7 Bad Watercolour Habits You Need To Stop NOW!

[@hiddenshadow2105]

Cliffnotes for myself: 1. Don't leave the brush in the water jar (especially not tip down; it damages the brush) 2. Don't contaminate colours (don't mix in a pan, use mixing areas) 3. Change paint water often (or use two+ jars) 4. Don't wash palettes (it wastes paint) 5. Don't leave tubes open (it makes paint drier) 6. Don't use white paint to lighten watercolour (white paint makes watercolours less transparent; traditional watercolouring suggests to use water for dilution and paper itself as white) 7. Don't leave a painting unfinished (better learning experience)

[@RubyRedNiki]

Thank you!

[@hiddenshadow2105]

@@RubyRedNiki You are welcome

[@DRB_2711]

Thanks!

[@hiddenshadow2105]

@@DRB_2711 Anytime.

[@magikallysbluebonnets]

I only leave it in water as soon as I open a new brush cause it always had wax or something in it, so I leave it in conditioner-water for an hour/thirty minutes

[@budd2nd]

My number one worst habit is to devalue what I have done. But I recently realised I’m painting for myself, it doesn’t matter what anybody else thinks of it. It’s my painting done for me, so as long as I like it that’s all that matters. 🥰

[@reefprayerresin]

That’s a HUGE realisation! For the last 10 years I’d show a friend of mine my works in progress, and she’d say “I’m not into still life’s”, or “Yeah, that’s ok”….. and often I’d leave the painting there and not come back to it! - I’ve recently realised, although she frequents art galleries, all she sees is what she likes or doesn’t like. Not how it’s made, or the emotion behind it. After all these years, I’ve realised, at age 64, that her opinion doesn’t matter! That some of my paintings, particularly a beautiful pink rose drawing/painting, that I was over the moon about when I showed her, can be picked back up again. I just have to find the original photo. I was brought up with an artist mother, who said I was her best critic, so that’s the world I’m familiar with. Not this other one. This friend of mine can’t paint, so can’t ‘add anything’ to the painting…. But I can pull myself together and pull up my big girl pants, and pick these paintings up again. And maybe even finish that flower painting! I paint hyper-realistically, and that’s just my natural way to paint, and I love it. - Her opinion is her opinion. I’ve also seen other people’s jaw drop when they see my paintings. Our artist egos are very vulnerable, and eggshell soft, and so easily damaged, and careless words from some people, who know nothing of art and ‘art etiquette’ can unintentionally trample the artist’s emotions, creativity, and destroy an artist’s passion and career, if we allow it.

[@budd2nd]

@@reefprayerresin Yes, you definitely seem to have a great insight into the artistic ego👍👍

[@lisalovelylpa]

The best way to wreck your art or your life is to look for other people’s approval.

[@MarinaMichaels]

@@reefprayerresin Some friends can greatly undermine you, and sometimes their sabotaging comments aren't accidental. It's sad and dismaying when you realize that your "friend" is not a friend.

[@MichaelRozie]

Creating things for yourself is worse than for others. If you sell it, it is done. When you make something for yourself, and then sell a few things and get better, you will always see the ‘mistakes’ in your earlier work. At least this is how it works for me

[@dianeandbrad529]

I totally agree with the last one. Even if it still ends up coming out like a horrible mess, it’s good practice to try to save your paintings - this is a skill that takes time to develop and you’ll start noticing patterns of where things went in the wrong direction. Practice trying to salvage paintings that you thought were destined for the trash - so that when you’re working on a piece you actually like but then suddenly make a mistake, you’ll have some methods for fixing it.

[@brittneyhood1887]

I agree! I am still relatively new to watercolor, but it’s become kind of a fun challenge to “bring it back” if I think a painting is a disaster. I’ve recently started learning about using multiple layers of dry-on-wet detail work, and it almost always takes what looks like a messy blob back into what I wanted it to look like in the first place.

[@halfpiint]

For me, sometimes when I'm feeling stuck, it's beneficial for me to walk away for a day or two just to get a fresh perspective, while leaving the painting within my vision! Amazing what you'll see when you return that you didn't see before!

[@heather16816]

I use an ice cube tray for brush cleaning in-between color changes

[@sjking1111]

Great idea! Could also work as a pallette!

[@KP-nx8lo]

I keep a pitcher of clean water and a empty bucket. Just dump the dirty water in the bucket and refill from the pitch of clean water so I don’t have to get up multiple times while painting!

[@trishdixson3817]

Snap! I use an ice cream or yogurt container😂

[@lightbulb8869]

When I was in high school, I did a large forest painting and mixed my colours in the lid of my pallet. I now have a son about to enter high school and I still haven’t cleaned all those greens and browns out of that lid... I do use other pallets to mix my paint, but I was doing some trees the other day and I used some of the greens that I had mixed over 20 years ago. I didn’t think anything of it, it just never crossed my mind to clean it, but now it feels kinda nostalgic. Thankfully my trees now look 100X better than they did when I first mixed those paints!

[@melissab3038]

I must have had the worst high school on the planet because I don’t remember a single day of art. No art classes in college either. I was 55 years old when I took my very first painting class.

[@lisagoetsch]

A cardboard box with small holes helps to hold your brushes to dry them or store them bristles down. I’ll admit I cringe when colors get mixed in the pan. Lol My biggest bad habit with watercolor is waiting for my painting to dry between layers. I’m too inpatient and things get muddy and if I had let it dry a bit between layers it would been better.

[@melindaavila498]

Yes, I too get impatient.

[@valasafantastic1055]

hairdryer usually works great. Speeds up drying a lot. If I'm being particularly impatient I use one.

[@jeanneduncan3522]

Thank you for the idea of a cardboard box.

[@nikkimatlock1376]

Same. I can’t wait lol

[@renemorales3238]

Here's the solution I came up with for water. I have an old acrylic makeup organizer that is a single unit with 3 sections. The center section is a bit taller than the other two. It works perfectly for watercolor painting. I'm constantly looking at everyday objects and evaluating whether there's a way that thing can be used for art. Old spoons, contact grip shelf and drawer liner, an empty eyedrops container, swizzle sticks from Starbucks, a cheese knife, an unused cutting board and so much more have found their way into my art supplies. 😆

[@melindaavila498]

Excellent!

[@kd5nrh]

Also watch your packaging for all sorts of things. Any small cups or tubs like creamer and jelly single servings come in is perfect for a disposable mixing tub for epoxy, paint, glue or whatever. Same for some blister packs.

[@AndreaCrisp]

Ditto! You sound like a mixed media person. I love actual real junk journaling for the same reason. Creative Repurposing is fun!

[@brittneyhood1887]

I love this idea!

[@halfpiint]

Great idea!

[@momomarie]

Speaking of believing in yourself and finishing a painting. I attempted an abstract. It look horrid so I threw it out. That evening I was watching an HGTV decorating show and there was a painting they hung on the wall that looked very much like the one I threw out! LOL That really cracked me up.

[@mog-gyveroneill2500]

I try to keep my disasters, just for a while, because sometimes when I go back with fresh eyes, and don't remember the mistakes, it can look so different.

[@Amzie-kx1xr]

Yes! Paintings that have frustrated me and even made me almost cry--my friends have loved them and offered to buy them. I often gift them to the people I love, that joy is payment enough!

[@halfpiint]

Did you retrieve it from the trash?

[@halfpiint]

@@Amzie-kx1xr Next time, instead of gifting the painting, take a deeper look at what they're seeing that you're not seeing and carry on to improve the painting! You'll feel better in the end. It happened to me and I was amazed at how I improved the painting once I felt more confidence in it!

[@momomarie]

@@halfpiint No, sorry I didn't LOL

[@ninaorehek7983]

Great advice and I love the humor! Not wanting to waste paper has helped me most of the times to turn around what looked like a failed painting. Never give up!

[@christinecarr4593]

I do like to use white gouache once in awhile depending on what it is, Shayda Campbell loves the Munyo paints and mixes a lot of pastels with white and her work is beautiful, now myself I rarely ever mix white with my colors but like you said it was just how I first learned it so it sorta stuck. And lastly #7 oh boy is that the worst habit I have bc I am one of those I want immediate satisfaction from my work and with watercolors as you stated has that awkward stage and I tell myself every time to simply power through to the end and to try and not finish the whole painting in one layer bc then I end up not allowing it to dry properly etc etc so #7 huge one for me. It’s funny you mentioned this bc I just came down to my craft room and told myself before starting another painting that I will finish the pile of ones I started, yikes! Wish me luck, have a blessed week!

[@sharonfoy2410]

I like to swirl my brush in water in a figure 8 multiple times - it removes the pigment quickly.

[@ashleywright8686]

Excellent tip! TY for sharing. I’m guilty of “gently mooshing” my brush at the bottom 😂

[@JDetailsLLC]

I usually dab my brush in the side of my water jar to remove pigments instead of the bottom so I don’t squish the brushes. And for removing pigment from another color on the palette, a trick I use is…Wet it then dab with a paper towel.

[@paulaorsi5568]

I love watching your videos. Every time lately I see your new videos you look so happy and you just glow 😁 you have helped me love painting even more 😍 you are a true joy with a gift of not only painting but encouraging & teaching others. 😘

[@petzl1239]

so true - I totally agree 🥰

[@pattikirke]

I have just taken up painting and I am a Sr. In a long term! Just love your video`s!!!

[@tensa7132]

I love how you’re always so down to earth and with a sense of humour in all your videos. It makes painting along so much less pressured. When I started dabbling with gouache I went to your channel for this reason

[@pamnason3261]

Oh my gosh, I loved this video. Emma you made me laugh so hard about the white paint! I am just a beginner but number 8 should be don't take your project so seriously! I've done a bunch of tutorials and when I'm done I look at the artist's work and then my work and think, "that's terrible!" Then my friends/family see it and say omg you should sell these! Haha, I NEVER show them the tutorials in which the artist does a phenomenal job. When you're finished don't compare your work to the artist, you are just a beginner and your piece probably looks beautiful on it's own.

[@debramitchell5208]

I love the part about not leaving a painting unfinished. ❤

[@CherylChetwynd]

I have just started with watercolors. I appreciate your videos for learning how to work with this medium. On a personal note, you seem more like me being a type B where you don't care about the small details. You are making this more enjoyable, thank you so much.

[@nicolepeaslee5017]

Something I learned by doing the 100 day project with watercolors is that almost every painting had that awkward phase. But I finished every painting and ended up not liking only one of them!

[@kdavis1124]

I was cracking up thru this entire video. You have such a lovely sense of humor! Thank you for bringing a smile to me today. ❤️

[@marymorgan2221]

I love your liveliness in this little video. We should all paint happy. Thank you

[@GundemaroSagrajas]

To me, the biggest problem of leaving a paintbrush in the water is that you're literally creating a handle with which you can tip the glass over and create a disaster. Been there, so frustrating. Don't do that.

[@scribblemoose]

Definitely funny, and so authentic! We can never be reminded too often to have confidence and that anything we do is fine so long as we’re conscious of it. Real, not perfect 😊

[@MusingsFromTheDen]

I was guilty of binning work that started to go pear-shaped midway, but I've slowing reigned in my perfectionism in sketchbooks and I'm enjoying the process far more. 😊

[@ACAB.forcutie]

I use white to make things creamier, like pastel.. even adding white to a pastel can make it creamier, I love making a really creamy yellow and using that for daffodils 😊

[@appleknocker56]

Great tips! Never leave my brushes in water but have super glued them back together as do go to bottom of water jar (as does get pigment off better) & keeping even my Fugly ones to look back on or cut out best parts & make collage!

[@fritopaws]

Additional suggestion on the water jar front - have less water in your jars. I noticed your jars are relatively small, but 2 inches of water in them should be more than enough. It allows you to tap the brush on the bottom without getting water too high up the brush and you'll use less water overall - water charges will need to be made close to the same time but you refill with less. (I'm on well water but use bottled for art so tend to be conservative with it). 😀

[@TheRealMythril]

There is also another huge advantage to less water in your cleaning jar/glass/cup. When you knock it over (notice the use of when, not if!) there is less water to clean up, or have to reach your painting and mess it up! Plus, as artists, we have the obligation to take care of the inspiration that most of us use (our planet and it’s inhabitants), so that we can pass it on to the next generation of artists. Water is a limited resource (sometimes I find it hard to believe that too, as I’m from Scotland) and we must treat it with care and respect.

[@elise.thebookworm]

I love your attitude Emma!

[@suzeaa]

I have 3 water wells - first rinse, second rinse, then completely clear water. Also, lavender brush soap, a brush washer, brush conditioner, and a brush rack. I like pricey paints and brushes so I take care of them. You should see my paints, lol. All swatched and identified so I can put paints from different brands in a new palette (with a cover) to work on a painting, then put them back. I also use porcelain mixing palettes and clean them as needed and after finishing each painting. My graphic design background really kicks in when painting, lol. I also use masking and grounds so it pays to stay clean and organized.

[@amyx231]

I’ve never once washed my watercolor palettes. Only ever a small wipe or two to remove really unfortunate mixes (mostly muddy greys). Who’s washing away their precious pigments!? Gasp!

[@Psychology105]

Thank you for being so authentic - I've been painting with different mediums since the beginning of the pandemic and am now trying to face coming up with my own ideas vs only following tutorials. It's scary! You made good points that I think we know about but don't always follow (like the waterrrrrr ones).

[@melissab3038]

I cannot smash the like button enough! 😁🥰 Especially the last bad habit of leaving a painting unfinished. Because I have been dabbling in watercolor for FIVE YEARS and have tons of unfinished paintings that I feel terrible about! I probably have more unfinished paintings than finished ones. Yet people always compliment them when I do complete them. So thank you for giving me the kick in the pants that I really needed to hear.

[@bettyrogers9090]

I have cut up some paintings -not many- that turned out terrible. Your advice to finish and try to overcome is great advice. I feel encouraged. Thanks.

[@VanmeterFL]

Great informational video. If I really mess up a painting, I'll splash it with color, laminate it, and cut the failed paper into strips for bookmarks. I punch a hole in one end, and add a little ribbon to slip into a card as a gift to a friend with the prettiest of these. Sadly, there are days I make way too many bookmarks. I'm also thankful I've only broken one of these rules in the past. My OCD has always had me fighting to keep from cleaning my palette. After studying various triads in a Jane Blundell class, I made up my three favorite triad mixing surfaces. When not in use, I keep them in their own container until I need their lovely colors again.

[@jamesstanley9262]

Thank you for that. My experience contaminating pan colours not the same as contaminating colours fresh from the tube; almost impossible to remove that (darker) pigment which mixes into another colour.

[@LeanneRaina]

Wow, thank you so much, Emma! I really needed to hear the last one about finishing your paintings. I tried learning to paint seashells the other day and gave up because a few didn't turn out the way I thought it would in my head. I think I'm going to go back now and fix those to see if I can possibly make something better! Awesome video and thank you again for all the fantastic tips! Keep creating

[@monicablock7415]

You are hilarious girl! I loved this video. By the way, thanks to u I dry my brushes correctly. Don't have a beautiful contraption but a ruler on top of a box with a clothes pin holding the brush works great.(Ruler has holes u push the handle up through, put the cloths pin on and it stays put!)

[@jannissen8146]

This is gorgeous! I did your old one and loved it so I’m excited to try this. Thank you!

[@melanistar]

Sometimes I give up halfway and just save it for another time. One of my best paintings started this way. I stopped halfway and put it aside for months. I went back to it later and finished it. You don't have to keep going on a painting the same day you start it. You can put it aside and try again later and it might be one of your best!

[@jeanettewatson7614]

I agree with you Melani. When I first started to paint I would carry on painting making the picture worse & worse till all that was left was to use the back for testing blends etc. So I learned to put that picture to one side and do another, looking at my "difficult" painting till I saw a way forward so I'd then use the back of a ruined painting get my picture to where I left it and carried on to see what happened, if it worked ace I'd it didn't quite I'd think a little more and since then I've not made muddy messes & the backs of said mud paintings to check colours ir if things work

[@tisakniskern7821]

LOVE the video. I sometimes have to stop painting (because I'm very sleep deprived at 1am). But the next day, I have fresh eyes and can see what I need to do - so DEFINETLY finish a painting, even if it's the next day (or in some cases for me - the next week or month!)

[@asburysolomons303]

LOVE LOVE LOVE your channel! Thank you for the all the great ideas, and permission to be imperfect, creative and have fun!

[@jlmdd2]

I have several paintings where I tried the loose technique and things went south. I put them aside to work on when I have more experience. I'm hoping to use them as a "base." :)

[@togetvj]

Glad you said that, Emma, about washing brushes because in your introduction I saw the top of the ferrule go below water level (a no no) and the brush head being somewhat pounded on the bottom of the glass jar. Just saying. 🤐🤣 This reminded me so much of my dear departed mother who used to say so often throughout my childhood "Do as I say, not as I do". 🤣 PS to get into a tube of water colour where the lid has stuck to the tube, put the whole tube in tepid to warm water for a while and the top will screw off easily enough. Innit.

[@EmmaLefebvre]

I know it irks people for sure lol. And I know it looks like I’m being a bit rough with my brushes when doing that, but I swear I’m being gentle. I’ve had some of my brushes for years and they’ve lasted, even with me using them like that. I say, do what works for you 😁

[@togetvj]

@@EmmaLefebvre Of course you know I was just joking. Nothing to do with art irks me. Nothing at all. There is so much more in this world to get irked about. Love your videos and, importantly, your presentation and good humour.

[@slfieck]

Ha ha ha! I like to move fast too! So I bought tall canning jars so my brushes don’t touch the bottom of the jar! Loved this video, great reminders!

[@Jamiebburnss]

I like that you added in that it’s fine to use white if you want. One of my biggest pet peeves is that the watercolour ‘community’ will quickly jump to slander white paint because it’s become this big no no within the practise. Using white paint in watercolour isn’t wrong at all, it just gives a different effect, adding white removes the typical transparent effect you see with most watercolours and gives your art a more opaque, chalky, maybe almost gouache kind of appearance. White isn’t necessary for watercolours and if that’s not what you want, by all means that’s fine but it can be interesting in its own ways. It’s definitely worth learning/trying both ways and playing with what you like. Remember, there’re no rules in art :)

[@elizabethmcgregor1736]

I agree with all except the "most important" one. I often leave paintings unfinished. I have severe anxiety (why I paint) and if I screw something up, I have to destroy it. I can't help myself. And NEVER have I continued it and had it look "better" or be "fixed." Not once.

[@ebeth0944]

Love your last one! I call it the adolescent phase of my painting...awkward and unruly. But I keep going...and usually I end up with a successful painting.

[@artbylisaharrington]

Warm and cool water pots was a game changer for me to avoid muddy colors.

[@sarahlouisecoleman7709]

Love these tips. I do a few of these, especially look at my work and think “what the?!” I will definitely try to keep going from now on to see what I can do xx

[@meon3wheels]

Good tips! It seems every watercolor teacher I've had will contradict the others. So, we have to find what works for ourselves. Thanks!

[@eileencollins3126]

Emma, this is a great reminder on some of the basics. The humor made me smile. I especially liked the section on polluting your paints in the palette and how to fix it. The fact that you do a lot of these things humanizes the video. Thanks for all you do for all of us!

[@csimpson7169]

When you go get fresh water ,look on it AS EXERCISE, Also it's a good idea to get a cuppa while you are there! C

[@brandymcintosh6687]

Maaaan, your advice is always golden... Just the right amount of strict mixed with "you do you"... I've learned soooo much from you. Thank you for all you do!!

[@Artisjoy5320]

You’re too funny. So appreciate the tips. As you said, it’s not the end of the world if these applications occur. I’m a fledgling beginner and want to start off conservatively saving paint & brushes. Thank you for your lighthearted approach and inspiration. Painting should be FUN.

[@jimflack3196]

Good tips! Of course I do all the above!! I have thrown a painting away because it was awful. But, maybe from now on, I will try to salvage my work even though it looks like I botched it. Clean your palette? Never!! Just keep on keeping on. Thanks, Emma!

[@carlycharlesworth1497]

This was a really fun video. I loved the way you added some humour into it. I knew about all the habits that you mentioned, and the only one I am NOT guilty of is leaving my paintbrush in water. Other than that I am guilty of all the others lol. Do you intend to do more fun videos like this? You have a really dry wit which comes across really well in the video. I thought that brush drying pot you showed us was superb. I always leave my brushes laying flat on my desk on kitchen paper after I use them, but that pot looked way better. Also, I store my brushes in a pot handle down, bristles up, is that a good idea? I do it for convenience but if there is a better way, then I'm all ears as they say! Thanks again for the humour. It made my evening brighter.

[@alysssalyn]

Great tips! Especially the separate jars for rinsing out warm / cool tones. I had not thought of that and will be implementing that. Thank you!

[@beckybest1515]

Tubes - cut off the crimped end, add water using a pipette, using a tiny spatula or bamboo skewer to stir, use the tiny spatula to clean out the tube. Fold the cut end over and clamp with a paper clamp. Thanks for clarifying the palette use - especially the "dirty" brush to the "clean" color. And! (almost forgot) - is it good/bad/indifferent to pour water from your drinking glass (that you've been drinking from) to container for dipping your brush to save that walk to a faucet?

[@jennyc5132]

Loved that video Emma it was funny and yes it was informative too..you even made me look up and realise that I had left my brush in the water..dirty water at that🤭🤭🤭 here's a tip from me to you and your many fans/followers..we recently finish a large tray of Ferrero Rocher (yum though my hubby ate more than and they were left over since xmas)..but as I was about to throw the clear tray away with the little gold insert I realised it would make a perfect water colour palette. The chocolate sized indents are great for dozens of colours and you are right when you say "just add water to reconstitute the paint" plus there is a dip in the sides of each hole which perfectly holds a paintbrush and its got a lid too!!! Recycle, reuse, upcycle call it what you will but please try it. Its the 269 gm box...I would love to know if anyone tries it or has already figured it out before me. Have a great day and stay safe...and have fun...🥰🙏

[@lindacsmith13]

I've done them all. I think your advice on working through an ugly painting is a good idea.

[@marlbboro8091]

Bought a makeup brush dryer from Walmart $5 (they are on Amazon too) and hang my brushes -art and makeup, upside down after I have cleaned them. I left my Princeton brush by mistake, in water overnight and the chipping on the wood is depressing. I got some rocks from the beach and then just lay them at an angle, ferrule facing down when I rinsed them in between painting with them . I love love palette ‘dirt’ so rarely wash my palette.

[@mycupoftea12]

How about telling us how you organize your workspace, especially that wall unit that holds your pens!

[@captkristipaints]

Girl!!! You are rockin it!! I haven't watched a video from you in quite awhile. I get on these kicks where I will watch one person for a long time, then miss my old teacher and go back, etc. Watching this I am struck by how your confidence has grown and you are just so COOL!! Thanks so much for sharing. Great tips to think about...even for those doing it for years. Refreshers are never a bad thing. THANK YOU :D

[@Amzie-kx1xr]

I love your channel SO much! You paint in the style I would love to. I'm a beginner, but my dream is to one day be able to sell my work as printed cards and stationery. With practice, I hope I get there someday!

[@reneecp1905]

I just love your spirit! Keep doing what you do!!!

[@artwithalexander5359]

i think the only one i do is the last. not so much from disgust or anything like that but at best i get 2-4hrs a day to paint... some of my paintings have taken a few weeks to have the time to finish. i also find it helps to leave it sit a bit if i have hit a wall and need to figure out were this is going. the first i came up with my own solution. a bar rod (like bathroom towel rod) fixed to the wall above my desk and simple copper wire wrapped around the ends of my brushes and finessed in a hook. they can be removed and reshaped for each brush :)

[@karis2308]

Great video Emma! The worst bad habit i have is cleaning my palette. I thought it had to be perfectly clean before starting. Thank you so much for the tips!

[@71Tortoise]

Me too!

[@darcygraceswatercolorstudi4220]

@@71Tortoise Same!

[@leenb.7936]

I seldom have the energy to finish a painting. I have learned to embrace that awkward stage of “bad paintings”. I look at them with a sort of awe that that stage is just that and that each following layer can transform it completely. So luckily I find it fascinating and will pick up a wip (work in progress) and actually look forward to add to it because my illnesses get in the way of doing a complete painting in one go. Also, I find that studying that wip each time before starting again helps with determining whether certain things are done well or not. O, and maybe this is a tip for some, I will take a bottle of water and a bucket or vase or something with me to get clean water more often than I am able to go to the sink. I still use two (mini) jars, one for clean and one for rinsing out my brush

[@terischiech]

Great tips. Palette dirt or left over paint, is great to draw or sketch a new painting with. Don't waste the dirt.

[@lisamacgregor1308]

#7- sometimes those colors need to settle down over night. I don't know what happens on my workbench, but if I leave it at that "I hate this what was I doing" point, in the morning I usually like it (or see what it needs)

[@murraycallahan3716]

I use a bottle with an elongated nozzle (like the kind that comes with hair dye) for clean water to activate or thin paint. You’re not tempted to put your brush in it😉

[@chloemaxwell2628]

Great video Emma! I hate videos where KZbinrs say you must do this, or stop doing this, and I clicked on the video with the intention of telling you not to do that, but quickly realized it was tongue in cheek, and very well done!

[@timeenuf4200]

You scared me for a minute but I've watched too many of your videos to know your a kind and loving artist. Since I already watched a lot of your videos I was already doing things "correctly" - laughed at "when you're finished with a tube" - not sure that's ever going to happen at the rate I'm practicing/painting. Loved the last one. I start out painting a flower and it turns into a horse. Kind of doodling with colored water. Thanks again for sharing. Don't stop.

[@maritzagonzalez5324]

Thanks for not forgetting the first timers and inspiring me to discover a new way to put a little art in my life😊🤗

[@mieczyslawapascoe7234]

Thank you so much, Emma. The one about giving up on a painting too soon relates to me the most. I do like using white, which is really gouache, in small doses and it's perfectly OK. I also heard the same about black, but it works IF used very sparingly, especially for mixing.

[@Scottlp2]

Trying to avoid contaminating colors difficult. So eg have two yellow wells on your palate one to mix yellow and one only used when you want pure yellow.

[@auroradiaz]

Love this layering video. Thanks ❤

[@kathleengarness1660]

Re: #5: I agree with you, and carry it a bit further. I keep a pack of baby wipes nearby and clean off the threads of the tubes both on the tube and inside the cap. Prevents the paint from drying out in the tube as well as preventing the cap from getting stuck to the tube.

[@destrielarrabee7]

Thanks for this great book! I, too, LOVE colors. 🎊🌈💐

[@lizyreyes6930]

Number 7 is so true! My paintings always look better the next day!!

[@claireh457]

I really enjoyed this especially your little snarling voice about not using white to lighten colors, very funny❗️❗️❗️❗️

[@reneedansereau4455]

Omg I have so many undone because I either get bored or am afraid to ruin.☹️ I hope I will go back to them! Thanks for your advice Emma!

[@annettevanderwalt8930]

Your peptalk is exactly what I needed, thank you! :)

[@highonart2204]

Love your way of putting it accross Emma! Funny, gentle, open, wow!! 🙌

[@kathleen9346]

You are such an inspiration!!! I’m so glad I found you on KZbin. Thank you for sharing your time and talent👍😄

[@thaisfrota]

I use white while paint not to light the colors, but to create a sorta of "pastel color"

[@dancewithmyshadows]

I needed to hear #7. I almost cried. Thanks for this video!

[@2010ymg]

Storing brushes is also an issue. Thus far, the best habit I’ve found is to keep them upside down, hanging from a spring. Once they were dried, I used ONCE one of those “brush cases” that you fold like a burrito. Two weeks later, most brushes were in really bad shape. It took me a while to restore them. How do you store yours? Thanks for your advice! All your tips are very useful.

[@SigneofHorses]

Paintbrushes.. yes do not do that Contaminating paints.. I don’t care Fresh water.. it’s a good break and if one doesnt clean your brush between every stroke to avoid contaminating your paint then it won’t need refreshing so much 😜 Clean pallet.. pretty much when I feel like it or I need new colours or they are muddy. Finish a painting... yes that awkward messy stage.. preserve! Enjoyed this video! Thank you

[@kathryngehrke3922]

1. Don't have a drink sitting by your paint water, many times I have had a nice big drink of Cobalt bluish water, or cadmium. Not good for you. 2. Don't let your cat help you. It can leave hair on your painting, also, mine stepped in a beautiful fuscha color and gave me a paw print on red cliffs. Not what you need.

[@janetdodson3529]

Thank you for making me 😅

[@mayloo2137]

I was taught to mix my paint colors in a palette, never in the pans. I tend to change the water when it becomes muddy. And I will wipe a damp brush on a paper towel. I live in a dry place. Can't avoid dry paint tubes. That's why I switched to pallets of paints. I am in an art class. There are times when I have to leave the painting unfinished.

[@AuntLauraRuth]

I'm very new to watercolor and this video was so helpful! I'm glad to hear that I shouldn't be putting colors into other colors. I've seen people do it in every tutorial I've watched so far and it hurts my Type A brain. :)

[@assortedfrogs5879]

I just started, but I used a dirty water jar and a clean water jar. The cool and warm colors is interesting.

[@lisahopp1112]

“Habits you need to stop... or not.” 🤣 I love vintage souvenir ashtrays, and I use them to hold and dry brushes horizontally. I like a clean palettes. I try so hard to be all free and keep on mixing. But it’s my thing....I love clean palettes. When a painting starts to go south, I make myself finish it. I figure I might as well get allllll the mistakes out of the way before trying again.

[@GuilHelmus]

I'm glad you brought it lightly to us. Easy tips and we'll just see what we do with it :). Some days we will listen, most days we won't :).

[@xTK421x]

ohhhhhhhhhhhh I leave paintings unfinished. OMG you are soooooo right!!!!!!!!

[@dorotheaherron5071]

Good points! You made them funny too😅 Im in the midst of a potential painting mess up, however, I will soldier on as you advised. Thank you Emma.

[@watercolourmark]

We have white paint for a reason, to use it. Daniel Smith has a Lavender paint. It is a mixture of blue, violet and white. If Daniel Smith uses white to mix a hue then it would be wise not to tell watercolourists not to use it. But if you like washed out weak lavender then go for it.

[@sherrytyson4321]

I get such a kick out of you! That being said, lots of good information here! Thank you!

[@artbylisaharrington]

Also, if you want a strong pastel color adding white qouache works great.

[@lluciae]

I love the last one! Is cool tp know that even good artists have that moment when they said "is awful...why i am doing this? " in worst of cases we acquire experience, so is ok :)