Paint and Mark Abstract Watercolor Doodles PLUS Exploring the new Kuretake GRAPHITE Color Set

Today I'm testing out a new set of paints, the Kuretake Gansai Tambi Graphite Colors. Because it's the first time I've used them and I want to get to know them, I'm starting with a simple design of circles using each color in turn, sometimes light and sometimes dark, but without any color mixing. Then I'm embellishing them with shapes and lines using either pen, gold, or a second layer of the same color.
This is a great exercise for practising brush control, water control and creating a balanced composition, without having to worry about color mixing, drawing, perspective or backgrounds. It is also a great way to try out new color combinations. And it's a perfect answer to the question "what shall I paint?"!
My materials for today were:
Kuretake Starry Colors amzn.to/3J4eXMz
Kuretake Graphite Colors amzn.to/3SdzEd3
Uniball Signo Gel Pens amzn.to/3NPTqJd
Sakura Pigma Micron Fineliners amzn.to/3NMEg7s
Etchr Hot Press Watercolor Block A4 amzn.to/3JimxmP
scroll down to 'Supplies' for info about my brushes...
In all my watercolor tutorials, I show you a simple painting for beginners in detail and in real time. By painting along you will learn all the techniques you need to create amazing art. Your watercolor skills will improve quickly when you practice these easy paintings! Whether you want to paint bookmarks, greetings cards, embellishments for junk journals, gifts or ambitious landscapes, you’ll gain confidence and experience by trying my projects.
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About my brushes
I buy my favorite brushes from Drawell. They are handmade in Japan. Drawell will ship readily to anywhere in the world. The prices on their website are in Japanese currency but if you send Mr Maeyama an email he will give you prices in other currencies. The brushes I use are the Golden Nylon Series 11-2, and I use mostly sizes 7or 9 and 10 and 13. www.drawell.co.jp/english/prod...
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YOU MIGHT ENJOY THESE ADDITIONAL TUTORIALS:
Easy Abstract Watercolor • Relax and let your inh...
Overcome Artists Block with Circles • Total Beginner? Got th...
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#dianeantonestudio #watercolor #art

[@debbieekes5718]

Thank you for putting out so much content for beginners. It keeps me painting. I love this tutorial.

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thanks Debbie!!

[@dyanalayng5507]

A charming collection of whimsical blooms. I've enjoyed Zentangle and Ill try this.

[@cindicopeland9731]

I always appreciate the time you spend encouraging your subscribers. Thank you! No wonder your viewership is growing so quickly!

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thanks so much Cindi, we are thrilled that people are finding the channel helpful and entertaining, and thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts. Happy painting!

[@lilymorales5922]

Those are some very pretty circles; looks like lots of fun. Love the pop of yellow & the flowers sticking out of the circles. The whole thing looks so pretty like a postcard.

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@7409gigi]

This has been so wonderful to watch. I learn so much from your “musings “! Thanks Diane, you are a joy!

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

You are so welcome! Thanks so much for your lovely comment, really appreciate it x

[@debbieschultz9768]

These colors are beautiful!! The third o right reminds me of a Mickey Mouse hat. 😀

[@bethbowles7525]

I really enjoyed using the Kuretake Graphite watercolors to paint this tutorial. I would so appreciate it if you would add more tutorials using them. You are such a talented and fun teacher. You have helped me gain more confidence in watercolor painting. Thank you, Diane!🥰🤗

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thanks so much Beth for your lovely comments! More graphite painting is coming soon as the winter draws in and the colours seem very appropriate.

[@Suzi77]

Thank you for saying that this is part of learning to paint. Some people do think this Is a waste of time. I love doing these types of meditative creations. 😊🙋🏼‍♀️🇨🇦

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

You are so welcome Suzi. Who's to say what's wasting time, eh? So glad you are enjoying the videos! xxx

[@user-lp9zm1fp6q]

I actually followed along and worked on a digital version of this in procreate several days ago. I was feeling out of sorts and too tired to get out of bed and sit in a chair to paint etc, but remembered I could still paint in bed in procreate... the only thing that takes some effort to replicate is metallics, but I enjoyed listening to you talk while creating my digital version.

[@posiesutton2009]

Here I am again, to say that the quiet charm of this exercise makes me smile. A pleasant, calm smile. Your energy always comes through your work. Thank you my friendXOXO❤️❤️❤️

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thanks Posie, so glad you enjoyed this one! I hope you‘re feeling good today!

[@coletteg.4548]

I look forward every day to seeing what you sharing with us❣️

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thanks so much Colette!

[@ranasen242]

Real fine pebble colours

[@stefnash4730]

Loved this. Like watercolour zentangle type thing. Loved this. Thank you. 🌸

[@carolyngrant2192]

This would be really pretty to paint the pebbles in the stream.

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Yes, that's a great idea!

[@debterry1007]

I feel like your dangly lines with the dots with circles around them was really successful here..

[@germainwdesjardins6573]

This so beautiful and relaxing. Therapeutic

[@KelliLang]

I love this one.... its easy and mindless but so pretty.

[@katherinestobbe5556]

SO delightful! Love this sheep!❤

[@patvalenzuela5105]

Wonderful! Looks like fun. Thank you again. I’m going to love this one.

[@karmakauffman7445]

Oooooo, I love these colors! So, that palette will be on my shopping list! 😄 I enjoyed this video so much - watching how the colors change with more or less water or where they’re blended, noticing how you balanced out the different sizes of circles and the colors across the page, the many ideas for embellishing. I think I’ll try this using a limited palette from my current paints and then again when my new palette of Kuretake Graphite arrives. I seem to really like working with muted colors. Lately I’ve been adding color to puddles of Payne’s Gray or some other gray just see how it changes the brighter colors into something more to my liking. Thank you for all that you share here. I stopped taking art classes after 8th grade because I didn’t think I was any good at it and I chose to focus more on music classes. I wish I had continued with art. I’m realizing how very little I know about any of it - color mixing, composition, perspective, etc.. I’ve really been enjoying learning from you!

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Hi Karma and lovely to hear from you! So glad you enjoyed the video about the Kuretake colors. They definitely merit a lot of exploration! I recently realised that adding BLACK of all things to many colors will give an amazing range of shades which are brilliant in so many ways! I never used black because watercolor teachers tend to say NO black and NO white, but I think that was bad advice for me! So glad you are getting back into art in a big way. Welcome to the channel and hope to hear from you again soon!

[@leanngoodall7602]

According to jet pens.com, ". Once dry, the surface of the paint can be polished to reveal a metallic luster. The more concentrated the paint is, the stronger the luster will be". Can't wait for these to be available in Canada. I may just have to order from Japan!

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

I did give my test pieces a bit of a buff up but the shine is subtle, maybe I needed to use more paint or more elbow grease!

[@bonniedennis7961]

This was a great exercise in balancing designs and colors. I tried a suggestion from the comments to mix Paynes Gray with colors for a look similar to the one you got with your new colors. That suggestion worked well for me. Thanks!

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Excellent idea!

[@EdieFactory]

This is lovely, Diane! You’ve given me the courage to try my own version. Many thanks!

[@janefoust2785]

The colors are so soothing. Thank you for encouraging us!

[@micheleleech8128]

These colours are lovely. Nice and subtle effects.

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thank you so much!

[@andrearhoda2802]

What Fun!!!!!!!

[@pebblecritter]

This was a lot of fun! I find that creating pieces like this are so relaxing and you don't realise just how much you're actually learning for future paintings. When I first started painting, I felt I always had to produce something. As I grew as an artist, I realised that this sort of 'play' is crucial! Thank you for bringing us along on your ride!

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

So true! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@helenlockie7852]

Love this xx more please

[@christineingram55]

What a relaxing project to do , you can put all sorts of patterns inside. Best part is you can do this at any skill level..I love it 🥰

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

You're right Christine, it's perfectly adaptable. I'm looking forward to seeing people's ideas!

[@selmadoc]

I love your style! Thanks for teaching us!

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

You are so welcome!

[@denisezimmer8569]

Amazon here I come! I think this would be beautiful on a card...mesmerizing.

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Great idea!! I think you'll really enjoy doing this one. And think of all the Christmas possibilities - lovely muted baubles with gold and silver trim....

[@1mammalee]

What fun! 🙏 Love the colours. I also enjoy the Stary Colours set 🙂

[@robinharrold4969]

Do it. Those paints I treated myself to last year. I use them as my Sunday paints. I feel so fancy when I get them out to paint with.

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

I've done it! And they are great!

[@judybowles4226]

Thank you for always showing us new products and ideas for using them! I think these colors woul be great for seashells….

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Great idea Judy!

[@tacywest8842]

Really like these colors the green is amazing. I need to put this at the top of my list when i can clear a space from moving selling crazies

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Moving house? Argh, that’s traumatic!

[@marielouisedavidson4834]

Love this one! So much fun and interesting!

[@frankalichuk2033]

Love the colors ... beautiful result ... very relaxing! Thank you!

[@Angie-pl3uw]

So soothing to watch, it is almost hypnotizing. Thanks so much, Diane.

[@lindakuck5981]

How relaxing is this! Love it!

[@caroltolpa2957]

Beautiful Diane, it makes me want to try watercolor once again. Thank you!

[@love2create62]

I really enjoyed this video, and it was so relaxing to watch! I love the way you just go for it, you don't hesitate and you freely create and have fun with the process! I am definitely going to try something like this, I think it will build my confidence. Thank you

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thank you so much Lori, I agree, it is a good confidence builder, ideal because it's suitable for all abilities. Do have fun xxx

[@shellyberanek6271]

Thank you, Diane! Your painting style is right for me !!!

[@tinaari88]

Everything is made up of spirals, it’s quite astoundingreally

[@estelalozdon6096]

That was amazing 🤩. Very relaxing indeed. Thanks 🙏 Diane 🙂

[@elizabethparker848]

They are pretty they remind me of Christmas ornaments such a great job always love your tutorials and have painted along with you many times. Best wishes from Australia 🤗

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Yes! It would make a great Christmas design with even more gold and maybe some red and green - thanks for the suggestion Elizabeth!

[@JoanneOwens1943]

I’m in love with these paints. I’ve been playing 👍🏼

[@greshnadibble3754]

Thank you Diane, lovely ideas and splendid commentary as always ❤️

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

You are so welcome! Thanks Greshna!

[@TartNsweet2255]

I loved see you do this! I have it all, ready to go/do!! Thanks a mil for all you guide us on, with these lessons. You're kind of a big deal!!!!! xo

[@Angie-pl3uw]

This is lovely, Diane. I bought set of these paints and I really like them. I can see a Christmas card with these paints and pens.

[@marnorth670]

So relaxing and creative

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thank you! 😊

[@gila1959]

I love doodling enjoy..

[@tinaari88]

Those graphite colours are very dreamy, li love them

[@tinekebak7142]

So exciting! I bought these colours on a whim only a couple of weeks ago. Thanks for this playful exercise...

[@davinabarre3906]

Very relaxing and simple but artistic..love it .💖💖💖

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thank you! 😊

[@Doggymomma52]

I love your whimsical art❤️❤️

[@glenisbrown7528]

I like these colours Diane thank you so much for your tutorials

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thanks so much 😊

[@Sundies_Art]

what a joy and very relaxing....

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thanks so much Sundie, so glad you enjoyed this one! x

[@mariacheung647]

I love these graphite watercolours, they look really yummy. And a great relaxing and fun project for me to relax to for the weekend. Thank you Diane 😊

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Glad you like them! Of course any color would do just as well. You could add Paynes Grey to a selection of normal colors to come up with muted colors if you didn't have the graphites.

[@pennygreenfield8418]

The colours are really lovely. It's a stunning design. I'd love to try this and decorate the circles with whatever I feel like doing. It looks most relaxing. Thank you, for yet again another great video. X

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thank you! 😊 I know you'll enjoy this one!

[@peppamlowe]

I thoroughly enjoyed this little play. So relaxing to watch and to listen to. Thank you so much 😊

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Glad you enjoyed it and my pleasure Tracey xx

[@user-ny8wk7bx7w]

I just bought these so I'm excited to try them!

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Hope you enjoy!

[@tracylamarca575]

The graphite colors!! I just bought them a few weeks ago - LOVE the "moody" shades, as I call them! Water control............how fortuitous! I was going to go through your tutorials and look for info on just that topic..........I haven't felt like I've gotten that quite right a lot of the time. Can't wait to watch and listen and learn...........this looks fun and promises to be informative............thank you!!

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

The key thing here is to test your color intensity on a scrap of paper first before putting brush to paper. They are VERY strong colors!

[@tracylamarca575]

@@DianeAntoneStudio Yes, I always keep scraps of paper handy when doing all your tutorials! Even though I have all my paints swatched in a very organized fashion, I test a LOT because I am still becoming used to how much water to add or have on my brush to achieve a given intensity of color! I think it is one of the hardest things for me..........practice, practice, practice!! By the way, I got my set of Graphites from St. Louis Art Supply and I came across - and added to my order - 2 other sets. They are also Japanese and the same size pans as the Kuretake - Shadow Colors and Shadow Blacks........beautiful, dark, intense and very reasonably priced! (They are actually a mixture of sumi ink and dyes, but they "act" like watercolors!)

[@tinaari88]

I can sit for hours, doodling circles, they look so pretty when they’re all together, large and small, very satisfying to do and look at I will try to do one like this, watercolour circles doodled over, very satisying

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

I totally agree!

[@sandybro100]

I love this look, please continue with more like this. I’d love to see different shades of only blue. I’m learning a lot, thank you.

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

More to come!

[@kimschmidt3959]

I like this. I was looking at them (the circles)as balloons but then some are definitely flowers. I could spend hours on this.😄

[@Smitharcher]

This is beautiful, and very doable for me as a beginner.. Thank you. I've got the gold paints and the pearl ones, I'm going to try this with them.

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Great idea, have fun!

[@jodinicholas890]

I enjoyed this so much. Thank you.

[@maryf.1956]

Really fun painting. Looks very therapeutic

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

I found it quite relaxing! I do need therapy!

[@lindaking9222]

Fun composition to try

[@davidrachlin3557]

I recently purchased these watercolors and now magically you do a demonstration with them; exactly what I needed. Thank you!

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

You are so welcome!

[@mariansmartt]

I loved this tutorial. I am a beginner/intermediate and I just love your channel. You are a great teacher! Thank you!

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thanks Marian, so glad you are finding it helpful and are enjoying it!

[@Artchick1972]

So beautiful!!

[@gila1959]

Loved your painting and the colors are superb

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thank you so much 😀

[@ljscheible6007]

Your video and teachings encouraged me to get out some cheap matelic paint that I didn't know what to do with. It was so enjoyable to make circles. Soon I realized I'm not fond of doodleing. So I drew simple motifs in the circles, and turned them into a page of floating balloons. Thank you Diane. Your the best.

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

That's great to hear! They do look like balloons, and there's no need to doodle if you'd sooner not! You might come round to it one day though, I did!

[@conniemesce4093]

Very pretty. I must try something like it! ❤

[@posiesutton2009]

This one is absolutely stunning! So simple yet elegant. Super inspiring. I love it all!❤️❤️❤️

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thank you so much Superfan!

[@posiesutton2009]

@@DianeAntoneStudio 😊

[@natapadalko8049]

Красиво и оригинально! Браво!

[@janetpark381]

Fantastic! Thank you!

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

You're very welcome!

[@wendyc967]

spiral is like an ammonite.. i love these subtle unusual colours

[@conniejenskindsfather979]

Needed this today. Thank you.

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

You are so welcome!

[@christinedempsey4151]

Thank you Diane. Learnt so much and enjoyed the relaxing video. Such beautiful colours. Cx

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

So glad you enjoyed it Christine xx

[@betzie2]

Even though it’s all about the process, this finished product is so pleasing and satisfying. Love it!❤😊

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thanks so much!

[@NanaBeth1]

I so want this set!

[@cindybarnard8273]

Very relaxing video and amazing doodles 🥰

[@debterry1007]

Hi there again Diane! Loved watching you do this over my coffee this morning.. Interestingly enough my own project involves acrylic paint with penwork on top and i have been busy drawing spiral after spiral on a rather large canvas.. Very tedious yet strangely relaxing, a little nervewracking (as i don't want to mess up) but still... relaxing... I get tired of going around one way i then go around the other way...lol .. Still a ways to go... I always love your doodly bits. Hugs! deb

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Wonderful! Thanks so much for your comments Deb, really appreciate it! I'd go so far as to say the doodling is somewhat addictive! I have to drag myself away from only doing videos on doodling!!

[@jbartsy1]

I love this pallet! It's not yet available here in Ontario, Canada, but I will purchase the Starry Night and maybe the Gem pallet. The Graphite colour pallet is my style. I don't usually go for the Gem colours, but as you said, sometimes a new pallet gives inspiration! Love your work! You give water colouring kind of a doodling aspect and I love that because I don't think of water colouring as a quick fun project myself usually if im going to water colour I'm sitting down for a good amount of time, just due to the prep.

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

If you mix the gem colors with a little grey or black you'll come close to the graphite colors. Won't be as granulating, but will be interesting!

[@cherylmailloux9647]

I really enjoyed this video, ty 😊

[@Linda-qq5mg]

I am so glad to be subscribed to your channel! Your videos are so wonderful and fun to copy, although mine never turn out as good as yours, they are still great fun!

[@gondebrabander8709]

Love it 😍

[@lindamello6457]

This is fun and I like Kuratake paints. I have used the watercolors on Stonehenge black watercolor paper and they work beautifully! Love the golds ,too. The graphite colors are now on my list ! ♥️

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Great idea Linda. I'll be using these often especially as we go into autumn/winter.

[@rebeccarhoten8591]

I love this 🥰

[@ceeceedawson2212]

The graphite palette is fabulous, the colours are very pleasing and the elaborations with the gold and black...Imagine have drawer liners with this design!!!! I love it! Learning so much and have painted such a lot. I have recently bought some water colour tube paints, Super Vision high grade grey and i actually do like them, so may look to buying some more . Thank you for this super video!

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

I totally agree, the colors all go together with one another too, which makes for an excellent palette to construct designs with. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@keariewashburn4680]

I'm in love with your painting videos 😍😊💗

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Aw, thanks Kearie, that's too sweet!!!

[@sharonling-LetsArtToday]

Love the colours! So much so I bought them lol. To be fair though I do have the other Kuretake sets, I just didn’t know about these and they are simply beautiful 💕. Thank you for another great video

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Glad you like them! I think they're quite new and not that easy to get just yet. Worth waiting for though!

[@MultiMartina12]

Wonderful to watch and to follow with my own ideas on a day where I am only tired, curing a Covid infection. Sending a virus free embrace🥰

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Hugs to you Martchen and get well soon!

[@brendareeves2593]

I love those graphite watercolors. I'm visiting my daughter right now and don't have my watercolors with me. I've been following along and painting with my Posca pens. What you did is beautiful.

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thank you so much!

[@anniefaint6373]

I really enjoyed this it was so relaxing xxx ❤

[@littlesistercheryliscrafti9099]

Lovely Colors They would make Nice Whimsical Birds☺️

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Great idea!

[@Jill-the-Meatlover]

It is always a pleasure watching you. I am extremely new and just want to have fun. You are the right cup of tea for me. Listening to the birds and animals in the background is wonderful. It must be a fantastic place to do art. Thank you for sharing your talents

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Thanks so much Jill for taking the time to comment! So glad you find the channel to your liking! We are indeed lucky to have a peaceful place to paint surrounded by nature, we are blessed that's for sure. Relax and have fun is pretty much our motto! Welcome and enjoy! Hugs to you xxx

[@debterry1007]

I agree Jill! She is the right cup of tea for me too! Great way to put it. lol

[@jeanunderhill3868]

Thank you Diane. I love doodling and I just received delivery of those paints so will try this. It will teach me patience too.

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

Hi Jean, yes, you will have fun with the graphites, I soon learnt not to use them too dark for everything as they show their true colors when they are well diluted. Hope you enjoy!

[@jeanunderhill3868]

@@DianeAntoneStudio thank you so much.

[@johnwhale3774]

I'm going to enjoy doing this ,just love the chit chat thank you Diane

[@DianeAntoneStudio]

You are so welcome John!