How to Paint Watercolors Without Using a Brush
Learn to create impressionistic watercolors with the mouth atomizer. The atomizer is a device that is used to spray watercolor paint, ink, or other liquids evenly over a surface. A traditional, non-aerosol way to apply paint, the mouth atomizer functions like an airbrush powered by your breath. The atomizing technique creates an atmospheric effect that is difficult to achieve with a brush.
You don’t always need a brush to create a watercolor painting. One of my favorite alternative watercolor techniques uses a mouth atomizer—a simple device that sprays watercolor across the paper using your breath. Think of it as a low-tech, old-school airbrush.
By combining the mouth atomizer with stencils, masking film and masking fluid, I can build soft atmospheric transitions, simplified shapes and impressionistic textures that would be difficult to create with traditional brushwork. Some of my atomized paintings are created almost entirely without a brush.
I teach this technique in my Impressionistic Watercolors workshops. Below you’ll find an explanation of how mouth-atomized watercolor works along with the complete supply list I recommend for class.
What is Mouth Atomized Watercolor?
Unlike an electric airbrush, a mouth atomizer has no compressor or motor. One end sits in the diluted watercolor while you blow through the other, creating a fine spray of pigment across the paper. The distance from the paper, paint consistency and strength of your breath affect the resulting spray.
I frequently combine atomizing with hand-cut stencils and masking film. Instead of drawing every architectural detail or flower petal with a brush, I can isolate shapes and gradually build layers of sprayed color
Why Paint Watercolor Without a Brush?
Soft atmospheric effects — sprayed pigment produces transitions that are difficult to duplicate with a brush.
Simplified shapes — stencils let you concentrate on value and composition rather than tiny details.
Texture — overspray and layered pigment create distinctive surfaces.
Different way of thinking — removing the brush forces you to approach watercolor differently.
Mouth Atomizer Watercolor Supply List
Instructor provides: Frisket film, cutting blades and photographic references.
Mouth Atomizer (most important)
You need at least one sheet of GOOD watercolor paper (no pad paper). Individual sheets 22×30″ on 140 rough or cold press paper (available at art supply stores) or blocks:
Arches 140 lb Cold Press 11×14 Block (good paper is the MOST important thing in WC)
Fabriano Artistico 140lb 12×16″ Block
Creative Mark Flo Bottles (one for each primary color)
https://amzn.to/3XBz7Fj
Recommended Colors:
Winsor Newton Ultramarine Blue
Winsor Red
Winsor Newton Winsor Yellow
You don’t need a large collection of paints for mouth-atomized watercolor. I recommend starting with clean primary colors because transparent sprayed layers can overlap and visually mix directly on the paper. A simple red, yellow and blue palette also helps prevent muddy color as additional layers are atomized.
Creative Mark Masking Fluid Brushes
Incredible Nib. Optional but very useful.
Pebeo Masking Fluid (big bottle) only if you know you will continue to use watercolor and will use more masking fluid- much cheaper when you buy larger bottles.
Pebeo Masking Fluid (small bottle)
Ruling Pen (for applying small lines with masking fluid)
Normal Watercolor Supplies for adjustments/cleaning. Recommended list:
Richeson Silver Velvet #6
Richeson Silver Velvet #2
Sterling Edwards Big Brush Watercolor Palette. Optional but my favorite palette in the world. I own 5 of them:
Don’t forget paper towels (I use VIVA with no texture), appropriate clothing, or anything else you need (coffee!)
Disclosure: Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. These are products I personally use or recommend for my workshops.
Ryan Fox AWS NWS TWSA
Ryan Fox Painting
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ryan@rfoxphoto.com
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