Have I discovered the best source of watercolor inspiration in 2024?

[@DogBoyk9]

You are not dogmatic or dramatic. Ai is a menace! It has NOTHING to do with creativity or art. It is appearing everywhere pretending to be real art. Love your channel.

[@debschurby1574]

I totally agree with you & to the point of the STRONG WORDS! I was born in ‘51, the world has changed so drastically, it’s like we’re on a different planet. I can’t imagine what our grandkids will have to deal with. I love your work, you are masterful! 👏🏻👍🏻🙏🏻💖

[@sheilagilleland4312]

Yes she is! I’m a 63 baby, and I actually have a library of beautiful books!

[@sheilagilleland4312]

Actually your painting of the greenery is much better.

[@tammyfowler6416]

Hello Diane. Could you suggest a light for my desk.

[@coletteg.4548]

Amen .

[@saracurrens2651]

I do agree!

[@artformenow9257]

Agree! and added, i love the feel of a book, a physical thing that you use your hands to feel and move the pages and no Wireless rays! No electronics, peace and quiet, and inspiration for your creativity!

[@hannahcrumley3103]

@@artformenow9257 yes!!!

[@journalforjoy1726]

I love this painting and I also agree about AI. It is gradually creeping into everything whether we want it or not. I love and still buy physical books, the touch, the smell, just everything about an actual physical book!

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Yes, and we can’t tell the difference most of the time. Surveys have shown people can’t detect it. Very sinister.

[@gillie6664]

I'm watching now, and I love the idea of using a book. Like Home and Garden for instance, so much better than online. Let's keep it real 💯.

[@SMK7525]

Dear Diane, I agree, wir sollten uns nicht von der virtuellen Welt beherrschen lassen. Es ist tausendmal besser, sich von gedruckten Büchern und der realen Welt inspirieren zu lassen. Bleibe dir selbst treu und suche die Ideen in dir selbst.

[@patsyabney3861]

I totally agree with you. Cheers to you for eloquently standing up for your thoughts and speaking on behalf of what I would imagine the majority of your fans. Thank you.

[@ranchofandango]

Love the dragonflies. And that chubby little bee is a Bumble Bee. If they get too heavy with pollen, they just take naps in the flowers 🌺🐝🌺

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

That’s so sweet!

[@LeslieNikulka]

You have every right to be upset about Ai - it;s just scary. What a fresh and lively painting you have shared with us today! Thank you so much for sharing, Diane. It's so good to hear your voice again. Take care.

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

I truly worry about what it is doing to people’s minds without us realising it. Thanks for being supportive !

[@mommaosachicago]

I agree Your rant is justified! Love your work and talking. It makes me feel like I'm with a friend.

[@Janet-q3f]

Beautiful painting as usual. Love your channel. You inspire me everyday.

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thank you so much 😀

[@susanhendrickson2400]

This is right up my alley; loved this lesson, Diane. Light and breezy, great colors. 💕😘

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Hi Susan and so glad you enjoyed this one!

[@patriciahorelick6450]

This is really lovely, Diane! I’m partial to potted trees and often use them on Christmas cards adding red berries or a red bow. Years ago I painted one for a friend who loved it so much she framed it and brings it out in December each year. I’m really enjoying your painting!

[@annie63-h63]

I really enjoyed painting this one with you! Thanks very much. It was a happy hour

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

My pleasure 😊

[@momoclangford4673]

This is so calm and pretty. Would be proud to have this in my home. Good job! ❤

[@mariaescotto7666]

I agree about using books for inspiration! I have these beautiful Italian cookbooks, with gorgeous backgrounds featuring places, flowers and of course food on beautiful table setting. And you gave me a great idea, I can paint my little tree that has three spheres along the trunk in big Tuscan tiled pot. Thank you for another great tutorial!!

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

That's a great idea! I hadn’t thought of looking in my collection of cookery books, but you’re right, they often have wonderful photography in them - good plan!

[@mariaml.a791]

Changes are faster than we can keep up with. This speed makes people feel frustrated, especially since it contradicts most of our concepts and what we were raised with. Indeed, may God help future generations. Thank you for your delightful drawings❤

[@patriciamcpherson4667]

I'm so glad you you decided to your ideas from that book. This is the kind of painting I like. I saw some beautiful things while you were flipping through it that I would love to paint.

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed the process!

[@clarisssacarpenter8091]

I completely agree with you 💯. Please No AI Ever!!!

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thanks, so glad you agree!

[@debraterry7141]

I'm so glad you've taken this stance. Makes you wonder why AI is so prevalent when so many people seem to be against it . I think it's because noone wants to take a stand. It easier to let it go ..but you know that saying .'if you don't stand for something...etc'

[@Freedommjw]

I agree, but I think it's because the "powers that be" want us to live in a virtual world eventually. I'm not having it!!!

[@debbieasselstine2469]

Such a sweet, whimsical painting. Great for a child's room. Thanks.

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thank you! 😊

[@hannahcrumley3103]

This is so pretty! I love it! And as far as AI goes I agree 100%!!! As an illustrator it definitely cuts into my available work!

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thanks for your understanding Hannah! I’m so sorry for all the artists who depend on creating illustrations for a living - and for myself the days of selling originals are over - I have to turn my work into digital form to reach anyone. There is so much confusion out there also, and I feel I am not communicating with real people half the time. Like this ridiculous Paul Rubens fiasco - we have no clue what is going on in China. Sigh!

[@hannahcrumley3103]

@@DianeAntoneStudio yes! It’s hard to sell originals or prints these days. So many places offer print on demand and with AI a customer can even tell it what they want a picture of and they will get several options to choose from! I think the thing that bothers me the most is that AI “borrows” images from the web- so photos and artwork done by photographers & artists is used to composite these pictures… with no permission and of course no commission! I worked as a commercial artist in the 80’s (packaging , label designs & logos, mechanical drawings etc.), I remember the senior artists having a fit about computer drafting. They were saying “no computer will ever take our jobs” Within 3 years from them saying that it happened- only 2 artists were needed in an art department that used to have 12. And it just gets worse. I try not to be discouraged, I don’t think AI is as good as what a human can do…. But I’m not naïve about it either! The people who say we are crazy to be bothered by it sound just like those senior artists to me…. Never say never, AI could definitely take our jobs! That said: I really do enjoy your content Diane. You have given me permission to loosen up and enjoy creating! I tend to be too tight- drawing it all out. I love that you do do both, drawing it out and just putting paint to paper sometimes. You are a great balance! I also enjoy the normal everyday sounds in the background as well as the scritching of your pens and swooshing of your brushes in the water. I very often am working in my studio as I watch & listen, feels as if we are creating together.☺️ I hope you have a blessed day- I am always so happy to see that you have posted another video! Thank you for posting such fun ideas!

[@kellywest1032]

I recently went to our local used bookstore and bought a book with lots of photos of houseplants, another one with gorgeous photos of birds in their natural habitats, and a DK Smithsonian book on plants with incredible detailed photos. I’ve had a lot of fun challenging myself to paint from these books, and they were all so affordable!

[@CelesteBadr-hb4wn]

You are a breath of fresh air. I love watching your videos and feeling nostalgic as your homestead is much like my childhood years in the Midwest. Life was simple. Thank you for all you do.

[@debterry1007]

Absolutely beautiful Diane!!! i have found in my own work i MUST do penwork... I even prefer yours with penwork but i can appreciate this style too.. Love your bees .. you are the Bee Master...lol Hugs! deb

[@darcypalmer7783]

I love this cheerful painting! A real painting by a real woman! I agree with you about A!. How can we ever again know what's real? Keep on painting your real pictures, Diane. We love you!

[@gaildine8028]

Thank you so much for all your thoughts on the creative process 🙏🌷 I'm old enough to prefer BOOKS for every purpose And I really appreciate your help and encouragement in your tutorials ❤️🦋🐞

[@susanamer7904]

Dear Diane, I am sure you are not alone in your thoughts about AI There's a time and a place for technology as I am sure you use it most days for your channel but like books , there's nothing compares to holding a book in your hand and turning the page , it's a beautiful feeling and also just look around you in real life for inspiration , we are spoilt for choice . I love this painting Diane , it's gorgeous 🥰 Thanks for keeping things real XX

[@lindajohns726]

I was born in 1957. We didn't even have electric typewriters when I was learning to type at the grand age of 14. How this world has changed. I don't much like AI as I don't trust it. It is literally stealing from artists and you know it's an AI image, NEVER art. Enjoy your channel a lot and agree 100 per cent.

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

My dad bought me a typewriter in the early sixties which must have dated back to the thirties judging by what you see on old movies. Very hard to use! I remember the first electric (golf ball) typewriters and then word processors - I trained as a secretary and went through all those phases. We didn’t have mobile phones until really recently. Humanity can’t cope with the speed of change. We’re all going bonkers.

[@constanceaguilar6834]

Also, I love you. I love your voice, it's soothing to me and your paintings are so relaxing to watch. I enjoy you thoroughly, my darling. Virginia USA in the house. You are a breath of fresh air. ❤

[@janiceheger291]

Your colors here really coordinate well together. The Items you chose to paint are very sweet together. I always forget to swatch the colors, and I can see why it is so necessary in the planning. I really like the painting!

[@LynnLBE]

I love it❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@karencarlson1693]

Your compositions always turn out so well - this is charming. Here in Los Angeles we have regular little yellow-and-black striped honeybees, and the occasional larger black bee, which likes our sweet pea bush. I assume it's a bumblebee of some sort, but I probably couldn't tell a bumblebee from a carpenter bee.

[@JanGilzean]

Totally agree Diane x

[@margaretderen2082]

I often go back to my decorative painting roots - Priscilla Hauser vintage - as well as Norwegian Rosemaling and Russian Zhostovo. I did those in oil or acrylic, so adjusting to watercolor (Kuretake) is a fun challenge.

[@lyndamorrill5687]

That looks like a bumblebee. We have a lot of those around the area I live and they love my lavender plant.

[@KathyTincler]

Really sweet. I like your version, making it your own from some 'real' ideas. I'm going to try the tree. Thanks for sharing.

[@debhalld9794]

Love older books and magazines for reference materials!!! Great point, Diane!!!

[@evapmama-blue77]

Totally agree about the AI anything- I a l w a y s decline anything offered through or with ai - can’t stand it ! Thanks for standing up against it - love your channel- as always 👩‍🎨👍💕

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Couldn't agree more and I’ll continue to resist - what’s worst is that we don’t really know the difference now.

[@deborahrabine9956]

I found some clear (slightly frosted) Post It notes and they are great for trying out additions to a painting.

[@lynnej7219]

Beautiful. I love your birds, they are always so cute. Thank you

[@Liz.Bogo-in-Croatia-now]

Hi Diane, watching you from my mother in law's kitchen in Croatia. Enjoying your calming voice.

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Wonderful!

[@patriciabradley8267]

I love it ! Feel the same way.👍.

[@glouiz340]

Delightful!! Thank you 😊

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thank you too!

[@sharenreyes7324]

I totally agree. AI is ruining art and ruining the look of nature. The colors of animals, flowers, etc., are horrible! I loved this video. I got some ideas for a painting for my daughter-in-law who loves gardening. This one along with your pot plant one.

[@beckyslife6307]

Your painting turned out beautiful. The bumble bee truly looks real🙂

[@vivdawson5953]

Yet another great video….. they are never ending… love the painting and your commentary along with it ….. brilliant 🙏🏻.. thanks again .

[@betsyhinerman9025]

Beautiful work. So enjoyed watching you create-just very calming. Thank you!

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

My pleasure 😊

[@juleeahlman]

Don’t get me started on the whole AI thing! My blood pressure will go up! I love this and I love how you used a Meeden palette for your Kuretaki paints. I was trying to figure out which one you used. I’ll get my paints out and measure to see if I can figure it out. Brilliant idea. I love the green box they come in, but this is such a good idea!

[@dragonfly7335]

Wow! I really like how this turned out! I love dragonflies so they are a nice touch. Very pretty! I think I will give this a go Really like the colour choices Thanks again!

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thank you! 😊

[@cynthiajohnson888]

This was such fun to watch... I've been stuck for a while and you inspire me with your words. Thank you!

[@carolynmiller292]

I totally agree about AI .

[@KevieG]

I really enjoy your paintings! I would like to know what size your Meeden pallette is! I think it is a super idea to put your Kuretake in! Thanks 😊 for all you do! Love ❤️ from Texas

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

It’s this one - I just use the lid MEEDEN Large Artists Ceramic Palette tinyurl.com/meeden-large-palette But any large tray with straight sides would work x

[@sheilagilleland4312]

Oh please have this as a give a way!

[@denises9455]

❤

[@sheilagilleland4312]

I love the bird paintings.

[@conniemorrison]

Great idea! Books...who knew?

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Right?!

[@sheilagilleland4312]

Yes a real book please!

[@dreamalamb4259]

You had me at green ❤ My favorite color 😊

[@johnstokes4380]

Yes,I'm glad you picked the dragon flys. It turned out beautifully!!! Sandy Stokes

[@vivdawson5953]

Yet another great video….. they are never ending 🙏🏻…. Thanks again !

[@vivdawson5953]

Managed to repeat my comments 🤪….. couldn’t find it when I sent the first one……so I sent a second one !!!!! I am hopeless at texting and general tech!!! But my painting is really fun thanks to you !

[@candacekerr4139]

Love the dragonflies!

[@ShellasFaith]

You cheer us all up on each video, loved watching your painting. Is it possible for you to paint a beach theme with butterflies, an ocean and seashells?

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

I can try! I do have a couple of older videos on that theme: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4ecnJ6fnctsm6ssi=q0WXGF0tjsblb2_y, kzbin.info/www/bejne/kH_Lg3-cpL2sqLMsi=QWVGGbmGBejsgh1r, kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqm1h6yOmK6Sbacsi=jk2pG-GZlCl1Ian5 and kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6aaZJ2Pmq54jq8si=P4NfmxnvHjOnWchY for example, although they don’t have butterflies!

[@joprescott1980]

Lovely. Thank you for this.

[@cookiesbabies7784]

love this one Diane and I am also using my picture books for inspirations along with your tutorials...Blessings Jo

[@shepherd4406]

I don’t recall seeing this, but would you consider painting a tea pot with a cup? Perhaps a plate with fruit, a plant. Would love to see what you could come up with. I have always loved tea pots. I have always been n love with books 📚. Thanks for reminder to turn off utube and head to the book shelves.

[@lisamccort6777]

I saw the teapot in the book and though oh, I like that so pretty.

[@pattirodriguez2249]

I agree with everything you said ❤❤❤

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thanks Patti, appreciate that!

[@LulybelleLullaby]

Such a beautiful painting !

[@karenrouth2056]

Such a great idea! I’ve a library worth of wonderful books, craft and arts and ceramics perfect for inspiration! Obviously I’ll take your ideas too😂😂❤❤ thank you for everything Diane xx

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

How can we have forgotten what we once knew??

[@karenrouth2056]

@@DianeAntoneStudio I know! Bonkers… but it’s ok we’ve noticed and are aware again thank goodness!

[@sheilacym]

YAY !!! Fabulous video, Diane. Love books, love your tutorials / videos ….and also love your rants It was such a surprise to hear you say that expression ‘being browned off’…..oh my goodness, what memories that has brought back ! I grew up in North London and it definitely was popular . I haven’t heard that expression for many, many years…..and yes…..Mum and Dad used it when they were disheartened, annoyed or angry 🤩🤩🥳🥳💕💕

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

I knew someone from London would relate! I can hear my mother now telling me how browned off she was! I’ve never been able to find out where that expression came from!

[@cherylmcstotts8509]

I love your carefree brush strokes. I'm learning so much from your techniques. Thank you for your lovely videos.

[@patthompson8406]

I agree with you 1000%. I am not a fan of AI at all. Love your work!! Good for you!!

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Much appreciated! Let’s stand our ground!

[@conniemesce4093]

So pretty Diane! Love watching you paint, it seems so easy when you're doing it! ❤

[@andreaharutunian3838]

Another wonderful tutorial 🎉

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thank you! 😊

[@ThereIsSoulInArt]

Loved this Diane. I hope to try this soon!

[@artgirl1212]

I’m with you Diane !!!

[@barbaraschwartz2148]

Thank you for your art

[@wandasimons3305]

Diane, I hate the ai also. It’s very hard to stay away from it. I have been having such a good time the past few weeks, except my shoulder surgery has kicked my behind. However, I live in the country in SW Ga in the states. We have had many cicadas this year. I watched one molt last night. It was sitting on a tiny twig on one of my roses. That scene made me so happy. If I could paint the cicada I would get started. Maybe one day!!

[@azadehshalgooni8919]

Very Beautiful and nice Paint, Thanks for your efforts.🙏🏼🙏🏼👌👌😍😍🌹🌹

[@karenetaylor5758]

There are times when I see so many possibilities, I am totally overwhelmed, and then, I feel as there is nothing under the sun to be inspired, my mental illness has intervened, and I must figure out how to compromise with my moods.

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

This is where digital imagery has landed us. Confused, overwhelmed, massive sense of futility and pointlessness. I sympathise as I feel that way too, often.

[@karenetaylor5758]

@@DianeAntoneStudio All I was refering to hrre, is my mental ideations that have very little to do with reality. You will keep learning. There will be a way to prove if AI is to blame with whatever.

[@lisawaller7620]

Preach it girl! Totally agree

[@marytanner1257]

I agree with you 100%.

[@dailydoseofpaper]

Beautiful!🍀💖

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thank you! 😊

[@suzyrogers8332]

Thank you!

[@brigittecourtey3364]

Merci beaucoup 💜

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Mon plaisir!!

[@patriciahorelick6450]

Oh boy! I agree with you about AI! You are not too strong at all! We don’t even know what we are seeing online anymore 😖

[@pauline3379]

Love the bee and the dragonflies 😊

[@marthabridges9098]

I think your ideas about using books for inspiration are great!

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thank you so much!

[@patriciabradley8267]

Very nice ❤

[@LaurieReeme]

Great book for inspiration! Can't wait to paint with you. =)

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Here’s a link for the book! amzn.to/3WDjkpe

[@annejameson3425]

Great! Thank you

[@barbarabrown6002]

I absolutely AGREE with you. AI scares me.

[@sherizapara2992]

Good job dear lady!! I use magazines of all kinds Even ads for magz that come...lol😂 ty❤

[@wimjanssen2181]

😊my 357 th. I mentioned it in a comment once before,but today it almost triggered my curiosity to find out how many times you used the word "probably". Most probably😅 you use this word in every video, but today in combination with perhaps it was for me every time you said probably a trigger to smile. You believe it or not, but my facial mussels are hurting from smiling almost every sentence, and those where a lot. 😅. Thanks for making this world lighter and more beautiful.😊Wim o by the way I didn't count, too much😂

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

I never realised I used that word so often! I’ll have to watch myself! Thanks so much for your smile generating comments Wim, xxx

[@karenetaylor5758]

Also, I use confession to get to my authentic self.

[@karenetaylor5758]

Continue to move ahead with the knowledge you have. You can't try to think stuff up.

[@karenknecht5217]

Good Morning Diane! It’s been a very long time since I have chatted with you, you have come a long way and your art just gets better! I hope this note finds you well and happy. P.S. I agree with your thoughts and comments of AI although I’m not sure what specifically upset you, I can’t imagine AI engaging in art !!! 😊 I have a question and since you use different brand /makers of paints- which I like, how and why do you use one paint set over another? Example- right now you are swatching the diff greens in the Kuretake paint set- their lg reg set and you are going to paint a topiary with a ball of leaves. What is the reason you are using the Kuretake set and not Windsor Newton or Meilang, or QOR, etc.? I know you have the different sets cuz I’ve watched you paint with them and I really like how you explain the sets when testing them. Thank you for what you do!

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Hi Karen, thanks very much for your message, lovely to hear from you! I’m glad you feel I’ve made some progress in the right direction! We are all well and as happy as can be expected LOL. Yes, AI is engaging in art, and taking away much of the value. For example, there has recently been a big project to re-create a painting as if it were painted by one of the great Masters, Rembrandt. The computer was instructed what to do and then did it. The result apparently was good enough to fool even experts. I don’t know where this is going to lead. As far as choosing one paint over another for one of my little efforts, I do use Kuretake more often than the others. This is because I find the colours to be cleaner and brighter and to show up better on the screen. Also, I like the format of the large pans which seems to suit my style. It’s more effort to use the tiny pans. And indeed more wasteful to use tubes, if you paint the way I do. But at the end of the day I think it’s a purely personal thing and basically the colours are the same. I can’t really tell much difference between one manufacturer and another. I hope this helps clear things up! Hope you are enjoying doing some painting. Sending very best wishes, Diane XXX.

[@karenknecht5217]

@@DianeAntoneStudio Diane! Thank you soooo much for the response!! I also want to tell you that I REALLY like your website. Professional but not stuffy, easy to understand and navigate and cheerful!! I think it’s wonderful that you are willing to talk about the elephant in the room… AI. So many people won’t say anything! I don’t know if it’s because they think they don’t really understand it so they don’t get to have an opinion and that’s just what the pushers of AI would like. The scary thing about AI is that if it’s not programmed with absolute honesty then it goes haywire- I can tell you that I don’t think the Bill Gates of the world even know what the word means cuz they never practice it!! I could go on and rant but I’ll stop! You have REALLY done some fantastic things with your channel and it’s nice to have a relaxing cup of tea with you and learn more about painting. By the way- I have bought several of the books you suggest and I love them! I love books! Do you have a running list of the books you like/recommend on your site? Thank you again… I did find out by the way what was wrong and why even though I paid for your Patreon but couldn’t use it….somehow my e-mail address was incorrect. It took me about a year plus to find out what was wrong! UGH! That was so frustrating! Bye for now! Keep up the great work and the right on target rants. I so enjoyed your channel. Now I just need to figure out the timing of your shows so I can paint or draw along. I’ve gotten much better at drawing by the way😊 Have a Great Day, Great Week! Great Month!! 😊🎶🌷

[@boopeep9670]

The bees are simply on holiday. Your hosting skills must be quite the buzz. 🤭. Beautiful painting, I find books endlessly inspirational. AI makes a terrible reference material, everything’s wonky and details are unreliable. They just look off and very unnatural. Even if it becomes perfectly accurate, it will never have the same charm or expression as a painting, or sketch made by human hands. It doesn’t interpret or imagine it only mimics what has been uploaded into the Internet. It’ll certainly never replace the joy and relaxation of creating and the sense of accomplishment when a project is complete. It’s all about the personal touch versus what can be mass produced.

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Yes that’s true but the computer is getting better all the time and most of the time people (according to surveys) can’t tell the difference between computer generated and “real” images. THAT’S what is sneaky and worrying. We cannot believe anything we are shown now.

[@suewright2100]

I am watching this video and am very impressed with your actual palette. Not found on your notes. Where did it come from?

[@hughrenetaylor5412]

Very nice painting! Was wondering what pallet you are using to hold your paints? Thank you