HOW TO PAINT WATERCOLOR BACKGROUNDS 🎨 3 Tips + 3 Exercises

#watercolortechniques #watercolortips #watercolorbackground
You voted for a video on watercolor backgrounds - and here it is! I will share 3 of my favorite tips for creating watercolor backgrounds and answer some of your questions, including:
how I choose my background colors,
where to use negative painting technique, and
what techniques to use in order to make your background more interesting.
We will go through an exercise together - creating 3 watercolor backgrounds - from the most basic through more complex and textured, and all the way to multi-layered multi-coloured painting. Enjoy!
REFERENCE PHOTO #1: bit.ly/3suDQaM
REFERENCE PHOTO #2: bit.ly/3uxw7L7
🎥 VIDEOS MENTIONED/FEATURED:
5 Tips for Painting Light 🎨 Watercolor Glow Techniques: • 5 Tips for Painting Li...
How to Glaze Watercolor: • HOW TO GLAZE WATERCOLO...
Watercolor Background by Louise De Masi: • A Quick and Easy Water...
🎨 MY ART CLASSES: Enjoy my in-depth watercolor classes on @Skillshare (the link will give you 14 days of FREE access): skl.sh/3ksI6TG
🎨 WATERCOLOR SUPPLIES I USED:
GLOVE: Protective Glove from Laughing Paw: amzn.to/2LLqcyC
PAPER: Arches Cold Pressed: amzn.to/2PTCian
BRUSHES: Several different brushes, including Escoda Perla and Escoda Reserva
🎨 WATERCOLOR PIGMENTS:
QOR Dioxazine Purple: amzn.to/2YOR2wX
QOR Quinacridone Magenta: amzn.to/38fpFvW
QOR Indanthrone Blue
QOR Phthalo Blue: amzn.to/32CwDtJ
QOR Phthalo Turquoise: amzn.to/3bTmP1x
Daniel Smith Quinacridone Coral: amzn.to/2SrVbQK
Daniel Smith Phthalo Yellow Green
Daniel Smith Perylene Maroon
Winsor & Newton Aqua Green
LETS CONNECT:
► Portfolio: www.annabuccia...
► Instagram: / anna.m.bucciarelli
► Facebook: / annabucciarellistudio
Some of the links above may include affiliate links. If you click on them, I might receive a small commission. While this is at absolutely no additional cost to you, your support can help me to continue making videos for this channel. Thanks!
____________________________________

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Most of you voted for a video on watercolor backgrounds - and here it is! 💥 Thank you for voting & Enjoy! ❤

[@jh5174]

ANNA, THE DETAILS ARE GREAT!

[@marisawu3646]

Watching even JUST ONE of your videos beats watching 20 videos on the same matter honestly

[@alicechampagne7091]

I’ve been painting for many years, and this is the first time I’ve seen instruction on the theory behind choosing background colors. You’ve also given a detailed method of creating backgrounds, as opposed to just throwing color on the paper wet on wet. I’m no longer afraid of backgrounds!

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Wonderful! I am so happy to hear it was helpful :) Sometimes I wonder if I put too much detail / if the videos are too boring .... your feedback means a lot! Have a wonderful day and thank youo for taking the time to leave a comment. New video coming up this Sunday:)

[@jjartoart7302]

Your detailed explanations and the texts are very useful for beginners like me.. It helps a lot.. Thanks a lot for your effort...

[@skerrie1]

Your details are incredible and are what I really want to see and hear! Never boring!!! thank you for being such an awesome teacher and painter! ❤️

[@scottandrebeccalaird8577]

Brilliant, isn't it?

[@justtubingby129]

The most eloquent, generous, and helpful "how to" watercolour video. Thank you

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you sooooo much!!!! My goal for this year is to get more efficient at editing so I can do more than 2-3 per month 💜

[@justtubingby129]

Yes, feed your addict ! How lucky we are to be able to not only see the final result but the brushwork itself ! Best therapy ever. You make it look so easy. Your work looks crisp and clean because of your sureness of choice of colours. You achieve everything without the use of adding other mediums. (Okay ... I'll stop gushing now; not my style.) 😉

[@juliearanha4373]

I've always struggled with painting backgrounds and ended up messing my paintings, however after watching this video I'm happy to give it another go. Indeed very helpful. Thank you❤️

[@susangustafson4287]

Wo! I just had a total “aha” moment. Can’t wait to try this! Thank you!!

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Perfect! I am soooo happy to hear to was helpful - enjoy! :)

[@sashishah2522]

Your video is amazing. You have a very pleasant "teaching" voice that encourages and teaches. And your painting.... simply beautiful ! Thank you for this valuable session.

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you so much for your kind words Sashi! Have a wonderful day!

[@queens_chamberssales7347]

Thank you SO MUCH for breaking down how to do watercolor background for beginners and beginner/intermediate. Everyone seems to jump straight to the most complicated things and this is really going to help me up my game as a beginner. Fabulous detailed tutorial

[@ayeshaqadeer.official8944]

very gud video vry helpful gud work

[@lisbethjohannsen6613]

What an excellent tutorial! You don't just show what you do, but also explain why. Your art is amazing and so inspiring. Thank you so much ❤️

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you Lisbeth! 😊💜

[@jjartoart7302]

Wow..such a wonderful and detailed tutorial.. Thanks a lot...

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@reinhildvenzke6345]

Ich werde es versuchen. Dein Video hat mich sehr begeistert. Sicherlich werde ich mich nun verbessern

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

😊🧡

[@krismua1209]

Thank you so much! So many helpful tips. ☺

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

❤️

[@johncarbis6688]

Very helpful! Thank you.

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you John 😊

[@vision8776]

Thanks fr the elaborate video.very helpful and interesting. 🙏

[@oeliash]

awesome work!

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@barbaramilbradt2188]

Loving these recipes!

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

So glad! More to come! :) Thank you Barbara!❤

[@ss-xe4jn]

Being a beginner this had been quite challenging for me.Workshops never helped me in learning the background creation.Your video has motivated me much..thanks much .

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

My pleasure! Start with 1 layer of background and over time - I promise - you will get very comfortable with more complex backgrounds 💜 it just takes some time to get used to but the more you experiment the better you will get at it 😊

[@saraholmes5100]

I sooooo enjoyed that video, your voice is very soothing and explanation clear….can t wait to try. Thank you. Have a lovely day

[@lindas.martin2806]

Your videos are marvelous. I am a watercolor teacher and always learn, more than the techniques themselves, better ways to communicate color theory and how present tips and ideas more clearly and more geared to the level of the student. Thank you.

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you so much! Happy Holidays 🎨💜

[@annelirani2117]

Excellent tutorial! I like that you speak in a mildly soft voice and all the attention is on the painting and colours and details. That is how it should be, the attention on the watercolour, not the teacher. Watched several more tutorials you have made and they are all superb. Thank you for the great work done. Best wishes from Estonia.

[@suchetabandyopadhyaya6120]

Thank you so much for such detailed tutorial 😍

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

💜

[@migdaliarodriguez3652]

Saludos la verdad es que son extraordinarios .Siempre pensé que los fondos se pintan primeroEsta clase es para verla varias veces son maravillosas

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Yes :) You can paint them first or after. I prefer to paint background after so I can see how dark I need to go. Thank you!

[@ranjanachand9306]

Beautiful and nicely explained.. Thanks

[@malinkampe1744]

Thank you so much for sharing! Very good tips ❤️❤️

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you Malin :)

[@malinkampe1744]

@@AnnaBucciarelli most welcome ❤️

[@artandcraftbypadmag6832]

Such an inspiration 💕👍👍👍👍👍

[@dorothysomerville1686]

So pleased I found your video and will look for more. Thank you.

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Welcome to the channel Dorothy!

[@gillinacook1477]

Thank you very much for sharing. I’ve recently painted a peach, orange flower but was unsure how to paint the background. This has helped a lot, I’m going to give it ago.

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

So glad it was helpful Gillina! ❤️ warm blues and purples are a great complement to peach :) Let me know how it goes! Enjoy ❤️

[@mariiris1403]

You are so good! 🤩 I like it when you explain in talking voice. 👍The night time radio voice makes me sleeeepy... 🥱😴😴

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you Mari 😊💗🙏

[@rosm6621]

I so enjoy your lessons. Your tone of voice is calm and clear. Your detailed instructions not only show us how to do a technique, but why you chose to do that method. And finally the length of your videos truly establish in our minds a proper understanding of the complete painting structure. Thank you for your time in doing so.

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave feedback - it really means a lot to me as I am still figuring out the best formats that brings the most value to me subscribers. I will likely be investing in better Audio soon. Have a wonderful day Ros!

[@deirdrehalstead6963]

You are an amazing talent!!! Thank you for sharing these background tips, they are so helpful to a beginner. Your art work is so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes. 🙏😍🎨

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you so much Deirdre! 💜 I am glad it was helpful :)

[@rupamagdy805]

Most helpful. The demo of the three versions really helped to understand how to apply and maybe even how to choose a background based on need and level of expertise. Thank you!

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

I am so great to hear that Rupa! 💜💜💜 Have a great day! Thank you for watching:)

[@TheBeverleyann]

Fantastic tutorial ! * Thank you so so much !

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you for watching Beverley!

[@Lisa-xt9ne]

Love this video, I'm just starting watercolor painting and I was anxious about backgrounds but now I feel more confident, thank you.

[@terrismith5649]

so nice of you to share!

[@rainbowfox1934]

Beautifully done and explained. So much easier to describe than to do. Thank you.

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you Elizabeth! 💜

[@thewatercolorclassroom-bec7040]

Backgrounds are so overwhelming to my new students! I really like how you explained these 3 backgrounds! Beautiful flowers!

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you Becky! I find it’s easier to break it down into options ranging from basic to more layered 😊 your work is beautiful! 👌❤️

[@thewatercolorclassroom-bec7040]

@@AnnaBucciarelli Thank you! I appreciate your kind words a lot!

[@thewatercolorclassroom-bec7040]

@@AnnaBucciarelli I posted this video in my private group - first time I've done that!! :)

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

@@thewatercolorclassroom-bec7040 thank you! ❤️ I hope your students enjoy it!! 😊 have a great weekend Becky

[@CallieG333]

I have struggled with backgrounds since my ABI (acquired brain injury) your tutorials help me with colour choice & placement.

[@JosefinaH33]

Absolutely impecable subtle and stunning paint ! Thanks 🙏🏼

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you 💜😊

[@jimcorbett3764]

I like the subtlety of the background layers- it really does make the background more three dimensional, without distracting from the focus. Just one more thing I had never considered, but now I will be looking for this.

[@CharleyWang]

Beautiful watercolor painting, color explanation is very good, I like your preparation work, it is very effective!

[@gailpottinger4281]

Thank you for the wonderfully descriptive lessons for creating backgrounds. This is an area that I constantly struggle with. I’m excited to try these techniques with my own painting. Maybe now I can finish some of the paintings that are sitting waiting for a great background.

[@lisaisart]

Thank you for your generosity! Watching and listening to you is hypnotizing and now I feel like I was at a spa vacation !

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Awww that’s the best compliment ever ❤️ I am dying for a spa vacation myself but looks like we might have another lockdown soon 😣 Watercolor is the only “therapy” option and I am so so glad you enjoyed it too! Have a wonderful weekend! 💕🌸

[@lisaisart]

@@AnnaBucciarelli I’m sorry to hear you’re entering another lockdown. Where are you located?

[@triciabennetts6578]

My minds blown - thankyou for so much useful and clear information! Your work is beautiful!

[@anahata2009]

Thank you so much. You are SO good at conveying information, as well as creating really beautiful works. I can't tell you how many times I just said "wow" while watching this, both because the painting was gorgeous, but also because you were making things so clear. These are two very different skill sets, but you have them both down so well. You also have a really soothing voice--I appreciate this because I can get a bit stressed about how much I have yet to learn. ;-)

[@pmb5005]

Wow! This is an amazing tutorial! I learned so much. Thank you for sharing!

[@MartaAbadia]

So beautiful, poetic, and generously shared! Thank you very much!

[@helenjanelittle664]

Informative and extremely helpful. Please put more tutorials (such as this one) on Skillshare.

[@kellysartthrob]

You make it look effortless! It will take me several tries to get this down, but much less than if I had to figure it out on my own. Thank you! Beautiful!

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you - enjoy the process!!!! 💜

[@mariamaragonesjust2150]

Super interestimg tutorial,I Loved the colors you used. The contrast of the flores,thank you very much for teach it 😍

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you so much 😀 💗

[@pch2230]

This is fantastic. Thanks for showing us.

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

😊❤️

[@donna5659]

Your talent is amazing ! Thank you for sharing this very helpful video!!❤️⭐️

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

You are so welcome!

[@bridgettethiesen8599]

Thank you for sharing very helpful tutorial.

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

💜

[@lindamcclure8037]

I can only aspire. Your instruction makes me want to try. I’m not new to watercolor, but have much to learn. Thank you for helping me dream.

[@sarajamal799]

Really beautiful and inspiring love your art

[@Rainbow_42.]

I love your art. And your teaching is so appreciated, having a pro share tips is very helpful!

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

💕💕💕💕

[@agbobier2657]

WOW!!!!! I HAVE NO WORDS!!!!

[@MrSanmay]

Each stroke is excellent. Wonderful painting ❤❤

[@tammysheppard5985]

I love Qor watercolors‼️ They have such a vibrant pigment...

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Oh Yes! QOR got me started in watercolor (I was used to gouache) but after trying their line I was addicted!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@noreenkitko8178]

your painting is beautiful and very informative, I learned so much , thank you, want more!

[@tonimcclure6546]

Breathtaking. I always learn from you. Thank you so much. I just tired the five layer background...scary because I was done with the subject matter. It worked! I will be bolder next time! Again...wow...thank you!

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Ahhh your comment made me so happy! 💜 thank you Toni! Enjoy 😊

[@redmoon8217]

Anna you are so talented, you are an amazing artist and teacher. I am a free loose landscape watercolour artist but I love watching you paint. As a child I always doodled and I really want to try to do some negative painting because it suits another part of me but I need to learn patience and detail. Thank you so much.

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you so much for your kind words 💜 enjoy experimenting - I am so glad you found something interesting from my more “controlled” version of Watercolor - this medium is always giving us new challenges and wonderful surprises! Have a wonderful day 😊

[@redmoon8217]

@@AnnaBucciarelli Thank you, you too.

[@donna5659]

Thank you for sharing this very helpful video! Your talent is amazing!❤️😊

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you so much!💜💜💜

[@pamgaylord2130]

Very nicely done and informative. This makes me want to get my paints out and paint!

[@aneesmohiuddin3918]

Tips so helpful ever grateful

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

So glad! Hope you are well 💜

[@crisalidathomassie1811]

Love this tutorial. Thanks so much. Blessings and take care.❤❤❤

[@ura-uraA]

Спасибо! У меня как раз проблема с рисованием фона. Очень полезно!

[@sudha_rjarts]

Your painting are amazing😊

[@barbaramednick4974]

Anna - thank you for this excellent tutorial! You are a phenomenal painter!

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you Barbara! 😊💗

[@cindyrroberts]

Wow. I have been painting about a year and backgrounds scare me. Thanks for sharing your process in a way that was easily understood. I’m also a visual learner so having your bullet point notes along with the painting really helped me to understand it. I’m now a subscriber to your channel. Thank you again.

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

So happy to hear this was helpful! 💖 Enjoy painting and keep experimenting! Thank you:)

[@shirleybakes]

They're gorgeous!!!

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you!

[@elaineque1]

Omg this was just what I needed,because I have been struggling with how to paint the background, thank you! And all your paintings are so beautiful and inspiring

[@deliritori]

Hi! Just thought I would mention that I love, Love your style of instruction. Just discovered your channel (all praise the algorithm😜) and have been making my way through several of your videos and appreciate the way your editing clearly demonstrates the topic (little arrows etc) which I have found extremely helpful. Thanks very much! Subscribed!

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Ahhh thank you so much Lilly - your comment absolutely made my day 💗 welcome to the channel! Enjoy! And all praise the algorithm indeed 🤣💗🙏

[@shubhrasharma5889]

Stumbled upon by chance, subscribed!! Amazing videos

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Welcome to the channel! :)

[@coloredcarol8074]

I'm so happy to have found this video! I've always gushed over watercolour paintings full of vibrant colours like yours and couldn't understand how to do it. I tried a few times and it became muddy and dark, very disappointing. Thanks for the sharing, I hope one day to be at least half as confident as you with my colour usage😊

[@marykhavelka8875]

So much info to take in it's almost mind-boggling! Your painting are breathtaking!! Love your presentation also. Thank you for making my day :)

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you so much for your feedback Mary! It takes a while to make these but I am always encouraged by the response 💜 And so glad other artists find these useful! Have a wonderful day.

[@labaccident2010]

I think I’ll binge-watch your videos while I avoid aggravating my probably- broken dominant hand. If I can’t paint, I’ll watch educational videos on painting

[@robertoamezquita6533]

You are amazing. You have solved all my doubts in this video, almost as if I had commissioned it. Thank you for your helpful guidance!

[@jpan7071]

Simply gorgeous work. You should consider providing tutorials. I’d be willing to pay for them, if I can get anywhere near the compositions you achieve. Your paintings are some of the most breathtaking I’ve seen.

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you so much ❤️ and yes, we started PATREON with full real time tutorials last May - it’s $7 Canadian per month 😊

[@nkguenther1]

So helpful! You are a wonderful artist. Thank you for all the useful information and techniques!

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

You are so welcome! Thank you for visiting and watching:)

[@irmabenus7001]

Amazing work! Thank you so much for all your detailed tutorials!

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you Irma! 💜😊

[@madelinegrudens]

I love all three! Another great tutorial packed with tons of useful and subtle tips!!! 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you Madeline!

[@Marrilyn1000]

Thankyou so much for sharing your talent. This is a much appreciated exercise

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

It's my pleasure! Thank you for visiting and watching :)

[@ToadYoga]

Very helpful!!! Thank you! 🤩❤

[@suriashuib3431]

tq so much for your generous knowledge

[@ValerieMcNall]

Anna! Thank you so much for sharing your time and talents in such a generous and thorough way! Very grateful fan here, keep up the great work....

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

You are so welcome! Thank you for your support Valerie 💜

[@margaretmorgan3693]

I love your paintings, but too ill at the moment to commence my hobby as i did years ago. Thank you Anna for 👍

[@rajbharadia3643]

Very helpful and an excellent tutorial! Thank you!

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you Raj!

[@themeparksvisionart]

Amazing watercolor detail look beautiful love it keep going brilliant work 😄👍

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@roymicha1]

Great voice and presentation is excellent

[@seaborncb]

Excellent instruction, I particularly like the explanations at each stage, clear and unambiguous.

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you so much Colin 😊💜

[@parvinarabestani5761]

Amazing

[@45dior]

I love ur work the backgrounds are amazing. Wish I could paint like you❤😊

[@jekalambert9412]

I really enjoy your videos. I love your style. Your voice is soothing. Your presentation is clear and easy to understand, and your editing is superb! You always show enough live painting to make your point understandable, but not so much that watching becomes tedious. Thank you for your beautiful art and your excellent videos.

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave feedback on the video quality - its been my main area of study and research and I really hope I am making progress towards delivering high quality instruction for watercolor enthusiasts. Your comment means a great deal to me 💗

[@Pika_2007]

This is very helpful! Thank you so much for this video😍

[@maryweir2808]

Hi Anna , this is very helpful thank you.

[@lsvasist]

Lovely tutorial! Do you always sketch out your subject? I typically just paint a floral and then want to add a background. I am still learning. I guess that’s the tougher way to do it?

[@nareshmachhi1200]

I Love Artis

[@florachan466]

Thank you for your explanative video❤️ Wish to see more from you in future.

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you Flora! I just posted a new one and more to come ❤️

[@Muccasbronza]

Stunning! 😯😍❤

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thank you 💜