Simple tools for textures

27 November 2025

Step-by-Step - Level ◆◆◆

Most of the textures I rely on in my watercolour work don’t come from fancy supplies. They come from simple tools - things you already have on your desk, or can buy for a few dollars. Recently a student on my Tuscany retreat gave each of us a small set of dotting tools (originally meant for nail art) and it reminded me how many watercolourists don’t realise just how useful these little scratchy, pushy, texturing tools can be.

In this article I’ll show you what they are, some other tools I use, how they work, and how to use them to bring more life, detail and interest to your paintings, without adding more layers of paint or having to reach for a tiny no.0 brush. I’ll include ideas for small illustrations you can paint to show the effects.

And I encourage you to give these ideas a go with things you might have lying around or in one of your kitchen drawers.

I've attached a downloadable worksheet for you to keep.

Happy painting!