new to your channel and just wanted to say that I absolutely love what you are doing. great content, fun vids and enjoying getting to know you. I am forty something, and have wanted to learn watercolor forever it seems! thanks for inspiring me to actually get started. I'm going through all your vids now with my 10 year old daughter, you are our teacher for the next few months!
Do you ever use wax free graphite paper? When you are using either the window or light box, your drawing is on the back of your watercolor paper right?
Just a hint, something I do that might help someone. I have a large glass coffee table that I put a goose neck lamp under and shine upward onto my paper and sketch for my light board. If you have a glass table you have a light board.
I wanted to comment that there's a third light box option that I discovered in art school: a sheet of Plexiglas from the hardware store, over a cardboard box with a $5 lightfixture from IKEA inside. I can't use my windows because my house is really old and they're all small panes. Over time, I've learned to love this method since it means I don't have to move my finished paper off as the plexi makes a really good board. You can tape the pieces to opposite sides of the sheet as well if you want.
Additional recommendation that I don't think was mentioned. This is my "opinion:" when using a hard pencil such as a 6H or 4H (any H), remember as mentioned via Misfit video above, these are hard pencils. If you apply a lot of pressure they will dig groves into your watercolor paper. I highly recommend using a light touch. This will also help if you have to erase and will allow you to erase with a light hand as well. Erasers can damage watercolor paper as well. Another recommendation is: if you have to earse, use a kneaded eraser! Hope this helps someone, cheers
Hi there, I loved this video, so much thought has gone into it and a lot of interesting tips too. I too am a perfectionist and do love to add lots of detail to my drawings so when it comes to transferring onto watercolour paper this can prove a nightmare. My easy option is to take either an A3 or A2 size sheet of tracing paper (YES THAT SWEAR WORD)...and just trace my drawing onto it including all the fine details, and then I take it to my local printers along with my own watercolour paper (either a w/c pad or loose sheets and ask them to print my drawing onto the w/c paper. Now depending on their photocopiers and what type of style you want your drawings to be, use a dark ink outline when tracing your design for a dark illustrated look or use a pencil for a soft line. It's all trial and error but it saves SO MUCH TIME!!! I was taking so long in drawing and transferring my designs onto w/c paper that by the end of it I was falling out of love with that particular drawing and just wanted to move onto the next one. This method of using tracing paper works best for me...so guys, give it a try. Tracing paper (for some) has been a controversial topic and all this useless talk about cheating and those who use it aren't "proper artists", what a load of sh**. Tracing over your own handrawn art isn't cheating, even tracing over a picture/photo in a newspaper or a magazine isn't cheating, just as long as you put your own spin on it and make it your own, where is the harm???
The first thing I saw was your dog & his toy water bottle. Lol Love your video, I am 74 & only took up watercolor. 8 weeks ago something that I wanted to do since a small child .
Teddy is fine! What a sweetie! Thanks for these lessons. My supplies are coming in the mail, and I’m excited ...and scared to begin. I’ve been painting with acrylics for the past two years, and I’ve collected my courage to give watercolor paints and watercolor pencils a try!
Or, you can buy a sheet of graphite paper and use your drawing (or photocopy) as the top of a three layer sandwich. Trace over the drawing with a ballpoint pen (preferably a color you can see over the drawing...helps you know what you’ve traced and what you haven’t). Use a kneaded eraser to “blot” any graphite smudges and lighten your lines if necessary. Voila - traced image on WC paper. And while I tend to have a heavy hand as well...because the pressure is slightly cushioned by the paper I’m tracing over and the graphite paper (plus not using my tiniest diameter pens) I have few if any grooves in my WC paper. Not dependent upon sunlight or an expensive light box, usable with whatever room lighting you have, and while not “free” a large sheet of graphite paper from an art supply store is less than $5.00, can be cut to any size, each smaller piece is reusable multiple times (depending on the density of the drawing, etc...the piece I just threw out I could have used maybe two or three more times but was getting iffy and had used it to trace outlines for...I think...about 20 basic sketches while testing out a couple of WC instruction books and using the provided art for the exercises), and will last for a good long time. Or if you want to go wild and spend around $15-20? You can buy it in a roll like Saran Wrap comes in (same kind of box too) and just tear off the size sheet you need (makes storage a heck of a lot easier). Plus if you ever want to use oh, say, 300lb paper (lovely stuff) which is even thicker and the window/light box aren’t particularly helpful or black watercolor paper, or a surface prepared with a WC ground that is not at all transparent...still works. (For black or dark surfaces you can get white graphite paper)
I'm so glad I found your channel, as I'm just beginning watercolor painting. Your tips are great and your encouragement even better! Thanks for giving of your time and knowledge to help peeps like me! ~~Liz
Hi, juste to tell you how howesome you are! I'm a french girl and your explanations are so clear that i can understand you without subtitles! I love your channel - just discovered it yesterday and spent hours in front of my computer listening to your advices. Thanks,really! You give me so much motivation!
This was extremely helpful to me. These were techniques I was completely unaware of and I was redrawing my drawings over and over and this will help me so much. Thank you.
I know this an old video but I had to comment. Your dog with the bottle climbing into her bed was cute! I had a dog that did that liked bottles like that. He was able to get the lid off. You might want to remove the lid from now on so she won't get choked on it.
Yay! I am new to watercolor painting and my drawing is my Achilles Heel! My husband just told me that he has a light box at work that doesn't get used...I am feeling very happy and enthused! Thanks for the information.
Im a complete beginner at watercolour and I'm so happy that I found yr channel!!! So helpful!! Also I was wondering how do you resize your drawing once you drawn it??? Would love it if you could explain this or show this in a video! Can't wait to get more tips🤗
I love your ideas and this series of 30 videos for beginners is 'masterful'. Just what I need. About a month ago, I got an A3 paper size light box (13 inch x 17 inch) which used LEDs for light that do not get hot. Very thin and easy to hold in any position. I can trace very well through the 140 lb. paper with it. The light box runs on USB power from the included AC adapter, but I also run it from a USB power-bank out side in the late evening, just to enjoy the cool breezes we are having in SC.
A comment totally of topic... I absolutely ADORE your furnishings and the vibe of your office/art room It's such a great fresh comforting pleasing and welcoming space You a great eye for interior design Love yr channel Great tips and advice Keep uploading
Awesome video as always! You could also trace by filling out a blank piece of normal paper with a pencil to a solid dark grey, turn it around so it faces your watercolor paper and put what you want to trace on top, then go over the lines directly on your original sketch and it will transfer through onto your watercolor sheet!
Yes! Basically you are DIY-ing graphite paper (which you could also use). Sometimes this method doesn't allow you to get all the details though - but it is still a good method :D
People have already mentioned it, but light boxes are cheap and super thin nowadays. I got mine from amazon for about $20 (A4 size), but I've seen even cheaper ones on there. Before I got my light box though, I made a make shift light box out of a clear container upside down with with touch lights I got from the $1 store underneath it, and a piece of glass from a picture frame I got from the 2nd hand store. In total, cost me only $5 at most. And it worked just fine.
Love your art and channel. Made a lightbox out of an 8x10 shallow cardboard box covered with half a lucite box frame from dollar store or Goodwill. Inside I place 4 push battery lights you would use in a closet. Works perfectly. Thanks for the tips.
I just bought a DBMier light box. Only 1/4 inch thick. No more windows or messy graphite smudges to clean up. It's worth it's weight in gold. Very, very pleased with it. I've been transferring drawings to beat the band. :)
I recently bought an inexpensive LED lightpad (about 30 Euros) at Amazon and it's awesome. It's adjustible, very thin and lightweight and you can work very well in a lit room. No need to trace in darkness :) And you can also trace through very thick watercolor paper.
Love the video and your dog, the bottle of water he has is adorable. I would like to confirm the picture you want to trace is placed under the watercolor paper and you are actually drawing the picture onto the watercolor paper. Thank you!
I used your latest free drawing last night for a painting and it was fun. I practiced glazing for the first time. I honestly used my nephew's Crayola Light Box to trace it. He got it a few years ago but I use it more than he does. Lol There's some seemingly good ones on Amazon as well for about $25 that I plan to buy some day, for now his get the work done alright.
Yes! This is soooo useful I got canvas. And it is thin enough to tape on the back the drawing and then go to window and trace it! Thank you ! I am safe now haha
I use graphite paper to trace... definitely adds more work but I don't have pencil grooves and the lines lift very easily so I can erase for very light areas where even a light pencil line would show.
I am new to your channel and I am soooo happy that I found It. You are so helpful! Such a great teacher and your videos are a work of art themselves!! Thank you so much. I wish I could be your student, I think I would learn a ton!!! Thanks!!
I purchased a very inexpensive light mat. It is LED, the light strength as adjustable and the mat is as thin, possibly thinner than my cell phone. I really like it a lot. It's also very easy to store.
Hi Eshleic. I got it on Amazon. Huion Model L4S. It is the smaller of the models. When I said inexpensive - I meant inexpensive for my finances. I don't know if it's okay to mention other artists' pages here, but Mind of Water Color has reviewed both the smaller and the larger one if you would like to see how it works. I'm not promoting him or Huion. That's just where I first saw this thing. And I really love it.
I have the same light-table but a bigger size (not cheap but, it will last you for forever). It also can be purchased at an art store with lights that won't harm or alter the color if tracing a previous painting for example that you wish to redo. I also have/use a 9 by 12 ArtOgrapH light pad with optional battery that's more maneuverable & lighter, for smaller drawings & paintings.
I have a couple cheep LED lightboxes from amazon ($15ish). I tape my drawing to the lightpad, then completely tape down the watercolor paper to trace. After tracing, I leave everything taped and paint with the paper attached to the lightpad. That way no double taping needed while painting, and in the rare instance that I missed tracing a detail I can plug in the lightbox before I finish painting to do any additional tracing details.
I've heard you say that you are heavy handed when you draw. I've watched your hands on several videos. If you would put your thumb tip under your pencil when you draw and stroke with just the tips of your fingers I believe you will have better control and able to draw lighter.
momojackandluke I made one with my dad too, so: we built a frame of wood and elevated it a bit, put plexiglass in it, and then LED strips right beneath the plexiglass. While I didn't have the LED strips installed, I put while LED Christmas lights under the frame. I can include pictures of it if you like. hope that helps! :)
Schneerose I bought a big piece plexiglass and a clip on desk lamp. Then I put the plexiglass on my painting easel and clip the lamp behind it and bam weird "DIY light canvas thing". It works great for bigger paintings.
My art table is glass top a day I have a bright 12 inch light taped to the bottom of the glass top above the desk draw...and when I need a "lightbox" I turn on thr switch
Hi! I have been in touch before - I am completely untrained but have been painting for several years. When I trace onto the paper I just scan the sketch into the computer. Then I flip it horizontal and print it out at the size I want. Trace (using soft pencil) the copy onto tracing paper - sometimes just the printout paper adding pencil to the marks on the printout. Turn the tracing or printout paper over - it is now the right way round - then rub the back of the paper with a smooth object to transfer the tracing onto the paper. Surprisingly you can transfer the image several times. Most people have a computer so it is all done with paper and pencil. If you have an iPad pro you can draw out the drawing, flip it horizontal, go into guided access (locking the picture) then trace it out. The disadvantage of the iPad pro is you can't make it larger than the iPad. Works for me - give it a go you might agree! Your show is great for me having painted untrained for years - many thanks. Oh! One further point and maybe you can help. I would like to trace out in coloured pencils not this black graphite! But some coloured pencils work others don't. Do you have any knowledge of which makes of pencil would work so that you can trace out in COLOUR? Hi! Update: just made a light box - you are right works great also I can use coloured pencils to trace it out! Just tried drawing the sketch in procreate then printing onto the paper (zeta 260 gsm) at 20% intensity. Leave it 24 hours to dry properly - works great with watercolour but not very wet washes. That saves a lot of time!
Enjoying your video! One note for your readers...Light tablets aren't that expensive anymore. A pretty bright USB tablet on Amazon was about $25-30 and well worth the investment! :):)
Just bought a pocket size projector on eBay for 40 pound. They are super handy when you try to make super realistic drawing or very large painting. But beware the 🐈/🐕 may kicked things out of focus.
I really enjoy the intro to these videos from the very beginning - such Creative Thinking behind it! And the Logo is so absolutely adorable and brilliant. I like stopping the video when the flowers appear behind it, then just look at the overall design. It would be beautiful to have that frame captured and printed on your wall. I have saved that frame for inspiration. I've yet to come up with a logo and have so many ideas that are different. I remember in graphic design courses that you have to think about how a logo looks when very small. Return address labels and even smaller sizes; such as a favicon - the logo on a website tab - were discussed. It hinders my thought process, but I guess having two similar styles would be fine when a very small size is needed. I will have to find the flower tutorial because I adore the colors and ink outlines done on them. I want to see how the stamens are done - if they are masked during the process. Again, thanks for making this series. I'm sure you will help so many people get off to a good start!
You dont need a window or light box if you use tracing paper. Draw picture directly on tracing paper. Flip tracing paper over, trace over your original lines on the other side with soft dark pencil. Now lay your tracing paper right side up on the right side of your watercolor paper. Redraw over the original lines lightly with a colored pencil or pen-so you can be sure you didnt forget a line. Now lift off your tracing paper and you will see your picture has been transfered to the watercolor paper from the graphite pencil on the backside of the tracing paper
My dog loved bottles too I used to put the lids on as tight as possible so she could chew them off Oh and lightboards are lots cheaper now thanks to leds they are also very thin which is nice I got a A4 (still kicking myself every day for not getting A3 but it's easy to move the paper) thin led box by huion (hmm not sure on the spelling) I didn't get a usb one as they were not quite as bright but I think they would be fine I got mine from the warehouse section of amazon for £20 ish but there are offers on all the time too Thank you for your videos I've been a watercolour painter for 3 days now lol (there was a set on sale)
Sketch on graph paper, then flip it over, cover the back with a soft pencil, make sure you got good even coverage. Tape that to your watercolor paper, pencil side down, and then trace your original sketch on top. Transfer design without lightbox cost or window finger cramps.
Thank you so much. I thought watercolor paper is too thick to trace. I've tried with the window method and I can barely see the outline. What do you think about using graphite paper?
Hey!! Feel a bit dumb but you mentioned one benefit as being able to make a small drawing big or vice versa... Does this mean you draw, scan it in, adjust and then print out and use that?
Yes! I've recently tried using tracing paper to do the same. It definitely works - but sometimes leaves smudge marks or doesn't complete all the lines - compared to a light table where you can be exact. :D
Another excellent and informative video! May I ask you or anyone else out there: I have a problem with my vision and although I wear glasses, when it comes to doing anything intricate, I get totally frustrated to the point where I walk away. I would absolutely purchase a lightbox if I could use other mediums on it as well, ie watercolor markers, alcohol markers, rubber stamps, etc. So that's my question, is long as I don't add a ton of water to whatever I'm creating, will a lightbox help with respect to doing detailed projects? I'd really appreciate an answer from anyone. Thank You
You dont actually watercolor on a lightbox usually. They are simply used to trace the drawing on to the desired paper then the paper is moved of the box before it is painted/drawn on
new to your channel and just wanted to say that I absolutely love what you are doing. great content, fun vids and enjoying getting to know you. I am forty something, and have wanted to learn watercolor forever it seems! thanks for inspiring me to actually get started. I'm going through all your vids now with my 10 year old daughter, you are our teacher for the next few months!
Do you ever use wax free graphite paper?
When you are using either the window or light box, your drawing is on the back of your watercolor paper right?
Hi! Enjoy your videos because you go simple and patiently. With the tracing "how to", I still don't understand how you can enlarge the tracing?
If you have a glass table and a flashlight. Bam! Light table!
Tara Brown
I use one of those clip on desk lamps. :-)
That's how I did it!
Tara Brown thanks!! I’ll try that
Tara Brown or straight up use a window or an iPad screen at full brightness 😂
You can take the glass of a picture frame, stack some books under it on each side, and then put a lamp under. Works fine as well.
Just a hint, something I do that might help someone. I have a large glass coffee table that I put a goose neck lamp under and shine upward onto my paper and sketch for my light board. If you have a glass table you have a light board.
I wanted to comment that there's a third light box option that I discovered in art school: a sheet of Plexiglas from the hardware store, over a cardboard box with a $5 lightfixture from IKEA inside. I can't use my windows because my house is really old and they're all small panes. Over time, I've learned to love this method since it means I don't have to move my finished paper off as the plexi makes a really good board. You can tape the pieces to opposite sides of the sheet as well if you want.
Additional recommendation that I don't think was mentioned. This is my "opinion:"
when using a hard pencil such as a 6H or 4H (any H), remember as mentioned via Misfit video above, these are hard pencils.
If you apply a lot of pressure they will dig groves into your watercolor paper. I highly recommend using a light touch. This will also help if you have to erase and will allow you to erase with a light hand as well. Erasers can damage watercolor paper as well. Another recommendation is: if you have to earse, use a kneaded eraser!
Hope this helps someone, cheers
Hi there, I loved this video, so much thought has gone into it and a lot of interesting tips too. I too am a perfectionist and do love to add lots of detail to my drawings so when it comes to transferring onto watercolour paper this can prove a nightmare. My easy option is to take either an A3 or A2 size sheet of tracing paper (YES THAT SWEAR WORD)...and just trace my drawing onto it including all the fine details, and then I take it to my local printers along with my own watercolour paper (either a w/c pad or loose sheets and ask them to print my drawing onto the w/c paper. Now depending on their photocopiers and what type of style you want your drawings to be, use a dark ink outline when tracing your design for a dark illustrated look or use a pencil for a soft line. It's all trial and error but it saves SO MUCH TIME!!! I was taking so long in drawing and transferring my designs onto w/c paper that by the end of it I was falling out of love with that particular drawing and just wanted to move onto the next one. This method of using tracing paper works best for me...so guys, give it a try. Tracing paper (for some) has been a controversial topic and all this useless talk about cheating and those who use it aren't "proper artists", what a load of sh**. Tracing over your own handrawn art isn't cheating, even tracing over a picture/photo in a newspaper or a magazine isn't cheating, just as long as you put your own spin on it and make it your own, where is the harm???
The first thing I saw was your dog & his toy water bottle. Lol
Love your video, I am 74 & only took up watercolor. 8 weeks ago something that I wanted to do since a small child .
Thanks for showing me the next step. Wasn't sure how to get my drawing to paper without damaging the watercolor paper. Yes I subscribed!
Teddy is fine! What a sweetie! Thanks for these lessons. My supplies are coming in the mail, and I’m excited ...and scared to begin. I’ve been painting with acrylics for the past two years, and I’ve collected my courage to give watercolor paints and watercolor pencils a try!
Or, you can buy a sheet of graphite paper and use your drawing (or photocopy) as the top of a three layer sandwich. Trace over the drawing with a ballpoint pen (preferably a color you can see over the drawing...helps you know what you’ve traced and what you haven’t). Use a kneaded eraser to “blot” any graphite smudges and lighten your lines if necessary. Voila - traced image on WC paper. And while I tend to have a heavy hand as well...because the pressure is slightly cushioned by the paper I’m tracing over and the graphite paper (plus not using my tiniest diameter pens) I have few if any grooves in my WC paper. Not dependent upon sunlight or an expensive light box, usable with whatever room lighting you have, and while not “free” a large sheet of graphite paper from an art supply store is less than $5.00, can be cut to any size, each smaller piece is reusable multiple times (depending on the density of the drawing, etc...the piece I just threw out I could have used maybe two or three more times but was getting iffy and had used it to trace outlines for...I think...about 20 basic sketches while testing out a couple of WC instruction books and using the provided art for the exercises), and will last for a good long time. Or if you want to go wild and spend around $15-20? You can buy it in a roll like Saran Wrap comes in (same kind of box too) and just tear off the size sheet you need (makes storage a heck of a lot easier). Plus if you ever want to use oh, say, 300lb paper (lovely stuff) which is even thicker and the window/light box aren’t particularly helpful or black watercolor paper, or a surface prepared with a WC ground that is not at all transparent...still works. (For black or dark surfaces you can get white graphite paper)
I'm so glad I found your channel, as I'm just beginning watercolor painting. Your tips are great and your encouragement even better! Thanks for giving of your time and knowledge to help peeps like me! ~~Liz
The how to starts at 4:15 just in case you're in a hurry
Hi, juste to tell you how howesome you are! I'm a french girl and your explanations are so clear that i can understand you without subtitles! I love your channel - just discovered it yesterday and spent hours in front of my computer listening to your advices. Thanks,really! You give me so much motivation!
Thank you so much for this well explained information on tracing. Helene
This was extremely helpful to me. These were techniques I was completely unaware of and I was redrawing my drawings over and over and this will help me so much. Thank you.
I know this an old video but I had to comment. Your dog with the bottle climbing into her bed was cute! I had a dog that did that liked bottles like that. He was able to get the lid off. You might want to remove the lid from now on so she won't get choked on it.
just started water color painting.. really like your tutorials as there aren't a lot out there clarifying the basics. Thanks a lot!!
Yay! I am new to watercolor painting and my drawing is my Achilles Heel! My husband just told me that he has a light box at work that doesn't get used...I am feeling very happy and enthused! Thanks for the information.
Im a complete beginner at watercolour and I'm so happy that I found yr channel!!! So helpful!!
Also I was wondering how do you resize your drawing once you drawn it??? Would love it if you could explain this or show this in a video!
Can't wait to get more tips🤗
In Liquid Color Thank you! Will have to try that out!👌🏻
I love your ideas and this series of 30 videos for beginners is 'masterful'. Just what I need. About a month ago, I got an A3 paper size light box (13 inch x 17 inch) which used LEDs for light that do not get hot. Very thin and easy to hold in any position. I can trace very well through the 140 lb. paper with it. The light box runs on USB power from the included AC adapter, but I also run it from a USB power-bank out side in the late evening, just to enjoy the cool breezes we are having in SC.
Yes I also think your channel is great. Really helpful. I've learnt more from you than I did in art college!!!!!
I use a Samsung galaxy Tab with a white picture as background and the light turned up to highest level. It's a bit small, but works very well! 🤓
Smart idea :D
very clever
Very helpful, the old video game music is also fun 😁
I have to watch this video again, your dog is just too cute so I kind of zoned out and stopped listening😂❤️
Omg thank you! I heard you can trace with thick watercolor paper but could never get it to work! Thank you for the tips!!
A comment totally of topic... I absolutely ADORE your furnishings and the vibe of your office/art room It's such a great fresh comforting pleasing and welcoming space You a great eye for interior design Love yr channel Great tips and advice Keep uploading
Awesome video as always! You could also trace by filling out a blank piece of normal paper with a pencil to a solid dark grey, turn it around so it faces your watercolor paper and put what you want to trace on top, then go over the lines directly on your original sketch and it will transfer through onto your watercolor sheet!
Yes! Basically you are DIY-ing graphite paper (which you could also use). Sometimes this method doesn't allow you to get all the details though - but it is still a good method :D
So glad I found this series
People have already mentioned it, but light boxes are cheap and super thin nowadays. I got mine from amazon for about $20 (A4 size), but I've seen even cheaper ones on there. Before I got my light box though, I made a make shift light box out of a clear container upside down with with touch lights I got from the $1 store underneath it, and a piece of glass from a picture frame I got from the 2nd hand store. In total, cost me only $5 at most. And it worked just fine.
Love your art and channel. Made a lightbox out of an 8x10 shallow cardboard box covered with half a lucite box frame from dollar store or Goodwill. Inside I place 4 push battery lights you would use in a closet. Works perfectly. Thanks for the tips.
I've had black hands before from graphite when sketching. Great tips
The window trick will change my life, genius!! Thank you 😃
I got that old school light table. LED light tables are cheap now, but I still use the one you have.
Aaah the dog is so cute!
I just bought a DBMier light box. Only 1/4 inch thick. No more windows or messy graphite smudges to clean up. It's worth it's weight in gold. Very, very pleased with it. I've been transferring drawings to beat the band. :)
I recently bought an inexpensive LED lightpad (about 30 Euros) at Amazon and it's awesome. It's adjustible, very thin and lightweight and you can work very well in a lit room. No need to trace in darkness :) And you can also trace through very thick watercolor paper.
I find this very helpful. I'm a begginer and your videos are a blessing 😅 Thanks!
6:43 you can also put lights (like christmas yellow or white lights) into a frame with a glass (the ones you put paintings on, or photographs)
Love the video and your dog, the bottle of water he has is adorable. I would like to confirm the picture you want to trace is placed under the watercolor paper and you are actually drawing the picture onto the watercolor paper. Thank you!
I used your latest free drawing last night for a painting and it was fun. I practiced glazing for the first time. I honestly used my nephew's Crayola Light Box to trace it. He got it a few years ago but I use it more than he does. Lol There's some seemingly good ones on Amazon as well for about $25 that I plan to buy some day, for now his get the work done alright.
This has been so helpful! I always wondered how to trace onto watercolor paper since it's so thick :) Thanks for explaining it!
first vid I've seen of yours. clearly spent time on making these videos into quality (and great content) - very well done from this Yorkshireman!
This is great! Love your beautiful dog.
omg this is so useful because I'm heavy handed too. thank you
Yes! This is soooo useful I got canvas. And it is thin enough to tape on the back the drawing and then go to window and trace it! Thank you ! I am safe now haha
loving your videos -- thank you!
I use graphite paper to trace... definitely adds more work but I don't have pencil grooves and the lines lift very easily so I can erase for very light areas where even a light pencil line would show.
Thank you so much! ❤️
Wow thank you so much for this video.
I am new to your channel and I am soooo happy that I found It. You are so helpful! Such a great teacher and your videos are a work of art themselves!! Thank you so much. I wish I could be your student, I think I would learn a ton!!! Thanks!!
I purchased a very inexpensive light mat. It is LED, the light strength as adjustable and the mat is as thin, possibly thinner than my cell phone. I really like it a lot. It's also very easy to store.
Laura Dains would love to know where you got it from or what brand is it even?
Hi Eshleic. I got it on Amazon. Huion Model L4S. It is the smaller of the models. When I said inexpensive - I meant inexpensive for my finances. I don't know if it's okay to mention other artists' pages here, but Mind of Water Color has reviewed both the smaller and the larger one if you would like to see how it works. I'm not promoting him or Huion. That's just where I first saw this thing. And I really love it.
Thanks @Laura Dains! That is super helpful.
Thanks @Laura Dains! That is super helpful.
You're welcome. That's what this community is all about.
Have you ever tried Tracedown? It's like carbon paper for watercolourists who, like me, can't draw.
@demochannel Tracedown transfer paper doesn't contain wax. Wax will interfere with watercolor paint.
Crayola has a light table for about twenty-ish dollars. Works fine.
Thanks, very helpful!
I have the same light-table but a bigger size (not cheap but, it will last you for forever). It also can be purchased at an art store with lights that won't harm or alter the color if tracing a previous painting for example that you wish to redo.
I also have/use a 9 by 12 ArtOgrapH light pad with optional battery that's more maneuverable & lighter, for smaller drawings & paintings.
Your puppy is too cute. 😍
Thanks Amber :D
I have a couple cheep LED lightboxes from amazon ($15ish). I tape my drawing to the lightpad, then completely tape down the watercolor paper to trace. After tracing, I leave everything taped and paint with the paper attached to the lightpad. That way no double taping needed while painting, and in the rare instance that I missed tracing a detail I can plug in the lightbox before I finish painting to do any additional tracing details.
I've heard you say that you are heavy handed when you draw. I've watched your hands on several videos. If you would put your thumb tip under your pencil when you draw and stroke with just the tips of your fingers I believe you will have better control and able to draw lighter.
Amazing !! So happy I stumbled upon your channel ☺😊
thanks :)
I use my laptop screen as a light box 👍🏻 works just as great with the brightness all the way up and a white background
i have a self build light box that my dad build for me. it's a great and cheap solution
Schneerose how did you make it? I'm thinking about making one too.
momojackandluke I made one with my dad too, so:
we built a frame of wood and elevated it a bit, put plexiglass in it, and then LED strips right beneath the plexiglass. While I didn't have the LED strips installed, I put while LED Christmas lights under the frame. I can include pictures of it if you like. hope that helps! :)
Schneerose
I bought a big piece plexiglass and a clip on desk lamp.
Then I put the plexiglass on my painting easel and clip the lamp behind it and bam weird "DIY light canvas thing".
It works great for bigger paintings.
Thank you for sharing this with my, it will help me out.🇦🇺
My art table is glass top a day I have a bright 12 inch light taped to the bottom of the glass top above the desk draw...and when I need a "lightbox" I turn on thr switch
I love your video, thank you for making this. Now, about your dog 1:35 ... Why?! Lol!!
The dog with the plastic bottle lol
Hi! I have been in touch before - I am completely untrained but have been painting for several years.
When I trace onto the paper I just scan the sketch into the computer.
Then I flip it horizontal and print it out at the size I want.
Trace (using soft pencil) the copy onto tracing paper - sometimes just the printout paper adding pencil to the marks on the printout.
Turn the tracing or printout paper over - it is now the right way round - then rub the back of the paper with a smooth object to transfer the tracing onto the paper.
Surprisingly you can transfer the image several times.
Most people have a computer so it is all done with paper and pencil.
If you have an iPad pro you can draw out the drawing, flip it horizontal, go into guided access (locking the picture) then trace it out.
The disadvantage of the iPad pro is you can't make it larger than the iPad.
Works for me - give it a go you might agree!
Your show is great for me having painted untrained for years - many thanks.
Oh! One further point and maybe you can help.
I would like to trace out in coloured pencils not this black graphite!
But some coloured pencils work others don't.
Do you have any knowledge of which makes of pencil would work so that you can trace out in COLOUR?
Hi! Update: just made a light box - you are right works great also I can use coloured pencils to trace it out!
Just tried drawing the sketch in procreate then printing onto the paper (zeta 260 gsm) at 20% intensity.
Leave it 24 hours to dry properly - works great with watercolour but not very wet washes.
That saves a lot of time!
Enjoying your video! One note for your readers...Light tablets aren't that expensive anymore. A pretty bright USB tablet on Amazon was about $25-30 and well worth the investment! :):)
I feel the same way. I should trace more frequently. I’d be happier with the results.
Just bought a pocket size projector on eBay for 40 pound. They are super handy when you try to make super realistic drawing or very large painting. But beware the 🐈/🐕 may kicked things out of focus.
I really enjoy the intro to these videos from the very beginning - such Creative Thinking behind it! And the Logo is so absolutely adorable and brilliant. I like stopping the video when the flowers appear behind it, then just look at the overall design. It would be beautiful to have that frame captured and printed on your wall.
I have saved that frame for inspiration. I've yet to come up with a logo and have so many ideas that are different.
I remember in graphic design courses that you have to think about how a logo looks when very small. Return address labels and even smaller sizes; such as a favicon - the logo on a website tab - were discussed. It hinders my thought process, but I guess having two similar styles would be fine when a very small size is needed.
I will have to find the flower tutorial because I adore the colors and ink outlines done on them. I want to see how the stamens are done - if they are masked during the process.
Again, thanks for making this series. I'm sure you will help so many people get off to a good start!
i'm a perfectionist too! (unfortunately!) and you're right, it's sometimes detrimental to your art btw LOVE your vids! :)
You dont need a window or light box if you use tracing paper. Draw picture directly on tracing paper. Flip tracing paper over, trace over your original lines on the other side with soft dark pencil. Now lay your tracing paper right side up on the right side of your watercolor paper. Redraw over the original lines lightly with a colored pencil or pen-so you can be sure you didnt forget a line. Now lift off your tracing paper and you will see your picture has been transfered to the watercolor paper from the graphite pencil on the backside of the tracing paper
My dog loved bottles too I used to put the lids on as tight as possible so she could chew them off
Oh and lightboards are lots cheaper now thanks to leds they are also very thin which is nice I got a A4 (still kicking myself every day for not getting A3 but it's easy to move the paper) thin led box by huion (hmm not sure on the spelling) I didn't get a usb one as they were not quite as bright but I think they would be fine I got mine from the warehouse section of amazon for £20 ish but there are offers on all the time too
Thank you for your videos I've been a watercolour painter for 3 days now lol (there was a set on sale)
Thank you!
You're welcome!
Sketch on graph paper, then flip it over, cover the back with a soft pencil, make sure you got good even coverage. Tape that to your watercolor paper, pencil side down, and then trace your original sketch on top. Transfer design without lightbox cost or window finger cramps.
Thank you so much. I thought watercolor paper is too thick to trace. I've tried with the window method and I can barely see the outline. What do you think about using graphite paper?
Hey!! Feel a bit dumb but you mentioned one benefit as being able to make a small drawing big or vice versa... Does this mean you draw, scan it in, adjust and then print out and use that?
I love your videos ❤️
Very useful video. What are wax free graphite paper and its use in painting?
i know it has nothing to do with te topic, but my dog's favorite toy is a plastic bottle, i saw yours and is so cute !!!!
So silly :) Yeah Teddie still totes them around every once and a while :) lol
You didn’t appear to cover re sizing a drawing, have you done a tutorial elsewhere? Thank you
You scan it then print it in the new size and trace that.
They have cheap ones not as big but works fine also it’s rechargable
My Lightbox: trace straight from the computer with the light fully on.
Regarding a light box, they are pretty cheap these days off eBay, they are also LED and very thin.
I just bought a light tracing box on Amazon for $16 size A4 and it is amazing.
You should di video of mixing all paints together to be in thick paint
HAILEY PINTER thanks! I actually uploaded a video where I mixed 120 paints 😄
Love this cheap idea the best - can you please comment on a # pencil you use for tracing - 2B, H, 2H, 4h, 6H. Thank you soooo much
Your dog 😍
So do you sketch on the computer first, or do you scan it and then print? Thanks, this is super helpful!
scan and then print :)
Any other suggestions for students besides Arches watercolor paper which is too expensive especially for a beginner?
i loaf your little doggo dog in de backround
How did you print your original drawing? How do you get it on the computer?
Post notification!!!
I thought light box just for thin paper. Turns out it can be used for thick paper too
Really like your channel. Can a person use transfer paper to trace a drawing onto watercolor paper or are their disadvantages to this method?
Yes! I've recently tried using tracing paper to do the same. It definitely works - but sometimes leaves smudge marks or doesn't complete all the lines - compared to a light table where you can be exact. :D
l want to start learning watercolours ,from where I should start ,and what resources you recommend?
What kind of tape do you use?
Another excellent and informative video! May I ask you or anyone else out there: I have a problem with my vision and although I wear glasses, when it comes to doing anything intricate, I get totally frustrated to the point where I walk away. I would absolutely purchase a lightbox if I could use other mediums on it as well, ie watercolor markers, alcohol markers, rubber stamps, etc. So that's my question, is long as I don't add a ton of water to whatever I'm creating, will a lightbox help with respect to doing detailed projects? I'd really appreciate an answer from anyone. Thank You
You dont actually watercolor on a lightbox usually. They are simply used to trace the drawing on to the desired paper then the paper is moved of the box before it is painted/drawn on
5:40
6:40
8:35
9:14 4h pencil wont leave much lead residue on paper = less smudging
Lightpads are cheap (relatively cheap at least), check out Wish or Ali Express