Don’t want to see the conversation end? Kristy and I shot a video for her channel too! Make sure to check out here: ua-cam.com/video/VsmoO8thjnQ/v-deo.htmlsi=MKiZ8ByQzNz_kSjl
Two of my favorite watercolor ladies together.💜 Thanks for your candid sharing. I've felt like that too with other stuff and this was so useful. Wishing you soon a reconnection with joy, Emma 😊
This was wonderful! I would love to see more of these conversations. Not only are they therapy for the producers/artists, but they are so helpful for us in the audience. We are all learning together! Thanks you Emma and Kristy! It was good to sit in on the chat between the two of you-and I loved the little tip of adding pencil details and shadows to watercolor.🙏🙏🙏💕💫
Hi Emma! I am a longtime subscriber and loyal fan of your work and I rarely leave a comment! This is long and I apologize but I just want you to know how I truly feel and how you’ve helped me in the past and continue to help me. I survive day by day some good and some horrific. I work a stressful job as a paralegal for over 32 years and have a life filled with high anxiety and major depression. I have your brushes as well as I have your yearly subscription box from Craftmo. I took up watercolor because of you and I use it to help me survive in today’s crazy world in combination of medication and doctors care. To be honest it was your videos and how you teach about watercolor techniques that I use as a coping mechanism. I’m sure I’m not the only one on this planet that you’ve helped. You are truly an amazing person and have by far one of the best UA-cam channels out there with such inspiring and creative content! To me you are truly a professional and successful businesswomen who somehow managed to be not only a working professional but most importantly a full time mom, housewife and one of the best UA-cam creators out there! I honestly don’t know how you manage to do it , but remember to take care of yourself! Without you at your best mentally and physically nothing else that really matters to you in your life would be possible. To achieve what you have at your age plus raise a family leaves me awestruck. If you have to prioritize on what is irreplaceable in your life it has to be your health and then your family. Everything else will just fall into place. You have a unique gift and talent for art and teaching watercolor techniques that truly inspire and work! If other subscribers feel like I do about you and what you bring to your channel, take your time and find your balance and do what makes you happy and we will be here waiting for you if you do decide to take a break. You need to take care of you! Sending you positive vibes and healing thoughts and continued luck and success in all of your future endeavors! 🎨💕
You are my favorite watercolor teacher on UA-cam because of your authenticity, sweet personality and your style of teaching. I think we all struggle sometimes, especially as the seasons change and the days get shorter, at least I do. Thank you for being brave by reaching out and bringing us along on this journey. 💜 Side note, I LOVE your book.
And it can be a combination of sooo many things these days! I think the young moms working from home have a lot of pressure,,I'm so happy to see this chat in the open and it's just the "do it" mentality that takes so much practice,,I can't allow myself to not paint cause I do want to get better. You've come a long way Emma!! Bravo for the honesty! ❤
It’s great to hear you say there’s no morality to putting brush, to paint, to paper. Your supplies are not treasures. Your supplies are the unfinished work. Do your work. If you were in an office space and you did not use the office supplies, you would not be doing any work. You would be fired. The end. Do your work. You are an artist. Do your work.🎨
Ladies, I am not an artist, by any stretch, but I think your discussion in this video is really universal to all people. And it is a very important conversation that all should hear. Through my 45 year work life, I had to continuously remind myself of the need for balance, breaks, stepping back to reassess regularly, and reminding myself continuously of the part that I was playing in the world's progress and well-being. (Sometimes it is just hard work...) I don't think there is a person who can thrive and succeed doing only one thing all day, every day. We all need variety, balance, change of pace, and renewal, no matter how dedicated we are or want to be. Emma, I wish you the best in finding your balance and getting your enthusiasm back. Give yourself permission to relax and reimagine. That is part of the process toward success in any walk of life. Connecting with others in your art community as you have done with this video is perfect! I am sure you are helping others as you two share your thoughts with each other and us.
Hey there ROCK STAR! I so admire how you face your issues, reach out for help, take action and follow thru. You are COURAGEOUS, Emma, and set a good example for so many of us 🙏 Your art therapy with Kristi Rice was spot on for me and can’t wait to try this out. That Kristi amazes me Thank you, Emma, for sharing this personal experience. Keep doing what you are doing, my friend, cos it does our world 🌏 a whole lotta good. 🤩
My dear Emma, I am soon to be the age of 75 and have followed your UTUBE channel for years! You were my first instructer. I have social anxiety so I didn't want to go to classes and seeing you on this channel was the best solution for me. I have learned so much from you and Kristy and my watercolor journey has greatly improved throughout the years. I have to commend you for wearing so many hats with your marriage and children and your channels. No wonder that your creativity is affected from time to time. You are a great artist and I really loved it when you did drawings of people, you and your family. I was gifted a book from a friend called the Artist's Way. A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron. The book gives you daily exercises to complete to inspire and enhance your creativity. The one thing it stresses is to start with journaling each day and write all and anything that comes to mind to clear out the noise and chatter in your brain for one thing. You mentioned going out to a location which is another suggestion. Visiting a gallery or a museum for another. I know you are so busy with your beautiful kids and you didn't use them as an excuse which we all know plays a huge part of losing inspiration. It's a juggling act for sure! I love you and admire you as well! Loved the painting today and the therapeutic conversation with Kristy. Keep on keeping on dear heart!
This was so enJOYable! Thank you for being brave enough to reach out when you felt you needed some help. You reached out to the perfect person, in my opinion! I love watching Kristy’s channel and watching her break the rules because I’m always so uptight and a rule follower! And bringing us along for the ride is so generous of you! I’m psyched to try something different tomorrow😅. We’ll see you next week for more fun!
I love seeing the two of you together! I’m so glad that you did this video together. I’ve had so much fun doing several UA-cam lives with Kristy on painting and letting go of perfectionism and she is just the joy giver of watercolor. And Emma you have been so pivotal in my watercolor journey and I appreciate your calm and the ease with which you teach and show your artform 😀
This was great! Thank you for being so transparent! I’m sorry you are going through this, but you’re on the right track to feeling better by simply “knowing “ & “acknowledging “ - and then looking for solutions! You are such a sweet person and I love your teaching style! This is a valley in this life , that is full of peaks & valleys! Keep smiling & painting and remember “what goes down always comes back up!” Thank you for being here!! 💕🙏🏼💕🙏🏼
I would rather watch you be REAL and create with joy than watch you chase perfection. I enjoy spending time with you, learning and playing with art. I lose interest when the video has been edited so much that reality is lost. Love you both Emma and Kristy!❤❤ Thank you😊
through this video, I can sense the tension melting away from your presence Emma. Kristy you and Emma together is like a lovely cup of tea: soothing, refreshing. Thank you so much for sharing your time and your lovely doodles. Emma I hope that you feel better now. We all get that "unmotivated" period. I'm doing Inktober to help stretch my skills, to do something everyday, to keep the creativity flowing. It's a real challenge because the subject prompts are not in my skilset at all, so I'm jsut being "wild" and free, and not caring about what everyone else is doing. And I'm having some fun, learning new things too. I hope that you would give that a try some time too!
Joyful Hopeful Creative Cheerful Energetic Excited Daring Fascinating Amused Playful OPTIMISTIC... you're all of these, and so are your paintings. ❤ You are appreciated!
2 wonderful artists who I follow drawing beautiful flowers and discussing a very deep issue ❤ what is not to love about this video. Thank you both so much ❤❤❤
Creativity is a messy business! Most of us are happy to be "creative," but if we become obligated to create, it becomes work. You started out saying you were creating because it's your job. Or at least that's a big reason. Don't beat yourself up. Take a break and do something that you want to do for yourself. People who love to see your watercolor videos, including me, will be here when you get back - and will welcome you with open arms. Take a vacation. Breathe the fall air. Look at the leaves. Anticipate the holidays. Renew your own spirit. It will be okay! Once you've given yourself some space, you'll come back with a whole stack of new ideas. Peace. Wishing you all the best!
On the topic of “wasting” supplies, I came to realize recently that, at least for me, the process is far more important than the product. If I occasionally create a beautiful piece of art that is wall-worthy, of course I’m pleased. But for all the paintings that aren’t perfect, or the paper I use to practice brush strokes or just experiment, those supplies are never wasted because I got to spend time playing with paint, watching it flow, learning something new. Even if it ends up in the trash, it wasn’t a waste because I enjoyed the process, relaxed, had some fun, and maybe learned something. More joy, less stress.
Very interesting video. I hope you feel more positive soon, Emma. I am feeling much the same way as you a lot of the time and have recently talked a little about the difficulty of showing up to make a video three times a week. I love doing it, but sometimes there just isn’t any inspiration. And all the loving comments somehow increase the pressure to perform! I just keep reminding myself how lucky I am to be able to generate an income as well as help other people to relax with painting and all from the comfort of my own home. Remembering the hell of commuting to work in Calgary in midwinter on the C-train is enough to bring home the fortune I now have! It’s so easy to forget our blessings, especially if, like me, a person suffers from depression. Wishing you much joy, Diane xxx
My favorite yoga teacher, Adrienne, says the hardest part is showing up. Its’s so true. Kristy’s approach is sort of the same process. Just do it! Very brave and very important of you posting this. Thanks Emma. You have helped more people than you know.
This was wonderful on so many levels. I’m still in the beginning stages of my watercolor journey and NOT progressing to any degree I find acceptable. But when I’m paralyzed to try another painting, I often go to Diane Antonne. Some of her stuff involves painting a very free flowing painted background - an almost stream of consciousness laying down of paint. Then once it dries using paint pens, crayons, markers, gold and silver or white pens and just making marks or designs or animals or flowers all over the background. They are fun and relaxing, especially since there is no goal or end design in mind while working on it. Good luck. What you do is hard and demanding. Hope you find your joy again. Even if it’s only for 15 minutes a day.
Oh Emma... creativity blocks are not just for content creators. I Cobain myself more of a fabric artist who dabbles in watercolor...I love creating and being creative. It doesn't always happen...life gets in the way! I so enjoy both you and Kristy and to have a "therapy" session with both of you is "the bees knees"! The best! We out here in community land ... just love the fact that you are so willing to share yourself with us. Thank you!
It’s not just that you two are sharing what you go through, it’s also that your process is inspiring to us. Now you’ve given us something new to try. I’ve had a lifelong love affair with pencils so this is fascinating for me. Ellen Crimi Trent uses charcoal pencils with watercolor. Charcoal moves with water and gives interesting results. I hope you do continue this journey because it IS great!
Emma, this is some of your best work! So pretty! And thank you, Kristy! I follow both of you on UA-cam. Emma taught me how to set up and how use supplies, and Kristy taught me how to PLAY!! Thank you both!!!
Emma and Kristy, you two are my favorites. Thank you Emma for your honesty. I’ve had health issues this year and have been struggling. I finally feel like picking up a brush again. You are not alone, your community is here for you. Much love and happy painting. ❤
Omg what a great video!! I so have the same issues!! I'm talking to the video!! I have the same concerns about "wasting" paper and supplies, etc. Also, I remember you painting on your Mom's porch/deck one day and I thought how great you can do that. Last thought, I started doodling, neuro and zentangling on my botched pages and then using colored pencils and liners to do what you were doing with the graphite. Thanks for always sharing your art and your heart!! I've been watching you forever, you brought me back to art/watercolor.... thank you 💜
Please don't ever stop painting!! We love you, even on the rough days, it just makes you so much more connected with us to see your "humanity". I am a new watercolor artist, and your sheer joy when you paint (even if you're not feeling it) makes us want to create and paint and enjoy. You are both lovely and you're changing our ability to create as well. THANK YOU. keep letting us see all your "realness". It makes us feel less alone as well.
I don't do art professionally and have no plans to head that direction, but I still understand this feeling you're describing very well. There was a point when I started learning to draw and paint that something flipped in my brain, and I went from just messing around with joyous abandon to feeling intimidated by every "real" picture that I do. (I do mostly portraits.) I'm not past it, but the times when I feel like I make a dent are those where I just sketch or throw some markers around in a cheap sketchbook (7x10 Canson mixed media, in this case). Nothing to write home about, but there are a few things in there that make me smile to peruse. There's also something to be said for the personal satisfaction of having done something without fear, even if it's not a masterpiece. Looking forward to seeing where this series goes! The buddy paint-a-long was really fun to watch.
How about just going with real time unedited videos. Nobody cares if it's not perfect everytime. It's real and honest and people would still follow you.
THIS was exactly what I needed. I've barely touched my paints in the last month because I've been under a lot of stress and feeling like I needed to create something special. I know in my head the value of just doing something even if it's not perfect...let's do more of these!
My counselor tried to make my painting a part of therapy. It took the Joy out of it. Then I broke my Ankle and my dominant wrist. I haven't painted for over 2 years. I think about doing it but haven't.
The struggle with social media is real because they do change the algorithm from time to time. Once you get the hang of it you will find the same won't work anymore within 6 months
I love that you shared that you don't get it right on the first try and that you've painted something 7 times and cursed at it. Watching UA-cam artists can make you feel so untalented sometimes because you can't do what they do. We don't ever see behind the scenes and how long it took you to get it right. I would love to see that struggle. It might help me to feel better about not getting it right on the first try. ❤
This was a brilliant video- such a treat to listen in to you two! Emma I sense that you paint a lot from your proverbial “left-brain” (logical, methodical, linear)… I hear some of Kristy’s and others suggestions might help get into the “right brain” (creative, open ended etc). Connecting regularly with other content creators sounds like a marvellous gift to give yourself. I wonder if working towards diversifying your income stream could help reduce some of the “make a living” pressure? I’m just throwing ideas out there. I’m rooting for you.
Emma, thank you so much for sharing your feelings 💜 We really need to check on each other and with ourselves about mental health matters, so I appreciate this. KEEP reaching out to supportive people.
Thank you Emma & Kristy. I loved this. You both are such wonderful women, besides being so talented but you’re human and we all struggle. Yes Emma, please continue the series. What a great idea. 🎨❤️🎨❤️🎨❤️🎨❤️🎨❤️ Oh I meant to say, I bought your book for my granddaughter. It’s so good. She’s really excited 👩🎨!
I completely understand what you’re going through. I have a channel that I haven’t posted on for a year because the editing of a travel channel was taking me between 30 and 60 hours a week. I also wasn’t yet monotised. I haven’t given up on the idea of my channel yet but I haven’t worked it out so far. I love your stuff and hope you continue to post for us. I personally love your work and your style.
I do not know everything you guys do, assuming very busy. Have you ever thought of doing a video together so many times a year? Loved the video today. Thank you. Today the video just seemed to lift your spirits. It got you excited to try something different, to share what’s going on with you and it was so fun. Lovely work LadiesThanks for sharing this with us.
Oh...totally resonates with me. I changed my hobby into a business (quilting, teaching, UA-cam) and I thought I needed new hobbies. The first 3 I tried became something I brought into the shop. So I took up watercolors. And at the moment, I'm about to add hand embroidery to a watercolor piece. I'm watching this after taking 2 days off to try to recharge the creative mojo. I can get into flow state with watercolor more easily than my machine sewing. But it sure would be better to find my creative joy back into my creative quilting.
The more I listen 😅😅 the more I feel like you’re reading my mind! 😅 I’ve just set up a spot on my couch, where I can’t record UA-cam art videos, where I can watch TV or something else… where I can paint or draw and I can’t record UA-cam videos 😅😂 as much as I love UA-cam, balance is so important. I’ve also tried a low pressure sketchbook, my sole aim is to fill it, irrespective of whether it is good or bad ❤
Loved watching this. It sucks to loose your mojo. From a brand new creator myself, I started doing 2 videos a week, then realised I didn't really have time to do anything else, and now have backed off to just 1, and that seems to give me more time and space to explore other ways to earn an income as an artist. Give yourself permission to take a big big break, is what I think you need. Also having 2 small boys under 5 is like. The most intense part of motherhood. Love this video though, and look forward to the next episode Emma!
My two FAVORITE instructors. The sharing is so validating to those of us who feel like we are spinning our wheels in life. Emma , it has been encouraging to watch you progress in your creative and God given talent. Thank, both, for helping and encouraging we beginners. Love and prayers for yall.
I’m glad to hear Kristy say that she had an endless supply of art supplies. I do that for my daughter and yet…. When it comes to me painting I feel like Emma in that I don’t want to waste MY art supplies. It’s amazing that as an adult we put conditions on us while we will truly give our kids anything to not feel the way we do. I too apparently need to get out of my own head!!!
Two of my three favorite you tube teachers! You guys are like a dynamic Duo. Is so refreshing to hear y'all say you suffer from the same painting problems as the rest of us. I haven't put brush to paper in a week. My last attempt was ghastly and I got so depressed. Tomorrow is a new day!!
I started painting with you in 2020. I have often thought how difficult it must be for creators to be ‘on’ all the time to inspire us. I appreciate you. Great video.
Emma, thank you so much for sharing- you are not alone in what you are going through as an artist. I struggle with just trying to get an online store up and running. For me, when I get overwhelmed with the technical piece, I avoid it and just go back to painting. I would say baby steps is helpful. Approaching a hurdle - whatever that might be-in small doses helps me. 💙 Know that you and Kristy are both so admired and true inspirations to the artist community.
I am a teacher with twenty years GenEd and seven years SPED experiecnce. I would like to fully implement my watercolor hobby as a new career, but I’m also afraid of the “burnout, painter’s block, and stress,” that could result from the demands of the career expectations. Any info on Kristy’s ring light iPhone holder?
Em J - I just stumbled upon you. I love your style and videos. Thank you so much for sharing your gifts and talents with us. I'm returning to art after 30+ years,in my 50's! I love Kristy Rice and I love how transparent you are in this episode. I think many artists feel cautious to do art as a living for this very reason and I just know, you're not alone. Thank you for addressing this important topic. Keep doing what your doing. You're making a difference.❤
I so appreciate this discussion. I am a new artist that discovered the joy and healing that comes from doing art 4 months ago at the age of 67. I felt compelled to do watercolor for the first time, when I was struggling in pain, after hip surgery. I was stunned to find how the joy that came from doing art really impacted my pain and transformed my healing. I decided to start a UA-cam channel to share art for healing and joy and what I was discovering as a brand new "artist" on this journey. I wanted to document it because I knew what I had discovered was authentic and innocent. I purposely didn't want to know too much about color theory or composition because I didn't want to THINK too much about it. I intuitively knew that thinking would lead me down a different path with my art. However, I must admit, now I think about content and UA-cam sort of thoughts and it has shifted some things for me with my art. I'm still so new at all of this. However, I am reflecting today after having spent the entire day yesterday making ugly art and using lots of spendy supplies to do so, that today needs to be about nourishment. When I focus on nourishing my soul, I usually find my joy. I have learned that when I am struggling, nourishing my soul is the prompt and place to start. That can literally mean stepping away from the studio and creating art in my kitchen with food that nourishes my body and soul or stepping outside and capturing the beauty of autumn on my iPhone. Doing what lights me up and noticing what shuts me down is part of my daily art practice now. One thing I told myself when starting my UA-cam channel (I've had one before related to my cookbook and healthy eating) is this time I am only going to make videos when I feel inspired and not let algorithms rule my life. I am not going to pressure myself to come up with something once a week. I also have learned that days of using expensive art supplies and trash bins full of "waste" is part of the process of making art and usually yields some type of movement or breakthrough. Because this, in and of itself, spurs me on to quest for some way to feel better. It feel crummy to make ugly art, for sure, but I know it has a purpose and place in my discovery process. Feeling crummy and wanting to feel better was what led me to finding the joy in art in the first place. This brings me back to asking myself what nourishes me or what is drawing me to bring me to feeling lit up or nourished? If I'm listening and trusting, my intuition knows the way to lead me to joy. Ultimately I see that art is in everything, everywhere and not just in my studio when I am doing art on a substrate. Maybe my art today is taking a walk in nature and moving my body through space. I know if I nourish myself and allow that to light me up then I come back to the studio refreshed with my cup full and set aside the burn out factor that comes from the pressure of having to create to keep up with something external.
Emma, I love your honesty about yourself! I find your work so rewarding knowing that you don't have to be perfect! Your work is beautiful! I just started doing watercolors and have learned so much from your style. I hope you find your passion again. Trying new styles. Want to thank you for all that you do. This video is an eye opener to know that you will tackle your passion again!
Hi Emma! Recently I was feeling unmotivated/sad and wanted to paint but nothing in detail. It was 8:30pm here in Michigan, USA it was dusky. I lit a three wick candle, leaving the lights turned OFF. I chose a size 10 brush, sprayed my palette of 12 and used every color. I painted a beautiful soft Floral using Fabriano 25% cotton 11x14... CANDLE LITE ONLY for over two hours!! I was so happy with it I wanted to share this fun idea with everyone!
Two WONDERFULLY creative minds at once....what could be better?? 👏👏👏👏❤😁 You guys rock my world and i hope that this is just the beginning of many, many of these inspiring videos!! Can hardly wait to see whats next!
Hi Emma. I usually don't watch this type of video, but I watched the whole thing and it was GREAT. Your mood from beginning compared to the end was night and day. SERIOUSLY! 😊😊😊 I also loved the fact that both of you were painting and not just talking. The Q and A was perfect. There is a UA-cam channel Denise Love. Totally different styles, but if this lady doesn't make you smile while watching...you might want to seek out a professional (just kidding, and nothing wrong with therapy-more people should try it). Btw, what is going on with the algorithm? I have heard more and more YTers talking about this. (Bleep) !#$? that darn algorithm 😅😆🤣😋. Hope that you smile when you read the last comment. Maybe you should do a journal (or make yourself one) of your artwork during this series of finding joy. XOKO ❣❣❣
If there is anything I've learned in my old age it's that every time I took what I loved to do and turned it into a business....I no longer loved to do it anymore. I've done this with several things....then there are people that say you are supposed to take something you love and would do it for free and that should be your business. When you coagulate both of these concepts, if you do what you love for money you will lose interest....do it because you love to do it and the money will follow, change the ways you make the money...hope this makes sense.
Thank you for honesty ❤ Nowadays it's not often happening. And I have always felt stressed when thinking that others can be energetic all the time, but I can't. 🎨
Watercolour is not my main art form. I'm a polymer clay artist. It is my true love. Unfortunately I have been pretty sick and dealing with a lot of pain in my left hand. I have stopped doing art shows and only clay in very short spurts. Watercolour doesn't hurt me. And it's helping bring back my joy. It fills the times I can't clay.
This is fabulous! Sooo helpful and dynamic! Thanks for the transparency and for letting us see how the process of your conversation reaches your audience!! It's a huge help🖌️🎨‼️👏❣️😊
Thank you both for this beautiful video 🙏 Emma thank you for your courage to show your vulnerability and struggle and I and wish you all the best and may you soon find your joy again 🥰 I am only starting to learn to watercolor but my perfectionism is sabotaging my joy, so my struggle is different but this talk between you and Kristy helped me too and I am very grateful for that 🙏
I JUST started putting art supplies in different places "just in case" I wanted to draw, color, etc., to get my mojo back. It's seems to be working, but I needed to know I was on track. Great minds...Thank you for this much needed video
I love you both!!! So good to see you up lifting each other! We would watch you paint moldy fruit LOL Thank you both for giving me the inspiration and courage to learn to paint. I have purchased your supplies and look forward to Every subscription box. Thanks for keeping it real. We all struggle some times. Just know you are loved!!! Both of you!!!❤
Watched this all the way through, and LOVED this. I do not know Kristy's channel, thank you for introducing us who didn't! Everything you guys talked about resonated with me!
I think it's important for our mental health to take a break from pressures, whether it be painting (or any job), parenting, ANYTHING that requires our complete dedication and attention. Have you considered trying different mediums in conjunction with watercolor? I'm finding joy in adding watercolor pencils, acrylic inks, pastels, and embroidery to my watercolors. Small pieces...lots of them so I can make many versions. I precut my 9x12 Arches paper into 3-4" pieces. When I'm done with a piece, I drop it into a ceramic bowl on my table. I use these pieces for cards and inspiration for another piece. Lots of playing with products, colors, and marks. Try something other than florals and see what happens! ❤
I love watching Kristy do her thing. So glad you joined up with her. And I love watching you, Emma. Thanks for sharing your struggles. I have some struggles of my own and this presentation was enlightening. Love you both. 🥰
I’ve so enjoyed watching you two painting and conversing. I’ve encountered the painting block so many times in my life (I’m 89). I’m in a slump now, and this video is a great help! Thanks so much. Off to look for my joy!
Hey, I’d love to see your “imperfect” works… you don’t need to show us your perfected paintings Emma. It’s ok, it actually would show us that we are okay taking up to 15 tries to get a pumpkin looking nice🥰. I mean you’re amazing and I watch Kristy too, she’s so free flowing, which brings comfort and confidence too. You women have really helped so many of us pick up a brush again after maybe 20 or more years of not creating. You help us create. You are so stimulating. Just love you. Big hugs and love from a 73 year old. 🤗💖
Emma, I just wanted you to know that YOUR instruction has been the door for me to watercolor. When I was a little girl, a wonderful artist made a beautiful bookmark for me- of a lovely flower, which I have treasured over the years. I’m 53- and tried several times to learn via lessons, etc, but it never brought me any satisfaction, or joy, until I finally I found YOU. Something about your easy- going and very clear style has been the ticket. Your work is beautiful, and I love your videos- have learned so much from you. Thank you for sharing your magic with us!❤️
oh - would be lovely to see more of "paint with,,," sessions - you and another artist just talking away about life, art and joy, etc. Different guests...etc. Just a thought...
Great video. Finding people who "get" you is so important. And rare! As a cardmaking artist, people don't really get how much time, energy and MOJO it takes to create a card, but they do appreciate the finished product. I'm sorry you are going through "stuff" that's causing you stress, etc. I have found challenging myself to get out of my comfort zone, just for ME!! Adding mixed media to my art helps as well as keeping my card designs simpler. I love watching you paint and would watch you paint that " moldy piece of fruit," any time.❤
I encountered a learning curve this week🤷🏻♀️for 50 years I have been an amazing copy artist…when covid came I discovered so many artists who offered me new avenues…but then the you tube artists started getting short on content🤷🏻♀️ maybe you’re purpose is elsewhere🤷🏻♀️ one can only paint so many flowers🤷🏻♀️ other watercolour tutors are not lacking in content so maybe you could focus on in person tutorials?
Thank you for this ❤ I just did the same for myself. I set up 2 other spots in my place, little foldable table in the living room, because I'm stuck in my bedroom, which is a mess now... So inspiring. 😊
I LOVED this video!! I’m beginning my watercolor journey in retirement and follow both of you. To see you talking and painting together was like having coffee with friends. Such a treat! Thank you, Emma, for your honesty. I followed my passion and taught English literature for over 30 years, and so I recognize the truth of your struggle. Sometimes that passion just gets lost amid all the noise of career-building and daily life. To see you reaching out to someone else was every bit as important as teaching a new watercolor technique. Maybe more so. And that you reached out to Kristy was icing on the cake. Here’s wishing you renewed joy!
Oh sweet Emma... it's called "burn out" You are so giving and you don't save anything for you!! Whenever you make your joy your job, it sucks the life out of you. No one is immune to this. Do you have anything else creatively that may start joy? Anything you've always wanted to try? Take a quilt class? Learn to knit? You mentioned drawing... what about a colored pencil art? I stumbled on a gorgeous red rose tutorial, that I thought was watercolor, only to find it was layering colored pencils!! Fabulous!! I can't wait to give it a try. You must find a way to "play." You and Kristy have such a special friendship... and today you let her take the lead, you reached out a hand for help and she happily took the lead... That's all you needed. You time! You are always the one rescuing all of us from our dark place. Take the time to learn something new that sparks joy to you ❤ We all will be here for you 😊
The fear of wasting paper is so valid, especially when you live in a country where you can't get good quality paper or paints! I REALLY struggle with this. I can't just play because I'm so aware that my good paper is severely limited. I have tried playing with watercolour on photocopy paper but it's just useless when you want to perfect certain techniques.😢
Thank you so much! I have been sitting in this blocked state for years! All of the counterproductive thoughts flood my head: What if I don’t get to finish? (too many ufo’s).; what if I can’t get the result I had hoped for?; I have to make the effort to set up; I have to do too many other jobs. Etc. They are all excuses. I now realise I have fallen into the greatest trap by allowing myself to be motivated by inspiration. (In the zone have accidentally drank paint water and lost 6hrs at a time, fallen asleep with a paintbrush in my hand😂) Now all that needs to be replaced by better time management and self discipline.
Hi 👋 Delinda here - what an inspiring, transparent video! As a loyal and grateful subscriber I’d understand if you even took a “vacation” from having to create on the channel 😊🎨. If you explained that you needed some rejuvenation time to just do “flow” time work for yourself (not to show us later 😉) I’d be patiently waiting for your return. It would even inspire me to say to myself, “Hey, can I step away (even for a little bit) from my routine to get a bit of fresh perspective.” Just a thought 💭
I'm so glad I watched this. After losing my grandson and then my brother within a few months of each other, I not only wasn't improving, but getting worse. And had lost my joy. Trying Kristi's techniques have helped so much! I look forward to each episode!
OMG please paint a moldy piece of fruit! How do you paint mold on a fruit?! This is a great idea because I wouldn't even know how to start going about painting mold on anything... ???
Great video and I love your creations! One thing I enjoy doing is finding new colors; I enjoy mixing my paints to make new colors...and it is so fun!! And time passes so quickly!
Don’t want to see the conversation end? Kristy and I shot a video for her channel too! Make sure to check out here: ua-cam.com/video/VsmoO8thjnQ/v-deo.htmlsi=MKiZ8ByQzNz_kSjl
Two of my favorite watercolor ladies together.💜 Thanks for your candid sharing. I've felt like that too with other stuff and this was so useful. Wishing you soon a reconnection with joy, Emma 😊
Thanks for sharing this link
This was wonderful! I would love to see more of these conversations. Not only are they therapy for the producers/artists, but they are so helpful for us in the audience. We are all learning together! Thanks you Emma and Kristy! It was good to sit in on the chat between the two of you-and I loved the little tip of adding pencil details and shadows to watercolor.🙏🙏🙏💕💫
Hi Emma! I am a longtime subscriber and loyal fan of your work and I rarely leave a comment! This is long and I apologize but I just want you to know how I truly feel and how you’ve helped me in the past and continue to help me. I survive day by day some good and some horrific. I work a stressful job as a paralegal for over 32 years and have a life filled with high anxiety and major depression. I have your brushes as well as I have your yearly subscription box from Craftmo. I took up watercolor because of you and I use it to help me survive in today’s crazy world in combination of medication and doctors care. To be honest it was your videos and how you teach about watercolor techniques that I use as a coping mechanism. I’m sure I’m not the only one on this planet that you’ve helped.
You are truly an amazing person and have by far one of the best UA-cam channels out there with such inspiring and creative content! To me you are truly a professional and successful businesswomen who somehow managed to be not only a working professional but most importantly a full time mom, housewife and one of the best UA-cam creators out there!
I honestly don’t know how you manage to do it , but remember to take care of yourself! Without you at your best mentally and physically nothing else that really matters to you in your life would be possible. To achieve what you have at your age plus raise a family leaves me awestruck. If you have to prioritize on what is irreplaceable in your life it has to be your health and then your family. Everything else will just fall into place. You have a unique gift and talent for art and teaching watercolor techniques that truly inspire and work! If other subscribers feel like I do about you and what you bring to your channel, take your time and find your balance and do what makes you happy and we will be here waiting for you if you do decide to take a break. You need to take care of you! Sending you positive vibes and healing thoughts and continued luck and success in all of your future endeavors! 🎨💕
You are my favorite watercolor teacher on UA-cam because of your authenticity, sweet personality and your style of teaching. I think we all struggle sometimes, especially as the seasons change and the days get shorter, at least I do. Thank you for being brave by reaching out and bringing us along on this journey. 💜 Side note, I LOVE your book.
And it can be a combination of sooo many things these days! I think the young moms working from home have a lot of pressure,,I'm so happy to see this chat in the open and it's just the "do it" mentality that takes so much practice,,I can't allow myself to not paint cause I do want to get better. You've come a long way Emma!! Bravo for the honesty! ❤
You took the words out of my mouth!! Emma is a beautiful soul that creates from her beauty and artistic strengths within!
Your art work is so beautiful. Thank you for being so honest. We also watch because of you, not just your artwork.
It’s great to hear you say there’s no morality to putting brush, to paint, to paper. Your supplies are not treasures. Your supplies are the unfinished work. Do your work. If you were in an office space and you did not use the office supplies, you would not be doing any work. You would be fired. The end. Do your work. You are an artist. Do your work.🎨
My two favorite artists together ❤ I'm sooo happy to see this collab!! I've been waiting for this!!
Same, same, same!!
Same!
Me too!!!! you are both so beautiful.
Same 🌟💜💜
Ladies, I am not an artist, by any stretch, but I think your discussion in this video is really universal to all people. And it is a very important conversation that all should hear. Through my 45 year work life, I had to continuously remind myself of the need for balance, breaks, stepping back to reassess regularly, and reminding myself continuously of the part that I was playing in the world's progress and well-being. (Sometimes it is just hard work...) I don't think there is a person who can thrive and succeed doing only one thing all day, every day. We all need variety, balance, change of pace, and renewal, no matter how dedicated we are or want to be. Emma, I wish you the best in finding your balance and getting your enthusiasm back. Give yourself permission to relax and reimagine. That is part of the process toward success in any walk of life. Connecting with others in your art community as you have done with this video is perfect! I am sure you are helping others as you two share your thoughts with each other and us.
Beautifully said!
Hey there ROCK STAR!
I so admire how you face your issues, reach out for help, take action and follow thru. You are COURAGEOUS, Emma, and set a good example for so many of us 🙏
Your art therapy with Kristi Rice was spot on for me and can’t wait to try this out. That Kristi amazes me
Thank you, Emma, for sharing this personal experience. Keep doing what you are doing, my friend, cos it does our world 🌏 a whole lotta good. 🤩
My dear Emma, I am soon to be the age of 75 and have followed your UTUBE channel for years! You were my first instructer. I have social anxiety so I didn't want to go to classes and seeing you on this channel was the best solution for me. I have learned so much from you and Kristy and my watercolor journey has greatly improved throughout the years. I have to commend you for wearing so many hats with your marriage and children and your channels. No wonder that your creativity is affected from time to time. You are a great artist and I really loved it when you did drawings of people, you and your family. I was gifted a book from a friend called the Artist's Way. A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron. The book gives you daily exercises to complete to inspire and enhance your creativity. The one thing it stresses is to start with journaling each day and write all and anything that comes to mind to clear out the noise and chatter in your brain for one thing. You mentioned going out to a location which is another suggestion. Visiting a gallery or a museum for another. I know you are so busy with your beautiful kids and you didn't use them as an excuse which we all know plays a huge part of losing inspiration. It's a juggling act for sure! I love you and admire you as well! Loved the painting today and the therapeutic conversation with Kristy. Keep on keeping on dear heart!
I love this comment.❤️
This was so enJOYable! Thank you for being brave enough to reach out when you felt you needed some help. You reached out to the perfect person, in my opinion! I love watching Kristy’s channel and watching her break the rules because I’m always so uptight and a rule follower! And bringing us along for the ride is so generous of you! I’m psyched to try something different tomorrow😅. We’ll see you next week for more fun!
I love seeing the two of you together! I’m so glad that you did this video together. I’ve had so much fun doing several UA-cam lives with Kristy on painting and letting go of perfectionism and she is just the joy giver of watercolor. And Emma you have been so pivotal in my watercolor journey and I appreciate your calm and the ease with which you teach and show your artform 😀
Sending love. I found joy because u showed me the way in watercolor ❤
This was great! Thank you for being so transparent! I’m sorry you are going through this, but you’re on the right track to feeling better by simply “knowing “ & “acknowledging “ - and then looking for solutions! You are such a sweet person and I love your teaching style! This is a valley in this life , that is full of peaks & valleys! Keep smiling & painting and remember “what goes down always comes back up!” Thank you for being here!! 💕🙏🏼💕🙏🏼
I would rather watch you be REAL and create with joy than watch you chase perfection. I enjoy spending time with you, learning and playing with art. I lose interest when the video has been edited so much that reality is lost. Love you both Emma and Kristy!❤❤ Thank you😊
through this video, I can sense the tension melting away from your presence Emma. Kristy you and Emma together is like a lovely cup of tea: soothing, refreshing. Thank you so much for sharing your time and your lovely doodles. Emma I hope that you feel better now. We all get that "unmotivated" period.
I'm doing Inktober to help stretch my skills, to do something everyday, to keep the creativity flowing. It's a real challenge because the subject prompts are not in my skilset at all, so I'm jsut being "wild" and free, and not caring about what everyone else is doing. And I'm having some fun, learning new things too. I hope that you would give that a try some time too!
Joyful Hopeful Creative Cheerful Energetic Excited Daring Fascinating Amused Playful OPTIMISTIC... you're all of these, and so are your paintings. ❤ You are appreciated!
2 wonderful artists who I follow drawing beautiful flowers and discussing a very deep issue ❤ what is not to love about this video. Thank you both so much ❤❤❤
Creativity is a messy business! Most of us are happy to be "creative," but if we become obligated to create, it becomes work. You started out saying you were creating because it's your job. Or at least that's a big reason. Don't beat yourself up. Take a break and do something that you want to do for yourself. People who love to see your watercolor videos, including me, will be here when you get back - and will welcome you with open arms. Take a vacation. Breathe the fall air. Look at the leaves. Anticipate the holidays. Renew your own spirit. It will be okay! Once you've given yourself some space, you'll come back with a whole stack of new ideas. Peace. Wishing you all the best!
On the topic of “wasting” supplies, I came to realize recently that, at least for me, the process is far more important than the product. If I occasionally create a beautiful piece of art that is wall-worthy, of course I’m pleased. But for all the paintings that aren’t perfect, or the paper I use to practice brush strokes or just experiment, those supplies are never wasted because I got to spend time playing with paint, watching it flow, learning something new. Even if it ends up in the trash, it wasn’t a waste because I enjoyed the process, relaxed, had some fun, and maybe learned something. More joy, less stress.
Very interesting video. I hope you feel more positive soon, Emma. I am feeling much the same way as you a lot of the time and have recently talked a little about the difficulty of showing up to make a video three times a week. I love doing it, but sometimes there just isn’t any inspiration. And all the loving comments somehow increase the pressure to perform! I just keep reminding myself how lucky I am to be able to generate an income as well as help other people to relax with painting and all from the comfort of my own home. Remembering the hell of commuting to work in Calgary in midwinter on the C-train is enough to bring home the fortune I now have! It’s so easy to forget our blessings, especially if, like me, a person suffers from depression. Wishing you much joy, Diane xxx
My favorite yoga teacher, Adrienne, says the hardest part is showing up. Its’s so true. Kristy’s approach is sort of the same process. Just do it! Very brave and very important of you posting this. Thanks Emma. You have helped more people than you know.
This was wonderful on so many levels. I’m still in the beginning stages of my watercolor journey and NOT progressing to any degree I find acceptable. But when I’m paralyzed to try another painting, I often go to Diane Antonne. Some of her stuff involves painting a very free flowing painted background - an almost stream of consciousness laying down of paint. Then once it dries using paint pens, crayons, markers, gold and silver or white pens and just making marks or designs or animals or flowers all over the background. They are fun and relaxing, especially since there is no goal or end design in mind while working on it. Good luck. What you do is hard and demanding. Hope you find your joy again. Even if it’s only for 15 minutes a day.
Diane does paint so freely . Liberating I find .
Emma our time together felt like chatting with an old friend… but better because it was over watercolor❤❤❤❤
Oh Emma... creativity blocks are not just for content creators. I Cobain myself more of a fabric artist who dabbles in watercolor...I love creating and being creative. It doesn't always happen...life gets in the way! I so enjoy both you and Kristy and to have a "therapy" session with both of you is "the bees knees"! The best! We out here in community land ... just love the fact that you are so willing to share yourself with us. Thank you!
I can so relate! I am so glad you are finding the joy again! The algorithm is a doozy!
It’s not just that you two are sharing what you go through, it’s also that your process is inspiring to us. Now you’ve given us something new to try. I’ve had a lifelong love affair with pencils so this is fascinating for me. Ellen Crimi Trent uses charcoal pencils with watercolor. Charcoal moves with water and gives interesting results. I hope you do continue this journey because it IS great!
Emma, this is some of your best work! So pretty! And thank you, Kristy! I follow both of you on UA-cam. Emma taught me how to set up and how use supplies, and Kristy taught me how to PLAY!! Thank you both!!!
Emma and Kristy, you two are my favorites. Thank you Emma for your honesty. I’ve had health issues this year and have been struggling. I finally feel like picking up a brush again. You are not alone, your community is here for you. Much love and happy painting. ❤
Omg what a great video!! I so have the same issues!! I'm talking to the video!! I have the same concerns about "wasting" paper and supplies, etc. Also, I remember you painting on your Mom's porch/deck one day and I thought how great you can do that. Last thought, I started doodling, neuro and zentangling on my botched pages and then using colored pencils and liners to do what you were doing with the graphite. Thanks for always sharing your art and your heart!! I've been watching you forever, you brought me back to art/watercolor.... thank you 💜
Please don't ever stop painting!! We love you, even on the rough days, it just makes you so much more connected with us to see your "humanity". I am a new watercolor artist, and your sheer joy when you paint (even if you're not feeling it) makes us want to create and paint and enjoy. You are both lovely and you're changing our ability to create as well. THANK YOU. keep letting us see all your "realness". It makes us feel less alone as well.
Love this collaboration and getting down!! Love it
Thank u for doing this and sharing your feelings
Perfecto
I don't do art professionally and have no plans to head that direction, but I still understand this feeling you're describing very well. There was a point when I started learning to draw and paint that something flipped in my brain, and I went from just messing around with joyous abandon to feeling intimidated by every "real" picture that I do. (I do mostly portraits.) I'm not past it, but the times when I feel like I make a dent are those where I just sketch or throw some markers around in a cheap sketchbook (7x10 Canson mixed media, in this case). Nothing to write home about, but there are a few things in there that make me smile to peruse. There's also something to be said for the personal satisfaction of having done something without fear, even if it's not a masterpiece.
Looking forward to seeing where this series goes! The buddy paint-a-long was really fun to watch.
Brilliant! Thank you for sharing your thoughts! You have inspired me to put some watercolour down and take it from there! ❤❤❤
How about just going with real time unedited videos. Nobody cares if it's not perfect everytime. It's real and honest and people would still follow you.
THIS was exactly what I needed. I've barely touched my paints in the last month because I've been under a lot of stress and feeling like I needed to create something special. I know in my head the value of just doing something even if it's not perfect...let's do more of these!
My counselor tried to make my painting a part of therapy. It took the Joy out of it. Then I broke my Ankle and my dominant wrist. I haven't painted for over 2 years. I think about doing it but haven't.
i love my watercolours so much, i love this video ❤❤❤
Just remember a computer algorithm is just that, it has nothing to do with human beings. Don't let it tell you what to do, rage against the machine! 😀
The struggle with social media is real because they do change the algorithm from time to time. Once you get the hang of it you will find the same won't work anymore within 6 months
Super video. Beautiful experiment.
What is ASMR?
I love that you shared that you don't get it right on the first try and that you've painted something 7 times and cursed at it. Watching UA-cam artists can make you feel so untalented sometimes because you can't do what they do. We don't ever see behind the scenes and how long it took you to get it right. I would love to see that struggle. It might help me to feel better about not getting it right on the first try. ❤
This was a brilliant video- such a treat to listen in to you two! Emma I sense that you paint a lot from your proverbial “left-brain” (logical, methodical, linear)… I hear some of Kristy’s and others suggestions might help get into the “right brain” (creative, open ended etc). Connecting regularly with other content creators sounds like a marvellous gift to give yourself. I wonder if working towards diversifying your income stream could help reduce some of the “make a living” pressure? I’m just throwing ideas out there. I’m rooting for you.
Emma, thank you so much for sharing your feelings 💜 We really need to check on each other and with ourselves about mental health matters, so I appreciate this. KEEP reaching out to supportive people.
Thank you Emma & Kristy. I loved this. You both are such wonderful women, besides being so talented but you’re human and we all struggle. Yes Emma, please continue the series. What a great idea. 🎨❤️🎨❤️🎨❤️🎨❤️🎨❤️ Oh I meant to say, I bought your book for my granddaughter. It’s so good. She’s really excited 👩🎨!
I completely understand what you’re going through. I have a channel that I haven’t posted on for a year because the editing of a travel channel was taking me between 30 and 60 hours a week. I also wasn’t yet monotised. I haven’t given up on the idea of my channel yet but I haven’t worked it out so far. I love your stuff and hope you continue to post for us. I personally love your work and your style.
Thank you so much for sharing. So appreciate you both.
I do not know everything you guys do, assuming very busy. Have you ever thought of doing a video together so many times a year? Loved the video today. Thank you. Today the video just seemed to lift your spirits. It got you excited to try something different, to share what’s going on with you and it was so fun. Lovely work LadiesThanks for sharing this with us.
Oh...totally resonates with me. I changed my hobby into a business (quilting, teaching, UA-cam) and I thought I needed new hobbies. The first 3 I tried became something I brought into the shop. So I took up watercolors. And at the moment, I'm about to add hand embroidery to a watercolor piece. I'm watching this after taking 2 days off to try to recharge the creative mojo. I can get into flow state with watercolor more easily than my machine sewing. But it sure would be better to find my creative joy back into my creative quilting.
The more I listen 😅😅 the more I feel like you’re reading my mind! 😅
I’ve just set up a spot on my couch, where I can’t record UA-cam art videos, where I can watch TV or something else… where I can paint or draw and I can’t record UA-cam videos 😅😂 as much as I love UA-cam, balance is so important.
I’ve also tried a low pressure sketchbook, my sole aim is to fill it, irrespective of whether it is good or bad ❤
Loved watching this. It sucks to loose your mojo. From a brand new creator myself, I started doing 2 videos a week, then realised I didn't really have time to do anything else, and now have backed off to just 1, and that seems to give me more time and space to explore other ways to earn an income as an artist. Give yourself permission to take a big big break, is what I think you need. Also having 2 small boys under 5 is like. The most intense part of motherhood. Love this video though, and look forward to the next episode Emma!
Just subscribed… soooo into this series! Thank you!
This is what I’ve been needing. Thank you.
My two FAVORITE instructors. The sharing is so validating to those of us who feel like we are spinning our wheels in life. Emma , it has been encouraging to watch you progress in your creative and God given talent. Thank, both, for helping and encouraging we beginners. Love and prayers for yall.
I’m glad to hear Kristy say that she had an endless supply of art supplies. I do that for my daughter and yet…. When it comes to me painting I feel like Emma in that I don’t want to waste MY art supplies. It’s amazing that as an adult we put conditions on us while we will truly give our kids anything to not feel the way we do. I too apparently need to get out of my own head!!!
Two of my three favorite you tube teachers! You guys are like a dynamic Duo. Is so refreshing to hear y'all say you suffer from the same painting problems as the rest of us. I haven't put brush to paper in a week. My last attempt was ghastly and I got so depressed. Tomorrow is a new day!!
I started painting with you in 2020. I have often thought how difficult it must be for creators to be ‘on’ all the time to inspire us. I appreciate you. Great video.
I'm looking up ASMR🤪
Emma, thank you so much for sharing- you are not alone in what you are going through as an artist. I struggle with just trying to get an online store up and running. For me, when I get overwhelmed with the technical piece, I avoid it and just go back to painting. I would say baby steps is helpful. Approaching a hurdle - whatever that might be-in small doses helps me. 💙 Know that you and Kristy are both so admired and true inspirations to the artist community.
Love all the ideas so good!!!!!❤️
New hobby for me, and I am really enjoying your videos together!!! Keep going!
Yes yes lol the cursing and trash bin! 🌲
I am a teacher with twenty years GenEd and seven years SPED experiecnce. I would like to fully implement my watercolor hobby as a new career, but I’m also afraid of the “burnout, painter’s block, and stress,” that could result from the demands of the career expectations. Any info on Kristy’s ring light iPhone holder?
Em J - I just stumbled upon you. I love your style and videos. Thank you so much for sharing your gifts and talents with us. I'm returning to art after 30+ years,in my 50's! I love Kristy Rice and I love how transparent you are in this episode. I think many artists feel cautious to do art as a living for this very reason and I just know, you're not alone. Thank you for addressing this important topic. Keep doing what your doing. You're making a difference.❤
Sorry you are going through this...... maybe a series on instructional drawing....we all need to draw to paint... just a thought. Praying for you....
I so appreciate this discussion. I am a new artist that discovered the joy and healing that comes from doing art 4 months ago at the age of 67. I felt compelled to do watercolor for the first time, when I was struggling in pain, after hip surgery. I was stunned to find how the joy that came from doing art really impacted my pain and transformed my healing. I decided to start a UA-cam channel to share art for healing and joy and what I was discovering as a brand new "artist" on this journey. I wanted to document it because I knew what I had discovered was authentic and innocent. I purposely didn't want to know too much about color theory or composition because I didn't want to THINK too much about it. I intuitively knew that thinking would lead me down a different path with my art. However, I must admit, now I think about content and UA-cam sort of thoughts and it has shifted some things for me with my art. I'm still so new at all of this. However, I am reflecting today after having spent the entire day yesterday making ugly art and using lots of spendy supplies to do so, that today needs to be about nourishment. When I focus on nourishing my soul, I usually find my joy. I have learned that when I am struggling, nourishing my soul is the prompt and place to start. That can literally mean stepping away from the studio and creating art in my kitchen with food that nourishes my body and soul or stepping outside and capturing the beauty of autumn on my iPhone. Doing what lights me up and noticing what shuts me down is part of my daily art practice now. One thing I told myself when starting my UA-cam channel (I've had one before related to my cookbook and healthy eating) is this time I am only going to make videos when I feel inspired and not let algorithms rule my life. I am not going to pressure myself to come up with something once a week. I also have learned that days of using expensive art supplies and trash bins full of "waste" is part of the process of making art and usually yields some type of movement or breakthrough. Because this, in and of itself, spurs me on to quest for some way to feel better. It feel crummy to make ugly art, for sure, but I know it has a purpose and place in my discovery process. Feeling crummy and wanting to feel better was what led me to finding the joy in art in the first place. This brings me back to asking myself what nourishes me or what is drawing me to bring me to feeling lit up or nourished? If I'm listening and trusting, my intuition knows the way to lead me to joy. Ultimately I see that art is in everything, everywhere and not just in my studio when I am doing art on a substrate. Maybe my art today is taking a walk in nature and moving my body through space. I know if I nourish myself and allow that to light me up then I come back to the studio refreshed with my cup full and set aside the burn out factor that comes from the pressure of having to create to keep up with something external.
This is amazing! I have been watching your channel for a long time and just recently found Kristy. I am so excited for this series.
I started using Strathmore 400 Series for practice. Feels like less waste than using my 100% cotton paper, and it isn't too bad for a cellulose paper.
Emma, I love your honesty about yourself! I find your work so rewarding knowing that you don't have to be perfect! Your work is beautiful! I just started doing watercolors and have learned so much from your style. I hope you find your passion again. Trying new styles. Want to thank you for all that you do.
This video is an eye opener to know that you will tackle your passion again!
Hi Emma! Recently I was feeling unmotivated/sad and wanted to paint but nothing in detail. It was 8:30pm here in Michigan, USA it was dusky. I lit a three wick candle, leaving the lights turned OFF. I chose a size 10 brush, sprayed my palette of 12 and used every color. I painted a beautiful soft Floral using Fabriano 25% cotton 11x14... CANDLE LITE ONLY for over two hours!! I was so happy with it I wanted to share this fun idea with everyone!
Two WONDERFULLY creative minds at once....what could be better?? 👏👏👏👏❤😁 You guys rock my world and i hope that this is just the beginning of many, many of these inspiring videos!! Can hardly wait to see whats next!
Hi Emma. I usually don't watch this type of video, but I watched the whole thing and it was GREAT. Your mood from beginning compared to the end was night and day. SERIOUSLY! 😊😊😊
I also loved the fact that both of you were painting and not just talking. The Q and A was perfect.
There is a UA-cam channel Denise Love. Totally different styles, but if this lady doesn't make you smile while watching...you might want to seek out a professional (just kidding, and nothing wrong with therapy-more people should try it).
Btw, what is going on with the algorithm? I have heard more and more YTers talking about this. (Bleep) !#$? that darn algorithm 😅😆🤣😋. Hope that you smile when you read the last comment.
Maybe you should do a journal (or make yourself one) of your artwork during this series of finding joy. XOKO ❣❣❣
If there is anything I've learned in my old age it's that every time I took what I loved to do and turned it into a business....I no longer loved to do it anymore. I've done this with several things....then there are people that say you are supposed to take something you love and would do it for free and that should be your business. When you coagulate both of these concepts, if you do what you love for money you will lose interest....do it because you love to do it and the money will follow, change the ways you make the money...hope this makes sense.
please DO CONTINUE this! It is so much fun and very inspirational, keep it up
Thank you for honesty ❤ Nowadays it's not often happening. And I have always felt stressed when thinking that others can be energetic all the time, but I can't. 🎨
Watercolour is not my main art form. I'm a polymer clay artist. It is my true love. Unfortunately I have been pretty sick and dealing with a lot of pain in my left hand. I have stopped doing art shows and only clay in very short spurts. Watercolour doesn't hurt me. And it's helping bring back my joy. It fills the times I can't clay.
This is fabulous! Sooo helpful and dynamic! Thanks for the transparency and for letting us see how the process of your conversation reaches your audience!! It's a huge help🖌️🎨‼️👏❣️😊
Thank you both for this beautiful video 🙏 Emma thank you for your courage to show your vulnerability and struggle and I and wish you all the best and may you soon find your joy again 🥰 I am only starting to learn to watercolor but my perfectionism is sabotaging my joy, so my struggle is different but this talk between you and Kristy helped me too and I am very grateful for that 🙏
I JUST started putting art supplies in different places "just in case" I wanted to draw, color, etc., to get my mojo back. It's seems to be working, but I needed to know I was on track.
Great minds...Thank you for this much needed video
This was so enjoyable to watch! Two great artists in one. What a treat.
I love you both!!! So good to see you up lifting each other! We would watch you paint moldy fruit LOL Thank you both for giving me the inspiration and courage to learn to paint. I have purchased your supplies and look forward to Every subscription box. Thanks for keeping it real. We all struggle some times. Just know you are loved!!! Both of you!!!❤
Watched this all the way through, and LOVED this. I do not know Kristy's channel, thank you for introducing us who didn't! Everything you guys talked about resonated with me!
I think it's important for our mental health to take a break from pressures, whether it be painting (or any job), parenting, ANYTHING that requires our complete dedication and attention. Have you considered trying different mediums in conjunction with watercolor? I'm finding joy in adding watercolor pencils, acrylic inks, pastels, and embroidery to my watercolors. Small pieces...lots of them so I can make many versions. I precut my 9x12 Arches paper into 3-4" pieces. When I'm done with a piece, I drop it into a ceramic bowl on my table. I use these pieces for cards and inspiration for another piece. Lots of playing with products, colors, and marks. Try something other than florals and see what happens! ❤
I love watching Kristy do her thing. So glad you joined up with her. And I love watching you, Emma. Thanks for sharing your struggles. I have some struggles of my own and this presentation was enlightening. Love you both. 🥰
I’ve so enjoyed watching you two painting and conversing. I’ve encountered the painting block so many times in my life (I’m 89). I’m in a slump now, and this video is a great help! Thanks so much. Off to look for my joy!
Wow. What a wonderful session. You give me hope that I might actually be able to create! Never doubt yourself, Emma. Thank you.
Hey, I’d love to see your “imperfect” works… you don’t need to show us your perfected paintings Emma. It’s ok, it actually would show us that we are okay taking up to 15 tries to get a pumpkin looking nice🥰. I mean you’re amazing and I watch Kristy too, she’s so free flowing, which brings comfort and confidence too. You women have really helped so many of us pick up a brush again after maybe 20 or more years of not creating. You help us create. You are so stimulating. Just love you. Big hugs and love from a 73 year old. 🤗💖
I love all your videos!! You were my salvation during COVID. Please know you bring me creativity in my watercolor.
Emma, I just wanted you to know that YOUR instruction has been the door for me to watercolor. When I was a little girl, a wonderful artist made a beautiful bookmark for me- of a lovely flower, which I have treasured over the years. I’m 53- and tried several times to learn via lessons, etc, but it never brought me any satisfaction, or joy, until I finally I found YOU. Something about your easy- going and very clear style has been the ticket. Your work is beautiful, and I love your videos- have learned so much from you. Thank you for sharing your magic with us!❤️
oh - would be lovely to see more of "paint with,,," sessions - you and another artist just talking away about life, art and joy, etc. Different guests...etc. Just a thought...
Great video. Finding people who "get" you is so important. And rare! As a cardmaking artist, people don't really get how much time, energy and MOJO it takes to create a card, but they do appreciate the finished product. I'm sorry you are going through "stuff" that's causing you stress, etc. I have found challenging myself to get out of my comfort zone, just for ME!! Adding mixed media to my art helps as well as keeping my card designs simpler. I love watching you paint and would watch you paint that " moldy piece of fruit," any time.❤
I encountered a learning curve this week🤷🏻♀️for 50 years I have been an amazing copy artist…when covid came I discovered so many artists who offered me new avenues…but then the you tube artists started getting short on content🤷🏻♀️ maybe you’re purpose is elsewhere🤷🏻♀️ one can only paint so many flowers🤷🏻♀️ other watercolour tutors are not lacking in content so maybe you could focus on in person tutorials?
Thank you for this ❤ I just did the same for myself. I set up 2 other spots in my place, little foldable table in the living room, because I'm stuck in my bedroom, which is a mess now...
So inspiring. 😊
This video! Two of my favorite artists. Talking about EXACTLY what I needed to hear!
I LOVED this video!! I’m beginning my watercolor journey in retirement and follow both of you. To see you talking and painting together was like having coffee with friends. Such a treat! Thank you, Emma, for your honesty. I followed my passion and taught English literature for over 30 years, and so I recognize the truth of your struggle. Sometimes that passion just gets lost amid all the noise of career-building and daily life. To see you reaching out to someone else was every bit as important as teaching a new watercolor technique. Maybe more so. And that you reached out to Kristy was icing on the cake. Here’s wishing you renewed joy!
Oh sweet Emma... it's called "burn out"
You are so giving and you don't save anything for you!! Whenever you make your joy your job, it sucks the life out of you. No one is immune to this. Do you have anything else creatively that may start joy? Anything you've always wanted to try? Take a quilt class? Learn to knit? You mentioned drawing... what about a colored pencil art? I stumbled on a gorgeous red rose tutorial, that I thought was watercolor, only to find it was layering colored pencils!! Fabulous!! I can't wait to give it a try. You must find a way to "play."
You and Kristy have such a special friendship... and today you let her take the lead, you reached out a hand for help and she happily took the lead...
That's all you needed. You time! You are always the one rescuing all of us from our dark place. Take the time to learn something new that sparks joy to you ❤
We all will be here for you 😊
The fear of wasting paper is so valid, especially when you live in a country where you can't get good quality paper or paints! I REALLY struggle with this. I can't just play because I'm so aware that my good paper is severely limited. I have tried playing with watercolour on photocopy paper but it's just useless when you want to perfect certain techniques.😢
Thank you so much! I have been sitting in this blocked state for years! All of the counterproductive thoughts flood my head: What if I don’t get to finish? (too many ufo’s).; what if I can’t get the result I had hoped for?; I have to make the effort to set up; I have to do too many other jobs. Etc. They are all excuses. I now realise I have fallen into the greatest trap by allowing myself to be motivated by inspiration. (In the zone have accidentally drank paint water and lost 6hrs at a time, fallen asleep with a paintbrush in my hand😂) Now all that needs to be replaced by better time management and self discipline.
Hi 👋 Delinda here - what an inspiring, transparent video! As a loyal and grateful subscriber I’d understand if you even took a “vacation” from having to create on the channel 😊🎨. If you explained that you needed some rejuvenation time to just do “flow” time work for yourself (not to show us later 😉) I’d be patiently waiting for your return. It would even inspire me to say to myself, “Hey, can I step away (even for a little bit) from my routine to get a bit of fresh perspective.” Just a thought 💭
I'm so glad I watched this. After losing my grandson and then my brother within a few months of each other, I not only wasn't improving, but getting worse. And had lost my joy. Trying Kristi's techniques have helped so much! I look forward to each episode!
OMG please paint a moldy piece of fruit! How do you paint mold on a fruit?! This is a great idea because I wouldn't even know how to start going about painting mold on anything... ???
Great video and I love your creations! One thing I enjoy doing is finding new colors; I enjoy mixing my paints to make new colors...and it is so fun!! And time passes so quickly!