How To Improve Your Watercolor Skills (10 FAST Actions to take today!)

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Let me know how this video helped you, and if you enjoyed this video try this one next! 20 FAST Tricks to Transform your Drawing Skills! kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGe9gaRvhpl0ZtE

[@donnastrohmeier8739]

I did this follow up. Equally informative, plenty of information to up my painting journey.🙏🎨

[@MaggieValera]

...but...but... Michelle, I wallpaper that was made in the French Alps made with spring water transported by unicorns! 😅 I love how you never change the tone of your voice so you can sneak those zingers right in to see if your students are paying attention. ❤ I have made my own watercolor blocks I love the way they work, but what would you recommend doing when working in a watercolor journal for sketching? P.S. I took a watercolor journal and turned it into a Swatch book, so if I need a particular color, I can look through the swatches of all my paints. I then cover them with clear packing tape, so I'm still able to leave blank spaces to be used, but still protecting the swatches I have done from any water..

[@Zar2244]

Love you, I don't believe animals should die for brushes either !

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you!

[@leahferrell3110]

Wow! Thanks Michelle. I always learn a lot from your videos. I think most of my best color mixing ideas have come from you.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Wow, thank you!

[@cacevedo07]

Many thanks for your videos, Michelle. I agreed animals shouldn't die so we can make a painting, lovely!

[@valeriegehling4358]

Decided to test myself on your video to see what I’ve retained tomorrow. I’ve taken ( as you suggested ) a break from my small trial painting, will w@tch more later. Thanks

[@robinsams3684]

I love your humor& sarcasm !

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you!

[@ellenpham4834]

I love being able to watch your videos. And it’s always information I can trust, which I deeply appreciate. I’ve watched many of your videos over at least a couple of years and it’s time for me to drop a comment. Thank you. What you do is special, and I have always appreciated it.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I'm so glad, and thank you for watching!

[@Rileygirl746]

I watch your videos all the time and this intro was the funniest intro yet and gave a good sense of who you are. You really made me chuckle. I truly enjoyed it along, of course what's the 10 hints

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mar_gheri_ta]

Great job Michele, this is awesome for beginners loved to see your sunset painting!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks so much 😊

[@PaulaScardamalia]

Transported by unicorns...Always a delightful balance of useful information and whimsy/humor.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks Paula!

[@margohardie822]

You are hilarious! Loved the unicorn reference...

[@MsRosiecat]

Blimey, I remember you teaching the majority of this video in your classes. It started coming back to me as I watched this. I loved coming to your classes xx

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks Nichi, lovely to hear from you. I don't teach classes anymore. Pandemic killed everything, but I'm doing ok at this online malarky ;-)

[@Diane_McDon]

I love your channel Michelle, useful tips, nicely paced and and sprinkle LFG with humor!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you like them!

[@patriciasheridan7]

Very informative, thank you.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching!

[@nanschifris8734]

I never used to stretch my paper and I didn’t think it mattered for what I was painting. Then I decided to try some larger pieces with a lot of water so I stretched several sheets of paper in preparation. Wow! It’s been a complete game-changer for me. I really had no idea how much it was going help. The fact that I can paint large washes that are fairly wet, keep adding water & color, and be working on paper that stays flat… well, you know. I still don’t stretch for smaller, less wet pieces or quick studies, but everything else gets “the treatment.” Thanks for another great free video!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Yes I wouldn't paint on any other surface!

[@patwessels2322]

Well explained and logically laid out as always. Well done and keep them coming!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks, will do!

[@ritavansimaeys8226]

🙏 Michele. The oil pastel technique was new to me.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

It's so good! I have other videos about it :-)

[@tradingpostfarms]

I have a tip, I paint in my living area on a tall table, and I put a thick glass slab from an old side table on it. It cleans up easily and it makes a great mixing space too.

[@patriciasheridan7]

You are a great inspiration!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you! 😊

[@philipshackley659]

Michele this is an excellent video and worthy of an Oscar nomination for comedy. You are so good at explaining techniques and so fun to watch. Thx as always (Alicia Shackley). 😂❤

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks Alicia!

[@shirleygreaves9650]

You are a great teacher and really funny too. I loved this video thank you for making videos to help us learn. ❤️

[@donnatdeal]

Yes! Yes! Just brilliant, common sense ideas that any beginner can handle and any experienced painter should remember. I so agree with the need for swatching and charting every color in one's collection. I think it's great fun to do that, and learn to experience my paints. Thank you Michelle!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

My pleasure Donna!

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

This is a fantastic video for beginners to watch before getting started into watercolor painting! 💕🎨 So many great tips for them & they tie in wonderfully for the more in-depth videos you have done already! I wish you had this one when I started out but I enjoyed seeing the last few tips on keeping it clean & the reasons why! 😂I also appreciate & love your ever bubbly personality & humor sprinkled throughout the video. Awesome 👏 fun! Thanks for sharing this!!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks so much Colleen! 😊

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber My pleasure 😉

[@ltlove63]

I AGREE 👍🏼👍🏼 she’s one of the Best❤ her voice is easy to listen too 👍🏼 does not add a bunch of extra words or Sounds. im so glad i found her videos 🌹

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

@@ltlove63 Yes, and you will learn quite a lot from her. I know that I have!!

[@michelemarchesani5139]

"Learn to draw"!!! Wow, what a thought! I've heard youtube instructors who say you (I) don't need to draw to make paintings that sell!!! Thank youuuuu Michele!!!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Well as someone who has curated exhibitions and run art fairs, let me tell you that literally anything will sell if you price it low enough and someone happens to like it. Great name btw. Sophisticated, I like it.

[@michelemarchesani5139]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber 😆So sophisticated, yours too!

[@sherrieleslie7478]

Thank you. Very helpful. ❤

[@nancydavidson4899]

Really solid tips as always Michele. I’ve applied every one of your tips as I’ve been learning to paint and it has made the experience really enjoyable and I’ve been getting results that I’ve been really happy with almost from the very beginning. Watch Michele’s videos guys, there’s an extensive library and all so useful! I’m with you Michele, there’s nothing like watching a demonstration 😃

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you!

[@ralphherrick596]

Good to see you.... glad you are feeling better.... very informative video .. thanks

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you!

[@StarBarks4U]

I absolutely loved this video Michele! I was not feeling all that well today until I watched your video and smiled and laughed so many times at your wonderful sense of humor! So thank so much for turning my almost crap day into a lovely experience! Not to mention that the info you shared was fantastic and very valuable...especially for someone just starting out on their creative journey! ..So thank you again and I wish you an awesome weekend! If we lived closer Id buy you a pint at the pub! God bless...Rus from Pennsylvania ❤️😊🎨🖌🍻

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Feel better Rus ☺️

[@melodycrites3145]

The idea of swatching secondary colours is one I’m going to start on.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

It's very rewarding!

[@lizbamford1037]

Excellent tutorial - full of useful advice. Thank you so much, Michelle.

[@StarBarks4U]

Thanks!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks so much, I appreciate that!

[@leslie-annepepin8927]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're welcome!

[@donnastrohmeier8739]

Thanks for sharing Michelle 💖 I think this video is terrific 👍 I will definitely check into your other lessons 🙏🎨🖌️

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Wonderful!

[@cilene2805]

Very useful tips, specially for begginers like me. Thanks for sharing.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

My pleasure 😊

[@kathystaudenmayer2277]

As always your videos crack me up!! I was more of a book leaner untill I discovered your channel. Two topics you mention often have really helped me are : improving drawing skills and streching paper. Before I started watercolor I mostly did craft painting, I always assumed my drawing skills weren't good enough and took too long to learn. You are right in that improving your drawing skills helps you with the motion of painting! And watercolors are unforgiving if you don't get the drawing right from beginning. Also paper streching is easy and helps immensely with water control. It took quite awhile for these two ideas to sink in, but you are really good at stressing them often, so even stubborn me listened. Thank you!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching Kathy!

[@janetturner3497]

Fab video again. Love the tips , recapping on a few things whilst learning new ideas.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you!

[@ltlove63]

So much useful information in a short video THANK you 🙏 Your videos have been so useful & helpful 🌹🙏

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

My pleasure🙂

[@frankmazzant2868]

I’m glad I found your channel. I know if you can draw you can do anything. I love the sound of your voice and you speech mannerism. When I hear people say you don’t need to have drawing skills I just cringe. I just ruined a very large painting. That’s how I found you. Thanks❤

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks and welcome!

[@ellenlee5012]

Thanks for sharing the tips for beginners. They're really helpful.

[@vivianlamb3760]

Thank you. I'm learning so much

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I'm so glad!

[@doryaloha]

You are a wonderful teacher. Thank you❤️

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you! 😃

[@grahamnash9794]

Taking tips from various artists can deliver, but can also get muddles results when we confuse them. With you, I learn, and employ some of what you show us. But then there are others I love to watch that will forever be beyond my dreams to aspire to. The likes of 'Smoothy 77' and Louise De Masi are great to see, but teach little. And them we have the late great Frank Clarke, and yourself that show the how to with basic and more advanced. That makes it close to impossible to have a favourite. Some have become friends, which is precious, but not even that can constitute being a favourite. But with eyes that are very reluctant to obey, I'm painting less at the moment. My vision clarity fluctuates almost by the hour, as blood sugar levels go up and down. (Silly thing is, when the sugar levels are high, I can see better, and risk doing much more harm at the same time. Tuff choices...). Leaving you in peace, but not before extending gratitude for another informative video. Thank you. Be well. TTFN

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks Graham look after yourself!

[@gailliguori3037]

Thank you for this video!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are welcome!

[@lyndamitton4496]

This information is what I have been looking for! I have been getting confused with the names of colours and how to make them ! Thanks!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I'm so glad!

[@nattyw495]

Enjoyed video found it interesting and informative and helpful i will be able to use all these techniques on my painting.watched video 2.5 times..lol needed to try to retain certain info..have a great creative day....👩‍🎨🎨✍🇨🇦🇺🇸💛

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@evelyne7071]

Michele,these are some good ideas. A while back, I started using the two water jars after your suggestion. It had not been clear to me how quickly the water can become tainted, especially between colors. Thank you

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are very welcome!

[@susanbuckley1964]

This is a really informative and entertaining video. Great pointers for beginners and reminders for others. Enjoyed it immensely. Thankyou!😃

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Awesome, thank you!

[@benjaqsonworkshop9974]

Helped a lot. Thank you for understanding that some of us are just beginning and showing me where I can focus to improve. The tips on the balance of water to paint really help.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it helped!

[@D9david]

Thank you!

[@Bassbarbie]

Can I ask about granulation - is it sometimes desirable and sometimes not? As a beginner, I don't like the look of it, but perhaps there is a place for it? I have inherited some old watercolours and some of them are very 'bitty'

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Granulation is best for textured things, like rocks, brick walls, sandy beaches. It can also make texture techniques such as salt and cling film look much more dramatic. You may want to keep it away from smooth things like petals and skies, but a lot depends on preferences and painting style.

[@Bassbarbie]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber thank you so much. That’s really helpful 😊

[@tabassumiman5531]

If you ever decide to write Art books, I would love to buy them. Everything you teach is brilliant! My memory is weak.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Maybe one day!

[@kayaj3802]

Great tips Michelle! Thank you! I've implemented most of those tips over the years. I'm still working on the limited palette though. I came up with a solution that may work out. My pans are magnetized, so I pull the ones I want to use into an old lemon drop lid. Occasionally there is a relapse though and other colors suddenly appear there too.🤫 The pains of a watercolor hoarder, I want to use them all 🥴. Also I follow your suggestion about writing down the colors you use for a painting. This is very helpful in the long run. Unfortunately there was an accident the other day & my Phoenix Tail feather brush spontaneously combusted and I don't know why?!? 😱🤯😭🤣😂

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Gremlins. They get everywhere, stay vigilant.

[@Valerie-ut2dk]

I really enjoy your videos! Thanks for making so much valuable information available. I am a raw beginner and am taking your advice to heart. It also validates what I have been doing before seeing this video. When I see something that inspires me or have an idea for something, I spend more than a bit of time looking for instructional videos that are relevant and I practice, first on not-so-great paper then eventually on better paper. I am also getting better at sketching out what I have in mind and I have been practicing sketching (does not come naturally to me). Also, importantly, I am getting better at understanding what is beyond my current skill set and keeping my stretch challenges more attainable so that I don't get frustrated and chuck all brushes, paints and paper out! Thanks again Michele, you are wonderful.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks so much!

[@stephanieh930]

LOL, one day I want to try the sheet of spring water paper transported from the Alps by the Unicorns! I did notice that I learn more about what brushes can do if they cost less and I can move them around with varying pressure and/or direction without caring if I destroy the bristles. I'm too gentle with them if they are more expensive. But ... for me it would have to at least be a good brand, student grade brush. The cheap drugstore brushes don't teach me anything but how to combine swear words while I'm trying to use the crappy brush ;)

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

The ones that drop hairs are the worst!

[@christineduenas8001]

Hi this is a very helpful video, tons of tips. Thanks.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dixieoswald1234]

Thanks. I have three of your couses

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

That's great Dixie, thank you!

[@Carol0831]

What are some of the wood pulp paper brands? I generally use Canson brand watercolor paper. I do stretch my paper. Is Canson a good brand for a beginner? Another question(s) I have are about plein air painting. Would blocks of watercolor paper be best for that? It seems rather cumbersome & awkward to haul a board with a stretched piece of paper out to the field. Also what brushes would be best for plein air painting? I see the brushes that come apart and protect the bristles. Is there a recommended brand or would I be better off using my regular brushes from home? If I use my regular brushes, how to I travel with them and protect the bristles? Thanks Michele!

[@Carol0831]

One more question, if I may. Why are flat wash brushes so expensive? Could I use a similar paint brush from the hardware store?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I like Bockingford, although that may not be available everywhere, I have also used SAA practice paper for years, again a British brand. I didn't get on with Canson but it's personal really. Blocks are great for painting outside, I just carry a little plastic 'Tool' case, made for art, and found the brushes were fine in the trays of that. Plus you can rest your feet on the box which elevates your legs to the perfect angle for painting (but I'm very small so perhaps that's just me!) Brush rolls are another possibility, or those trugs made for tradesmen that are open at the top with carry handle and outside pockets, lots of crafters use them, that way the brushes can remain upright.

[@Carol0831]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber It appears that SAA paper is not available in my area of the USA. I can however find Bockingford paper. I would love it if you would do a video about what supplies (ie. the Bockingford blocks, brushes, carrying cases, and which colors) you would recommend for doing plein air painting. I love to go hiking and sometimes I would much rather paint what I see than take a photo. I always feel like each painting has a piece of my soul & how I was feeling that day in it. Photographs are lovely and I do enjoy that hobby too but anyone can take a photo of something. A painting is so much more personal. Thank you!

[@debh3404]

T H A N K Y O U !

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

❤️

[@terrybaker3632]

Informative content thank you

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@michaelklein5242]

I knew this was the video for me when you said "these tips don't require any talent". 😉

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

😁

[@nanschifris8734]

Hi Michele! I have not had the JOIN button in any of the videos since you announced it. Do you know if there’s some “trick” to seeing it? I’m in the US and have SHARE, THANKS, DOWNLOAD & SAVE.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Hmm, google suggests that certain mobile phones may cause it not to appear, and certain countries may block it. Try going into the video description and using the link I have pasted there, apparently that works sometimes to bring up the option.

[@Love2Create62]

This is a real helpful video for beginners! I have a question about brushes Michelle. If my round brush has a fine point, but the very tip is curled just slightly, is that the way it should be, or is it time to get another brush? I have several that have little curled tips like that, but I straighten them every time I use them. They are quality brushes. Thank you. 😊

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Hi Lori, this is often caused by standing them in the water jar, so make sure you aren't doing that. Or it may be scrubbing at pan paints, or dried paints. I keep old brushes for when something needs a bit of scrubbing or mixing. I have had some success at trimming the ends either with a pair of sharp hairdressing scissors or a razor blade, although you never completely get the sharp point back. You should always keep old brushes, that way the newer ones last longer.

[@Love2Create62]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber thank you so much for taking the time to reply! 🫶

[@sherryscoloringandpaintingcorn]

i love that wooden sword in your background area

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Isn't it great!

[@jos81]

Thank you for believing that humans needn’t contribute to animal suffering. Is there anything I could possibly create that has more value than another living being’s life. You’re not just an informative and wonderful teacher, more importantly, you’re compassionate.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you!

[@HaxrChick]

Hi! How can we find the video you mention on 5 different ways of making swatches? I just joined but I'm not seeing it under Perks, not sure if there's someplace else I should be looking. Thanks!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

See my answer to your other question X

[@sharonspackman2348]

Which is better cotton or cold press paper?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

These are different things, one is material content and one is surface finish. Therefore cotton is better than woodpulp paper. Cold press is a textured surface, the other two available are hot press (smooth) and rough (rougher than cold press). Cold press is a good medium surface for beginners, hot press can be a little tricky to use. I use cold press for most things.

[@suel4269]

You’re hilarious. I won’t even buy Dog food from stores that sell mugs and cushions. 🤣

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Dogs deserve better 😄

[@janettepolt2815]

KUDOS to you for not perpetuating animal abuse for our selfish needs.

[@maryvaeni1007]

Great information, but the term "FAST Actions" is misleading. Just plain Actions is more the reality.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

The word fast is relative, and SEO is necessary...

[@randicahill1094]

Sorry…your platform is VERY cumbersome to use. I have taken other online classes/tutorials and they were very easy. I was hoping to take more classes, but this is way too clunky for me. I suggest/hope you find another way.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Do you mean my online courses? I've sold thousands and no one has ever mentioned this before, but of course it may not suit you perhaps.

[@BigAndyG]

Your hair is lookingreally nice here.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Oh thank you!

[@D9david]

Thanks!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you so much, I appreciate it!

[@ellenlee5012]

Thanks!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks so much, I appreciate it!