GIVEAWAY UPDATE: Before I announce the giveaway winners, just know we're all winners because you can all download my FREE watercolor ebook ( bit.ly/floralebook ). Okay, now for our FIVE WINNERS! They are... DRUM ROLL... Brittany Shinehouse, Lucy E, Angela Daly, Frieda Schnell, and Watercolour Art in Cape Town! CONGRATS!! Please email us at hello@jennarainey.com to let us know where to ship the paintings! Happy painting everyone! xoxo
One of the things that I have learned from you is after laying down initial pigment color to watercolor paper, while it is wet to add pigment to my brush from the lump of dry pigment without rewetting the brush and dropping the darker color directly to the wet color on the paper. Thank you Jenna for keeping me thinking about how to do watercolor well.
One thing that really stood out to me in this video is how important color theory is. I am fairly new to watercolor. I took some art classes in High School but that was a long time ago. So color theory...didn't even know that was a thing. I will be downloading your Free Watercolor e-book to learn more. Thanks Jenna!
I’ve paid a good amount of money for watercolor classes and haven’t had “professional” teachers explain terms the way you do. “Hard Lines”....never heard of it and you made so simple to understand. The basic techniques are critical building blocks for great outcomes. Thank you 🙏. Your supply tips are wonderful, especially the rationale in the 5th tip for Princeton brushes. And lastly, the color theory was just the right tip to help...I got right on it and the knowledge has inspired me.
Love your tips, can’t wait to be as good as you. I’m 79, hope I have enough time to practice practice then achieve. My father was a sign painter and he blew neon. As a child it was just what he did for a living. I now realize how creative he was.
Learning color theory and breaking down everything into basic shapes are tips that will help me not feel so overwhelmed about everything I need to learn about water color. Also the importance of good supplies - 1. paper, 2. brushes, 3. pigments. Embrace the accidents! - that tip is one I plan to write down and post where I can see it when I practice painting!! Being new to watercolor, all the tips are so good. Thank you Jenna!!
Wonderful tips. I have no background but found a teacher who was willing to take me on. I’ve been with him for 3 years and am learning so much. Your videos reinforce what he says. I definitely need a course on color theory. Will explore all my books my teacher has given me as he cleans out his library. I am such a happy retiree now. Thanks.
Studying colour theory - this is such a game changer! I started doing this when I read your first book and my goodness! Learning about which colours mix well, how they mix and how to compliment colours has really upped my game 🤍
I suffer from hard line syndrome and always thought the reason was that I wasn't using enough water, but then it got worse, and I still didn't make the correlation! Thanks for that!! Totally learned something new!
Jenn Hall the old hard line syndrome, gets us all from time to time... check out my wet on dry video too for more help in that department. ALSO! Cactus video coming out next Saturday, we do a lot of wet on dry, so that’ll help too!
I just started watching your videos; I've never heard of using two water cups before. I think it will definitely help. Recently after watching your videos and trying to emulate your work, I had some friends visit my apartment. They saw my paintings and asked "do you do art for work?" It was such a nice compliment. Thank you for your content!
I have a lot of hard lines, when I lift the brush, it always leaves a pool of color. and every petal and leaf has an edge. I'm going to try tapping off the water on paper towel and try the Easy Watercolor Flower video again.
My biggest take away from this video is water control and embracing my happy accidents. I’m new to watercoloring so I find myself taking my art too seriously. Perfection should not be my goal at this point. Learning and embracing the process should. ❤️
Thanks for sharing Dana!! Definitely enjoy the process and don’t be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them, but make sure to have fun because that’s the point!
Hi Jenna! Thanks so much for these great tips!! They are all golden nuggets! As a beginner I can definitely say that the right supplies (especially paper) make already a huuuge difference (especially because we don't have great control yet!) and the color theory is a very big topic and I totally agree with you that it can really boost the results of our paintings! What I would add - and this is just an integration to your tip about supplies/paper that could still help some beginners - is to really try to explore and practice with good paper without worrying too much of its price because THERE ARE ALSO WAYS TO REUSE OUR SCRAP PAINTINGS (there are plenty of videos and ideas on how to do it nice in the web)! This awareness personally helped me sensibly to release the pressure and enjoy fully the process! As beginners, the price of good material is sometimes higher than the budget and it's human to feel the pressure to have to perform like a Pro on a 100% cotton paper (and not just putting there our experiments and blobs:)) because it costs more, but the truth is that only through the experience, experiments (and the blobs yeah:) ) we can improve, and the idea that not all of those blobs and tests despite not so good will have a second value is helpful, creative, fun and environment friendly too!
I know it, with the prices of high quality supplies! That definitely freaked me out at first, but once I got the good supplies, that was a game changer and I never looked back! Glad to hear it's been helpful for you too!! Happy painting!
My favorite tip is actually #1- the paper. I've been working through everyday watercolor and had even bought the paper recommend, but still had been using multi-purpose paper notebooks. I just tried actually using the paper you recommended, and it WAS actually instantly improved!
Every tip is very useful. No2 and No3 are more interesting to me, I never pay tension on the hard line study, never study the colour chart and theory properly. Now I understand what the reason why I can’t paint better. Thank for very much for the lesson. 🌹👍🧚♂️💐
Practice practice practice. This advice never gets old. Haha. I think most of us needs some reminder that it will never be an instant success in watercolor painting. Along with your tips, continuous practice is needed to see results. 😊
The hardest thing about watercolor is the paint to water ratio! Still working on how much water to rinse off my brush before dabbing it into the paint. Thanks for the reminder. Also, Jenna, do you spritz all your paints before beginning to paint? I 2nd what everyone else is saying about color theory and compostion. I often seem to paint too quickly because I'm afraid of the paint drying too fast, so not noticing color or compostion until I'm done and then realize the mistakes. All in a days work! Thanks for your talent Jenna!
Hey Karen! Water can be tricky! I do not spritz before I paint... If you watch my tutorials (like a floral tutorial or something), we really show every step of the process -- not hiding anything, what you see is exactly what I'm doing! Hope that helps!
Ginger Sparks here I really needed this whole video just as a reminder. Loved the tidbit on removing hard lines. That’s the one thing that gets me every time. So thank you for all the goodies information plus the awesome chance of winning one of your floral paintings would just be icing of my cake. But what wasn’t included in your video that has helped me is slowing down and working in layers of your watercoloring. It’s so much easier to add watercolor to your painting then to take it away.
Yes Ginger, LOVE that! I am actually coming out with a cactus video tomorrow (and a misty forest video soon) that really dive into layers a bit more than I have (a lot more wet-on-dry stuff than I normally do on this channel). Great stuff, thanks Ginger!
I got so many tips from you in last few years and my fav is to use two jars of water it makes it so much easier to get those vibrant colors I love all the other tips here in this video they are all so good!!!! Thanks so much
Jenna, I’m somewhat of a newbie with watercolors and I’m regularly looking for ways to improve my painting. I recently discovered your tutorials and find your relaxed and informative presentations very helpful and fun. Thank you for taking the time to share!
Thank YOU, Dave, for taking the time to let me know you are finding these videos helpful! I hope you continue to enjoy the videos we put out. Take care and happy painting!!
Hi Jenna! My favorite tip from the video is studying color theory. I am an illustrator that works mainly digitally for a publishing company. I miss using traditional mediums, such as watercolor because I started off with a background in scientific illustration. Recently, I am starting to get back into using watercolor for outside projects. In doing so, I am struggling when it comes to compositing a painting because I have no clue where to start when it comes to finding the right colors that compliment or harmonize with each other. I believe your tip on studying color theory will be a big step for me to get back in the groove and be more confident in the choices I make when designing pieces for myself and others ☺️
Hi, I just started watching your videos, following you, I'm bit weak in watercolor, so I thought of good teacher, suddenly I found you, I'm pretty satisfied with your lessons, trying improving... hope your lessons will make my watercolor painting better 😊, so keep painting, and I'll keep watching... Thanks
Thank you for the great tips. When I worked with elementary school students they often asked how I learned to draw. I was self taught and the basic tip I gave them was to keep in mind the basic shapes of objects you are trying to sketch, draw, or doodle, and keep your sketches and doodles they will be of help with getting an insight into the journey of becoming an artist. My son now has sketches of mine that dates back my to middle school and high school days and that was many, many years ago. He treasures them. Now, may granddaughter shows signs of loving art, doodling, and experimenting with different mediums of art..Guess what I told her when she asked how I learn to draw....look for the basic shapes, look for color, trust your imagination and have fun.
Wow don't know where to start! I have learned so much and have seen improvment by using quality products, and watching the tutorials! Paint to water ratio has been challenging but practicing over and over really helped me conquer it! Thanks for investing and sharing!
Lovely watercolor tips ,and yes, first thing is the paper ,I love the thick one 300gsm at least good for wet wet tehnic and give better result,less wrinkles after it dry.Nice tips ,Jenna💙💙💙
Can't believe I stumbled across you and your worthy videos. I love the idea of two jugs of water! Simple but smart tip. I love your verbal "flubs" best of all. A real person with ideas to share. Thank you!
My favorite tip is getting good quality supplies. When I was first learning watercolor on my own, I would get frustrated because I bought cheap paint, paper, and brushes. I would get so frustrated that it wasn't turning out the way I wanted and gave up for a long time. I took one of your seminars in 2016 and saw a huge difference when I used better supplies.
I've watched so many of these 10 tips so it was refreshing to hear a new one. The cool & warm water jars vs. The clean & dirty. I'm definitely going to try it.
Oh my gosh Jenna! 👩🔬 🔬 you’re the watercolour scientist. Now I know what I should focus on to improve. Cos i pick up way too much water when I just want to paint on tiny brushstroke 😆 1..2..3..4..5..6..7 embrace the accidents is definitely my favourite! That’s why I love watercolour, the unpredictability 8 colour theory has transformed my understanding of paint pigments, and saved me money because I literally don’t need to buy 72 colour sets to get that perfect indigo. I never use a paper towel, always ends up on my 👚 😂 Ps. I googled how to show my subscribed channels. I think it shows up 🤔 ...I’m an OG subscriber from last April.
LOL - watercolour scientist! Haha, I haven't heard that one yet, that's awesome! You're always so kind, I appreciate you! And if the number generator lands on you, I DEFINITELY know you are a faithful sub!! Thanks for all the support and BEST of luck!! xoxo
I bought the Princeton brushes you use and have gotten great results. I have been painting in watercolor for a long time now but have never used W&N paints, after seeing your paints vibrancy I might try a few of those colors! Thanks again for a great video. Keep up the great work.
Jenna, I’ve been having a problem with water control I have just started trying to watercolor weekly I love your tutorials and tips! Thank you! And I also love your humor you are very relatable and that is very refreshing!
Ooh I want to learn more about color theory for sure! I’m going to rewatch the video you mentioned. I also like what you said about using what works best for you. I’ve finally gotten to a point where I’ve begun developing my own style and using colors that inspire me, and it’s made me feel much more confident in my paintings. 💕
Love the tips, they are so basic but important, specially when your starting, I wish I knowed that when I was starting 😅 my favorite was the one with the high quality materials they do improve your painting and maybe I'll add that if you sketching with pencil before you apply the watercolor you should pass an eraser, so the lines are almost visible, because once you put the watercolor and dries you won't be able to erase the lines 💔 so helpful all the videos you are making specially the free part 🥰🙏🏻
I saw the most instant better results by using quality paper and paint so that would be my fave tip! Ok I know that’s two tips but both are so important 😆😍
I struggle with too much water on my brush all the time, but I never even considered switching to a synthetic brush to help! I also use paper towels to get rid if water on my brush, but never considered it a tool for paint lifting. So excited to try these! Tha is for the tips Jenna!
I can’t believe you’re only at 17k. BUT don’t worry...you’ll be up to 50k, then 100k in no-time. You are amazing. Your presence is positive, interesting and easy to watch. Thank you for deciding to do TH-cam.
I love the tip about good paper. 😊 You can get some really good deals on watercolour paper sample packs to help you decide which paper works best for you without bankrupting yourself. 😄 I bought a pack a few weeks ago, and although I've only tried one sheet, the colour difference in paint I thought I 'knew' was quite startling! Water control is still something I'm learning - I either get too much or not enough. 🙄 With regard to basic shapes, I like to take a photograph of whatever I want to paint, and put it through a drawing app, then I add a layer and work out the basic shapes in a contrasting colour.
Gaina paper is such a game changer! Water control IS really tricky for a lot of people getting into it, so don’t feel bad, just takes more practice getting used to... and very cool technique about the photograph!
Thank you for the tip on watercolor paper. I am hoping that is the key to my painting looking better. What kind of paints matter the most? Pan paints of tube paints? Student grade or professional? I am new to your tutorials, but have learned a lot already. Thank you for your time and talent!
Hey Linda! Depending on what paper you're using, yes, it makes a HUGE difference. Quality in supplies really helped take me to the next level. Here is a video I did on the paints that I use and love ( th-cam.com/video/znFCv-rCSe4/w-d-xo.html ), I think that may be insightful for you! I use professional level tube paint in my own palette. I love these paints, but you do need to find what is best for you and what excites you. xoxo
Thank you for this video!! All tips are so helpful!! I appreciate the comments that us newbies shouldn't get discouraged or give up! I've certainly needed to hear that! Love and blessings!!!
Lovely, Shannon, thanks so much for sharing and for supporting the newbies!! I also enjoy reading how we are just learning as we go, getting better with each piece! xoxo
I recently found your YT channel and I looove it ! thank you for sharing your gift to the watercolor world, The tip I have that improved my watercolor is to experiment with each color you own, mixing it with others, controlling the amount of water that I use on each application, I decided to make it my meditative practice and consequently, very enjoyable.
Well, I watched this (start to finish, paused, wrote things down) without knowing it was a give a way. Way more than 4 or 5 comments but...I'm new to watercolor and I found the whole thing very informative. I loved the alternative to Arches paper as it's cost prohibitive for me. All info you gave is totally doable and so informative. I'm ready to paint...the only thing I can think of that you could have said would be...."remember to BREATHE!" thank you so much for your videos
i just started watercolor 4 months ago...these suggestions were very useful. The first thing I am going to do is get some better quality paper!!! Thank you for sharing your tips. Love your channel.
I'm SO glad I found your channel. Favorite tip: I had several but..... using a paper towel for things other than just reducing water on your brush. I've always wondered if it was looked down on when you use it to make clouds or the things you mentioned. I also liked #11. Don't be so hard on myself. That's a tough one. I look forward to learning more from you! 👍
FRIEDA! I have excellent news: YOU are one of our five winners! Congrats! Please email hello@jennarainey.com to let us know where to ship the painting!
Hi Jenna The watercolour paper tip is great. I use Arches for practising and you are correct it's so expensive. Will give the Stonehenge a go. Thank you for the video. Lots of useful tips.
Your down to earth teaching style resonated with me, so much so I subscribed. Can wait to peruse your videos. Very excited you popped up in my feed. 👏🏼
I have such issues with water control! After finding your channel and watching your techniques, I’ve changed the amount of water and also the amount of paint I use and I’ve seen some improvements. I love your style!
I love watching your videos! 💕 I ordered paper tonight. Lol I am new to water color (last 6 months) and love your videos. Thanks sooo much, I think your tutorials are awesome. I need to trust myself and just do it. I believe I have good paints and have ordered the paper, next will be a good brush (one at a time). The thing I do struggle with the most is the amount of water I use and the ability to draw well enough for this. So, I’m also going to get your book! Practice, your videos, with good supplies and I should be good to go! Thank you!
LUV this! I am just beginning watercolor but have to say after watching just a few of your videos my work has already went from looking like a blob to something that I actually recognize - keep up the great work, thank you so much for sharing your talents (both of you)! 💗
Usually I keep a clean water, but I’ll have to try the cool colors versus warm colors as my “clean water” is always dirty by the end of painting. Thanks for the tip!
Hello! Another great tip RE keeping your clean water - and even your dirty water - cleaner is to daub your brush out on paper towel (etc) before you dip into your water. If my brush is really loaded with pigment, I'll even wet it and unload into my palette to save that expensive paint for later.
I think the most important is to not let mistakes get to you...there are really only happy accidents!! If you made no mistakes you would not be learning or improving! Thanks for the great videos!!
Studying color theory is something I’m working on right now. Also to think of shapes! (This is hard for me). ALSO, your bonus tip at the end, don’t judge yourself ... I also need to stop comparing myself to others!! Thank you for yet another super helpful video ❤️
This is the first video of yours I have ever seen and I am excited to find you!! Definite thumbs up 👍. I’m new to watercolors and have fallen in love. I really needed to hear your top about color theory. Mixing or choosing color has been the most intimidating part of my new love. Thanks for the advice!
I have both your books and highly recommend them !Everyday watercolour Flowers/Everyday Watercolour ..For years I have struggled with this finding shapes within images...At the beginning of my journey I have dismissed this important part and just wanted an outcome within minutes! Oh my days! I have tried all mediums to get a fast result! I am now ready to slow down and not rush! So cheap paper is good to practice techniques!I have discovered that more professional mediums won't improve your art on poor paper! I am ready to invest in quality paper to experiment with the skills and compare with other papers.....That is the next experiment for me ...put the skills down on cheap paper then mirror them on more quality paper...that is my next step!
I loved the tip of using a q-tip for colour lifting and details! I’m a student and it really helped with my fabric rendering, I was able to get the creases in the fabric without overworking the paint. Some great tips Jenna! Thank you 💕
I am going to try the Stonehenge paper and also spend more time with color theory. I understand a lot of it, but I think now I need to actually practice it so that I can be more confident in my color choices!
I really liked the tip about controlling the amount of water on my brush. I always wondered why some of the larger shapes I painted with mixed colors would dry so..blotchy? And I'm amazed I never realized why that was happening. Excited to try your tip, I'm sure it'll make a huge difference. Thank you!! Xx
Breaking everything down into basic shapes was the biggest thing I learned. I don't normally think about what I'm painting in terms of basic shapes like that, and I think it can cause some over-complication that's unnecessary. Thanks!
My take from this video is to choose colors that inspire me. I always thought that the colors that I learn from watercolor professionals were set in stone. So, I used to follow whatever colors he/she suggests. It never occurs to me that I can choose my own color palette :) Thank you for this new point of view :D
Great tips. I’m new to watercolors and the best tip I’ve learned is about the paper. Must have quality paper or it’s never going to suit your ideas. New subbie to your channel. Glad you popped up on my feed. Can’t wait to watch more of your videos.
First, you look like a model! Second, I just subscribed to your channel, you have a very practical way of teaching techniques, I’m a teacher, so I know. You’re engaging and straight to the point. Thank you 🙏 ok, back to the video! Oh, third...well, love your channel!
Having good paper was a very good point for me. I am new to watercolor, so far I have the recommended brushes and paints but my paper though not a cheap one isn’t what you use. I will check into getting some soon.
I just discovered you by searching for watercolor videos on youtube and I was thinking "wait a minute, this name rings a bell" and yeah I had one of your books, I just bought it last month and I've started doing some of the classes from Everyday Watercolour. So happy you have also lots of tutorials here. I plan to do them all little by little after I get to the end of your book. Like going in order and Im guessing its better to finish the basic book and then go on to more difficult flowers here. Thanks for the tip on the two glasses, I really liked that one. I was already doing the clean and the dirty water glasses but Im going to add yours so I will have 3 glasses: dirty warm, dirty cool and clean.
Thank you for your tips, im working on an old barn right now and I plan on using your paper towel technique I use arches paper, brushes silver black velvet,and paint M. Graham. My biggest problem is blending foilage, it always seems to come out as a big blob. My buildings turn out nicely but my tree lines and bushes not so much. Hopefully I can pick up some good tips from you thanks again.
Thanks for sharing some of your process, Sharon! Enjoy your old barn and all the best with those bushes! If you haven't yet, you may want to check out my leaf series... No, it's not bushes, but there are some techniques you may find useful, especially when it comes to values and hues of leaves, etc. Hope that helps!
Hi Jenna, I do not have a special tip that I have to supply. I just startet painting watercolour. I love your Channel and try to absorb any information. Just watching, watching again ;-)) and let go ... controlling the water, avoiding hard lines, painting your roses (great tip - thank you), a little bit colour theory ... and so on ... And all the same of the results I really enjoy it 🥳😍 Thank you so much for your help and information ☺️ Until the next video. Many greetings (sorry for my english :-)
Hey! Thank you so much for your kindness and for letting me know these videos are helping! That is great feedback for me. Enjoy your learning process, have fun painting -- that's what it's all about! Take care!
Excellent video! My favorite tip was about the paper. Watercolor is all about the paper (well, and paint and brush 😉), but cheap paper will just make it a struggle. Can't wait to try the paper you recommended. 💜
Thank you very much for your suggestion on the paper. Arches is quite expensive to use for practice. I have your book already and am really enjoying it so far. Also need to take heart to stop judging my work so harshly 🤗
Thanks for sharing and for supporting, I truly appreciate you Carla! And YES -- please stop judging your work so harshly!! Getting better is a process, and it's so much better if we enjoy it. :) Take care!
Thanks for the great video Jenna, seeing those beautiful colour charts inspires me to try and paint them. I have a few very fine Princeton brushes and love them, but because I found small fine tip brushes, the tips seem to spilt, I was just buying cheap......until I found the Princeton....I just love those brushes. I have a few good brushes but find them so expensive to buy good quality...I did eventually purchase some good quality on special and have never used them anyway lol! ....I don’t do the real traditional watercolour painting, because I could never get wet into wet to work for me when I first started. I am self taught so I tend to have more paint than water on my brush, but really want to try to learn traditional watercolour techniques. I LOVE Daniel Smith watercolour paints, the vibrant colours are just stunning, I also have professional Windsor & Newton, which I purchased first, but Blick will no longer ship them to Australia 😢 Art supplies in Australia are so much more expensive I just curse myself for not purchasing more when our Aussie $$ was almost equal to the US $$ The one thing I was told when I first started back into art at the end of 2012, was to only ever use professional quality....when I first started watercolour I went to a local art shop and the woman serving is a local artist, the one who told me to only ever buy professional artists quality materials, turned around and told me not to bother with expensive W&N paints just buy these Art Spectrum they are just as good.....well I certainly regretted that....she told me she never used watercolour because they were too dull.....OMG ! I paint as vibrant as possible now in most cases not realistic colours just bright colours! For a so called professional I don’t think highly of her these days. Paper, yes, most definitely you need good quality and I tell people that if you want to do watercolour you have to buy good quality or it puts you off, it doesn’t work, which I think was my original problem when I started with Canson watercolour paper. I bought some full sheets of Arches from the US ....which I use only for special paintings ...half of that full size sheet I purchased, in the highest gsm, to buy here now in only a HALF sheet in the 300 gsm $40 last time I checked ! I have tried numerous brands of paper, and yes, if you don’t buy good quality it just can’t do nice washes or wet into wet, I find they just don’t work.....only works on good quality paper. I will check out your books...I only just came across your Channel 😁😁💙💙xo
I've been painting with watercolors for over a decade and I am a bit embarrassed to admit that I had never thought of using two jars of water! That could have saved me a lot of trouble with muddy colors or changing my water constantly!! Thanks for the tip!
Oh no need to be embarrassed, Ashley!! We're all learning as we go, all trying to get a little better with each piece. I'm glad this helped you out! Take care. xoxo
My favorite tip is using paper towels to soak up too much water. I've been practicing your leaf videos (with a very cheap set I bought a million years ago), but I keep adding too much water and getting weird puddles but would just chalk it up as a mistake and move on. It's so cool to know there's a way to save it! Of course all of the other tips are SUPER helpful as well, but that's the one that hit me hardest. Also, please don't worry about me and my cheap watercolors. I just received Everyday Watercolor in the mail yesterday, my brush and palette are arriving today, and my beautiful Winsor & Newton colors will be here soon! Thank you Christmas gift cards! :D And thank you for teaching these videos that are incredibly informative, but also really fun!
How FUN!!! It sounds like you have the best goodies coming your way, I hope you have a blast painting! Thank you so much for your support, I truly appreciate you. Happy painting! xoxo
I’m pleasantly surprise that I already incorporate some of these tips already. I have some brushes I really like but am definitely going to try your suggestions to ensure I’m always experimenting- Part of my fun is the discoveries. But I must sheepishly confess I have some excellent paper - 100% cotton - but am afraid to ruin it since I’m not feeling that great about my art. But after this video, I am going to use it and throw all caution to the wind. Having good paints is something I already figured out - what a vast difference from my first ones to my last purchase. I thing I think I’ve underestimated is understand colour. I will look for your book - I do find myself challenged. Thank you for your enthusiastic tips and sharing your experience and time with us. I do love watching, listening and learning - something I hope I never loose as a passion so coming across your video keeps me motivated and I appreciate that. Will look for more by you. Formidable!! (Imagine it said with a Quebecois accent)😬
I am SO glad you are loving the videos, Karen, thanks so much for sharing and for your kindness! Try that paper, I think you'll love it!! Happy painting!
Thanks Jenna for these very helpful tips! I appreciate your teaching us! I love your Everyday Watercolor book and I am so glad to find you on TH-cam!! Your tips on watercolor paper and brushes are so helpful and needed for me. Big Thank You!
I learned that you are a really rad teacher! All ten tips were very handy. I have been learning watercolor for about two years now so I have heard these tips before, but for some reason it’s just more fun coming from you. Thank you for another great video! I am already looking forward to the next one. As Always, Much Love and Respect from North Carolina, Stacy
Thanks for watching!! Controlling water can be really tricky, but just keep up that practice and you'll get it eventually. Like I said, unless you're doing a big wash, you really don't need that much water... Happy painting!
I am such a perfectionist, so learning to "embrace" my accidents has been such a big help to me. So, thank you for remi nding me of the "happy accidents" ... 🙂
I was watching your background and was thinking to myself "I've to do this... I've to do this... " - Tip #8 .... Oh well....I will watch this tutorial and go finally do it!! ♥️ Thank you!!
GIVEAWAY UPDATE: Before I announce the giveaway winners, just know we're all winners because you can all download my FREE watercolor ebook ( bit.ly/floralebook ). Okay, now for our FIVE WINNERS! They are... DRUM ROLL... Brittany Shinehouse, Lucy E, Angela Daly, Frieda Schnell, and Watercolour Art in Cape Town! CONGRATS!! Please email us at hello@jennarainey.com to let us know where to ship the paintings! Happy painting everyone! xoxo
Jenna Rainey thanks 😊
Great tutorial and I love the color swatches and brush tips. You reminded me of things I learned a long time ago and had forgotten!
Jenna Rainey! Love this! I was trying to figure out how to fix all the hard edges from the puddles!
i have a really hard time to break everything in shapes. I KNOW it's gonna improve me, but my brain just doesn't let me do it :[
Ahh! I just found your channel (super stoked!) and I've never heard of Stonehenge paper! Can't wait to give it a try. 😊
Watching your videos has indeed given me confidence to paint with water colours thanks a lot
One thing I learned is to sketch in watercolor pencil so I don’t worry about erasing or seeing the sketch in my art
Very nice, Belinda! Thanks for sharing!
That is ingenious.
That is a really nice tip. Thank you.
Belinda West brilliant tip Belinda ✏️
yeah i also do this, it totally changed the game :D
One of the things that I have learned from you is after laying down initial pigment color to watercolor paper, while it is wet to add pigment to my brush from the lump of dry pigment without rewetting the brush and dropping the darker color directly to the wet color on the paper. Thank you Jenna for keeping me thinking about how to do watercolor well.
Thanks for sharing Cindy and for your continued support!! Take care! xoxo
One thing that really stood out to me in this video is how important color theory is. I am fairly new to watercolor. I took some art classes in High School but that was a long time ago. So color theory...didn't even know that was a thing. I will be downloading your Free Watercolor e-book to learn more. Thanks Jenna!
Thanks for sharing, Leah. If you haven't, definitely watch and work through the color chart video I put out -- it's a great exercise!!
I’ve paid a good amount of money for watercolor classes and haven’t had “professional” teachers explain terms the way you do. “Hard Lines”....never heard of it and you made so simple to understand. The basic techniques are critical building blocks for great outcomes. Thank you 🙏. Your supply tips are wonderful, especially the rationale in the 5th tip for Princeton brushes. And lastly, the color theory was just the right tip to help...I got right on it and the knowledge has inspired me.
Thanks so much Suzanne for your lovely compliments! I am so glad this was helpful for you!!
Love your tips, can’t wait to be as good as you. I’m 79, hope I have enough time to practice practice then achieve. My father was a sign painter and he blew neon. As a child it was just what he did for a living. I now realize how creative he was.
You'll get there, Shirley, I totally believe in you! Enjoy your painting!
Learning color theory and breaking down everything into basic shapes are tips that will help me not feel so overwhelmed about everything I need to learn about water color. Also the importance of good supplies - 1. paper, 2. brushes, 3. pigments. Embrace the accidents! - that tip is one I plan to write down and post where I can see it when I practice painting!! Being new to watercolor, all the tips are so good. Thank you Jenna!!
I am SO glad these were helpful for you, Raye!! You are very welcome, thank you for watching. Happy painting! xoxo
Yesss dry paper towels!! Those are your best friend in watercolor. I use them a lot with oil painting too to quickly “clean” my brush.
YESSS!!
Wonderful tips. I have no background but found a teacher who was willing to take me on. I’ve been with him for 3 years and am learning so much. Your videos reinforce what he says. I definitely need a course on color theory. Will explore all my books my teacher has given me as he cleans out his library. I am such a happy retiree now. Thanks.
Happy painting, Sara! 💕
The comments on hard lines and puddles of water was eye opening for me. Thanks
Glad that was helpful for you, Kathy!
To use a paper towel to create textures is my favourite tip. I learn a lot with your videos! 😉
Hope you like the results!
Studying colour theory - this is such a game changer! I started doing this when I read your first book and my goodness! Learning about which colours mix well, how they mix and how to compliment colours has really upped my game 🤍
Thanks for sharing and thank you, Megan, for your support! Happy painting!
Breaking things into shapes is such a great tip! Subjects are so much simpler when viewed that way!
SO much simpler, thinking through things in basic shapes. Makes a big difference in how I paint!
I suffer from hard line syndrome and always thought the reason was that I wasn't using enough water, but then it got worse, and I still didn't make the correlation! Thanks for that!! Totally learned something new!
Jenn Hall the old hard line syndrome, gets us all from time to time... check out my wet on dry video too for more help in that department. ALSO! Cactus video coming out next Saturday, we do a lot of wet on dry, so that’ll help too!
Jenna Rainey yay! Can’t wait for the 🌵
I just started watching your videos; I've never heard of using two water cups before. I think it will definitely help. Recently after watching your videos and trying to emulate your work, I had some friends visit my apartment. They saw my paintings and asked "do you do art for work?" It was such a nice compliment. Thank you for your content!
That’s awesome Rachel!! Thanks for sharing! Sounds like there may be a creative business in the works???
Jenna Rainey I think my strengths lie elsewhere but I will continue to learn!
I have a lot of hard lines, when I lift the brush, it always leaves a pool of color. and every petal and leaf has an edge. I'm going to try tapping off the water on paper towel and try the Easy Watercolor Flower video again.
Hey Lisa! I am so glad this and the flower video has been helpful for you!! Thanks so much for watching and supporting the channel. Happy painting!
My biggest take away from this video is water control and embracing my happy accidents. I’m new to watercoloring so I find myself taking my art too seriously. Perfection should not be my goal at this point. Learning and embracing the process should. ❤️
Thanks for sharing Dana!! Definitely enjoy the process and don’t be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them, but make sure to have fun because that’s the point!
Hi Jenna! Thanks so much for these great tips!! They are all golden nuggets! As a beginner I can definitely say that the right supplies (especially paper) make already a huuuge difference (especially because we don't have great control yet!) and the color theory is a very big topic and I totally agree with you that it can really boost the results of our paintings! What I would add - and this is just an integration to your tip about supplies/paper that could still help some beginners - is to really try to explore and practice with good paper without worrying too much of its price because THERE ARE ALSO WAYS TO REUSE OUR SCRAP PAINTINGS (there are plenty of videos and ideas on how to do it nice in the web)! This awareness personally helped me sensibly to release the pressure and enjoy fully the process! As beginners, the price of good material is sometimes higher than the budget and it's human to feel the pressure to have to perform like a Pro on a 100% cotton paper (and not just putting there our experiments and blobs:)) because it costs more, but the truth is that only through the experience, experiments (and the blobs yeah:) ) we can improve, and the idea that not all of those blobs and tests despite not so good will have a second value is helpful, creative, fun and environment friendly too!
I know it, with the prices of high quality supplies! That definitely freaked me out at first, but once I got the good supplies, that was a game changer and I never looked back! Glad to hear it's been helpful for you too!! Happy painting!
My favorite tip is actually #1- the paper. I've been working through everyday watercolor and had even bought the paper recommend, but still had been using multi-purpose paper notebooks. I just tried actually using the paper you recommended, and it WAS actually instantly improved!
YAY! That is so awesome, Susie, thanks for sharing. And thank you for your love and support, I really appreciate it! xoxo
Every tip is very useful. No2 and No3 are more interesting to me, I never pay tension on the hard line study, never study the colour chart and theory properly. Now I understand what the reason why I can’t paint better. Thank for very much for the lesson. 🌹👍🧚♂️💐
You'll get there, Tong!! I totally believe in you. Just keep up the practice and enjoy the process! Happy painting!
Practice practice practice. This advice never gets old. Haha. I think most of us needs some reminder that it will never be an instant success in watercolor painting. Along with your tips, continuous practice is needed to see results. 😊
Such an important reminder -- even for me!! Keep up that practice and keep getting better!
Thank you! 😍😍😍
The hardest thing about watercolor is the paint to water ratio! Still working on how much water to rinse off my brush before dabbing it into the paint. Thanks for the reminder. Also, Jenna, do you spritz all your paints before beginning to paint? I 2nd what everyone else is saying about color theory and compostion. I often seem to paint too quickly because I'm afraid of the paint drying too fast, so not noticing color or compostion until I'm done and then realize the mistakes. All in a days work! Thanks for your talent Jenna!
Hey Karen! Water can be tricky! I do not spritz before I paint... If you watch my tutorials (like a floral tutorial or something), we really show every step of the process -- not hiding anything, what you see is exactly what I'm doing! Hope that helps!
@@JennaRaineyChannel I've watched MANY 😊
Ginger Sparks here I really needed this whole video just as a reminder. Loved the tidbit on removing hard lines. That’s the one thing that gets me every time. So thank you for all the goodies information plus the awesome chance of winning one of your floral paintings would just be icing of my cake. But what wasn’t included in your video that has helped me is slowing down and working in layers of your watercoloring. It’s so much easier to add watercolor to your painting then to take it away.
Yes Ginger, LOVE that! I am actually coming out with a cactus video tomorrow (and a misty forest video soon) that really dive into layers a bit more than I have (a lot more wet-on-dry stuff than I normally do on this channel). Great stuff, thanks Ginger!
I got so many tips from you in last few years and my fav is to use two jars of water it makes it so much easier to get those vibrant colors
I love all the other tips here in this video they are all so good!!!!
Thanks so much
Thanks for sharing, Elena!! I’m glad the two cups tip has helped in your painting!
Jenna, I’m somewhat of a newbie with watercolors and I’m regularly looking for ways to improve my painting. I recently discovered your tutorials and find your relaxed and informative presentations very helpful and fun. Thank you for taking the time to share!
Thank YOU, Dave, for taking the time to let me know you are finding these videos helpful! I hope you continue to enjoy the videos we put out. Take care and happy painting!!
Hi Jenna! My favorite tip from the video is studying color theory. I am an illustrator that works mainly digitally for a publishing company. I miss using traditional mediums, such as watercolor because I started off with a background in scientific illustration. Recently, I am starting to get back into using watercolor for outside projects. In doing so, I am struggling when it comes to compositing a painting because I have no clue where to start when it comes to finding the right colors that compliment or harmonize with each other. I believe your tip on studying color theory will be a big step for me to get back in the groove and be more confident in the choices I make when designing pieces for myself and others ☺️
Thanks so much for sharing! I hope the color study tips continues to help!
Hi, I just started watching your videos, following you, I'm bit weak in watercolor, so I thought of good teacher, suddenly I found you, I'm pretty satisfied with your lessons, trying improving... hope your lessons will make my watercolor painting better 😊, so keep painting, and I'll keep watching... Thanks
I'll keep on painting for you! I'm glad you found my channel as well, I hope you continue to enjoy the videos. Take care!
@@JennaRaineyChannel thanks a ton for your reply
Thank you for the great tips. When I worked with elementary school students they often asked how I learned to draw. I was self taught and the basic tip I gave them was to keep in mind the basic shapes of objects you are trying to sketch, draw, or doodle, and keep your sketches and doodles they will be of help with getting an insight into the journey of becoming an artist. My son now has sketches of mine that dates back my to middle school and high school days and that was many, many years ago. He treasures them. Now, may granddaughter shows signs of loving art, doodling, and experimenting with different mediums of art..Guess what I told her when she asked how I learn to draw....look for the basic shapes, look for color, trust your imagination and have fun.
LOVE the generational love of art. Awesome, Diane, thanks for sharing!! Nice direction teaching shapes, color, and imagination. Yes!
Thanks for all Jenna. My fav tips are: good paper, and the paper towel.
You're welcome! Thanks so much for watching and sharing!
Wow don't know where to start! I have learned so much and have seen improvment by using quality products, and watching the tutorials! Paint to water ratio has been challenging but practicing over and over really helped me conquer it! Thanks for investing and sharing!
Thank YOU for sharing, Karen! I am so glad this has been helpful for you!
Lovely watercolor tips ,and yes, first thing is the paper ,I love the thick one 300gsm at least good for wet wet tehnic and give better result,less wrinkles after it dry.Nice tips ,Jenna💙💙💙
Yes, Lenny! Thanks for sharing!
Breaking things into basic shapes is a big thing to me. I like loose and free paintings so keeping the basic shape thing in mind is important.
That is a big one for me too! Thanks for sharing, William!
Can't believe I stumbled across you and your worthy videos. I love the idea of two jugs of water! Simple but smart tip. I love your verbal "flubs" best of all. A real person with ideas to share. Thank you!
Susan, you’re too kind! Haha, thank you! I’m so glad you love the videos, thank you!
Thank you! I loved your explanation of your favorite brushes,paper and using high quality pigments!
My favorite tip is getting good quality supplies. When I was first learning watercolor on my own, I would get frustrated because I bought cheap paint, paper, and brushes. I would get so frustrated that it wasn't turning out the way I wanted and gave up for a long time. I took one of your seminars in 2016 and saw a huge difference when I used better supplies.
Supplies change the game!! Thanks for your continued support!! I appreciate you.
I've watched so many of these 10 tips so it was refreshing to hear a new one. The cool & warm water jars vs. The clean & dirty. I'm definitely going to try it.
Glad I could provide something new! Thanks for sharing, Kristina!
Oh my gosh Jenna! 👩🔬 🔬 you’re the watercolour scientist. Now I know what I should focus on to improve.
Cos i pick up way too much water when I just want to paint on tiny brushstroke 😆
1..2..3..4..5..6..7 embrace the accidents is definitely my favourite! That’s why I love watercolour, the unpredictability
8 colour theory has transformed my understanding of paint pigments, and saved me money because I literally don’t need to buy 72 colour sets to get that perfect indigo.
I never use a paper towel, always ends up on my 👚 😂
Ps. I googled how to show my subscribed channels. I think it shows up 🤔 ...I’m an OG subscriber from last April.
LOL - watercolour scientist! Haha, I haven't heard that one yet, that's awesome! You're always so kind, I appreciate you! And if the number generator lands on you, I DEFINITELY know you are a faithful sub!! Thanks for all the support and BEST of luck!! xoxo
Jenna Rainey ☺️ ☺️ ☺️ 🤗 🤗 🤗
I bought the Princeton brushes you use and have gotten great results. I have been painting in watercolor for a long time now but have never used W&N paints, after seeing your paints vibrancy I might try a few of those colors! Thanks again for a great video. Keep up the great work.
I am SO happy to hear you love the brushes!! Thanks for sharing and for watching! Happy painting, Erin!
Jenna, I’ve been having a problem with water control I have just started trying to watercolor weekly I love your tutorials and tips! Thank you! And I also love your humor you are very relatable and that is very refreshing!
Thanks for sharing Annie!! I am so glad you are loving the videos! xoxo
Ooh I want to learn more about color theory for sure! I’m going to rewatch the video you mentioned. I also like what you said about using what works best for you. I’ve finally gotten to a point where I’ve begun developing my own style and using colors that inspire me, and it’s made me feel much more confident in my paintings. 💕
Color theory is SO important, that opened my eyes big time!
Love the tips, they are so basic but important, specially when your starting, I wish I knowed that when I was starting 😅 my favorite was the one with the high quality materials they do improve your painting and maybe I'll add that if you sketching with pencil before you apply the watercolor you should pass an eraser, so the lines are almost visible, because once you put the watercolor and dries you won't be able to erase the lines 💔 so helpful all the videos you are making specially the free part 🥰🙏🏻
Thanks so much for sharing Tiffany, love the erasing the lines tip. That's great! I am so glad you're finding these videos helpful!
I saw the most instant better results by using quality paper and paint so that would be my fave tip! Ok I know that’s two tips but both are so important 😆😍
Haha, I'll take your TWO favorite, thanks for sharing! Upgrading supplies was a game changer for me!
LUCY! I have excellent news: you are one of our five winners!! Congrats! Please email hello@jennarainey.com to let us know where to ship the painting!
I struggle with too much water on my brush all the time, but I never even considered switching to a synthetic brush to help! I also use paper towels to get rid if water on my brush, but never considered it a tool for paint lifting. So excited to try these! Tha is for the tips Jenna!
I'm glad you got some new tips, Maria! I hope it helps! xoxo
I can’t believe you’re only at 17k. BUT don’t worry...you’ll be up to 50k, then 100k in no-time. You are amazing. Your presence is positive, interesting and easy to watch. Thank you for deciding to do TH-cam.
You're too kind! Haha. We just started this channel about 8 or 9 months ago, so steadily climbing!! I really appreciate your support!
I love the tip about good paper. 😊 You can get some really good deals on watercolour paper sample packs to help you decide which paper works best for you without bankrupting yourself. 😄 I bought a pack a few weeks ago, and although I've only tried one sheet, the colour difference in paint I thought I 'knew' was quite startling!
Water control is still something I'm learning - I either get too much or not enough. 🙄
With regard to basic shapes, I like to take a photograph of whatever I want to paint, and put it through a drawing app, then I add a layer and work out the basic shapes in a contrasting colour.
Gaina paper is such a game changer! Water control IS really tricky for a lot of people getting into it, so don’t feel bad, just takes more practice getting used to... and very cool technique about the photograph!
Thank you for the tip on watercolor paper. I am hoping that is the key to my painting looking better. What kind of paints matter the most? Pan paints of tube paints? Student grade or professional?
I am new to your tutorials, but have learned a lot already. Thank you for your time and talent!
Hey Linda! Depending on what paper you're using, yes, it makes a HUGE difference. Quality in supplies really helped take me to the next level. Here is a video I did on the paints that I use and love ( th-cam.com/video/znFCv-rCSe4/w-d-xo.html ), I think that may be insightful for you! I use professional level tube paint in my own palette. I love these paints, but you do need to find what is best for you and what excites you. xoxo
Thank you for this video!! All tips are so helpful!! I appreciate the comments that us newbies shouldn't get discouraged or give up! I've certainly needed to hear that! Love and blessings!!!
Lovely, Shannon, thanks so much for sharing and for supporting the newbies!! I also enjoy reading how we are just learning as we go, getting better with each piece! xoxo
I recently found your YT channel and I looove it ! thank you for sharing your gift to the watercolor world, The tip I have that improved my watercolor is to experiment with each color you own, mixing it with others, controlling the amount of water that I use on each application, I decided to make it my meditative practice and consequently, very enjoyable.
Hey Angela! I’m so glad you found my channel too!! I’m glad to hear Watercolor is your meditative practice, it’s so peaceful.
ANGELA! I have great news... YOU are one of our five winners! Please email hello@jennarainey.com to let us know where to ship the painting!
I totally agree with using the best paint and paper. Game changer for sure.
Game changer! YES!
I used to keep dry tissues to dry my brushes
Never tried to add texture from it
Loved this tip ! Thank you !
Thanks for sharing! Happy painting!
Well, I watched this (start to finish, paused, wrote things down) without knowing it was a give a way. Way more than 4 or 5 comments but...I'm new to watercolor and I found the whole thing very informative. I loved the alternative to Arches paper as it's cost prohibitive for me. All info you gave is totally doable and so informative. I'm ready to paint...the only thing I can think of that you could have said would be...."remember to BREATHE!" thank you so much for your videos
LOVE this, thanks so much for sharing! Glad it was helpful!!
i just started watercolor 4 months ago...these suggestions were very useful. The first thing I am going to do is get some better quality paper!!! Thank you for sharing your tips. Love your channel.
That's great, Shari, thanks for sharing! I hope these videos continue to help you in your watercolor journey. Enjoy the process!!
I'm SO glad I found your channel.
Favorite tip: I had several but..... using a paper towel for things other than just reducing water on your brush. I've always wondered if it was looked down on when you use it to make clouds or the things you mentioned. I also liked #11. Don't be so hard on myself. That's a tough one.
I look forward to learning more from you! 👍
I am also SO glad you found my channel! Welcome to the Jenna Rainey TH-cam Fam! Thanks so much for watching! Happy painting!!
FRIEDA! I have excellent news: YOU are one of our five winners! Congrats! Please email hello@jennarainey.com to let us know where to ship the painting!
Hi Jenna
The watercolour paper tip is great. I use Arches for practising and you are correct it's so expensive. Will give the Stonehenge a go. Thank you for the video. Lots of useful tips.
I hope you love Legion paper as much as I do!! Thanks for watching and keeping me posted on how this video has been a help for you, Jacqueline! xoxo
I just started watching your videos after a friend gave me your book. I enjoy your down to earth approach and easy to follow instructions. Thank you!!
No 1. good quality paper! And painting every single day. I'm so glad that I found you. Love your videos, going to watch more
Thanks Moonika, I am so glad you found me too and that you're loving the videos!! Happy painting! xoxo
I love that you shared the tip to pick pigments that inspire you! That was hard for me to learn and now that I have, it’s so much more fun!
SO much more fun, Valeria, I agree!!
Thanks for the great tip about your favourite brushes! I’m going to check them out.
I hope you love them!
Your down to earth teaching style resonated with me, so much so I subscribed. Can wait to peruse your videos. Very excited you popped up in my feed. 👏🏼
Thank you so much, Christie! I appreciate the love and engagement!! xoxo
Loved your tip about using colours that inspire you! Thought this is really relevant to not just watercolour painting but life in general!
Aw, love that, thanks for sharing Sarah!
I have such issues with water control! After finding your channel and watching your techniques, I’ve changed the amount of water and also the amount of paint I use and I’ve seen some improvements. I love your style!
That's great!! Thanks for sharing! I'm glad my videos have been a help for you!
I love watching your videos! 💕 I ordered paper tonight. Lol I am new to water color (last 6 months) and love your videos. Thanks sooo much, I think your tutorials are awesome. I need to trust myself and just do it. I believe I have good paints and have ordered the paper, next will be a good brush (one at a time). The thing I do struggle with the most is the amount of water I use and the ability to draw well enough for this. So, I’m also going to get your book! Practice, your videos, with good supplies and I should be good to go! Thank you!
I hope you love that paper! I am confident you will!! Thanks for your support and love, Yvonne, I truly appreciate it. xoxo
LUV this! I am just beginning watercolor but have to say after watching just a few of your videos my work has already went from looking like a blob to something that I actually recognize - keep up the great work, thank you so much for sharing your talents (both of you)! 💗
Thanks so much for watching and supporting, Sheri!
Usually I keep a clean water, but I’ll have to try the cool colors versus warm colors as my “clean water” is always dirty by the end of painting. Thanks for the tip!
Works for me! I hope you like it when you try it!
Hello! Another great tip RE keeping your clean water - and even your dirty water - cleaner is to daub your brush out on paper towel (etc) before you dip into your water. If my brush is really loaded with pigment, I'll even wet it and unload into my palette to save that expensive paint for later.
I think the most important is to not let mistakes get to you...there are really only happy accidents!! If you made no mistakes you would not be learning or improving! Thanks for the great videos!!
Love it Wendy, thanks for sharing!!
Studying color theory is something I’m working on right now. Also to think of shapes! (This is hard for me). ALSO, your bonus tip at the end, don’t judge yourself ... I also need to stop comparing myself to others!! Thank you for yet another super helpful video ❤️
So glad this was helpful for you, Anne! Thanks for sharing!
This is the first video of yours I have ever seen and I am excited to find you!! Definite thumbs up 👍. I’m new to watercolors and have fallen in love. I really needed to hear your top about color theory. Mixing or choosing color has been the most intimidating part of my new love. Thanks for the advice!
I am so exited you found me too!! I hope you continue to love the videos we put out!! Thanks for watching. Take care!
I have both your books and highly recommend them !Everyday watercolour Flowers/Everyday Watercolour ..For years I have struggled with this finding shapes within images...At the beginning of my journey I have dismissed this important part and just wanted an outcome within minutes! Oh my days! I have tried all mediums to get a fast result! I am now ready to slow down and not rush! So cheap paper is good to practice techniques!I have discovered that more professional mediums won't improve your art on poor paper! I am ready to invest in quality paper to experiment with the skills and compare with other papers.....That is the next experiment for me ...put the skills down on cheap paper then mirror them on more quality paper...that is my next step!
THANK you so much for your kindness and your support! I appreciate you. Happy painting!!
I loved the tip of using a q-tip for colour lifting and details! I’m a student and it really helped with my fabric rendering, I was able to get the creases in the fabric without overworking the paint. Some great tips Jenna! Thank you 💕
That's awesome, thanks so much for sharing Jasmine! xoxo
Helpful reminders! Love the paper suggestion. I always use Arches and will definitely try the Stonehenge paper!
I am sure you will LOVE the paper when you try it! Happy painting, Ann!
I am going to try the Stonehenge paper and also spend more time with color theory. I understand a lot of it, but I think now I need to actually practice it so that I can be more confident in my color choices!
Love it, thanks for sharing!
I really liked the tip about controlling the amount of water on my brush. I always wondered why some of the larger shapes I painted with mixed colors would dry so..blotchy? And I'm amazed I never realized why that was happening. Excited to try your tip, I'm sure it'll make a huge difference. Thank you!! Xx
Thanks for sharing, Tayaba! I hope the tip helps you!!
Breaking everything down into basic shapes was the biggest thing I learned. I don't normally think about what I'm painting in terms of basic shapes like that, and I think it can cause some over-complication that's unnecessary. Thanks!
It's so helpful!
My take from this video is to choose colors that inspire me. I always thought that the colors that I learn from watercolor professionals were set in stone. So, I used to follow whatever colors he/she suggests. It never occurs to me that I can choose my own color palette :) Thank you for this new point of view :D
Thanks for sharing, Nenny!
Studying Color theory has helped all my artwork not just watercolors.
Yes! So important!
My favorite is looking for shapes!
Great tips. I’m new to watercolors and the best tip I’ve learned is about the paper. Must have quality paper or it’s never going to suit your ideas.
New subbie to your channel. Glad you popped up on my feed.
Can’t wait to watch more of your videos.
Thanks so much Pam for your support and kindness! Upgrading your paper changes the game completely! Take care and happy painting!!
Loved the video! I actually took notes. My favorite I think is looking for shapes!
I LOVE that, Pam, thanks for sharing!! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video!
🤍
First, you look like a model! Second, I just subscribed to your channel, you have a very practical way of teaching techniques, I’m a teacher, so I know. You’re engaging and straight to the point. Thank you 🙏 ok, back to the video! Oh, third...well, love your channel!
Aw thank you so much!
Maybe this time I'll listen to yet another gifted artist and finally get that 100% cotton paper, lol
DO IT!! Haha, it'll be a game changer! Legion Stonehenge Aqua Watercolor Block Paper: amzn.to/2GDaYH9
LOL
Having good paper was a very good point for me. I am new to watercolor, so far I have the recommended brushes and paints but my paper though not a cheap one isn’t what you use. I will check into getting some soon.
I just discovered you by searching for watercolor videos on youtube and I was thinking "wait a minute, this name rings a bell" and yeah I had one of your books, I just bought it last month and I've started doing some of the classes from Everyday Watercolour. So happy you have also lots of tutorials here. I plan to do them all little by little after I get to the end of your book. Like going in order and Im guessing its better to finish the basic book and then go on to more difficult flowers here. Thanks for the tip on the two glasses, I really liked that one. I was already doing the clean and the dirty water glasses but Im going to add yours so I will have 3 glasses: dirty warm, dirty cool and clean.
Haha that's awesome, thanks so much for sharing Kialaya. Thank you so much for the support, I really appreciate it! Take care and happy painting! xoxo
Appreciated breaking things down to basic shapes...applied immediately to my Monstera deliciosa painting and I am soooo pleased with the results.
Oh so good, Jennifer! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for your tips, im working on an old barn right now and I plan on using your paper towel technique I use arches paper, brushes silver black velvet,and paint M. Graham. My biggest problem is blending foilage, it always seems to come out as a big blob. My buildings turn out nicely but my tree lines and bushes not so much. Hopefully I can pick up some good tips from you thanks again.
Thanks for sharing some of your process, Sharon! Enjoy your old barn and all the best with those bushes! If you haven't yet, you may want to check out my leaf series... No, it's not bushes, but there are some techniques you may find useful, especially when it comes to values and hues of leaves, etc. Hope that helps!
Hi Jenna, I do not have a special tip that I have to supply. I just startet painting watercolour. I love your Channel and try to absorb any information. Just watching, watching again ;-)) and let go ... controlling the water, avoiding hard lines, painting your roses (great tip - thank you), a little bit colour theory ... and so on ... And all the same of the results I really enjoy it 🥳😍 Thank you so much for your help and information ☺️ Until the next video. Many greetings (sorry for my english :-)
Hey! Thank you so much for your kindness and for letting me know these videos are helping! That is great feedback for me. Enjoy your learning process, have fun painting -- that's what it's all about! Take care!
Excellent video! My favorite tip was about the paper. Watercolor is all about the paper (well, and paint and brush 😉), but cheap paper will just make it a struggle. Can't wait to try the paper you recommended. 💜
Thanks so much for sharing, I know you'll love the paper!
Thank you very much for your suggestion on the paper. Arches is quite expensive to use for practice. I have your book already and am really enjoying it so far. Also need to take heart to stop judging my work so harshly 🤗
Thanks for sharing and for supporting, I truly appreciate you Carla! And YES -- please stop judging your work so harshly!! Getting better is a process, and it's so much better if we enjoy it. :) Take care!
Using a paper towel to create texture and also to move the pigment and water around is a pretty good tip thank you
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the great video Jenna, seeing those beautiful colour charts inspires me to try and paint them.
I have a few very fine Princeton brushes and love them, but because I found small fine tip brushes, the tips seem to spilt, I was just buying cheap......until I found the Princeton....I just love those brushes. I have a few good brushes but find them so expensive to buy good quality...I did eventually purchase some good quality on special and have never used them anyway lol! ....I don’t do the real traditional watercolour painting, because I could never get wet into wet to work for me when I first started.
I am self taught so I tend to have more paint than water on my brush, but really want to try to learn traditional watercolour techniques. I LOVE Daniel Smith watercolour paints, the vibrant colours are just stunning, I also have professional Windsor & Newton, which I purchased first, but Blick will no longer ship them to Australia 😢 Art supplies in Australia are so much more expensive I just curse myself for not purchasing more when our Aussie $$ was almost equal to the US $$
The one thing I was told when I first started back into art at the end of 2012, was to only ever use professional quality....when I first started watercolour I went to a local art shop and the woman serving is a local artist, the one who told me to only ever buy professional artists quality materials, turned around and told me not to bother with expensive W&N paints just buy these Art Spectrum they are just as good.....well I certainly regretted that....she told me she never used watercolour because they were too dull.....OMG ! I paint as vibrant as possible now in most cases not realistic colours just bright colours!
For a so called professional I don’t think highly of her these days.
Paper, yes, most definitely you need good quality and I tell people that if you want to do watercolour you have to buy good quality or it puts you off, it doesn’t work, which I think was my original problem when I started with Canson watercolour paper. I bought some full sheets of Arches from the US ....which I use only for special paintings ...half of that full size sheet I purchased, in the highest gsm, to buy here now in only a HALF sheet in the 300 gsm $40 last time I checked ! I have tried numerous brands of paper, and yes, if you don’t buy good quality it just can’t do nice washes or wet into wet, I find they just don’t work.....only works on good quality paper.
I will check out your books...I only just came across your Channel 😁😁💙💙xo
Thank you so much for sharing and WELCOME to the Jenna Rainey TH-cam fam! lol. I hope you enjoy the videos and happy painting!!
I've been painting with watercolors for over a decade and I am a bit embarrassed to admit that I had never thought of using two jars of water! That could have saved me a lot of trouble with muddy colors or changing my water constantly!! Thanks for the tip!
Oh no need to be embarrassed, Ashley!! We're all learning as we go, all trying to get a little better with each piece. I'm glad this helped you out! Take care. xoxo
My favorite tip is using paper towels to soak up too much water. I've been practicing your leaf videos (with a very cheap set I bought a million years ago), but I keep adding too much water and getting weird puddles but would just chalk it up as a mistake and move on. It's so cool to know there's a way to save it! Of course all of the other tips are SUPER helpful as well, but that's the one that hit me hardest.
Also, please don't worry about me and my cheap watercolors. I just received Everyday Watercolor in the mail yesterday, my brush and palette are arriving today, and my beautiful Winsor & Newton colors will be here soon! Thank you Christmas gift cards! :D And thank you for teaching these videos that are incredibly informative, but also really fun!
How FUN!!! It sounds like you have the best goodies coming your way, I hope you have a blast painting! Thank you so much for your support, I truly appreciate you. Happy painting! xoxo
I’m pleasantly surprise that I already incorporate some of these tips already. I have some brushes I really like but am definitely going to try your suggestions to ensure I’m always experimenting- Part of my fun is the discoveries. But I must sheepishly confess I have some excellent paper - 100% cotton - but am afraid to ruin it since I’m not feeling that great about my art. But after this video, I am going to use it and throw all caution to the wind. Having good paints is something I already figured out - what a vast difference from my first ones to my last purchase. I thing I think I’ve underestimated is understand colour. I will look for your book - I do find myself challenged. Thank you for your enthusiastic tips and sharing your experience and time with us. I do love watching, listening and learning - something I hope I never loose as a passion so coming across your video keeps me motivated and I appreciate that. Will look for more by you. Formidable!! (Imagine it said with a Quebecois accent)😬
I am SO glad you are loving the videos, Karen, thanks so much for sharing and for your kindness! Try that paper, I think you'll love it!! Happy painting!
Great tip about a warm and cool water cup!! Thank you!!
Of course! Glad it's helpful!
Thanks Jenna for these very helpful tips! I appreciate your teaching us!
I love your Everyday Watercolor book and I am so glad to find you on TH-cam!!
Your tips on watercolor paper and brushes are so helpful and needed for me.
Big Thank You!
Thanks so much, Sharon! I really appreciate all the love and support!! Take care!
I learned that you are a really rad teacher! All ten tips were very handy. I have been learning watercolor for about two years now so I have heard these tips before, but for some reason it’s just more fun coming from you. Thank you for another great video! I am already looking forward to the next one. As Always, Much Love and Respect from North Carolina, Stacy
Thanks Stacy for your love and support!! I am glad the ten tips were handy for you!
Paper, paper, paper! I thought I was horrible....then switched to better paper....unbelievable difference! ❤️ 🎨
Such a big difference, thanks for sharing Emily!
Your videos are the very best!!.. thank you SO much for putting it all in beginners terms!
Thanks for this video! Controlling your water is SO tough for me so I love that tip!!!
Thanks for watching!! Controlling water can be really tricky, but just keep up that practice and you'll get it eventually. Like I said, unless you're doing a big wash, you really don't need that much water... Happy painting!
I am such a perfectionist, so learning to "embrace" my accidents has been such a big help to me. So, thank you for remi nding me of the "happy accidents" ... 🙂
Yes!! Embrace those accidents, Caroline! Have fun and happy painting! xoxo
I was watching your background and was thinking to myself "I've to do this... I've to do this... "
- Tip #8 .... Oh well....I will watch this tutorial and go finally do it!! ♥️
Thank you!!
Ya Julia!! That's the spirit! Enjoy the painting! xoxo
♥️