Watercolor is a beautiful and expressive medium that can be challenging for beginners to master.

Here are some basic techniques that can help you get started:

1. Wet-on-wet: Wet your paper with water using a large brush, then apply your paint to the wet surface. The colors will blend together and create soft edges.

2. Wet-on-dry: Apply paint to dry paper, allowing the colors to dry and build up in layers. This technique creates more defined edges and allows for greater control over the paint.

3. Layering: Layering involves building up color by applying multiple washes of paint over each other, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next.

4. Dry-brush: Dip your brush into paint and then remove most of the water with a paper towel, leaving just a small amount of paint on the brush. This technique creates a textured, almost scratchy effect.

5. Splattering: Dip your brush into paint and flick it onto the paper to create a spattered effect.

6. Masking: Use masking fluid or tape to protect areas of your paper from paint. Once the paint is dry, remove the masking to reveal the white paper underneath. This also works with wax or oil pastels, but it is more difficult to manage.

7. Gradient: Create a gradient by blending two colors together. Start by applying a layer of one color, then add a second color while the first is still wet. The two colors will blend together naturally.

Remember to experiment with different techniques and have fun with your painting!