Snagit Learning Center

Snagit 9 Tutorial:

Create a Watercolor Painting

Snagit Editors color transparency option allows you to create watercolor-style paintings by washing colors over the canvas in layers, working from very light to dark – just as you would if you were actually painting.

This tutorial will teach you how to use Snagit Editor to create a watercolor painting using line art stamps you create or download free watercolor line art stamps from the TechSmith website.

About this Project

• Estimated time to complete this tutorial is about 20 minutes including the downloading and installing of the templates and stamps.
• This tutorial does not demonstrate how to take a screen capture. To learn how to do this, see the Snagit online help.

What you Need to Get Started

You will need the following in order to successfully complete this tutorial.

• Snagit 9.0. If you do not have Snagit 9.0, you can download a copy here.
• The free Watercolor Stamps downloaded and unzipped to a folder you specify in C:\My Documents\Snagit Stamps.

Skill Level: Intermediate

This tutorial is suitable for intermediate users of Snagit. Knowledge of downloading and unzipping a file, using the ribbon tabs, copying and pasting, and saving files within Editor is required.

Let's Get Started: Create a Watercolor Painting

The following section takes you through this tutorial in step-by-step fashion. In order to be successful with this tutorial, do not skip any steps.

Here are a few tips for creating a watercolor effect:

• For backgrounds, apply color from the lightest transparency level then work up to the darker levels when adding detail.
• Apply color using the larger pen sizes for the background colors then work down to the smaller sizes to apply the details.
• Take your time building up the color. This is a buildup process that requires you add layer upon layer of transparent color.

The Birdwater.gif stamp image is used for this tutorial.

Apply Stamp to Canvas

Note: Before you begin, make sure the stamp you want to use is in a folder in C:\My Documents\Snagit Stamps.

1. In Editor, press <CTRL + N> to create a new canvas.
2. In the New Image dialog box, make the Width 650 and the Height 500.
   Note: Depending on how large the stamp is that you will use, you might have to adjust this. If the stamp is larger than the canvas, just put the handles on the canvas to enlarge it.
3. In the Draw tab, select Drawing Tools group > Stamp button.
4. In the Draw tab, select Drawing Tools group > Effects button > Shadow > No Shadow.
   
5. From the Quick Styles Gallery, choose the stamp you will use for this tutorial.
   
6. Click on the canvas to place the stamp. Do not resize it.
7. Right-click the stamp and select Flatten from the menu.

Set up the Pen Tool

1. In the Draw tab, select Drawing Tools group > Pen tool.
2. From the Quick Styles Gallery, choose the first pen (this is red).
3. In the Draw tab, select Styles group > Outline button > Width > 15.
4. In the Draw tab, select Styles group > Effects button > Transparency > 95% (the last circle).
   
5. In the Draw tab, select Styles group > Effects button > Create as Vector. If this option is checked, click it to remove the checkmark and disable it.
6. In the Draw tab, select Styles group > Outline button. Choose a color from the palette.

Apply the Background of Watercolor

It is time to apply the background color. Change colors as you go to fill in the background of your image.

Each person’s technique will be unique but here are a few tips to help you achieve the best look.

• Do not worry about keeping within the lines. Watercolor flows from one area to the next. Also, when we restamp, the black lines will reappear.
• You might not see color appear at first. But, keep applying layers of color and it will begin to appear.
• Don’t’ be afraid to try different color combinations to add depth and points of interest.
• Repeatedly clicking the mouse as you move it over an area will build up color faster than is would by keeping the mouse button pressed down.
• Keep some areas very light and other areas make a bit darker – especially where the shadows and lines are darker.
• Try to paint in the direction of the line. So, if grass is going up and down, paint up and down.
• Apply several different colors to one area. For example, use two or three greens along with a brown for a grassy area.

Here is how our image looks with the background color applied.

Reapply the Stamp

1. In the Draw tab, select Drawing Tools group > Stamp button.
2. From the Quick Styles Gallery, choose the same stamp you are using for this tutorial.
   
3. Click on the canvas to place the stamp. Do not resize it.
4. Move the stamp over the top of the first stamp making sure to exactly line them up.
5. Right-click the stamp and select Flatten from the menu.

Apply the Second Layer of Watercolor

It is time to apply a darker layers of color along the black lines and shadows. Remember to change colors as you go to create depth and interest.

1. In the Draw tab, select Styles group > Outline button > Width > 7.
2. In the Draw tab, select Styles group > Effects button > Transparency > 75% (the second to the last circle).
3. In the Draw tab, select Styles group > Outline button. Choose a color from the palette.

Here is how our image looks with some darker color applied.

Reapply the Stamp

1. In the Draw tab, select Drawing Tools group > Stamp button.
2. From the Quick Styles Gallery, choose the same stamp you are using for this tutorial.
   
3. Click on the canvas to place the stamp. Do not resize it.
4. Move the stamp over the top of the first stamp making sure to exactly line them up.
5. Right-click the stamp and select Flatten from the menu.

Apply the Final Layer of Watercolor

It is time to apply a final layer of color that will give your painting some fine details. Remember to change colors as you go to create depth and interest. Also, rather than making broad strokes, begin making focused stroke lines to create the details.

1. In the Draw tab, select Styles group > Outline button > Width > 2.
2. In the Draw tab, select Styles group > Effects button > Transparency > 50% (the third to the last circle).
3. In the Draw tab, select Styles group > Outline button. Choose a color from the palette.

Here is how our image looks with some details applied.

Reapply the Final Stamp

1. In the Draw tab, select Drawing Tools group > Stamp button.
2. From the Quick Styles Gallery, choose the same stamp you are using for this tutorial.
3. Click on the canvas to place the stamp. Do not resize it.
4. Move the stamp over the top of the first stamp making sure to exactly line them up.
5. In the Draw tab, select Drawing Tools group > Effects button > Shadow > Choose the middle Shadow option.
   
6. Right-click the stamp and select Flatten from the menu.

Congratulations! You have created a watercolor painting.