Beginner Watercolour: Back to Basics

New to Watercolour? Here's what you need to know!
Here are the watercolour materials that I use!
Paint Palette:
USA- amzn.to/2UFO9s8 CANADA- amzn.to/2UF5npv
Arches Watercolour Paper:
USA- amzn.to/2TGc6TA CANADA- amzn.to/2VFAYYa
Princeton Snap Brushes:
Pack of 4! Sizes 0, 2 and 6 round brushes and a 3/4 angle brush
USA- amzn.to/2HF9LRN CANADA- amzn.to/2ToU8VB
Size 12 Round brush:
USA- amzn.to/2Cp91MY CANADA- amzn.to/2C9j9tc
Winsor & Newton Cotman and Professional Paints:
Ivory Black: USA- amzn.to/2OcuFss CANADA- amzn.to/2SRf5TZ
Burnt Umber (Professional): USA- amzn.to/2Ocj10W CANADA- amzn.to/2NQIRXY
Cobalt Blue (Professional): USA- amzn.to/2HEhort CANADA- amzn.to/2CaRc4d
Indigo: USA- amzn.to/2CsbMgy CANADA- amzn.to/2VFiQhc
Turquoise: USA- amzn.to/2F93yuq CANADA- amzn.to/2Cc75HB
Prussian Blue: USA- amzn.to/2OaEjMm CANADA- amzn.to/2TqqOxO
Hooker's Green Dark: USA- amzn.to/2TLlcyk CANADA- amzn.to/2STNod8
Intense Green: USA- amzn.to/2TK5ELA CANADA- amzn.to/2EWe49y
Emerald: USA- amzn.to/2FfjfAn CANADA- amzn.to/2EHyxxs
Sap Green: USA- amzn.to/2HFJ2Ew CANADA- amzn.to/2UqUQOx
Dioxazine Purple: USA- amzn.to/2TGdllI CANADA- amzn.to/2EVLN2G
Mauve: USA- amzn.to/2HBOaJS CANADA- amzn.to/2SUPz0l
Opera Rose (Professional): USA- amzn.to/2UGXxvv CANADA- amzn.to/2tYc2zf
Permanent Rose: USA- amzn.to/2ueqbsc CANADA- amzn.to/2tTtTYc
Rose Madder Hue: USA- amzn.to/2TJwhQt CANADA- amzn.to/2SUQgGZ
Cadmium Red Hue: USA- amzn.to/2HHMOgH CANADA- amzn.to/2XO5n8r
Cadmium Orange (Pro): USA- amzn.to/2CAyzan CANADA- amzn.to/2Un74I8
Yellow Ochre (Pro): USA- amzn.to/2ueMrCw CANADA- amzn.to/2NQcmJE
Cadmium Yellow Hue: USA- amzn.to/2FdZEAi CANADA- amzn.to/2Uuujjq
Lemon Yellow Hue: USA- amzn.to/2HEYiBA CANADA- amzn.to/2XMsalh
Paint Sets: USA- amzn.to/2UJfUjE CANADA- amzn.to/2NQhTjp
Dr Ph Martin's Bleed Proof White Ink: USA- amzn.to/2OaXxkT CANADA- amzn.to/2EN47d0
Prang 16 Watercolour pan set:
USA-amzn.to/2G7DS3e CANADA- amzn.to/2OXPEQu
Prang 8 Watercolour pan set:
USA-amzn.to/2UFdp51 CANADA-amzn.to/2Kg233y

[@daveandpaulamadsen1838]

Emma, thank you for your tutorials. I am 65 and have always felt the closest recognizable art I could produce was a poor quality stick figure. For Christmas I gave my daughter watercolor supplies and during the holiday we tried our hand at it. Of all art materials watercolors has always captured my heart but I had been told it was the most difficult. My first attempt pretty much confirmed my belief but I enjoyed it enough that I wanted to continue trying and bought my own supplies. Somewhere I stumbled onto your youtube tutorial on an abstract poppy. It looked way beyond my capabilities but I liked it and decided to copy you stroke by stroke. Over and over you gave me hope by saying something like “Oops. But that’s okay. Flowers aren’t perfect.” Well, mine definitely wasn’t perfect but I continued on. Upon completion my painting was a poor copy of yours. I closed the computer and put my abstract poppies aside a little discouraged but willing to admit that I was a beginner and would never produce something of value but that was okay because I was having fun. The next day I picked up the poppy painting and when not sitting next to yours mine looked really good. Suddenly I was very proud of myself. I wasn’t to old to learn and watercolors are exciting. It was only the 4th painting I had tried. (I date and keep them in hopes of seeing improvement) Since then I have discovered I can paint jellyfish, a tree, and lilacs in a bottle (again it was a good thing you said the bottle didn’t have to be perfect) Since then I have discovered your basic tutorials that perhaps I should have watched first but am glad I didn’t because you are now solving problems I have experienced and am excited to understand why it happens. You explain and demonstrate so very well and have a faithful follower. Thank you for opening a world I thought was closed and impossibe for me. Oh, and I had fun trying your crayola maker painting. Can’t wait to try it with my grandkids.

[@miriamvegvari]

Hi Emma, I’m brand new to your channel. I’ve never done any painting, but you inspire me. So, at seventy, I will begin, with you as my teacher. Your creations are beautiful, with your sweet baby #1 on that list! Thank you for sharing your talent!

[@katzz58]

Hi Miriam....I am about to turn 70...have done a little painting...not watercolor just starting that....love Emma ...and I agree she is very inspiring...happy painting!

[@pmazie]

I tip I learned many year ago for paint tubes is to on the first time you open them put a SMALL amt of Petroleum jelly to put a thin coat on the metal threads, once done the caps will not stick no matter how long you have the tube. (works on old tube too once you can pry the cap off) If you get paint into the threads wipe it off and reapply the petroleum jelly. This works with any kind of paint watercolor, acrylic, oil etc.

[@katzz58]

Great to know this...I will try....thanks

[@ladyinblack3398]

I think this is the most accessible art supply for anyone yet it took me half my life before I finally get to learn it properly. How come they did not teach us these things in Grade through High school ?

[@jessicacollins8049]

I have been binge watching all your beginners classes because I’m taking a class i paid for tomorrow. Your instructions are very clear and i love that you don’t say ummm every other syllable. That drives me nuts and is frustrating. The knowledge you share is a great value. I am not talking about value in terms of money. Your videos don’t just gloss over all the pretty new art supplies. I love how you go in depth in your videos. Thank you so much

[@MMGARC]

Emma - you are amazing! I'm loving your video's for beginners. So many things just clicked and I know I have so much more to learn. Watching ALL your video's. Can't thank you enough!

[@dotydiva]

Thanks for the video on the prangs and your brushes. I just ordered a few of the brushes should get in a couple days.

[@jencampanini9928]

I’m watching this video with my mommy and it was very creative.👍🏻🖌🎨

[@amnb132002]

Thank you so much for this video. I didn't know you could REUSE the tube watercolors! I was treating it like regular paint and pitching the leftovers. I learned a lot. 🥰

[@me04100]

So glad I ran across your channel! Thank you for your tips and help!

[@deborahandrade3453]

Thank you for another fabulous video to help me continue on the road of watercolor.

[@reneebanbury7066]

Great tutorial! You make it look so do able! Thank you!

[@MsZingsing]

Thanks so much. I really love your videos, they are so helpful.

[@Bela060512Nathan]

This ia exactly what I was looking for! Thank you a loooot

[@mcdermbr1]

Thank you, Emma!!!!! Very informative!!

[@AnimeSpinCycle1392]

What I like using to activate any of my water colors is spraying them (gently) with a tiny spray bottle of water, then wait a few minutes and see if they need more water or they are ready to paint with :)

[@MegaJansue]

Thanks so much. This really helps a lot.♥

[@bethautrey9634]

This was a great video. Thank you! I also watched one about watercolor basics that comments had been turned off. That video eas awesome too! Just wanted to thank you for that one too! .”

[@marinariquelme3982]

oh my gosh that baby is so adorable and so cute

[@franaird7475]

I'm just starting in watercolours - love doing little things for cards ,and I am learning so much from your tutorials! Big question: I have a collection of odd brushes (sigh), some from a brief foray into painting with acrylics, and I wonder if I can use any of them for watercolours. How do I tell what a brush is for? I seem to have quite a few Staedtler 841 series - they're very 'fluffy'. Hints?

[@karenatkinson4053]

Great info. Thank you.

[@michelel3372]

Hi Emma and thank you for your wonderful videos. They have been very helpful in getting me started with watercolor. Quick question, do the Cotman watercolors have a chalky feeling once they have dried on your painting? I am using a very old set and wonder if that is why my work feels chalky when dry or if that is normal? Thanks so much.

[@juliebergacker5680]

Wonderful and thank you

[@kittynews810]

so cute baby !

[@elizabethbell8610]

Do you have a specific store in the Toronto area where you can get Arches paper for a reasonable price? Also do you get larger formats and cut them down?

[@aprilhe9000]

Can you please do a tutorial with square brushes?

[@paintwithpa8694]

This is a good tutorial

[@EM-ug8ud]

Stop making me want a baby!!! Also thank you for this lovely crash course! You make me want those brushes even though I have more than I already use 😬

[@maryjanesnoddy3105]

HaHa Her sweet baby may be your sign its time.

[@lindacarreira8106]

Hi Emma-another great, practical lesson on beginning watercolor! I know you said in one of your other videos that 3 good colors to start with are cad yellow, turquoise, and perm rose. If we wanted to put together a basic 12 color palette, mainly painting florals, what other colors do you recommend? Thanks.

[@EmmaLefebvre]

Linda Carreira I think my top 12 would be: Cadmium yellow Yellow ochre Sap green Hookers green dark Turquoise Mauve Dioxazine purple Permanent rose Cadmium red deep Burnt umber Black ivory Indigo

[@lindacarreira8106]

Wow, thanks for your quick reply!

[@blairh6212]

Hi Emily! Love love love your videos. I’m a brand new beginner and am so grateful for your very approachable tutorials. Could you give some information/do a video about how to care for the brushes? I ordered the snap brushes you recommend but after use they’re a bit frayed and “out of shape”... sorry if that’s too basic, but like I said: I’m a total newbie!!

[@EmmaLefebvre]

Blair H oh no! So after you use them, make sure they are standing bottom up with the brush hairs in the air. Also just be gentle while using them. Hope that helps a bit!

[@blairh6212]

Thank you! So no need to worry about using a “shaper” or anything? Just let them air dry? If so yayyy simple!!

[@lynnbarnes6041]

Greetings from South Africa! What kind of palette do you use? I see there are several on Amazon that look similar to yours but not quite the same and they don’t have very good reviews. Many seem to have problems with paint 'beading' and not mixing smoothly.

[@kerryhall7506]

Hi Emma Arches watercolour paper is very expensive here in Australia x

[@maryjanesnoddy3105]

On the tube watercolor paints, there are no directions to tell you that you are to let them dry. I didn't purchase them, I couldn't tell how to use them and now I am glad I didn't. Thank you for clearing that up for me.

[@jimflack9462]

Interesting and very informative. It's interesting how your style and techniques differ from other watercolor artist on KZbin. I wish I could afford Arches WC paper. I found some at a local Hobby Lobby for over $24 for like 15 sheets of 9x12. Wow! Not in my price range. I have strathmore and Canson so I guess I will just "tough it out." LOL!

[@bellestarryounger691]

The 40% off coupon helps alot, if not newspaper, you can pull it up on your phone.

[@jimflack9462]

@@bellestarryounger691 I keep that app on my phone all the time. Amazon's too! LOL! I always use my 40% off coupon at Hobby LObby on something. Still, it did make the Arches paper too expensive for me as a novice watercolor artist. Maybe when "get good."

[@bellestarryounger691]

@@jimflack9462 yes, I agree! I prefer the others too as I am no pro. Just like to play with color, even cheap acrylic paint with water...like from Walmart. 😁

[@jimflack9462]

@@bellestarryounger691 I buy the 50 cent acrylic paint at Walmart all the time. I know it's not quality stuff, but who cares! It's a good way to have a play with color and techniques. Just be sure not to use your good brushes with acrylic paints. It's so hard on them and hard to get them clean. I keep a bar of LAVA soap (automotive dept at Walmart) by my kitchen sink and use it to clean the acrylic paint out of my brushes. Does a good job. I buy the cheap brushes at any craft store to use with acrylic paint, as long as the bristles don't fall out, I'm good to go.l do have some good brushes that I use only for true watercolors. Sorry this is so long!! LOl!

[@bellestarryounger691]

@@jimflack9462 Oh gosh, I did not EVEN think about that...the watercolor brushes in acrylic. I am SOOO glad you mentioned that. I have a squirrel hair that I haven't worked up the courage to use yet🤣. And just got in that #12 Snap brush she uses. Those are my "good" brushes, otherwise I use whatever. You helped me save my squirrel brush though. That will be strictly watercolor, so thank you! And I do have Lava soap too! 😁👍

[@davidsaunders8916]

No matter how much or how little water I use, spreading the paint on the plastic palette just results in a droplets. I can’t get it to be anything resembling a flat pile of paint. What am I doing wrong?

[@pamelajones2425]

How do you clean the brushes?

[@elois367]

Hi! I am planning to buy a snap brush but Idk what size I should get. What do you recommend?

[@EmmaLefebvre]

e lois i’d recommend getting a size 12 and size 6. One big, one small :)

[@elois367]

@@EmmaLefebvre Thank you so much! :)

[@irenaresman5138]

How to use the watercolour pen? Thank you.

[@grandma.p]

What did you study in school?

[@grandma.p]

When/how did you get interested in watercolor?

[@EmmaLefebvre]

Pam H check out my q&a video! I go through my whole story!

[@EmmaLefebvre]

Pam H kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZS8qX2qgJqkf6c

[@bab700]

L❤️ve your channel

[@yelbaconverse6643]

How do I know if the band that I have is water color, ? I have some silver tubes but it also say refined flax oil Is that mean that they are oil paint or water paint.? Thank you

[@trishatan4002]

Cute baby

[@kineiya]

What about Grumbacher watercolor paper 140lb/300gsm and Bee Inspired Paper Company Bee Inspired cold pressed 140lb/300gsm? I went to two different classes taught by professional water color/mixed media artist's and both are professor's and professionals selling their work. 1st professor said she uses these 2 papers for all her work because she likes the paper and how it works with her watercolor/mixed media artwork. (She also sells her work professionally). The 2nd professor said that only cheap ametures use these two brand's and only real water color artist's use Arches only or 💯 pure cotton paper hot press only. Called me out for having the Bee Inspired watercolor paper in her class after she complimented me on how lovely my 2 paintings where. One was abstract scene and the other was realistic winter flower wreath with said paper. It was utter humiliating and when I took a watercolor class at the University 3 wks later the professor was the teacher (who humiliated me previously) and mocked me the 1st day in class Infront of 40 student's. I reported her and nothing was done. I was told she's the real artist and professional and I was just a wannabe ameture...so yah So my question is what watercolor paper is okay to use for "professional watercolor" besides arches? I hate Arches to be honest. I have texture issues and can't stand it. Thank you.