How to Paint Watercolor Agate Slices

This post was originally shared by me at Delineate your Dwelling, and contains affiliate links.

I am really excited to share today’s post with you all! I love it, and I think you all will too. Let me tell you a little story:

Once upon a time, I was sitting at our dining room table playing around with watercolors, as I often do. I was trying to capture the look of malachite, and, honestly, kind of bombing. But, anyway, as I was messing around – painting wet on wet, wet on dry, sprinkling some salt – Aha! – it hit me. I needed to forget the malachite (for now anyway) and do an agate slice because it was obvious to me that watercolor = the BEST medium for painting agate slices.

The best, you say?

Yes, dangit, that’s what I said! The best! It is abso-tutely the very best for capturing the agate slice’s blending colors; their sparkly, crystalline texture; and slight translucence. You guys – it’s got to be watercolors. All the way.

So I went to work. After a bit of experimentation, I present to you, my e-besties, a simple method for creating your own pretty agate slice paintings. These are really pretty easy to make and a whole lot of fun. Let’s do it!

Materials:

Watercolor paper (I prefer 140 lb)
Painters or Masking tape
Watercolors (tube or pan colors work)
Paper towels
Coarse salt
Water
Brushes – at least a large and small round (I used a size 8 and a size 0), a large mop brush is optional

Step One – Get Inspiration & Set Up

Start off by getting some inspiration via google image search OR look at some real agate slices if you have some laying around (lucky you!). Look at the slice’s areas of lights and darks and notice the texture. Where do the colors blend together and where are there more defined lines?

If you are using tube paints, mix up some color washes. Add more or less water to your pigment to create darker and lighter washes. Test your washes on a scrap piece of watercolor paper to see if you like them.

Step Two – Lay Down a Light Wash

Start your painting by using the large mop brush (or large round brush) to paint the slice’s shape on your paper with a light wash (add more water to create a lighter color).

Follow this step-by-step tutorial to make your own watercolor agate slice paintings!

Step Three – Paint Darker Shapes and Outlines

The trick to creating the pretty blended effect is to paint on a wet surface. You lay down the first wash and then paint on top of it quickly (while it is still wet). This allows the colors to blend naturally. To achieve this effect, load your large round brush with a dark wash and paint around the outside of the shape you have created.

It’s so fun to watch the color spread and blend. Load your brush with more of the darker wash and mark out an oval shape in the center.

Try adding a few dots of a complimentary shade. Look at your agate slice images for inspiration on where to place color.

Step Four – Add Texture with Salt

Sprinkle coarse salt on to the painting around the center oval shape (or anywhere you want to add that crystalline texture – reference your image or agate slice for inspiration).

Be sure to sprinkle the salt while the painting is still wet. The salt will absorb the color and leave little circles of lighter color creating the textured look we are going for.

Step Five – Final Details

Allow the painting to dry completely, and then wipe off the salt. Once the painting is completely dry, you can go back and add details using the small round brush and a very dark wash (only add a small amount of water to make a really dark wash).

Painting on the dry paper will give you a different effect than you got before when painting on the wet wash. Your strokes will not blend as they did before, so you can get more defined lines now. Trace the edge of the slice and consider adding details to the center.

learn how to paint your own watercolor agate slices

These were so much fun to make, I made a whole bunch! Try playing around with different color combinations, placing the salt in different places, or adding layers of washes after the first wash has dried.

I think the hardest part of watercolor is learning to let go of your need to control everything. The water will kind of flow and blend how it wants to. Try to relax and go with it.

The textures are just dreamy! I framed up a favorite and added it to my entry way, and I think it looks great there. I think these would also make a really pretty addition to a gallery wall.

Learn how to make your own watercolor agate slice paintings!

And if you aren’t in the painting mood but still want some pretty agate slice art, good news! I’ve scanned my watercolors, and you can download them as free printables!

Download free printable watercolor agate slices. Makes pretty wall art when framed!

Yay! Just pick your favorite, download it, print it out on nice cardstock and frame it up. Instant wall art!

These printables may not be distributed or sold and are for personal use only. If you have any questions about using them, please contact me through email at persialou@gmail.com. Thanks!

Click on the image of the print you would like to download below.