Mastering Rocks in Watercolor – My Top 5 Tips

Mastering Rocks in Watercolor – My Top 5 Tips

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a rocky shoreline wondering how to paint all that texture without turning your watercolor into mud… you’re not alone

Here are 5 quick tips from the session to help you rock your next rocky scene:

1. Dry Brush for Texture

Use a mostly dry brush with very little water to create the rough, uneven textures rocks are known for. It’s perfect for suggesting cracks, veins, and grit without overworking the surface.

2. Layer with Purpose

Start light and gradually build your darks. I used splattering and layering techniques to create depth — especially with cooler grays and warmer earthy tones mixed in.

3. Liner Brush Magic

A liner brush is your secret weapon for those fine, jagged lines and textures in the rocks. Try switching directions with your strokes and don’t aim for perfection — messy often looks more real! I love my new Lenbenzon Brushes for this. They have such a nice fine line and hold a lot of paint. If you are interested in them, they have offered up a coupon for my followers this month:  20% Off - Use Code: KELLIE here!

4. Add Contrast with Pen

Once everything is dry, come in with a fine point Sharpie to highlight some of the deeper cracks and crevices. This adds a beautiful bit of contrast and keeps the viewer’s eye moving.

5. Don’t Be Afraid of Splatter

Controlled splattering with a toothbrush or your finger can add some grit and natural variation. I used it a few times in this piece to really make the rocks feel rugged.

If you’re a Supreme Patreon member, the full replay is now up! I walk through each step, chat about color choices, and share the exact brushes and colors I used. If you’re not a member yet, I’d love to have you join us and paint along!