Edges are crucial in watercolour painting because they define shapes, create depth, and convey atmosphere. Understanding how to manipulate edges - soft, hard, lost, and found - can elevate a painting from ordinary to extraordinary.

Soft edges occur when colours bleed into one another due to wet-on-wet techniques. They create a sense of fluidity and help suggest form without rigid boundaries, lending a dreamy, atmospheric quality to the work.

Hard edges, on the other hand, are achieved by painting wet on dry. These edges define objects with precision and clarity, making them ideal for focal points. Hard edges provide contrast and structure, helping to guide the viewer’s eye.

Lost and found edges add mystery and interest. Some edges disappear into the background (lost), while others reappear sharply (found). This technique allows for an interplay of suggestion and detail, making paintings feel more dynamic and realistic.

Mastering edges in watercolor gives paintings life, movement, and expression, making them more engaging and evocative.