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Watercolor Mistakes Beginners Make (and you can avoid!)
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- Опубликовано: 15 авг 2024
- Watercolor Mistakes Beginners Make: if you want to know how to correct mistakes AFTER you have made them, watch this:10 most common mistakes & how to FIX them! • Watercolor Mistakes (1...
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0:00 Watercolor mistakes beginners make
2:00 Using sub-standard materials
4:20 Working too small
5:57 Having a low expectation mindset
7:40 Working from a poor source image
9:38 Outlining in pen due to poor tonal contrast
13:00 Tearing paper with masking fluid or tape
14:26 Not planning composition and layout
16:00 Not planning the background from the start
17:53 Trying to choose an 'easy' subject
19:43 Not trying techniques and colors out before using
23:05 Impatience!
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Let me know if you found this helpful and if you want to know how to correct mistakes AFTER you have made them, watch this:10 most common mistakes & how to FIX them! ruclips.net/video/qoyh9A3CQnE/видео.html
Another great video, thanks Michele! I have signed up for your Thinkific information on art courses, though it is going to depend very much on the cost😉. (I'm Melanie Lewis on your FB group!).
@@melaniebaynes2730 Oh secret squirrel! An alias! X
@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber 😂😂😂
Thank you Michele, I found a few in your list. My mistake is working for endless hours on a painting to the point
of exhaustion. When I start something, I feel it must be accomplished the same day, so projects can often be
back to back. The other night I finished painting a doll I purchased from a reborn baby company. Then started
a watercolor while preparing dinner. Are there older people out there obsessing over running out of time?
I never knew I'd feel this way in my retirement, however I'm having a blast.
Apparently, the worst of these mistakes that I’ve made is working too small. When I first started painting I almost always used a quarter sheet of 9 x12 inch paper. One of my favourite brushes is a Cotman size 2.
When my supplies arrive and I can begin doing your painting course, I will work on the full 9 x 12 sheets. I also ordered some gummed tape to stretch paper but I thought I would start with blocks as I’ve never used them before. I also have proper sized brushes now!
I find drawing in any size hard, because of my tremor, but I like to paint in that size. In fact I’ve copied two impressionist pieces as a Christmas present for a friend that were roughly 2 x 3 inches. That friend and I are both miniaturists, as in dollhouses, etc.
I am looking forward to doing your course.
Thanks Esther, do let me know if you need anything :-)
Dear Michele. I begin to love you more and more. :) Despite fast talking, you pronounce so well that I usually get it. As a photographer many years ago, in the black and white era, I totally agree
with your advice to place the subject at the right place. IMHO it also is important to make lines lead the gaze into the importance of the subject, and not away from it.
I am burning for trying watercolors, and have ordered good papers, and a budget amount of good paints. I think less is more at a start, and I have no hurry.
In my B/W photo-era I used the thickest copy-papers with most silver and no acid to make them stay for as long as possible. After some 40 years they are still pristine and crispy sharp.
Colour prints from that time are real disasters, and I am happy to not used such for art-works.
Could I expect something likely durability by using good materials made for watercolor, as for good photo-papers?
I presume that you tell: I have no idea yet. Colour pigments are pronounced to age by exposing to light and air pollutions, and watercolors have no protections by varnish as oil paints...
Did I answer myself? Probably. However. I am old enough to not have time for the most stupid shortcomes, so I try for top class materials from the beginning.
It is possible that I may create some artworks worth saving in a future. Otherwise, there is no question.
Do you think I can rely on W&N pro, and the french Archers paper as long time stayers?
Yes you can, most watercolours have a permenancy rating, often denoted by a number of stars or something like A+ on the tube. The manufacturers will also put this on their website. Very few fugitive (fading) pigments are used now, most have been replaced which is why some colours like Alizarin became 'Permanent Alizarin'. It's worth checking though as you can occasionally find a fugitive colour in an expensive range (eg Daniel Smith Opera Rose). As Watercolors are just pure pigment and binder you will find them exceptionally long lasting, no coating needed.
Oh gosh, yes I am guilty of the composition issue sometimes. I am guilty of painting the background last sometimes as well. Although I am starting to get better with this. Patience is still a huge thing I’m having to remember to do. Lots of great help. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Deciding to add a background AFTER I've finished. Guilty as charged.
We have all been there 🤣
Great video. I’m often an impatient painter, so I find it helps to paint two paintings together; the first can dry while I’m working on the second.
That's a great idea! I can't seem to manage it myself, I find it too distracting unfortunately :-)
All of them top 10 hit home they were all explained brilliantly i will approach things differently from now thank you
Glad it helped you Stan 🙏
You're giving the real valuable information right here! I agree 100% with all of this. Especially working small. Working small for me is only done for loose studies with no detail just to plan out my color mixtures.
Ah yes, nothing wrong with a thumbnail sketch!
Absolutly! Real valuable information! My painting as improved more listening to your channel and practising the techniques than attending many other classes ( before pandemic of course! ) Thank you for your generosity
#8 yep, keep bumping into this problem. , yep, messed up a lot of the paintings just like you said.
Once you know you improve :-)
I really love your channel. You are very generous with your tips , good teacher and extremely talented. Best channel on watercolor
Wow, thank you Jocelyne!
Thanks, as always your videos are very helpful. 🌈
Thank you Phyllis :-)
Michele greatly appreciated your videos as I have experienced some of the tips when I'm painting, thanks for sharing your talent how to avoid making those mistakes. Thanks greatly stay safe
Thanks Philip ☺️
Thank you teacher... Helped me a lot and I’d dream to have a British teacher, now I feel like I have seen your videos! 😍
Thanks 🙏🏻 hugs from Brazil
Thank you! 😃 Hello in Brazil!
Great advice! I feel like I am the person always at the other side of the class!
I can still see you ;-)
Love your videos. You are so very good at explaining and making watercolours transparent. Thanks
Thank you very much, I did find these tips helpful. Especially the part about sketching prior and making a plan even for the background. I have taken lots of tutorials where the artist/teacher just starts painting on a blank sheet of paper, and when I have also tried the same it didn't usually work. When I have taken the time to plan and draw, it always looks better. I will do this all the time now! Also, the part about the working too small. I've been working on tiny postcard size paper so as not to waste paper. My husband even mentioned he thought I was working too small and I didn't listen! Now that you have explained it, I will change my ways! :)
It's worth experimenting with sizes until you find your happy place!
Thank you again Michelle! I needed to hear all that - especially the last tip - PATIENCE,
Something I not very good at. I promise to try harder😜
Thank you, Michele. These are very helpful reminders, especially about patience and planning. When I am just practicing, I like to divide the paper into sections and work small - for example to compare different ways to do clouds or rocks or different ways to get sparkle on water. But I also tend to go small in doing an actual painting, maybe because I still don’t have confidence that I can get the brush and paint to do what I want. Beginning is fun and exciting and also frustrating!
Give yourself plenty of time :-)
Hi Michelle, you said don't paint small scale...but what about sketchbook practice?
Of course, it's not an exact rule, do what suits you best, but it's sometimes good to mix it up.
Many thanks for the information and inspiration. I have made a few of the errors you have described and now I know why my efforts looked like a six year old's refrigerator art. I am and have always been drawn to color and watercolors are yet another medium to explore.
Glad it was helpful!
I am definitely one of those people who resort to pens when my flowers don't show up. I paint my watercolours on postcard sizes, mainly as I use them for sending cards. I really like painting 'small' and even my great x 5 grandfather painted a miniatures and even Queen Victoria which is now at the BPalace archives. Painting large absolutely terrifies me, maybe I will have a go one day. If there is a way I can make them large and then shrink them for card making then I will consider that.
Only by printing. If you are doing original cards it makes sense to work small.
Very insightful :) I love both my Pelikan transparent colours (that box is still a bit of a comfort medium for me - basic colour theory, mixing and painting techniques are usually taught with it's opaque counterpart here in Germany) and my Van Gogh watercolours and still think both are good value for money when it comes to student grade supplies.
I usually don't really use masking mediums yet, mostly because I just don't seem to find the right one for me ^^' What I do, though, is taping papers down and I usually use cheap Washi Tape instead of actual masking tape. That's way easier to peel of and doesn't damage the paper, at least it doesn't do with my cheap paper ^^'
Talens are a great company!
@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber They definitely are 😁 Just stumbled over their student grade pocket boxes at my local craft and art supply store a few years back and had decided to treat myself to them. I still love how sturdy and compact the boxes they come in are (Were I to attend one of your live classes, they'd definitely be in my bag) The colours are real nice and vibrant and that they are vegan definitely is big plus, too. And then they're really super affordable at least here in Germany where I got my basic, muted colours and metallics/interference colour boxes (yes, I know, I'm an art supply hoarder ^^') which all cost somewhere between 12-20 Euros for a 12-pan set.
So, even now that I'm steadily building a better quality palette with Schmincke colours, I'll definitely keep using and loving those 🥰 And will definitely keep recommending and gifting those to beginners 😁
Such excellent tips, and they continue to ring true. Unfortunately, I learned quite a few of these the hard way. For example, my paintings that have ended up in the bin were from poor/fuzzy/pixelated/unclear-value reference photos. Gee - those paintings were...poor, fuzzy, too single toned...wonder why? lol Beginners: Heed these tips!
Thanks for sharing, yes we all learn the hard way!
I love your videos and your teaching style!!!! I am just starting out in water color painting and I learn something everything I watch you.
Thank you so much!
Great, great tips! I am sure you are quite knowledgeable and patient in explanations. It's all about communication in teaching.🙏💞⚘
Thanks Jon!
Wow ~ I thought you were talking to me about ME! ~ As in, all of the above mistakes, almost. The only one that didn’t apply was the Bonus. I’m so timid I let my paint dry way to much, most of the time. Then I have to work myself up to coming back to it! Like I end up going to the kitchen and making a pot of vegetable soup before returning to it. Seriously, I appreciate all of your observations ~ just listening to your beautiful British accent brings me a bit of calm and resolve to get my act together. Thanks so much ~ please keep up the good work💁🏼♀️😻
So glad you liked the video Sharon, I do that too, do the laundry instead of paint, avoidance tactics - laundry is easy painting is not!
Really helpful! Thank you.
Your tips are so practical...thank you
You are so welcome!
Great advice as always! I found that I am doing 3 mistakes - no bad for a beginner!:)
Sounds perfectly angellic to me!
I'm on my third attempt at a transp. wc black panther (lovely pic: absolutely no "black" in the panther, and I love him, and want him out of captivity). On #2, I had cotman paints and *stupidly* thought 😂 I would "cheat" my way to a very VERY light gray-blue (after many failed attempt) dry brushing by simply not using my usual paints because the usuals are so pigmented. I even decided to size up my panther painting to a sheet (arches). It's been in photoshop to find the structure of the beast and so on. I'm down to painting nearly a hair at a time .So I was desperate and mixed some Cotmans into the painting to "force" less pigment.
I've kept it taped to a board and am finishing it (so much $$$ paper can't go to waste), but I completely flubbed putting the cotmans in with the (mostly Senelliers) highly-pigmented paints. I got a lot of practice (and tears) scrubbing to white and using transp. watercolour ground. I'm learning. But honestly I almost threw out my cotmans I was so disappointed with the (next day) "chalk and ink" look. It's not the paint: I just can't mix highly pigmenteds with cotmans. I think there might be a filler issue as well as pigments; I look at it and wonder, and continue on #3. But I fear I struggled (as a beginner) mixing the students and artist-quality paints. I stopped painting for a whole day I was so frustrated. I wonder if pros ever mix cotmans with the higher-quality paints?
These videos lift up my spirits after several copies (and drawings, etc) of the same subject. I MIGHT be close to finishing #3. I'm at that stage where I'm near terrified I'll mess it up, and know I have to push through and maybe there's will be a #4 soon 😂🤦♀️
Of beginners paints, Cotman are not my favorite, and can look chalky. It's almost impossible to do up close detailed fur in pure watercolour. I usually do some dry brush and some gouache, but that may be difficult with a panther. There is always more paper, even expensive paper. All brands of watercolor are interchangeable but of course you may find more fillers with the cheaper brands, and less pigment.
@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber You've given me an idea! I have the lovely picture of the panther, and 3 paintings (I'm working on only one now; the other two, eh, "effectively finished" and "color studies"): while I'm learning a lot painting my panther with the realism, perhaps I can use some "artistic license" and try to paint him a few different ways. -Not "abstract", but with a "let the watercolour do what it does" and me learn how to make the panther true to "traditional watercolouring" techniques.
Like a botanical, I suppose (transparent)! But an indigo/sepia panther with gold and green eyes!
Thank you dearly. I have all this paper to use, and many boards now, so I might as well try! (Takes so long for the strokes to try on the primary #3 panther painting, I can "play" a little.) It would be like an "interpretation" of a majestic panther, in transparent watercolour. I'll get to planning immediately. ❤️️
@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber Re: Cotmans, many YTers seemed to use them so I got some. I'm not fond either! You're the first I know who hasn't had a "they're okay" or better opinion of them. I don't like them at all! I don't want to loan them to a new wc beginner, either. Which beginner "sets" would you recommend? Some aren't in America; I'm guessing Rembrandt or Van Gughhhh.
(My favorite painters are like, Van Eyck. I don't have the visual ability to do miniatures, but I love looking at them. My least favorites include Van Gughhhh 😂 I've heard good stuff about those sets, though.)
@@MelanCholy2001 I have my own paints now, made in the UK, you can find the links via my website. I also love Talens Rembrandt (they were the first brand I bought), Winsor and Newton professional and Daniel Smith. You will find any of these a step up from Cotman 🙏
@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber Oh, my Cotman set goes barely used. I had senneliers, schminkes (open stock only), and QoRs. And a few sets of D.S. I'll have to look on your website! I tried your Etsy, but it won't let me sign on anymore (2 browsers - fidgeted with the settings for nearly an hour yesterday, since I used to purchase many gifts from Etsy, then I gave up LOL). I'll give your website a go, though! Blessed Easter to you and yours!
Thank you!
You're welcome!
Great video, and you covered some things I had not thought about. I do both calligraphy (with some gouache or slow-drying inks) and watercolor painting too. I use a dryer to dry my paper when I need to, am careful not to get too close, and it seems to work just fine. Do you find that this is OK for the paint and paper? I'm so glad your subscriber base is increasing, because you certainly deserve it. I support you on Patreon too, and hope more of your subscribers will take that step!
Thanks so much Gale, and I appreciate your support. The thing about drying is if it works it works, I don't like it, it seems to dull my wash a little but no doubt that varies between mediums.
What I've learned about paint quality:
Student-to-Artist quality paints should all be available in individual tubes or pans. If you cannot find individuals to add to a set you bought, then it is not even student quality paint, in most cases.
If the prices for each of the colors, for each tube or pan, are the SAME, then it is student quality. Van Gogh, Cotman.
If the prices for the individual tubes or pans are DIFFERENT between colors, then it is an Artist quality brand. Daniel Smith, Windsor Newton, White Nights, and of course Micheles paints from Jackmans :-)
Genuine pigments can be expensive, or not. An artist quality brand will charge more for expensive pigments, such as Cobalt Blue, Cadmium Red. They will charge less for Ultramarine or Burt Sienna. A student brand will not have expensive pigments, so they will create a "cobalt blue HUE" using inexpensive pigments. That is why their tubes or pans will be the same price...they do not use genuine pigments if they are expensive.
All of this is true!
Guilty of lack of patience 😢😎
I think we all are guilty at some point!
Hi Michele. I am successful using Arches 140# cold press paper. Recently I bought 300# hot press to try it out. I'm struggling with it. Can you explain the comparisons of these 2 papers and how water and pigment should be used differently for them. If you already did a video on this topic, please send me the link. Thank you. LK Callahan, Florida USA
Hi Louise, I don't have a video on it. But basically the bumps in the paper help the pigment to spread evenly and reflect the light. Therefore hot press will encourage the paint to puddle, causing uneven drying and backruns. My favourite use for hot press is mixed media. If you need a very smooth surface, perhaps because you are adding collage, charcoal, pen or soft pastels on top of your watercolour then hot press is the answer. However for most painting I avoid it wherever possible. You will need to be very watchful to try and stop paint puddling.
Thank you for your valuable information. Love your videos. I've been away from painting for a while and your videos are so helpful in reminding me about important techniques. Thanks again
Thanks Michele. I scored 8 out of 10. 🤣🤣🤣. Though I do a lot of original cards so paint small quite a bit. Quarter imperial are so expensive to mat , back and frame 😫. To bad so sad , I do love doing a nice big sky. 😍
Of course, cards are a different thing. You don't have to mat your practice pieces so it can be fun to do those big skies sometimes, I think it helps your small work too.
@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber I feel unworthy of my precious 1/4 imperial. Then when I get the urge im guilty of beginner without a plan. I put in a horizon line, let loose on a sky then stare at it for weeks trying to think what to put under it. 🤣🤣👍💜
Yeah, try out the masking fluid/tape first, I have a block of (non cotton relatively cheap paper) that will always rip, even when you diminish the stickiness of the tape by sticking it on my pants first, it's impossible. Masking fluid will also rip it, no matter how carefull you are. The paper is not too bad though, provided you don't use too much water, scrubbing/lifting is also not a very good idea...So I bought a couple of 100 % cotton blocks, and yeah definitely worth the extra money.
Yes paper makes a difference, there's a lot of difference between masking fluid brands too!
@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber I believe you, though I have just tried out one ( artcoe), I have not used it very much. Also, 100% cotton paper is no garantee in this aspect, I have some Khadi paper that does not like any sticky stuff ....
I tend to plan , think too much before watercolour painting....although results are satisfying ..How to reduce that?
Sometimes going to a class or course can help because you have to start if you only have a couple of hours. Or type tutorial into youtube and follow whatever comes up!
In the boa constrictor suit.
Hi Michelle I enjoy watching your videos very helpful indeed. Just want to ask which is the best free site for images to paint from for art work reference.
The ones I know my students like best are unsplash and pixabay. If you just need a reference, for example a leopard then second hand books from charity or thrift stores can be a great source of photos. You should never fully copy a photo that may be under copyright but if it's just a part of a larger painting this can be a great way of finding interesting stuff.
Thank you for this video...are you in lockdown for four weeks? Mikelle newyork mom 😷🎨
Yep. Our government encouraged us to 'eat out to help out' and put a discount scheme in place to rescue the hospitality industry. Of course Covid exploded so they've locked us down again 😏 Gyms and restaurants shut but schools remain open, which no one thinks makes any sense 😔
Hi michele ... Mikele from newyork here ,usa are cases is still very low percentage rate in ny with virus I think cause we had a great governor who challenged us to wear masks early plus seeing so many newyorkers pass away so fast it really scared alot of us to the real reality of this virus but we still get some postive cases but very low rate in my town but biden/ harris won presidency yesterday so hopefully we can get this under control, when jan 23 swear in I know our new governorment will reach out and our country can start working across the world together, its emotionally hard as a parent of teen right now, I've been so stressed out I couldnt even paint and I couldnt even sleep worrying if I should send my daughter back to school in January, we have to make decision by end of dec.. but I think I'm gonna have to be a meAn mom still and keep her home shes only has three classes I'm trying to get her to paint with me...thank you for videos and make me smile and laugh for the first time in a few weeks, Mentally feel lighter and able to concentrate on my painting and your videos....😷🎨newyork mom
Do you advise beginners loose or tight realistic style? I love watching loose style but I m usually bit tight in my work
I advise you to do what comes naturally. A loose style is something (some) people naturally reach, it's artificial to force it. Just concentrate on getting the paint to do what you want, your style is like your personality, it will find you.
Covid has certainly altered teaching methods here in the USA, most especially for Art instructors.
Yep, I am taking a break from in-person teaching, it's too stressful currently!
In planning do you use # 2 or harder pencil
I tend to favour a soft pencil but there's no correct way really. Soft pencils can smudge and hard pencils can dent the paper and be difficult to remove. I tend to go 4-6b
@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber thank you
I make all of those mistakes myself 😁
We all have at one time or another!
Watercolor demands attention to timing. It is most important when you paint wet on wet. Being fast and patient can be trying.
That's true!
You are obviously a talented artist, and your generosity in freely helping others is appreciated, BUT... after 1.5 videos, I need an asprin! 😵💫
It's not the fast talking, it's not the accent, it's the lack of natural pauses that are seemingly edited out. The pauses are necessary for my cognitive processing, and without them, I apparently can't fully take in what you're talking about. Please consider a lighter hand in the editing 'room'. You may get more subscribers (myself included) if your editing was slightly more natural.
Your classroom students got a break when you took a breath... some of us need that on-line, as well!
Anyway, I'm not trying to be a complainer, as I recognize the time and effort it takes to do these things for free!! Just giving unsolicited feedback. Not every YTer is for everyone, and I wish you prosperity & success in all you do, and I thank you on behalf of everyone who learns from your videos!!
🕊 Peace & 🙏 Blessings!
This is an old video. Most of the edits are for mistakes. I naturally talk fast, I try to improve. I've also had other people edit some of my videos (although I am currently doing this myself again). It's easy to slow the speed down in your youtube settings, a small adjustment and you won't notice it, but it will be easier to watch.
:)
Guilty of practicing small when using the expensive...100% cotton paper. 🤣
think you are right, I feel more comfortable small as I waste less paper
Paper can be expensive, it's true!
SKIP FIRST 120 SECONDS OF VID. IT'S JUST SAYING THAT BEGINNERS MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE OVER, AND OVER, AND OVER AGAIN
You won by being a Michele with one L. We rock!
Thanks, we are a rare breed, although one of my weekly students has the same spelling!
Are you speaking English? I don't understand
Yep speaking English. There's a translate button I believe if you need subtitles.