Erika Lancaster- Artist + Online Art Teacher
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10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting with Watercolors

12/4/2017

149 Comments

 
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*This post contains affiliate links. I receive small commissions for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. These commissions help me keep this site up and running, in order for me to keep providing helpful and inspiring art content. :)


Do you let other peoples' comments about watercolors (how they are temperamental, unforgiving, etc.) dissuade you from using them to create art? Have you ever binge-watched YouTube videos from amazing watercolor artists who make the process seem extremely easy, just to get frustrated when you try a painting out yourself? 



It's hard for me to believe, but it's already been a year since I made the decision to get serious about advancing my drawing/painting skills and made my first investment in (actual) watercolor painting supplies. By then, I had already tried acrylics and oils, but I wanted to keep experiencing different mediums in order to see which I liked best and which complemented my art style most (this is an ongoing process btw). 

​I became increasingly interested in watercolor illustration and was very inspired by artists I found online. I made it my objective to paint and learn as much as possible in the afternoons after getting home from work and whenever else I could. 


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Though I still have a long way to go before I reach the skill level I want to be at, I have managed to advance my skills and want to share what I have learned with you. Make sure to check out the free downloadable PDF at the end of the post that you can use for practicing! 

I created what I call a watercolor painting "map" for you using a reference picture of an apple.
 Remember that practice is what's going to make you move forward and, above all, you need to be patient with yourself. Read my blog post titled 
Self-Doubt as an Artist: How to Stay Confident and Keep Going.
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Here are the ten things that I wish somebody had explained to me before starting with watercolors!

I really believe that if you understand these ten things and consciously apply them throughout your work, you will be able to improve your watercolor painting skills a lot faster and not waste as much money and supplies.

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Watch the video, read the blog post, or better yet, do both!  : )
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If you enjoyed this video and found it helpful, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel. I share a brand new video every week with art tips, drawing and painting tutorials and mindset/productivity tips for artists. *Subscribe HERE*

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1. Buy paper that's intended for watercolor

It can be extremely frustrating to feel like you're constantly fighting against your supplies when your trying to create artwork. Make things easier for yourself by actually buying paper intended for water-soluble mediums. 

If you're serious about improving, do not attempt to paint on regular paper or cardboard.

​Mixed-media sketchbooks may or may not work depending on the amount of paint and/or water you use, so I don't recommend them either until you gain a bit more of experience and control over this medium. 

I suggest doing some quick research in order to find a brand of watercolor paper that is relatively good quality and price for you to start off with. With experience, you'll start seeing whether you prefer thicker, thinner, cold press, hot press, etc.

​As my watercolor journey has progressed, I've discovered that I  love thicker varieties (preferably 140 lbs. and up) because I can be pretty heavy handed with my paints and I'm pretty rough with my paintbrushes and paper!

I also like that I don't have to necessarily tape down my paper every single time I feel like painting.

Canson and Strathmore are brands that offer quality watercolor paper at accessible prices.

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Accessible watercolor paper brands
Watercolor paper brands I am currently working with.

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2. Plan colors before starting to paint

I know this may feel like a pain, especially when you just want to get to painting. However, I ruined SO many good drawings because I was too anxious to get started and ignored the planning aspect that goes behind creating an artwork using watercolors.

​Remember that truly effective artworks show harmony, unity and coherence. For this to happen, the artist must give thought to how the elements included within a composition (no matter how simple or complex) relate with and complement each other. This applies directly to the colors you use. 
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There's a lot of value to starting with a limited color palette. I suggest you plan and limit not only the colors you'll be using in your painting, but also decide how you'll be creating your darkest mixtures and shadows. 

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You can use mixtures of complementary colors, analogous colors, earth tones, etc. Planning and keeping colors in control will help ensure a more professional outcome. 


Watercolor illustration of cherries showing colors used.
Watercolor cherry illustration with colors used.



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Check out my FREE Patreon-exclusive tutorial and class samples here.


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3. Keep pencil sketches as light as possible

Because watercolor layers are transparent and thin, any hard pencil marks will most likely be visible through the paint at the end. I recommend using your pencil lightly when you are creating your initial sketch/map and erase at least partially afterward, if possible.

​Remove any extra graphite you may have accidentally smudged on your paper while drawing using a soft and clean eraser. 
This will ensure a cleaner outcome at the end. 

Something I have found useful is creating my initial sketch with a water-soluble gray colored pencil. That way, these lines will disappear completely as I paint. I highly recommend this method if your drawing and observation skills are already good (some lines that you weren't intending to erase could be erased). 

Read more about the watercolor paper, pencils, erasers and other useful tools in my 
My Favorite Art Supplies (So Far) ​blog post. I include Amazon links to the products I've bought in case you want to give them a try. 

Initial pencil sketch of a car to use for painting with watercolors.
Vintage Dodge Challenger pencil sketch on watercolor paper.

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4. Protect the whites
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This was so hard for me in the beginning and is still something I have to make a conscious effort to do! As previously mentioned, watercolor painting definitely requires some plan work.

When creating your initial sketch, make sure to map out/indicate where the lightest and darkest areas of your painting will be.
You can see how I did this in the PDF included at the end of this post. 

Once your sketch/map is complete, make sure you do your best to protect the lightest areas throughout your painting process. 

I have three specific tips related to this:

a) Pick a good reference photo to work from. Artists have to develop an eye for picking out photographs that will lead to good paintings. If you'd like to read more about the characteristics that make a good reference photo and how I take my own in my studio, read my blog post titled 
How to Take Great Reference Photos to Use in Art and Why They Are Important. A good reference photo demonstrates a balance of darks, midtones and lights.

b) Work large. If you're creating a painting that will have a good amount of detail in it, make it easier for yourself by working larger. Water gives watercolors a mind of their own and you have to learn to work with it and not against it.

Give the paint space to do its thing! With practice, you'll naturally start learning how much water should be used in any given point and you'll be able to gain control. Later on, you can move on to smaller paintings or illustrations. 
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c) Use masking fluid. A lot of people abstain from using masking fluid because it adds a couple of extra steps to the process and can be time consuming. However, depending on the complexity and subject you are painting, this may be the best way to go.

​Masking fluid ensures that the whites will be protected throughout the painting process and you don't have to be as careful when you're painting! 



Watercolor food illustration showing white highlights.
Watercolor egg and veggie subway sandwich in process showing whites.

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5. When starting to apply paint, start as light and transparent as possible

As previously mentioned, I personally tend to be quite heavy handed and have to make a conscious effort to control the amount of pigment in my paint mixtures, especially as I start a painting. Always begin with a transparent paint mixture that's nice and watery. 
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Work your way up towards the darker values by adding layer upon layer as needed, and allowing layers to dry in between. This method allows the beginner more control as he/she gets to know the medium.

Also, make sure to place the darkest values (paint mixtures with large amounts of pigment in them) only in the very darkest areas you see in your reference photo.

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Be careful when you start placing your darkest values/highly-saturated paint mixtures or you'll risk creating a flat painting! Remember you're trying to create a large variety in values, from very light and translucent to dark and saturated, as this is what will give your painting dimension and depth. 


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Food watercolor illustration mid-process.
Watercolor panini in beginning stages.

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6. Allow layers to dry

Once again, approach watercolor painting with patience! I honestly think that's half the battle. When I first started, I didn't understand the need to allow each layer to dry before applying the next (unless you're painting specific areas in which you want to create wet-on-wet effects). I went way beyond over-working, messing up my colors and my paper, over and over again!

It took me a bit to learn that the effects I was looking for are created with subsequent washes and by reactivating colors that are already dry. 
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If you're impatient like I am, I recommend working on compositions in which you can jump around from one side to the other or simply working on two separate pieces at a time, switching between them to allow them to dry whenever needed. The more realistic you want to get with your paintings, the more layers it will require.

One final recommendation, but a very important one, is to resist the urge to keep painting when you make a mistake. Let it dry and, most likely, you'll be able to fix it later or at least make it less noticeable when adding more layers. 

Do not stress out when you make a mistake.


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7. Don't use more than three colors in the same mixture (unless you know what you're doing)

I'm totally behind creating new paint colors and think color-mixing experiments provide us with invaluable knowledge. However, when you are attempting to create a painting, it's important that you have good understanding of the color wheel and what happens when different colors are mixed together.

I mix analogous colors together all the time when painting my middle values, but am very careful when creating my darkest hues because they usually require me to mix very different colors together.

When creating these mixtures, I make sure to prepare them and test them out before actually applying them in my paintings to make sure they are what I'm looking for! You do not want to ruin your work by applying a color that looks like mud.


Something I always do is keep a scrap piece of watercolor paper next to me as I paint in order to test colors before actually applying them. By doing this, you can ensure that both your color and level of transparency are what you actually want at that given point. 




8. Clean brushes between colors

In the beginning I took for granted that watercolor pigments were easily removed from paintbrushes and didn't take the time to make sure I had removed the previous color completely before going in with the next.

If you're using the same paintbrush with very different colors, doing some gentle blotting on a rag after having rinsed it can usually help you notice if its clean. You don't want to create muddiness in your paintings that will be impossible to remove. Also, swivel your brushes in your water gently. 



9. Replace your water frequently


It's important not to be lazy and replace your water when it starts to get murky because this can affect your colors and/or muddy up your work. Some artists work with several different water cups at the same time, but you'll find whatever works for you personally in time.

I'm guilty of waiting way too long before changing my water and there's nothing worse than ruining a great painting with something that could be avoided so easily.



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10. Invest in quality over quantity when it comes to paint colors

I recommend doing some research and finding watercolor sets that are good in terms of quality and price. Depending on the subjects you like to paint (landscapes, interior scenery, portraits, food, etc.), you can go for sets that contain colors you will actually be using.

It's preferable to buy smaller sets that offer better quality, than larger ones with poor quality.
Look for paint that has a strong color payoff and blends well when mixing. 

Two brands that I recommend are Winsor & Newton (their Cotman line is great for beginners) and Sakura Koi Watercolors (good for beginners in terms of both quality and price-this one actually comes with 24 different colors). Here are the Amazon links for both: 
Sakura Koi Watercolors Pocket Field Sketch Box
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolors Sketchers' Pocket Box

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Great watercolor sets for beginners
Sakura Koi Pocket Field Sketch Box and Winsor and Newton Cotman Sketchers' Pocket Box watercolor sets.


Feel free to download both the outline drawing, as well as the reference picture to practice below:
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Initial watercolor map showing lighter and darker areas.
Watercolor sketch/map
Photo of red apple
Click on image to download reference photos.

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apple_outlines_watercolor.pdf
File Size: 438 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

apple-unsplash-reference_1.jpg
File Size: 44 kb
File Type: jpg
Download File


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Which of these ten things gives you the most trouble? Is there any other aspect of watercolor painting that you find particularly frustrating that didn't make in on the list? I'd love to know! Let's have a discussion in the comments section below!
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Tips to Combine Watercolor and Gouache Like a Pro
Watercolor Supplies for Beginners Tips
Using Masking Fluid with Watercolors Everything You Need to Know
149 Comments
Lamees link
12/11/2017 03:33:53 pm

First of all, your drawings are amazing and I love the details so much in every paint. I am painting as well on Canvas, but I am using acrylic only. I feel like it is more convenient, however it is not easy to blend because it dries so fast. I don’t have the guts to paint with oil or watercolors. But your advices motivated me to give it a try. I would really appreciate if you check my paintings and tell me your opinion

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Erika
12/12/2017 05:36:07 pm

Lamees, hi! Thanks so much for your comment! Don't be afraid of oils or watercolors! They are just paint. I find acrylics way more difficult than oils and they kind of stress me out! haha I do give acrylic painting classes but rarely do I use them in my own work. Do you have work in your site? Do you share it on social? Let me know so I can add you!

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GilsonChapple
4/22/2018 11:44:09 am

I’m afraid you left out the most important element. Drawing skills.
You will never be a good artist without the necessary skills of drawing. Especially water colours!

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Erika Lancaster
4/22/2018 03:02:15 pm

Hello Gilson,

You are absolutely correct! Good drawing skills (and knowledge of basic art fundamentals like value and form) are an absolute MUST not only for watercolors, but for any type of painting medium.
When I started painting with watercolors, I had already been drawing for years. I am a big believer in continuing with our drawing/sketching exercises all throughout our art journeys. No matter how skilled we have become in any kind of medium, drawing is fundamental!

Thanks so much for dropping by and taking time to comment! :)

Whitney Clark
1/31/2022 10:59:15 am

Drawing is an important skill for any artist. But it’s not one that’s needed. I’ve taken photos (my own for emphasis) and traced those onto watercolor paper. It may be cheating but it works.

Maria
4/1/2019 11:14:12 am

I love acrylic paint BECAUSE it dries so fast. :)
I havent tried, but I do know that there are products you can buy to make the drying process longer. You are looking for "extenders" or "retarders." I believe Golden brand makes some, and im sure others do if you google it.

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Erika Lancaster
4/3/2019 07:52:06 am

Hi Maria! Thanks so much for visiting and for your comment. :)
I'm currently exploring a couple of retarders for my acrylic painting and will be looking into Golden in the future, for sure!
I'm painting more with acrylics now, but only out of practicality. I think my heart will always be with oils!
Thanks again and have a great day!

Erika

Mary
8/25/2020 07:41:26 pm

You could try Golden Open Acrylics. Much slower drying time, not unlike oils. They blend beautifully.

Mari-Jonn Sothoron
3/3/2020 04:08:33 pm

I just sold all m acrylics to devote all my efforts to watercolor which I find easier, if that helps.

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Payne Ke link
7/12/2020 03:25:13 am

I'd like to introduce an official online store of brand Paul Rubens, where you can find cheap and high quality watercolor paints and papers: https://paulrubens.aliexpress.com/store/5140092

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Karla Cruzado | The Wise Lark link
12/11/2017 04:37:27 pm

Erika this is wonderful! I really want to learn how to paint and this is just timely. I'm pinning this to save for later. Thanks!

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Erika
12/12/2017 05:26:00 pm

Karla, your very welcome! Thank you SO much for taking the time to comment and check back later for more helpful blog posts! I'm doing my best to post useful information for beginner/intermediate artists every Thursday. Have a wonderful day! :)

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Ruth link
12/15/2017 02:02:29 pm

Love this post. I’ve recently started using watercolours and live their fluidity. I had really only used acrylics in the past and found them unwieldy so didn’t paint as much as I would like. It’s great to get tips from other artists.

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Erika Lancaster
12/15/2017 03:38:24 pm

Ruth, thanks SO much for reading and taking the time to comment! Watercolors are definitely hard to get used to un the beginning! I'm still learning myself and am doing my best to improve. So do you enjoy acrylics? I find oils so much easier than acrylics for some reason! :O

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ishika link
9/12/2021 04:40:43 pm

The person who writes a very beautiful post is always of a good heart and whenever I am sitting alone, I spend my time looking at such a good post, you have written a good post, which is as much as you can in your life. Will be appreciated And you keep writing such good posts in your life, I wish you all the best.

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Larry Brinker
12/28/2017 08:39:30 am

I have just started into watercolours and typically do line and wash postcards. Having done many model railroad backdrops in acrylics via the Bob Ross method the switch to watercolour is interesting. Imagine my surprise when opening my first set of watercolours and there was no Black! I enjoyed your post and will have to pay more attention to values in my painting, I my even try layering to get better darks.

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Erika
12/29/2017 08:41:35 am

Hello Larry! I'm so happy that you enjoyed my post and got something from it! Watercolors are hard and one must definitely be patient. I have much to learn but am working hard at getting better.
So awesome that you create postcards! I'd looove to see them! Making the switch from one medium to another is tricky! Gouache drives me crazy! hahah
I hope you have a wonderful Friday and an awesome rest of 2017!

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Sue
12/30/2017 03:56:45 pm

Great article, thank you. I’m a beginner and know your advice will save me a lot of headaches down he road.

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Erika
12/31/2017 11:01:03 am

I'm so glad you found it helpful Sue! Keep at it and you'll see improvement fast. Let me know if there's any specific topic you'd like to see me post about in the future! Thank you for taking time to comment! It is much appreciated!

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Janice Aistrop link
1/1/2018 08:23:31 am

I enjoyed reading your article. I just started watercoloring a few months ago. It's completely different from acrylics. I have a lot more to learn, but I do so enjoy it. I think there's a freedom with watercolor that's not with oil or acrylics. I'm an old great grandma and love creating different things in different venue's. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. You're a talented young lady and I wish you well with your painting. God bless you.

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Erika
1/1/2018 11:27:06 am

Janice! You're amazing!

I also love trying out all different kinds of supplies. I find really interesting how learning one technique sort of enhances the other ones!

I found watercolors fluidity and freedom, as you call it, kind of difficult and frustrating in the beginning but with practice one begins understanding how to work along with watercolor paint characteristics and use them to one's advantage! It's a wonderful medium for sure and hope that you continue with it!

I wish I had a grandma who painted! I would have enjoyed that so much! Please do let me know if you'd like to see me write or make videos about any particular topic.

All the best this 2018!

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Colin Harris
1/8/2018 08:17:48 am

Thank you for clear and very relevant advice -- I have learnt some the hard way and some I know but realise I am lazy and do not take enough care so thank you for the reminder .
Colin

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Erika
1/8/2018 08:10:15 pm

I'm glad you found my post helpful Colin! It's hard to get over bad habits sometimes, for sure. But don't let up and you'll get far! Hope to see you around!

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Carole Scott
1/9/2018 08:37:27 am

Hi Erika! Thoroughly enjoyed your newsletter and great watercolor tips. I just began watercolor painting this past summer after I retired and am learning as I go. Most of my subjects come from Pinterest and here’s my question: one of my paintings was inspired by a pinterest post but I put a different spin on it to relate to my breast cancer experience. I’ve received LOTS of interest in selling the painting but am afraid of copyright issues and am unable to find the original image artist. Any advice or ideas? I’d be happy to send you a copy of the images to see what you think. Thank you so much!

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Erika Lancaster
1/9/2018 01:34:12 pm

Hi Carole!! I'm SO happy that you enjoyed my first newsletter! Working on something else to send out to you guys because I really want to get to know more about you and be able to offer useful content for you so be on the lookout for that. :)
It makes me SO happy to hear that you're getting into watercolor! Keep going and you'll soon be able to do amazing things.
You present an excellent question that is a problem for a lot of us artists and it's hard to answer it without actually seeing your work. I'd love it if you could send it over to give you a more appropriate answer! Was the work that you took as inspiration a photograph or a finished painting? How much of the original piece is identifiable when viewing your work?
I was reading a great article a while back about copyright infringement laws that I'm going to try to find for you to send it over.
Do get in touch with me whenever you'd like through hello@erikalancaster.com. Send me a photo of your work and I'll give you my opinion!
Thank you SO much for taking time to comment and looking forward to hearing from you!

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Rebecca Kahrs link
1/11/2018 06:16:47 pm

Hi Erika,
I have taught watercolor workshops professionally for over 25 years....I totally agree with everything you said. Keep at it and no matter how many years you paint you’ll never stop learning.
Watercolor is a magical medium and very under rated.....I have tried for years to encourage more younger artist to use the medium. The more you share and teach the better you’ll get. Anytime you want to chat would love to connect. Sincerely and best wishes, Rebecca Kahrs

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Erika Lancaster
1/11/2018 07:01:01 pm

Hi Rebecca,
That's amazing that you taught for that long! You must know so much! It's truly an honor to have you here, visiting my site. I would ABSOLUTELY LOVE to connect and pick your brain!
Thanks so much for reading and taking time to comment!
Have a good one!

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Vijay
1/13/2018 08:59:08 pm

Thanks very much as I liked your tips for a beginner like me. Have a question
I am told that one should not use black color from palette and make it by mixing dark blue , orange , red etc

Well, never get it right

What’s your advice please

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Erika Lancaster
1/14/2018 11:55:16 am

Hi Vijay!

This topic is something I will make sure to do a blog post/YouTube video about in the future because it sure can be confusing and there is just so much to say!

You are correct. Most watercolor artists that are trained in the "classic" way refrain from using black at all. Instead, they create their own blacks by mixing different hues together. There are many ways to make black-looking paint (it isn't REALLY black but it LOOKS black). These blacks are referred to as "Chromatic Blacks".

The reasoning behind not using black straight from the tube or pan, is that this black tends to result in "flat" or "dead" areas. Watercolor artists are not only very much interested in creating paintings with life to them, but also in creating coherent, harmonious paintings in terms of color. They create their darkest hues with a "temperature" to them, depending on what goes best with their compositions.

Straight up blacks that you can buy (at least the ones that usually come in common sets) are neutral. They are neither cool nor warm. And watercolor artists want to have control over what temperature their darkest hues have. They analyze what's best for their composition and create their own blacks which lean to either the cool or warm side. This way, their colors will play with each other in the way they want and their painting will be much more alive and luminous overall.

Some colors I suggest you to try mixing together to create Chromatic Blacks are:
-New Gamboge + Pyrrol Orange + French Ultramarine Blue
-Prussian Blue + Alizarin Crimson
-Burnt Sienna + French Ultramarine Blue
*Don't worry about getting these exact hues and just play around with what you have. Create your own mixtures of Blues, Reds and Oranges (and even greens) and see what happens!

When I first started using watercolors, I often tried to create my darkest hues by combining whatever color I was using with straight up black and this often led to dull, muddy color.

What I do now-a-days is create darker versions of my colors by mixing them with either purples, blues or my darkest browns (depending on my subject).

You can also create your shades with washes of Complementary colors after your initial layer has dried. This is something I want to try to do more in the future!

I HIGHLY recommend you check out Liron Yanconsky's YouTube channel if you haven't already. He creates a lot of videos specifically about mixing colors! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChJff_wMy_bByb0jFTfw0xw

Thank you SO much for visiting my blog and taking time to comment! I hope that this helped you!

Have a wonderful day! :)

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Dkjones
1/6/2021 01:19:16 pm

In icon painting, black is reserved for very specific subjects and all other places it is mixed dark blues, browns or purples. I see what you are saying about the flatness of black, but wonder if there isnt any connection to the avoidance.

Thank you for the wonderful resources on watercolor. My tween was recently gifted a watercolor project that she enjoyed and im tracking down resources for her budding interest.

Cheri
1/14/2018 12:07:24 am

Two years into learning what I can do with the medium of watercolor. I truly wish I had somehow "known" all of your suggestions early on. I've been learning them the hard way - trial and error. Thanks for putting this good advice out there,

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Erika Lancaster
1/14/2018 10:45:12 am

Cheri, I'm very glad that you found my post helpful! These are definitely things that I wish someone had explained to me as well. It would have saved me a lot of time, supplies and frustration!
Watercolor is a tricky medium for sure, but stick with it and you'll get to where you want to be.
Thank you for reading and taking time to comment! I hope to see you back here later. :)

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colin harris
1/16/2018 03:27:56 am

Unsubscribed by mistake !

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Erika Lancaster
1/16/2018 07:36:43 am

Oh no! You appear to be on mi list, still. Did you subscribe again? Have a good one!!!

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Than Htay Tin link
1/21/2018 05:37:58 am

Hi Erika ,
Thanks for your advise. All advise that you mention are true in my own experience in watercolor . Watercolor is my favourite medium and amazing .One of my advise for beginner is " Every beginner should be try intuitionally an hour a day and try to paint regularly " . Even it is unforgiving work, practise will be perfect in future.

Thanks
Than Htay Tin

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Erika Lancaster
1/21/2018 09:40:39 am

Hi Than Htay!
What you say is SO true and SO important for beginners to know! As with any other new activity we wish to get better in, consistent practice is essential!
I also think it's very important for us to assess our own work so that we can practice intentionally, and try to avoid our past mistakes in order to improve.
Thank you so much for taking time to comment and I hope to see you around here!

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George Stockton
1/27/2018 05:26:19 pm

Erika, your comments are right on! I have been enjoying the happy surprises of watercolors for 37 years. This information would have been so helpful in the beginning. Thanks for sharing!

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Erika Lancaster
1/28/2018 10:11:20 am

Hi George!
You must be a pro after painting with watercolors for 37 years! That's amazing!
I'm honored that you visited my site and that you took the time to read my blog post.Thank you for your kind comments!
Hope to see you back here, some time!

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Eddi Reid
2/3/2018 10:26:08 am

Just found your wonderful post on Pinterest - wish I had found it earlier.
I Love watercolor and have finally found a superb teacher, but I make So Many Mistakes! Then discouragement occurs and I convince myself that I am just hopeless. However, that passes when realizing that more practice would at least help.
The fluidity and magic of watercolor is very hard to beat.
Your info is so very helpful. Thank you.

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Erika Lancaster
2/4/2018 09:51:07 am

Hi Eddi!!
I'm so happy you found this post helpful! PLEASE don't think you're hopeless! Watercolors are a tricky medium to learn and everyone goes through this learning curve in the beginning. I honestly don't think any artist EVER stops learning and improving!!
How long have you been painting with watercolors?
Looking forward to hearing from you!

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Eddi Reid
2/8/2018 12:11:43 pm

Thank you for your response Erika.
I am a grandmother and have been painting for many years in various mediums. However, my watercolor experience has really only started in earnest when joining a really good class in Florida during the colder months. The teaching is superb, I have even attended two workshops in the last couple of years.
I needed a more lightweight system of art after suffering severe back problem, watercolor allowed me to work whilst leaning on the sofa cushions and balancing a watercolor pad on my lap, Thankfully my injuries are now not so uncomfortable so I can attend classes and enjoy the time with other students.
My biggest problem (there are others), is composition - a theoretically simple principle but one with which I struggle.
I am very pleased to have discovered your blog and advice.
Many thanks, Erika,

Marjorie link
2/7/2018 07:19:06 pm

65 years ago in college and HighSchool had excellent teacher and your blog brings all her instructions back to me. Have paper and good brushes and needed your encouragement to begin again. Thanks

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Erika Lancaster
2/8/2018 08:12:22 am

Hi Marjorie! Your words truly warmed my heart! :)
Please consider subscribing to my newsletter so you can receive emails about new things to come! I'm working on a lot of very helpful content for beginner artists, focusing on drawing and watercolor.
Thank you so much for taking time to comment and I hope to see you around!
Have a great one!

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Carolyn Liebowitz
2/8/2018 02:19:08 pm

Thank you so much for your clearly stated advice. It will be very useful I'm sure.

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Erika Lancaster
2/9/2018 08:42:58 am

Your very welcome Carolyn!! Are you just starting out with watercolors?

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barb
2/9/2018 01:03:36 am

Loved your post! I keep starting and stopping watercolor -- mostly out of frustration! Your post outlined the very important things to keep in mind, especially protecting the whites! My instinct is to cover the whole paper with paint and that makes for a dull painting! I'm on the third attempt at the same subject and it gets a little better every time. Patience, as you mentioned, is the key! Thank you and I will keep watching this space!

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Erika Lancaster
2/9/2018 08:49:03 am

Hi Barb! I totally get you! It can be SO frustrating!
I had that same problem in the beginning as well, mostly because the past painting experience I had prior to starting with watercolor was with acrylics and oils, which is a completely different approach all together.
But you're totally right, it gets easier and easier. What is important is to try to pinpoint specific "mistakes" in past work and try to avoid doing them in the next piece. Then this knowledge stays in your head and you start doing things naturally!
Patience is so important. And we have to remember to be kind with ourselves!
Thank you so much for taking time to comment and I hope to see you around. :)

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M. Sue Johnson
2/9/2018 11:10:32 pm

Hi Erika, I enjoyed your demonstration and information. I have been water coloring for years and do teach ,although I have taken a back seat for a while, due to my husband's seriousl illness that lead to his death in August of 2016, I now am ready to get back into redeveloping my classes and painting again.

I work also in China painting (not the craft type) but rather the translucient China paints you fire in a kiln, like was done years ago before decaling and screen printing took over in decorating China. My students mostly are for this medium and oils, but my favorite is watercolor personally with a close second for China painting which is approached like watercolor, and looks very similar to watercolor , but on fine China, for the foundation.
I could share photos with you if you'd like.

Regards, Sue

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Erika Lancaster
2/10/2018 12:23:43 pm

Hi Sue,

I'm incredibly sorry to hear about your husband. It must have been a very hard experience and I can't even begin to understand what it's like to go through that.
It makes me happy to hear that you're getting back into your painting! I've never worked with China painting, but it sounds like a lot of fun and would love to try it out in the future!

I'd LOVE to see photos!! Send them over to hello@erikalancaster.com :)

Thank you SO much for taking time to read and comment and I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

Have a great weekend!

Erika

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Joy Roshinsky
2/11/2018 11:43:59 am

Thank-you

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Erika Lancaster
2/12/2018 08:37:02 am

Your very welcome Joy! I hope to see you around!

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Nana N Cisler
2/17/2018 09:21:31 am

Very good tips. Thank you

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Erika Lancaster
2/17/2018 10:35:10 am

Hi Nana! I'm glad you found these tips helpful! Hope to see you around here!

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Mary
2/20/2018 12:24:06 am

Excellent advice, will read you many more times thx

Carol H
2/20/2018 01:45:09 am

Hi Erika,
Thank you so much for you inspiring video, I really loved your painting & now feeling inspired.
I inherited all my mothers watercolours & card making products etc when she passed away as I always wanted to have a go. I have dabbled with painting & used various subjects on my cards but yet to try something on water colour paper. After watching this & the techniques of leaving white areas I can't wait to try. I know my Mum would love that I am using them more, so thank you for your inspiration.

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Erika Lancaster
2/20/2018 08:55:14 am

Carol,
I am so happy that you're finding inspiration in my blog. Reading your words truly warmed my heart. :)
It's so amazing that your mom used to paint! Neither of my parents are artists and whenever someone tells me they have/had a parent or grandparent that paints or draws I feel SOOO jealous! You have art in your veins! Please do have a go at it.
I would absolutely LOVE to see your work sometime! Please stay in touch and consider subscribing to my newsletter/insider group if you haven't already because I have a lot of things coming up for you. :)
Have a beautiful and inspiring day!

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Andrea
2/24/2018 08:59:07 am

Very helpful! I have just started water colors after a friend posted work she did in a class on her vacation in Puerto Vallarta. I decided, why not? I’m starting on my own why looking for classes I can take locally & this article reinforced a few things I already found out & I'm sure I will review to remind myself when I start to paint! Thanks!

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Erika Lancaster
2/24/2018 08:02:11 pm

Hi Andrea!
I'm so happy to hear that you're giving watercolors a go! They are such an amazing art medium! From what I've seen, a lot of my readers/subscribers are very interested in watercolors and I'm working hard on producing more helpful content for you all, like this weeks post/youtube video:
Watercolor Sky Tutorial (Landscapes for Beginners Pt.1)
http://www.erikalancaster.com/blog/watercolor-sky-tutorial-landscapes-for-beginners-pt1
Check it out if you're interested and please do stay in touch!
Have an amazing and inspiring weekend! :)

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Jlo link
4/7/2018 10:13:18 am

Hi there, love this blog post! I found #2 the most helpful (plan colors). I get so excited to paint, I end up trying to put too many colors on the paper and it gets muddy.

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Erika Lancaster
4/7/2018 10:25:27 am

Hi Jlo,
Muddy colors can definitely be a struggle and can ruin the whole painting!
I've really found keeping a limited color palette extremely helpful. Not only does it diminish muddy colors from happening, but it makes a painting look much more harmonious overall and professional-looking (in my opinion).
Making time to plan colors before starting a watercolor piece is one of the best things I've trained myself to do, for sure!
Thanks so much for taking time to comment and for visiting my site! Do let me know how your artwork progresses. :)

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Sophie
6/20/2018 03:24:46 am

Hi Erika,
Seeing you respond to all comments personally, I'd like to let you know that even in The Netherlands your artblog is being read by me and my fellow beginner watercolor artists. :)
Thank you for your tips and tricks. I think they're very useful. Keep up the good work!

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Erika Lancaster
6/20/2018 09:20:55 am

Hi Sophie! :)
You comment truly made me smile and it also inspired me to keep doing what I'm doing. Thank you SO much for your words!
I absolutely love hearing from you guys and knowing that I'm connecting with other artists and creatives in different places of the world!
I hope to be able to keep producing helpful and inspiring content for you guys for a long time, and also to form a community of people that seek to not only improve artistically, but bring positivity to those around them through their art.
It's just so important in today's crazy world!
Thank you again, and all the best to you from Mexico!
Hope to hear from you again (I'd love to know how your artistic journey progresses)!

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Devendra
6/29/2018 08:19:22 am

Your paintings are just amazing. You have done those with so much detail that I can't paint like it in my dream as well. Just loved it.

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Erika Lancaster
10/31/2018 09:12:16 am

Hi Devandra,

Thank you so much for checking out this blog post of mine and also for taking time to comment. I really appreciate your kind words. :)
Let me know if you ever get into painting!

Erika

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Ruth
8/6/2018 07:45:46 pm

instructions are clear

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Erika Lancaster
10/31/2018 09:13:03 am

Hi Ruth,

I'm happy to hear you found this clear. :)

Thanks a ton for checking out this post!

Erika

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Stan Quick
10/30/2018 08:30:07 am

Thank you for your advice! I painted in oils and acrylics along time ago. Never got serious though.

Now that I am retired, I decided to try watercolour. Now that I have time, I must learn patience! I often want the mental picture now. Watercolour has a way of telling me who is really in control. What I find troubling is most instruction tells me to use colours that are different from what I have. Does this really matter?

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Erika Lancaster
10/31/2018 09:26:23 am

Hi Stan!

Firstly, I just want to thank you for checking out this blog post of mine and taking time to comment. :)

Second, I'm incredibly happy to hear that you're taking up painting again!

You're completely right. Painting, and all artwork for that matter, requires a lot of patience. It's also important to acknowledge that most artworks require us to push through something I like to call "The Ugly Phase"! Many beginners feel they've done an unfixable mistake and trash things instead of taking it one-step-at-a-time and pushing through. It's difficult, but in time you'll grasp the process, find your own, and things will come more naturally. Plus, you'll start enjoying it more!

I always like telling my students to enjoy the process, because the journey is more important than the final outcome.

In terms of having to use specific colors: I don't believe it's important, especially not if you're just starting out again. And this, that you mention, is precisely why I don't usually like including specific color names in my tutorials. I like people to use what they have on hand and not be boggled down by specificities. A blue is a blue, a red is a red, a yellow is a yellow, etc. I would recommend, however, starting to notice if your colors have a warm or cool bias.

Also, start exploring and being intentional with your color mixing. If you haven't checked out my Watercolor for the Total Beginner Mini-Course, I highly recommend you do. It's completely free and in the third class I walk you through creating a 12-part Color Wheel from scratch using only the three primaries. It may sound simple, but sooo many beginner artists have never completed a Color Wheel, and it's incredibly important in order to understand color relationships.

You can get immediate access to this free mini-course by clicking on the banner at the top of this blog. :)

I hope this helps!

Have a great one!

Erika

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Fox
11/20/2018 11:19:12 am

Hi! I just wanted to ask if you have any tips on how to begin watercolours? I have found so many lovely websites but they seem to complex for me, I don't know anything yet!

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Erika Lancaster
11/20/2018 12:04:57 pm

Hey there Fox!

Of course! I have the perfect free mini-course for beginners just starting out with watercolors here: https://mailchi.mp/1bd771b97ce5/l2aj387g3f

By joining my email list, you'll receive a password to the back end of my website were I have both this minicourse, as well as a drawing mini-course! Both of them are composed of three separate classes and I take you through exercises that you'll find extremely helpful. :)

You'll also get access to my free Facebook group in which we have artists of all levels sharing their work and helping each other out. I'm there daily, providing feedback.

Let me know how they go for you!

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Eira de Rojas
11/25/2018 04:14:21 am

Hi Erika. Very useful tips and very nice and warm answers. I have been painting WC for more than 15 years, but I took a break 2 years ago. During this break I have been studying color theory, more efficient use of water and other WC artist techniques. I have seen lots of videos to find out many small details and useful advices to improve my WC. and get into what I really want, dark color painting. Now I'm ready to take a brush again and your tips help me to get started. Thanks, from Venezuela.

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Erika Lancaster
11/25/2018 10:08:01 am

Hi Eira,

It makes me incredibly happy to hear that I've helped inspire you to keep going with your watercolor painting! I have a Facebook group in which I'm in daily providing feedback and give live classes, which is totally free, if you'd like to join.
There are lots of artists there of all levels and mediums sharing their work and encouraging each other to keep going.
If it sounds like something you'd enjoy, join us at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/artharmony/
All you have to do is become part of my email insider group. I promise I never spam and just provide helpful art-related content to aspiring artists that really want to progress their skills. :)

All the best to you with your painting!

Erika

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Neeti link
12/18/2018 07:19:19 am

Hey! It's really an amazing Article for the beginners. The way you are describe the techniques of watercolor paintings I really like it. thanks for sharing this Article.

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Erika Lancaster
12/18/2018 09:01:17 am

Hi Neeti,

I'm so happy to hear you found this post helpful! If you're just starting out, I highly recommend subscribing to my list, as you'll get free access to my Watercolor for the Total Beginner Mini-Course, and my Facebook group as well. I'm there many times a week providing feedback and giving free live classes. :)
To subscribe, simply click on the banner at the top of the blog section of my site.

Take good care of yourself!

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Jcardwell
3/5/2019 09:17:12 am

Are all your classes free?

Erika Lancaster
3/5/2019 09:35:12 am

Hi there J,

I create a lot of helpful, free content, but no. Not everything I do is free or I otherwise wouldn't be able to pay the bills. :)
Aside from teaching art locally, I teach one-on-one classes through Skype and have a newly launched Patreon site, through with I offer my most exclusive content in the form of Live classes, personalized feedback/critique, Monthly Assignments, real-time tutorials that include downloadable pdfs, and much more.
The link is here, in case you want to check it out: :)
https://www.patreon.com/erika_lancaster_artist

All the best to you in your art journey!

Much love,

Erika

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Daphne Gilpin link
4/22/2019 12:10:08 pm

I like how you said that we should buy paper intended specifically for watercolors so we don't have to feel like we're fighting against our supplies. I've always enjoyed painting with watercolors but I haven't done it in years because it jest fell behind my work and family responsibilities. I'm glad I read your article because I feel a lot better about shopping for watercolor supplies and starting up again!

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ElaineGreenwood
4/25/2019 02:50:43 am

I think it is also important to find a good teacher if you decide to take classes. The first teacher I tried was not good at Watercolour, we used mixed media paper, cheap paint and wet on wet method & after 2 classes I had a picture that looked like it was done by a nursery school child. I was very disappointed because I have been painting will oils for years & this picture was way below my personal standard. So I decided Watercolour was not for me. Until recently when I reconnected with an old friend who it turns out teaches Watercolour, and she has taught all the things you mentioned, and I am learning and enjoying my art now. My advice is to look at the teacher’s own work before you sign up with them.

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Erika Lancaster
4/25/2019 10:10:44 am

Hi Elaine,

Thanks so much for checking out this blog post and taking time to comment. It really means the world. :)

You have a great point!

During my time teaching art (both online and off) I've heard tons of comments from people who've taken classes with teachers that haven't been so good and end up making the learning process much more tedious and frustrating than it needs to be for their students.

I've heard it all, from teachers making students feel so frustrated and overwhelmed that they are left thinking that drawing/painting isn't for them and give up altogether, to students not really being taught the fundamentals and simply being taught to copy what the teacher is doing. Both are very wrong, in my opinion.

There are also amazingly talented artists that don't know how to teach and fail to provide feedback adequately to students/peers.

I also think lots of teachers offering art classes go by the fact that lots of people want to be there purely for fun and stress-free expression, and they maybe think it's okay if they don't have a high-skill level themselves.

As an art teacher that really gives focus to Art Fundamentals, providing students with a solid base of understanding, and guiding them to find their own artistic voice (as opposed to just copying what I'm doing), I've found that the best students for me are those that are serious about advancing artistically and maybe even want to make it a career or side-career.

I love that you brought this up, because it truly is important to understand what you're wants/needs are as a student in order to find a teacher that is able to provide you with that kind of support.

I love that you're jumping from oils to watercolors! They are SUCH different mediums! I love switching from watercolor, to oil to acrylics, myself and really love how this keeps me on my toes. It helps me stay out of art block, too!

All the best to you Elaine, and do stay in touch!
I'd love to keep hearing from you. :)

Erika

Erika Lancaster
4/25/2019 09:50:30 am

Hi Daphne!

Thanks so much for checking out this blog post and taking time to comment. Truly means the world. :)
I'm incredibly happy to hear you're inspired to get started with painting again and found some useful nuggets in this.
Wish you all the best in your watercolor painting journey and do stay in touch. I'd love to hear how it goes for you!

Take good care of yourself and have a lovely day!

Erika

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Babas link
7/8/2019 05:06:09 am

Hi, I love drawing with watercolor. I always do mistake in colors mixing. Thanks for your advise, it will be very helpful for me..

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Erika Lancaster
7/11/2019 09:55:48 pm

Hi, Babas!

Thanks so much for visiting and taking time to comment. :)

I'm so happy to hear you're getting started with your watercolor adventure! I would recommend going through my Watercolor for the Total Beginner Mini-Course, as it's jam-packed with information I wish I knew when I was just getting started myself.

You can get access to it for free by becoming an e-mail subscriber: https://pages.convertkit.com/2a06aa492f/8952019645

I wish you much progress and enjoyment!

Erika

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Vincent
8/18/2019 08:16:48 am

Hello Erika!

First of all this is an amazing post explaining the beginnings of watercolors and paints, and it also gave me some answers to questions I had as a beginning watercolorist! Though, a question I had regarding supplies, is that currently I am contemplating on whether or not I should get better watercolor paper for myself. I’ve seen so many comments on videos and blogs that say Arches watercolor paper is great and changes your own styles of painting. Though at $1.66 per sheet, that price is really quite offsetting for (what I’d assume what I would be) an intermediate. I’ve also shopped around and saw that “100% cotton paper” is what some watercolorist use because of its durability and ability to layer (it’s next to none apparently). But I am only a student that is taking art as a side-hobby but does have enough experience behind me for forms, perspectives, color, etc to see that the paper I’m using (Canson Watercolor paper 140lb cold press) is kind of limiting me because of layering and buckling issues. So I wondered if it’s worth the investment for myself to purchase one set of Arches paper?

Thank you!

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Erika Lancaster
10/1/2019 12:45:04 pm

Hi Vincent,

Thanks so much for popping by and for leaving your great question! :)
My recommendation for anyone starting out, is to find supplies that offer decent quality at an accessible price. It's very important to practice as much as possible and to get to know our medium as much as we can without having to limit ourselves or feel bad about wasting expensive supplies.
In this thorough video, I explain about basic watercolor supplies and give specific recommendations: https://youtu.be/WblUXRzUv1M
Two brands that offer decent quality watercolor paper for good prices are Strathmore and Canson. I'd go for Strathmore's 300 or 400 Series https://www.strathmoreartist.com/paint-watercolor/300-series-watercolor.html
https://www.strathmoreartist.com/paint-watercolor/id-400-series-watercolor.html
At the beginning, because we're still getting a hold on water control, buckling and warping are going to happen for most of us.
Once you practice more and gain a good understanding on water control and allowing layers to dry before applying the next, 140 lb. Cold Press watercolor paper should offer a good weight for these kinds of techniques.
140 lb. is considered a "medium" weight, and heavier weights are not only not necessary, but are even more expensive.
I recommend checking out this video on water control: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63MjnM3tw2Y

You're right, lots of highly skilled professional watercolor artists don't believe in using anything that isn't 100% cotton. You're going to hear this time and time again in videos and articles.
However, I was able to progress my skills just fine in the beginning using paper from Strathmore and paint from brands like Winsor and Newton. So don't feel pressured to buy items that are super expensive.
I'd rather you practice a lot with student-grade brands.

Finally, I noticed you mentioned about perspective and form. I'm glad you did.

I always love reminding people starting out with art that drawing is the basis for all kinds of art. Even though I consider myself to be primarily a painter, I love keeping a drawing sketchbook around to continue improving my observational skills and hand-eye coordination.

You can practice your drawing in a separate sketchbook so that you can continue developing your knowledge on areas such as form, value and perspective, and this is going to help you greatly when you get to your painting practice!

I hope this helps and thanks again!

Erika


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Lesly link
9/25/2019 12:51:56 pm

Hey Erika, great article, thanks you! For me the two main things where #1 the paper. I've painted on regular watercolors paper for a while until I discovered "Coton" paper (Tadddaaaaaa). It was like a mini revelation :). And #2 using tubes. I was using paint cubes forever and realized later that I was spending more money refiling than using tubes. Plus when you paint big piece, tubes make also more sense.

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Erika Lancaster
10/1/2019 12:51:26 pm

Hi, Lesly!

Thanks so much for popping by and for leaving your awesome thoughts. :)
Paper definitely makes a difference when painting with watercolor!
Isn't it amazing how we discover ourselves artistically and are then able to arrive at the particular type of paint, paper, paintbrushes, etc. that suit our style and techniques best?

It can really be different for all of us, depending on the techniques that we love using and the effects that we're going for (more controlled vs. looser), as well as the types of subjects that we paint (landscapes, animals, portraits, etc.).

I just love hearing from other artists and learning about other's techniques and tools of choice! :)

Thanks again and have a lovely day!

Erika

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Oscar Morrison link
12/17/2019 02:27:47 pm

It's good to know I should plan on marking out the lightest spaces in the picture before I start to keep them empty as I add color in. My wife loves crafty stuff, so I'm thinking of surprising her this Christmas with some art lessons and equipment that we can do together. I'll have to do my best to prepare beforehand if I want to hope to keep up with her.

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Erika Lancaster link
5/20/2020 05:28:55 pm

Hi, Oscar!
Thanks so much for reading and taking time to comment. Happy to hear you found some useful nuggets in this post. I loooove that you guys are thinking of creating art together! What an awesome idea to explore art and grow your skills together.
Thinking about where you're highlights or areas of unpainted paper will be prior to starting with the painting process is so important when it comes to watercolor. And it's a tricky thing to get used to when we're just getting started, especially because the process is inverted when compared to other mediums like acrylics and oils, in which the highlights are added until the end.
But if we move forward consciously trying to improve in specific areas, the progress will come much faster!
Wish you and your wife tons of progress and enjoyment in your art making.
Merry Christmas! :) Erika

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Erika Lancaster link
12/26/2019 09:28:04 am

Hi, Oscar!
Thanks so much for reading and taking time to comment. Happy to hear you found some useful nuggets in this post. I loooove that you guys are thinking of creating art together! What an awesome idea to explore art and grow your skills together.
Thinking about where you're highlights or areas of unpainted paper will be prior to starting with the painting process is so important when it comes to watercolor. And it's a tricky thing to get used to when we're just getting started, especially because the process is inverted when compared to other mediums like acrylics and oils, in which the highlights are added until the end.
But if we move forward consciously trying to improve in specific areas, the progress will come much faster!
Wish you and your wife tons of progress and enjoyment in your art making.
Merry Christmas! :) Erika

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riya kumari link
5/20/2020 12:32:09 pm

Thank you very much, you have written this post through your thoughts and this post is really beautiful, such post has seen very little till date and I am thankful that you wrote this post.

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Erika Lancaster link
5/20/2020 05:29:48 pm

Hi, Riya!
I hope you're having a lovely day.
Thanks so much for reading and taking time to comment. :) It really means the world.
Wish you tons of progress and enjoyment in your artistic journey.
Erika

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Call Janvi Yadav link
5/22/2020 03:51:28 pm

A good post is always beneficial, as your post is making the same effect. Your post is very knowledgeable. I was quite surprised to see your post that you can see such a good post even today. Hope you You will continue to provide similar posts to us as well. Thank you.

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Erika Lancaster link
5/24/2020 04:42:21 pm

Hi, there!
Thanks so much for reading and taking time to comment. :)
Happy to hear you liked this blog post.
Wish you a lovely day!
Erika

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riya chuhan link
5/23/2020 11:09:32 am

Thank you very much, you have written this post through your thoughts and this post is really beautiful, such post has seen very little till date and I am thankful that you wrote this post.

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Erika Lancaster link
5/24/2020 04:43:12 pm

Hi, Riya!
Thanks so much for reading and taking time to leave a comment. :) Your words mean the world.
Happy you liked it.
Wish you a lovely day and lots of enjoyment in your art journey.
Erika

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pencil sketch link
6/25/2020 06:53:02 am

Much thanks for telling us about this 3 fabulous applications. They looks great despite the fact that I haven't utilized any of them. Prone to utilize them to alter a portion of my photographs.

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Erika Lancaster link
8/6/2020 03:55:30 pm

Thanks for reading! Have a lovely day. :)

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Aditi link
6/30/2020 12:22:43 pm

You write very well, you keep giving us such knowledge, you are an inspiration to us. Thank you.

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Erika Lancaster link
8/6/2020 03:56:12 pm

Thanks so much for reading and taking time to comment, Aditi!
Happy to hear you're enjoying the content I share. :)
Take care and have a great day!

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Payne Ke link
7/12/2020 03:22:46 am

I'd like to introduce an official online store of brand Paul Rubens, where you can find cheap and high quality watercolor paints and papers: https://paulrubens.aliexpress.com/store/5140092

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Erika Lancaster link
8/6/2020 03:57:04 pm

Thanks for sharing!

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Trendy Art link
8/6/2020 12:43:49 am

Great tips, I really enjoyed reading your blog. thank you for posting this blog.

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Erika Lancaster link
8/6/2020 03:57:29 pm

Thanks so much for reading!
Glad you enjoyed this one. :)

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Meghan
8/18/2020 04:37:52 pm

thank you so much for posting this!! I love drawing/painting/anything that allows me to be imaginative/create something. I have attempted watercolors multiple times and have always given up, relatively quickly. It really is such a difficult medium, but I believe that if I can understand it better and have more patience, this will be my favorite medium. Patience is my biggest issue with watercolor, and reading this article made it more clear as to why patience w/watercolors is such a necessity. I already feel better about my current watercolor endeavor. And if I don’t get it finished in one day, that doesn’t mean I’m not successful (which is how I currently feel if I don’t finish a piece in one sitting, regardless of the medium). Looking forward to more practice and more patience 😌

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Erika Lancaster link
8/20/2020 10:49:15 am

Hi, Meghan!
Thanks so much for checking out this post. :)
So glad you found some helpful nuggets in it.
You're SO right! Watercolors are tricky. A lot of people actually consider them to be the hardest painting medium to master and this has a lot to do with all of the variables which can affect both our working process as well as the final outcome of the piece (room temperature/humidity/type & quality of paper and paint, etc.).
But also because mistakes cannot be covered up with another layer of paint as we can do with opaque painting mediums like acrylics and oils, as the medium is transparent!
Because of these things I always like doing at least of planning beforehand, to think about the specific techniques I'm going to be using in different areas throughout the piece (wet-on-wet/wet-on-dry/etc.) to achieve the effects that I'm looking for. Also, if I'm going to be doing any layering, I always need to have a strategy so that I can allow layers to dry in between.
Even though watercolor paper is intended for this medium, it's important to remember that it is still paper and, by allowing it to dry, it regains its strength.
Going in with a strategy and then allowing yourself to let go during the process is key, I feel. And, of course, patience is also super important with any kind of art.
I wish you tons of enjoyment and improvement in your journey with watercolor!
Erika

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Levi Armstrong link
8/25/2020 05:36:12 am

My goddaughter is celebrating her 13th birthday next month, and her mother told me that all she wants for her birthday are painting supplies. That's why I'm planning to buy her watercolor painting tubes. It's great that you mentioned artists that use watercolor should have papers that are intended for water-soluble mediums. I'll follow your advice and buy watercolor paper along with the tubes so she can practice her painting efficiently. Thanks!

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Erika Lancaster link
8/26/2020 07:14:05 pm

Hi, Levi!
Thanks so much for reading and leaving a comment. :)
So happy you found some helpful nuggets in this post and that your goddaughter is getting into painting!
She's going to be sooo happy about receiving art supplies for her birthday. It brings me so much joy to hear about family members encouraging young people to continue pursuing their art journeys.
Wish you a great day and thanks again!

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Kristofer Van Wagner link
8/25/2020 05:37:33 am

I like that this post mentioned it is important to ensure that we have steady hands when doing water paintings. It makes for us to have steady hands as it ensure every stroke is consistent. When I choose a painting, I will look at the strokes.

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Erika Lancaster link
8/26/2020 07:14:56 pm

Hi, Kristofer!
Thanks so much for reading and taking time to leave a comment. :)
Happy you liked this one and wish you a lovely day.
Stay safe!

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Zoe Campos link
10/19/2020 06:40:30 pm

I can totally relate to the part where you mentioned that you previously ruined a lot of artworks simply because you didn't plan beforehand. My aunt gave me a full watercolor set for my birthday and I got so excited to use it that I didn't even bother doing a sketch before I explored around the colors. Maybe attending a virtual painting class can help me develop my skills and put this watercolor set to good use.

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Erika Lancaster link
10/23/2020 10:18:57 am

Hi, Zoe!
Thanks so much for checking out this blog post and leaving your valuable comment. :)
This happens to so many of us when we're just getting started, but like everything else, it's a learning process. So don't get discouraged.
I wish you tons of progress and enjoyment in your journey!
There are lots of great watercolor classes in the online space that can help you start on the right foot.
Have a great day and stay safe!

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eli
11/7/2020 06:11:29 pm

Not sure if it's related, but I want to know which one is better or which one is cheaper between buying watercolours or making them myself!
I already have a set of watercolours but I want some different colours, I'd appreciate some advice!

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Erika Lancaster link
11/9/2020 06:11:34 pm

Hi, Eli!
I don't personally have experience with creating my own watercolors.
I'd recommend looking into Arleebean's YouTube channel as I've heard her speak about this before.
Thanks for reading and leaving a comment!

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Judy link
12/20/2020 01:39:00 pm

The best, direct informative directions.

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Erika Lancaster link
12/28/2020 10:28:09 am

Hi, Judy!
Thanks so much for checking out this post. :)
Glad you found it helpful.
Wish you a great day and tons of enjoyment in your journey with watercolor!

Reply
Makers Tool link
1/6/2021 10:38:43 pm

Love the way you've compiled the important points.

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Erika Lancaster link
3/15/2021 05:13:55 pm

Hi, there!
Thanks so much for reading. Glad you enjoyed the post.
Have a lovely day. :)

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Rebecca Gardner link
4/28/2021 12:55:50 pm

It was helpful when you said that pencil sketches need to be light. My sister wants to get art supplies and try watercolor painting. I'll share this info to help her be successful!

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Erika Lancaster link
5/5/2021 05:42:40 pm

Hi, Rebecca!
Glad this was helpful and thanks so much for sharing with your sister. :)
Wish you a great rest of the day and take good care.

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Amanda
4/30/2021 02:04:05 pm

Hi Erika!

Thank you for a very insightful and informative article. I'm new to watercolors; actually I'm new to almost every artform.

About ten years ago, I got into the adult coloring craze. I started with the basic supplies and before I knew it I had amassed a large collection of coloring books and artist grade supplies. I traded in my cheap student grade supplies and invested in quality supplies. I own everything from colored pencils to markers, gel pens and everything in between in brands such as Copic, Prismacolor, etc.
I watched lots of videos and read/studied lots of books to learn advanced coloring techniques until I was satisfied.

Fast forward to 2018 and I started seeing calligraphy, hand lettering, and brush lettering everywhere on social media. I love markers and I've always been told I have good handwriting so I thought I'd give it a try. It took me almost two years, but I finally mastered it.

Now, I'm at the point where I'm starting to play with watercolors to use as backgrounds for my calligraphy and lettering projects. I've learned how to do some basic washes using watercolor paints as well as brushmarkers and waterbrush pens.

Now I've run into a couple of problems, the first one is that I don't have a background in art. When you mentioned that artists need to have a basic understanding of the fundamentals of art, I nearly cried. I love the washes I've been able to create with watercolor and I'd just started imaging how much I'd love to really learn how to paint with watercolors, especially abstract art or landscapes.

That's when I remembered my second obstacle - I can't draw to save my life! I'm lucky if I can draw a stick figure. This has already been a problem for me. The art of handlettering requires the ability to draw each letter and combine different fonts, often in different shapes, to achieve the end result. Since I can't draw, I'm limited to the art of calligraphy using a dip pen, brush marker, or watercolor paints (I'm still learning how to write with actual watercolors).

Ironically, my youngest son (now grown up and married) has been able to draw since he could hold a pencil. He used to pause the cartoons when he was little and draw them. He can draw anything! I tried to convince him to go into graphic design but he joined the Air Force, probably because my husband and I and our other two sons were also military). He still draws as a hobby, but we've never been able to figure out where he gets his talent from. It's definitely not from me or his dad! But I digress...

How can I aspire to be a watercolor artist if I can't draw? I've tried. I've watched videos and read books and tried to learn how to draw the same way I learned how to do calligraphy with dip pens, brush markers, and watercolors, which isn't easy as a lefty, by the way!

The only way I can think of to get around this is to transfer drawings to watercolor paper since I'm not capable of drawing. But I feel that limits me greatly. And at the very least, I still have to learn the basic fundamentals of art that you mentioned. I'm starting to think my dream of creating beautiful watercolor paintings is unattainable. I don't suppose you have any suggestions?

Very respectfully,
~Amanda

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Erika Lancaster link
5/5/2021 06:34:40 pm

Hi, Amanda!

Firstly, thanks SO much for checking out this blog post and also for taking time to leave such an insightful comment. It truly means the world that you shared so much with me.

Second, I just want to acknowledge the work and effort you've put into your art practice, and congratulate you for keeping on with it over time. It says a lot about how passionate you are about art, but also how you're willing to prioritize and work hard on what's important to you.

Drawing, in my opinion, is the basis for all kinds of art. I consider myself primarily a painter more than a "draw-er" and love a more expressive/painterly quality rather than hyperrealistic works of any kind, but I acknowledge the fact that keeping a sketching habit is fundamental, and that it's through drawing and sketching that we get to develop our knowledge of many important Art Fundamentals such as 3D form, perspective, value and more.

Drawing is super important for anyone that's looking to create original art, especially more believable representational artwork (though knowledge of the fundamentals such as Elements and Principles of Art as well as Composition are essential even for abstract artists).

This is why, whenever I start with a new student, I always start by covering the fundamentals via drawing. And if she/he is eager to start painting, we work on both sketching and painting simultaneously. And even then, I encourage them to keep on with their sketching practice over time, just like I like doing.

In my many years teaching and developing my own skills, I've seen how knowing how to draw and understanding the fundamentals impacts your painting positively, and it shows when people don't take time to learn them, no matter what style they have or what medium they use.

Now, having said all this, I 100% believe that anyone can learn to draw.

Just like your son, I had no artists or even creatives in my family and my mom was also confused as to how I obtained these skills. No one is born knowing how to draw or paint. It's just that people who learn faster are perhaps more visual or observe intensely, and are so interested since a younger age that their observational skills and fine motor skills sharpen faster as they continue practicing. But it's like a muscle that gets strengthened over time, through practice and attention.

My drawings initially were terrible! They got better and better over time as I embraced the phase I was at and continued taking action. I knew that it was a process and that, as long as I kept going, I was only going to get better and better. It takes years and years for people to become "masters" at anything, and even then, there's always going to be room for improvement. There is no finish line.

What's important is to enjoy the learning journey!

You CAN learn how to draw, Amanda! It's just that you probably haven't been taught how. I've gotten students who cannot draw anything at all or have never tried to draw anything beyond a smiley face before, to painting full scenes using their freehand preliminary sketches in less than a year.

As a "self-taught artist" (I don't think anyone's really self-taught as we all learn from others via videos, books, courses, etc.-but you know what I mean), you DO have to be smart about how you move through your learning journey, though, because it's very easy to skip over important steps.

What I would suggest is to create a learning curriculum for yourself. Look up "Art Fundamentals" on Google, or "What are Art Fundamentals?", or something along those lines, so that you can come up with a list of fundamentals to cover, at least on a basic level. You'll find that certain artists consider more topics to be fundamentals and others less, but there will be a core of topics (look for the ones that repeat in all your resources), and either look into them or invest in courses. Here are a few that I always cover with students: Elements and Principles of Art, 3D Form and Perspective, Light Behavior, Basic Anatomy, Composition.

What a lot of beginners fail to understand is that learning technique or learning how to use a drawing or painting medium, is different from learning the fundamentals and working through the whole creative process (what I like to refer to as a "project mentality"). All of these go hand-in-hand and, though learning and practice, they will prepare you to create original art consistently.

That's it for now, Amanda! If you have anything else to share with me, feel free to contact me via email (hello@erikalancaster.com).

I hope this was helpful in some way. I'm sorry that my post made you want to cry. I assure you, this wasn't my intention.

I feel honesty is important and through understanding certain things, as well as moving forward in a more practical way, your progress will come much sooner.

Have a great day and take good care!



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Eli Richardson link
7/15/2021 09:30:01 am

It really helped when you talked about watercolors and the importance of investing in quality materials. Recently, my little sister mentioned she wants to try painting with watercolors. My sister loves arts and crafts, and I want to help her get started, so I'll be sure to keep your tips in mind when shopping for art materials. Thanks for the advice on watercolors and how to paint with them.

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Erika Lancaster link
9/15/2021 04:38:08 pm

Hi, Eli!
I'm so glad to hear that your sister is starting with watercolor! It's such a fun and challenging painting medium.
Thanks for reading and sharing! Have a lovely day. :)

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ayatkhan link
1/4/2022 01:59:30 am

Good

shivali link
9/11/2021 11:47:18 am

Wow! What a say. You have written very well Words and the tone to speak to them are the mirror of a human being, what is the appearance of the face, it often 'changes' with age and circumstances. Thanks for this post

Reply
Erika Lancaster link
9/15/2021 04:38:37 pm

Hey, there!
Thanks so much for popping by. :)
Wish you a great day.

Reply
ayatkhan link
1/4/2022 01:55:42 am

Great tips, I really enjoyed reading your blog.

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Erika Lancaster link
1/12/2022 05:19:14 pm

Hey, there!
Thanks so much for reading and leaving a comment.
Glad to hear you enjoyed this one.
Have a great day and take good care!

Reply
hyderaba model link
1/4/2022 01:58:51 am

Great tips, I really enjoyed reading your blog. thank you for posting this blog.

Reply
Erika Lancaster link
1/12/2022 05:26:00 pm

Hey, there!
Thanks so much for checking this one out.
Glad to hear you enjoyed this one.

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Chandigarh model link
1/5/2022 12:29:30 am

This is really very amazing like it so much keep sharing like this wait for the next.

Reply
Erika Lancaster link
1/12/2022 06:19:57 pm

Hello,
Thanks so much for popping by! Glad you enjoyed it.
Wish you a great day and take good care.

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Laurie
1/30/2022 12:19:42 pm

Wonderful site you have, thank you so much for sharing your journey and talent. =)

The thing that stymies me so much about watercolor, as opposed to acrylic, is having to basically paint backward, process-wise. It's hard to explain, but makes sense in my head. LOL The planning and protecting of white spaces you mentioned in this post is part of it.... With drawing or acrylic painting, you start macro and work toward micro, for example, drawing/painting the Earth, and THEN adding in continents, ocean colors, islands, ice caps, mountain ranges, desert or grassland colors, etc. until you have a nice painting of the planet. With watercolor, I get very stuck trying to figure out how to plan a bunch of layers to end up with the finished image that's in my head.

Reply
Erika Lancaster link
2/2/2022 07:01:40 pm

Hi, Laurie!
Thanks so much for checking this one out and leaving your valuable comment. I'm so glad that you're giving watercolor a go!
I also started with acrylics and oils, and totally get what you mean. Working with watercolor is, indeed, in many ways the inverse of working with opaque painting mediums.
The way that I see it, with any drawing or painting medium (even watercolor), you're always working from general and making your way towards specifics.
Only with watercolor, those abstract color/value shapes, are large washes that you build detail upon.
You're so right in that it's important to give thought to strategy! Especially with watercolor, because we can't cover up paint as we can with acrylics or oils, and the white/brightness of our paper stands in place for our highlights and lighter values, we must plan and work with that in mind.
Wish you tons of progress and enjoyment in your journey!
Take good care. :)

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I Am An Artist India link
2/8/2022 11:56:16 am

loved your work keep on good work

Reply
Erika Lancaster link
2/16/2022 09:37:34 am

Hey, there!
Thanks for reading.
Wish you a lovely day!

Reply
Georgina Mckenzy link
12/15/2022 08:23:10 pm

I have observed that our son has been interested in painting since he was small. I wanted to support him in his passion and plan to enroll him in a Learn to Watercolor Paint Course. I'm glad you mentioned some watercolor techniques, like cleaning the brushes properly when painting.

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Erika Lancaster link
12/21/2022 10:56:25 am

Hi, Georgina!
Thanks so much for checking this one out, and for sharing about your son's interest in painting.
I love hearing from parents who encourage their son's/daughter's artistic passions. Wish him tons of enjoyment moving forward in his art journey!

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Sara link
3/24/2023 09:09:43 am

From another mom that follow you blog, thanks you for this post. I'm going trough different watercolors course at the moment with my son and I love it :).

Soniya Sharma link
12/22/2022 05:23:07 am

Hello, I am Soniya Sharma from Mumbai.

Reply
Erika Lancaster link
1/3/2023 12:18:00 pm

Hi, Soniya!
Welcome. :)

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Edo Hannema link
12/25/2022 02:52:49 pm

Nice tips 👌

Reply
Erika Lancaster link
1/3/2023 12:18:33 pm

Hi, Edo!
Thanks for checking this one out.
Glad you enjoyed it. :)

Reply
Poonam link
2/19/2023 01:05:41 pm

So Wonderful sharing about learning art and watercolour...Its soo deep. learning and teaching art with passion really comes from heart... Thanks for sharing.

Reply
Erika Lancaster link
2/20/2023 01:47:57 pm

Hi, there!
Thanks so much for reading and taking time to leave a comment.
Glad you enjoyed this one.
Wish you a great day and tons of enjoyment moving forward in your art journey!

Reply
Soniya Sharma link
2/20/2023 06:48:51 am

Nice tips

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Erika Lancaster link
2/20/2023 01:47:14 pm

Thanks so much for reading.
Glad these tips were helpful. :)
Have a lovely day.

Reply
Aditi Sharma link
2/22/2023 06:11:06 am

Nice Tips

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Steve Smith link
3/23/2023 12:08:52 am

I never knew that you should use art materials that would be appropriate for the coloring process you wanted. My father mentioned to us a couple of days ago that he wants to buy Mexican acrylic paintings that he would add to his contemporary realism collection, and he asked if I had any idea what would be the best option to consider. Thanks to this instructive article, I'll be sure to tell him that we can consult American artists as they can provide details about their paintings.

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