1. Always allow your painting to dry in between stages. 2. Load and glide your brush when painting. 3. Use soft haired brushes. 4. Use 100% cotton paper when you can. 5. Try not to loose the Light in your painting. 6. PRACTICE build knowledge and confidence. 7. Planning your painting. 8. Less is More. 9. Stop before you fini sh! 10. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you make mistakes. Thank you Karen!
12 minutes of encouraging and informative comments AND a tutorial illustration of these helpful tips....that's a lot of bang for your buck! Many thanks:)
A beautiful flower to illustrate these valuable watercolour tips --I love how you interweave them with demonstrating painting a gorgeous Bird of Paradise with a light brush and light! Thank you, Karen!
This is a very good and important lesson. Thank you that for. I just want add what I found out through my time of painting. Sometimes I can hardly wait to finish my painting and I think "now it is done", but it isn`t. As soon as I can hear my inner voice telling me "I have done", it is time to stopp. Most I make me a cup of coffee and think about something completely different and after this short break I have a fresh look on my painting and I know what is missing. This are mainly just small details but important one. I know the end of a painting, when I feel good and pleasant. 🙂
Thank you,I belong to an art group my tutor is just like you,when I'm being over zealous and over painting my water colours I have Ken 's voice ringing in my ear ' LET IT DRY ' haha. Beautiful painting reminds me of holidays in Tenerife. ☺
Thank you for this beautiful tutorial. I just tried it out myself and loved it. I don't have access to good quality paper and would like to try again when I get some. The best tip you gave in my mind is that 100% cotton paper works best. The other paper is fine for some pen and watercolor but for blending and mixing on the paper cotton is king.
Thank you SO much for these tips AND the painting! Bird of Paradise is my late husband's favorite and I have made many attempts at it. Now I'm a little closer to understanding my lack of success so I'm going to try it again! (preserve the light and don't overdo it, whew!)
Thank you for all those tips Karen. I’m offering my tip here. I’m frugal and I like tube paints so I get aggravated at hardened lumps of paint on my palette that have to be scraped or washed off.I know they could be used again as background or experimentation but that doesn’t seem to work for me - maybe because I have limited time. Using pan paints or hardened tube paint is ok but not for the really creamy consistency. So what I have come to do is to stick to 20 or so colours and squeeze them into the palette wells using as much as I need and leaving the rest. When they harden, I add some drops of water to the well and leave them for a while -and voila, they soften to almost tube consistency. PS. Please don’t tell me that everyone does this and I’m just a Luddite !
Being a self-taught watercolorist, I wish I had seen this video 4 years ago! Great video! Something that I really just learned recently is that I often use too much water, and sometimes too much paint. And granulating colors can be an enemy or friend depending on your subject. Thank you so much for this lovely video, and for sharing your knowledge.
You are such a good teacher. All these tips are so valuable, thank you. My biggest problem is affording cotton paper. It’s so expensive which makes is intimidating. I’m learning so much from you thanks again!
I really enjoyed this video for your advise and for watching how you painted the bird of paradise. I would love to know what color paints you usually have in your palette.
Those colours are beautiful! I'll definitely try that one myself. Another that tipp I have is to not go too light! Of course first comes preserving lightness, but if you are painting the darkest spots of your painting or illustration, don't be afraid to go dark. Being careful and layering light washes is an option of course but the more layers you paint the higher the risk of accidentally lifting colours or overworking the paper. Or maybe that's just a problem I had (and have😅)
You are so right about not being afraid one dark! Also layering can prove tricky with the possibility of losing the light and lifting paint. Thank you for sharing! 😊
I've spent years struggling with water colours , attending classes where nobody taught you!!,and now lve learnt so much from your channel and these latest tips,reassure me and remind me to keep on practicing and just enjoy myself. You inspire and give confidence...Thank you. Ps do you run any day workshops??
Thank you hank you so much Caroline! Really pleased you found this tutorial helpful! I run a regular watercolour class, full at present. Let me know if you would like to go on my waiting list?
hi Karen they are brilliant tips straight forward and simple, JUST LIKE ME SIMPLE 😁 but I do practice on I suppose just ordinary watercolour paper because I,m scared of wasting the brilliant cotton paper or not paper as some people call it, anyway could you tell me what are the best beginner paints or practice paints to use because some of them don,t blend as good as your,s do in your beautiful work or even the colours just don,t look right and thanks
Thank you so much for your comment and questions. You are right. The cotton paper is the best. Remember you can use the back of the paper as well for practice. I recommend using Cotman Winsor and newton watercolour paints for my students. They are very good quality as well.
I have learned so much from my tutorials with you Karen. I would like to be able to give to your patron membership. I do not want to go through the internet channel. Is there a y other way that I can contribute to the membership than what is mentioned.
Thank you so much Beverley! You watching my videos here on RUclips is amazing support! If you change your mind here is the link to my Patreon membership: www.Patreon.com/karenriceart.com 😊
Thank you so much. Sketches are only available on my Patreon membership. You can’t upload them onto the RUclips membership. Www.Patreon.com/karenriceart
I mean, slightly thicker than water repaint so more paint less water. You still want your paint to be transparent though so not too thick. About the consistency of single cream.
It can be tricky to get rid of pencil marks, but I have a few tips: 1: Try to rub them off when your painting is dry. 2: Draw very lightly, make as few marks as you can. 3: Don't use a hard or soft pencil (HB is best I think). 4: Don't use pencil, paint without drawing! That is the hardest! I hope this was helpful 😊
1. Always allow your painting to dry in between stages.
2. Load and glide your brush when painting.
3. Use soft haired brushes.
4. Use 100% cotton paper when you can.
5. Try not to loose the Light in your painting.
6. PRACTICE build knowledge and confidence.
7. Planning your painting.
8. Less is More.
9. Stop before you fini sh!
10. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you make mistakes.
Thank you Karen!
Thank you for that!! ☺️
So helpful--thank you!!
Thank you for your time over this
This painting was informative with lot of painting tips.Thanks Karen for your help and please 'more'
thank you!
I love your teacher style with so much details for an absolutely beginner like me! I will have a go of flowers painting. Thank you so much ❤
My pleasure 😊
Never give up on a painting.
Thank you for sharing your experience Karen - very grateful for these tips whilst learning ❤
Thank you so much Mary!
What a revelation! These 10 tips are great. Your instruction will get me over my hesitation to paint again. Thanks Karen.🎨
So glad it was helpful!
Super duper Thanks Karen
Thank you 😊
Thank you very very much. Your lessons are really helpful☺️🌸
Thank you 😊
12 minutes of encouraging and informative comments AND a tutorial illustration of these helpful tips....that's a lot of bang for your buck! Many thanks:)
Thank you sooo much!! 😊
Thank you! #9 Stop before you finish - YES ! I have to do that!
We are all guilty of that! 😀
Very nice work ❤
Thank you so much 😀
Wow thanks for the info very helpful, and as always amazing painting :)
Thank you! I love tips and I love watching you paint!
Thank you!
This was so helpful. Thank you!
So pleased you found this helpful 😊
Thanks Karen
You are welcome David 😀
I enjoyed this so much. Great results. Thank you.
You are so welcome!
Very helpful! Thank you!
Thank you 😊
You really are a great teacher! Thank you so much for your useful advice and tips! l've learned a lot from your videos! Best wishes!🥰
Thank you so much Cherry 😀
A beautiful flower to illustrate these valuable watercolour tips --I love how you interweave them with demonstrating painting a gorgeous Bird of Paradise with a light brush and light! Thank you, Karen!
Thank you so much Susan, so pleased you appreciate both the general tips and the step by step tutorial. 😊
This is a very good and important lesson. Thank you that for. I just want add what I found out through my time of painting. Sometimes I can hardly wait to finish my painting and I think "now it is done", but it isn`t. As soon as I can hear my inner voice telling me "I have done", it is time to stopp. Most I make me a cup of coffee and think about something completely different and after this short break I have a fresh look on my painting and I know what is missing. This are mainly just small details but important one. I know the end of a painting, when I feel good and pleasant. 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing g Barbara! I am sure everyone appreciates your comment. 😊
Great advice thank you!
You are so welcome!
Best beginners advice I’ve seen so far! Thank you so much!
Thank you 😊
Such valuable tips! I could relate to all 10! My favorite: “Less is more.”Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Karen 😊
It was beautiful and inspiring to watch your process and listening to you. thank you so much.
Thank you!
Brilliant Karen. Thank you for taking the time to make this video. It’s been so valuable.
Thank you Mark 😃
Thank you,I belong to an art group my tutor is just like you,when I'm being over zealous and over painting my water colours I have Ken 's voice ringing in my ear ' LET IT DRY ' haha. Beautiful
painting reminds me of holidays in Tenerife. ☺
Thank you so much! You sound like you have a great tutor! Love Tenerife 😀
Beautifully put !!!
Thank you 😊
I like your teaching so much! Thank you! Especially for the 10. point :-))
Thank you!
Thank you, Karen. This is such a valuable video. Cheers
Thank you 😀
Love the painting and the tips, looks fairly doable.
Thank you!
Thank you Karen for doing the Bird of Paradise!!!! I love how you did it and your demonstration style.
Thank you Carolyn 😊
Paint a sky every day and stop before you finish. ❤️
It really helps 😊
Thanks so much for all the tips here and the simple painting for us to try .
Thanks Donna 😀
Great tips Karen! Very inspirational.
Thank you Connie! So pleased you think so 🥰
Wonderful insights and information.. Love your tutorials. I am in awe of your talents!!
Thank you Lori 😀
Beautiful video. Thank you
Thank you!
Appreciate the tips! Beautiful flower
Thank you 😊
Thanks for the tips Karin. Lovely flower.
Thank you Heidi 😀
Thank you so much.
Thank you for this beautiful tutorial. I just tried it out myself and loved it. I don't have access to good quality paper and would like to try again when I get some. The best tip you gave in my mind is that 100% cotton paper works best. The other paper is fine for some pen and watercolor but for blending and mixing on the paper cotton is king.
You are right, cotton is the best for watercolours. So pleased you enjoyed this tutorial 😀
Very beautiful flower, looks easy to do! I would ad a light wash blue background. Your photo has it and it looks perfect to me.
Great suggestion! Thanks Vero 😊
Thank you SO much for these tips AND the painting! Bird of Paradise is my late husband's favorite and I have made many attempts at it. Now I'm a little closer to understanding my lack of success so I'm going to try it again! (preserve the light and don't overdo it, whew!)
So pleased you found this helpful 😊
Thank you for all those tips Karen. I’m offering my tip here.
I’m frugal and I like tube paints so I get aggravated at hardened lumps of paint on my palette that have to be scraped or washed off.I know they could be used again as background or experimentation but that doesn’t seem to work for me - maybe because I have limited time. Using pan paints or hardened tube paint is ok but not for the really creamy consistency. So what I have come to do is to stick to 20 or so colours and squeeze them into the palette wells using as much as I need and leaving the rest. When they harden, I add some drops of water to the well and leave them for a while -and voila, they soften to almost tube consistency.
PS. Please don’t tell me that everyone does this and I’m just a Luddite !
So pleased you found this helpful! Great tip! Thank you Mia for sharing 😊
Being a self-taught watercolorist, I wish I had seen this video 4 years ago! Great video! Something that I really just learned recently is that I often use too much water, and sometimes too much paint. And granulating colors can be an enemy or friend depending on your subject. Thank you so much for this lovely video, and for sharing your knowledge.
So pleased you found this helpful and thank you for sharing your experience, it can be so helpful to me and others 😊
Well done Karen , I have recommended so many people to your site and it’s because it’s so good !, always something to learn thanks
Wow! Thank you so much for sharing my channel! 😊
I'd love to see a painting of sunflowers or black eyed susans
Thank you for your suggestions Meg 😀
Beautifully done! Love tutorials like this one! Thank you!
Thank you’
Great reminders-💕💕
Thanks Ann 😊
You are such a good teacher. All these tips are so valuable, thank you. My biggest problem is affording cotton paper. It’s so expensive which makes is intimidating. I’m learning so much from you thanks again!
Thank you hanks so much really pleased you found this helpful. I totally understand about cotton paper. 😊
I really enjoyed this video for your advise and for watching how you painted the bird of paradise. I would love to know what color paints you usually have in your palette.
Thank you Eileen. Check out this tutorial where I talk about the colours I use etc… ruclips.net/video/9NSpqyS_ywY/видео.html
Those colours are beautiful! I'll definitely try that one myself.
Another that tipp I have is to not go too light! Of course first comes preserving lightness, but if you are painting the darkest spots of your painting or illustration, don't be afraid to go dark. Being careful and layering light washes is an option of course but the more layers you paint the higher the risk of accidentally lifting colours or overworking the paper. Or maybe that's just a problem I had (and have😅)
You are so right about not being afraid one dark! Also layering can prove tricky with the possibility of losing the light and lifting paint. Thank you for sharing! 😊
So helpful! Thanks so much, Karen 🌸
So pleased you found this helpful 😀
Great tutorial, thank you.
Beautiful flower and great tutoriel
Thank you 😊
Beautiful bird of paradise flower painting Karen! I just finished the tulips, so I’m quite a bit behind!
Thank you Laurie, don’t worry, I’m sure you will catch up soon 😊
Beautiful.
Thank you 😀
I've spent years struggling with water colours , attending classes where nobody taught you!!,and now lve learnt so much from your channel and these latest tips,reassure me and remind me to keep on practicing and just enjoy myself. You inspire and give confidence...Thank you.
Ps do you run any day workshops??
Thank you hank you so much Caroline! Really pleased you found this tutorial helpful! I run a regular watercolour class, full at present. Let me know if you would like to go on my waiting list?
I really like Cauliflowers. Can you show us how then can look good?
Great suggestion!
Great tutorial thank you
You’re welcome 😊
hi Karen they are brilliant tips straight forward and simple, JUST LIKE ME SIMPLE 😁 but I do practice on I suppose just ordinary watercolour paper because I,m scared of wasting the brilliant cotton paper or not paper as some people call it, anyway could you tell me what are the best beginner paints or practice paints to use because some of them don,t blend as good as your,s do in your beautiful work or even the colours just don,t look right and thanks
Thank you so much for your comment and questions. You are right. The cotton paper is the best. Remember you can use the back of the paper as well for practice.
I recommend using Cotman Winsor and newton watercolour paints for my students. They are very good quality as well.
i hardly ever plan a painting, which i know is a problem lol just cant seem to bring myself to plan more
It can help, being spontaneous is fun as well 😃
great content 👌
Thank you 😊
Is there somewhere your reference photo is stored? I love it
Hi Susie, you can find the link for the reference photo in the description 😀
I have learned so much from my tutorials with you Karen.
I would like to be able to give to your patron membership. I do not want to go through the internet channel. Is there a y other way that I can contribute to the membership than what is mentioned.
Thank you so much Beverley! You watching my videos here on RUclips is amazing support! If you change your mind here is the link to my Patreon membership: www.Patreon.com/karenriceart.com 😊
Thank you for great information. Did you paint blue background as it appears in last shot. If so, when?
Hi Ann, I did not paint a background, kept this one really simple. It may just be how the photo looked?
Beautiful and great info. The final painting looks like the background is blueish. How did that happen?
It is just the software I used on the computer to present the painting at the end.
It is just the software I used on my computer.
Karen are you letting your work dry while you're painting this?
Hi Lynn, yes I let my first wash dry before applying the second 😀
Hi Karen do I need to gesso my canvess before I paint water colors?
Hi Colin, great question. This tutorial may help you with painting watercolours on canvas: ruclips.net/video/TLB5hew9OCs/видео.html
Hmmm newbie here, I have stiff hog hair brushes and wondering if they were used dry on wet petals they might make great veins?
I have not tried it for veins, but find them great for texture and lifting off 😀
Hi Karen tks for your tuto, they help me very much.. can I find sketches of your turo?
Thank you so much. Sketches are only available on my Patreon membership. You can’t upload them onto the RUclips membership. Www.Patreon.com/karenriceart
Did you paint blue background after painting flower? Thank you
Hi I have not painted a background, must be the photo, giving that impression 😀
Karen,could you tell me,do you use tap water or distilled water when you paint …thanx
Tap water 😊
@@KarenRiceArt thanx for replying.What about fungus growing on your paintings,people say that happens if you use tap water?
When did you add the blue background?
I have not painted a background. It must be the photo at the end 😀
What do you mean by "creamier" paint?
I mean, slightly thicker than water repaint so more paint less water. You still want your paint to be transparent though so not too thick. About the consistency of single cream.
Thank you. Do de pensil strokes disappear?
It can be tricky to get rid of pencil marks, but I have a few tips: 1: Try to rub them off when your painting is dry. 2: Draw very lightly, make as few marks as you can. 3: Don't use a hard or soft pencil (HB is best I think). 4: Don't use pencil, paint without drawing! That is the hardest! I hope this was helpful 😊
Thank you!
No cauliflowers or mud👍👍
My best paintings have been on the backsides of a painting that didn’t work out.
It’s amazing how much his happens! Must be to do with the
Pressure of a new sheet of watercolour paper! 😊
Thank you!
You are so welcome😊