I've started learning to paint in different medias for about a year. First I start collecting paints canvases and materials for the type of media then I watch interenet lessons and practice. Just did acrylics for a short time but the DESERT HEAT moved in and I had to switch to watercolor...an indoor sport! Your lessons have been ABSOLUTELY what I needed. More internet and more practice will move me forward. THANK YOU SO MUCH...Marty
I just discovered this video and thought it was one of the best watercolor "tips" videos I have seen. You addressed issues (the first 4 mistakes especially) that I haven't heard discussed before and illustrated them beautifully with your examples. I'm so glad all those negative comments did not discourage you from continuing your watercolor tutorials. However I haven't seen anything new from you for months, so I hope you haven't stopped! Your painting is unique and inspirational.
watercolors are supposed to be sloppy and carefree and imperfect. At least, her style of it is and I love it. Although she way very harsh on artists who do otherwise. Some people like clean lines and "isolated subjects"
Several of these are matter of style or opinion and about art in general.... Did not mention the biggest mistake water color beginners make are about WATER and pigment! Too much water too little water, not working fast enough or not rewetting your paper to keep it active.....paper weight, texture, there is more to watercolor than structure and balance and cohesivness.
Hi +CDubbClub , I think the biggest part of painting is definitely composition. That's why a good artist can paint with mud and a stick and end up with a rather nice painting. 😄 However, the right techniques and supplies do make things more fun. I address the paint / water ratios in a previous video, ua-cam.com/video/0wm0rF2_ud8/v-deo.html . All the fabulous color and incredible brush work will never rescue a bad composition. However, excellent composition will rescue dull colors every time. Happy Painting!
I'm also of the camp that most of these are a bit of an issue of style. Your style is somewhat fast and loose on both the "good" and "bad" sides and you're obviously not the type to do a rough sketch before starting off, which is OK with the way you're using your paints. I just personally have pretty much the opposite style. My watercolor paintings tend to have a lot of small details so I start by sketching, continue with rough, one-color washes where I want them, and then immediately reach for my much smaller brushes to start adding details. However, I have started sometimes by sketching and then grabbing my second-smallest brush and just jumping in. It can make an 8x10" drawing take 10+ hours but I'm always happy with the results. My style hasn't changed much since the first time I used any sort of watercolor in high school; it has only become more refined. I think we can both agree with always having clean water and leaving some white space. Your mistake bird drawing does remind me of a watercolor-y greeting card but it also utilizes negative space very well in comparison to the "fixed" version, which I felt was more simplistic in composition. Sorry for the long critique. I do admire anyone who can do watercolor in any way like this (because it definitely doesn't look right to me when I try...)
+chessur5kat Thanks for watching! Actually, I'm very much in favor of value sketches and planning out a painting. See part of my process and multiple sketches here: branchstudio.com/Entries/Venice-Cathedral-How-To-Plan-Painting-Blog.html The actual painting generally takes less than 2 hours. What you're not seeing is the 20+ hours it took before my brush hit the final painting paper. Before your brush ever touches the paper, you should know your value and color pattern and where you are going with your painting. If your framework is not very solid and thought out, your painting will fail. Details are unimportant next to structure. Who cares if the moulding is exquisite if the proportions of the building are off? It's easy and fun to do little sketches. I'm a complete fan of little sketches, like the left side heron, to remember trips or jot down memories. Sketches are wonderful. But sketches are little memories, not necessarily great art. The structure isn't there because it doesn't have to be. When you say greeting card vs simple structure, that is exactly what I'm talking about. One is a very cute sketch. One is a solid framework to build on. I started selling my work when I was 15 years old. I can't even tell you how much my technique and style have developed in the 1000's of paintings I've done since then. I don't know what my work will look like a decade from now, but I can't wait to paint my way to that! Happy Painting!
I suppose what I just meant is that your style with watercolor is very loose (very impressionist) and mine is very sharp in comparison. Thinking about it, I've drawn a lot of influence in my style from Dürer (one of my favorite artists) and his contemporaries. One day I hope to master oil paint enough to do something frivolous and rococo-like. My studies will definitely be in watercolor, then, which will be interesting. Your cathedral is beautiful, by the way. I totally agree proper planning and a good understanding of color theory are key. It takes me around the same amount of time doing preliminary sketches, drawing things out, and perfecting proportions (I happen to think I'm terrible at drawing but after a few hours of working at it, I manage) as it does painting which, as I mentioned, takes me quite a while. I think even if someone is of the type to do very abstract work, a good amount of planning is absolutely essential. I don't paint very often; just usually for meditative/relaxation purposes (very strange, weekend-long meditation sprees, I suppose), which may be why I tend to focus so much on small details. It doesn't help that I'm already a very detail-oriented person; I was an engineering student before switching to what I eventually ended up doing. Our minor differences in opinion might just be attributed to the fact that I'm a hobbyist (which is why I like watching beginner videos, even in media that I've been working with since my teen years... Or maybe I'm just weird.) and you're a professional, fully invested in her craft. Once again, sorry for the very long response and thanks for sharing your tips. :)
+chessur5kat I love art discussions, so long replies are great. Yes, I think the cathedral's my favorite painting so far, so I kept it! I started out doing exquisitely detailed pen and inks of people's homes with the tiniest pens out there. My style has changed a lot, but that gave me a terrific foundation in drawing and planning. I also painted quite a few oil portraits. I think one thing to remember is oil painting is very stiff compared to watercolor, which flows and changes as you paint it. In watercolor, you learn to hope for happy accidents. They're just not possible in oil, which is a very dull and straightforward medium in comparison. So let your paint flow and change as you paint, use a larger brush for the first half of the painting and I think you'll be surprised at how your painting develops. You will certainly return to the details you love - after all, every artist's style is what they love. But a little quick experimentation on something that doesn't matter can change everything - as well as being fun! Happy Painting!
As a green beginner, I really appreciate your tips. I didn't know how to do backgrounds but I like what you did by leaving white spaces. Thank you for your time!
A wonderful video. Thank you. I've watched a lot of "beginner mistake," videos but yours is the first to exemplify the difference between a nice "sketch" or "study" versus a panting. This is something I have been fighting. I will use your advice and expect I will see a difference in my sketches turning into paintings. Thankyou.
How condescending, especially that kindergartner remark. I don't consider most of these mistakes at all. Way to put people down for painting differently than you.
Great ideas, but just like everything else they are subjective...personally I like realism in watercolor while you seem to prefer just the opposite. You're seem to be one of those artist who think watercolor is not watercolor unless you splash it abstractly while I tend to believe both approaches have their place. Sorry, but the only thing I tend to agree with you on is keeping clean your water & having two yellows.... Thanks for the video I'm sure there are lots of people who benefit from it! Keep up the good work!
Awesome video. I started painting again after not doing so for at least a decade. It helps distract me from my constant pain (I am in pain 24/7/365 and have been for 15 years). I often did not want to bother taking out the supplies to paint. Now I have made myself a small box, with my basic supplies (small palette field box, four brushes, a couple paper towels, mixing palette, two small jars, and my pack of paper). It is very easy to break that box open and paint for ten minutes or an hour, when I need something to distract myself. So glad I did that for myself. Found you by way of Pinterest! Subscribed!
+rehabLPNRN I started seriously painting after a bad accident with concussion. I couldn't walk right, couldn't focus long on a book or television without double vision, but I could focus clearly on a painting. It is the greatest, most empowering therapy in the world. Good luck!
honestly I think limiting how people paint to your narrow techniques isn't fair. I preferred the so called "mistakes" in most of these examples - the only one I wholeheartedly agree with is the clean water one.
+Anthony o'Flynn You absolutely made my day telling me that! I've made all the mistakes and learned from them over years. I want it to be easy for everyone to get to the fun part of painting! I'm so glad it's helping you. Thank you!
Leigh Carver definitely agree. there was someone who said drawing from a picture isn't really art. that made me sooo mad. every style or kind of art is beautiful. ofcourse there is more emotion in a drawing you made from the heart. but still for every style of art you need skills. so I don't think anything is wrong.
If everybody created art in the same exact ways and adheard to strict rules we would definitely miss out on some great art. Experimenting and being creative is what makes art enjoyable for me.
I prefer all the "wrong" ways to paint, in every example. I like using watercolors but I like them to be heavier colors and be abstract. Just my preference.
+gkamericanprincess I think learning from as many different artists as possible is the best way to learn to paint. I love trying new techniques that aren't my favorites, but I always learn something new! Happy Painting!
I am just getting into watercolor.....I find your tips very useful, and love your loose , impressionistic paintings. I prefer paintings that are full of color and life. Thankful to find you video. Going to hopefully learn more from your website . Please keep up the videos.
Jennifer - great tips. You are right, everybody does each of these sometimes! Pointing it out helps to compare it to a more effective way of creating a painting. The only thing i would add, is that it IS perfectly fine to do sketching with watercolors IF that is what your goal is. Just realize--as you have pointed out---it is not a painting.
+watchingpaintdryllc I love sketching for memories or to learn. I sketch almost every day. I've had a lot of students who couldn't transition from incomplete sketches to well composed paintings. Just something I know a lot of student artists are frustrated with so I picked working at the center as one of the tips. Actually, I love series of little sketches beautifully laid out around a page. Those make the most charming memories. I always end up planning a painting midway instead of little charming sketches though. Thanks for watching. I love your videos!
Just getting started so I watched your this video first !1Thank you. I am 66 and took a watercolor class using just black about 25 years ago at a family camp... but remembered how much fun it was.
+Linda Cordero-Iglesia You know, some of the mistakes are the differences between sketching in a sketchbook and painting a painting. Students wonder why their paintings never look quite finished, aren't pulled together. So "mistakes" always depend on what you're going for. Of course, leaving white paper, clean water and not using gazillions of pigments are always good ideas!
sheesh, you can easily build up a watercolor painting with details and small brushes. It's called techniques and styles, and aren't mistakes, but challenges one can take on.
this is completely bogus. these really aren't 'mistakes', it's just your personal opinion. there's no right or wrong way to paint or do art. and there's absolutely no need for you to be so condescending in your video, saying that the painting style you dont like is what "maybe a kindergartener would do".
well not everything's bad in my opinion, I mean I liked the 'isolated' ones more, but the clean water is a good thing to know for beginners and when she only used three colours instead of like ten it looked a little better, its okay though, to each their own :3
+Elizabeth Brandon Thanks! I think learning from as many different styles as possible makes everyone better at their own style. I study all sorts of artists and learn in the most unexpected places. I appreciate you telling my you enjoyed it!
I liked the "mistakes" a lot better then the "right ways" the ones you said where right looked very messy and was quite hard to distinguish what was what while the "wrong" ones where very clear not saying your doing anything wrong tho.. always do you
I really enjoy Ms. Branch's videos, and must admit that my skill level of painting is BELOW a kindergarteners. Geesh, now I feel like I should sell all of my watercolor supplies. Bummer...
+ella bersales I'm so glad it helped. I remember how overwhelming learning to paint was. I'm trying to get the easy things to fix out of the way so you can have more fun just painting!
I have been making some of these mistakes! This video has been super helpful. I'll remember it every time Im painting to avoid making them. Thank you!!
Excellent tips for even intermediate painters... especially using a limited palette and waiting till the very end to add the details. One last tip... your work whether it be a painting a drawing or even a sketch should contain... dominant... subdominant... subordinate shapes and / or colors with the final touches being the accents.
+Carl Pen Thanks! I was trying to include all the tips I wish I'd known. Yes, I think I'll do a basic composition lesson. Even sketches need center of interest focal points and leading lines. In fact, I think I'd argue that a dominant point is the most important for sketches, since that's all they absolutely have to have. The rest is frills. Thank you for your points!
@ Jenn... It's hard to say a lot in a 5 minute video but I think you did a great job. Everything you said was absolutely correct... but when I read some of the comments below it seems that they weren't hearing you and instead took it upon themselves to critique your quick sketches... I guess it's true when they say... some people can't see the forest because of all the trees. WAKE UP and LISTEN... this video is giving good advice and maybe some day, with any luck, you'll realize it.
+Carl Pen Thanks so much. I really appreciate the kind words. I can't believe people judge 1 minute example sketches the same as finished paintings. The next time I do a lesson on what not to do, I'll make sure the bad examples are absurdly bad! :) I still love the idea of a very basic composition lesson. It would be useful to show a few formulas people can use so they get good results. Once you see success, it's easier to build on that formula and take composition chances. Thank you again. Happy Painting!
+gargi verma I think every single culture has their own version of watercolor. They all have different "rules" and nuances but basics of good painting are the same everywhere. It's really fun to see what other people do who have such different teachers and methods.
I am a beginner but have been watching watercolour videos and reading books for the past 2 years so I totally get what you are saying .However being loose and tackling the entire paper together are rather daunting and I too struggle with it .I am sorry you had a lot of negative comments but I think sometimes people miss good things if they dislike the presentation style .Loose versus more detailed are different styles but the difference between sketches versus paintings is what not all of us beginners including me fully understand .
There's a lot to take in when you're a beginner. You're going to find artists, like me, who say you must do this, you must use these materials. Nothing else will do. All of these artists are speaking about their own style and you are developing your own style. Basically, if you want to paint remotely like my style, these are good tips. If you absolutely hate my style, they aren't great tips. I've taught thousands of students. These are the tips that helped them the most. But, of course, you don't take a workshop from an artist whose work you hate. :) I will admit my isolated vs. integrated example (bird) isn't a great one. Trust me, even in sketching you want to integrate things. Unfortunately, I did that on both. At that point in video making, I just wanted to paint something ok. Next time, the negative ones I'll paint dreadfully. Oh well. We all learn. Sketching vs. paintings is another thing that changes for different artists. For some artists, all they want to do is sketch. Sketching is basically a description for a loose, plein aire painting style. For others, a sketch is a preliminary workup leading to a painting. For most, a sketch is looser and quicker than a painting. To me, sketches fall into 2 categories. Some are brief memories, usually in my journal, of a memory I want to keep. The others are workups for later paintings, sometimes plein aire, sometimes not. A painting has preliminary sketches and the final work is heavily edited and much better because I truly understand my subject. I don't agree with the anything is art theory. I think art takes time and craftsmanship to master. However, I do think the most important part of learning an art is to find joy in the process. The process of learning and creating art is a beautiful thing and has great value at all stages. This video was just intended to make learning watercolor easier and more fun. That's pretty much it. Have fun painting!
liked it. learned alot. I'm taking a water colour paint class but was so concerned about my "sample apple" I had to draw that i lost track of the 3 techniques she was teaching out. I wish I'd just used BOXES - as I cant draw. I have home work of practice to turn in tomorrow and havent started it. instead of being FUN it was stressful. and it is only a 4 night class. (every tuesday in august)
When you’re learning anything new it can get overwhelming. Just concentrate on improving one thing a week. You’ll be surprised how quickly it flows together.
thanks great video .... hey I just looked and you only have three videos!!!! Please, make more ... you are wonderful to watch and come across really well!! Donna
I think you are the only person who can make the so called 'Mistakes' look better than what you say is the Correct way to paint. 😊 Art is about personal choice.
Hi Jennifer, thanks very much for posting this. I'm just starting out at this, and I think this advice is very helpful. (However, like many of the comments below, I like your left painting in several cases more than right.)
+John Godino My husband told me I should have done a worse job on the left. I just couldn't make myself do it, unbalanced is unbalanced. :) Good luck with watercolor - you're going to have so much fun!
Wonderful tips! Wish I'd seen this years ago. I like the fast part of you painting. Most teachers would just post "still" shots of the two examples. Very nice to see it in action. ;) You're my fave artist, Jen! :) (You and some dude named: Castagnet) ;)
+Sylvia Catalano Thanks! I love teaching beginners - it's so easy to save them a lot of stress when some little changes make all the difference. Enjoy the weekend!
I agree with the artist there is a huge difference between the simple sketch which is ok if it is in your diary but the one painted on the right side is MUCH MUCH BETTER
I like the original one of the heron much better, but the others I preferred the second one. For me the heron is the center of attraction and the fact that it's so simple is what I like best.
I've been painting for over 50 years and when I started painting with watercolors it took me years to realize that I was doing it backwards. I was using too much paint and not enough water. I think it's because my father was an artist who only used oils and as a child I was used to thick paint. Hardly anyone ever addresses this aspect of watercolor it literally took me years to learn to paint with watercolors without making the paint thick.
+Beverly Barnes I know what you mean. I started in watercolor, but I painted oils professionally for years. It's a transition between them for certain. I do have a video on pigment mixing / water amounts which touches on the subject. ua-cam.com/video/0wm0rF2_ud8/v-deo.html Watercolor just has that magic to it, doesn't it? When you get the ratio right, there's nothing like it!
+Lola I use M. Graham transparent watercolors. I don't ever buy student grade watercolors since they are mostly kaolin filler. A lot of money for muddy paintings! I'm sorry, I don't know the brand Lukas. Good luck and happy painting!
To me that is what art is all about . You paint what you like and not everyone is going to like it. and some people will love it . It is about style choice and your own personality That is being creative not someone else's idea about what is beautiful.
1 is a matter of subject matter and opinion. 2 is just a different approach/sequence, often people want to draw attention to certain parts by adding details. 3 is, again, a matter of opinion and what the purpose of painting is meant to be. If it's supposed to be illustrative, loose or whimsical the right one is better. 4 and 5 are the only one's that can be considered actual mistakes in many cases.
I think I prefer the mistakes more.
me too, they look clean and well done while the others look mushed together and messy, idk we all have different likes and styles :3
Same 😊
saame
Me too :D
I feel the same way
I've started learning to paint in different medias for about a year. First I start collecting paints canvases and materials for the type of media then I watch interenet lessons and practice. Just did acrylics for a short time but the DESERT HEAT moved in and I had to switch to watercolor...an indoor sport! Your lessons have been ABSOLUTELY what I needed. More internet and more practice will move me forward. THANK YOU SO MUCH...Marty
Anyone else like the isolated sketch better than the painting?
+MaddyPlaysMinecraft Yep...
+MaddyPlaysMinecraft Yeah. o-o they all seem to get worse instead of better
+TheBeautyOfTheWorld exactly. They just look like big blobs of water color...
MaddyPlaysMinecraft Haha Cx yep
Yeah she's saying that doing the sketch is wrong but that is just some peoples style of painting clearly not hers 😂
I just discovered this video and thought it was one of the best watercolor "tips" videos I have seen. You addressed issues (the first 4 mistakes especially) that I haven't heard discussed before and illustrated them beautifully with your examples. I'm so glad all those negative comments did not discourage you from continuing your watercolor tutorials. However I haven't seen anything new from you for months, so I hope you haven't stopped! Your painting is unique and inspirational.
Thank you. That means a lot! I haven't stopped, just busy homeschooling.
Did anyone else think the things you're not supposed to do were prettier?
+Live4theblacknote Yep
YES!!!
Yup
I don't like how she is belittling artists with a different. Her artwork is sloppy looking.
watercolors are supposed to be sloppy and carefree and imperfect. At least, her style of it is and I love it. Although she way very harsh on artists who do otherwise. Some people like clean lines and "isolated subjects"
"A cute flower that a kindergardener might do"
Welp.
Which one though xD
Pretty darn talented kiddo I'd say!
I thought that was such a crappy thing to say. Both are beautiful!
Sara Benedet
Sara Benedet some kinders can do that 😐😐😐😐😐😐🤣🤣🤣
Several of these are matter of style or opinion and about art in general.... Did not mention the biggest mistake water color beginners make are about WATER and pigment! Too much water too little water, not working fast enough or not rewetting your paper to keep it active.....paper weight, texture, there is more to watercolor than structure and balance and cohesivness.
Hi +CDubbClub , I think the biggest part of painting is definitely composition. That's why a good artist can paint with mud and a stick and end up with a rather nice painting. 😄
However, the right techniques and supplies do make things more fun. I address the paint / water ratios in a previous video, ua-cam.com/video/0wm0rF2_ud8/v-deo.html .
All the fabulous color and incredible brush work will never rescue a bad composition. However, excellent composition will rescue dull colors every time.
Happy Painting!
I'm also of the camp that most of these are a bit of an issue of style. Your style is somewhat fast and loose on both the "good" and "bad" sides and you're obviously not the type to do a rough sketch before starting off, which is OK with the way you're using your paints. I just personally have pretty much the opposite style.
My watercolor paintings tend to have a lot of small details so I start by sketching, continue with rough, one-color washes where I want them, and then immediately reach for my much smaller brushes to start adding details. However, I have started sometimes by sketching and then grabbing my second-smallest brush and just jumping in. It can make an 8x10" drawing take 10+ hours but I'm always happy with the results. My style hasn't changed much since the first time I used any sort of watercolor in high school; it has only become more refined.
I think we can both agree with always having clean water and leaving some white space. Your mistake bird drawing does remind me of a watercolor-y greeting card but it also utilizes negative space very well in comparison to the "fixed" version, which I felt was more simplistic in composition.
Sorry for the long critique. I do admire anyone who can do watercolor in any way like this (because it definitely doesn't look right to me when I try...)
+chessur5kat Thanks for watching!
Actually, I'm very much in favor of value sketches and planning out a painting. See part of my process and multiple sketches here: branchstudio.com/Entries/Venice-Cathedral-How-To-Plan-Painting-Blog.html
The actual painting generally takes less than 2 hours. What you're not seeing is the 20+ hours it took before my brush hit the final painting paper.
Before your brush ever touches the paper, you should know your value and color pattern and where you are going with your painting. If your framework is not very solid and thought out, your painting will fail. Details are unimportant next to structure. Who cares if the moulding is exquisite if the proportions of the building are off?
It's easy and fun to do little sketches. I'm a complete fan of little sketches, like the left side heron, to remember trips or jot down memories. Sketches are wonderful. But sketches are little memories, not necessarily great art. The structure isn't there because it doesn't have to be. When you say greeting card vs simple structure, that is exactly what I'm talking about. One is a very cute sketch. One is a solid framework to build on.
I started selling my work when I was 15 years old. I can't even tell you how much my technique and style have developed in the 1000's of paintings I've done since then.
I don't know what my work will look like a decade from now, but I can't wait to paint my way to that!
Happy Painting!
I suppose what I just meant is that your style with watercolor is very loose (very impressionist) and mine is very sharp in comparison. Thinking about it, I've drawn a lot of influence in my style from Dürer (one of my favorite artists) and his contemporaries. One day I hope to master oil paint enough to do something frivolous and rococo-like. My studies will definitely be in watercolor, then, which will be interesting.
Your cathedral is beautiful, by the way.
I totally agree proper planning and a good understanding of color theory are key. It takes me around the same amount of time doing preliminary sketches, drawing things out, and perfecting proportions (I happen to think I'm terrible at drawing but after a few hours of working at it, I manage) as it does painting which, as I mentioned, takes me quite a while. I think even if someone is of the type to do very abstract work, a good amount of planning is absolutely essential.
I don't paint very often; just usually for meditative/relaxation purposes (very strange, weekend-long meditation sprees, I suppose), which may be why I tend to focus so much on small details. It doesn't help that I'm already a very detail-oriented person; I was an engineering student before switching to what I eventually ended up doing. Our minor differences in opinion might just be attributed to the fact that I'm a hobbyist (which is why I like watching beginner videos, even in media that I've been working with since my teen years... Or maybe I'm just weird.) and you're a professional, fully invested in her craft.
Once again, sorry for the very long response and thanks for sharing your tips. :)
+chessur5kat I love art discussions, so long replies are great. Yes, I think the cathedral's my favorite painting so far, so I kept it!
I started out doing exquisitely detailed pen and inks of people's homes with the tiniest pens out there. My style has changed a lot, but that gave me a terrific foundation in drawing and planning. I also painted quite a few oil portraits.
I think one thing to remember is oil painting is very stiff compared to watercolor, which flows and changes as you paint it. In watercolor, you learn to hope for happy accidents. They're just not possible in oil, which is a very dull and straightforward medium in comparison.
So let your paint flow and change as you paint, use a larger brush for the first half of the painting and I think you'll be surprised at how your painting develops. You will certainly return to the details you love - after all, every artist's style is what they love. But a little quick experimentation on something that doesn't matter can change everything - as well as being fun!
Happy Painting!
As a green beginner, I really appreciate your tips. I didn't know how to do backgrounds but I like what you did by leaving white spaces. Thank you for your time!
+Deborah DeWitt Whites really make colors sparkle! I hope you enjoy your new painting hobby. Be careful, it can become a lifetime obsession!
A wonderful video. Thank you. I've watched a lot of "beginner mistake," videos but yours is the first to exemplify the difference between a nice "sketch" or "study" versus a panting. This is something I have been fighting. I will use your advice and expect I will see a difference in my sketches turning into paintings. Thankyou.
Oh! Here is something you missed: Thinking that these types of 'mistakes' exist in watercolor.
Most of these aren't mistakes; they're preferences.
How condescending, especially that kindergartner remark. I don't consider most of these mistakes at all. Way to put people down for painting differently than you.
Great ideas, but just like everything else they are subjective...personally I like realism in watercolor while you seem to prefer just the opposite. You're seem to be one of those artist who think watercolor is not watercolor unless you splash it abstractly while I tend to believe both approaches have their place. Sorry, but the only thing I tend to agree with you on is keeping clean your water & having two yellows....
Thanks for the video I'm sure there are lots of people who benefit from it! Keep up the good work!
Awesome video. I started painting again after not doing so for at least a decade. It helps distract me from my constant pain (I am in pain 24/7/365 and have been for 15 years). I often did not want to bother taking out the supplies to paint. Now I have made myself a small box, with my basic supplies (small palette field box, four brushes, a couple paper towels, mixing palette, two small jars, and my pack of paper). It is very easy to break that box open and paint for ten minutes or an hour, when I need something to distract myself. So glad I did that for myself. Found you by way of Pinterest! Subscribed!
+rehabLPNRN I started seriously painting after a bad accident with concussion. I couldn't walk right, couldn't focus long on a book or television without double vision, but I could focus clearly on a painting. It is the greatest, most empowering therapy in the world.
Good luck!
honestly I think limiting how people paint to your narrow techniques isn't fair. I preferred the so called "mistakes" in most of these examples - the only one I wholeheartedly agree with is the clean water one.
you have saved me about five years effort , one ton of paper and a salary on paint , great advice , you are a wizard Jennifer , and a good one too !
+Anthony o'Flynn You absolutely made my day telling me that!
I've made all the mistakes and learned from them over years. I want it to be easy for everyone to get to the fun part of painting! I'm so glad it's helping you.
Thank you!
I think these should all be taken as an opinion. there is no right or wrong in art. but that's just MY opinion 😉
I agree :3
Leigh Carver definitely agree. there was someone who said drawing from a picture isn't really art. that made me sooo mad. every style or kind of art is beautiful. ofcourse there is more emotion in a drawing you made from the heart. but still for every style of art you need skills. so I don't think anything is wrong.
wtf is your avatar
...its me wearing white contacts.
If everybody created art in the same exact ways and adheard to strict rules we would definitely miss out on some great art. Experimenting and being creative is what makes art enjoyable for me.
I prefer all the "wrong" ways to paint, in every example. I like using watercolors but I like them to be heavier colors and be abstract. Just my preference.
+gkamericanprincess I think learning from as many different artists as possible is the best way to learn to paint. I love trying new techniques that aren't my favorites, but I always learn something new!
Happy Painting!
I am just getting into watercolor.....I find your tips very useful, and love your loose , impressionistic paintings. I prefer paintings that are full of color and life. Thankful to find you video. Going to hopefully learn more from your website . Please keep up the videos.
+Marri V. I'm so glad you're enjoying the lessons! To me, painting distills all the color and joy in life to a lovely little jewel.
Happy Painting!
Jennifer - great tips. You are right, everybody does each of these sometimes! Pointing it out helps to compare it to a more effective way of creating a painting. The only thing i would add, is that it IS perfectly fine to do sketching with watercolors IF that is what your goal is. Just realize--as you have pointed out---it is not a painting.
+watchingpaintdryllc I love sketching for memories or to learn. I sketch almost every day.
I've had a lot of students who couldn't transition from incomplete sketches to well composed paintings. Just something I know a lot of student artists are frustrated with so I picked working at the center as one of the tips.
Actually, I love series of little sketches beautifully laid out around a page. Those make the most charming memories. I always end up planning a painting midway instead of little charming sketches though.
Thanks for watching. I love your videos!
take the bow Jennifer , you 've earned it !
+Anthony o'Flynn :)
Just getting started so I watched your this video first !1Thank you. I am 66 and took a watercolor class using just black about 25 years ago at a family camp... but remembered how much fun it was.
even your "mistake" painting is awesome!
Thank you, +Iwan Paul !
Iwan Paul It's cause they aren't mistakes.
It's so funny! I actually love all the different ones, the mistakes and the right way!
+Linda Cordero-Iglesia You know, some of the mistakes are the differences between sketching in a sketchbook and painting a painting. Students wonder why their paintings never look quite finished, aren't pulled together. So "mistakes" always depend on what you're going for.
Of course, leaving white paper, clean water and not using gazillions of pigments are always good ideas!
Me too LOL
sheesh, you can easily build up a watercolor painting with details and small brushes. It's called techniques and styles, and aren't mistakes, but challenges one can take on.
TattooedDancer91 it's a general guide for beginners
this is completely bogus. these really aren't 'mistakes', it's just your personal opinion. there's no right or wrong way to paint or do art. and there's absolutely no need for you to be so condescending in your video, saying that the painting style you dont like is what "maybe a kindergartener would do".
I know! they're not mistakes they're just different styles of art. personally I prefer the dainty 'sketches' to the 'paintings'
well not everything's bad in my opinion, I mean I liked the 'isolated' ones more, but the clean water is a good thing to know for beginners and when she only used three colours instead of like ten it looked a little better, its okay though, to each their own :3
HAAHAAA YOUR PROFILE PICTURE!!!!!
puptented Only the water one is a mistake XD
I really appreciated the clarity of the ideas. Although my painting goals are different, you reminded me of what I could be doing better. Thanks!
+Elizabeth Brandon Thanks! I think learning from as many different styles as possible makes everyone better at their own style. I study all sorts of artists and learn in the most unexpected places.
I appreciate you telling my you enjoyed it!
Thanks so much. I loved this. I'm a REAL beginner so I need all the help I can get. Your tutorial was clear, efficient and easy to remember.
+Sally Gillies You're very welcome! I hope to make beginning watercolor easy for anyone who wants to paint! Have fun!
This actually helps me. Thank you. Keep sharing your skill. 🌼
Art is the expression of one's self not the limitation of creativity to realism or the preference of others.
I liked the "mistakes" a lot better then the "right ways"
the ones you said where right looked very messy and was quite hard to distinguish what was what while the "wrong" ones where very clear
not saying your doing anything wrong tho.. always do you
DJ L1ON
Thank you for making us descovering a way of using watercolor painting different from colorising. I understand better my own difficulties !
I’m so glad! Have fun!
Never heard these before and have been painting for a few years - fabulous!!
+Heidi Witaker Thank you! I'm glad these helped make painting more fun!
Great tips! We need to be reminded again and again. Thank you!
I really enjoy Ms. Branch's videos, and must admit that my skill level of painting is BELOW a kindergarteners. Geesh, now I feel like I should sell all of my watercolor supplies. Bummer...
Your video is really helpful to me since im a beginner and I will take note your tips so I can improve thank you!
+ella bersales I'm so glad it helped. I remember how overwhelming learning to paint was. I'm trying to get the easy things to fix out of the way so you can have more fun just painting!
I have been making some of these mistakes! This video has been super helpful. I'll remember it every time Im painting to avoid making them. Thank you!!
+2112Dahlia I'm so glad the video helped! I love making painting basics easier for people!
Happy painting!
just SUBSCRIBED!!!!! I'm trying to open new doors to my art career! I start high school next year and am taking art classes
+CRAZYRaichu Very exciting! I started selling my work in high school too. I'm glad my videos are helping!
Excellent tips for even intermediate painters... especially using a limited palette and waiting till the very end to add the details. One last tip... your work whether it be a painting a drawing or even a sketch should contain... dominant... subdominant... subordinate shapes and / or colors with the final touches being the accents.
+Carl Pen Thanks! I was trying to include all the tips I wish I'd known.
Yes, I think I'll do a basic composition lesson. Even sketches need center of interest focal points and leading lines. In fact, I think I'd argue that a dominant point is the most important for sketches, since that's all they absolutely have to have. The rest is frills.
Thank you for your points!
@ Jenn... It's hard to say a lot in a 5 minute video but I think you did a great job.
Everything you said was absolutely correct... but when I read some of the comments below it seems that they weren't hearing you and instead took it upon themselves to critique your quick sketches...
I guess it's true when they say... some people can't see the forest because of all the trees.
WAKE UP and LISTEN... this video is giving good advice and maybe some day, with any luck, you'll realize it.
+Carl Pen Thanks so much. I really appreciate the kind words.
I can't believe people judge 1 minute example sketches the same as finished paintings. The next time I do a lesson on what not to do, I'll make sure the bad examples are absurdly bad! :)
I still love the idea of a very basic composition lesson. It would be useful to show a few formulas people can use so they get good results. Once you see success, it's easier to build on that formula and take composition chances.
Thank you again. Happy Painting!
Love this! Clear, concise, and great examples. Thank you
+Lois Cox Thank you for watching and telling me you like it! I hope it helps make painting even more fun!
Thanks for taking the time to point out these common mistakes 👌🏻🙋🏻🌿🌷
I'm so glad you liked it, Maggie!
I liked your way of presenting the mistakes.I m from India n love to see wat ppl do in other countries....
+gargi verma I think every single culture has their own version of watercolor. They all have different "rules" and nuances but basics of good painting are the same everywhere. It's really fun to see what other people do who have such different teachers and methods.
Thanks Jen. I recognise some of my mistakes!
+nicholas ferrieux et marie-pierre cervello Yes, they're all ones I've made too!
I am a beginner but have been watching watercolour videos and reading books for the past 2 years so I totally get what you are saying .However being loose and tackling the entire paper together are rather daunting and I too struggle with it .I am sorry you had a lot of negative comments but I think sometimes people miss good things if they dislike the presentation style .Loose versus more detailed are different styles but the difference between sketches versus paintings is what not all of us beginners including me fully understand .
There's a lot to take in when you're a beginner. You're going to find artists, like me, who say you must do this, you must use these materials. Nothing else will do. All of these artists are speaking about their own style and you are developing your own style.
Basically, if you want to paint remotely like my style, these are good tips. If you absolutely hate my style, they aren't great tips. I've taught thousands of students. These are the tips that helped them the most. But, of course, you don't take a workshop from an artist whose work you hate. :)
I will admit my isolated vs. integrated example (bird) isn't a great one. Trust me, even in sketching you want to integrate things. Unfortunately, I did that on both.
At that point in video making, I just wanted to paint something ok. Next time, the negative ones I'll paint dreadfully. Oh well. We all learn.
Sketching vs. paintings is another thing that changes for different artists. For some artists, all they want to do is sketch. Sketching is basically a description for a loose, plein aire painting style. For others, a sketch is a preliminary workup leading to a painting. For most, a sketch is looser and quicker than a painting.
To me, sketches fall into 2 categories. Some are brief memories, usually in my journal, of a memory I want to keep. The others are workups for later paintings, sometimes plein aire, sometimes not. A painting has preliminary sketches and the final work is heavily edited and much better because I truly understand my subject.
I don't agree with the anything is art theory. I think art takes time and craftsmanship to master.
However, I do think the most important part of learning an art is to find joy in the process. The process of learning and creating art is a beautiful thing and has great value at all stages.
This video was just intended to make learning watercolor easier and more fun. That's pretty much it.
Have fun painting!
I loved how this video was short and to the point.
liked it. learned alot. I'm taking a water colour paint class but was so concerned about my "sample apple" I had to draw that i lost track of the 3 techniques she was teaching out. I wish I'd just used BOXES - as I cant draw. I have home work of practice to turn in tomorrow and havent started it. instead of being FUN it was stressful. and it is only a 4 night class. (every tuesday in august)
When you’re learning anything new it can get overwhelming. Just concentrate on improving one thing a week. You’ll be surprised how quickly it flows together.
thanks great video .... hey I just looked and you only have three videos!!!! Please, make more ... you are wonderful to watch and come across really well!! Donna
opps my computer was playing tricks I think ... when I refreshed the page I saw you have many .... ok I'm off to watch a few ;)
Wow, you scared me for a minute. 😀 Thanks for the great encouragement to make more. Happy Painting!
These are the mistakes that I always made... This is very helpful.. thankful miss.
+Adjk 24 You are so very welcome. I'm glad I could help!
Hey Jennifer. I love all your videos. you got some mad skills chica.
+Ivan Artworks Thank you so much!
both are very amazing. I love just how diverse watercolor can be; Clean, sloppy, still beautiful.
+Maricela Jaime There's no medium quite like it!
Thanks Jennifer. Very informative video.
+Leon Sajem I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Just what I've been looking for! Your advice is spot on, thank you!
I’m so glad!
i think the 'mistakes' seem more appealing to me
Hai! I learn more things about art. Thank you very much. May the triple gem bless you!
+Piyumi Kaldera you’re very welcome! Thank you for watching!
3:12 I like the mistake more
same it's pretty and dainty
Laura Riley Exactly. And I would never call it mistake as she did. It is just another style.
I think you are the only person who can make the so called 'Mistakes' look better than what you say is the Correct way to paint. 😊 Art is about personal choice.
Hi Jennifer, thanks very much for posting this. I'm just starting out at this, and I think this advice is very helpful. (However, like many of the comments below, I like your left painting in several cases more than right.)
+John Godino My husband told me I should have done a worse job on the left. I just couldn't make myself do it, unbalanced is unbalanced. :)
Good luck with watercolor - you're going to have so much fun!
you're now my painter inspiration! you're so great, so artistic 😍
+John Peterson Gapuz Thank you so much! That means a lot to me!
You deserve it! I like your style, especially leaving at least white spaces on paper, it really looks like an art 😊
to know! thanks for the addition...Marty
I like watercolor, i enjoyed your video, thanks for sharing
you're so talented!.... thanks for the posting..
+Pammy Jones You're very welcome! I hope it inspires you.
Wonderful tips! Wish I'd seen this years ago. I like the fast part of you painting. Most teachers would just post "still" shots of the two examples. Very nice to see it in action. ;)
You're my fave artist, Jen! :) (You and some dude named: Castagnet) ;)
+Sylvia Catalano Thanks! I love teaching beginners - it's so easy to save them a lot of stress when some little changes make all the difference.
Enjoy the weekend!
So simple and yet so important. Thanx a lot.
+kamaljeetchugh you're very welcome! I'm glad it was useful.
awesome!! finally, some tips I can USE! Thank you!
+Billy Jones I'm so glad they helped! Have fun!
I agree with the artist there is a huge difference between the simple sketch which is ok if it is in your diary but the one painted on the right side is MUCH MUCH BETTER
Thanks! It’s two different thought processes to me. It just depends what your goal is.
thank you a great easy and important video. Well done!
+Alex WT I'm so glad you liked it! I very much appreciate you telling me!
thanks Jennfer have saved this clip on my bookmark bar
+Debra Cant Thank you for watching!
Very good tips! For me they were really enlightening.
I’m so glad! Have fun painting!
V useful tips to bear in mind. Thnx.
You're so very welcome. Happy Painting!
So informative and interesting...thank you 👍
I like the original one of the heron much better, but the others I preferred the second one. For me the heron is the center of attraction and the fact that it's so simple is what I like best.
Thanks for the useful tips.
+Chris DaCosta Thank you so very much!
I've been painting for over 50 years and when I started painting with watercolors it took me years to realize that I was doing it backwards. I was using too much paint and not enough water. I think it's because my father was an artist who only used oils and as a child I was used to thick paint. Hardly anyone ever addresses this aspect of watercolor it literally took me years to learn to paint with watercolors without making the paint thick.
+Beverly Barnes I know what you mean. I started in watercolor, but I painted oils professionally for years. It's a transition between them for certain.
I do have a video on pigment mixing / water amounts which touches on the subject. ua-cam.com/video/0wm0rF2_ud8/v-deo.html
Watercolor just has that magic to it, doesn't it? When you get the ratio right, there's nothing like it!
I can only agree about "dirty / clean water" and "mixing too many colours". The rest is the various painting styles
I liked the "right ways" better, they look more in touch and uniformed then the "mistakes"
+Peper Hearts Thanks. It really is all about composition, whatever your style. That's what pulls it together!
Shares
Happy to have your value able tips. Subscribed, thank you.
+tm loney Thank you! The next will be out on January 21st.
Happy Painting!
Beautiful
3:41 Wow an actual mistake!!!
it’s the matter of styles and preferences you can’t compare which is better
Thanks, just what I needed to hear 👂
+Peter Mcwilliams I’m so glad!
Which one is better Lukas watercolour or aquafine watercolour? Im a beginner and wanna buy watercolours but i dont now wich one of them,please help
+Lola I use M. Graham transparent watercolors. I don't ever buy student grade watercolors since they are mostly kaolin filler. A lot of money for muddy paintings!
I'm sorry, I don't know the brand Lukas.
Good luck and happy painting!
Good job 😊☺☺
it's very helpful for our competition in school thank you: )
+Weng Ibarra I hope you do well!
very enlightening would like to see more.
Marc Boyd Thank you so much! I'm filming today!
A very good lesson indeed.
+john nemaric Thank you! I'm glad you liked it.
I really enjoyed this video thanks FRom Philippines
+Collin Kate Buot I'm glad you liked it. Fun to hear from the Philippines!
Thank you very much! Great help
Enchanting! Thank you for doing this. :)
That is so nice to hear. I’m really glad you liked it!
To me that is what art is all about . You paint what you like and not everyone is going to like it. and some people will love it . It is about style choice and your own personality That is being creative not someone else's idea about what is beautiful.
i learned a lot and really enjoyed this video. thank you!- frim Philippines
+erk goat You are so welcome! Happy Painting!
Your picture is very good ~♡
xllent tuturiol thanks watercolors is my fav
You're very welcome! Have fun painting!
Thanks for sharing your secrets!!
+Sarah Guy-Levar You're very welcome! I love helping people learn to love watercolor.
Thanks for the tips!
+amelita reyes You're very welcome!
Thank you! So helpful.
I'm so glad it was useful for you. Have fun painting!
Really helpful!! Thank you
I’m so glad it was helpful, Wasim! Have fun painting!
thanks Its very helpful
+mark adams I'm so glad!
1 is a matter of subject matter and opinion.
2 is just a different approach/sequence, often people want to draw attention to certain parts by adding details.
3 is, again, a matter of opinion and what the purpose of painting is meant to be. If it's supposed to be illustrative, loose or whimsical the right one is better.
4 and 5 are the only one's that can be considered actual mistakes in many cases.
Brilliant
like your tutorials!...Thank you.
thank you so much for this info
I'm so glad it was useful, Trina! Have fun painting!
Easy but important TIP ! Thanks ~~
Thank you so much. Happy painting!