BOTANICAL WATERCOLOUR TUTORIAL

Painting texture with watercolour can be a little difficult, so in this full length botanical painting tutorial I will show you how to paint this botanical watercolour with easy to follow steps, using my learn to paint as you paint approach: I have listed all of the materials used below, but as always, use what you have.
Materials Used:
Paper: Arches Cold Pressed 300 gsm. bit.ly/3dUhudp...
Paints: Sepia, Neutral Tint, Mars Black, Burnt Umber, Pyrol Red and Transparent Yellow - mine are from this Maimeri Blu set: bit.ly/325EpQZ...
Bleed Proof White - bit.ly/3zTHL5W...
Brushes: Number 5 synthetic Round from DaVinci
(this was part of a set - I have found a link to a set of three here which has similar sizes): bit.ly/3sapi37...
Flat synthetic number 2 - bit.ly/flatsyt...
Number 2 Spotter - Jacksons bit.ly/3qo6x9S...
__________________________________________________________________________________
TOOLS THAT I RECOMMEND
BRUSHES:
Zen Art - Fine Line brushes
shop.zenartsup...
Zen Art - Watercolour Paints:
shop.zenartsup...
Red Dot Spotters
*All Rosemary & Co (short-handled)
Sizes I use: 0, 2, 3, 4 and 6
bit.ly/reddotsp...
This is the brush I use to remove errors
bit.ly/flatsyt...
PAINTS:
A good all-round pro set bit.ly/jackson...
PATREON SITE
If you enjoy this video and would like to learn more about BOTANICAL ART, then head over to our Patreon site where you will find in-depth tutorials as well as photo editing where I show you how I prepare photos for painting (depending on your tier level). If you are serious about learning how to paint bold, botanical paintings, even if you are a beginner, then why not treat yourself to joining us there - the tutorials are more in-depth and ad-free, plus it's a really good way to support my channel. We also have weekly videos - these could be vlog type videos, doodles etc. Please note that the tiers mentioned are subject to change but are correct at the time of filming: Here is the link
/ helencampbellart
SOCIAL MEDIA
You may want to consider joining our private Facebook Group where you can post your completed paintings from these tutorials, as well as have access to the free traceable line drawings and reference photographs that I use so that you can try them for yourselves. Here is the link
bit.ly/wonderso...
*Disclaimer: Helen Campbell is a participant in the Rosemary & Co, Zen Art Supplies and Jacksons Art Affiliate Program. Affiliate advertising programs are designed to provide a means for individuals to earn fees through the links above. The cost to you for these products is the same, but Helen earns a small commission.
Music - All Epidemic Sound

[@paulinedrechsel7040]

You are so mesmerizing to watch. You are definitely one of my favorite watercolor artists. I love having the reference photo to look at while you are painting.

[@helencampbell]

Aww you don’t know how much I wanted to hear this today. It’s been a morning lol. Thank you. Just so you know, for future reference we will be keeping the reference photograph in screen permanently although we do have a couple of videos stacked ahead on KZbin that may not have it, but moving forward, the reference photograph will be kept in screen permanently. XX

[@eileencollins3126]

Having the reference photo in the video is very helpful for me! Thank you!

[@Brenda-ff4gk]

Beautiful. I love seeing the reference photo.

[@teresajordao6634]

A really lovely demo. You make painting look easy! Thanks!

[@helencampbell]

That’s very kind of you. Thank you

[@donna5659]

Aaaah….signs of Spring! 😁😎💫 Thank you! So pretty.

[@helencampbell]

Thank you x

[@susanandrews23]

Love the photo reference in view, also thank you for posting the line drawing available here on KZbin for us that are not on Facebook. Thanks for sharing your talents with us and teaching us to paint. I love your work.

[@helencampbell]

Thank you very much Susan. We will be keeping the photo in screen in the future although we do have a couple of videos stacked ahead which may not have it but rest assured that’s what we are doing in the future X

[@darlene2662]

Not a fan of Facebook but will gladly continue to watch on KZbin. Thanks for the instructions!😊💕

[@lduplago]

Thank you for all your videos. As I am new to watercolor I find your tutorials to be very helpful and do enjoy the reference photo on screen.

[@helencampbell]

Thank you Lou. In a couple weeks we will keep them there all the time

[@argospilotsigyn]

Yes, I prefer that you keep your reference photo in view. I'm just learning how to draw and to use watercolor paint. I love the realism and detail of your art, and I like the way you slowly lay down your layers keeping control over how much pigment hits the paper at any one time. I hope to be able to do something like that one day. Also, I didn't think about tracing an image the way you do. It certainly saves time. I traced a van Hoogstraten drawing the other day. I felt guilty because I wasn't practicing my drawing skills, and I do need to learn how to draw the human form on my own.

[@helencampbell]

Thank you Jim. We are keeping the reference photos in screen for all of our future tutorials. So glad that you like our tutorials. Have you joined our Facebook group yet?

[@margaretpollard5507]

Oh just answered the question now regarding texture and rough paper. Thanks.

[@wendykelcey1246]

Thank you Rae for sharing this with us. It’s beautiful! I also like to watch with the photo in view as well. 😊

[@helencampbell]

Thank you Wendy x

[@loretamelgar5387]

Amazing drawing friend thank you for sharing sending full sopport keep safe a new friend here God bless ❤️

[@helencampbell]

Thank you very much

[@surfit.]

Oh, keep the reference photo, please. Helps to compare why and where you're dropping the paint. If there's no photo, I wouldn't know how detail you paint the object. I paint loose watercolor painting and botanical painting requires patience to complete. Love your tutorials.

[@helencampbell]

Thank you very much for your comment. We are definitely keeping it in the future although we have got a couple of videos coming up already to be launched which don’t have it but hang on in there we will be keeping it there for good X

[@patriciacufre334]

Exquisite !!!!!!😮🎉❤🎉

[@helencampbell]

Thank you Patricia x

[@patwasilewski9455]

Love your videos!! Where do I find the reference photos for your videos?

[@helencampbell]

Hi Pat. Over the last few weeks we’ve been putting them on our community tab here on KZbin, but prior to that they are over on our Facebook group. You’ll need to join up if you are on Facebook, just by answering the usual questions but all the references and line drawings are there

[@helencampbell]

The Willie that you mention is on my community tab. Just go to my KZbin home page and you’ll see community tab. I posted it a couple of weeks ago so just scroll down

[@01fatina]

🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@dshrum6023]

What is your fb page?

[@helencampbell]

Hi. It’s linked in the description

[@janicelancaster3020]

Love the reference on screen helps with where I need to go with the colours. Another great tutorial thank you for sharing your knowledge 😊

[@helencampbell]

Thank you Janice x

[@1171]

Thanks , I enjoyed the video. I am working on it.

[@kathiegettinger8374]

Thank you for leaving the reference photo in - it’s so helpful. 😉

[@helencampbell]

My pleasure. We will be keeping it there in the future. We may have got one or two videos after this without it but moving forward they will be there for good x

[@mongthinthq]

Xin chào bạn và mọi người👋 Thi rất thích cách vẽ của bạn ~ tuy là không hiểu tiếng anh nhưng nhìn bạn vẽ rất thích ~ tuyệt vời~ cám ơn bạn chia sẽ cách vẽ ~ chúc bạn và mọi người luôn vui khoẻ, an lành và luôn thành công nhé🤝👍❤️🔔

[@sariaviannet8518]

Luar biasa hasil lukisannya sangat cantik mantap tutorial nya kakak, sukses selalu

[@TerrieJohnson731]

Thank you Rae I am binge watching and listening while I relax after a very heavy but satisfying painting session today. My skills are developing and I can be only say that I found you at the perfect 🎉 time 🎉 six years in watercolor made me ready for living my botanical dream ❤ I share your love of glazing as the method. Overworked was my biggest issue with watercolor and I am learning so much about knowing when to stop! Also much more planning before approaching the subject. Thank you for everything 💞

[@helencampbell]

My absolute pleasure x

[@margaretpollard5507]

What a great idea to make the drawing available off Face Book. Great tutorial as usual. Thank you 🙏

[@helencampbell]

Thank you x

[@Manifesting_Secret_Sketchbook]

M for Margaret M for Millionaire

[@AbraCassandraCrafts]

Sorry if you mentioned this in an earlier video that I haven't seen, but how do you keep your paper from warping? I'm using Arches cold pressed 100% cotton and even if I use a tiny bit of water it warps. Are there other papers you'd recommend for beginners?

[@helencampbell]

Hi. It does warp but when it dries it straightens out again. I love the paper you use it’s my favourite

[@AbraCassandraCrafts]

@@helencampbell Oh thank you for the quick answer. Alright I will stick with it and not worry about it.

[@catzkeet4860]

If cockling bothers you you can either stretch your paper, or tape it down as Rae has done in this demo. Either will minimise the issue. The other option would be to use a block, rather than a sheet or pad…..they’re more expensive tho.

[@tracymiller2189]

Leaving the reference photo in view is helpful, thank you

[@helencampbell]

Thank you for the feedback. Just to let you know moving forward we will be keeping it in screen all the time but there are a couple of videos already to launch within the KZbin studio that may not have it. moving forward, it will be in screen x

[@BonnieBornsteinFertelNJ]

Whoa! That was 4:30am EST! Are there any other East coast watercolor fanatics court there? Rae might you consider a live session a little later? ❌⭕️

[@helencampbell]

Wow i’ve never considered doing a live session, but maybe it’s something for the future? I don’t know how many people would want to actually join in LOL. thanks for watching Bonnie. Xx

[@BonnieBornsteinFertelNJ]

@@helencampbell OH! I definitely would for sure Zoom?

[@helencampbell]

I can do lives here on KZbin. I’ll have a think x

[@marybirder5663]

Very helpful technique of using a puddle of water instead of constantly dipping your brush in a jar of water. It really does make a difference if there's too much water on your brush while painting. Great tip using some white ink to add contrast to the painting. You certainly have an eye for detail and I appreciate having the reference photo in view while watching the video. Thank you so much for taking the time to explain exactly what you're doing while painting areas like the stem, highlights, etc. You're such a talented artist!

[@helencampbell]

That’s very kind of you Mary thank you so much. The puddle of water is certainly very helpful. I can’t work about it now it’s funny how we develop little habits isn’t it LOL. The reference photo will be kept in all our videos from now on, but in case you missed previous posts, there will be a couple coming out but won’t have it because we are stacked ahead with published videos ready to be launched. But moving forward within the next couple of weeks they will be on screen permanently. Thank you for your kind words X

[@Manifesting_Secret_Sketchbook]

My dear Child what Wonderous work you are doing.

[@indiraquispe7631]

Which plant or flower is it? What it's called?

[@helencampbell]

Here in the uk we call it pussywillow

[@Floweroftheprairie2720]

Same in America. We call it a pussy Willow. I think because it looks and feels like little kitten toes.

[@user-rosomat-reem]

Very nice 👍❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@user-rosomat-reem]

Very nice 👍👍👍👍

[@maureenmacneil2864]

Beautiful! The reference photo is very helpful. Thank you!

[@helencampbell]

Thank you Maureen. We are keeping it there in future other than maybe a couple of videos coming up without because we stack them in advance but moving forward rest assured they will be there. X

[@deirdrenel2]

Love these little willow buds- they're such a sign of spring. I'm not so sure about the photo; it helps a lot at the beginning, but I really like focusing in on the fine detail. Thank you for sharing your methods💚

[@helencampbell]

Thank you Dee x

[@carolemerriman8740]

Your voice and description is very soothing. The music does not add to the mood and is sometimes distracting. Silence is okay.

[@helencampbell]

Ok. Thank you

[@joanpringle-canning2834]

🤗❤️🍁🍁❤️🤗

[@dijosephine9556]

Sorry Helen ,where did you say we could download the reference photos other than facebook. ❤️

[@helencampbell]

If you go to my home page on KZbin and slide across to the community tab you’ll find them there. We have only just started it do just a few there at the moment. You’ll need to scroll through to find the one you want

[@AbraCassandraCrafts]

Welp I've officially gone mad... I've barely started even learning this hobby and JUST now bought the 24 pan set of Sennelier l'Aquarelle for $163...Ow..Am I going to regret this? lol

[@helencampbell]

Absolutely not. You’ll love them x

[@AbraCassandraCrafts]

@@helencampbell OK you have calmed me. Thank you! lol

[@helencampbell]

Lol. Let me know how you get on with them.

[@stephaniecorbett5356]

Fantastic tutorial, thank you so much!

[@helencampbell]

Thank you Stephanie

[@01fatina]

❤️💕🤗

[@wulfseig1864]

Very dainty and sweet painting. I was a teensy weensy bit disappointed that you didn't paint in the shadows but it's adorable.

[@helencampbell]

Thank you x

[@melodycrites3145]

Love your process and instruction. Yes to photo insert please.

[@helencampbell]

Thank you. Our newer ones have them x

[@chiarasola826]

Reference photo on the bottom left is perfect for me :) Thank you!

[@helencampbell]

Thank you for your feedback

[@camilleriggan9555]

Leave the photo reference in the corner.

[@helencampbell]

Thanks. We will

[@meganmontgomery3866]

Yes I like the reference photo.

[@helencampbell]

Thank you. We will keep it there in a few weeks. We have a few launching where it’s not there but we are keeping it there in the future

[@andreatorraca8755]

Morning from Dunedin FL ..love yr channel

[@helencampbell]

Thank you Andrea

[@dogwhiskers8]

Beautiful.

[@helencampbell]

Thank you 😊

[@artbydrbee]

LOVE IT!! 👏👏👏 BRAVO Helen!! ❤️🤗💪👍🐝And what an adorable subject here!!! So FLUFFY!!! ❤️❤️

[@helencampbell]

Thank you Dr Bee xxx

[@ArtSunYouTube]

Wonderful painting 👏👍🥰

[@helencampbell]

Thank you 😊

[@kimscales5150]

what can i use in place of neutral tint? black or something i have mungyo 48 set thanks

[@helencampbell]

Use black and indigo. Similar tone

[@kimscales5150]

@@helencampbell thanks again, i am writing down all these that you are giving me so that i remember, lol, thank you again so much for all that you do for us your work is appreciated

[@helencampbell]

No problem at all. I’m glad you are enjoying the videos. Remember that we upload every Tuesday. Tomorrow we have a lovely Inktense one (I know you work with watercolour but you can use your Mungyo paints) 😀

[@kimscales5150]

@@helencampbell thank you i will check on that one tomorrow, love you

[@debbiemartin9005]

Oh, Helen!! Exquisite! I do like having the reference photo to refer to as you paint. In fact, toward the end, I was so completely enthralled, and noticed it wasn’t there, and was disappointed. 😂 Also, I really was hoping you’d add the shadow at the end. Do you have any other tutorials that show how to make realistic shadows?? Your explanations were great, and I learned so much! I’m subscribing now! 🥰

[@helencampbell]

Hi Debbie. We will be keeping the reference photograph in screen for upcoming tutorials, for good. One or two of them are already in the studio ready to be launched and have already been put into post production so one or two of them may not have it coming up we will leave it on the screen all the time. I don’t think we have any videos on shadows as such but quite a few of them covers of different tonal values and that sort of thing. Thank you for your kind comments

[@darlene2662]

Also forgot to say having the line drawing posted is great too. I’m new and enjoying your tutorials very much thus far. Thanks 😊🇨🇦

[@helencampbell]

You’re welcome 😊

[@LuchaCatDIY]

Omg i love this 😀

[@helencampbell]

Thank you 😊

[@rsampson939]

I love the reference in view. I haven't painted in a year. I was frustrated. This video showed what I have been doing wrong.

[@helencampbell]

Thank you very much. We will definitely keep it in future videos however please keep in mind that we have a few videos coming out that are already placed for launch so they may not have it. But moving forward it will be there all the time

[@jeancovelli2345]

Thank you for a great tutorial. The photo reference is a welcome addition so we can see what you are working from. For me it helps with sort of training my eye to see the tonal values.

[@helencampbell]

Thank you Jean. We have a couple of videos ahead ready to launch that don’t have it but from then on it stays for good

[@gwenanderson1914]

I really really really appreciate having the photo on screen. I can see what you are intending to do and where you are going. Its so helpful.

[@helencampbell]

Great. Thank you. We will definitely keep it there for our new videos in a couple of weeks

[@davinabarre3906]

The reference on screen was very helpful. Much appreciated. Thankyou 💖

[@helencampbell]

Thank you. We are keeping it there. There’s a couple ahead that may not have it but from then on it says x

[@maverickspirit208]

Wonderful demonstration thank you! In reply to your question; yes the reference pic in corner is a plus!

[@helencampbell]

Thank you xx. We will be keeping it there for good. A couple of videos ahead may not have it done they are ready to launch and post production work is done but moving forward we are keeping it there 😀

[@paulaverger4129]

I like being able to see the reference photo while you paint. Thank you for a lovely painting tutorial.

[@helencampbell]

Thank you Paula. We have decided to keep it on the screen for upcoming tutorials although there are probably a few stacked ahead which don’t have it but moving forward we are definitely keeping it there due to the positive feedback we have had. X

[@leslieholmes2908]

Oh I can't wait to try this one. I love the subject matter. Draws me in as the Sycamore seeds did!

[@helencampbell]

Thank you. Looking forward to seeing it xx

[@donnamarquart3872]

Love this! Can’t wait to get started with this subject. Thank you.

[@helencampbell]

My pleasure x

[@mridulascreatives]

Beautiful❤

[@helencampbell]

Thank you 😊

[@juliafayeconner8978]

I like the reference photo in the screen so I can see what you do for each step.

[@helencampbell]

Thank you Julia. Moving forward we will keep it in screen but we have a couple of videos coming up already set to launch where it may not be there. But moving forward it will be there all the time

[@darlene2662]

The reference in screen a great idea! Thanks 😊

[@helencampbell]

Thank you. In a couple of weeks time will be keeping it there permanently

[@pippikrumeluss5167]

Oh how beautiful! I will give it a try!

[@helencampbell]

Thank you. Let me know how you get on x

[@pippikrumeluss5167]

@@helencampbell I will! I could tag you on IG to see the result. 💕

[@helencampbell]

@@pippikrumeluss5167 brilliant. I look forward to seeing it x