Biggest mistake I see beginner watercolor artists make, and how to fix it

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  • @sunnyscott4876
    @sunnyscott4876 Місяць тому +291

    LOL..I'm still at the point that I would be happy if I could paint the pot on the left!!!!

    • @clairecole1736
      @clairecole1736 28 днів тому +13

      I was thinking exactly the same thing!

    • @letitiarosenthal2286
      @letitiarosenthal2286 27 днів тому +8

      Yep same 😂

    • @user__214
      @user__214 23 дні тому +6

      Same, but I like having something to reach for in the moments when it feels doable!

    • @sunnyscott4876
      @sunnyscott4876 23 дні тому +3

      @@user__214 I agree. I tried it and it actually worked. I was pleased!

    • @user__214
      @user__214 23 дні тому +3

      @@sunnyscott4876 That's awesome

  • @dianeevans1803
    @dianeevans1803 Місяць тому +105

    I love the side by side comparison painting. Do more of these😊

  • @dianeloftus5476
    @dianeloftus5476 Місяць тому +180

    My paintings continue to look like the one on the left... I just don't "see" the light and shadows while painting, nor can I envision them. As I watch and learn, I am at least getting more than one value, usually two (and sometimes three) values while painting . Your video was very helpful and I will continue trying the technique. Thank you! Your instructional videos always teach me a little something when I watch them!

    • @oussamabenmebarek4804
      @oussamabenmebarek4804 Місяць тому +33

      Hi,I think you should prep your painting, there are many artists that have use of grey scale picture or do a value study with pencil or shades of neutral tint , premixing colours is also helpful to speed up process and ease focus , if you paint a picture or screenshot use your phone to apply a filter grey scale and adjust contrast and luminosity to identify these values

    • @coolrunnings3
      @coolrunnings3 Місяць тому +4

      Great!

    • @Lacroix999
      @Lacroix999 Місяць тому +48

      So a couple of exercises that you can do to learn to see your values better are:
      1) squinting your eyes, and
      2) doing a contour drawing, and,
      3) spend all of your free time just looking at everything around you as it is.
      1) is pretty self explanatory.
      2) a contour drawings is a line usually, but not always done in one continuous line, and sometimes without even looking at your paper. By following the contours of the lights and darks in VERY subtle changes, you learn to see everything in a new way from shadows to color variations. The more you practice doing this, the better you get at it.
      3) also a bit self explanatory, but it also helps when you really stop to look at the world around you. When you slow down, you realize that a tree isn’t just a trunk with leaves on it, but a made up of thousands of different various shapes, colors and shades. The same goes for your coffee cup in the morning. Many times when we’re too busy, we don’t stop to see these things and our brain fills in the rest and we think we make a tree that looks like a tree instead of making what we actually see!
      With practice of all of these things, it does get much easier, but the best part is, that once you have a trained eye like this, you won’t ever be able to see the world the same again! To add to that, if done the same way with colors and really stop to SEE the colors that can make up the colors we need or see, the easier that it will also be to mix your colors in your palette as well!
      These are exercises I learned in college as a studio art major. The very last one for mixing colors was my favorite! Even if I didn’t really understand color theory at the time which was just something my brain never really processed until years later and ironically only clicked while watching the 30th YT on it 😖, one lesson taught DID help me to learn to paint any color that I needed from the colors I had. The assignment was to go to the paint isle in the store and find 10 random color swatches. Then we were to cut them out into 1” squares and then use the colors we had on our palettes to make that color. We weren’t allowed to cheat or use ‘convenience colors’ to mix what we needed to match our swatches. This was a bit easier since we used acrylic or oil paints that were more opaque, but the same can be done in watercolor as well. Without having any sort of background in color theory, this can still be done with a trained eye be you can still see if a color needs more blue or a tinge more red for example. I can now match any colors I need or see with 99% accuracy with only the colors o have on a basic palette! The last 1% left, being for colors like fluorescents and neons for obvious reasons. I got so good at it, I used to do these exercises just for fun!
      I highly recommend these exercises as they help TREMENDOUSLY in your art and are of the most useful things I ever got out of my whole entire studio art major education, which is kinda of sad to say, because it was a very expensive lesson especially since I already knew so much about art going into college, but it definitely helped to actually learn to really see the world we live in!
      I know that was long, but I hope that helps! It definitely helped me along with a boat load of practicing which comes with the territory!!

    • @dianeloftus5476
      @dianeloftus5476 Місяць тому +7

      @@Lacroix999 thank you ❤️ Yes, the whole color wheel thing is still hard to wrap my head around too! Mixing colors is still hard, but I find myself doing more as I paint more and learn my basic colors. Observation is key... I agree. I think my logical brain has a hard time being creative and artistic... but watercolor painting is sure helping!

    • @dianeloftus5476
      @dianeloftus5476 Місяць тому +5

      @@oussamabenmebarek4804 thank you ❤️ I have actually watched a UA-cam artist demonstrate grey scale and found it interesting. Guess I need to give it a try! My logical brain needs to see the actual shades instead of trying to create shadows.

  • @alexandralewis375
    @alexandralewis375 Місяць тому +77

    This was really helpful - the side by side comparison really highlighted the differences. Thank you.

    • @beatrizangeles-lopez5121
      @beatrizangeles-lopez5121 25 днів тому

      Please people do not buy anything from Domestika they are committing fraudulent charges for their annual subscription that people do not sign up for!
      They also save your method of payment information without your knowledge/consent and it is impossible to remove it.

  • @beverlyaldridge2635
    @beverlyaldridge2635 24 дні тому +30

    You explained the beauty of watercolors so clearly--light source, layering, patience!

  • @scarleto3231
    @scarleto3231 20 днів тому +37

    I think if one is aiming for more realistic painting then yes, shadows,depth and form are important. I was taught still-life painting in school and I loved and excelled at the technique and I would absolutely paint my pot like the second one. However art is freedom. The first pot is beautiful in its simplicity. You paint your pot however you want to. There is not wrong or right way in art. As Bob Ross said ‘There are only happy mistakes.’.

  • @kimesch9698
    @kimesch9698 28 днів тому +16

    THE best watercolor tutorial! Why have I never seen this explained clearly like this?
    Please do more of the same with different subjects. Thank you.😀

  • @janetdegenhardt5999
    @janetdegenhardt5999 27 днів тому +21

    Wow! This has finally made sense to me! I thought I was doing this, but now I see that I was making mine with not enough contrasts.

  • @nancysteffen7902
    @nancysteffen7902 Місяць тому +24

    Thank you, Kristin! Incredible tutorial. Interesting how you don’t see the bad one as “bad” until the good one is painted right next to it!!! Love your channel so much😍😍😍

    • @beatrizangeles-lopez5121
      @beatrizangeles-lopez5121 25 днів тому

      Please people do not buy anything from Domestika they are committing fraudulent charges for their annual subscription that people do not sign up for!
      They also save your method of payment information without your knowledge/consent and it is impossible to remove it.

  • @davidevans3175
    @davidevans3175 18 днів тому +13

    Hello. I'm the pot on the left. It's taken me 13 days to muster up enough self esteem to say something. I though we were friends. Damn.

    • @joxiejoxie6457
      @joxiejoxie6457 2 дні тому

      This gotta be the betrayal of the year, damn

  • @ILoveFountainPensCdn
    @ILoveFountainPensCdn Місяць тому +18

    This was SOOO INCREDIBLY HELPFUL in more ways than I can describe!!
    Adding yellow to the paints to make that area warmer and blue to make it cooler will be a game changer for me! Also, when you mentioned the word ‘golden’, it all of a sudden clicked with how light coming through the trees _glow_ in watercolour paintings!
    Thank you sooo much!!

  • @danatingey9903
    @danatingey9903 28 днів тому +8

    Great tutorial! I totally get what you are saying, but have to admit that I still think both the pots are beautiful and usable in different types of art. I loved watching you paint the leaves and am going to try to not be so intentional in painting each individual leaf as a leaf shape. Yours look so much better. Thank you so much! ❤

  • @cindylou3205
    @cindylou3205 28 днів тому +34

    I just learned more in this vid than in a week of following beginner tutorials. Thanks!

  • @DavZell
    @DavZell 26 днів тому +13

    That was an excellent short explanation and example. Too often, channels make these things are too long and wordy. Thanks!

  • @ti9erlilly
    @ti9erlilly 26 днів тому +8

    This video arrived right when I needed it. Over the last month I've been struggling to understand why my paintings were looking so flat, and getting frustrated. Now here you are giving me the answer I needed. Thank you! ✨🖌️🖼️

  • @user-ef2dl7wp9f
    @user-ef2dl7wp9f 18 днів тому +2

    That makes sense about the light coming in on the right and paint lighter colours to emphasise this on the pot and leaves. Definitely looks more natural and balanced too. Thank you Kristin for your time sharing 🌹

  • @TheShutterbuk
    @TheShutterbuk 24 дні тому +10

    This makes me want to break out my watercolors right now and try it. Thanks for the great video and explanation

  • @judyhammond3181
    @judyhammond3181 Місяць тому +8

    I am an experienced water colourist. Your give very good instruction.

  • @Fuumuui0426
    @Fuumuui0426 29 днів тому +24

    I think there are many beginners who still make this mistake. They don’t know where to learn this knowledge. Your channel should be seen by more people.

    • @beatrizangeles-lopez5121
      @beatrizangeles-lopez5121 25 днів тому

      Please people do not buy anything from Domestika they are committing fraudulent charges for their annual subscription that people do not sign up for!
      They also save your method of payment information without your knowledge/consent and it is impossible to remove it.

  • @jessrhoward
    @jessrhoward Місяць тому +10

    This has been the most helpful video I've come across describing and showing how to achieve good contrast and light/dark balance! Thank you so much.

  • @aprildegele1510
    @aprildegele1510 28 днів тому +7

    I haven't done watercolor in decades and this was a very helpful reminder. I usually work in acrylic, but also oil, and watercolor pencils, but brushing with pan or tube color, it's been a long time and it doesn't work like any other medium.

  • @juliemaitland1176
    @juliemaitland1176 Місяць тому +7

    Just found you and have subscribed. You have taught me a lot in just one, short video. You explain everything so well and in such a way that I will remember it which is quite an achievement as I have ME with “ brain fog”. I love watercolour but I never seem to get it right - it really looks like the first pot! I shall try this out and look forward to your next video. Thank you😊🎉

  • @arlingtonguy54
    @arlingtonguy54 25 днів тому +4

    Thanks that really helps. I like to do architectural urban sketches and my trees always look awful. So yellow green at light source blending to blue green in shadow.

  • @valeriapaz232
    @valeriapaz232 Місяць тому +11

    Thank you for explaining this so clearly! You have a rare talent for both painting AND explaining the steps.

  • @kellyd6619
    @kellyd6619 25 днів тому +12

    Thanks for the tips. I somehow like both paintings equally. The right is more realistic and beautiful. But I actually like to look at the left more because it makes me feel happy inside. I don't know why..there's just something about it. (maybe because it's more childlike...?)

  • @LaurieSeefeldt-jw5uh
    @LaurieSeefeldt-jw5uh 15 днів тому +3

    Great explanation of basics to practice. Learning to paint is just that…learning! None of us are born knowing how to do this. If you consider yourself a newcomer…be patient and practice always!

  • @tinkerbell2675
    @tinkerbell2675 29 днів тому +16

    what i have learned in the difference between acrylic and watercolor is, the application of it is in reverse. I am having a problem with watercolor because i cant get where the light parts go before the dark. This is what one of my problems.

    • @JelilaJelila-ov2jy
      @JelilaJelila-ov2jy 22 дні тому +2

      Maybe you could paint all the leaves (entirely) in the lightest tone (so you know where they are) then paint medium and darker tones on top. The medium and dark tones will be on the opposite side of the light source (here, they're on the left side). So the leaves go 'light, medium, dark' from right to left.

    • @NotMyName888
      @NotMyName888 21 день тому +1

      @@JelilaJelila-ov2jy That's essentially what she does in the video, right? And she does it mostly while it's still wet so that she can just "tap" in the mid and dark tones and let the paint work its magic on its own. Can't wait to try this out tomorrow.

  • @Ncstefanie
    @Ncstefanie 20 днів тому +3

    This is one of the most helpful videos I’ve seen! Love the side by side comparison! It makes a huge difference to see it this way. ❤ PS- congrats on over 100k views!!

  • @utterlynice1
    @utterlynice1 27 днів тому +2

    Thank you for sharing your knowledge and insight, and techniques. i just painted a house and fence with a tree and i realized it wasn’t quite right and now i know why. Thank you!!

  • @Valeriazane
    @Valeriazane 23 дні тому +2

    thank you for sharing! i love watercolor but i still tend to be a bit heavy handed. this was very helpful.

  • @christinecloutier4015
    @christinecloutier4015 29 днів тому +3

    Great explanation. I love the visual of what we as beginners do compare to the more advanced artist does. Extremely useful. Thank you.

  • @marie8642
    @marie8642 Місяць тому +5

    Love your style! You are an excellent teacher - very clear explanations for someone like me, a beginner with a bit of painting exp. wanting to go to next level. Can’t wait to practice creating more effective highlights & shadows. I will definitely be checking out the rest of your channel/resources. Thank you!

  • @corireeves32
    @corireeves32 24 дні тому +1

    It is true, I approach it like crayons and then try to lighten it up. Starting with it lighter is amazing! Thank you!!

    • @kristinvanleuven
      @kristinvanleuven  23 дні тому

      You are so welcome! I see the desire to paint it like crayons all the time, so you’re among friends haha

  • @elizabethkoeman1149
    @elizabethkoeman1149 29 днів тому +4

    So very well explained ! Excellent tutorial ,clear and precise. Thank you soo much! You have a gift teaching and painting combined. ❤

  • @pradeepaeri7243
    @pradeepaeri7243 29 днів тому +2

    Thanx for very useful application tips, most of us know the contest provides the best definition of any subject in a graphic manner. The key as you explained is in how wet or dry the surface verses how wet or dry the brush. Thanks once again.

  • @PeacefulSeraph
    @PeacefulSeraph 26 днів тому +2

    This made a lot of sense... although I used to use gouache so I could cheat and get away with whiting out areas that I wanted to emphasize... watercolor definitely has a different vibe where you need to think it out before you go straight in. I like tge look, but I find it difficult to work with tbh 😢

  • @samgonzalez-harte2426
    @samgonzalez-harte2426 25 днів тому +3

    Such a fantastic demo Kristin!🌟 love the side by side comparison, so helpful !thank you so much😀✨

  • @leewhite8355
    @leewhite8355 27 днів тому +2

    Beautiful, love watching you using your gift xx I can’t draw or paint to save my life!😂.🙏

  • @17.11Acts
    @17.11Acts 25 днів тому +2

    New to your channel! Love love love love love! Ty!! ❤ I am making paper and playing with all of this. The paper has a great texture but acts a but different. Anyway, I have added marigold seeds to the paper and has the words, "plant love". I then watercolor a marigold ...this helps SO much!

  • @karenescalera3597
    @karenescalera3597 23 дні тому +1

    Well I'm biting the bullet and bought my first watercolor beginning set!! Thank you for the lessons in this cute but amazing rendering of the two drawings.

  • @user-nj9es3we3q
    @user-nj9es3we3q 21 день тому +2

    Vielen Dank für das sehr ausführliche Video mit der Schritt-für-Schritt-Anleitung. Es ist mir eine sehr große Hilfe. Ich male noch nicht so lange mit Aquarellfarben. Es macht auch Spaß Dir beim malen zuzuschauen. Bei Dir sieht alles so leicht aus. Viele Grüße aus München in Deutschland, Angela

  • @jjroseknows777
    @jjroseknows777 27 днів тому +2

    So glad I found you tonight...just what I needed to see, to learn. Thank you.

  • @blackhairverse6361
    @blackhairverse6361 24 дні тому +2

    A minute and 33 seconds in and you’re already calling me out!😭😂 instant like!!

  • @joycevanmeteren6188
    @joycevanmeteren6188 24 дні тому +1

    Thank you so much for these instructions. I now understand the light and darkness how to put them in. Thanks.

  • @christineHoxsey
    @christineHoxsey 25 днів тому +2

    Such a wonderful teacher, thank you!

  • @dmat7148
    @dmat7148 9 днів тому

    This is exactly what I needed to see, painted a blue bird card today for a friend and I can see it looks too “flat” now. Thanks for the great tips!

  • @99Marna
    @99Marna 22 дні тому +1

    This was just outstanding! You were very clear with this and although I have done WC a bit, never has the issue of light source and contrast and how to leave white areas explained so very well. And yur color mixing! Just oustanding and thank you! Agree with another's comment - do more like this please!

  • @gaillarson9878
    @gaillarson9878 21 день тому +1

    Excellent explanation. Thank you so much. I have been painting for quite a while, but I always enjoy hearing and seeing such a clear demonstration. Well done!

  • @larrycampbell7442
    @larrycampbell7442 18 днів тому

    I took my first collegiate art class after I retired from the military. It was an introduction to watercolor at midwestern state university in Wichita Falls Texas and Liz Ash was not only a jewel at watercolor but printing and composition as well. Being retired military I never finished the degree but what I gained from the time is immeasurable

  • @JelilaJelila-ov2jy
    @JelilaJelila-ov2jy 22 дні тому +1

    I'm great with oils and acrylic but terrible with watercolour! Now I know why!

  • @ourmobilejourney814
    @ourmobilejourney814 25 днів тому +1

    This was very helpful! Thank you. This is what I need to work on is shading and layering.

  • @WanderWild-vw4je
    @WanderWild-vw4je 23 дні тому +1

    Incredibly helpful video. Very clear tutorial full of important tips and guidelines. I can't wait to practice!

  • @jamies.8045
    @jamies.8045 23 дні тому +1

    What a fabulous tutorial! Thank you for packing so much in to every minute. Excellent teaching style, easy to understand and follow.

  • @allysonlane8969
    @allysonlane8969 Місяць тому +5

    Thank you, great tutorial lesson today!

  • @evestree
    @evestree 12 днів тому

    I love this teaching on contrast and shadow. I use a different medium and it absolutely applies. Thank you!!!

  • @michelleharris4014
    @michelleharris4014 25 днів тому +1

    The best tutorial I’ve seen in awhile. I’ve now subscribed and look forward to learning more and taking my work up a notch!

  • @GayleBranden-pg7hr
    @GayleBranden-pg7hr 17 днів тому +1

    Enjoyed your pots. Mine would look like on the left but I'm keeping your example cause it applies to many things with light and dark. Thank you,,from a semi beginner.

  • @mermaid01
    @mermaid01 29 днів тому +2

    Ahhh, just the instruction and explanation that I was needing, thank you so much 🎉❤

  • @ElvieMe
    @ElvieMe 19 днів тому

    Thank you Kristin! Very instructive!

  • @sharonlane5647
    @sharonlane5647 Місяць тому +2

    So glad I found you! You explained in a way that I understood! Thank you!

  • @1lorett1
    @1lorett1 13 днів тому

    Man this was so beautiful!! Thank you for the help and guidance.

  • @onna-day7047
    @onna-day7047 Місяць тому +3

    Such a great video! Thank you.❤

  • @magicmitch1537
    @magicmitch1537 16 днів тому

    This is great. I haven’t been doing watercolor for long but I’ve always thought that mine looked “paint by numbers” esque. This is very helpful, thanks!

  • @sallym3994
    @sallym3994 10 днів тому

    Thank you for such great tips! I've been trying to figure out how to paint like the flower pot on the right side with the sun highlights. I appreciate your help in taking time to share this with us. Very much appreciated. I'm looking forward to more helpful tips on watercoloring painting.

  • @robertapalmer3599
    @robertapalmer3599 13 днів тому

    Excellent tutorial Step by Step visuals. You explain tips verbally and visually so all is easy to comprehend!

  • @sarahguy-levar7955
    @sarahguy-levar7955 День тому

    Such a nice reminder! Thanks!

  • @greenthumbtarasova9863
    @greenthumbtarasova9863 21 день тому

    Thank you so much for these helpful tips! I’ve only just begun to learn watercolor now that my sons are older and need me less. My youngest son is turning four and absolutely adores all sorts of color playing. At least some of my interest is to stay ahead of him in art and figure out how to teach these things to him later.

  • @kimberlycorliss9616
    @kimberlycorliss9616 29 днів тому +1

    Thank you! ❤ This is so helpful. Your explanations and examples are easy to understand.

  • @JaveriaYousuf
    @JaveriaYousuf 5 днів тому +1

    Very helpful explanation!!

  • @lauralarosa.
    @lauralarosa. Місяць тому +1

    Great demonstration, thank you.

  • @kimeikoraevision5446
    @kimeikoraevision5446 8 днів тому

    This was super helpful and easy to understand. Thanks a lot! ❤

  • @cheyenneroll
    @cheyenneroll 5 днів тому

    I like to use a tissue for dabbing color, and papertowel for dabbing excess water on my brush

  • @mythal0620
    @mythal0620 28 днів тому

    Fantastic, good explanations, beautifully painted!

  • @jolaughlin3187
    @jolaughlin3187 25 днів тому

    What a great tutorial!! Thanks so much for sharing your talent!

  • @mariannaamethyst6381
    @mariannaamethyst6381 День тому

    Excellent video! Thank you!

  • @patriciarobinson8368
    @patriciarobinson8368 29 днів тому

    A very smart and informative demonstration.
    Thank you.

  • @richarddonahue3565
    @richarddonahue3565 22 дні тому +1

    Wonderful and very informative tutorial.

  • @jillbooker7970
    @jillbooker7970 29 днів тому

    Thank you for this video! You are a great teacher…your explanations as you paint are amazing ✌🏼👌🏼

  • @eimertansey8738
    @eimertansey8738 13 днів тому

    Excellent lesson thank you

  • @ivankanovak8904
    @ivankanovak8904 19 днів тому

    Thank, very useful for mě.🍀❤️🍀

  • @shawnas464
    @shawnas464 29 днів тому

    AWESOME lesson! Thank you!🎉

  • @GratefulDeb270
    @GratefulDeb270 Місяць тому

    Lovely & such a good lesson! ❤

  • @susancurrie1650
    @susancurrie1650 Місяць тому

    So nicely explained ! Thank you ! 👩‍🎨

  • @garyhoneybuss6965
    @garyhoneybuss6965 26 днів тому

    Thank you for this illustration

  • @donna6516
    @donna6516 26 днів тому

    Brilliant! So helpful--thank you!

  • @mariasavini5939
    @mariasavini5939 Місяць тому

    Great video, great explanation! Thank you!

  • @kimtheflipper25
    @kimtheflipper25 23 дні тому

    Great tutorial!

  • @user-fu4iw5dx3f
    @user-fu4iw5dx3f 27 днів тому

    Thank you sooo much for your guidance!!!!

  • @chirschtick
    @chirschtick 29 днів тому

    Hello Kristin, Thank you for this very helpful explanation :) Much appreciated!

  • @darcypalmer7783
    @darcypalmer7783 Місяць тому

    This was very helpful to me, a beginner! Thank you.

  • @holliexenahitchcock
    @holliexenahitchcock 11 днів тому

    One of the BEST watercolor tutorials I’ve EVER watched! So glad I found you!

  • @melindaavila498
    @melindaavila498 15 днів тому

    I wish I had seen a tutorial like this 3 years ago 😂 Thanks!

  • @goingvenus5603
    @goingvenus5603 2 дні тому

    This was VERY valuable for a beginner watercolour artist. Thank you!

  • @robind.5370
    @robind.5370 Місяць тому +3

    Amazing tutorial! Can you list good colors to use for greens for Windsor newton. I am struggling with this. If I used sap green for light value and added the indigo would that give a good darker value and be realistic

  • @cassandragonzalez5660
    @cassandragonzalez5660 28 днів тому

    This is so helpful! Thank you

  • @junehydes2505
    @junehydes2505 28 днів тому

    Really well explained and demonstrated

  • @Tincanart_25
    @Tincanart_25 26 днів тому

    This is so helpful. Thank you!

  • @debrabeck6068
    @debrabeck6068 23 дні тому

    The most helpful tutorial ive watched. Thank you

  • @GaryScott-pdx
    @GaryScott-pdx 29 днів тому

    Very thoughtful video. I learned a lot.

  • @SunnyBlueSkyDay
    @SunnyBlueSkyDay Місяць тому +1

    Brilliant! Great explanation and technique 🖌️ 💦