How To Stop Your Watercolour From Getting Muddy & Overworked

[@eriksharp159]

Your work and videos are the best. Any tips to prevent paper buckling? It's my biggest challenge.

[@rentedtux1883]

Paper will buckle no matter what we do. I use a pillow case and an iron. Painting inside the pillowcase face down and iron on the cotton setting. Place it under something heavy and after a little while, it is flat and ready for framing 🙂

[@rosemaryclark610]

what weight of paper are you using? There are a lot of variables that affect how much buckling happens. If you take it down on all four sides, that helps. If you use 140 LB or 300 LB that helps too. And it depends how much water you use. If you get it really wet, it is likely to buckle more. If you use a block of watercolor paper, that will mostly prevent buckling as well. Then, don't untape it or separate it from the block until it's completely dry--not cool to the touch of the back of your hand means it's dry. Hope that helps :)

[@eriksharp159]

@@rosemaryclark610 I'm using 140 lb paper. I tape down all sides. I watch Karen and her paper stays wet longer than mine with no buckling. I currently have alot of paper in tablets that I am trying to use and then I will switch to blocks. It seems that the instructors paper never buckles. Thanks for the response.

[@chetanimckinney]

Erik Sharp I’m theorizing that Karen’s paper likely stays wet longer than mine because she is maybe in the nice, damp U.K.? somewhere else in the Commonwealth? whereas I live in the fair, very dry Great Valley in CA.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks for your message Erik, keep painting on the paper you have. If it’s buckling cut the paper in half and -ain’t on smaller sheets. I find this helps. Then when the time comes swap to the blocks if you can. I do find that the paper doesn’t buckle as much. Hope this is helpful :-)

[@Jenniferbiedermannjewelry]

Your are an amazing teacher, you sound excited as you paint which keeps me tuned in.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks so much Jennifer! So lovely of you to say!

[@clairesmith1964]

I know this and other videos are a few years old but I've just come across your channel after purchasing watercolour paints..I have been all day watching your tutorials!..I'm now ready and excited to start watercolour painting, I've watched many other videos and they are all great but I find you are so east to understand and a fantastic teacher..I love your style of painting. Thank you so much.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wow! Thank you so much. So pleased you have found the tutorials helpful! Hope you enjoy your watercolour journey 😊

[@amusunkhe5017]

I can keep watching you paint forever !

[@KarenRiceArt]

😊❤️

[@IanM316]

Inspirational! I love that you take your time and explain how the details are created. Thank you.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much!

[@endgame6979]

Your one of my top 3 favorite Watercolorists to learn from.

[@utebaumert6919]

Please, tell me something about the others! Thank you and greetings from snowy NRW in germany.

[@euniceadaman7545]

You are telling, what l realized, just last week."Leave it alone", "Stop fiddling with it".Thank you, for letting me know , what l felt is right.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Yay! So glad this was helpful!

[@oshi58]

Thank you, Karen. You make it all so easy. I learn so much from your videos.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 😊

[@corazontan7747]

I give this 5 stars. So beautiful. I am just getting comfortable with landscapes, and this by far is my favorite. Thanks Karen.

[@KarenRiceArt]

That's wonderful! So pleased for your Corazon!

[@michaelthemind]

Things I've learned , wet your sponge. Have a few jars of clean water. It seem that one must work fast. And twigs from the garden come in handy. Great video. !!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

That's great, thank you! :)

[@jfb919]

Not only are you a great artist, but a fabulous teacher too! Thank you!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wow, thank you!

[@thokchomjayshree8089]

So fresh and beautiful

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much!

[@lizcraft17]

I really appreciate your video. You are very clear at explaining what to do and why things happen. I've been painting with watercolor for years now and I couldn't figure out why my paint was so muddy. Thank you!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kevodevo26]

Thank you Karen , lovely as always!

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome! Thank you!

[@tedtunnicliffe]

It's always wonderful watching someone doing something that they really know how to do. So much light in this painting, Karen.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks Ted! :)

[@valerieaubert4965]

Merveilleux dear. Karen

[@molossergirl2]

You are such a great teacher, Karen. I had watercolour lessons about 15 years ago and the tutor was really lovely but the class was quite big and we were working at all different levels. I was a complete newbie. I took what I had learned and for a few years didn't paint at all, until one day I thought, 'go for it.' It's been a learning curve and yes, you need to practice and practice. Yes! The greatest tip any budding watercolourist should know, is DO NOT FIDDLE! The painting is lovely and fresh, and you make it look so easy so it gives confidence to new painters to try it. My brushes are coming out soon during this strange isolation time we find ourselves in. Plenty of hours to practice. Thanks again 😊👍👩‍🎨

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you for your comment and yes do not fiddle and plenty of practice especially in this as you say strange isolation time, that’s what counts, happy painting :-)

[@marliesarnold9727]

you are a great teacher and painter love it

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 😊

[@loisallen3078]

I am new to watercolour painting and have watched a lot of different people paint and I absolutely love what you are doing. I hope to try some of your techniques in the near future. Thank you for sharing your talent.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much! So glad that you liked the channel and I hope you get to try some of the techniques in the near future! Take care :-)

[@terrycharlebois5933]

Wow! What a wonderful tutorial, thank you so much Karen.

[@yuriik.707]

This is the most useful watercolor tutorial I've seen so far. Thumbs up!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wow, thank you Yuri, so pleased that you found it useful! 😀

[@siddharthpanchal718]

That sky and the trees were perfectly done. Very informative video. Thank you.

[@anartistpatty8912]

Thank you so much. You are one of the best teacher.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wow, thank you!

[@JohnDexter-w2x]

Hi Karen. I have watch only a few of you very informative videos and i sit mesmerized watching the picture building up especially the wet into wet paintings.

[@KarenRiceArt]

I’m so pleased that you found my videos, informative! Thank you for sharing :-)

[@andrewfrost8866]

‘Less is more’ indeed. Such a wealth of techniques and approach! As always, thank you Karen!

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome Andrew! So pleased that you found this tutorial helpful 😀

[@namaskarstars]

Love love love … 🌈🥰🌈🙏🏻🌈 Merveilleux Magnifique travail j’adore vraiment ❤️🤩🌟

[@KarenRiceArt]

Merci Carol! 😀

[@ceciliaweathers8704]

Absolutely amazing, must have a go.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Have fun!

[@DARhineRomanceBooks]

What I find daunting is breaking down a reference photo to decide how to tackle a painting. When I see tons of greenery or a dense forest, I get overwhelmed and am not sure how to begin in order to get the layers of images and colors without sort of losing depth and definition. I love your painting style. Beautiful.

[@maggiedoor6093]

Love your work, thanks for sharing. I just ripped up two small pieces today because they were muddy. I have 6-8 small glass yogurt pots on a tray for water to save me getting up for clean water.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Sounds like a good idea Maggie! Lots of clean water, less muddy paintings, happy painting :-)

[@nanditamishra2871]

I will try this out. I love the bright colors on the land.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks Nandita :)

[@debsteinman1506]

No mud here, you make it look so effortless. Love your techniques.

[@cherrysimmonds5836]

Thank you Karen, you explain it all so well. Also lovely and relaxing to watch before sleeping

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Cherry for your lovely comment! So pleased you found this relaxing! 😀

[@Elena141961]

Какая красота! Начинаю рисовать вместе с вами! Я влюбилась в ваши картины! Спасибо за уроки!💖💖

[@nancytestani1470]

This is so good…I needed this..and I do fiddle..

[@KarenRiceArt]

So pleased you found this helpful 😊

[@staceyneuhaus3305]

Yesterday you posted about drawing and I appreciated that. You did something todays video that you didn't in yesterday. When you sketched your drawing, you held your pencil by the very end. Why? Why do artists do that? I've seen other artists do that but I don't know what the purpose is. Simply to literally keep it loose and minimal? Thanks again for the terrific video.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Great question Stacey, yes to keep it loose, this sort of subject doesn't require too much drawing as well. :)

[@ankita7756]

Amazing Karen! God bless you. The way the painting eventually grows into you and the divine feeling it creates, is just unexplainable. Thank you so so much!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment I’m so pleased that you liked the tutorials! Take care :-)

[@corazontan7747]

I’m never comfortable with landscape but this looks manageable and so lovely so I’ll try. Thank you.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wonderful! Have fun :)

[@sandrafishman8122]

karen thanks so much for continuing to challenge us with your tutorials. You are presenting me with an opportunity to work at various techniques in watercolor. I would appreciate if you would talk about the particular brush when yu are painting as I think yu sometimes change brushes. Thanks for working at new presentations for us.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Sandra, I mainly use two brushes and will ensure I’m more descriptive about the brushes I’m using in my future videos thank you. :)

[@HeiderosesPhotograph]

ANOTHER AMAZING WATERCOLOR PAINTING, THANK YOU SO MUCH KAREN...:)

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 😀

[@dixiedrost4783]

You are a great teacher Karen! Thanks for another beautiful example of keeping a painting from being overworked!

[@jeankellner4314]

Fantastic! Loved all the tips about sponges and twigs for making textures. Very helpful about how not to get mud!

[@KarenRiceArt]

S glad it was helpful Jean! :)

[@marysiagirl]

I have been watching your tutorials all day, you are my favorite teacher, thank you

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wow, thank you Maria! So lovely of you to say! :)

[@tedshred8436]

Been watching your videos. As a beginner watercolor painter, they are so helpful and inspiring me. You're helping me let go and let the paint and process do the work. Merci.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much I’m so glad that you’re finding the videos inspiring :-)

[@baptistelaporta7192]

Thanks for this very helpful guide!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad it was helpful! Happy Painting :)

[@danamorrison2074]

You are absolutely fabulous

[@argus1500]

What a gorgeous painting! I learn something new every time I watch your videos.

[@leeannheizer8100]

Yes! Yes! Yes! I'm relatively new to watercolors, and a little bit of a perfectionist. I have trouble stopping!! Less is more. :) Really enjoyed your video about painting cosmos flowers.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much for your comment Lee Ann, so glad that you found the video helpful especially about the “less is more”! Take care happy painting :-)

[@cruisebumify]

Beautiful painting,

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@vikkipinkfit6124]

So amazing to see from start to finish. How it just pops off the page and has some great detail... I love it.Can't wait to try this out.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! Have fun having a go… :-)

[@jeanspinks2741]

Thank you so much Karen, that was brilliant. I love the colours, my paintings always come out too weak !

[@stephaniecorbett5356]

Really love this one. Thank you so much!

[@debbieborden7651]

Very beautiful! Thank you.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you too!

[@Darth.Nihilist]

amazing! the thing is struggle with the most is setting a scene and drawing out the outline before painting. I can paint completely from imagination, but not by copying from a picture

[@katesaunders2725]

Thank you Karen. Your clear explanations have really inspired me to go to my painting area and got on with my current project and I will try to remember 'less is more'. Thanks again. X

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks Kate for your great comment! Happy to have inspired you! :)

[@susanthomas8274]

Another absolutely beautiful painting that I love and need to try! Thank you so much for the lesson, Karen! Just what I needed to hear. Gosh why is it so hard to stop fiddling!! 😊

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Susan, we are all so guilty of it! So pleased you found the lesson helpful :)

[@tarabobart5524]

Love! Love! Love!......Thank you Karen👍

[@gillr9193]

So glad I found your videos, Karen, They are really informative

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks so much Gill so pleased that you find the video informative! :)

[@sharonexham8749]

Thanks so much, Karen, for sharing your expertise! Love watching your videos and learning from you!

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome! Thanks Sharon 😀

[@PhyllisHarris]

Oh my! I have just discovered your channel and it is so relaxing and inspirational to watch you paint. SO needed right now with the world in such craziness. Thank you!!

[@tonydamian4896]

Hi, karens lessons are amazing i joined the group a month ago and you get so much more infomation 4.99pm well worth every penny, just to reassure you, good luck, enjoy

[@lynnkaye87]

Karen that is a fantastic tutorial, thank you so much for sharing your talent. I am self taught and have found painting watercolour later in life, please keep these going if you are able to. I feel inspired now to have a go at this one as I am always battling my urge to keep adding, and yes I usually end up with a muddy picture. Thank you again.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Lynne so glad that you liked the tutorial and have learnt the techniques to try not to muddy your painting. Good luck with your watercolour journey and more videos to follow to inspire you :-)

[@tonydamian4896]

Really like this lesson karen, less is more is the big challenge learning curve, lapping up the knowledge, ive just orderd some 40lb 300gm hot press in A2 im going to try large landscape with light abstract you have taught me, and also some portrait icon!! Im going for it, freedom from mental health at last has allowed me to paint as it seems i was always meant to, Thankyou karen, your lessons are so valuble and to many im sure, happy brushwork 🌻🌾🌺

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much for your lovely message Antony and for sharing! I think you will love painting on A2 paper! You have inspired me to get some! So pleased you are enjoying the tutorials and enjoying painting in watercolour. Love the happy brushwork to!! Take care! Happy painting! :)

[@scottreddel9685]

Im so happy I found your channel, it's more helpful (and beautiful) than many of the others I follow! I have a real challenge with sky/clouds. I always get those cauliflower looking spots. Is it too much water? Too much fiddling? I did this one with less muddiness and gorgeous perspective though!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Hi Scott, so glad you found my channel. It sounds like too much wet going into damp paint, and too much fiddling. Less is more in watercolour. Check out this sky tutorial I published a while ago... it may help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHaXeqake7Cjns0

[@walker449d]

Wow. Lovely. Thanks for being so generous.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you :-)

[@nirmanappuhamilage3270]

thats it i found my new teacher .great content

[@KarenRiceArt]

That’s brilliant I’m delighted! :-)

[@cindysouza5017]

Karen, Your art work is incredibly beautiful. Thank you for these wonderful tutorials.

[@wendylist4193]

Another gem Karen just so inspiring- you make it look so easy .....

[@radiantatriatmadja9888]

Love your painting. Thanks for the tutorial as well. It is very helpfull.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@publicadministrationmadeeasy]

It was really beautiful tutorial .. love u Karen 🥰🥰🥰

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you!! 😊

[@olgadushina]

Please keep making these landscape tutorials! They are my favourite!!!

[@rentedtux1883]

Another beautiful work. I'm so happy to see you post a new video. Thanks Karen, you're wonderful.

[@deniseeddy6352]

So THAT'S what I've been doing wrong!! Thank you, Karen:)

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome! Pleased you found it helpful ☺

[@friedaschnell6887]

I learn something from every video. Thank you!

[@charlestownshend5655]

Thank you Karen for a most helpful video. I have been trying to get "brightness" in my painting, and I see how you have left the yellow in the centre as catching the sunlight for contrast. Also the sky colour contrasts are great!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you for your comment and so glad you found it helpful :)

[@ellacrafts8505]

Lovely Karen - the sky is awesome. some great tips too.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Ella so pleased you liked this guy in this painting and all the tips! :)

[@gabiluksch]

that's so great, you can tell that you have a lot of experience. I am still practicing!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you for your comment glad that you like the video and yes it’s all about the practising, happy painting :-)

[@barbaramain6381]

Hi Karen, my very sincere thanks for this tutorial! I am one of those messy, muddy guilty of overworking ladies and have taken all you've said to heart! Have taken advantage of our lockdown to practice, and practice! Many thanks again!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you for your comment Barbara, so glad that you found the video helpful and that you are getting time to practice, despite the circumstances... take care :)

[@rbrunet4755]

I really needed this lesson. Thank you so much.

[@kirbythompson8032]

Amazing tutorial! There is so much information about color and techniques in this video. The painting that you created is beautiful. Thank you for posting this.

[@brianfisher1314]

Oh my gosh, I've had many green skies...on accident. Great tutorial, thanks for sharing. Love watching your videos!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much, hopefully no more green skies! :)

[@michaelthemind]

This video is for me . I am the worlds greatest painter of mud !!!

[@susanrasdale2983]

One of the biggest faults I have...overdoing the painting! It's so difficult to leave alone to dry but must try harder! Thank you for your videos, I find them very inspiring and encouraging.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment Susan I am so glad that you find the tutorials inspiring and encouraging! One of the biggest faults we all have is over doing our watercolours, but with more practice and patience with ourselves we can achieve fresher underworked paintings! :-)

[@carolrost9245]

I really loved this painting. It was a challenge at first, so I waited awhile before attempting it. But it turned out pretty well.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Carol so much that’s wonderful to read! :-)

[@Grace88hk]

Stunning

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Amy! 😊

[@patriciastein9876]

Thank you so much 💕 it is so great to learn from you Karen

[@marievanderwijk9845]

So happy I found you! Thank you for sharing...

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome! Thank you Marie :)

[@shoppegirl2001]

Wow, awesome, I loved it.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Vi, so pleased you like this tutorial :)

[@jennywren6655]

Love your bold confidence, with your washes, creates such atmosphere, thank you Karen. I have one question, your paper never seems to bubble under all that water application. I use 300 gsm cold pressed and was advised that if you wet the back then tape it down, this helps to avoid bubbling but it doesn't really work, any tips gratefully received......

[@KarenRiceArt]

Great Advice! The blocks/gummed pads work quite well :)

[@mchris1020]

Great tips--love this bright, colorful painting.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you :-)

[@sarahteversham7964]

Amazing! You make it look so easy - very inspiring!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks so much 😊

[@ursulabachman8226]

Beautiful! You make it look so easy that I want to try!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! You should have a try, it is such fun! 😊

[@겨울비-q4h]

Very peaceful!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

😊😊❤️

[@connieostroha8423]

Wonderful lesson and lovely painting! I do tend to overwork my paintings. I’m going to try to keep your tips in mind. Thanks, Karen! 💕

[@KarenRiceArt]

That's great Connie, so glad the tutorial was helpful :)

[@kerryskibo6948]

love this so much, can't wait to try it ...over and over...until I'm pleased with it !

[@KarenRiceArt]

That’s wonderful Kerry, good luck and enjoy :-)

[@megperry5586]

So lovely, you are best teacher, so encouraging and your work is just breath taking

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Meg! :)

[@ccsitaround]

Your style is so much fun to do, results are amazing , thank you.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much!

[@Mustangs73]

Simply lovely

[@ummmaryam7921]

Your an excellent teacher :) appreciate your efforts very much

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! 😃

[@brendalazellestephenson2319]

Wonderful demo although somewhat challenging to keep up with you. Beautiful results. I will be trying it. Thank you

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Brenda so glad that you liked the demo sorry it was a little bit challenging! I will give that some thought in my next video :-)

[@NoOne-ns7mr]

I always overdo my paintings ..coz I am new to the medium...but your tutorial is very helpful Ma'am.. thank you :)

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 😀

[@kashivishwanath7603]

Great painting. Experience leads to wisdom - less is always better, I liked this golden rule. I have a tendency to over paint. Tree has come out really well. Great painting from a great artist. The best part of your tutorials are the simple techniques, love these. Thanks.👍👍👍

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you I really appreciate your comments! You are right less is more, especially in watercolour painting. Glad that you like the simple techniques… They really do make a difference! Happy painting :-)