The Good, The Bad & The Ugly Of Being A Working Artist! You Asked, I Answered!

[@bevclarke8586]

As a retired kindergarten/Gr1 teacher, you are an excellent teacher. You do break it down, show your mistakes and encourage people to keep on experimenting. Of course, you say " play, play, play" which are the key words in early childhood learning. Thank you.

[@letitiagossage]

I wake up excited to paint. I paint every morning when I get up. I feel like I focus better. I love watercolor painting

[@karladodge]

Emma, you are so relatable and an excellent teacher. Thank you for your dedication to helping the watercolor painting community continue to grow and enjoy the process! 🖌

[@shirleyupvall9360]

The good thing I see is that success with your art has strengthened your emotional stability. I have watched you for eight years. I paid attention ♥️

[@EmmaLefebvre]

Thank you for sticking around for so long!! ❤

[@susanschildknecht6186]

We just appreciate you being here and helping us to be better at our own art! Thank you so much❤️

[@wildflower1397]

Emma, please consider working on your children's books while they are young. It can be hard to hold onto the child magic of each stage as they grow, so capture it while you can. :)

[@MichaelQPowell]

I love your honesty and humility--it humanizes your content in a way that is pretty uncommon on KZbin and is very appealing. Thanks.

[@Sk.Sylvie]

I just realized that I've been following you since the start. I remember those kind of paintings you showed at the end and that's how I started as well, with your tutorials of those flowers. I'm just so glad you started this channel back then! 😊

[@rachelhambone1159]

Couple things, 1) I think when I first started watching your channel in 2021, I could easily define your style as well composed wet into wet florals. I have never seen anyone that can do wet into wet like you can! They are also so well composed that I can't call them loose. That said I get so excited when you deviate from your style. When there's blooms and hard edges and texture. I think I get that feeling because I am picking up on your sense of adventure. 2) Art Whale has Paul Rueben's beat by a mile in value and pigment. Also there's less typos and wrong pigment information. 🤪

[@kathydinkel8718]

It was a pleasure to listen to this video while I food prep for Christmas. You do have a style. You were the first person I watched and continue to do so. Stay healthy and happy. Merry Christmas!

[@WatercolorwithMegan]

Oh my goodness, I would LOVE to follow your journey of painting your own collection! That would even be a great tutorial series. We wouldn't have to paint the same thing as you, but learning how to paint our own collection. We've already learned a lot of the basics of Watercolor from you.

[@barbarapurdell3038]

Emma, thank you for being so encouraging and inspiring. I have this quote framed in my workroom : And now that you don't have to be perfect, you can be good. - from John Steinbeck's novel "East of Eden"

[@jmbme]

Wow, that was fascinating Emma! I’m just a budding watercolor painter, getting better and better because of your tutorials, but I’m a bookkeeper by day and have no greater ambition than to paint lovely birthday and holiday cards. It was so interesting to hear your behind-the-scenes story. Thank you so much for this video!

[@michellemcdaniel6898]

I so needed this! Thank you for your honesty and transparency. I’d love to see more travel painting opportunities you mentioned. You make watercolor fun and so much less intimidating:)❤

[@heatherleighartistry]

I love all this!!! I’m resonating with so much of what you’re saying. The advantage I’ve had is I started my art “concentrated period” after my kids are grown and around my full time job. So I can just create and initially I started my KZbin channel as more of a vlog for myself. I enjoy offering my work for sale but I still struggle with gifting my abstract art. I know they will love it, but art is so personal, I fear they will feel “forced” to display it. I’m beginning to practice and learn watercolor and I’ve found that your teaching approach works well for me. Merry Christmas!! Thanks for this!! ❤

[@lisagriswold9203]

Would you be able to do a video teaching the details of light fastness, pigmentation numbers, and other things we should look for when choosing watercolors?

[@EmmaLefebvre]

To be honest, those aren’t really things I look into too heavily. I find most professional paints are on par with each other. Not sure if you follow @thefrugalcrafter but she is wonderful when it comes to looking into all the details about pigments and does wonderful reviews!

[@sharonmansfield3053]

Great video Emma and I can totally relate to you on everything you have said so much, wow!!👏👏 I started painting by numbers when I was eight years old and then evolved to paint with my own color choice and without numbers ( I’m now 76!). I was in my early 30s when I had my art in a gallery in Texas. I was painting with ink and acrylic producing southwestern art. Then I found I was painting to maintain the inventory, which took the fun out of painting for me. I can’t paint under that much pressure. I paint for fun, relaxation and art is therapeutic for me! I don’t sell my art although I do have a ton of inventory in my closet and if somebody is interested in a piece they see on one of my pages, I will sell them what I have. I no longer do custom work anymore. I did that and it was a nightmare. I learned to watercolor when I lived in Taiwan in 1972 and that’s when I got hooked and I started painting a lot of Chinese art and then when I came back to the US in 1975, I continued with watercolor to this day. I also did fluid acrylic four years ago and loved it. Unlike acrylic, watercolor isn’t messy. I didn’t need all the acrylic materials scattered all over my kitchen with space to let it dry and with watercolor like you say, you can just fold up the tin, pour out the water, clean the brush and you’re good to go! I make all of my cards and now I’m into Zentangles and sometimes I paint those pieces with watercolor. I am blessed that I have this talent and don’t take it for granted. 🎨 I’m not a professional by any means, and people that on the receiving end of my bookmarks or cards are very appreciative to get something from me and look forward to seeing some of my art on my social media pages. You are an excellent artist and I love your teaching ability and I have followed you for two years, and I can totally see the difference in your videos and the confidence you now have and I admire you for sticking with it because you’ve come a long way with the video aspect of your teaching plus your content has evolved tremendously! You are blessed to have a loving supportive husband, which makes a huge difference who allows you to do what you love to do. I will continue watching because you’re one of my favorite artists on KZbin. I wish you and your family a very merry Christmas. 🎄 I look forward to what you will be doing for your KZbin community in 2025. 🎄💕👍

[@c.corcoran4066]

Keep doing what you do…you are a great teacher because you are honest in stating your opinion. Cindy Corcoran in SC

[@rosemariecooke9616]

Great video Emma! I've been watching you for a couple years now. I feel so fortunate that a friend at a beginner watercolor class showed me your channel. I've learned so much from you. I hope you know how much you are appreciated. Great goal for a childrens book. As a mom of 4 & grammie to 8....the world needs more good childrens books. Merry Christmas & stay happy and healthy! 🌲⛄❄

[@Sari.T.N]

Emma … I JUST received your Christmas Box !! It took awhile 😂😂 It is absolutely beautiful, I followed along with you … so I know what’s in it … and it’s even prettier in person … I LOVE IT! I would have opened all the days right away .. so technically .. at least now it’s justified 😂 I can wait to use everything and do the tutorials. I can’t get over how beautiful it is in real life❣️ Thank you for opening up a brand new hobby for me that I LOVE ❤️ All the best for the holidays and I’ll definitely be along for the new year 😊

[@barblallier9413]

Happy Holidays to you and your family! I appreciate your persistence, that has helped me a lot! Enjoy your adventures! ❤😊

[@shellykeyes8389]

Emma, love all your content! I’ve felt so much joy from watching your channel & have learned so much. Also, bought my MIL & myself some Meiliang & Ruben paint sets. Keep up the good work, totally here for all phases of your journey. ❤

[@imaxinebrown694]

Thanks for your honesty 🙏🏿

[@TheresaFargo]

I really enjoyed this video Emma! Thank you! I think all Artists should take the time out to do a video compilation answering viewers questions. I've subscribed to your channel for quite awhile now, and not only learned from your techniques and teaching but watch for other reasons. You are natural, engaging and speak well! You have the knack for teaching because of those beautiful qualities not just your painting talents. For that I am grateful! There's nothing worse than someone who shows a messy home behind them, chatting aimlessly or not speaking clearly or not stepping through what the hell they are dong and what they are using! Oh yes, I totally related to you talking about you being in boy/male world! Laughing out loud as I just wanted a girl after having 6 brothers... nope had 2 boys 1 yr apart 😂 Total mayhem and testosterone! Thank you for all you do! ❤️🙏

[@beinganeverydaymusician1902]

I really enjoyed hearing about your story. Thank you.

[@Paintsplash4]

Buy a gift tag punch or die for the failed paintings. It's amazing how cute a gift tag you can make from even the ugliest corners of your painting.

[@shirleywolf6739]

Thank you Emma, you are such an inspiration.

[@lorrainebrown6364]

Cool video. Having questions in subject groups was really good. It’s inspiring to learn the journey it took to get to where you are today, and the challenges for tomorrow. I’m sure your books will be awesome.

[@kimlong692]

Thank You Emma that was great..Merry Christmas and a Happy, healthy and prosperous New Year

[@EmmaLefebvre]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too!

[@janetrusterucci3232]

Emma thank you for all your good info it was very informative.

[@mywifetheartist]

Great video. Good luck whatever venture you do now and in the future. You are so creative. ❤❤

[@EmmaLefebvre]

I appreciate it so much!

[@stinar37]

Great video. Having tried Windsor and Newton and Daniel Smith, I think Daniel Smith’s colors pack the most punch

[@Barbara-fy8cs]

I absolutely enjoyed this video. I haven't followed you always and do tune in but this was so much fun. Thank you for sharing your struggles, successes and mostly about your personal life, especially your boys. Somewhere I missed your second son's arrival. The most important take away for those who watch this is buy the best you can-you will be more successful in your endeavors. I use canon xl for just my more abstract attempts and experimentation ...the real deal is arches and professional level watercolors. THANK YOU AGAIN and happy holidays to you and your family.

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Emma, Thanks for an interesting video about you and your KZbin experience. I have taught many in life or in person classes in acrylic paintings as well as watercolors and I even did a series of computer classes at our local Senior Center. I did record one of my classes at the center but I could not put it online it is just a mess! I did a couple of how to videos, but I am just horrible at editing so I leave it to others like yourself who are just better at it online! When I am not painting I do enjoy watching videos I find it more productive than watching television! I just wanted to say your very good at this online instruction and you have a very pleasant personality, I enjoy your knowledge and your ease of instruction. I like seeing you recover and make it good! See ya next video!

[@Ms1lonewolf]

I love ❤️ your painting and teaching also. I was watching you when you used Cotman and the Canson watercolor paper and I started out with the same. Oh also I went and bought the palette for a dollar with the old watercolor paint that was powdery in the round circles because their was so many different colors in it and they were pretty. Lololol ☺️. We live and learn. I then started buy a few tube's of the W&Newton professional paint and like you I really didn't see much of a difference between that and cotman. Then I had bought the Daniel Smith paints and I was hooked on them!! I could see a big difference. Oh yeah then from Canson, to Legion then Arches. I like the bee paper to practice on. Now I do use off brands of paper as long as it's 💯 percent cotton not rag cotton. To paint a good painting on. Also in small sketch books to practice. Now I use D. Smith tubes and Paul Runbans pans set. Love the Floral set!! Anyway I've been with you through thick and thin. Lolololol 😊 I loved it ❤and I'm so happy I went through all that to become the painter I am today. I thought about starting a KZbin channel myself but don't have someone to help me with the camera and all that stuff 🤔. Lighting and all that goes with it. The journeys not over yet we have a long way too go and many things left to learn. Merry Christmas 🤶 🎄 ❤️ and Happy New Year 2025!!! 🎉

[@debbiejones437]

Gosh, you sound so much like me! Thank you for your honesty! This has been great!

[@joannmattison5720]

I had always loved oil painting but I find watercolor so much difficult. Thank you for sharing your tips.

[@SusanBurgett-h1g]

I really appreciate you and the hard work and time you put in for us who need instruction. You have helped me so much. I do have a question though. How and when do you seal a painting? What to use?

[@EmmaLefebvre]

I just bought dorlands wax medium that you can use seal your paintings! Works well!

[@SusanBurgett-h1g]

@EmmaLefebvre i was looking at that! Thanks!

[@wilmamichel8158]

Thanks for sharing.

[@melodycrites3145]

Have great holidays! Thank you for sharing!

[@Supermanohman]

My philosophy is that our thoughts about our art don't matter when someone else is willing to pay. Their opinion matters. If I hate my photography but someone else likes it enough to buy prints then I just shut up and sell it to them and then hate it afterwards in private lol (which I do all the time)

[@letitiagossage]

Omg beautiful lady. You paint so well. My question is, when do you know if you’re ready?

[@EmmaLefebvre]

I don’t think there is a time to start KZbin videos. Just start and you’ll learn and get better the more you do it!

[@sharonmcmichael4690]

❤🎉Thank you! Well done!

[@LizatHome]

Thanks so much, I loved this video.

[@heatherleighartistry]

I have (adult now children) a boy first and that is why he was nearly 4 before I had my second and she was very different!

[@janetrusterucci3232]

Emma are your brushes snappy or soft? I want to purchase them but unsure how will they react.

[@EmmaLefebvre]

Snappy! I like them better that way :)

[@janetrusterucci3232]

@@EmmaLefebvre thank you ❤️

[@ElizabethBosticArt]

Thank you for sharing such great advice! ❤ I have a baby KZbin channel, and I still get a bit of stage fright on camera, even though I just show my hands. 😂 ❤ I'm a teacher by day, and make videos when I can. Passion for creating definitely ebbs and flows! I hope you get the chance to rest and recharge soon!

[@WatercolorwithMegan]

The ugly stage of a painting is so real! 🤣😅🙌

[@helenwang6940]

Thanks for your content 😊

[@Kb1901kb_kris]

It is very much a game. They never tell me when your new videos post even though i subbed and selected all bell

[@EmmaLefebvre]

Hmmm… that’s weird. It should!

[@dianasanzana1838]

Have you ever thought about designing textiles?

[@EmmaLefebvre]

I haven’t really..

[@Kreative_Rainbow]

You are an amazing teacher!! 🥰 From things I've noticed from other KZbinrs and artists, diversify your income streams as much as possible! 😅 KZbin, like you said, isn't steady, but it can be a launch pad to other income streams. Don't postpone your desire to create children's books! 🤗 Realize that as the kids get older, there will be more mom's taxi moments!! 🚕 They actually sometimes need you more present when they are teenagers!! 😂 The only time you are guaranteed is right this moment!! ❤ If an idea hits, start working on that book!! 💡 Working with your little ones is sure to inspire ideas!! 😉 Maybe start developing some animal characters? Kids love them, and we would enjoy seeing the process!! 😍

[@EmmaLefebvre]

Thank you, that’s great advice

[@Kreative_Rainbow]

@EmmaLefebvre You're very welcome!! 💞

[@letitiagossage]

What do you do with all your paintings

[@artandmusic09]

❤

[@letitiagossage]

Can I get a set of your brushes

[@EmmaLefebvre]

You can get them at craftamo.com The link is in the description

[@letitiagossage]

To do KZbin videos