Paper type/weight appropriate for watercolor

Clean water (two cups: rinse + clean)

Brush size matches wash area

Mixing palette prepared

Test strip/scrap paper ready

Paper pre-wet evenly (no puddles)

Paint applied while surface is glossy/damp (not dry)

Color blooms are controlled (not backruns unless intended)

Transitions appear soft where expected

Check: Is wet-on-wet technique used?

Lightest value established first

Pigment strength increases gradually

No sudden jumps in value unless planned

Highlights preserved (not overpainted)

Check: Is it painted from light to dark?

Even transition across the full range

No banding/striping between steps

Brush strokes blended before drying

Consistent direction of wash movement

Edges match the assignment goal (soft gradient edges preferred)

Unwanted hard edges identified

Hard edges corrected (rewet/blend) when appropriate

Check: Are there hard edges?

Brush moisture balanced (not dripping, not too dry)

Water-to-pigment ratio consistent throughout the wash

Puddles avoided; excess lifted with a clean damp brush

No unintended cauliflowers/backruns from uneven drying

Check: Is water control managed?

Single-hue wash kept clean (no muddying)

If mixing hues, transitions are intentional and harmonious

Palette kept clean; rinse water changed as needed

Wash left to dry flat and undisturbed

No overworking while damp (prevents lifting/mud)

Final result evaluated after fully dry (values often lighten)

What worked best (technique/brush/water ratio)

What to improve next time (edges, smoothness, value range)

One actionable adjustment for the next practice run