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I have learned more about watercolor basics from you than any other artist. After following RUclips tutorials from different artists for several years trying to learn watercolor painting, I finally turned a corner when I came upon your channel. I wish I would have learned your basics at the beginning of my journey. At any rate, your approach to teaching really resonates with me and I appreciate you so much. Thank you so much!!
I have oil painting brushes that I bought for a class when I was 19. I'm 66 and they're still going strong. How you clean and store them is very important. Good class!
Thank you! The medium really does make a difference. Oil and watercolor are very gentle on brushes. I would be hard pressed to find an acrylic painter who can get their brushes to last that long. So I guess we’re lucky too 🥰
18:13 I follow the advice given by Denise Soden. I allow the big particles to settle to the bottom of my container for a day or so. I then dump most of the murky water down the drain until only a film is left over the particles at the bottom. I then just wipe the container clean with tissue paper and dispose of that in the trash. I’m not entirely convinced that it’s the best method, but I’ll continue to do it until I find something more practical and more environmentally conscious.
The brush loading demo was very helpful. And as for water disposal, Sarah Burns, I think, once talked about having a large bottle where she poured the used water, let it set and as the particles settle to the bottom, pouring out the water, then using a paper towel or something to clean out the stuff at the bottom. Thanks.
Great information and I love these technical videos. I have cats so when I'm doing a cat litter box clean out/refill I dump my paint water into the old cat litter that is going into the garbage.
I scoffed at this subject at first but then I remembered how hard I searched for someone to show me how to properly load a brush when I was starting out. Now I FINALLY know. Thank you!
Wow, I’m so glad I fell across a video of yours. I’ve been learning watercolours for years and I have learned more from you in fundamentals in a month than 7 years. Thank you
Thank you!! The water issue is a problem with pretty much all paint water, for various reasons, and it's so often completely ignored or glossed over. I also paint with acrylics, and all of my paint water goes into a bucket with a mesh lid to evaporate. There's usually one in my house, and one outside in an area protected from rain.
Thank you, Margot. It s so nice that you are showing us basics like this because too often we just jump in not being aware of basic techniques. Saving those brushes is a super plus😊
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I had been looking for a video that would answer all these foundational questions for over a year. I've learned a lot from your videos.
No RUclipsr who is teaching beginners how to paint with watercolor (or acrylics) ever talks about how to dispose of dirty paint water, and why-because many watercolor pigments come from heavy metals and other toxic chemicals. Personally, I avoid any paints with heavy metals. That information is easy to locate by the triangle with the CA Prop 65 label. I don't buy any paint with that label. So thank you, Margot, for the tips on how to properly dispose of dirty paint water and the reason-heavy metals and other toxic pigments. I like the coffee filter method.
Interesting idea to water your plants with your paint water. I work in both watercolor and acrylic. I have a bucket that has a sand and gravel mixture in it. That is what I dump my water into. It's a 5 gallon bucket 3/4 full so there is plenty of gravel to disperse the water and it just evaporates.
I bought a pool noodle cut it in half lengthwise then cut it from top to bottom, put notches in it and put the length on the edge of my table and I put my paint brushes tip down to hang and dry, its best to notch the pool noodle after you put it on the table and it holds up to a #16 brush I cut a double notch for larger brushes. after they dry I put my favorite "go to" brushes in a tooth brush holder because I have about 5 brushes I always use and they are always in easy reach. love watching your videos.
Hi Margot I use a cable tidy (from a well known Swedish store) to hang my brushes upside down after use it’s a really good tool to encourage the moisture to flow away from the ferrule and handle whilst they dry. The main parts take the largest brushes and in between takes the smalllest.
Margot, I absolutely love your analogies! Petting a cat or dog, BedHead, musical instruments… I might add that in reference to the musical instruments and creating great music, the one thing that I have learned as both a musician and a watercolor amateur artist is that it’s difficult to create great music or art with inferior materials. For example, the brushes that come with children’s watercolor pallets are only good for dusting through the small cracks in my windows. 😂 Keep creating wonderful videos!
To dispose of paint water, I took a 1 gallon steel compost container with sponge filter holes in the lid. I just pour all the water into that and leave it in the garage. Over time, the water evaporates and leaves any solids in the bottom. When it is finally full, I add a little oil on the inside edges and the solids flop out in a solid chunk which then can be thrown away. I still do not think this is ideal for the environment, but it is one way to manage it. Your plant idea is fascinating!
Hullo Margot, I am enjoying watching your videos and listening to your ideas. I have a planter that I use for paint water disposal. I have cheesecloth folded in the bottom, River rocks holding it in place at the bottom, 1/2 to 3/4 inch gravel is next around 4 inches, pea gravel tops the layers at 5 to 6 inches. I usually wait for the “water” to stop draining or if it takes longer than a day to disappear I will empty the planter and toss the cheesecloth into the trash and put new in. I have gone as long as 3 years between replacing the cloth. I do have colorful rocks as some paints are staining and some just cling to paint. I have replaced my rocks and changed levels a few times in the last 40 years but I have always been conscious of paint disposal. I have a comment on keeping brushes clean and refreshed. I use Masters brush cleaning soap. I believe that if you condition the bristles of your brushes they will last longer. My oldest brush is 80 years old. I inherited it from my Gran and she used it regularly for 40+ years. I only use it for special occasion portraits of personal significance. I am currently working with the Aqua Elite brushes from Princeton a synthetic brush that is so much like the Kolinsky brushes my Gran loved, but I simply never thought they were necessary to create a painting that I could be proud of, and as a youngster who earned money mowing lawns or babysitting I cut corners as a youth and I don’t like “throwing” money away as an older person. Thank you for sharing so many wonderful ideas and techniques with your viewers. You are truly inspirational and a very lovely young lady. I look forward to watching the next video of yours. Have a lovely day!
Considering the amount of professional paints bought by amateus, beginners awareness of risks related to carefree water disposal this video is priceless. And the plant method... 😂Thank you!
I will give the idea of the coffeefilter a try. Maybe it's even possible to dry the residu and try to make new paint (I'm kind of a pigmentnerd...😅) untill now I trow my water in a large container and bring that to the....(i don't know the English word😂) chemicalwaststreet.....(i will still collect the rest of the water in the container😊). Thank you for this video ❤
Excellent reminders. My laziness, forgetfulness and/or lack of time causes my brushes to get a rough treatment. This will help me treat my new brush set with more respect! I know you should let your brushes dry horizontally (or brush side down) but is it ok to store them in a cup, brush side up when dry? I've heard opposing opinions on this.
Glad the video was useful! As for brushes up question, I would say that as long as they’re dry by the time you put them this way and you don’t have any pets or young kids who might come and vandalize them (not speaking from personal experience or anything… 🙄) I think it’s fine and it’s how I store my own brushes when not in use.
when i first started i found a 'jelly fingered' mail/bill holder, in pink. i mounted it sideways on my supply cart next to me and let all my brushes dry upside down, the 'fingers' hold even the small and large handles. i also have a 3 container 'water system' 2 tall 2oz shot glasses inside a clear plastic plastic talenti ice cream container. water in container, first rinse. one of the shot glasses fresh water and has a plastic water dropper, the other is second rinse, when 2nd rinse gets dirty i tip it into the 1st rise water, refill from the freshwater and paint on.
Just Brainstorming. Could you place your old paint water in a plastic bag lined container (away from children and pets) and let most of the water evaporate, then toss the muck at the bottom into the garbage pick up? That way you'd not be tossing out large volume/weight of jugs of water. I live in a home with no pets or kids. Sure the evaporating water would not carry any contamination into the environment.
As a newcomer, I'm eager to know what you really feel about dagger brushes, mentioned at 12:10. I never use mine and almost hate them for being so difficult, but perhaps there's hope.
Fantastic tips & wonderful explanation of how to hold & load a brush. Also thanks for sharing just how long you have had some of your great quality brushes! I have got to invest in a great quality round brush soon. I love 💕 the comment about long you go between 😂cleaning out your palette. I finally got a large ceramic palette 🎨 to use for my watercolors now instead of using my travel palettes all of the time. Loving this series & can’t wait to see what you have in store for the next time. Thanks for the valuable video. Enjoy your upcoming weekend! 🥰
thank you everyone in the comments (and Margot!) for all your tips! I hang my brushes to dry by the handle with rubber bands that I hook where I can (pin board or desk lamp arm lol). I read a tip to filter your dirty water with a face mask, but it took ages to filter, so would not recommend it, but will try the coffee filter :D Does any of you have a tip to store your brushes? I struggle with dust getting trapped and then I get specks all over my canvas mixed with my paint....
Hey Margo. When you have properly cleaned and shaped your brush (as you show/instruct) you mention laying it flat (as opposed to butt down). Makes sense. But what about brush drying racks that keep the brush point down (point not touching bottom of anything, remaining elevated or free). This keeps point free and water away from ferrule and handle. What are pros and cons of this drying method...in your opinion? I think you are past this section as I write this (I haven't finished your video yet), so hopefully I am raising a good question and not too early :)
I know a lot of people who use those drying racks and yes! They’re great too! Technically speaking they’re probably the gold standard as they really make sure the water drips all the way out of the ferrule.I think it’s just a matter of what works in your space and lifestyle. So if you like that idea, go for it!
I almost do the plant pot thing. Just minus the plant and it's outside in the shed. A bucket of dirt that I dump my paint water in. I'm guessing in about 50 years there will be enough pigment built up to start over flowing the bucket. In which case I will have a clause in my will to just throw it away. And to that inevitable one person: that was a joke. Especiallly since everyone I know already knows about "Amy''s weird bucket of poisonous dirt she keeps in the shed."
Okay…this is your wanna be grandmother asking you to please lose the bangs…they hide your exceptionally beautiful face!!!! Let that gorgeous hair of yours grow out!!!! I know!! I sound like a grandmother….I am a grandmother!!!! Love and smiles and blessings!!!
Will filtering the used paint water through a paper coffee filter get rid of the toxins in the paint? I have no plants, nor do I have a cat (anymore😢).
12:13 I'm guilty of this, mostly when I'm trying to get pigment off to get a new colour. I shall do better! I love the presentation in this video, especially when you were breaking down the brush parts.
Video Sponsored by Craftsy. The first 1,000 people to use my link will get a full year of Premium membership to Craftsy for only $1.49 : go.craftsy.com/margothallac4/
I have learned more about watercolor basics from you than any other artist. After following RUclips tutorials from different artists for several years trying to learn watercolor painting, I finally turned a corner when I came upon your channel. I wish I would have learned your basics at the beginning of my journey. At any rate, your approach to teaching really resonates with me and I appreciate you so much. Thank you so much!!
I am so honored to hear that my videos have helped you find your way! Thank you for watching! ❤️
I have oil painting brushes that I bought for a class when I was 19. I'm 66 and they're still going strong. How you clean and store them is very important. Good class!
Thank you! The medium really does make a difference. Oil and watercolor are very gentle on brushes. I would be hard pressed to find an acrylic painter who can get their brushes to last that long. So I guess we’re lucky too 🥰
18:13 I follow the advice given by Denise Soden. I allow the big particles to settle to the bottom of my container for a day or so. I then dump most of the murky water down the drain until only a film is left over the particles at the bottom. I then just wipe the container clean with tissue paper and dispose of that in the trash. I’m not entirely convinced that it’s the best method, but I’ll continue to do it until I find something more practical and more environmentally conscious.
The brush loading demo was very helpful. And as for water disposal, Sarah Burns, I think, once talked about having a large bottle where she poured the used water, let it set and as the particles settle to the bottom, pouring out the water, then using a paper towel or something to clean out the stuff at the bottom. Thanks.
Great information and I love these technical videos. I have cats so when I'm doing a cat litter box clean out/refill I dump my paint water into the old cat litter that is going into the garbage.
What a great tip! A perfect solution for cat owners!
Brilliant
I scoffed at this subject at first but then I remembered how hard I searched for someone to show me how to properly load a brush when I was starting out. Now I FINALLY know. Thank you!
Wow, I’m so glad I fell across a video of yours. I’ve been learning watercolours for years and I have learned more from you in fundamentals in a month than 7 years. Thank you
Same here!❤
Thank you!! The water issue is a problem with pretty much all paint water, for various reasons, and it's so often completely ignored or glossed over.
I also paint with acrylics, and all of my paint water goes into a bucket with a mesh lid to evaporate. There's usually one in my house, and one outside in an area protected from rain.
Thank you, Margot. It s so nice that you are showing us basics like this because too often we just jump in not being aware of basic techniques. Saving those brushes is a super plus😊
As someone brand new to watercolours, and knowing nothing, this video is invaluable. Thank you!
You're very welcome! I'm so glad it was helpful!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I had been looking for a video that would answer all these foundational questions for over a year. I've learned a lot from your videos.
No RUclipsr who is teaching beginners how to paint with watercolor (or acrylics) ever talks about how to dispose of dirty paint water, and why-because many watercolor pigments come from heavy metals and other toxic chemicals. Personally, I avoid any paints with heavy metals. That information is easy to locate by the triangle with the CA Prop 65 label. I don't buy any paint with that label. So thank you, Margot, for the tips on how to properly dispose of dirty paint water and the reason-heavy metals and other toxic pigments. I like the coffee filter method.
Thank you for these basics! I've been painting for 6 months and this is the first time I've heard some of these.
Interesting idea to water your plants with your paint water. I work in both watercolor and acrylic. I have a bucket that has a sand and gravel mixture in it. That is what I dump my water into. It's a 5 gallon bucket 3/4 full so there is plenty of gravel to disperse the water and it just evaporates.
Thank you so much for the advice on getting rid of our paint water properly. This was a much needed video.
Thanks for the Craftsy subscription opportunity, Very nice perk!
I bought a pool noodle cut it in half lengthwise then cut it from top to bottom, put notches in it and put the length on the edge of my table and I put my paint brushes tip down to hang and dry, its best to notch the pool noodle after you put it on the table and it holds up to a #16 brush I cut a double notch for larger brushes. after they dry I put my favorite "go to" brushes in a tooth brush holder because I have about 5 brushes I always use and they are always in easy reach. love watching your videos.
What a great tip! Thank you for sharing!
Can you post a photo of this please?
Hi Margot I use a cable tidy (from a well known Swedish store) to hang my brushes upside down after use it’s a really good tool to encourage the moisture to flow away from the ferrule and handle whilst they dry. The main parts take the largest brushes and in between takes the smalllest.
Margot, I absolutely love your analogies! Petting a cat or dog, BedHead, musical instruments… I might add that in reference to the musical instruments and creating great music, the one thing that I have learned as both a musician and a watercolor amateur artist is that it’s difficult to create great music or art with inferior materials. For example, the brushes that come with children’s watercolor pallets are only good for dusting through the small cracks in my windows. 😂
Keep creating wonderful videos!
Thank you ! This was great information for this beginner as I am just starting my watercolor journey.
I love your new hair style, your bangs make you look younger and even more pretty. X
To dispose of paint water, I took a 1 gallon steel compost container with sponge filter holes in the lid. I just pour all the water into that and leave it in the garage. Over time, the water evaporates and leaves any solids in the bottom. When it is finally full, I add a little oil on the inside edges and the solids flop out in a solid chunk which then can be thrown away. I still do not think this is ideal for the environment, but it is one way to manage it. Your plant idea is fascinating!
This is very important information. Thank you, Margot!
I'm so glad you found it useful! ❤️
Excellent!!! Thank you for sharing the details of what you do and why. It is very helpful!
Hullo Margot, I am enjoying watching your videos and listening to your ideas. I have a planter that I use for paint water disposal. I have cheesecloth folded in the bottom, River rocks holding it in place at the bottom, 1/2 to 3/4 inch gravel is next around 4 inches, pea gravel tops the layers at 5 to 6 inches. I usually wait for the “water” to stop draining or if it takes longer than a day to disappear I will empty the planter and toss the cheesecloth into the trash and put new in. I have gone as long as 3 years between replacing the cloth. I do have colorful rocks as some paints are staining and some just cling to paint. I have replaced my rocks and changed levels a few times in the last 40 years but I have always been conscious of paint disposal. I have a comment on keeping brushes clean and refreshed. I use Masters brush cleaning soap. I believe that if you condition the bristles of your brushes they will last longer. My oldest brush is 80 years old. I inherited it from my Gran and she used it regularly for 40+ years. I only use it for special occasion portraits of personal significance. I am currently working with the Aqua Elite brushes from Princeton a synthetic brush that is so much like the Kolinsky brushes my Gran loved, but I simply never thought they were necessary to create a painting that I could be proud of, and as a youngster who earned money mowing lawns or babysitting I cut corners as a youth and I don’t like “throwing” money away as an older person. Thank you for sharing so many wonderful ideas and techniques with your viewers. You are truly inspirational and a very lovely young lady. I look forward to watching the next video of yours. Have a lovely day!
Excellent video… I can always count on learning something new with you Margot! Thx
Considering the amount of professional paints bought by amateus, beginners awareness of risks related to carefree water disposal this video is priceless. And the plant method... 😂Thank you!
Great point! Thanks for watching!
Great information as usual. It all makes sense, but it wasn't something I had ever actually thought about. My brushes and my wallet thank you.
You're welcome! Glad it was helpful! 😎
Fab easy to follow hints with great explanation!
Great tips and video! Thank you!
I will give the idea of the coffeefilter a try. Maybe it's even possible to dry the residu and try to make new paint (I'm kind of a pigmentnerd...😅) untill now I trow my water in a large container and bring that to the....(i don't know the English word😂) chemicalwaststreet.....(i will still collect the rest of the water in the container😊). Thank you for this video ❤
Thank you !
Thank you for sharing your talent. This is very helpful information...
so much information +++ and they are as usefull as each over +++ thanks you from Paris
Glad it was helpful!
Great info! Thanks! 👍✨😁💜
Love your videos ❤
Great tips, thank you. Love your voice and your personality. Always gives me a good pick up when I watch a video of yours.
Thanks for the kind words! I'm so happy to hear you like my videos. 😘
@@Pointebrush ❤️
Excellent reminders. My laziness, forgetfulness and/or lack of time causes my brushes to get a rough treatment. This will help me treat my new brush set with more respect!
I know you should let your brushes dry horizontally (or brush side down) but is it ok to store them in a cup, brush side up when dry? I've heard opposing opinions on this.
Glad the video was useful! As for brushes up question, I would say that as long as they’re dry by the time you put them this way and you don’t have any pets or young kids who might come and vandalize them (not speaking from personal experience or anything… 🙄) I think it’s fine and it’s how I store my own brushes when not in use.
@@Pointebrush Great! Thank you.
when i first started i found a 'jelly fingered' mail/bill holder, in pink. i mounted it sideways on my supply cart next to me and let all my brushes dry upside down, the 'fingers' hold even the small and large handles. i also have a 3 container 'water system' 2 tall 2oz shot glasses inside a clear plastic plastic talenti ice cream container. water in container, first rinse. one of the shot glasses fresh water and has a plastic water dropper, the other is second rinse, when 2nd rinse gets dirty i tip it into the 1st rise water, refill from the freshwater and paint on.
I use paper towels that I have used during the painting process to soak up my paint water..then dispose in the trash...
Just Brainstorming. Could you place your old paint water in a plastic bag lined container (away from children and pets) and let most of the water evaporate, then toss the muck at the bottom into the garbage pick up? That way you'd not be tossing out large volume/weight of jugs of water. I live in a home with no pets or kids. Sure the evaporating water would not carry any contamination into the environment.
As a newcomer, I'm eager to know what you really feel about dagger brushes, mentioned at 12:10. I never use mine and almost hate them for being so difficult, but perhaps there's hope.
Fantastic tips & wonderful explanation of how to hold & load a brush. Also thanks for sharing just how long you have had some of your great quality brushes! I have got to invest in a great quality round brush soon. I love 💕 the comment about long you go between 😂cleaning out your palette. I finally got a large ceramic palette 🎨 to use for my watercolors now instead of using my travel palettes all of the time. Loving this series & can’t wait to see what you have in store for the next time. Thanks for the valuable video. Enjoy your upcoming weekend! 🥰
thank you everyone in the comments (and Margot!) for all your tips! I hang my brushes to dry by the handle with rubber bands that I hook where I can (pin board or desk lamp arm lol). I read a tip to filter your dirty water with a face mask, but it took ages to filter, so would not recommend it, but will try the coffee filter :D
Does any of you have a tip to store your brushes? I struggle with dust getting trapped and then I get specks all over my canvas mixed with my paint....
Hey Margo. When you have properly cleaned and shaped your brush (as you show/instruct) you mention laying it flat (as opposed to butt down). Makes sense. But what about brush drying racks that keep the brush point down (point not touching bottom of anything, remaining elevated or free). This keeps point free and water away from ferrule and handle. What are pros and cons of this drying method...in your opinion? I think you are past this section as I write this (I haven't finished your video yet), so hopefully I am raising a good question and not too early :)
I know a lot of people who use those drying racks and yes! They’re great too! Technically speaking they’re probably the gold standard as they really make sure the water drips all the way out of the ferrule.I think it’s just a matter of what works in your space and lifestyle. So if you like that idea, go for it!
I almost do the plant pot thing. Just minus the plant and it's outside in the shed. A bucket of dirt that I dump my paint water in. I'm guessing in about 50 years there will be enough pigment built up to start over flowing the bucket. In which case I will have a clause in my will to just throw it away. And to that inevitable one person: that was a joke. Especiallly since everyone I know already knows about "Amy''s weird bucket of poisonous dirt she keeps in the shed."
Okay…this is your wanna be grandmother asking you to please lose the bangs…they hide your exceptionally beautiful face!!!! Let that gorgeous hair of yours grow out!!!! I know!! I sound like a grandmother….I am a grandmother!!!! Love and smiles and blessings!!!
Will filtering the used paint water through a paper coffee filter get rid of the toxins in the paint? I have no plants, nor do I have a cat (anymore😢).
12:13 I'm guilty of this, mostly when I'm trying to get pigment off to get a new colour. I shall do better!
I love the presentation in this video, especially when you were breaking down the brush parts.
Thank you so much! I’m glad it was useful info! 🙏