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 :-)

[@marliesarnold9727]

you are a great teacher and painter love it

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 😊

[@ceciliaweathers8704]

Absolutely amazing, must have a go.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Have fun!

[@amusunkhe5017]

I can keep watching you paint forever !

[@KarenRiceArt]

😊❤️

[@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. :)

[@tarabobart5524]

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

[@wendylist4193]

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

[@HeiderosesPhotograph]

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

[@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 :-)

[@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! 😊

[@ellablack3648]

Amazing tutorials! Very clear on what to do, great techniques too. I'll be trying out a few of your paintings. I've learnt so much in watching your work. Just brilliant, thank you 🌞

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome! Thank you Ella :)

[@helenduplessis9820]

Delightful! Thanks!!!

[@danielleleclaire717]

Thank's a lot, it's very instructing , i love your videos.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad you like them!

[@auraservent7282]

Very beautiful!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 😀

[@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 :)

[@kristinashiryaginasalini1626]

Beautiful!

[@brianfisher1314]

Beautiful!

[@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.

[@sunnymoon369]

I love this painting and all the good tips! Thank you! Going to try this one tomorrow. I hope it’s as half as good as yours. ☺️🦋

[@KarenRiceArt]

I hope so too!

[@lyndakarley2007]

Karen wonderful and very helpful. I do struggle with not fiddling. Do you mix your colors some creamier, some with more water before you start your painting? That would seem to take some planning.

[@KarenRiceArt]

H Lynda, yes I do, it's worth it, once you start wet in wet, there is not much time to mix, every second counts! :)

[@celestesource9460]

Thank you very much Karen for yours so, so appreciated videos. I’ ve never heard some of yours colors. You get more than like and the subscription. Stay safe... 💕 💕 💕

[@alysalys5917]

Bonita obra

[@jeanspinks2741]

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

[@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

[@barbaramitchell7719]

Love it!

[@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.

[@rbrunet4755]

I really needed this lesson. Thank you so much.

[@IanM316]

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

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much!

[@rentedtux1883]

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

[@argus1500]

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

[@nancytestani1470]

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

[@KarenRiceArt]

So pleased you found this helpful 😊

[@utebaumert6919]

Hallo Mrs Rice! I'm German and I've just seen this really amazing video!! You are so authentic, so benovolent because of you really want the best watercolor result for me. I can't explain what this point do to me, well. It is really important to you that I con do it well. And so you show me your own tricks and practical knowledege. And the result speaks for itself... I held my breath as you dabbed green in the sky. Asking me while swallowing hard...what is she doing? Green in blue sky... And than: Once again a wonderful result. Simple amazing. And I know what you mean when you have take away your hand respectively the brush with violence... I've seen me and I laugh a lot. That sounds good in my ears. It makes me feel "I'm not alone. It's okay. I have enough time also leave to dry. Let it go. It works by itself. I can't control it a n d I don't must control it. This and a lot of other things...". And now at least one question: (Perhaps I have overlooked it ?) First you draw a little sketch, than you water the paper, but not really wet rather damp and after this you started with colouring. But how can I moisten carefully after drying prozesses? And only areas or the whole paper sheet? Thank you so much for sharing your findings and practical experience that come out of your heart that beats for watercolour painting. Snowy and cold greetings with a lots of sunbeams from MY heart, out of Germany, NRW, Niederrhein from Ute B.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Greetings to you in snowy Germany! So pleased you like this video! You are right I really do want the best for my viewers and sincerely want their paintings to turn out well for them, so it also builds their confidence to have another go at a watercolour and just love it the way I do! To answer your question, I wet the painting first and make sure the water soaks in, no puddles, then paint. I wait for it to dry then build up in other areas either wet on wet (soft edges) or wet on dry (hard edges) depending on what sort of edge I want. If you paint wet on dry, you can also soften edges with a damp brush. Watercolour is all about practice and hopefully fun! Take care, happy painting and thank you again 😀

[@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 😊

[@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

[@namaskarstars]

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

[@KarenRiceArt]

Merci Carol! 😀

[@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 :)

[@danamorrison2074]

You are absolutely fabulous

[@jillmagee308]

I tried to make a poppy field with purple flowers and green grass wet on wet. Got mud as colours merged. Should I babe done the flowers and grass separately in 2 stages?

[@KarenRiceArt]

Hi Jill... yes paint the flowers separately. You may find my latest KZbin video helpful. I have painted poppies in a field : kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWnMfJmditikrZY

[@deniseeddy6352]

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

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome! Pleased you found it helpful ☺

[@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! :)

[@oshi58]

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

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 😊

[@jamesbrizendine962]

Hey Karen that’s a very beautiful painting and what size brushes did you use

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you James... and for your question. All of the materials I used in this tutorial are in the description. You can find this below the video. Just click SHOW MORE or the down arrow. You can find this just below the video on the right hand side. Hope this was helpful :)

[@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 :)

[@donnakolterman7344]

Do you have any Cow Parsley painting tube videos?

[@KarenRiceArt]

Hi Donna, not at present, but will put it on my list of future tutorials :)

[@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!

[@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 :-)

[@kathyhall668]

Do mix ur greens or do u get tubs, this is where I have prob always the greens and violets

[@KarenRiceArt]

I usually mix my greens, and mostly use tubes 😀

[@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 :-)

[@mafish7962]

Thank you for this beautiful painting tutorial! Laura x

[@yogawithshama7930]

Hi..I tried it...has come out well... The words ..no fiddling with brush and less is more was echoing in my ears...😄thats really lead to success.Thanks. How do I show u my painting.

[@KarenRiceArt]

That's wonderful! Really pleased your painting turned out well! You can share your painting on Instagram or Facebook, see the link on my youtube channel page :)

[@yogawithshama7930]

@@KarenRiceArt ok Thanks

[@baptistelaporta7192]

Thanks for this very helpful guide!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad it was helpful! Happy Painting :)

[@publicadministrationmadeeasy]

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

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you!! 😊

[@anamarina6839]

Wow! That's wonderful! I love the result and the way you explain the process. Thank you so much for sharing

[@sirpamakinen3877]

What kind of framing tape you are using? Does it work if the paper is wet?

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you for your message, I list all of the materials that I use on my Amazon page where you will find the framing take that I use, here is the link for the page: AMAZON US: www.amazon.com/shop/karenriceartchannel Happy painting :-)

[@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!

[@babydaby5812]

Thanks Madam. Its very beautiful. Am a beginner. Shall try it. Are you using a sponge to make the trees or something else? Thanks am from Mauritius.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you and yes I am using a sponge for the trees 😀

[@babydaby5812]

Thanks Madam for your reply.Shall try it. You are a very good teacher. Take care.

[@mariongowland402]

With my paintings I tend to look for a coloured mount to enhance my paintings. I note you create a white outside masked to enhance your work . Do you have any tips about colours to use when mounting a painting ...... so love your work....watch a video every morning in isolation ....inspiring gives me lift . Thank you

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! I have to say like neutral colours for mounts, its very personal. I also let my framer suggest colours :)

[@barbarameetze1457]

Marion Gowland I am a beginner and the videos have sort of become my meditation in this unusual time. I haven’t practiced all I’ve watched yet, but expect to.

[@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! :)

[@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!

[@nyonyoaye9050]

Hi Karen, I want to know is how much color should i make in th palette before I start. bcoz I usually runs out my paint before i finish up the part and 2nd mixture doesn't get the same tone as previous one.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks for question, always make more paint than you think you will need :)

[@nyonyoaye9050]

@@KarenRiceArt Thank you Karen for you kind advice. Love you 😘❤️

[@cathieproffitt6432]

Thank you so much! Many great tips😊

[@cindysouza5017]

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

[@doreencrook8134]

Thank you very help techniques!

[@KarenRiceArt]

You're very welcome Doreen!

[@johnharkness6304]

Very nice Karen, could I ask what brand of paints and paper you use? Thanks for the tutorial.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you John. I use a variety of materials, if you click on SHOW MORE just below my video, I have listed the materials I have used. Hope this was helpful :)

[@johnharkness6304]

@@KarenRiceArt thanks a million Karen, I'm Irish living in France for the past 30 years, lots of material here for watercolour subjects. Thanks for you answer, take care😉

[@debbieborden7651]

Very beautiful! Thank you.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you too!

[@anartistpatty8912]

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

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wow, thank you!

[@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 :-)

[@valerieaubert4965]

Merveilleux dear. Karen

[@CupCaked]

Ha! “Put the brush down”. I’ve been painting for more years than I care to admit and I still have a hard time remembering this. I always seem to want to overpaint.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Karen for your comment, we are all guilty of it I just want to share that with everyone just to let you know we’re all in the same boat! The more we can put our brushes down the better our paintings will be for it! Take care :-)

[@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 😀

[@karolfrench5816]

Using transparent paints helps a great deal it’s very worth while understanding the quality of your paints. Opaque paints like the cadmium s restrict light from shining through the paper. The staining paints are good for glazes in moderation. Make sure the paints you use are artist quality Learn how they react with eachother Use the beat. It shows .

[@kevodevo26]

Thank you Karen , lovely as always!

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome! Thank you!

[@olgadushina]

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

[@rehangul1]

WOW these are amazing arts😉🍚🍚

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 😀

[@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

[@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 :-)

[@Elena141961]

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

[@siddharthpanchal718]

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

[@shannonosborne2894]

Gorgeous! Love your videos and way of instructing. Thank you so much! So helpful and would love to see more of these beautiful light filled landscape demos!

[@lesliemischel1159]

Thank you so very much for your tutorials. I am learning so much from your techniques. So inspiring 😊

[@dixiedrost4783]

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

[@terrycharlebois5933]

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

[@friedaschnell6887]

I learn something from every video. Thank you!

[@debsteinman1506]

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

[@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!

[@thokchomjayshree8089]

So fresh and beautiful

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much!

[@patriciastein9876]

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

[@barbararivera2380]

thank you

[@michaelthemind]

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

[@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 :-)

[@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! :)

[@sharonexham8749]

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

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome! Thanks Sharon 😀

[@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 😀

[@laurabonministries]

So beautiful

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much :-)

[@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 :-)

[@paolagarola5032]

Less is more..fantastic!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

It really is Paola! Thank you so much! 😀

[@shoppegirl2001]

Wow, awesome, I loved it.

[@KarenRiceArt]

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

[@lesleyhughes9461]

Great tip with sponges!! Thank you!

[@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 :-)

[@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. :)