Crack Watercolour with these Simple Hacks: 15 Minute Tutorial (Beginner and Intermediate friendly)

[@jandurant7502]

Your watercolor paintings are so beautiful that they’re almost daunting. I think most would-be artists struggle with perfectionism, and wouldn’t it be good to remind your students that it’s OK to mess up, and our sketchbooks don’t need to look like yours? Please don’t be offended with what I’m trying to say, but many years ago I tried watercolor and quickly gave it up because I couldn’t make paintings that looked like the ones done by artists whom I admired. So now I’m trying it again, and my expectations are more realistic, and I am feeling the pure joy of the medium, but I wasted many years.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Oh Jan, I used to hate my sketchbooks ( I made a video about it too). Admittedly these recent spreads of mine have become rather detailed. I think my sketchbook is turning into more of a story book or a story about dreams. I do realise there’s not much that’s sketchy about these pages and I had to work a long time to be able to do this. I hope no one thinks their sketchbook should look like mine. PS your art is amazing, Jan 🧡

[@jandurant7502]

@@drawingsinadrawer Thank you very much, Fiona! I just wouldn’t like to see someone make the same mistake that I once did, and give up because their paintings aren’t as good as yours.

[@anjapinkau3737]

I know we all want to be experts at once. But life doesn't work that way. We have to learn and practise, many many hundreds of hours. And we all are at different steps of over development and therefore uncomparable. If a beginner compares himself with a seasoned expert, of course, he is bound to see a difference and to be disappointed, but that is hardly the expert's fault. And I don't think it is the expert's duty to remind the beginner that he is just a beginner. Jan, I'm mostly writing these words not so much for you but for me. I, too, sometimes despair when I realize the discrepancy between a seasoned painter and myself. But I shouldn't. I should embrace the learning process and look back to my beginnings and be happy about the progress I've already made. Therefore: Always keep your botched up pictures! Look at them when you are frustrated with a current project and you'll realize: You have done worse! And you have learned from your mistakes and improved. And that will also happen with the picture one might be struggling with at that moment. There is this wonderful line: Trust the process. Keep going, then it's going to get better.

[@jandurant7502]

@@anjapinkau3737 I don't think that it's the expert's duty to remind a beginner that she is a beginner -- that is not what I meant. But some of us are all too ready to listen to our inner critic, and become discouraged if we can't make something beautiful, because that is what we long to do. So if a teacher says, "I once struggled, like you" -- that is a very comforting and encouraging thought. "Trust the process" -- that is absolutely right and I agree with you there one hundred per cent.

[@DB_in_AZ]

Same!

[@anjapinkau3737]

Thank you for these useful tips and sharing your beautiful art. Most helpful pieces of advice for me: 1. Start faces with mud! 2. Use something "sharp" for the veins of the leaves. 3. Know your brushes. 4. Never lose the joy! :-D Thank you.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Aw thank you so much! You’ve made my day ❤️⭐️

[@teresemartinez6215]

Playing with the paint on wet paper is one of the most important way to learn what happens with Watercolor. Great suggestion for beginners.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@teresemartinez6215 I agree completely!

[@connied8507]

If I had known watercolor was difficult I wouldn't have started 2 years ago 😅. It's so satisfying, easy to stop and start, and easy to clean up. Bless you for sharing your knowledge.❤

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you 😊💕

[@dawnmckay1490]

I feel the same!❤

[@peachmccomb1804]

I heard of you in a painting group yesterday. We all watched your watercolor hacks and then got busy painting and it was a blast! I found your tutorial quite eye opening and it gave me even more ways to teach watercolor painting more effectively. Bravo for your advice to just let go and paint!

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Wow! That’s flattering. Thank you so much and say hello to your painting group! Fiona x

[@CP-rc9sw]

I love watercolor! It is like a co-creator. I paint a piece in co-operation with the watercolor, brush, and paper. Then I let painting rest and the watercolor does its magic, and somehow, the painting becomes more.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@CP-rc9sw so true!

[@carolmacdougall4112]

Thank you for the Inspiration. I am a watercolour landscape artist...but I love how you have combined nature into your portraits and people into your nature studies almost abstractly. I love it and it has given me some great ideas I am excited about now. Much appreciation. ♡

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you! I’m happy you liked it!

[@judysummers894]

I like the trick about using the back end of the brush to make the vein lines in the leaves. I think I will have to give this a try! ❤

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@judysummers894 do! It does make a very nice effect

[@robynwhite5662]

This painting is really beautiful! I have so many books and so much watercolour but haven’t used them very much as I never know where to start. You’ve inspired me just to doodle and learn how my brushes work.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Im so happy to hear that ❤️🌈

[@kayemoonflower]

🥰 Everytime! Plus, your music and ambience is peaceful 💖 coming from oil painting, then a long illness/hiatus---now every time, your creative work is uplifting and your tutorials VERY helpful!

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@kayemoonflower thank you! 💓

[@lesliev7874]

I so enjoyed this video. The advice is very useful and your voice, the music, and the painting is so relaxing.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you 😊 I love that x

[@neuroticnation144]

Such a lovely and important video! Actual good advice for beginners, or even those that are just stuck in a rut. Such wonderful and inspiring pictures to go with it! Thank you!

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you so much ❤️⭐️

[@SherreaAddicks]

This was so calming to watch. It also taught me so much about letting go and just enjoy the strokes

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@SherreaAddicks that’s such a lovely comment ❤️

[@judysummers894]

Watching you paint these leaves was so relaxing I had to watch it again!!!

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Oh that’s so kind of you. It helps my channel, also ❤

[@bunnykins1450]

I feel as though angels are at your side each time you make these recordings. I always feel better when I watch your videos and hear your good energy voice

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@bunnykins1450 ok, now I can literally say my life has more meanings than you so so much for these beautiful words ❤️

[@karenharmer519]

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful painting & knowledge 💖💖💖, i've been practicing for nearly 10 years, & i do not think i am any closer to knowing more now than when i started, but i will not give up, & what you say in that do not try to control the paint , i' ve So many disastrous pieces of good watercolour papers go into recycling, which obviously has given me no pleasure, so to hear you say this one statement is such a relief, this could be what I've been waiting for. I do hope to join you for some more practice.💖💞🌟👍💝🤞

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@karenharmer519 that’s absolutely amazing! Grab yourself a sketchbook. It will take the pressure off. These Baohong ones are great quality ( I do not get any money for this of course, I wish! 😆) and not too expensive. Keep me posted! Fiona x

[@urban_fox4658]

So very creative! Your paintings are unique and tell such interesting stories. And your voice is so fun to listen to! Lol I’ve been timidly using watercolors (coming from a former devout acrylic artist) for several years. I still have “ah-ha!” moments every time I paint and have learned a lot from you! ❤

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you so much! Watercolour never ceases to amaze me!

[@sheila4933]

Magical! Love watching your demonstration.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you 🌈

[@pk3679]

I have loved watercolor from the first time that I used it. I too went through my time of trying to make it behave the way that I wished it would, but soon gave up. Because I was in love with the medium I didn't abandon my work, but set about trying to understand the medium. I now let the watercolor do most of the work for me and have "created" some stunning works. When I get people admiring my work I always tell them that I only did part of the painting...the paint did the rest and often the most stunning parts. No other medium creates the effects that watercolor can create, but you have to as the artist set it free to do it's work. Enjoy your watercolor journey and prepare to be amazed.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@pk3679 I agree with everything you said. Thank you

[@stapletontable]

What a gorgeous Fall spread! I am learning so much from you, Fiona. I encourage anyone who is not already a Patreon member but enjoys watching your beautiful KZbin videos to check out your amazing tutorials!❤

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Aw that’s so lovely of you ! ❤️💕💓

[@LauraDionJones]

Beautiful technique & kind, soothing voice. Thank you for the encouragement & inspiration. ❤

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you for watching and leaving a comment ❤️

[@LauraDionJones]

Hey, GF. Where is the link for your pencil case?

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@LauraDionJones I don’t really use one to be honest. I use small Decathlon zip up bags meant for swimming pool things 😆

[@Hummingbird64]

I really enjoyed your video and music was relaxing . Made me have a burst of creativity to paint . A happy new subscriber ❤

[@drawingsinadrawer]

That’s fantastic!

[@1msfit]

This is the first of your videos I have seen and found it so helpful that I subscribed. I will now go look into the list of your prior videos. Ah, but first I am going to go put brush to paint and paper and have some fun. Thank you.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@1msfit welcome! I am glad you found the video helpful! Fiona x

[@gitte5281]

Thank you for all the helpful tips, and 2 wonderful paintings for inspiration.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@gitte5281 thank you 💕

[@InfraRed0]

What a lovely tutorial, so inspiring and encouraging, thank you 🙏

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you. I appreciate it ❤️

[@benicio1967]

You are so gifted ....in your painting skills and in communicating a message so beautifully. Thank you! This was such a pleasure to watch. ❤❤❤

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart

[@iloveleannav]

This video was so relaxing. So beautiful your paintings.😍😍😍

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@iloveleannav thank you 😊

[@art-alchemy]

What a lovely illustration. I would never would have thought to put an eye and a bunny with fall leaves. Its super mesmerizing. I am working on a similar piece in oil paint on a huge canvas. So much fall inspiration this year! Thanks. Maria

[@drawingsinadrawer]

You’re welcome! Have fun painting ❤️

[@chedoodles]

This seemed fairly easy when watching you! I’ve been on a rut for some years now and this inspired me to try painting again. Subscribed!

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you ❤️

[@cynthiatuschel5157]

New to this channel love ❤️ your videos and tips ❤️

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you 😊❤️

[@pattyterry6432]

Absolutely gorgeous style!! ❤

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you so so much ❤️

[@cindicopeland9731]

Just found you & subscribed! Your tutorials are so encouraging! Thank you!

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you so much! 🧡

[@ankigatoni6967]

Beautiful work, relaxing music, calming voice and important information, thank you 🙏

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you 🙏

[@debrawalters9746]

Thank you Fiona, this is exactly what I needed to hear today. Absolutely love your artwork every week ❤❤❤

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you so much 💕💓

[@ShellyAnderson-s2v]

Your looseness is so impressive!

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@ShellyAnderson-s2v thank you ❤️

[@buttercupsandlegobricks]

I am definitely having some obstacles! I hope I can eventually be somewhat comfortable with this medium.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Just play with it in the simplest ways you can think of. Swatching. Trying wet in wet by dropping thicker paint into a wet paint. Try swirls, colourful polka dots. Make friends with it, let’s say. Fiona x

[@nancysonavane3638]

Beautiful i have started with gouache first, but when i came back to watercolor i had, i felt like i was lucky enough to have watercolour first

[@drawingsinadrawer]

I know the feeling!

[@judysummers894]

This is a beautifully expressive sketchbook spread - gorgeous colors and composition. Love it ❤

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you so much 🧡

[@cherigreen4471]

I love your work, really beautiful and your thoughts and tips were so inspiring and thoughtful! Thank you so much. I just subscribed. 🤗

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you ❤️

[@Cynthia_retired]

Wow this was great. Thanks for the tips and encouragement.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@Cynthia_retired ❤️

[@patlatour2465]

❤it’s so colourful I enjoyed watching and listening to your valuable tips. 😊

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you 🙏

[@Jewelslovespaintandyarn]

Another wonderful video full of invaluable tips. Love the idea of using the end of the brush for veins. And that mint colour! I will rewatch this one again, as I do with all your videos. Inspirational ❤

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you so much for your words ❤️

[@Deborahavery-s6k]

I absolutely love your paintings!! It was so insightful to watch your techniques as you create. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Oh thank you ❤️⭐️

[@BeckyPartridge1]

You show what is exciting about the medium of watercolor ❤ thank you for the tips

[@drawingsinadrawer]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@SafiaMoffatt]

Beautiful, I love your style❤

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@SafiaMoffatt thank you ⭐️

[@MrStanwillis]

Smart lady. Thank you 😊😊😊

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you

[@staceybrister1315]

Hello, I'm so glad I found your channel! I'm looking forward to watching more of your videos 😊. Thank you!

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@staceybrister1315 I’m glad too!

[@camouflagejumpsuit]

Thank you for all the tips and inspiration

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you for Leaving a comment. It means so much x

[@Ward-c4q]

Good knowledge on the brushes. I do know they have personalities and tend to go to my favorites. Also using something to crease the leaves as your painting so the paint will run down through there to make veins. I did not know that. my favorite time of the year, fall. you paint fall very beautifully!

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you so much, Carol 🍃

[@Ward-c4q]

@@drawingsinadrawer absolutely! And thank you for liking my last portrait!

[@debbiesimonjames7865]

I enjoyed this video, and now i want to give watercolour another try. I have been wanting to, but thinking i can't. I've seen a few watercolour tutorials, but not like yours. Thank you 🙂

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@debbiesimonjames7865 oh how nice of you! A new video on watercolor hair is coming up tonight x

[@KimzCraftz]

I love the colour combos, as well as all the tips. Just came across your channel, think i'll be here for a while, lol

[@drawingsinadrawer]

That’s good to hear!

[@marceystevens8275]

Outstanding portrait

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you so much x

[@seanoralopes4917]

Your artwork is so lovely. Thank you so much for these helpful tips. This video is what I needed.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

I’m so happy to hear that!

[@maf1747]

Very useful information and beautiful paintings! 🤩 New subscriber here!

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you so much 😊

[@crystalheart9]

Thank you for these hacks and techniques.💙💙💙

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you 🙏

[@jackygann594]

That's such a good idea about laying out your first colour in a portrait. I'm looking at so many colour mixing hints at the moment and like you it is not what I want or it doesn't turn out like the artist I'm watching. I find my faces looking pale.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@jackygann594 I’m happy you related to this 💓

[@CelticPurl]

Thank you for sharing. I love your watercolor work.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@CelticPurl thank you 🌈❤️

[@dragonbone5000]

Absolutely gorgeous!

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you 🙏

[@louisea966]

beautiful paintings and great tips, thanks Fiona

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you, Louise ⭐️

[@TrailsViewsArt]

Just discovered your channel and I love everything about this video ❤ New subscriber 😊

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you. I appreciate it a lot ⭐️

[@jayneelinor]

Lovely tutorial, thank you

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank YOU for taking the time to leave a comment. ❤️🌈

[@kerrimckenzie4594]

Always love your work, and the info you share with us x ❤

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you ❤️💓

[@seemakapoor4894]

Beautiful! Love it🎉

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you 🙏

[@emanuelagiorgini4451]

Guardarti lavorare è un piacere. Grazie per i consigli preziosi, sono molto utili! 😊👍❤

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@emanuelagiorgini4451 grazie di cuore a te 💕

[@jeanetteanderson3912]

Absolutely gorgeous 😍 ❤️ 🙏😍🇨🇦👍

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you 😊

[@by.stevenson]

So beautiful! Can I Ask what brand and name is that light turqoise colour you use?

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@by.stevenson I think you mean Mint by White Nights. Love it!

[@by.stevenson]

It is very beautiful! I am looking for a color like that. Do you know if either Winsor and newton or Daniel Smith has a similar color? It really pops of the page! ​@@drawingsinadrawer

[@sandraholtzmuller1318]

So love watching you…..

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you with all my heart ❤️

[@Heart_lais]

LOVE this!!!❤

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@Heart_lais thank you so much 😊

[@gwendareynolds6833]

My first art teacher showed us some basics then said ,"Now you have to make 10000 mistakes. Get started,"

[@drawingsinadrawer]

How beautiful 💓

[@libellula3313]

As an art teacher for 40 years myself, i would call that a great assessment! I'd add that those who survive will be really good artists. Jo in France 🇫🇷

[@lynnchapman2211]

What sketchbook and brush are u using? Love your philosophy. Very similar to mine!

[@drawingsinadrawer]

The sketchbook is Baohong hot pressed. Brushes Trekell, Silver Black Velvet and other random ones . I hope this helps x

[@tammylanglois2602]

Toothpicks are good gor scoring lines gor leaf veins and branches too

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you! I will try it! X

[@Centannicocktails]

Good morning, At 2:23 minutes in how is the colors on the maple leather not bleeding out if the entire page is wet?

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@Centannicocktails because by then the background had probably dried or was slightly damp. The paint will only spread to where there is water then stop or slow down as wet becomes damp, that also might have been the case. I have not rewatched that specific section to be able to say with precision. I will look later 🙏

[@Centannicocktails]

@@drawingsinadrawer oh thank you very much!!

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@Centannicocktails you’re most welcome x

[@judysummers894]

Fiona, what brushes and sizes were you using in this video? They look like they are very thirsty brushes, which is great for this style of painting.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

One was Lighwish ( it came with the palette) silver black velvet round and Trekell round and a brand I am testing I think called Mandrian

[@lisasternenkind6467]

I'm struggling to get the right sketch book for watercolor. Which can you recommend, keeping in mind that it's not too expensive?

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Baohong ( this one you see is 100% cotton 300 gsm hot pressed (thickness) or get Potentate also cotton 300 gsm hot pressed. Good luck ❤️

[@elsgussenhoven1727]

Prachtig 👍👌👍👌💐

[@drawingsinadrawer]

💪🏻

[@kerrimckenzie4594]

❤❤❤

[@drawingsinadrawer]

❤️⭐️🌈

[@ginajennings1664]

♥️♥️♥️👏🏻👍🏻👏🏻♥️♥️♥️🇺🇸

[@drawingsinadrawer]

💕

[@Guammaine]

Wish you hadn't skipped over the Eye.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

I have another video on here about the watercolour eye 😊

[@brendawoodford6363]

Your brush is long. West make us it? Handles water well.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

I think I might have been using a brand called Mandrian? Otherwise my favourites are Trekell and Silver Black Velvet but shipping fees to Italy are huge when I only need one paintbrush! So will not be replacing the ones I have now when they get worn out. I’ll go for other brands. Fiona x