How To Plan A Watercolor Painting (for beginners!)

[@bettykropff6192]

Love this video! Can't tell you how many paintings I have done with a tiny photo and a magnifying glass!

[@dianakoeppel3492]

I really needed to hear about printing out clear photos and not working from my phone! Thanks.

[@annettefournier9655]

Thanks Michele. Even with a plan I can mess up huge. Just did in fact.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

It happens to all of us, it's just normal. On to the next one 😏

[@annettefournier9655]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber There is no quit in me. Onward!👍💜

[@robinsue2439]

I am very glad I found you, I have been looking for a watercolor artist for a while. You explain things very well, you are a good teacher.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you!

[@donnawatson7686]

I really appreciate the tip about planning your background. It seems the background of many of the paintings I see is what most intrigues me, yet even though I think about it, I have a tendency to “see what evolves”. I will be more intentional about my backgrounds from now on. Thank you for your advice and your tutorials.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem!

[@mountainsno]

It is April 2022 and this is an amazingly generous video with excellent teaching. Yes... Ive been doing studies from fine art pieces by "masters". Just to learn and also they are paintings that I love so I feel motivated and enjoy drawing and painting. But being able to SEE what the artist saw initially is impossible and I do struggle with not having all the information. So I am moving on to photographs. I have hundreds of my own and I feel it is an excellent heads up to print out the photo nice and clear and big. Every bit of advice here is awesome. Ive been drawing and painting for about six months now but still was reminded of so much. This time around... now that I have more understanding... Ive made some notes in my sketchbook. Thank you.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are very welcome Maretta!

[@orcamum]

"if you're lucky and the dog is still alive" LOL! I love you Michelle! Thanks once more for an excellent, concise video! ❤️

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

It's a thing, dead dog commissions :-) Poor babies they don't live long enough and nor do cats!

[@orcamum]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber I know, I know...

[@edzejandehaan9265]

Yup, lack of patience has gotten me in trouble with WC. The mantra "big to small, light to dark, preserve your whites/highlights" helps. Also gathering experience, avoiding misstakes like failing to wait long enough for paint to dry before moving on (Istart to appreciate our cheap little hairdryer I've never used before getting into this medium). Some misstakes you just need to make yourself. But personally I also have to watch out a bit for overthinking, kinda the other side of the spectrum. It is also possible to plan a project to death... As always lots of good info and tips in your vid, thanks!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Oh yes, I over plan all sorts of things too!

[@leslie-annepepin8927]

All of the info is very helpful. I am a senior and started watercolour to get through this pandemic! So any tips are helpful. I appreciate you!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

That's great Leslie-Anne, thanks for watching!

[@stellaolejar9007]

Michele, just recently came upon your channel. Thank you for your articulate and wonderful tutorials. I am a beginner and I'm looking forward to more of your tutorials. God bless you.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are so welcome!

[@jennifermayer5092]

May I like this more than once? I'm fine with doing little sketches or stand-alone objects, but doing a "full painting" is still very new to me. This is (as always) extremely helpful and appreciated!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem Jennifer! Good luck with your work :-)

[@debsnow2806]

This is excellent for me, Michele. I have become aware of my impatience when facing the blank paper. I think it stems partly from beginners’ lack of confidence - I know I don’t know what I am doing and I need to work on everything! I have started my own list of planning steps and your list rounds it out nicely. Maybe the most important thing is to keep in mind that doing a painting is a multi-step process, not just a single action, as you say just “chucking paint onto the paper.” Thanks!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Brilliant. Also go easy on yourself, it is entirely normal to make a ton of mistakes when you are a beginner, it's how you learn!

[@renatearchibald7188]

I agree with you completely! I’m going to slow down and and take the the time to really learn and not just charge in expecting a masterpiece and then being so disappointed. I practice and practice but end up practicing everything I do wrong because I haven’t taken the time to learn it properly. Michele, I feel a breakthrough now for having listened to your videos so much. Renate

[@monicaj3023]

Thank you for organizing the thought process.

[@nancywhitmore3497]

I absolutely love all of your videos, Michele! I was literally bingeing on them all weekend! Thank you so much for sharing your talents and your tips with us! Every time you mention your Patreon subscribers, I feel a little envious, so I just became one! I’m super excited about it! Thanks again for everything!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Yay! Thank you! I have just sent you your welcome PDF to download :-)

[@johnytwo]

„The next tip for planning your paintings is to prepare your paper properly.“ ha! an excellent sentence for practicing english plosives! :) Love your accent!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I don't have an accent, sounds like you have an accent though ;-) Thanks for watching, glad you liked the video!

[@nattyw495]

Very interesting and informative 😷👩‍🎨🎨

[@rayehedden7390]

Thanks for these important pointers, Michele.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Any time!

[@sophiekrupin97]

your videos are so helpful, thank you!!!

[@lindathaxton1994]

Thank you Michele - good lesson - good reminders!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@annalohning3262]

Thanks so much. Really helpful tips. I especially like the one about having your source photo printed out. I've only used my phone or ipad & yes, they're frustrating! Thanks for all the tips!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're so welcome!

[@nanwilliamson5936]

This is such an important lesson. Thank you.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're very welcome!

[@dixieoswald1234]

I really haven't ever thought about a purpose,. Only recreational. All points were great. Thanks 😊

[@tabaldak5184]

Thank you very much you’re such an excellent teacher

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you! 😃

[@marcwheeler4406]

I find that I continue to rewatch all your videos so I can can continue to add each lesson learned from your experience to my watercolor journey of hopeful semi decent fun amateur paintings...lol mikelle newyork mom trying to retain new skills learned thru your videos...✌😷👋🎨👩‍🎨

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Wow, thank you!

[@paulholloway6893]

Very good, thank you so much. I found this very useful, and it reinforced many ideas I was already forming.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're very welcome!

[@4ohgollycats]

Tie a little ribbon on a your brush to remind borrowers it’s yours or put latex paint on them. Tape with your name. Or sign in sheet

[@1aliassmith]

Really great video! I have made so many of these mistakes and somehow keep making them. No More! Thanks, Michelle!

[@riccardogonano393]

Wow. Thanks Michelle. My first ever post anywhere. I dug up some watercolour materials from about 45 years ago wondering if I might have another go. (I'm 68 now and being treated for cancer during this Covid mess). I'm a bit of a 'boy in the bubble' being ultra careful through it all of course. I've been looking for something to alleviate the situation. Decided to look for some beginner tutorials and found your channel. I've watched several of your videos now and genuinely applied a like to every one. Now subscribed. SO clear, concise, well spoken and just bursting with tips and experience over so many aspects of your art. I'm inspired and motivated. (it's SUCH a nice feeling atm). Ordered some fresh supplies and keen to begin. Again, regardless of what might mess ensue, thank you.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

That's fantastic, thanks so much for subscribing! Do be kind on yourself it takes many years to be good at painting, so expect mistakes at first. The aim is to learn something each time you paint, not to produce perfection immediately. Good luck Riccardo :-)

[@aayeff]

Hi Michelle Your video is one of the most rational and compelling ones I have watched. Its exactly what a beginner needs to know to build on errors and continuously improve. A conscious approach which doesn't depend on happy accidents. Thanks.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I hate the term happy accidents! Of course nothing can be 100% controlled but a lot can be planned for.

[@vivianbunch1963]

I am learning so much from you! Thank you.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I'm so glad!

[@johnrdoe108]

Thanks again Michele this helps

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

So glad!

[@dianakoeppel3492]

I love your videos. Thank you!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching!

[@helenevans2652]

These are fantastic ! Thank you so much. You are a great teacher. Please continue!😀

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you! Will do!

[@ewacollier4760]

Another excellent video, I’m no longer a beginner but at times when I look at my efforts you’d think I had never put paint to paper. Biggest takeaway from this video is to be more patient and put in that extra effort. My biggest downfall, not working from a decent photo and then trying to wing it when I can’t see properly. Thank you, so appreciate your advise

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are very welcome, glad it helped you!

[@MrPuddinhead61]

Thanks for this helpful information! I’m a beginner and I’m so thankful for the knowledge and expertise of watercolor artists and teachers. Your generosity is so appreciated!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are so welcome Kim!

[@stephie_jo]

Love your channel! You’re a great teacher.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching Stephie!

[@philipdown3147]

Thankyou for sharing your talent and skills in a calming way to approach the start of painting,thanks greatly appreciated your video.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching Phillip 🙂

[@LukaD90]

Omg I wish I came across your videos when I took up watercolour! Feel invigorated to get back into it after binging a ton of your videos, amazing knowledge and out of all the channels I've watched you explain everything in a way I just get! Ah! So happy! Thank you! Can't wait to get into painting again!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I'm so glad my videos helped you! Good luck with your paintings :-)

[@LauraCBush]

Love your tutorials! I’ve learned so much as a beginner. Thank you for taking the time and wherewithal to teach in such an understandable way. Thank you,

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

So glad you like them!

[@jocelyneprovost295]

I loved all of your tips! Very Useful!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you like them!

[@estherrogers5601]

Thank you so much for this. All steps are helpful,. The most important to me were planning and searching colors and remembering "light to Dar".

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kerrydickinson4739]

Your tips and advice were spot on, reinforcing these are a huge benefit to me shall watch again in a few days to make shore it’s clear in my mind Many thanks

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@marinapicard4714]

So glad I found you on KZbin!! Love the way you teach! Thank you so much!!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Welcome!

[@ARTYCOATY]

Excellent work‼︎ You very talented‼︎

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Oh thank you!

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

Thank you... extremely useful....even though I'm not a beginner

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you!

[@lesleykuhn8345]

Thanks Michele! I just found your videos! I’m a newbie to watercolor and I love how you break down this vast subject into bite-sized pieces! Great teacher! Love the tips! Thanks for sharing your tutorials!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks Lesley and thanks for watching 🙏

[@hazelrowland2640]

Really helpful advice!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you think so!

[@jocelyneprovost295]

I really like your videos! They are very useful and quite quite instructive! When we listen to it ans Do what you say, it improves by far my painting. Mindfull practice!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Great to hear!

[@Trish_Carmichael]

Thank you for the tutorial!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are very welcome ☺️

[@sallyalter6003]

I really paid attention to our watercolor swatches before you start. I do have a tendency to just dip into colors I think might be okay, and then they end up looking awful. Thanks for this video. I shall go and take a look at some of the other videos you mentioned. Thanks, Sally

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are very welcome!

[@SharonH11100]

Thanks for the wisdom reminder!🙋🏼‍♀️🌺💖

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Any time!

[@MB-kf3yx]

Michele, I found this tutorial very helpful. I definitely plan to use your outline/methodology before starting my next watercolor painting. Many thanks!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful Marilyn!

[@spiraltigerart815]

I'm getting ready to start my first acrylic painting, and all these apply to that also! Thank you!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Absolutely, good luck with your painting!

[@sandraocallaghan8616]

Makes sense. Thanks.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem Sandra! 🙂

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

Value studies help a lot

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Yes this is very true!

[@sophiasherwood1790]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

My pleasure!

[@PatriciaPageMosaicArtsCrafts]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Any time Patricia :-)

[@SS-Connect]

As a beginner your videos are so helpful! Do you have a video on making affordable or cheaper watercolor supplies work? And how to use them properly or better? Asking as someone from a developing nation where a lot of brands of good quality art supplies are not readily available, nor particularly affordable for people who pick things like watercolor up as a hobby. It would be wonderful if you could show us how you optimize the use of supplies that you would otherwise hand off to your students or supplies that are commonly available but not the best quality (i.e. how to use inexpensive brushes or 180gsm paper instead of 300gsm, making cheap watercolor pencils or a children's watercolor set work, etc).

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

That's a wonderful idea for a video, thank you I will think about that one. I have a video called 'Watercolor materials (cheap or free!)' If you search on youtube with my name you will find it.

[@ianmorris2440]

Your comments about removing pencil lines before painting over them. I use a water colour pencil wish mixes with the water colour paint. The pencil lines I use are very light. Heavy lines can darken the paint colour.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Great tip! It works well, I still prefer graphite for some reason :-)

[@nathalieheath5693]

Great tips! Thank you

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No worries Nathalie!

[@sweetbb125]

I am a beginner. I will be thinking about all these points before I even attempt my first painting.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Hello Brian, glad it was helpful to you!

[@aliciashackley5830]

Michele, somehow you’ve been spying on me. 😬😂I told my husband in the middle of your tutorial. “Michele’s speaking directly to me.” I’m guilty to just about all of it. And I do love garish greens in my paintings. Lol. Anyway, GREAT tutorial! Thx so much. 🥰

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Love it!!

[@TonyWhiteWatercolour]

Top stuff. Great video. :)

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks Tony 😄

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

One thing....from my little experience...I feel it's very useful..if I practice separately..... elements of painting....like tree...rocks....mountains...water separately and then do a landscape

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Excellent idea, many people don't have the patience of course :-/

[@darlenerickert6793]

My husband passed in August and I've been quite out of touch. Have you published a link to the Jackson's colors you helped create? I'd really like to purchase them and get back to painting.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Hello Darlene, I am so sorry to hear of your loss, it must be a very difficult time for you. The link is here, do let me know if you need anything else X www.jackmansartmaterials.co.uk/collections/sets/products/michele-webber-professional-handmade-watercolour-floral-set-of-10-colours

[@SensoryVibes]

Wonderful tips, thanks Michele 🥰 I love your videos! Come and say hi one day, we'd love to share with you what we've been up to 😊💖 💘 💝

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem!

[@SensoryVibes]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber Fantastic, see you there soon then :))

[@cathiebarbanti5978]

Backgrounds!!!!! aaagghhh

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Ha ha, they can be tricky!

[@lauraheller2366]

When it’s time to start painting, my husband says «let’s tip the camera down! » lol

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

That's hilarious!

[@dixieoswald1234]

Reviewing your videos

[@sherrylee6719]

I get stuck when I know that the painting needs something else, but I have no idea what. After trying to decide for days, I usually get frustrated and put something in that doesn't work and I ruin the painting more times than not. I know that a lot of it is inexperience, but it is maddening. It seems like I am not improving.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Sherry have patience with yourself. Because you will improve in small areas but in order to get a good painting you have to succeed in lots of areas and that's not always realistic when you are still learning. Often what your painting needs may just be stronger tonal contrast, rather than additional elements. Try to focus on improving one thing, rather than getting a finished perfect painting ☺️

[@sherrylee6719]

In the Studio with Michele Webber , Thank you so much!

[@9liveslisa]

Do you ever enjoy the element of surprise when you paint?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

There are always surprises when painting, but they shouldn't be awful ones 😏

[@LoriF25403]

I'm never sure what to paint...

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Try signing up for a course or class. It takes the decision out of your hands 🙂

[@gemsbyjackie5479]

I started out mainly doing florals. There are so many videos online with tips and suggestions. Also doing just washes to start off. Galaxies, borders, wreaths etc. To me, animals, people etc are more complex and i havent gave much practice in that yet.

[@liamwatson5125]

Oils can be disastrous too. You can’t fix those up, that’s what I hate about oils.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Really? I don't use oils, but I might one day :-)

[@liamwatson5125]

In the Studio with Michele Webber I had to use oils in high school, they were too hard for me. I would never work with oils again after that.

[@annettefournier9655]

@@liamwatson5125 I find oils easier to fix than watercolors. You can just scrape what you don't want right off the canvas or board. As long as you haven't used a ton of white you can cover anything up, take it off, or wait for it to dry , sand it and gesso over it and start again. Not even, just wait a few days for it to set and use fat over lean. Watercolor if you mess up big there is little chance to recover it without compromise.

[@raybeaumont7670]

Dammit Michele - I don't stretch any of my papers, I love granulating colours, I like French Ultramarine and Burnt Umber, I like to get stuck in and chuck the paint about, I never bother to rub out my pencil lines and I've been known to do a painting from the 3" image on the back of my camera. Maybe I should pack it all in and take up knitting or summat? Ha! Good advice throughout, by the way. Love your videos.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

My daughter's boyfriend crochets very well actually. I will give you a pass on the ultramarine because you use it very well :-)

[@evaapple255]

all those tips were very appropriate, but I am sure to forget, sigh.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Even if you remember some then it is sure to help. I forget things too!

[@FeathPymArt]

White spaces - my downfall!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Planning helps take the stress out :-)

[@SheriWinston]

Thanks again for great info.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Any time!