What is the technique of ‘charging’ in watercolour painting?

Charging is a wet on wet technique where you drop one wet colour into another wet colour. It’s a way to mix colour on the paper rather than on the palette and it can produce some fantastic and exciting results!

The charging technique allows for beautiful, spontaneous effects in watercolour painting, capturing the fluidity and transparency that are characteristic of the medium.

Using this technique is what I love about painting in watercolour more than anything else.

What is the watercolour technique of charging used for?

This technique is effective for blending different colours together seamlessly. By charging wet paint into another wet area of paint, the colours mix and merge, creating new hues and subtle variations. It allows for smooth colour transitions and helps avoid harsh lines or colour edges.

Charging can be used to create interesting textures and visual effects in watercolour paintings. By manipulating the wet paint or water, you can create patterns, ripples, and organic shapes, adding depth and visual interest to your artwork.

When I paint initial washes on a subject I like to add interest by dropping in another unexpected colour as I did here on this Rooster painting.

How do you do the charging watercolour technique?

Decide on your colours before you start painting. Add some water to the paint so that it flows freely. I like to work on wet paper because it gives me more time to do what I need to do. I usually paint a wash of the main colour on my subject and then before that wash dries I use my brush to drop in the other colour (or colours). I let the colours mingle by themselves on the wet paper. It’s important not to fuss with the paint too much. Let it do what it wants to do and then accept what it gives you.

With the rooster above, I painted a wash of grey all over the body feathers and then while that wash was wet I dropped in some green and some violet in a few areas. The feather detail was painted over the top once that first wash had dried.

By experimenting with the charging technique, you can bring an element of surprise and spontaneity to your watercolour paintings. It allows you to explore the unpredictable nature of the medium and embrace happy accidents.

The vibrant interplay of colours and the soft transitions achieved through charging can bring your artwork to life, infusing it with a sense of energy and movement. So, whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, don't be afraid to dive into the world of charging and let your creativity flow freely on the watercolour paper.

Make a splash and charge ahead with vibrant hues!