How To Paint Birds in Watercolor - Step by Step Blackbird Watercolor Painting Tutorial

[@muhlenstedt]

I am 57 years old and have being painting vor 20 years, learning from worshops , videos and books .I paintly mostly animals and plants and this is the first tutorial that really teached me how to paint twigs.Finally! Thank you so much for that, you made me free from so much frustration and that is important, since I have this hobby to feel more focused and relaxed.I wish you all the best, thanks again!

[@AlisonFennell]

Well that is great to hear Muhlenstedt! Makes it all worth while when I hear something like that. Twigs are such fun to paint aren't they? And tree trunks - well they are just fat twigs! I am glad it helped get you over that hurdle.

[@danybouquet3448]

muhlenstedt m0

[@carlossotoarguello1077]

Beatifull watercolor GRACIAS

[@AlisonFennell]

my pleasure Carlos x

[@MedaHalmaciu]

Thank you so much for this tutorial.

[@AlisonFennell]

Hi Meda - thanks so much for liking this watercolour blackbird tutorial!

[@MedaHalmaciu]

@@AlisonFennell Thank you for taking the time to create it. I love blackbirds. I want to create a painting or illustration. So far I only did some sketches, but your tutorial gives me theje courage to try painting.

[@AlisonFennell]

@@MedaHalmaciu Excellent Meda - just take your time and focus on your skills and you will progress - by the way - I have a free 1 hour course here - would you like it>? the-pottering-artist.teachable.com/p/free-course-paint-shiny-spheres-in-watercolour - enjoy - Alison

[@teresamitchell-banks2286]

A wonderful tutorial and a beautiful painting. Thank you for sharing it with us🇨🇦

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks so much Teresa!

[@marilynbeeby6435]

Absolutely wonderful, I love how you explain everything and show how you mix the paints. The knuckle tip is great too😊

[@AlisonFennell]

Hi Marilyn - thanks for that and I am glad to be of help:) Just for info - I now offer a FAB monthly watercolour tutorial package on Patreon...want to see? Here is the link ok - www.patreon.com/join/thepotteringartist?

[@tomturnbull5578]

I am slowly working through your back catalogue of KZbin lessons and learning so much from each one. This is not a demo, but a materclass. Thank you for being so generous with your time and sharing your knowledge.

[@AlisonFennell]

Oh what a lovely comment and compliment Tom! Thanks very much. I do my best to share all knowledge and am glad it is reaching you. If you'd like more input from me and do a spot of pottering at the same time would you like to see my new art blog? It is here - www.thepotteringartist.com/

[@Evi_Evi86]

You're an amazing teacher. Thanks for your videos!

[@AlisonFennell]

Well what a lovely compliment Laura thanks a million and Happy New Year!

[@juliedavies3481]

Fabulous tutorial I am going to try wet in wet for the first time! Inspiring, so well paced and informative, thank you ❤️

[@AlisonFennell]

Super to hear that Julie

[@highspeedbraces]

Best tutorial ever!!!

[@AlisonFennell]

Well how kind of you Michael - many thanks indeed! More coming soon.

[@mysticalsister]

I've been watching A LOT of watercolor demos, and this is the best one I've watched. From beginning to end, I loved it. I feel like I understand the use of watercolor so much better than before, simply from watching you paint. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this class, and for all the amazing inspiration.

[@AlisonFennell]

What a lovely compliment - thanks for taking the time to let me know how much you got from this. That's made my day. More coming soon - :)

[@AlisonFennell]

Dear Mystical sister - I love your comment and so - would you like a free micro watercolour lesson in exchange for signing up to my fortnightly art email? If so click here! hotmail.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=49c5d3eb67e3dd17eb365aad5&id=4b5fdbddc5 Alison:)

[@titusalonso8219]

dunno if anyone cares but if you are stoned like me during the covid times then you can watch all of the new movies on InstaFlixxer. Been binge watching with my gf for the last few days :)

[@caleblyric7560]

@Titus Alonso definitely, have been using InstaFlixxer for months myself :D

[@marianrhodes]

Amazing. Brilliantly easy to follow too. Thank you. I will never be anywhere near as good but enjoying your tutorials.

[@AlisonFennell]

You never know Marian - I only started seriously painting a lot of animals 7 years ago - I couldn't even draw them back then. Glad they helped and thanks for the thumbs up - Alison

[@Beagleheads]

Wow! That cerulean is perfect! It has such a lovely subtle glow. :)

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks very much - I hope you will try it out:)

[@francoiseparpillon6552]

Thank you so much for this fantastic tutorial with all your comments about colours, size of painting brushes , how and why you paint the way you do etc....I was taught to lay down light colours first and go on with the darker ones .... you built up your blackbird the other way round and it's fantastic , very lively ! I just feel like trying.....

[@AlisonFennell]

My pleasure Francoise - I love to help other sby showing as much as I know. I hope you give it a go - working in a series is a good way to come on in painting.

[@carlossotoarguello1077]

PRECIOSO ALISON

[@AlisonFennell]

Muchas gracias por su commentario Carlos x

[@AnneGoggansQHHT]

Love the soft treatment of twigs.

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks Anne - that was my main joy in the painting too - letting the colour creep around and make the curve:)

[@francoisederocher]

Following your directions, I painted a bluebird perched on a flowering crabtree branch and I am pleased with it. Softening the colors for the far-away pink blooms worked really well. Spring has arrived in my garden near Atlanta, and the bluebirds are flying around looking for a place to nest. So cute! Thanks again for all the good tips.

[@AlisonFennell]

There we go! Well done - that sounds lovely - I would like to see it if you want to share - my email is [e-mail]

[@wanttolearnreidy4469]

Hi Alison, Thanks so much for this very detailed and fact full demonstration. I am keen to paint birds but am not confident about the method I am using. Background also elude me. I feel that I gained many, many tips from you today.....colour mixing for dark colours, wet-in-wet for branch texture and 3-D effects. Many, many thanks for such a detailed demonstration. I also liked your oval frame idea. The end product looked very professional.

[@AlisonFennell]

Well that's fab Reidy - so glad you have gained something from this - just keep on playing and experimenting - Alison

[@racheljohnson497]

Lovely Technique. Thank you for the step by step descriptive instruction. I am new too painting. Finally I know what Frisket is. Thank you again.

[@AlisonFennell]

Super - thanks Rachel and I hope you enjoy my new videos as they arrive .

[@jansadventures6010]

Wonderful demo. Thank you for going slow and explaining the details.

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks Jan - I am glad it is at a pace and level of thoroughness that suits you. This week I am chuffed to be able to tell you that I now also have The Pottering Artist Academy - purposely crafted courses for the watercolour newbies - if that's you and want to look - here is my link - the-pottering-artist.teachable.com/

[@spoedreeks]

your tutorials are amazing!!!! I m so glad I found yr channel

[@AlisonFennell]

Oh thanks Iris - that is a lovely compliment - happy new year!

[@nursdurkin]

I so enjoyed this lovely and informative video...thank you so much for sharing; I finally believe I can now paint wet on wet!

[@AlisonFennell]

Great news Paula! So glad thi s clicked with you and thanks - Alison

[@francoisederocher]

What a fantastic demonstration, full of information. I have a lot of gorgeous woodpeckers in my feeder and will try to do a portrait following your directions. I find the eye is the easiest part to mess up. Your branches are beautiful. Than you!

[@AlisonFennell]

That is lovely to hear Francoise - thank you. Good luck with the woodpecker.

[@agedjake]

Thank you for showing the "step by step" of this painting. Most informative and enjoyable.

[@AlisonFennell]

Any time agedjake! Thanks

[@annajean8429]

I love the tempo of your tutorials and your instructions. You are helping me tremendously. Thank you.

[@AlisonFennell]

I try to keep it steady and slowish and am chuffed to hear that works for you Anna - thanks

[@aprilmilbrandt716]

Thank you so much...I so enjoy your relaxed attitude while teaching....I have learned so much from you...delightful!

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks April - since I've been filming at home and not during my actual class (where I deliver these videos) I am taking more time as there is less pressure!

[@mollycaton5063]

I love the way you explain everything you are doing it is so helpful ❤

[@AlisonFennell]

I'm a teacher at heart Mary so perhaps that's why I can't help but show how to do things - I enjoy it 0 glad you enjoyed

[@mapeandrews3951]

Beautiful! You are such a great teacher. I love the way you painted the branches. Really nice painting. Thanks!!!

[@AlisonFennell]

Very kind Mape - thanks. I really enjoyed going slowly with the branches too.

[@joycewhitebread5398]

This video is wonderful. I cannot wait to try this, and learning the techniques shown to produce the wintery effect on the tree limbs. Thank you so much

[@AlisonFennell]

I enjoyed doing it too - the paper is divine - Arches Cold pressed 140lbs (100% cotton) so much better than wood pulp/alphacellulose papers:) That is what helped the washes to creep so interestingly around the twigs Joyce. Thanks.

[@maryalgar8779]

This is absolutely gorgeous! I love your style and will be following you. I just love bird paintings.

[@AlisonFennell]

Many thanks Mary:) So lovely to hear this helps you.

[@suegates6584]

I have only just found this tutorial and it was so detailed and so helpful.... thank you so much.

[@AlisonFennell]

Hi Sue - thanks for the positive words - do you paint mostly birds? Alison

[@ScentSational35]

This is SO LOVELY!! Thank you for such an amazing tutorial!!

[@AlisonFennell]

What an encouraging message this morning - thanks SS35 - are you a watercolourist ?

[@graemejaine1578]

Love, love, love it.

[@AlisonFennell]

Well Howdy Graeme and thanks for the enthusiasm! What did you get from this tutorial for your own artistic path I wonder? Alison

[@shirleysrussell6235]

A very good video. I love birds and this is so inspirational. Thank you.

[@AlisonFennell]

Super - so glad you got something from this Shirley.

[@2112Dahlia]

I went ahead and tried the sap green and magenta combination since I'd never tried it before and I love it! I really like the knuckle tip too 😊. Thank you!

[@AlisonFennell]

They are complementaries Dahlia and so I used them to get that moody chilly grey - glad you liked.

[@carlossotoarguello1077]

excelente watercolor GRACIAS ALISON

[@AlisonFennell]

Muchas gracias por su commentario Carlos:)

[@joehobbs9535]

Thank you so much for excellent tuition! Have been searching for this sort of information and detail for months!!!!! You are very generous sharing your knowledge ! Xx

[@AlisonFennell]

So glad it helps you and thanks!

[@susanbrosnan2103]

I loved this tutorial. I found it really helpful in developing my use of wet on wet water color.

[@AlisonFennell]

Wonderful! I am glad to hear you got some insight and inspiration for your watercolour path Susan. How far are you along it? If you'd like access to more art encouragement come over to my creative hive here www.thepotteringartist.com/ - on my art blog you can send in any images you do and I feature them and then draw a winner every month. The prize is a free 8x10 inch watercolour print of your choice from my online gallery - www.etsy.com/uk/shop/AlisonFennellArt?ref=simple-shop-header-name

[@lindamcneff79]

Love your birds. The eyes really make them come alive. I've been on a bird kick lately but can't decide which is worse...my drawing or my painting! :) I love wet-on-wet like you paint, but timing is everything, as they say; So true! Anyway, thanks for more inspiration. It's a joy to watch you paint.

[@AlisonFennell]

Well that's a coincidence Linda - blackbirds must be in ! Just keep on looking and when you look - squint so that you simplify your tones. Timing is everything and I hope in these demos that I go on about it so often that at some point you will get it :)

[@claudetecarlosdepaivavaque4951]

Você usa silicone nos pés e bico?

[@AlisonFennell]

si Claudete:)

[@patriziacathey605]

Alison,once again you amaze me with your skill and teaching method.I have no doubt that many others will feel the same as word spreads.You are an inspiration!P.S. I've read tons of painting books and watched just as many videos but I have never seen the "knuckle" trick,very cool! Sincere gratitude for all you are giving in time and knowledge!

[@AlisonFennell]

What a way to start my weekend - so kind of you and I really appreciate that. All I want to know is that these videos are helping you. What projects have you got on at the mo?

[@carrieannwolfe160]

Hello! Thank you so much for taking the time to do such a beautiful tutorial. I find it easy to sketch but when it comes to the painting part I freeze up afraid I will ruin the sketch! It's happens a lot. Also, knowing when to stop is a problem. Please keep the videos coming they are such a big help! May peace be with you :)

[@AlisonFennell]

How kind - thanks Carrieann - I hope these will help you - more soon

[@valeriegirvin7939]

Beautiful Alison, thank you 😃

[@AlisonFennell]

Hi Valeire - my pleasure and thanks:)

[@KEMGRenwick]

Thank you for your excellent videos. As a watercolour beginner, I am finding them very helpful. Much nicer than the speeded up ones.

[@AlisonFennell]

That's great Kat - thanks and keep on practising.

[@eung-keunlee7845]

Thank you Alison, I enjoyed every minute of this video !

[@AlisonFennell]

That's great to hear Eung-Keun - how long have you been painting?

[@eung-keunlee7845]

Alison, it's been years now that every weekend I say to myself "this time you start painting" and nothing happened so far... I did the easiest part, I bought quantity of brushes, paint both in tubes and pans , and even several palettes... and spend lot of time watching videos on youtube... and finally I found you ! I liked your technique and your style, I liked your voice and your tone, I may really start painting now... it's about time considering that I am 61... (ha ha ha)...

[@AlisonFennell]

Hi Eung-Keun - I really hope that you do. It is hard to sit down and start it - it's almost like the dream is nicer than the reality but don't deny yourself the luxury of being a beginner and falling in love with this medium. If you have all the gear just try small projects. If you want the outlines for the bird email me at [e-mail]

[@gracielagallizia9176]

Eung-Keun Lee 7

[@mollycaton5063]

Excellent 👍😊⭐️

[@elizabethdancy8215]

Wow! Amazing....

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks Elizabeth - I hope you are enjoying being on the academy now!

[@kbd2076]

Love your tutorials.. so informative, terrific advice and a wonderful artistic talent. Many thanks ;)

[@AlisonFennell]

That's made my day Kathyn - thanks!

[@kbd2076]

Alison Fennell Alison... I love the wet into wet that you do. I'd like to try it .. do you have any suggestions for something small/minor to begin with. Thanks Kath

[@AlisonFennell]

Hi Kathyn - OK - try thi s crab - it's controlled wet into wet:))kzbin.info/www/bejne/faC0dpeFd7-Ep80

[@sharonash2441]

I loved watching your video thank you so much I'm starting on watercolor painting and I love that you show everything

[@AlisonFennell]

I can't help myself Sharona! I am an ex primary school teacher and an Aquarian (apparently we like to coommunicate ideas) - so thanks and glad it helps you.

[@karencollar999]

I have only just discovered your KZbin videos - really enjoyed this tutorial, thank you so much, your step by step instructions are really helpful for a beginner like me, you really brought this bird to life. Thank you very much.

[@AlisonFennell]

Fabulous - that's great to hear Karen:) Thanks

[@Amit_Kunder]

Please upload some more tutorial videos, this one was very educational, Thankyou😊

[@AlisonFennell]

I will Amit - as soon as I can make them ok! Thanks for your compliment.

[@thomasmacintyre581]

Good afternoon Alison, I have just watched how to paint a blackbird, absolutely fantastic , I loved painting at school, but am ashamed to say that I have never tried since, (I am 70 years old).....I have more books at home on all types of painting , I have joined the SAA, and further have bought a range of brushes, watercolour paints etc, with a promise to myself to start painting again when I retire, ( this happened 10 years ago) I still have not put brush or pencil to paper yet....but I am thinking about it...........this demo I promise has really had the jolt I need.......( I hope) thanks again for your excellent demo... regards Tom Mac

[@AlisonFennell]

Dear Thomas Mac - I am going to contact you again on Feb 28th and if you have not put brush or pencil to paper there will be hell to pay! LOL :)! Seriously though - thank you so much for that lovely comment I appreciate it but I would like it even moer to hear you'd started splashing paint around. Now is always a good time to start somthing - age/time is unimportant. Top tip - if you decide to have a go at this why not try1) ONE twig 2) just the head of the blackbird etc rather than the whole thing. It's better to do lots opf small starts rather than invest in a big one and then get disheartened. Anyway - just give it a g please! The fact that you were attracted to art years ago means you still have that desire in you - let it out however well or badly - don't judge results - enjoy processes - Alison

[@thomasmacintyre581]

Hi Alison, I will keep it short......yes I will get started..small bites

[@AlisonFennell]

That is great Thomas - as I type I am actually uploading a video clip about doing small play watercolours for fun and exploration - so that may be of interest to you:)

[@thomasmacintyre581]

Excellent , look forward to watching (perhaps even attempting)....

[@AlisonFennell]

Absolutely:) In fact I should make more time for play in painting myself!

[@mikedoyley3142]

At 67 decided to have a go at watercolour, I did have a go at oils a few years ago, not much good I may add, I thought this was going the same way,(no confidence and slow) I`ve been trying to learn off different artists and dvd`s, I came across your tutorial and I must say what a true professional, When I got stuck on drawing the blackbird I e mailed you for a template and it was no bother for you to reply the very next day. Once again a very big thank you and please keep the tutorials going. Diolch yn fawr iawn.

[@AlisonFennell]

My pleasure Mike;)

[@Katyusha8]

I learned so much from this tutorial, thank you! I could not achieve black with my set of watercolors (Talen's Transparent Watercolors), though. I ended up using the black from my Aem Hi watercolor in tubes. I am pleased!

[@AlisonFennell]

That's lovely to hear Lyd! I'm delighted that you feel such accomplishment after this - your image is very good and now you hopefully have more confidence and technique but most of all the watercolour bug! Do ask if you need any more outlines - Alison

[@tammyh8694]

Wonderful lesson ,the way you showed every mix of paint and step, just fabulous for us newbies and beautiful painting, thank you so much I think my next will be a bird, very inspiring can wait to view your other lessons and definitely subscribed

[@AlisonFennell]

That's lovely to hear Tammy - thanks very much - Alison

[@johnnycollinson3529]

Amazing, you have inspired me to use watercolour.

[@AlisonFennell]

Yes! That's what I like to hear Johnny - what subjects do you really want to paint most? Enjoy your watercolour path - Alison

[@johnnycollinson3529]

I'd like to paint magpie's and jay's also really interested in painting botanical flowers.

[@AlisonFennell]

How lovely - keep on painting Johnny !

[@patchoulitwentyseven970]

This is lovely! Your wonderfully clear explanation has opened up the mystery of how to create such life-like twigs and branches, not to mention the beautiful blackbird. I feel really inspired - thank you for sharing so generously.

[@AlisonFennell]

Hi there Patchouli - love your name by the way:) One of my fave essences. Delighted to hear you enjoyed this and found it useful - more coming each week. Alison

[@ArtDrawingss]

Such an awesome artwork

[@AlisonFennell]

That's very kind Ahasan - thanks x

[@deesmily1]

Absolutely beautiful! You make it look so easy! I have watched a hundred videos, and still sit here terrified to pick up my brush!

[@AlisonFennell]

Well deep breath and have a go and just allow yourself time to play. Pick one subject and draw it or trace it a few times and just play with painting it in different ways - work smallish so you won't beat yourself up over "wasting" paper and paint. What subjects appeal to you?

[@bl0tt44]

gorgeous tutorial and well taught, very clear, thank you. am making some watercolour mini paintings to sell as kits, this tutorial has been fantastic xxx

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks for that - just to say though this image is for your own personal learning and could not be put into a kit for sale ok - :) Alison

[@loumcvey1106]

wonderful !

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks Lou:)

[@lesliegulyas148]

Wow! I love your work. I'm bit of a novice watercolor painter, but I'm very fond of painting birds. The details of the twigs are a great touch. I do have a question about your camera setup - what camera are you using to be able to zoom in and out at touch? I would like to set up something similar for my studio. Thanks for sharing your work. You are truly talented.

[@AlisonFennell]

Hi Leslie - great that you found this useful - thanks for the compliments - my camera is a Panasonic Full HD one - model HC-V180 10megapixels.

[@TamiGoldmann]

So beautiful! ❤❤

[@AlisonFennell]

Very kind Tami thanks - are you a wildlife lover?

[@jillplunkett5704]

Thank you. Very informative.

[@AlisonFennell]

Great to hear that Jill - enjoy your watercolour - new video coming today/tomorrow on a green hilly Tyrolean scene.

[@arthurmoore2166]

Fantastic tuition video.

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks Arthur:)

[@maryalgar8779]

Hi Alison. Do you have a list of your favourite brushes anywhere on your website?

[@AlisonFennell]

Hi Mary Beth - no I don't but I can tell you I use Curtis ward mostly - here is a link ok curtisward.com/curtisward-mastertouch-aquamarine-round-7-brush-set.html xx

[@conniehall3873]

Beautiful!

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks Connie

[@wendyb7993]

Fabulous. You're an inspiration 🤗

[@AlisonFennell]

So kind Wendy - I hope you will have a go of this.

[@madamedefarge7266]

You're a phenomenal teacher, sharing all the explanations I sorely needed. I'm inspired to try your techniques, but unfortunately without a pattern to trace I can't make a branch, let alone a bird. I guess I can apply the techniques to another picture. Sigh ... I wish I could draw.

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks so much for that lovely message Madame DeFarge - if you have trouble drawing that is no problem - just email me at [e-mail] and I will send you the outline and ref image to help you - for your own purposes only OK:)!

[@StudioNicoline]

I love your style and beautiful voice. What is the board you've attached your paper to? I've tried stretching with the gummed tape on two different substrates, but the tape lifted overnight and the paper was no good.

[@AlisonFennell]

Hi Nicoline - it is plywood - it has 3 layers of wood stuck together - I hope that helps x

[@desireewenzel1]

Hey Alison. I enjoy your videos very much. I love your explanations as you go along and I love your paintings. I am are beginner and I have a question : the paper you use, how would you compare it to Saunders waterford NOT cold pressed? Can I gain the same as you can with the water effect? Best regards Desiree

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks Desiree! Both papers are excellent as they are 100% cotton rag - the best. Both would do the same job - the one I used is 90lbs (200gsm) so it is lighter in weight but has the same surface texture. There is no right or wrong surface - you will just end up with a slightly more textured look if you use cold pressed (NOT) compared to Hot pressed or rough.

[@desireewenzel1]

Thank you very much, Alison. And Thank you for all your videos :-)

[@kaytlynwatson8166]

I'm painting a blackbird for my final piece for my GCSE art course and this video honestly helped me so much. I was a bit hesitant to paint a blackbird because I couldn't find any truly helpful videos but this was exactly what I was looking for. thank you. I also love the painting.(quick question, are you from wales?)

[@kaytlynwatson8166]

You are, I knew it :) I noticed the accent as soon as I heard it. I from wales also, its nice too see an artist as talented as your are coming from somewhere that's, lets face it ,invisible. love to see more of your videos :)

[@AlisonFennell]

That's great to hear how helpful you found this Kaytlyn:) Thanks for the lovely comments and yes I am from Wales - whereabouts are you from?

[@kaytlynwatson8166]

near Swansea :)

[@Nekochi111]

Beautiful😍

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks:)

[@kathymcwaters6309]

Lovely. Thanks so much for sharing. Do you post your outline of your drawing anywhere? I can't draw.

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks Kathy - and yes - if you email me at [e-mail] I'll sort you out with the outline

[@kathymcwaters6309]

Thank you, I sent my email address to you.

[@marsbeads]

at 36:24 you say burnt umber, but is it burnt sienna? Wonderful painting. I hope to give it a go.

[@AlisonFennell]

Hi there - yes - it is Burnt Umber - I always use BU and French Ultramarine Blue to give a lovely rich black - hope that helps! Do you like art and doing things slowly? I have a new blog - if you'd like to see - www.thepotteringartist.com/ - join in if you like marsbeads

[@bombarapinats6786]

👏👏❤❤🍀🍀☘☘🌹🌹👏👏

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks for that glad you liked this watercolour blackbird

[@hyojindo7077]

Alison, I love your painting and your instruction. Thank you so much for sharing these. Yesterday, I was trying to paint this...and I had some difficulty mainly because when I wet the paper, it just dries up too fast. And I couldn't get wet on wet effect and soft transition like you tried on this video. Specially the background... and even thick branches.. And so when I wet the paper with more water trying not to make water pool, now the paper got too soft and wrinkled...I used Canson XL watercolor paper.. .Any advice? Thanks!

[@AlisonFennell]

Hi Hyojin. Thanks so much for your kind comments. My first question is - did you stretch your watercolour paper before you started painting or did you just use it straight from the pack/pad? If you do not stretch your paper it will wrinkle. Here are 2 videos on how to stretch paper. kzbin.infosearch?query=stretch This is fundamental to watercolour painting - especially if you use weights of 140lbs (300gsm) or less. If you use very thick paper there is less chance of wrinkling. Also - wet your paper much more than you think - then let that first water soak in for about 3 minutes - then wet it again - if you use cotton rag paper this will hold that moisture much better than Canson XL as that is woodpulp/celulose and NOT cotton. Hope that helps - Alison

[@hyojindo7077]

Alison, I used just strait out of the pad. How do I do stretch the paper???

[@AlisonFennell]

Hi Hyo - here are the links - kzbin.infosearch?query=stretch

[@phillipiacobacci1369]

When you got to the eye, what did you use as a blocking? This is something that gets me. I am new and learning, sort of anyway.

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks Phillip - not sure what you mean by a blocking. ?:)

[@phillipiacobacci1369]

@@AlisonFennell Maybe the word was or should have been masking?

[@AlisonFennell]

@@phillipiacobacci1369 Hi Phillip - yes - I used Winsor & Newton masking fluid - just painted a teeny bit around the eye with a small cheap old brush - :)

[@marciariesz3861]

Thank you very much!

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks Marcia - glad it helped

[@artieross9537]

More birds, please!

[@AlisonFennell]

Ok Artie - will try!

[@katmcmid1341]

That Welsh accent ❤️

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks Kit - glad you like it!

[@katmcmid1341]

@@AlisonFennell I lived in Pontypridd, Cardiff and Cardiff Bay for 6 years. I live in New Zealand now. Thanks for your beautiful tutorial! I'll be sure to watch your other videos!

[@AlisonFennell]

@@katmcmid1341 Well there's a small world! How long have you been out there? My 2 nephews have been in Oz for 5 and 2 years respectively and love it. Thanks for the compliment and I hope you may try it.

[@SsaurabhTewari]

Hi... I am learning watercolors from past one year i am trying to copy paintings of other artists. Just want to know is this the correct way of learning or i should try to copy photographs and try to transform them into watercolor painting. Please advice. Thank you.

[@reneewant6408]

Hi Saurabh, there is nothing wrong with replicating someones painting in order to learn how the process works. Many artists that are comfortable within themselves even encourage you to try. Great artists have also copied the great masters works in their time. its a learning curve...once you are comfortable with what you are doing then start transitioning to your own photos.. remember your painting is a representation of you and your ideas and images ...no art is wrong ...good luck - :)

[@SsaurabhTewari]

Thank you Rennee... :)

[@AlisonFennell]

Do both Saurabh - in art there has always been a master apprentice way of learning and it trains and sensitises your eye to copy a master work. Also - using your own photos and painting real objects from life helps. A mixture is fine.

[@katherinesimonds622]

Still my favorite. I'm so sad the line drawing you sent me was lost from my mail due to a glitch. 😢

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks Katherine - give me your email again and I'll resend - no problem!

[@Лиа333]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks very much HNa - would you like to see my new art magazine? www.blurb.co.uk/b/9377235-issue-2-the-pottering-artist

[@katherinesimonds622]

Could you post a PDF of your line drawing? i cant draw to save my life

[@AlisonFennell]

Hi Katherine - if you email me at [e-mail] I'll sort that - I don't know how to post a pdf! :)