieving the desired results in your watercolor paintings.

Brush Types

The type of brush you choose will depend on the effect you want to achieve. Here are some common types of watercolor brushes:

Round brushes: Round brushes are versatile and can be used for a wide range of techniques, from fine lines to broad washes. They are also great for blending and creating soft edges.
Flat brushes: Flat brushes are ideal for creating straight lines, filling in large areas, and creating sharp edges. They can also be used for washes and blending, but they are not as versatile as round brushes.
Fan brushes: Fan brushes are used for creating soft, wispy effects, such as clouds, foliage, and hair. They can also be used for blending and creating textures.
Angle brushes: Angle brushes are a hybrid of flat and round brushes. They are great for creating a variety of effects, from fine lines to broad washes.
Mop brushes: Mop brushes are large, round brushes with a soft, absorbent tip. They are ideal for creating large washes and filling in large areas quickly.

Brush Size and Shape

The size and shape of your brush will also affect the outcome of your painting.

Small brushes are used for details, fine lines, and delicate washes.
Medium brushes are versatile and can be used for a variety of techniques, including blending and creating mid-sized washes.
Large brushes are used for creating large washes, filling in large areas, and creating bold strokes.

Brush Care and Maintenance

Proper brush care is essential for extending the life of your brushes and ensuring they perform at their best. Here are some tips for caring for your watercolor brushes:

Rinse your brushes thoroughly after each use. This will prevent paint from drying and hardening in the bristles, which can damage the brush.
Use a mild soap or brush cleaner to wash your brushes. Avoid using harsh detergents, as they can damage the bristles.
Reshape the bristles of your brushes after washing. This will help to prevent them from becoming misshapen.
Store your brushes upright. This will help to prevent the bristles from becoming bent or damaged.
Avoid leaving your brushes in water for extended periods. This can damage the bristles and weaken the glue that holds them together.

Watercolor Painting Techniques

Watercolor painting techniques are essential for creating a variety of effects, from delicate washes to bold strokes. Mastering these techniques allows you to express your creativity and achieve the desired visual impact.

Watercolor Washes

Watercolor washes are a fundamental technique, creating smooth, even areas of color. The key to achieving successful washes is controlling the amount of water and pigment.

Dilute the pigment: Mix your watercolor paint with water to create a thin, translucent solution. The amount of water determines the intensity of the wash.
Apply the wash: Use a wide, flat brush to apply the diluted paint evenly across the paper. Work quickly, as the watercolor dries rapidly.
Control the flow: Tilt the paper slightly to allow the water to flow in the desired direction. You can also use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process.

Gradients

Gradients are smooth transitions between two or more colors. They add depth and dimension to your paintings.

Prepare your colors: Dilute your watercolor paints to different intensities, creating a range of shades.
Create a wet-on-wet gradient: Apply a wet wash of the lightest color first. Then, while the paper is still wet, add the darker color, blending it into the lighter wash.
Create a wet-on-dry gradient: Apply a wet wash of the lightest color. Allow it to dry completely. Then, apply a wet wash of the darker color, blending it into the lighter wash.

Layering

Layering involves applying multiple washes of color over each other. This technique allows you to create complex and nuanced effects.

Start with light washes: Apply the lightest washes first. Allow them to dry completely before applying darker washes.
Use transparent colors: Transparent watercolor paints allow light to pass through them, creating depth and richness.
Experiment with color combinations: Try layering different colors to create unique and unexpected effects.

Watercolor Inspiration and Ideas

Watercolor painting is a versatile art form that allows for endless creativity and exploration. From delicate washes to bold strokes, watercolor can capture a wide range of subjects and styles. To fuel your artistic journey, let’s delve into inspiring examples and ideas for creating your own captivating watercolor masterpieces.

Examples of DIY Watercolor Projects

To ignite your imagination, here are a few inspiring examples of DIY watercolor projects:

Botanical Illustrations: Watercolor is a perfect medium for capturing the intricate details of flowers, leaves, and other botanical subjects. Use vibrant colors and delicate brushstrokes to create realistic or stylized depictions of nature’s beauty.
Abstract Art: Embrace the fluidity and unpredictability of watercolor to create abstract art. Experiment with layering colors, blending techniques, and textures to express your unique artistic vision.
Watercolor Landscapes: Capture the serenity of a sunset, the grandeur of mountains, or the tranquility of a forest with watercolor landscapes. Use different shades of blue, green, and brown to create depth and dimension in your paintings.
Animal Portraits: Watercolor is a great medium for capturing the character and personality of animals. Focus on details like fur texture, eye expression, and body posture to create expressive and captivating portraits.

Ideas for Creating Watercolor Landscapes

Watercolor landscapes offer a vast canvas for artistic expression. Here are some ideas to inspire your landscape painting journey:

Capturing Light and Shadow: Use watercolor washes to create soft transitions between light and shadow, adding depth and realism to your landscapes.
Creating Atmosphere: Experiment with different colors and brushstrokes to evoke specific moods and atmospheres, such as the warmth of a summer day or the mystery of a misty morning.
Adding Details: Use fine brushes to add details like trees, rocks, and water features, enhancing the realism and visual interest of your landscapes.

Ideas for Creating Watercolor Portraits

Watercolor portraits can capture the essence of a person’s personality and beauty. Here are some ideas to guide your portrait painting journey:

Focus on Facial Features: Use watercolor to highlight the subtle nuances of facial features, such as the curve of the nose, the shape of the eyes, and the line of the lips.
Expressing Emotion: Capture the emotions of your subject through the use of color, brushstrokes, and facial expressions.
Creating Depth and Dimension: Use layering techniques and different shades of color to create depth and dimension in your watercolor portraits.

Ideas for Creating Watercolor Abstract Art

Watercolor is an excellent medium for creating abstract art, allowing for spontaneity and exploration. Here are some ideas to inspire your abstract watercolor journey:

Experiment with Color Combinations: Explore different color palettes and combinations to create visually stimulating and abstract compositions.
Embrace Spontaneity: Let your intuition guide your brushstrokes, allowing for unexpected and dynamic results.
Use Texture and Patterns: Experiment with different brushstrokes, textures, and patterns to create visual interest and depth in your abstract watercolor paintings.

The Role of Personal Creativity and Experimentation in Watercolor Painting

Watercolor painting is a journey of self-discovery and artistic expression. Embrace your unique perspective and don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and styles.

Watercolor Painting Tips and Tricks

Mastering the art of watercolor painting involves more than just dipping a brush into paint. It’s about understanding the nuances of the medium, embracing its fluidity, and utilizing techniques to achieve the desired results. This section delves into essential tips and tricks that can elevate your watercolor skills, helping you create stunning and captivating artwork.

Achieving Smooth Transitions and Vibrant Colors

Smooth transitions and vibrant colors are the hallmarks of captivating watercolor paintings. The key lies in understanding the interplay of water and pigment.

Control the Water-to-Paint Ratio: The amount of water you use significantly impacts the intensity and flow of your colors. More water creates a lighter, more transparent wash, while less water results in a bolder, more saturated hue. Experiment with different ratios to find what works best for your desired effect.
Utilize Wet-on-Wet Techniques: Wet-on-wet techniques involve applying wet paint onto a damp surface, allowing the colors to blend seamlessly. This method is ideal for creating soft, diffused transitions and atmospheric effects.
Employ Glazing: Glazing involves layering thin washes of watercolor paint over each other. Each layer adds depth and complexity, building up the color intensity and creating a luminous effect. Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next.

Layering and Glazing in Watercolor Painting

Layering and glazing are fundamental techniques in watercolor painting, enabling artists to achieve depth, richness, and intricate details in their artwork.

Building Up Color Intensity: Layering thin washes of color over each other gradually builds up the intensity and vibrancy of the hues. This technique is particularly effective for creating realistic shadows and highlights.
Creating Depth and Dimension: Layering allows you to create a sense of depth and dimension by placing lighter washes in the foreground and darker washes in the background. This technique enhances the overall composition and draws the viewer’s eye.
Achieving Complex Effects: Glazing allows you to achieve subtle variations in color and texture. By layering different hues, you can create intricate patterns, shimmering effects, and nuanced gradients.

Correcting Mistakes and Achieving Desired Effects

Mistakes are an inevitable part of the creative process. Watercolor, being a transparent medium, offers unique opportunities for correction and experimentation.

Utilizing Masking Fluid: Masking fluid is a liquid that creates a barrier on the paper, preventing paint from adhering to those areas. Apply masking fluid to areas you want to keep white or unpainted, then remove it after the paint has dried. This technique is useful for preserving highlights, creating intricate details, or reserving areas for later painting.
Lifting Color with a Damp Brush: To lighten or remove unwanted areas of paint, use a damp brush to lift the color. The wet brush will absorb some of the pigment, creating a softer, more subtle effect. This technique is effective for blending colors, creating soft edges, or correcting mistakes.
Using a White Gel Pen or Acrylic Paint: For precise corrections or adding highlights, a white gel pen or acrylic paint can be used to cover areas of color. These mediums are opaque and provide a clean, crisp finish. However, use them sparingly to avoid overwhelming the watercolor washes.

DIY Watercolor Projects

Now that you have your own custom watercolor paints and a good understanding of watercolor techniques, it’s time to put your skills to the test and create some beautiful DIY watercolor projects! Watercolor projects can be a fun and rewarding way to express your creativity and create unique pieces of art.

Creating a Watercolor Greeting Card

Greeting cards are a simple and classic DIY watercolor project. Watercolor cards are a great way to add a personal touch to your messages and are perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.

Choose a Watercolor Paper: Opt for a high-quality watercolor paper, as it can handle the water and paint without buckling or tearing. Look for papers with a smooth or cold-pressed texture, depending on your preference.
Sketch Your Design: Lightly sketch your design onto the watercolor paper using a pencil. Keep the lines light so they can be easily erased later.
Add Watercolor: Apply watercolor washes to your design, starting with lighter colors and gradually layering darker hues. Experiment with different techniques, such as dry brushing, layering, and blending.
Let the Paint Dry: Allow the paint to dry completely before adding any details or text. You can use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process.
Add Details and Text: Once the paint is dry, you can add details with a fine brush, black pen, or even a gel pen. You can also write a message on the card using a calligraphy pen or a brush pen.
Decorate and Assemble: Decorate your card with embellishments like glitter, sequins, or ribbon. If you want to create a foldable card, score the paper along the fold line and fold it carefully.

Creating a Watercolor Art Print

Watercolor art prints are a great way to showcase your artistic skills and create unique pieces of decor for your home or as gifts.

Choose a Subject: Select a subject that inspires you, such as a landscape, a still life, or an abstract design.
Create a Watercolor Painting: Paint your chosen subject on watercolor paper using your custom watercolor paints. Experiment with different techniques and colors to create a unique and captivating piece.
Scan or Photograph Your Painting: Once the paint is dry, scan your painting at a high resolution or take a high-quality photograph. Ensure the image is well-lit and free of shadows.
Edit the Image: If necessary, adjust the brightness, contrast, and color balance of the image in a photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP. You can also crop the image to your desired size.
Print Your Art Print: Print your edited image on high-quality art paper using a professional printing service or a high-quality printer. Choose a matte or glossy finish depending on your preference.
Frame Your Art Print: Frame your art print to protect it and enhance its presentation. Choose a frame that complements the colors and style of your artwork.

Creating Watercolor Decorative Pieces

Watercolor paints can be used to create a variety of decorative pieces, from personalized coasters to unique wall art.

Watercolor Coasters: Paint watercolor designs on ceramic tiles or wooden squares. Once the paint is dry, seal the tiles or squares with a clear sealant to protect them from water and spills. You can also use a heat-resistant sealant if you plan to use the coasters with hot beverages.
Watercolor Wall Art: Create watercolor paintings on canvas or wooden panels. Once the paint is dry, you can frame the artwork or leave it unframed for a more rustic look. You can also create a series of smaller watercolor paintings and arrange them together to create a unique wall display.
Watercolor Decorative Plates: Paint watercolor designs on plain white ceramic plates or bowls. Once the paint is dry, bake the plates or bowls in a kiln to permanently seal the paint. You can use these decorative plates for display or for serving food.

Embarking on the DIY watercolor journey empowers you to express your artistic vision with personalized colors and techniques. With a little patience and experimentation, you can create stunning watercolor masterpieces that reflect your unique style and artistic sensibilities. So, gather your supplies, unleash your creativity, and let the magic of DIY watercolor unfold.

DIY watercolor painting is a relaxing and creative hobby that can be enjoyed by anyone. It’s a great way to unwind and express yourself, and it’s also a fun way to add a personal touch to your home decor. If you’re looking for a project that will take your creativity outdoors, you might want to consider building some DIY patio furniture.

Check out these DIY patio furniture plans for some inspiration. Once you’ve got your new patio furniture set up, you can use your watercolor skills to paint a beautiful mural on the wall or even create some personalized placemats for your outdoor dining area.