Creating Special Watercolor Effects Using Unusual Techniques

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Okay, how cool was that?! Let me know your favorite unusual technique (even if it wasn't in my video)!!

[@JustMeYouSee]

Ok! I'm gonna paint an owl and do the vodka thing for the eyes!

[@wanderingcreativity]

spectacular process vid Jenna

[@elenavaleto]

It was just amaaaazing)) and wonderful as usual. How I love your videos

[@kathleentanguy]

I use just plain ol’ Rubbing alcohol

[@renatecormick7399]

@@kathleentanguy well that makes sense. After all alcohol is alcohol, regardless of the type I suppose. Now I can give this a try because I couldn’t think of a substitute for drinking type alcohol which I just don’t have on hand a present. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@michaelangelica9981]

I've been a freelance illustrator and fine artist for about 20 years now. I've watched a few of your videos and also seen the website. I have to say your way of marketing yourself is very impressive. It seems your whole mission is making art more accessible and I really like that. I think people are very intimidated by the arts and I like that you're trying to relieve that fear.

[@carlycharlesworth1497]

I second that!

[@sarahyoung4808]

I love using alcohol in watercolor! You can also use a high percentage rubbing alcohol. I use 98-99% rubbing alcohol to create the same effect and put it in a spray bottle to get lots of smaller dots

[@griffinharvey3910]

Yes indeed! Why waste your vodka when the pharmacy alcohol is much cheaper?!

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

That is an awesome idea, Sarah, thanks!

[@jacquicherry1721]

I’ve done this with regular old isopropyl alcohol for years. Can be put in a spray/mist bottle for special effects as well. I love the interaction between the two of you. Really sweet (and funny at times, of course). ❤️ Great video! 😃

[@brenmatthews8491]

The alcohol effect would make super cool moon craters!

[@StarBarks4U]

Jen you're the best!!! I have been a professional Artist for a gazillion years...that is just code for the fact that I'm old...and I have learned so much from you by watching your videos! You never stop learning and especially where art is concerned...your special effect with booze is amazing! I have used a bleach solution before to obtain a simular effect but never etoh ...and if you messed up and are depressed you can drink the vodka!! But not the bleach unless you are #45...lol! ...so thank you for this wonderful tip! Both you and John do a phenomenal job with your channel! Thank you ...Blessings, Rus from New Hope Pennsylvania ❤🤓

[@thomsonmaclean2041]

Glorifying Suicidal Ideation... How grown up (mature) of you. You people really are the problem.

[@BackroadsArtStudio]

Foaming soap also gives cool effects :)

[@sallieturner8771]

Jenna thank you for sharing!!! The alcohol is amazing.

[@sherryberke192]

I love it when you have those blooper moments! My dad used to say," I got my tongue caught behind my eye tooth and I couldn't see what I was saying" This proves that you are only human. Love you Jenna!

[@marylefave2933]

That alcohol effect is the bomb! Eagerly awaiting your first book today. I'm a total newbie binge watching tutorials but I've heard excellent reviews of your books. Love your style, not to mention your humor. The best!

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Hey Mary! Thanks so much for all the love and support! It means so much to me. I hope you love my book!!

[@cindymccann3753]

I've seen folks use bubble wrap to make prints too. Cool video. Thanks.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Oh bubble wrap! Very cool idea!

[@melindaavila498]

Fun, fun, fun! Thanks!

[@barbaracabrera207]

I've been organic dyeing paper for 8 months and have learned these techniques with my dyes. (From others on KZbin, I didn't figure it out myself!) Dry rice leaves a nice effect also. And dry thin noodles (broken up into small pieces) . Dish soap bubbles too. (You said to tell you!!) Haha! (Dyes: Coffee, tea, avocado, onion skins, & last week was dandelions, red wine is next week!) Junk Jounal makers dye their own papers, and also do about anything to make a cool background paper. I just started making art papers with alcohol inks and 99.9% alcohol. It does this same "explosion" thing. I can sit and do it for hours!!! Spray with fine mist too. There's also a resin product that does cool effects. Never tried with watercolors,.....yet! Like you said, "DID NOT KNOW THIS"! This is CRAZY COOL!!! Thanks for all the COOL techniques!!! And for bringing watercolor to us. Love your videos. Love your style! Austin,TX USA

[@rmuller366]

Very cool tip with alcohol. I’ve been wanting to try it, but since I’m a teatotaler there is none in the house. I appreciate all the comments on using 91-98% rubbing alcohol. Looking forward to trying it. I wonder if you could use alcohol inks and get this effect. I watched Karen Rice’s channel earlier and saw her drop specs of watercolor pencil using an emory board into some wet on wet and it added some really cool texture in the landscape. I had heard of this before but not seen it used. I’m going to give some of these a go. I haven’t had great luck with the Saran Wrap, but I’ll keep trying because it looks so cool. Thanks Jenna. Love your smiley face. Blessings to you!

[@mandalouw5307]

Thanks! Love ❤️ it!!!

[@shellerk]

A natural sponge used much as you used the paper towel is nice.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Yes! That's great, thanks for sharing Kenneth!

[@shellerk]

@@JennaRaineyChannel And better yet, you can DRINK alcohol while using the sponge.

[@nanschifris8734]

Started using rubbing alcohol a couple years ago & love the effects. I highly recommend trying it with different colors as I’ve found a huge variation in how pigments react. If you can keep the paper wet enough (hard to do because the alcohol dries it rapidly) try dropping more or another color in on top - more amazement! Alcohol *does* reduce lightfastness. Other special effects I like: drop in water with a little bit of dish soap in it, sprinkle bleach crystals (powdered bleach) on wet paint, create a larger wash using salt water instead of tap, use sponges - any & all types - to create texture, draw over your wet paint with a wax pastel (or wax crayon or even a candle).

[@christinemorrissey5274]

Love, love,❤!!

[@monnisalewis1660]

Happy Birthday John!! Thanks for all you do to capture the fun! I LOVE LOVE when you laugh at Jenna when is silly 😜

[@Sundies_Art]

looks psychedelic, like something in a 70's video. so cool...

[@bettyryan4310]

Great video, Jenna. What I love is using Brusho…it is so awesome and you should give it a try! Karen Rice, another artist that I follow uses it in her paintings and its beautiful.

[@pennypepin2001]

Use a card to scrape color back to white. Great for highlights, grasses, rocks. Also, use a palette knife to lay in color on a birch tree, etc.

[@barbarabrogi632]

Jenna you are like a Sun !!!❤️🧡❤️

[@wendyramos6207]

OMG what if you did the splatter technique WITH ALCOHOL?? I didn’t have vodka/gin so I used 90% rubbing alcohol and it worked too!

[@Ms1lonewolf]

Your soooo silly Jenna! Fun fun 🥰😁!! Yeah I've done the alcohol thing and the others that you mentioned. How about wax? Have you ever tried wax? Wax is cool. Just like an Easter egg. You can write on your paper with the wax or just make marks and the watercolor just runs away from it. I love using special affects. Have fun 👋. Thanks for sharing your videos. I love watching you. 😎🇺🇸🌴 FLORIDA.

[@bonniekennan1771]

Hey, John, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! You two are lucky to have each other. You seem to have a good thing. Love the watercolor instruction, too.

[@wanderingcreativity]

Thanks Friend

[@sharonmills1013]

Have you played around with Brusho? All the videos I see using it are several years old, so I’m wondering if it has fallen out of favor. It looks really cool to me-would love to see what you create with it!

[@lizzy9975]

Brusho is amazing. Go to Michelle Webber on youtube. She does awesome stuff with brusho! The pigment is amazing!

[@johnguilf9697]

I think a drop or two of volca went missing haha love the bloopers your a gr8 colour IST and cud be a movie star from lreland hi John too

[@jennig8014]

Awesomeness! ❤️😎

[@carolnelson9700]

This comment is for John, first of all, Happy Birthday to a great guy( like I know you). But I. Can see how much you do for Jenna and how much effort you put into filming, editing, and all that goes into to it. I love the extra little comments you add and visual words. I love that you leave in some of Jenna's bloopers, it really makes it fun to watch. Thanks for all you do to make the videos fun to watch. Also yes, the alcohol is so fun to play with. Awesome. 🎂🎈🎉👌♥️

[@lr8745]

So glad you found this out, it looks great doesn’t it, one of my fav things to use in watercolours xx

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

It's SO COOL! I'm so glad I tried it!

[@lr8745]

Try bleach that’s so cool also but be careful not to get in eyes or mouth not good for you, and it’s a bit smelly but you get some really cool effects 😳

[@artbya613]

Wow! I love this video! The last tip was so cool! I think it looks like something that you see under a microscope!😁 The saran wrap idea is so cool! It kind of reminds me of a cobblestone path.

[@Lilnightmare89]

That's an amazing way to create water bubbles

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Yes! Totally!

[@antzieisme]

Thank you so much for making this video! I got a bottle of Beafeater from Secret Santa once and now I know what to do with it 😁

[@virginiacastruita5448]

Thank you for sharing those amazing techniques!! The saran wrap and alchohol are favorites. Looking forward to trying it out!! I've been playing through my Everyday Watercolor lessons and really enjoying it!! Thank you both!!

[@flowing_through_life]

Yes, definitely loved the explosion one I think I will try it with methylated spirit. Oooo can’t wait! I do love the salt effect and the cauliflowers. Thank you so much, always so fun watching your vids.

[@laphamcenter6968]

It’s hypnotic to watch, I love it

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Totally!

[@BackroadsArtStudio]

Cool! I do alcohol inks and that medium gives the same WOW feeling!

[@cinhill22]

Happy Birthday, to the brains, behind the scenes!!! We love what you do, John, everything is very professional, the views you give us of Jenna painting, background music, and love to hear some of your add on comments when filming!!! Hope your day is a great one!!! Happy Birthday, John, 33 m, getting on up the hill!!!!

[@anousjka5295]

Awww love you 2 crazy fun hippies, I woke up too early (we are parked up ready to enter an Adventure show in Stratford Upon Avon (heard some famous beardy dude’s from here, think he was a painter of som’ing), bring on 08:00 so we can park up properly and make a full English in our lovely Van!!) and you kept making me smile (only low-noise giggles and somehow Husband is sleeping through all the set up noise!). Ok, wayyy too many brackets! Wish you guys were here at the show, going to be nice weather, live music and food, would’ve amazing to meet you. Anyhoo, thanks for the fun start of the day and take care, lots of non-camera involved hugs back ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@loriminor7253]

Love the alcohol effect!

[@krismua1209]

So cool, loved the alcohol. Must try it! Thanks!

[@cathygormanson2941]

Happiest of Birth Days, John. You're the man! Too bad the alcohol stole the scene. My fav is the saran wrap. Love, love, love the effects. Not the first time I've been the odd man out.

[@cheryledwards7381]

Fun video! I’ve seen all of the techniques you tried except for using the vodka! I LOVED the vodka/alcohol technique. I will definitely try it. Thanks Jenna!

[@ElvieMe]

This sure is a very cool effect using alcohol wet in wet technique! I love the seran wrap one too. Wonder if using allumium foil would do something different, or tule.... will give it a try some day! Thank you both for these great video's. It's through finding your channel, buying your book too that I have forged into watercolor painting and really love this. I must say that the QUALITY of your video's really does it for me. You zoom in at the right moment, you can see everything in detail and your comments in the videos are top notch. Thank you JOHN for the quality of the video's you make and the good sound registration. My compliments! And Happy Birthday John!!!

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

Loved the sound effect lol ps. Anne Blockley has this book called experimental flowers, she uses the alcohol to create some pretty cool effects for floral!

[@shelleyrice7816]

Watching the alcohol demo was really relaxing. Also, that painting reminded me of when I saw jellyfish at the aquarium. If you could manipulate the alcohol drops into the shape of jellyfish that’d be really cool.

[@Petra-1000]

Definitely the alcohol bomb is mindblowing. Wouldn‘t it be a fantastic idea to try other „unusual“ techniques? The magical watercolor lab ... 🤩🤩.

[@Kb1901kb_kris]

I have done the saran wrap. Thought that was genious. Never tried alcohol

[@kirstynewbery8012]

That was very cool! Thanks Jenna.

[@BarBaraWhorleyCrawfordESS]

Love the alcohol is awesome. I use the rest and love them. Thank you.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

You can't beat that alcohol unusual technique... too cool!

[@BarBaraWhorleyCrawfordESS]

I wonder if wine would work

[@kathyking7812]

So cool

[@ThereIsSoulInArt]

Loved all this information.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Yay! Thanks for watching!

[@florcannu2783]

Oh that was so cool with the alcohol on it! I Love that technique. Actually, I have an alcohol on my working table and while practicing one of my puddle excercises I was really looking at it and thinking if this can be applicablied to the watercolor other than using water. And viola! You just used it to add texture just by dropping it. Amazing! You inspired me a lot to do more though as a beginner. 🤩 Thank you.

[@JoeyTrejo10]

I've used rubbing alcohol and it works well : )

[@ingridmonkhouse3669]

You’re so funny,I like your bubbly spirit,love the way you do this technique.And I’m still learning.

[@hawkland100]

Love you guys

[@janc734]

I've tried regular alcohol but did not get the bigger affect of the vodka- lucky for me there's usually a bottle in the freezer. : ) Thanks - great video!

[@Love2Create62]

I'm going to definitely try the alcohol bomb. Once I start I'll probably be mesmerized for hours! 😍 I will try multiple colors on the page just for fun!! I look forward to your videos so much!

[@micalaprida]

Have you used oil pastel and then painted with watercolour over it? Wax crayons too. Since those materials won't mix with water it creates a great texture.

[@jeancovelli4559]

That was really great - thank you!

[@EnjoyDrawingwithMary]

This really is the WOW effect! :) I never used alcohol with watercolors before but I wil have to try it! it looks amazing! thank you Jenna! 👏👏😍💖💖

[@jillbooker7970]

So funny.....I thought “jellyfish!” Right away when I saw the last one!! Can’t wait to try✌🏼

[@MiniaDay]

Happy Birthday John. You make the videos so inviting. I feel as if I’m right there in the room with both of you. It isn’t easy to video tape, but you make it look easy. Patti

[@sarahflamion3735]

i thought at the end the dot explosion looked like the white fuzzy flowers. it would be cool if you made a video on that.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Great idea!

[@KellieChasse]

If you loved that, try some alcohol inks Jenna! 💓🎉

[@kellymartin3932]

Super rad. Me gusta el alcohol.

[@mildrumphoto]

That was amazing! I didn't have any gin or vodka but can report that whiskey worked great. Thank you for all of your creative and informative videos.

[@jamesshevnin981]

Thanks, if you ever bought resin, they also sell alcohol inks to go with that, so naturally this got me thinking but I haven't tried anything yet.

[@Alexandra-ks7cb]

I'm really happy to see vodka works like alcohol ink. I don't know what the proofs are. Can you try making your own ink with procion dye and vodka maybe? Love your channel!

[@Grammarobinsongmail]

I love you guys together! You two are so Damn cute!

[@Tsukikao]

Love you both ! (And I just met you)

[@GaladRiel1512]

aweooooooosme!

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Isn't it?! So fun!

[@GaladRiel1512]

@@JennaRaineyChannel it's amazing. especially when discovering unpredictable things!

[@MiniaDay]

Happy Birthday Jenna. I know your birthday is the 9th but wanted to celebrate you early. Patti

[@elenavaleto]

I have the same reaction)))))))

[@xTK421x]

I have a few......painting with 91% Iso alcohol(drops of almost perfect circles), with saline solution you could float an egg on(sensory deprivation saturation, sponging, blowing puddles of pigment through a straw(really cool, especially the designers stuff as it is really opaque), spray bottles of pigment plastic wrap ice or water texturing is SWEET, paper towel clouds, so much fun stuff to do. Imagine and go big or go home!!!!

[@neecy9810]

I've been so busy lately, I haven't painted in over 2 weeks!! Missing it and you!!!

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Aw, I hope you're able to get back at it soon!! Watercolor (and I) miss you too!!

[@davidmetts4570]

Hey Jenna! Great Videos! What if the alcohol had a non water soluble dye (like candle wax dye) in it? Thank you for the inspirational pep talks and tuts!!

[@luckypearlGamesArena]

Please do a video on what watercolor paintings can u do on 160gsm ❤🤗plzzzzz(coz i can't use more water on it obviously) but still wanna do watercolor paintings 🙈

[@Ms1lonewolf]

You know you could use the watercolor pencils on thin paper then just activate it with water. This way you can control the water so the paper can stand up to it. I've used this method on blank cards. You just have to be careful because thin paper won't hold up like real watercolor paper. Just a thought 💭.

[@luckypearlGamesArena]

@@Ms1lonewolf Tysm ❤😅i will definitely try ✏

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

This is random, have you heard of Maldon Sea Salt, i am not usually into "bougie" foodie things, but OH MY GOSH as a person who never ate salt. This salt is soooo pretty, like little crystals!!!! I've retired the pink himalayan and this is my new fav ingredient. Its a bit pricey, so not so sure about painting with it lol 🤣😆

[@TheArtisticBiker]

In acrylic, if you paint a layer and let it dry, then put a watery wet layer over it, drop the alcohol in and watch the color explosion!

[@jean.marion]

Just FYI - I tried the alcohol technique on a painting I did a week ago. It was completely dry. I wet the entire thing with a flat brush, put on the alcohol and watched the little starburst circles with high hopes. However, 2 hours later, it was as if they never happened. The paint underneath was too dry and set, it didn't budge. Could it be that this technique only works on the first layer...

[@ritahayes6407]

😍

[@adacarrasquillo891]

Can you use masking fluid over already painted paper.?

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Hi Ada! You cannot. You have to use the masking fluid first, then paint over it, and that will preserve the white of the paper.

[@vickymassey1479]

Yes you can, I've done it, just make absolutely certain the portion you want to mask is totally dry

[@katilia16]

I tried the alcohol one before but it did NOT come out like this... maybe I didn’t use the right kind of alcohol, I’ll have to try it again.

[@loriannferraioli2698]

Such a cool video. Vodka is my favorite....to drink. Lol. But it made such a cool effect. Wonder what rubbing alcohol would do. Then you can save vodka for drinking. Thank you 😊

[@meridadiane]

Do you think you could color the vodka for multi color art?

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Worth a shot! ;)

[@Momma_AL]

Add to grocery list - Salt Tequila Lime. Because salt and tequila.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

YES

[@dorisheffernan4145]

The drops of water looks like fireworks.

[@taylerfish4003]

Can also use isopropyl alcohol, bleach gives a similar effect but will spread more

[@Nanaonthemove]

Does rubbing alcohol work too?

[@marinawatson363]

Kosher salt work well.

[@softlanding138]

Do you use Windsor Newton?

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Yep! All my supplies are linked below so you can see exactly what I use!

[@KuchipudiDanceArts-LalithaSri]

Hey Jenna! I recently brought your Everyday water color book... It is very detailed and I loved it! I'll be posting review on My channel some day! and BTW its the first Comment!!

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

I'm SO glad you loved it, thanks for sharing and for your support! I appreciate you!

[@KuchipudiDanceArts-LalithaSri]

@@JennaRaineyChannel Thank You so much!

[@kim99may]

❤️🌈❤️ I race to be the 1st comment on two of the KZbinrs the do resin art! I used to do watercolor so Jenna is still fun to watch! Winner, winner chicken dinner!

[@mbtvalli]

You’re so cute and 😆

[@NautiBYNature24]

Wow! So damn cool! Also, you actually ever tried bleach?

[@ruthbircham5294]

Have you tried using fresh lemon juice? Would it do anything?

[@Leanna_Weber_Art]

bleach is fun too

[@carolferguson5467]

Try blowing your color around with a straw 😉