Granulating Watercolors (are you making these MISTAKES?)

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Do you like granulating colors, and have you tried Granulation medium? Try this video next: Drawing Tutorial (AVOID these 10 Beginners' Mistakes!) kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmrWd2yhequYhM0

[@suel4269]

I’ve used Winsor Newton granulation medium but it only worked with inks . Jean Lurssen it with abstract washes of watercolor with ink.

[@BobCline-y9c]

W-N has worked for me with M Graham and DS

[@robertweinblatt2018]

You’re an extremely thorough and wonderful instructor! Not a lot of BS🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🥇

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I appreciate that - a no BS medal too, I am honoured!

[@robertweinblatt2018]

I think as you head towards Pluto the sky might look like that deep blue🤣😜We have pure turquoise skies here in New Mexico🥰

[@smz5302]

I remember mixing Ultramarine and (if memory serves) Opera Pink to make a purple for a painting of violets. I'd look at my white, ceramic palette and think, "What the heck is wrong with these paints? They're separating! Is there some problem mixing this blue and pink that I'm ending up with these bits and flecks?" Ah...life as a beginner watercolorist. ;-) Thanks for all the info, as always, Michele.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

On the plus side it does make a great purple!

[@smz5302]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber The painting did turn out very well...one of my best, so far. ;-)

[@MeganKelleySaysHi]

Hi Michele, I love granulating colors. I would just like to add that you can manipulate how much granulation you get by using more or less water and by keeping the paint evenly distributed (or not). I've had some beautiful granulation effects on hot pressed paper, but you really need to use a lot of water then, or the pigment particles won't get a chance to flow on the paper and spread out from one another. Things like tilting the board and painting on an incline really help to get paints separated and pigment granules dispersed as well.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Great tips!

[@kareng8726]

Several months ago I bought granulation medium by Winsor & Newton. As you’ve described, I’d call it underwhelming as well. Since then I’ve purchased some nice granulating colors I can use from the tube. You have wonderful tutorials. Thank you.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are most welcome!

[@kathyb5740]

Excellent tutorial,thankyou.

[@jerrincurless5249]

This is so helpful! I'm learning so much!!!!! Thank you!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Happy to help!

[@maryannprzybycien2013]

I LOVE granulating paints. I have the Winsor & Newron granulation medium. You get a subtle granulation with staining colors. I've seen a lot of negative reviews for it but if you use it properly, it will work just fine. The directions on the bottle say for maximum effect, dilute color generously with medium alone. 😊

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Well, I tried it neat and could see no effect whatsoever! Perhaps it's not consistent because I swear it did nothing at all :-)

[@rubyfisch5077]

I love granulating colors, and was thinking about getting some granulation medium. I didn't want it for watercolor though. As someone else mentions, Jean Lurssen has gotten some really interesting results using it with inks, which is what I'd like to play with. Thanks for the great video! You sure pack a lot of information into your videos, and I learn something new every time.

[@haffers65]

Feel I need to be a chemist as well as an artist! This video has explained so much of what I have done that demotivated me, the knowledge you have shared informs me it is not just me being rubbish but that there are other factors. Thank-you Michelle

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem, a little technical knowledge goes a long way :-)

[@badams1376]

WHY do I always learn so much from you?!! For years, I've read all the books and watched so many videos...BUT you keep bringing me new information! Most of what you mention about these paints is totally NEW TO ME. I can't get over it. I love you!! Thanks so much. I feel so much more interested AND competent now thanks to YOU!!!!!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Wow, thank you! I was teaching for a lot of years before I came to KZbin, and I have designed paint colors too, which means I get to talk to the manufacturers ;-)

[@takinastabatit]

I fell in love with granulating paints before I knew what they were. When I first started painting (a whole two months ago haha) with a gifted, used art box, I was messing about with the Payne's Grey, and noticed it was doing fun things.

[@fdej51289]

Thanks so much .that was very informative and will help to make my paintings much more interesting. 👍

[@aliciashackley5830]

Excellent video Michele. Thx as usual. 🥰

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching :-)

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Ohh my goodness!! 😁🤣 You made this video it seems just specifically for me. I am guilty of all of these mistakes except for the hot pressed paper one. This is definitely a super informational video full of valuable information & tips. I have not used any granulation mediums yet but was leaning towards getting the Winsor & Newton medium. Thanks for sharing this video with us and have a great rest of the week & weekend.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You too Colleen you are very welcome!

[@BrazenSpirituality]

I really appreciate all of your tutorials. I come back and binge them regularly. 🎨🖼️🥰 This one is especially unique, thank you Michele!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you enjoy them!

[@marilynbeeby6435]

This is a fabulous tutorial Michele, thank you. 😊

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are welcome :-)

[@sue9435]

This video was so helpful, thankyou Michelle

[@chrishayman1747]

learning so much from your videos Michelle

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@juliebergacker5680]

Enjoying your Video! Thank you from a beginner 👏👍👍💕💕

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching!

[@juliec.]

Very helpful thank you. 👍👍

[@robintopping62]

I bought Winsor & Newton Granulation Medium a few months ago. Did very little to assist all the colors I tried to help granulate. Wouldn't buy this again. Your tips and advice are much more useful for me. I will NOT be buying this brand again, unless someone like yourself recommends it. I look forward to seeing if Jackson's can improve their granulation medium. Thank you very much, Michele, for your invaluable advice on most things to do with Painting and Drawing. You ARE a Star. Cheers from Robin Topping. 👍

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks Robin!

[@katemccarthy2463]

I have to say your tutorials are not only informative, and professional. I am so excited I have found you. Art is something I have always wanted to do, now I can with your help. Thank you 😊

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Wow, thank you!

[@rainbowfox1934]

Great information. Lots of fun.

[@thesilverpen]

I'm still learning to like granulation. It is a "new" texture for me to get used to. Acrylic and oils have really made moving to watercolor a world of exploration. I am totally in love with Payne's Gray. I actually bought a good brand tube, before upgrading my other colors. If I had to use one color only on a project, it would be Payne's Gray with tints and tones.

[@martinanelsonartandpsychol6478]

thank you for sharing your experience with us! 😊 I love the newer clear granulation medium from W&N. BUT 1. I only use it on very wet paintings I basically put down lots of pigments and then drop the medium on top and 2. I don’t mind surprises. also it seems to be sold out everywhere at the moment. 😩

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Interesting!

[@nattyw495]

Informative and interesting video thank you for the helpful information..i just use a little bit of lunar black to mix to make some colors a bit granular.mikelle art mom🎨👩‍🎨✍

[@mar_gheri_ta]

I was waiting for this video as I am studying granulating watercolours. I've bought Winsor and newton's granulating medium but I'm not satisfied with the results on staining watercolours but it works great with acrylic inks, they granulate wonderfully. With watercolours I generally use mars black combined with both granulating and non granulating watercolours sometime I use more than two pigments with a balanced quantity of mars black or lunar black (it's Pb11 anyhow) it's so much fun to see how those pigments hate each other and separate, potters pink is another of my favorites, lovely. Granulation, transparency, back runs isn't it magical? I'm so in love with watercolours 💕 it's pure joy!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

It is! Interesting about W&N, I couldn't make anything of it at all with watercolors!

[@mar_gheri_ta]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber it's a waist of money actually, but with some quinacridones an colours mixed with more than one pigment, I use Daniel Smith wc, it slightly works. No miracle thou

[@agold1702]

This is great content; I’ve just started working with granulating paints and LOVE it. Thanks for this!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Great to hear!

[@cosmicwolffe9757]

hello Michele, i hope your enjoying your day & it's not too hot for you/family... this tutorial was so well timed & gave me so much information i had to take notes & watch it again without subtitles for the visceral learning. ps --> i keep an art journal for new watercolour paint pallet swatches [i am a perfectionist that has to have the squares for each colour even with the others] & recipes i come up with/learn from other artists, as well as notes such as today's video 🕊

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Sounds great, don't worry I love the heat!

[@grannyslick1829]

So informative! As always

[@davidkreitzer6712]

Thanks for this - great information.

[@roxannelewis6490]

Enjoy how you get right into the lesson. Some tutorials I've seen have half of the program with the host saying hi to everyone and talking about their personal lives.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

It's a balance that's for sure!

[@tracyebrandt3235]

You are my go-to technical watercolor guru!!! You Rock!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Aww, thanks!

[@suel4269]

I’ll be examining my paper up close!

[@bonnieg4076]

I love Cerulean for skies, but usually end up adding other blues and some reds.

[@Calme1918]

I have learned so much from you, Thank you 😊

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're welcome!

[@ilahjarvis]

I'm partial to cobalt blue, another granulating color for skies. It's just a little lighter and less warm than ultramarine, and it's an appropriate sky color for coastal California where I live. I've also mixed ultramarine with phthalo blue for skies as well. Buckling with unstretched or unblocked paper is only a problem if you are coloring in large, very wet washes of granulating color. Unfortunately I haven't used a granulating medium that works well, and I find that combining a staining with a granulating medium, the result will be granulating texture with staining background. This can be lovely, but don't expect a staining color to suddenly become granulating.

[@scottmantooth8785]

*i prefer the look and nature of granulating colors and pigments in my attempts at messing about with watercolor...i'm still learning what techniques work best with the palette that i'm assembling which leans heavily towards the fairly subdued or muted earth tones which only enhances the brighter shades when i use them...also employ a lot of fountain pen ink washes that have shimmering, sheening or metallic elements...style leans more towards the abstract free form organic end of the spectrum at this stage due in part that my physical skill set (muscle memory and brush dexterity implementation) is not as advanced as the ideas ideas inside of my head which is very frustrating but i still find the act of painting a very meditative activity* *

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

All things improve with practice :-) Thanks for watching!

[@mar_gheri_ta]

Practice is everything for all skills you want to achieve, it's all trial and error and one day you will find yourself mastering technics

[@mariawalker8403]

@michele - that shirt and those colors look really good on you:). Thanks for another lesson - just found you a few days ago and have been binging on the goodness ❤️ Edit: your haircut is cute too!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you! I made the kimono jacket. Still not sure about the hair, everyone has been so nice, but it doesn't feel like me!

[@thomasbertone2438]

I really appreciate your clear explanations and examples to show what you're talking about! Very helpful!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're very welcome!

[@heatherburrell3502]

Thank you for a very interesting and informative lesson, you have clarified a lot of my beginner mistakes with using granulating colours for skies and glazing.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem!

[@clarewarp1384]

Oh this is great!! I remember asking you for tips for granulating pigments a couple of months ago. Thank you xx

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem 😊

[@TheSebiestor]

Thank you, that was super informative and interesting

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sunnymoon369]

Great video and I love your hair color!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@karenhoward303]

I have used Windsor Newton with success.

[@Jackjonesis]

Great discussion and demonstration. I just bought some Winsor Newton Granulating Medium. I find the it works best to increase the granulation of pigments that will already granulate. I am working on mountain landscapes that have a lot of pine trees where I want texture. The thing that I am experimenting with now is to spray it on with a mister. As you said Michelle, I am underwhelmed. Thanks for everything.

[@scottmantooth8785]

*have you ever employed (or thought about) experimenting with the possible technique of embossing specific areas of a painting (such as a tree trunk or branches) from the reverse side to give that area more visual or tactile interest?*

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

It's an idea of course, but because I work on stretched paper it wouldn't be possible, I often emboss from the top though.

[@donnatdeal]

ANother brilliant video by Michele! Every video teaches me something important, and I thank you. I am a beginner and just love watercolor. My instructor never touched this topic, and some in the class considered the granulation a sign of inferior paints. I enjoy using the granulating colors as part of the process of creativity. .. there are so many possibilities.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Granulation has nothing to do with quality, how strange! Glad you liked the video!

[@susanbuckley1964]

Soooo useful and detailed Michele. Brilliant video. Have not used a granulated medium yet, but can feel some experimenting coming on !

[@rosemarymoore3142]

Glad you said that about granulating mediums, i thought i must have been using it incorrectly, got a good one but i couldn't see anything!!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Me either, and I really wanted it to work!

[@patwessels2322]

I agree , granulation mediums are very underwhelming. Great tutorial as always.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks!

[@MsMcKat-ub4sm]

Thank you for the video.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching!

[@KatWoman_]

Love the examples and comparisons. Subscribed.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks so much!

[@yoshaart]

I have just started working with watercolours and this video is very informative. Thank you.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

So glad!

[@joykruczay]

Wonderful explanation with excellent photos! It serves as a great lesson/reminder how much paper type can help or hinder ones work. IMO, it was informative and may get your video out to more experienced artists that you mentioned in the beginning that all can benefit from this. Experienced artists may shy away from titles with "beginner" in the title. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Deservedly, your subscribers are increasing!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you liked it! Yes exciting to see subscribers go up!

[@AliseIam]

OMG - thank you so much for this video… I’m super new to this and I was wondering why the colors looks so grainy when compared to all the tutorials I saw (and NO ONE explains this)… Now how do you NOT buy these grainy colors (cause I have plenty already lol 😆) and all manufacturers don’t actually point this out 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are very welcome. It's a matter of understanding pigments, rather than brands or colors. Until you gain that knowledge the easiest way is to google it, something like staining watercolors or non granulating, adding the color you want, like blue or yellow. For example all ultramarines granulate, and all indian yellows are transparent (staining). It's the pigment type that decides.

[@anasel-mahdi7908]

very Good educational art lesson for any one who used watercolor paints regardless of their level.THANKS

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

My pleasure 😊

[@scmarinemom24]

I always learn so much from your videos. Also, your manicures are always perfection! What color is this?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks! No idea sorry, I go to a lovely lady called Sophie, hundreds of bottles and I just point at one I fancy :-)

[@johnbrengle1443]

Very helpful! Thanks for examples!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're very welcome!

[@louiseryder5035]

Wonderful xx 😘

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you! 😊

[@AHerzi-ot6ze]

Thank you very much for sharing your expertise! I learn so much from your lessons.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching!

[@wendybalchin4819]

Everything you say is very helpful and true. Yet somehow, I find these 'rules' restricting to my creativity and sometimes the greatest mistakes turn out to give the best results. Maybe I just find rules in art depressing.

[@Obsidian_Iris_]

Like all of your other videos I’ve watched, this was spectacular! In an amazingly short period of time your channel has become one of my most favorite and you’ve become one of my best sources of both basic (but essential) information and easy to follow tutorials. You are a truly gifted teacher and a very talented artist! As someone who has always enjoyed learning just for the sake of learning, I can appreciate the fact that a person’s knowledge or expertise of a subject is NOT in direct correlation to the person’s proficiency in teaching the subject. I’ve had teachers new to the profession who quickly learned that just because you have expert knowledge or ability of a subject doesn’t mean you have the ability to explain it to someone else so that they understand it or understand how to do it. The ability to teach is a talent (one that is greatly under-appreciated in American society, unfortunately). The ability to inspire students to want to learn is a gift. I envy your real life students. P.S. 🍎 An apple for the teacher. In case it wasn’t clear, I’m a fan -atic- (Just kidding! I’m only a fan. Honest.) 😂.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for the apple :-) Yes I have gone to very good artists for tuition in the past and found that some of them just can't seem to explain what they do.

[@julieholman10]

Thank you for all your videos. Looking forward to the future ones.💙

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you like them!

[@Linda-qq5mg]

Thank you for a very informative video. I enjoyed it so much!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I'm so glad!

[@stephanieh930]

Great note on using Hot Press versus Cold Press watercolor paper! I've never heard anyone state a reason for their choice, other than personal preference.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

It's important I feel, to know the reasoning behind things!

[@petragunther4439]

Thank YOU, Michele, for your video 🙏 I love granulation ! I tried the granulation medium from Winsor&Newton, it sounds perfect - but there wasn't any Granulation

[@liamwatson5125]

Granulation is good for symbolizing sand or soil in the painting.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

It is!

[@rosemarymoore3142]

Thank you for an interesting video.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@annettefournier9655]

Thanks Michele. Your French ultramarine granulated beautifully. Is it Jackmans? Granulation medium ; I've tried W&N. Really not impressive. Actually quite lacking. 💜

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Yes, it is!

[@nevel-luna5070]

I appreciate the video!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching!

[@Scottlp2]

I like granulating pigments, but not for eg the sky. Fortunately Jane blundell’s website shows examples of different brands for most colors to help me find non granulating blues.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Yes her website is amazing!

[@sherryscoloringandpaintingcorn]

michele is there a list somewhere i could have to reference whats granulating , staining , and transparent? it would be really helpful.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Not really, but your brand should have info on their website. Also I have a few videos on granulation, and there should be a list of the most common ones in the video descriptions (it may even be in this video description, I can't recall)

[@thesilverpen]

would a sprinkle of corn starch create a granulation texture? I'll test a swatch when I paint again. Tapioca starch maybe?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You can add all sorts of things but avoid food, unless it's completely removed, or things may 'eat' your paper. You can buy granulation mediums but I've never found a good one. If you just want little marks then sand can be used, and brushed off when dry, or rice gives an interesting effect :-)

[@thesilverpen]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber oh wow, didnt think of that--starch is a food, just didnt register in my head that it was bad for paper. You saved me from destroying my good paper in an experiment. Ill see if the artists downtown use any particular product, our town is a magnet for artists of all kids, with numerous art galleries and museums. For a small town it is impressive. Ill tryt o ask them when nI see them out painting if they use a granulating medium and if they found a "good" one.

[@delphinewood7519]

I was just given a set of granulating paints as a gift. The timing of this video tutorial is wonderful. I’d be very interested in seeing a tutorial of you mixing your favorite granulating color combinations. Phthalo blue and ??? 🙏💙🌵

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Great suggestion! I have done a few of these, there's a color mixing playlist if you take a look :-)

[@martinitang]

Is your jackman paint available on Amazon? I would love to get some. I am in Singapore. ❤

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Hi Marilyn. I know some of the range are on Amazon, not sure if my sets are there, you can also buy direct from the manufacturer, or ask to them for information. Jackman's Art Materials UK 🙂

[@scottmantooth8785]

*19:40** at one time years ago (if not decades) i experimented with india ink and added something to it that caused it to separate in the most beautiful way...not sure if it was salt or alcohol or maybe some combination of both or the reaction to the card stock on which the pigment had been applied but i have not been able to reproduce the effect since...any suggestions?*

[@mar_gheri_ta]

It should have been salt, anyway inks that are not water based granulate well even with granulation medium. Are you in Michele's facebook group? It would be great to see your work

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

It's my experience that many of the older inks granulated all by themselves.

[@yesimk.7708]

Thank you for the info Michele, I hear about the granulation for the first time, I am a real amateur then 😅 others talking about buying granulating colours, is it written on the paints, or ist stg that artists know which are the granulating colours, do you have a video about that? Thx 🌸

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Not always written on the paints, depends on the brand, but the website will give info. It's more about the type of pigment, for example ultramarine always granulates, phthalo never does. Click the video description box, I have written a list of the most common ones for you :-)

[@yesimk.7708]

Thx 🙏🏽

[@jennymurray2873]

Thank you. Made notes. Excellent video. I've got Winsor & Newton Granulating Medium. It wasn't a brilliant wow, but I haven't really messed about with it. Use it neat, no added water. Would salt water have the same effect? Lastly, I love the bird painting.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Not sure about salt water, salt (although I use it) can damage paper so probably best avoided in big quantities.

[@annahopper3727]

How do you know it’s a granulating colour if your choosing colours ?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

There's a list in the video description of the most common ones, it's about the pigments, not the brand or the cost so you just get to know.

[@bonnieg4076]

I've not tried granulating mediums, I haven't seen a need for them as yet.

[@DeniseBrooks1955]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@basta.dotto_]

I've tried W&N and Schmincke granulation mediums, and, well... 👎 Schmincke works a bit better than W&N for me, but no where close to what I get out of a tube of a granulating colour. I wind up buying granulating colours and mixing them with other colours - staining or granulating - to get what I want. Also, with Schmincke's super granulating colour, I find no need to buy the medium. That said, I've had some success with the Schmincke medium, but instead of following the instructions, I put it directly in my paint puddle before putting it on the paper. I've also tried adding salt to the water and using the salted water to dilute my paint and make puddles which I then apply to the paper. This works best for me, rather than the true granulation mediums.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Interesting!

[@basta.dotto_]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber I forgot to say that I dissolve the salt in distilled water, just in case tap water would cancel out the salt because of whatever chemicals are used to kill some bacteria in tap water. Also, one thing I haven't tried yet is using sparkling mineral water with high sodium bicarbonate content or baking soda to see what results I would get. 🤔

[@jakea1035]

Thank you for today! I have tried Winsor and Newton and much as I appreciate their watercolours I found that particular medium to be only mediocre at best.

[@christinebravomom5711]

I recently left my dirty water overnight and noticed a skin of bluish stuff on the bottom the next day. Ah, I thought. Granulating color! :)

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Indeed!

[@Marrilyn1000]

I am quite disappointed with Winsor Newton granulating fluid, it really didn't give me a strong enough effect that I'd more for

[@robertweinblatt2018]

Cheap anything looks wonky! That’s what makes it cheap😥

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Indeed

[@ashleywright8686]

Only good thing cheap watercolor paper is good for is testing out the color-and even then… 🫣

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks so much!

[@carolpenn1155]

Very useful thank you 😀

[@jacquibudd9330]

Thanks for this really informative video, really helpful

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem!