The first technique I discovered is that when painting with watercolor, there always needs to be 3 layers. The first layer is thin and light. Most of the first layer consists of water and a tiny bit of paint. The second layer is still a lot of water, but with a little more paint than the first layer. Finally, the third layer is mostly paint. This is usually the final layer of paint with the exception of any touch-ups at the end.
Another technique I learned is that the painting needs to have a certain "flow" to it. This means that when a person views the painting, their eyes keep moving from one place to another in a circular kind of motion. In order to do this, the painting needs to have a center of focus which is where the viewer views first. The best way to do this is to have extreme color contrast. If you were painting waves for example, you would use an extremely deep blue with a bright white right next to each other for an extremely dramatic effect.
The most important part of painting with watercolor is to have the right materials. The paper that is used must be a certain weight and cold or hot pressed depending on the painting. High quality paint brushes are also important. Most people do not know that paint brushes can actually be quite expensive. Mine cost between $30-40. Even though they are pricey, they are definitely worth it. Another thing that people do is use the cheap watercolor pallets that can be bought at meijer for $2 or $3 dollars. Unfortunately, those do not look good when the painting is finished. Windsor Newton watercolor tubes have the most pigment and produce the best paintings.
I keep learning new techniques every day that help me get better and better at painting. I love to keep experimenting and creating new things.