How To Start Watercolor Painting in 2021 (Beginners' Questions Answered!)

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Did this video answer some of the questions you have about learning to paint? If you enjoyed this video you will also like: Basic Watercolor Brush Strokes! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jX_XpoyKobiKn6c

[@pirjoraila4605]

It is great to have someone break the process and tools down to easy to understand and organized bits. I learned watercolors early on quite intuitively. I still use paints not knowing the pigments in the colors. We had some classes in university with a painter but all he had to say about watercolors was that " There are many ways you can paint with watercolors. You can paint wet or dry and wet on wet". That was it. You were supposed to paint five watercolors without guidance to pass that part but I believe most people skipped. (I studied to be an architect)

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Ah... many ways... sounds like they were being a bit vague!

[@mountainsno]

Thank you. And yes.... the FB groups is absolutely the most supportive and friendly group around.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

It really is!

[@marymorgan2221]

Thank you. A major problem for beginners is the presumption of the tutors that their students are not proper beginners. The bottom rung of the ladder must be attempted /taught first. This you do perfectly. Thank you. Xxx

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

So glad you liked it Mary!

[@cindys3435]

I have been painting with acrylic for a few years now but now I want to try water colours. I’m so happy I found your KZbin videos as you spell it out clearly for a beginner like me. I am trying a technique where you do a full drawing in pencil and then add water colour after using the pencil as part of your shading. I’m probably crazy to do this so soon but do you have any advice on this technique.

[@amexjam55]

I'm glad to know I won't be needing many brushes to start painting. Those things can be very pricey for a decent brush. Thank you.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are welcome!

[@margbrady]

I find all your videos helpful - very clear explanations. You are a very good teacher. However, this is one of the best videos for beginners that I have seen anywhere! Great job Michele. Thanks.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks so much!

[@jrm2716]

I got bits in my paint when I made a wash (I thought I had washed out the sizing out of a new brush I was using and the sizing "granulated" in my wash). I make sure I know for sure new brushes are cleaned ahead of time.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Oh, that's a new one, yes they do put binder on new brushes!

[@stephaniee6301]

Thank you Michele...you are such a informed well educated pleasure to watch, listen to, and learn from. Really have enjoyed you sharing your knowledge of information.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem!

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Oh goodness I needed to watch this first too! At least I did good with figuring out how much water and paint to put on the page. This was definitely a huge help to reinforce in my mind what to do. I have been getting away with painting on 98 lb. Mixed Media Paper for the past couple of years. I am jumping to 140 lb paper when I do the Rose Tutorial of yours. Thanks for sharing this with us and continuing to keep me motivated and inspired.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lyllydd]

Thanks for mentioning the coloring books. I'm a crafter, and I generally use watercolors on stamped images or pen and ink drawings for cards and journals. I also like to combine watercolors with zentangle drawings. Besides watercolor paper, watercolors work well on Bristol board and on mixed media paper, both of which are pretty heavy and might be less expensive than watercolor paper if you're using your pieces for crafts. For coloring book folks, some publishers put out books printed on watercolor paper. Coloring Pages Bliss is one of those. When you go to her shop and look under the coloring books, you can customize some of them - including having them printed on watercolor paper.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@anjah.9508]

Thanks, Michele! This is very helpful. I did some oil painting in the past, but I'm learning watercolour now, and I found out it's a lot trickier and less forgiving than oil paint. So every advice is welcome. I love your videos!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are so welcome!

[@sharynjackson8158]

Thank you Michelle

[@allysonallysally9092]

Thank you for the plethora of information with great yet simple explanation of basic concepts.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're very welcome!

[@stanroberts7005]

Love the in depth explanation of everything thank you michele

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are so welcome!

[@charlottethien3749]

Thank you for these tutorials. I home school two granddaughters in the USA. When they show an interest in something I have found online. I buy supplies after watching tutorials , to get ideas . We live in a very rural area, where there are no art teachers or an art supply shop. I buy good supplies , in my opinion . I also try out the various mediums. ❤️🎨❤️

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Wonderful!

[@artsymargo]

Thank you, Michele. The content may seem too simple for many, but even intermediate painters will gain confidence with your instruction.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're very welcome!

[@devandestudios128]

One brush I highly recommend aside from a round and a flat, is a dagger. Such a versatile brush that can give you broad strokes as well as thin crisp lines and almost everything in between.

[@pirjoraila4605]

I recently discovered dagger brushes. I really love them. Would love to get a bigger one that I currently find available.

[@devandestudios128]

@@pirjoraila4605 I too find myself wanting a bigger one.

[@stephenb7533]

When put watermelon out of tubes, you will find , cover in cling film or airtight containers. Lasts lively for some time longer. Even putts in tiny pots and cling film over top then the lid.

[@clairemoore2753]

I wish I had come across this video earlier, its very helpful.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you!

[@kf8045]

Your videos are incredibly helpful. Thank you!

[@maggimarmion3836]

Another really helpful video for us beginners! 😍

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I'm so glad!

[@SophieBird07]

Happy New Year, Michele. Still learning lots! Definitely will vouch for your Facebook page. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. I love it.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Happy new year!

[@OrionsRoseNC]

I love your videos. I am just getting started. I shared your videos with a friend of mine yesterday. Thank you!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Karlena_Lewin_Studio]

Here supporting you hun xxx

[@sherryaldridge3164]

I am excited to get started!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Good luck Sherry!

[@GrandmaAbby1]

Very helpful--thank you so much for sharing.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Any time!

[@karenpierce1905]

Great tips for beginners.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@txna58]

Thank you 😊

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're welcome 😊

[@evahagemeyer9142]

Thanks for your tips.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Always welcome

[@LisaIngArt]

Nice and great lesson !!! big like !

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Many thanks!!

[@jfb919]

I use substandard watercolour paper (given to me as gifts or bought before i knew any better) for testing out paints before putting them on the actual painting. Means I'm not wasting any good paper.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Great idea!

[@tracyevans8240]

Thank you for the video it helped me a lot

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad to hear that!

[@alicechampagne7091]

Great advice! Everything I wish someone had told me years ago when I started painting. Happy New Year? 🥂

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Happy new year!

[@Ruthie888]

Thank you! Very helpful.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're welcome!

[@PatriciaPageMosaicArtsCrafts]

Happy New Year Michele have a goodun and keep em coming❤

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you! You too Patricia!

[@aliciashackley5830]

I just shared this with my watercolor friends. And I joined your basics of watercolor class Michele. I’m sure I’ll learn loads from you. I’ve never had art class at all. Lol No wonder it’s all hit and miss with me. Yay you Michele!!! 🥰

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks so much Alicia! X

[@aliciashackley5830]

I just watched your first module. I’ve got your tray/palette and gummed tape snd wood board. And away I go to practice. 🥰💕💕

[@SadasilPY]

I love your content, specially this playlist. Thank you 💐

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are very welcome!

[@andrewfrost8866]

Fantastic advice!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you think so!

[@PortableXombie]

I have used watercolors on and off for 24 years. I only started painting with it about 3 years ago though. We received a watercolor palette in school but we're never shown how to use it. All of my work was done on cartridge paper. Thanks to KZbin and channels like this I am finally improving.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

That is awesome!

[@pirjoraila4605]

Paper is so important. Maybe the most important part. You really need to be a virtuoso to get results on unsuitable paper. But not many art teachers know much about watercolor, so they may not have a clue about the importance of the surface. It takes time to learn.

[@valeriehowell3157]

Toilet paper is a commodity so I won’t waste it for water color😁. I am glad to have the videos you make so I don’t start bad habits as a beginner. I especially appreciate the review of the paints and how to choose the paint. The iridescent colors recommended are available online so I may buy a tube or two. I wondered if tube paint a better way to go and now I plan on starting a set. I’m looking for an economical product so thanks for the breakdowns. My birds and I love watching your videos🦜 and I learn sooooo much. Happy 2021 from Oregon! 2020 felt like a year🥴 so it’s good to move along.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Love to the birdies! Happy new year!

[@orcamum]

Another excellent video Michelle! Thank you for everything! Happy New Year with lots of inspiration and success!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you! You too!

[@susiwakeman4271]

Absolutely fabulous x you explain so well and I love granulation!! X and you always look fabulous too x thank you so very much for such an interesting teaching xx

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks so much 😊

[@margbrady]

Have you got a video that covers types of watercolour paper? I'm thinking of a comparison of cellulose vs. cotton and what are the benefits of using 100% cotton, like Arches.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Hi, I don't have a video exactly like that. But cotton papers are more durable, and you can adjust more and scrub out, whereas cheaper papers will start to lift and bead if you mess with them too much. A cheaper or less weighty paper can be made far more useable by stretching it. I don't like Arches personally, I find it too absorbent so it's a personal preference too. It's not true that you can't get good results with a paper that isn't cotton. It's all about preparation, budget, and how you get on with the paper. If you are in the UK St Cuthbert's Mill and some of the other manufacturers will sometimes give you a sample pack. You can also visit art materials fairs and pick up samples. Some manufacturers are now offering bamboo papers too.

[@philipdown3147]

Mechele Thanks greatly for sharing your talent, I enjoyed this video as always with yours they have always got something that hasn't been put into practice by me because of not knowing. Thanks greatly appreciated stay safe and healthy.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks Philip!

[@liamwatson5125]

I paint with brushes that I squeeze to let water out. I unscrew the brush tip, load the tube with water, screw the brush tip back, squeeze the tube, the water comes out, and I can paint with the brush. It just saves having a large pot of water, and most of all, the water is never dirty.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

My students love those brush pens!

[@labdian]

I am very grateful for this video. Thank you so much!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're very welcome!

[@aliciashackley5830]

Happy New Year lovely Michele! Wishing you health and joy always. Thx for another very helpful video. 🥰

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Happy new year!

[@diane2941]

Thanks, Michele. Very helpful.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stephenb7533]

Great advice Michele.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you!

[@thelmajudge4881]

Very informative, a lot of my questions answered. Thank you Michelle.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@darlarandleas4925]

Thank you for this video!!!! It was very helpful to me. :0)

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I'm so glad!

[@mamamargieskitchen903]

Thank you so much Michelle . Your tutorial is very informative Happy New Year

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Same to you!

[@annettefournier9655]

Thanks Michele. Wish I had had this video when I had decided I wanted to start to learn watercolor painting. Excellent! But no. I had to search knowing not what I should search for and no real instruction popped up . Just those advanced time lapse things. It was very slow going.🙄😉👍💜

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks Annette, that's lovely feedback :-)

[@pirjoraila4605]

The time lapse videos are great once you have the basics down. But it is not possible to start from the top. Like mastering ski jumps by watching just videos.

[@annettefournier9655]

@@pirjoraila4605 Yes. That's why my first year was such a frustrating time. The algorithm wasn't popping up any helpful basic beginner painting videos. Although they were titled beginner they were not. Happily I'm like a dog with a bone and would not give up. But a person with less resolve would be very likely to give up in frustration.

[@MusicalRaichu]

Happy New Year! Thanks for the video, it's very helpful! One question, I obtained a used set of tube paints but on a couple of them the lid was damaged and the paint inside has dried. Someone said it can still be activated with water like the ones you deliberately let dry in your pan, but how do I do I get solidified paint out of a tube?

[@travcat66]

Most tubes can be cut from the bottom then torn upwards from there.

[@marymorgan2221]

You will need to cut the tube open and put it into an empty pan, pour on a little warm water and leave it to set. Good luck

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

As others have said you will need to cut the tube open :-)

[@richardlevasseur6771]

Great advice as always! Happy New Year!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Happy new year!

[@therezanicheartes]

Parabéns artista 👏🏻

[@poke_n_around]

Happy New Year Michele 🎉🎉

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Happy new year!!

[@cindylong2782]

Thank you for helping me get into watercolors. I'm just beginning. I still need lots of practice mixing etc. My cat approves of this cat approved channel! =^~^=

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I am honoured, cats don't give approval often :-)

[@danielleb.7055]

Happy New Year! Thank you for this video. I appreciate all of your videos! When your referring to cartridge paper your referring to the paper we print on from our computer printers, right? If so in the U.S we call it printer paper. Thank you for this beginner video its super helpful. Have a great evening

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Happy new year! No, printer paper is thinner. Cartridge paper refers to smooth sketch book paper.

[@marie4pocheswoodworkingmar828]

I love your English accent!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you! It's not something I think about of course!

[@marie4pocheswoodworkingmar828]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber i am from Québec so I speak French (I know you hate French 😂) and our English have a different accent so it’s nice to watch your videos!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

@@marie4pocheswoodworkingmar828 I love to listen to other people's French accents it just sounds like I've put them through a wood chipper if I say them myself 😅

[@Starzology]

I wonder if you only use tap water, previously boiled water, filtered water, distilled water or other fluids like alcohol to mix your watercolour paints?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I don't but I may experiment with filtered water, we are starting to add it to the paints in my range.

[@LoriF25403]

Please when you do the brushes again, add in the quill mop and how to use it. I find it so floppy that I have no control.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Okay Lori, but some brushes are just too soft for some artists, particularly the animal hair ones.

[@pirjoraila4605]

Brushes have their special qualities so you have a range of tools for different effects. Mops carry loads of water so they are good for large areas or wet techniques. They do make a really fine tip when there is not too much paint in them. Many oriental artists have videos of how versatile they can be. It is also a good tool to practise more loose approach. But it would be nice to have Michele make a video about quill mops,

[@mikejustice1196]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@annonescio202]

Painting on toiletpaper 😂. At least it absorbs well!

[@bjornjohansson4911]

You are awsome, but do you have to challenge the speed of light when talking? I understand english guite good, but my old brain, cant interprete that fast. Neighther I can note what you tell. Just a hint. Please breathe sometimes. :) Love! An old swedish man begs for some slowments.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Sorry, I try 🙂 you can slow the speed a little in the KZbin setting, lots of people do it.