watercolor painting: how to use reference material without copying

full process with real time commentary on how i used a reference photo as a general guide for shapes and composition to paint loose flowers... without copying.
reference photo provided by Mona at / monchri08
L I S T O F S U P P L I E S
• 140lb cold pressed watercolor paper (Canson XL)
• watercolor paints: quinacridone coral (Daniel Smith), sap green (Shinhan), hooker's green (QOR), ultramarine deep (Shinhan)
• pastel yellow poster paint (Shinhan)
• #0 mop brush, 803 series (Raphaël)
• #1 round watercolor brush (Hwahong)
• pigma micron pen, 01 size (Sakura)
• i buy all my brushes from thebrushguys.com -- this is an affiliate link: bit.ly/2JYyPFz -- get 5% off your entire order from The Brush Guys by entering code: ceecee
F O L L O W C R É A T I O N S C E E C E E
• patreon: / creationsceecee
• online store & website: www.creationsce...
• instagram: / creationsceecee
• facebook: / ceecees-creations-6414...
• pinterest: / creationsceecee
• twitter: / creationsceecee
• business inquiries: [e-mail]
P O B O X
Créations CeeCee
54 Cité-des-Jeunes
Suite 102B-347
Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC
J7V 9L5
Canada
F I L M I N G S E T - U P
i have an overhead set-up with the video camera mounted on a long reach tripod what was part of a soft box lighting system
video camera: Panasonic HC-V770
1350W photography studio soft box lighting kit (Mountdog)
A F F I L I A T E L I N K S
Links in this description and supplies list may be affiliates which means you won't pay extra but we will get a small commission. thank you for supporting this channel!

[@amexjam55]

As a beginner with water coloring I find your videos quite instructive. I like how you explain each step of the process. And I also like how you show your "mistakes" and all. Lovely painting btw.

[@stpsdoan]

I love watching you paint. Your dialogue is not only instructive, it is encouraging. When you say, " Well, it looks like the sap green has bled into my pink petal. I don't mind. That's okay. " I am ecstatic.

[@ewwwobbie]

I've been binge watching your old tutorials, and I love them just as much as the first time! I've been painting similar flowers, and I think they are the dogwood flower. I recently moved to BC and found out that the dogwood is the Provincial flower for BC and so that interests me. I miss you CeeCee! Nobody does it like you do. I haven't watched for a long time, but I can see that you definitely had an influence on my art. Thank you so much! Hope to see you soon.

[@snowstamper1]

I love this painting but of course I love all of them. I don’t know what I’m gonna do if you stop this is my morning start up. Get something to drink sit down and watch you. Great way to start my day. I think the new way of finding your book is going to be great I know what you’re talking about I have the old version.Since watch a new I’ve picked up my watercolors I’m enjoying yours so much. Thanks for sharing all your art with us in your life I love you talking during the video it’s like you’re sitting right here.

[@creationsceecee]

so happy to hear that i've inspired you to pick up your watercolors! thank you for watching the videos and have a beautiful and creative day!

[@Dedaskitchen]

Really love this! I wasn’t sure how it would look when you started with the micron pen, but as usual, you made it all work. It looks fantastic. You manage to keep things simple enough for us newbies to feel we could do this too!

[@mariawhiddon]

Pink and green, my favourite colours. Such a pretty picture.

[@elisabethst.claire5088]

It was wonderful to hear the excitement in your voice as you got further into the painting. It seemed like your were having so much fun! 🎨

[@karengriffin9789]

I think this painting is gorgeous. I much prefer your ink accents following the curve of the petals and leaves than using harsh ink angles. ❤️

[@pamelajohansen882]

Thank you Ceecee for showing paintings that were overworked or had an area that u was not completely perfect. It makes me want to move forward snd accept my very imperfect work

[@iraesteves9297]

Ohhh Ceecee, you' re my guru, the better watercolor painter, for me, on internet. You inspire me aways!! Your great work and your nice personality...thks for all!! I follow you about 3 years, and only now I talk this tô you. I'm 78 years old and. I'm portuguese-brazilian...😍👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼❤

[@lindamurthum2061]

I am a beginning watercolor artist. I find your videos so helpful. Your inspiration to go with whatever happens help with my perfectionism tendencies. I am a gardener by trade, Landcape horticulture so some times I have a urge to correct on your terminology, but not necessary. You are awsome.

[@bettysadoway24]

Very pretty and impressionistic - I love the looseness! Thanks CeeCee.

[@cherrylsagan63]

I am enjoying these tutorials. I am a beginner and you are very helpful.

[@goldie5781]

Oh, this was so cute - when you have been asking how do you stop yourself of overdoing it, or how do you stop yourself of doing what you love to do so much - that was my 'sweet problem' too. 👍😊 Painting taught me so much about me and about life... With the time you simply learn everything. 💕

[@jennyc5132]

I think painting teaches you to be observant and to have patience....

[@vickybracamonte4343]

Beautiful art! Thanks so much for creating these daily creations! I am learning a lot from you - and it’s not just new painting techniques. My confidence and thought process about my own art has changed too. Thank you!!!

[@annettekaye1791]

Thank you for this lesson!!!! You have validated my process. For years I have have taken lots of criticism about drawing over my watercolour paintings and 'spoiling' them. I have never seen anyone else do it and I love your painting.

[@cindibednarz5066]

Thank you CeeCee for sharing your talent, I really appreciate that you explain how the different little additions you add to your paintings make the difference between pretty and outstanding. Please keep sharing and teaching us your fans. Blessings, Cindi

[@SKnecht1948]

Your painting is beautiful. I love flowers and color. You adding the liner really added to the painting.

[@123craftygal]

Time well spent. I like to hear your process as you go because it’s a peek into what’s going on in your head. And I didn’t mind that your window was open; when you aren’t talking is like white noise-not too loud but fills the silences. I for one always use reference photos or paintings because I can’t seem to get the pictures in my head onto the paper (if that makes any kind of sense at all). Thanks again for a painting we can enjoy. It is quite pretty.🌸🌸

[@creationsceecee]

thank you, Catherine. i appreciate your comment about the open window. then i'll stop feeling bad. it's all about being real after all :-) have a beautiful and creative day!

[@123craftygal]

Oh, my FB page is under Cathy Reeves...sometimes Catherine gets auto filled 😉

[@aprilavery2002]

CATHERINE REEVES I love the birds in the background. Very peaceful!

[@SteveL2012]

The very judicious use of ink for definition is barely noticeable but brings this to a different level. Quick, broken lines are very effective. Love it.

[@judiborcher5865]

This was such an inspiring video...and the painting...what can I say except that it is wonderful! Please don’t ever stop your “morning exercise”...every day I learn a new lesson! Thank you.....

[@goofmeister1949]

This video is such a great lesson and source of encouragement about using reference material. Thanks so much

[@o.aldenproductions.9858]

I’m getting watercolors for Christmas 🤗. Can’t wait to try this. ....

[@nettiemoss324]

I so love watching your process and am learning a lot - your gentle videos are my go to before I turn in for bed - they really help me to relax, so I want to thank you for that at this difficult time we find ourselves in, worldwide. I thank God for KZbin and you lovely people who are helping us through. By the way I generally speak to you as you go - and say things such as (when using the pen) - and a little bit there - and sure enough that's where you go, it's quite funny! Take care of yourself and your family: I hope your daughter is well settled in the job she wanted by now (2 yrs after your video!) and that the virus situation hasn't hindered her. Go well.

[@voyager36]

Watching (and discovering) you and your channel has given me SUCH inspiration. I always struggled with water color. Self taught and not much learned. However your morning exercises have just lit a fuse in me and I am SO grateful and thankful for your style, approach, and demeanor. So peaceful and always positive no matter what happens on the paper... you’re like the Bob Ross of watercolor! Thank you!

[@sharonwebb945]

This is SO pretty. I ADORE the bud. Simply elegant & beautiful . I really enjoyed this video ❣️

[@free2danz1960]

This piece is beautiful. One of your best in my opinion. Thanks for sharing your process.

[@susanhamilton1822]

Watercolour with ink is my favorite technique of all. Thank you.

[@sherrigittel4623]

You're so inspirational to me. Your gentle words give me the courage to try to paint. My fear of imperfection often paralyzes me.❤️

[@valeriejohnson2367]

CC and Coffee! Yea.....please continue...💕. Love this!

[@creationsceecee]

heehee, good morning to you too!

[@dianalascruces7461]

CeeCee you are a master of stylizing! You have been blessed with the natural sense of where and how, with a steady hand. I’m scared to try, but your teaching is very encouraging. Alcohol Ink pictures especially benefit from it. When I don’t know what to do I make a photocopy to practice on first, which removes my fear of “ruining” my picture. Look forward to every day that you record and I watch while drinking coffee. Great way to start the day before going to work. Thank you, thank you, you are the best. 🤗

[@creationsceecee]

thank you, Diana. please, stop being afraid! just pick up the brush and paint. if it's not to your liking, put it aside and start fresh on another paper. what's the worse that can happen? i'll tell you: that you might have passed up on an opportunity to create and have fun. if you don't try, you'll never know. i know this all sounds so cliché but it is so true. now go to your table, pick up the brush and start creating. wishing you lots of creativity for this weekend!

[@fludrbywest3886]

Oh yes I’m loving your capture of the picture❣️❤️🥰

[@dawnkarasaki6172]

I just love this and the enhancement with the pen makes it look even more delicate.

[@simpleartideas]

Yeh, painting by own is twice interesting. Lovely flowers on the branch..... I enjoyed!

[@lyndajohnston6218]

Perfectly gorgeous !!!! Loved your process and listening to you as paint really helps For me it’s great to hear things like how wet the paper or area is

[@jenshaw5375]

Thank you so much for this video. Love it. I was cringing as you started out with the micron but it's so you. Inspiring.

[@lyndaranson1728]

Me too, but it really makes the piece

[@szyqfrank1159]

Just picked up water color at almost 60, been wanting to do this for years! Really appreciate your instruction so fun and helpful. Thank you. I see other comments from a few years ago. I hope you are doing well and staying safe.

[@deirdremcdowell2915]

Absolutely gorgeous! Very soft and pretty with an Asian feel, which your signature only added to! I totally enjoyed your process.

[@dorothyburke4486]

It's just lovely to watch you experimenting and teaching

[@michaelannfitzgerald8742]

It was so fun to watch you paint this so I've got to give it a go too lol! Thank you CeeCee & Mona

[@monalcreates]

[@inkynfrost3183]

I love this style you used, it’s so pretty. Beautiful finished piece! Please make more in this style. 🤗🌸

[@karenlusby6230]

Really beautiful! Watching you ‘stylize’ was worth the time!

[@memalus]

That is beautiful! I wasn't sure I was going to like the pen when you first started but it added just the right touch. Love your art!

[@rbrown6476]

I too loved every minute of this painting study - so restful and delightful. Thanks xxx

[@annemetcalfe6213]

I learn so much from watching you paint . Thank you so much for y our generous creative spirit . X

[@RhondaTheWriter]

I love your process. I’ve learned so much from you while journeying towards my MFA. You Rock!

[@creationsceecee]

thanks so much! that's quite a nice comment. wishing you the best of creative journey!

[@barbkolesnik9433]

I feel so much freedom in this process! Thanks.

[@hansashah5024]

Loved your way of painting. I am a jewellery designer and learned few techniques from your way of painting which I ll using in my designing. At the same time I am planning to start painting cards too. Thank you very much.

[@pennystarshinex9331]

Hi lovely. They look so real. Can’t wait to just have a go. I used to paint years ago. I really enjoy watching your paintings come to life. 😊

[@marthagreer8161]

Don't think too much and the quicker the better. Didn't think I'd like the outline, but I really do. Love goush centers. Ceecee you help me so much.

[@deborahsteele4349]

Stunning Cherry Blossom picture I have these trees in my garden. Well done and thank you.

[@lesleyreid165]

Another beautiful and so pretty watercolor, I will definitely try this x

[@JulieB1387]

I love watching your videos, so calming and beautiful.

[@susanb5058]

Loved watching your process here! It turned out beautiful 🌸thanks for sharing

[@katf3836]

CeeCee you once again inspire me. I just recently bought a couple of boards for taping down watercolor paper. I was using this piece of wood that I had and it worked fine, but it was quite heavy. I discovered a local art store not too far from here and they had them so incredibly inexpensive that I just had to grab a couple of sizes. Thanks again for showing us how it flows for you. I just loved the photo and your take on it! K@

[@collectionsbyink965]

So beautiful!!! Both the original photo and the end painting...amazing!

[@ceciliapodhraski9198]

Love this piece and your attention to detail while still making it unique with your personal style. Can’t wait to try it.

[@cathyschuster1859]

I love your inspiring videos. I'm excited that you have motivated me to paint again. Thank you. Wonderful work.

[@elizabethnaisbitt1795]

So gorgeous, I am very lucky in that I have a couple of rose trees in my garden and every year I take pictures of them, so far I haven't tried to paint them, but this has given me the inspiration. Tfs xo

[@chrissycanvasart]

Just want to let you know I enjoyed every minute of this video, I'm so glad Mona told me about you✌️❤️👍🇬🇧💙

[@creationsceecee]

so happy you've enjoyed the video! Mona is amazing!!

[@monalcreates]

[@suzanneroper5732]

chrissycanvasart i

[@danielleguy78]

I love it too! Vos explications sont généreuses et claires. Merci !

[@racheec2398]

Love it!! Très beau!! I'm really enjoying watching your painting techniques close up. - birds & city sounds in background are soothing. - looking forward to re-visit La Belle Province

[@mariachan5969]

I love it 💕the colors and the style 🌸thank you so much ..

[@yvloma8670]

Beautiful! They look like flowering crab apple blossoms to me. I have one in my yard.

[@creationsceecee]

thank you! and yes, good guess: they are crab apple blossoms... Mona just informed me.

[@chrislogsdon4441]

Really love these flowers! ❤️ Thank you for the inspiration to seek out reference material and just paint it! You are super GOOD- hugs & blessings to you.

[@janc734]

This is lovely- you are so genuine and fun to watch and listen to- thanks for another great and inspirational video Ceecee

[@anneroberts7312]

Beautiful, so soft and delicate.

[@alinaromilaromila400]

I love, love, love your work! Thank you for sharing it!

[@quiltingjen]

Beautiful Cee Cee I know what I will be doing this evening with my watercolours! Just let love ALL your videos so inspirationalxxx

[@creationsceecee]

Yay!!!! have fun. :-)

[@deboraharmstrong8489]

Lovely mode of painting, thank you!!

[@monalcreates]

Oh CeeCee!! What an honor that you got inspired from one of my photos!!! Am so glad to see you are enjoying the process!! Totally LOVE your painting!! Sooo pretty!! I can totally understand clearly what you mean when you talk during the process! The tree is one of my fave trees! It is a crab apple tree! :) I do not know how many photos I have taken of that tree during the years lol. I am going to share this video in my artgroup on FaceBook!!

[@creationsceecee]

a crab apple tree! thank you. you know what? i think those are the ones across the building. i will take a photo tomorrow as they are not quite open yet and will compare. so glad you gave me the name of it. your photos are so beautiful, Mona, and i'm so blessed to have access to them. you're a gem! i hope you get lots of virtual visitors. have a beautiful day, awesome friend!

[@marydarling3229]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful photo.

[@monalcreates]

Awww that is awesome that you might have them there so you can see them up close! I think they are so pretty!! And thank you once again!! You do so much for me and for all the others that are watching you, so I am glad that if I could do something back for you! Wish you a wonderful day as well! Hugs!

[@monalcreates]

Thank you Mary!! :)

[@katf3836]

Mona Your photo is beautiful

[@Mad_Rian]

Good Morning Cc, this video comes at a perfect time for me. One of your morning practice pieces from last week or the week before inspired me to try and create succulents with my water colour pencils and Inktense. So far I find myself straight out copying details from the photo. (I should say attempting to copy because it really doesn’t look anything like the photo! I guess I don’t have to worry about copywriter infringement! HA! ). So I really appreciate the opportunity to watch you work from a reference photo and hear your advice. Beautiful work as usual! 😃

[@creationsceecee]

that is fantastic, Rian. glad to be of help. wishing you a weekend full of creativity.

[@angelagutknecht3700]

Absolutely beautiful.

[@elizabethraegambaccini9336]

I think you’re the greatest. You make me happy.

[@lindacarreira8106]

Love watching you paint-whether you squish or not. 😊

[@tcfmarch17]

Beautiful... I'm learning a lot from you. Thank you.

[@LeslieNikulka]

Great painting. I love this loose style. I so thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this video (my first visit) including listening to you talk about your process. Very informative yet so relaxing at the same time. Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful gift. :)

[@drhyshek]

Gorgeous! Great job. I love your giggles 🤭.

[@lakenreich]

awesome job!! Not sure I can do this without sketching the flowers but I'm gonna try-thanks for sharing.

[@tracyblacquiere9945]

Your work inspires me with all your interesting tips.

[@mariawalker8403]

Omgosh you’re so amazing CeeCee. Truly amazing. Ty for being so amazing! You really are soooo inspirational.

[@duarteshelia]

I love it so pretty. Thanks for sharing your art with us.

[@RhondaTheWriter]

So pretty!

[@gmax758]

Love it ❤ and learn so much from you. Thank you!!!

[@bikinggal1]

You are a joy to watch and listen to. So many I have to mute!! I am going to be doing a lot of painting during this time!! Thank you!! I tagged you on 2 I just did...

[@poornimaramakrishnan9910]

I jst love ur paintings...n ur explanation n voice is jst out of d world.......love u

[@jeanettegibbs9148]

Oh My!really stunning! You are a fantastic artist!! xx

[@tessmck7258]

Absolutely gorgeous!

[@darlenesmith515]

Beautiful CeeCee, thanks for sharing!

[@joycegandy7305]

I love this CeeCee. It is so pretty:-)

[@TartantazCreates]

This is so cool, I consider Mona a friend 😊 she deserves the recognition. Mona has such a Big heart and her art is pretty cool too 😊

[@monalcreates]

Thank you sweet Tania!!

[@janicemoio5768]

Love the colors... So relaxing to watch!

[@ceciliabrown6500]

Beautiful.!! I love this. Thanks

[@littleredwagonstudio]

WHOA!!! LOOCee GOOCee Creations....love this piece so much!!! xoxo stephie

[@samgreeneggs8101]

That’s beautiful!

[@tollibudmasyl6631]

I love this wonderful painting !!!

[@SophieBird07]

I love this. I def want to get some quin coral I have been debating about for too long. I hadn’t really seen it “in action”.

[@suzannehanlon2941]

So wonderful to hear the birds singing while you paint. For disc bound... take a look at the "Arc" that Staples in Canada. Not exactly sure how big of a sheet it will cut, but it definitely will cut though heavy water paper. Good luck and keep up the wonderful work. :)

[@creationsceecee]

checking this out tomorrow! thank you.

[@huizhenlin5908]

Thank you very much and I learn a lot from you.

[@caronlittle3539]

Beautiful work