How To Paint Backgrounds In Watercolour Tutorial - Avoiding Cauliflowers!

How To Paint Backgrounds In Watercolour Tutorial - Avoiding Cauliflowers! I have taught watercolour to adults for many years and I'm delighted to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for watercolour here on RUclips & on my Patreon membership: / karenriceart - includes access to longer tutorials, sketch outlines etc...
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MATERIALS:
W&N Watercolour paper 300 gsm Cold Pressed Paper 14 x 10 Block Pad
PAINTS:
W&N: White Gouache, Cadmium Yellow Pale, Ultramarine, Opera Rose.
Alternatives: Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Yellow, Cobalt Blue & Permanent Rose
BRUSHES:
Round Size 2, 4, 6, 10 & 14 Silver Brushes
Kitchen Towel
Salt
Twig
Photo reference :pixabay.com/ph...
Share your paintings:
INSTAGRAM: #karenricewatercolourchannel
Check out my daughter's RUclips painting channel: / @artwithannabel7385

[@christinedekeuster7378]

Hi Karen, I would like to thank you for this video because, to me, it is really the first video that gives the complete technical explanations about painting the background : how to avoid cauliflowers, consistency AND quantity of the paint : sooo important ! This might sound evident for an experienced painter but it is really-really precious. I"m always struggling with technical questions and it helped me ! Thank you again.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Christine, so pleased you liked this tutorial and the explanations! They are so important and I am really glad it has helped you! :)

[@lynnrussell467]

Thank you! Telling us every painting is a new individual creation is GOLD for me 😄💖💕💫🕊️🌏🕊️💃🕊️🌏💜

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wonderful! So pleased you found this helpful Lynn 😀

[@user-hc3zj7wh1o]

gorgeous painting!!! love the techniques shown,,,,,,

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much!

[@tinniimrozei9883]

I love your work! And I use your videos to help learn new techniques! I also use them to relax and paint without overthinking!

[@KarenRiceArt]

That’s wonderful to hear. Thank you 😊
If you would like to access more exclusive and in-depth tutorials, why not think about joining my Patreon membership.
www.patreon.com/karenriceart

[@vanessadionne1248]

Thank you Karen, such a lovely practice and great tip!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you!

[@madhavraomankar1896]

Very Nice & Beautiful Experience Practical Achavi the painting with Colours Effects.

[@annetteperks]

Absolutely loved this tutorial. Thank you

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Annette, really pleased you liked this tutorial!

[@triciabennetts6578]

Thankyou Karen - really useful to see close-ups of water quantities and paint concentrations that you use 🙂

[@KarenRiceArt]

S glad it was helpful Tricia!

[@mayetmahulilileilani2501]

What a terrific tutorial. It answered every question I had about background problems and some I hadnt realized I should have. Thank you for helping a beginner on her way!

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome!

[@lindacrumbacher8633]

Thank you for narrating your thought process as you paint, this is incredibly helpful. What a lovely, easy to follow, instructive tutorial.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Linda! Really pleased you found it helpful :)

[@yvonneevans5815]

Supper tutorial. Thank you Karen.

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome!

[@icicleroblox32]

Oh my. That’s my project for tomorrow sorted ! Thank you ❤

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Irene, hope you have fun 😊

[@KarenRiceArt]

Have fun!

[@maureenbyrne1233]

This is so beautiful, why did I not find these tutorials sooner. Love it!

[@KarenRiceArt]

I am so glad you found me Maureen 😊

[@lapismosi8065]

You are a spectacular painter and teacher and your instructions are natural and easy to follow. I am enjoying your channel and there is so much I am already learning from you. Lovely music selection flows like wet paint and pairs beautifully with your soothing British accent. With love from New Mexico, USA❤🇺🇸

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wow! This hank you so much!!

[@agbphotographics]

Karen, Absolutely loved this tutorial and learned new concepts. I have been painting for a year yet haven’t heard such a great explanation as you gave for wet on wet techniques like loading brush with every stroke. Game changer! Thank you very much. Angela

[@KarenRiceArt]

So pleased you found it helpful Angela, so important to load your brush! Hope you find it helpful in your painting! :)

[@gillianmullen3174]

Beautifully done!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you very much!

[@sherrieleslie7478]

Thank you so much. Having trouble with backgrounds.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Sherrie! So pleased you found this helpful :)

[@kathylarson7601]

One of the best watercolor tutorials I’ve ever seen!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks so much Kathy! 😊

[@jennywren6655]

Thank you Karen, naturally helpful. Love the wet on wet process you never completely know how it will end.......

[@KarenRiceArt]

So true Jenny, wet in wet so unpredictable! :)

[@Mary-se3wv]

Thank you so much! Lots of important and information! You are awesome!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Mary!

[@cherrysimmonds5836]

Watching you paint is like magic !
Thank you so much for your tips on dos & don'ts of "fiddling" 🍒

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 😀

[@corazontan7747]

You make it look so easy.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you :)

[@Karenliseblack8147]

Thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@KarenRiceArt]

My pleasure!

[@donnadelbrocco4050]

This was sooooh helpful!!! Thank you so much for sharing these tips!!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

So pleased you found this helpful Donna 😊

[@chelseastraw2602]

Your lesson on wet in wet backgrounds was extremely helpful to me! You described exactly the mistakes I always make and how to avoid it. I was so disappointed with these problems and felt stuck. I am ready to try again! Thanks so much!

[@KarenRiceArt]

That is wonderful Chelsea! So pleased you found this helpful! Good luck with your future paintings 😊

[@hrt2art]

Wonderful tutorial. Thanks so much!

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome! Thank you Marilyn :)

[@janetchisholm7020]

I just love this tutorial Karen. I made a birthday card for a lady in our local nursing home she was 101 years young.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wow! That's so lovely Janet! It's perfect for a card! :)

[@unamcgurry6875]

Stunning 🤩

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you!! 😊

[@mauricetaylor5280]

That was a most helpful lesson. Thanks for the continued instruction with explanationations

[@KarenRiceArt]

You're very welcome! Thank you Maurice :)

[@Miastrong930]

Thank you for sharing this video. I learned a lot.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lindaking9222]

Lovely...helpful tips & techniques

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Linda 😊

[@sandraocallaghan8616]

Thank you, just what I was looking for.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks Sandra! So pleased this was helpful!

[@catherinegill2488]

Great explanations - and thank you for owning any mistakes! It helps to see what can go wrong and what can be done to correct mistakes. Also, explaining why the techniques are important helps us stick to the script - it’s so tempting to push on when we should wait for things to dry!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks Catherine! So pleased you found this helpful! It is so important to wait for watercolours to dry! :)

[@irener1111]

Excellent! Thank you!

[@teresajordao6634]

I'm so glad I discovered your channel. Karen explains so well. Thanks!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@heianwoman]

Thank you. This was most helpful in so many ways. I learned so much. The painting is beautiful.

[@KarenRiceArt]

I'm so glad! Thank you :)

[@starlightglazer9181]

Wonderful! Thank you for this video!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you too!

[@christinelubanski9880]

Thank you. I really like the hint about reloading with Colour each time you apply the brush.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Really pleased this was helpful Christine :)

[@susanthomas8274]

Thank you so much for the lessons Karen! And I always appreciate your encouragement!😊

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are most welcome Susan... so pleased y ou are enjoying the tutorials 😊

[@J__C1]

Just brilliant! I learned heaps from this tutorial - I have been really struggling with backgrounds and now I feel so much more confident. There are so many useful tips here and I can't wait to put this in to practice. The videos are easy to follow and easy to listen to - your enthusiasm is so infectious! Thank you so much, Jaclin

[@KarenRiceArt]

I hank you so much!! I am so pleased you are finding my tutorials helpful! 😊

[@deniseandrikowich1614]

Karen, I am really enjoying your Tuesday tips! This one on backgrounds was especially helpful. I will be sure to practice both techniques. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wonderful! Thank you Denise, so pleased :)

[@juliewhalesby4133]

Wow, love the idea of salt. This has given me the confidence use it and see how pretty the effect can be and makes my painting more dreamy.

[@KarenRiceArt]

That's wonderful Julie! So pleased this has given you confidence! Salt creates such amazing effects!

[@angelacampion8709]

Am I suffering from dementia? So excited to find this and couldn't wait to watch the full tutorial. Clearly watched previously as I 👍it!!!! Can I still make a suggestion? Haw frost? X

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Angela 😊

[@saraknapton8976]

Thank you so much, Karen! I love this and will give this a go. You explain things brilliantly , in such a cheerful and positive way xxx

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Sara 😊

[@Jan-qq6dl]

Thank you so much for this excellent tutorial! You’ve explained the things I have been struggling with so clearly and concisely that l can’t wait to have another go! I’ve seen, heard and read about these techniques so many times but NONE have explained the process like you have. Much appreciated.

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome! So glad it was helpful Tessa! Hope you have fun! :)

[@debbielowrey]

Fabulous tutorial!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! 😊

[@johnlang1933]

I actually really enjoyed learning about this stuff..it’s actually quite amazing and it actually makes blooms and actually helps create more interesting moments in the painting!! Thanks for (actually) sharing this!!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! So pleased you found this helpful!!

[@colourNika]

that was a brilliant tutorial. I finally understand he blooms now

[@KarenRiceArt]

So pleased you found this helpful!

[@cindylouwhobohl6983]

Loved this tutorial! I could watch you paint for hours! Backgrounds are the hardest for me! You gave lots of good advice on how to make them easier. Love your snowdrop painting! I live in Illinois, USA and after a long period of cold....the snow has melted and I have clumps of snowdrops just opening up! Can’t wait to try this tutorial! Thanks, Cindy

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Cindy! So pleased you liked this tutorial. Snowdrops are beautiful! Have fun painting this tutorial! :)

[@glyniscooke8546]

Thank you so much Karen, a really helpful ,clear, tutorial. Love your work. Your tutorials are helpful in so many ways, both creatively and also helping us all to keep sane in the present time. Thank you again

[@KarenRiceArt]

So glad you are finding the tutorials helpful and are keeping you sane! They are keeping me sane creating them! Happy painting :)

[@pattycyr8662]

I love your painting style and your teaching style. I'm inspired to paint today due to this wonderful video.

[@KarenRiceArt]

That's wonderful Patty, thanks so much! Have fun :)

[@DianneQuan]

Thanks Karen! I just finished a piece but am going to try it again with your techniques!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Have fun!

[@tiffanyd4093]

This was a great help. You do a wonderful job of explaining things. Thank you!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Tiffany! So glad it was helpful!

[@olivialobo5390]

Such a useful lesson, so happy I saw it..

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Olivia! Glad you liked it!

[@Jenny-yl2hw]

Great tutorial, thank you for sharing..

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks for watching!

[@godandlouisa]

Thanks for the very instructive tutorial,It's Wonderful 😘

[@KarenRiceArt]

You're welcome 😊

[@mart6612]

I loved the whole tutorial, thank you!
Many of my questions have been answered here. Cannot wait to try out a flower.

[@kathiecranston1577]

Thank you so much for doing a "simpler" painting while showing us the background techniques; making it look accomplishable 😁 GOD bless you❣

[@KarenRiceArt]

My pleasure 😊 Thank you so much Kathie! So pleased you found this helpful :)

[@ep8029]

Thanks. Interesting techniques.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@halinaopala7489]

Very beautiful Karen. Lovely salt effect. Thank you for this tutorial Karen.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks so much 😊 So pleased you like the salt :)

[@carolynl615]

Such a great tutorial!!! You taught me techniques that I've never heard until now!!! Looking forward to trying your way of doing backgrounds. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Yay! Thank you!

[@debpaolucciojanomethreadar2357]

Great instructions!beautiful !

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks so much 😊

[@cecileegeorgeson_artist]

So helpful......love your teaching techniques always always learn something every time I watch 🙏🌺👍

[@KarenRiceArt]

So glad that you like the tutorials! 😀

[@barbaraborota1581]

Thank you it was a great help. 💕💕

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you Barbara :)

[@janetjones2556]

Reall enjoyed this tutorial and can't wait to have a go. Any tutorial is most welcome and keeping it simple is the best idea. I love painting flowers and birds but need to practice the landscapes too. Thank you again.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks so much Janet 😊

[@sherrylee6719]

So lovely, Karen. Thank you! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Sherry, I did, I hope you did also, despite Covid! :)

[@applenplum]

Thanks for your advice. Backruns are always my headaches.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful :)

[@vickigower8125]

Thank you. This was very helpful to me :)

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you Vicki 😀

[@janleary6679]

Very clear instructions. Your demos are always full of tips and are so encouraging, you inspire me to keep practising. Thank you Karen

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Jan.! I'm so glad! 😀

[@normamiller2316]

Excellent instruction! Loved your tip on using a damp brush to fill in color in edges.I did two small wet on wet, and they turned out just fine. Now will try the w on d.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wonderful! So pleased you found it helpful!

[@janetkelsey7663]

stunning...thank you, Karen. shading technique particularly helpful.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks Janet, so pleased you found it helpful :)

[@helenduplessis9820]

Thoroughly enjoyed this Karin! Many thanks!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Helen! You are so welcome!

[@alisonruth3947]

Thank you so much

[@annthompson6273]

A lovely demo. I have learnt a lot and cant wait to try it all out!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Ann! Have fun!

[@swapnamuk]

Hi dear Karen it's a great video

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks so much

[@cindyklasson371]

Thank you Karen. This video has been great! I think I know now why my wet on wet backgrounds haven’t been working for me.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wonderful! So glad it was helpful :)

[@deannamunro8148]

Thanks, Karen - this is a great demo! And, love the snowdrop....

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Deanna :)

[@minakshi005]

Very nice 👌, I learnt load brush each time on wet on wet..for consistency...great i will try it....

[@KarenRiceArt]

So glad it was helpful :)

[@carolbarnard8906]

thanks this was inspiring

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks Carol :)

[@rhondabrown5246]

Lovely 💜💚

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! 😊

[@wendygliddon3350]

I love this and your direction is fabulous!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Wendy :)

[@kimdavies4542]

Great tutorial , thank you. Will definitely help on the Jasmine background.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Brilliant! Thanks Kim, good luck with the Jasmine background :)

[@OnePillKillz]

So helpful, and beautiful 💜 I love starting my day with one of your videos and my ☕☕☕

[@KarenRiceArt]

I'm so glad! Thank you Julie! I love that! A bit of art therapy to start our day!! Have fun today! 😊

[@jojoquinn2]

Beautiful!

[@evahagemeyer9142]

Wonderful tutorial! Great explanations. I hope I retain it all. Thank you!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you Eva :)

[@zitaocarroll4925]

Exquisite! 💕💕

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@joshlynn7014]

Learning so much! Thank you for this!

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome! Thank you Joshlynn :)

[@marjo-riittareinikainen9740]

Thank you very much!

[@KarenRiceArt]

You're welcome!😀

[@michaelhowes8809]

I would to be able to paint even a half decent sky. Keep up the good work. Loving your videos

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Michael, great suggestion, wil put it on my list for Tuesday's tips and techniques...:)

[@ulrike6681]

I love your videos. I am 62 years, high-risk person because of Corona. In May 2020 I started painting and drawing. I learned a lot by help of your videos, and so I could make good progress. Thank you sooo much.
Please Karen, I have a question: I tried now 4 types of washy tapes. I have real good quality of them. But......always when I remove them, the paper goes with them, and the picture is complete destroyed.🤤😭😠😠. Can you please show and explain how to use that properly, so that doesn't happen anymore. Thank you very much. I am really looking forward to your next videos. Greetings from Vienna, Austria

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much for your comment Ulrike, so pleased you are learning from the tutorials! If you are having issues with the tape, it may be the paper you are using. Would you be able to let me know the brand? Thanks so much...:)

[@ulrike6681]

Oooh..... very very many thanks for your prompt reaction!!!!!!
I use "Canson Mixed Media" 300 g/m2 (140 lb) and "Boesner" (a German/Austrian brand) also 300 g/m2 and "Hahnemühle" 310 gr/m2. All three of them are for watercolour painting. The name of the washi masking tape, that I use now, is "Masté" Marks Inc. It is a good quality, one little roll more than 3,-- Euros, this is the 3rd tape I try. Before putting the washi tape on the paper, I go with my fingers or with some textile over the sticking surface. But it doesn't help, it distroys the surfaces. When I work wet in wet technique it is worse, sometimes the half picture comes off. In made now 6 different tests with the papers, where I also used the back and front sides of the paper, as the surfaces on each side are different. When I take the masking tape off, I do it up or away from the paper, I try all directions to zip it off..... it doesn't work.😭..... it looks so easy in the videos, so I think it MUST be my fault ...... but what is wrong?

[@KarenRiceArt]

@@ulrike6681 Thanks so much for the details...Firstly I think it may be the paper and I know that Hahnemuhle paper does tend to tear when using tape. Have you tried using a hairdryer to soften the glue? This may work. I would not use tape if it is tearing your paper. I know that Bockingford, W&N, Arches & Saunders Waterford do not tear. Sorry I can not be of any more help. Best of luck :)

[@ulrike6681]

That is a great help, thank you❤...... I didn't try a hair dryer.....I will try that. That may be the reason. Thank you for answering, and please go on with your inspiring videos, I will be on board 😊😊, Greetings from Austria, Ulli

[@KarenRiceArt]

@@ulrike6681 I hope it works for you Ulli! Take care and more videos to follow...Happy painting :)

[@kitwhallon3716]

Thank you! Very helpful and well explained!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Kit... so glad it was helpful :)

[@scrapbooking100]

Awesome

[@wendychampness1901]

Thanks Karen! I like how mine turned out 🥰

[@KarenRiceArt]

That's wonderful Wendy! Really pleased for you :)

[@AllThatKazz]

The artist I used to assist in the studio was always very wary of 'over working'. Enthusiasm can kill a painting, as you pointed out with using gauche.

[@MariaSpiritueel]

Thank you.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@anadelgado1946]

Thanks Karen! Very helpful.

[@KarenRiceArt]

So glad you found it helpful Ana!

[@philipdown3147]

Karen thanks greatly for sharing your talent, enjoy your videos this one has proven that preparation is important which I have been guilty of not doing also I've taken to painting on smaller paper size . Thanks greatly appreciated stay safe and healthy.

[@KarenRiceArt]

That's wonderful Philip, really pleased you found this helpful :)

[@wendynuttall9058]

Great tutorial Karen - learned a lot

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wonderful! Thanks Wendy :)

[@lindaweckler8216]

this is wonderfully helpful! Thank you.

[@KarenRiceArt]

That's brilliant Linda! Really pleased you found this helpful :)

[@joycesnodgrass7068]

Gee, this was so helpful, Karen! Thank you💛

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wonderful! Thank you Joyce, really pleased it was helpful :)