Watercolor Flat Wash (Professional Secrets Anyone Can Use!)

In this video I show you the secrets of the perfect watercolor flat wash. This basic watercolor technique is more challenging than it sounds but some simple tricks will make it easy for you. Suitable for everyone including beginners!
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VIDEOS you will love:
• Watercolor Mistakes (1... FIX the 10 most common watercolor even after your paint has dried…
• Stretching Watercolor ... Learn to STRETCH your paper step by step!
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[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Let me know if you are going to try any of these tips... or perhaps you have some of your own to share?

[@denismoran670]

So, NO pre-wetting before the washes? Yes, please I'd like to see a 'botanical' close up rose! Diolch eto, Michele, Den, Swansea

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

@@denismoran670 unnecessary. All pre wetting does is dilute the paint, it should only be done for specific techniques (usually where soft edges are needed) 👍🎨

[@denismoran670]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber I have tip re: lifting the excess paint from the gummed paper edges - cut strips of kitchen roll, approx. 2"wide, and keep them in an old book (A4 size?) to flatten them, then just lay them on the edge.The capillary action 'sucks' the paint away from the edge.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

@@denismoran670 well that's a new one, thanks for sharing!

[@jeffjames3111]

I love your channel, you fixed so, so many problems I was having with my work - thank you!

[@marywelter6229]

Thank you! I would also love to see you make a flat wash with the more detailed poppy painting. I draw quite detailed and I would love to use watercolour for that 😅

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Great suggestion!

[@barbarag7831]

This video is wonderful! Thank you so much for showing how to do that. I love the idea of extending the drawing in various places so that you break up the area that is being painted. I can't wait to try this.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@annieh6021]

Only recently found your channel every time I watch a video I. Learn. Something. Useful. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Welcome!

[@margaretcurletti9267]

This video was so helpful that I have had to come back later to let you know!!! I painted several beautiful washes today. The mistakes I had been making are 1: outlining first...like a child with markers 2:not using a large container to mix sufficient paint. and 3: trying to go back to fix something. Your advice was brilliant!!

[@MadhuB1-forAll]

THANKS, Michele! Beginner here and this was very valuable learning.

[@libbyfuntera8497]

I would love to watch you paint the rose Michele. Thank you for the great, informative video today.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are welcome Libby, rose painting it shall be then 😉

[@grandma.p]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber Me too. When I try to paint a rose I need a lesson in anger management.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

@@grandma.p it's here! Anger management 😆 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGjUdJ6PqMeehck

[@kimmip4202]

I’m a newbie, you totally called me out. I outline and fill in. Now I know better. Thanks for your tips!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Happy to help!

[@KarenMcCoy-xi2bf]

I really appreciate the way you stepped us through the process. As I have progressed I revisit videos like this when I know a bit more about watercolor. I am really loving your thinkific class! It is well worth the cost.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Great to hear!

[@caroles5258]

I'm in the middle of doing your Rose tutorial lesson and the backwash I did is pretty rough. So glad to know I can go back and do another layer to fix. Hope it works. I also dropped two blue drops on the rose that I haven't painted yet and couldn't get them out.

[@jimwarrong]

I've watched quite a few watercolour videos and yours are the best IMO.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you!

[@votisit]

Very useful, thank you, especially the tip about not going back to remove fluff or bits on the painting, I've done that and immediately regretted it.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

We've all been there! 😁

[@lynnswango8768]

I usually but I will now that I see how to do it. I'm going thru all the videos as I just found your station. How fortunate for me!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Welcome!

[@melindaavila498]

Michele, I am so glad I went back to find your previous tutorial about washes. I have only be painting since 2021, and washes have bedeviled me! I was watching a 2022 episode and you talked about using a wash for a pink rose, and you mentioned using a cup for your wash. Light bulb moment! Thanks.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Wonderful!

[@a.k.6511]

Hi Michele, I'm a greenhorn when it comes to watercolor. But your videos have really helped me so many times. What have I learned here? Keep calm and don't be too perfect. It also depends a lot on the paper and the color. You mentioned it. I paint with relatively cheap Russian paints, so I don't have any financial stress, especially when it comes to large areas. Thank you for your wonderful brilliant videos.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

My pleasure, if you mean White Nights paints they are actually pretty good!

[@beatrixsorensen374]

Yes please, paint the rose. 😊❤

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Hi Beatrix, I did paint the rose, I can't put links here, but just search my name and 'rose' and you will find it...

[@mickeykyker4837]

So you can paint over a wash if the colors are similar? If i understood right, trees are green made up of yellow and blue so it would be ok to paint them in after you do a blue sky wash because the color green has blue in it. Im a beginner so forgive me if thats a stupid question.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

A wash is a loose term, to layer colours is usually called a glaze. A transparent layer of colour to adjust the one underneath, and it can be different or similar depending on the result you want. For example, blue over pink would lead to purple, or you could use pink again to go darker, or yellow to go warmer.

[@julieholman10]

Thank you for all your videos. Loving your black cat on your screen.💞

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

His name is Gimlet :-)

[@kevinevans8505]

Never been told exactly that before. Good stuff.

[@rosiemasonpaints]

Thank you, this was very useful! I'd love to see you paint the rose.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I did paint the rose Rosie, if you search rose tutorial and my name you will find it. I can't put the link in the comments as youtube thinks it's spam.

[@sharynjackson8158]

Thank you. I have learnt so much from your videos 👍👍👍👏👏👏

[@marlenevincent6019]

I live in Australia thank you so much i fully understand what you are doing . I love the way you talk about what you are doing , I am a 74 year old female have at last bit the bullet, I have wanted to try all my life.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching Marlene, and good luck with your painting, it's never too late to start. I had one student start at 87!

[@liloo999]

thanks! this was very helpful

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're welcome, Liliana!

[@Bindismom]

Your videos are ALWAYS useful! I hope I can find the finished rose👍💖

[@SophieBird07]

You are so funny. Love your vids. “Literally will be watching paint dry”.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Aw thanks for watching ☺️♥️

[@agoldenb]

Excellent tutorial! Wish I had seen this months ago!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching!

[@gracapond]

Thank you very much. You have a very organized mind and I love, love your clever way of teaching, I decided not give up watercolour because I find you, thank you again

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Oh, don't give up! So pleased I could help :-)

[@lizzieenglish227]

I've just started painting during lockdown and am a complete amateur so your site and tutorials are proving extremely useful. Love your explanations, very clear, as is the camera work.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Great to hear! Thanks for watching :-)

[@susanbuckley1964]

Really great description and demo. Very useful. Thank you.

[@deebarnard5439]

Thankyou. Great teaching skills. Would love to see you paint the rose.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I did paint the Rose, if you search on youtube with my name it should come up.

[@johnrdoe108]

That was great, thanks Michele

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@thokchomjayshree8089]

Nice detailed tutorial. Thank you

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are very welcome 🙂

[@sallyalter6003]

HI Michelle, another great video. I learn all the time from you. I must say I did do what you are demonstrating once - I took it in smaller sections and almost made it. Not quite! But I shall try again. Thanks a lot for your help. Sally

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Wonderful! Keep trying :-)

[@donnacarraway9182]

Thank you! I always learn something from you! I agree with making enough of your paint mix for the entire piece. I ha watered down the paint midstream and that pretty much ruins the wash. Maybe like you said I could do a second wash but it still isn’t as good as if I had done it correctly to begin with! Thank you so much!💕

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are so welcome!

[@susimawani4892]

Brilliant advise! Thank you.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kathydeschene4649]

Love these tips

[@suluboyahayal]

Would be very happy to watch your painting way of a rose in flat wash..

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I do paint the rose in another video :-)

[@nkguenther1]

Very helpful! I love your videos.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I'm so glad!

[@awhalewatcher]

Excellent video Michele. Very helpful, thank you.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@NYCRocker]

Thank you Michele, this is exactly what I needed!!!!!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@karenobrien2579]

Exactly what I was looking for! Thank you, Michele. So helpful.

[@megandd1797]

Wow. wonderful demonstration that is very helpful. Unfortunately for me -- as a brand-new beginner - I made a drawing with a circle in the middle and want to make a solid midnight-color background all around the circle. Obviously I'm going to mess up, but hopefully will learn something from watching this to go forward.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

If you want flat, deep color then gouache is an option.

[@MarciaBaldwin]

Thank you 😊

[@LaLaArtStudio]

Michele, I only just found you about a week ago, so I am a new subbie and an instant fan! Thank you so much for sharing your skills and priceless knowledge 🙏 I learn something new from you with each vid!😍

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Hi Ange, thanks so much for subscribing and so pleased you are finding the videos useful! ☺️

[@maryrabuse3831]

I would love to see you painting the rose!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks Mary, I am going to do it tomorrow! Video will be up hopefully Wednesday, or Thursday latest :-)

[@kathytrombetta3438]

Thank you. Your videos are always very informative and well done.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks Kathy! Glad you liked it 🙂

[@carsvideos1184]

I just found you last week and I've already learned so much!!!! Thank you!!!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are very welcome! Thanks so much for watching :-)

[@carolynrobinson8124]

Wonderful tutorial. Concerning your beautiful Poppy Fields painting mentioned here, did you do your flat wash between each stem, in addition to the blossoms? Or did you paint the stems over the flat wash? Thanks!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Now you are asking... long time ago. I seem to recall painting around the stems too, but if your stems are very dark you could of course put them in later.

[@davidallsebrook8523]

Really helpful. Thank you for your excellent videos.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are welcome David!

[@beebee4095]

Hello Michele. Have you done any live classes with the SAA or any plans to do so ?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Hello, no, I left the SAA last year and am no longer a member.

[@persia888]

Awesome

[@littlemisssunshine3267]

Thank you.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're welcome!

[@sarahlouise8851]

Thankyou.. a beautiful flat wash around a subject..my weakest link! I will enjoy trying this out 😊

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Ah, well good luck Sarah 🙂🎨

[@patricialucinda2506]

wonderful

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Many thanks

[@ingridsaab5413]

That's a nice tutorial. I would like to know If you have a list of transparent watercolor that are good for washes and landscaping, and which ones watercolor should I avoid completely. Thanks.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

If you want to avoid granulation then ultramarine can be problematic, but it's fine if you want texture. Most manufacturers will have an online resource telling you which colours are transparrent.

[@ingridsaab5413]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber , I usually don't have the chance to ask the manufacturer those questions. In that case, what's your advice to testing the paints quality for transparency and granulation. Thanks!

[@fionaheale3939]

that was very helpful...do you ever do wet on wet for flat washes? what are your thoughts on that

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I don't, it's possible and it suits some people, but you would need to compensate by using stronger colour as working on a damp surface does dilute the colour.

[@fionaheale3939]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber thanks Michele

[@liamwatson5125]

Hey Michele, those reds match your fingernails!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

They are green and blue today!

[@paperpuddles]

You do such beautiful work. If I ever decide to take up painting I will try some of these ideas. Thanks for sharing! 🆒💙

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you 🙏 Everyone should paint it's very relaxing ☺️

[@arshadabdullah7425]

Good lesson. Please do paint the rose 👍🏽

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you, I will 🙂

[@renatecormick7399]

Two questions I would like to ask: is pthalo blue better to use for a sky wash than ultramarine blue. It’s just that I have heard you say that ultramarine tends to separate more easily etc. Also do you ever pre-wet the surface of larger areas before doing a sky or background wash. Although I’ve been painting for a while now I’m just starting to realise there is still so much to learn. Thanks for your never-ending supply of good tips and tricks.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

It's not better, but different. Ultramarine can be difficult in skies because of granulation, phthalo is very strong, it's a matter of what your sky looks like and what result you are after.

[@hodahoteit473]

Thank you for sharing this was very helpful👍🏻 I’m going to try this technique as I always struggle to have a flat sky :)

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No worries and good luck!

[@megandd1797]

Question. Do you ever wet the paper before doing the flat wash so it's wet on wet? Do you always make the wash on dry paper?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I wouldn't choose to do that as it would dilute the paint and possibly make the wash uneven.

[@shirleybrady3174]

I just found you last night! You are an awesome watercolor teacher and your work is stunning! Did you paint the rose by any chance!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Yes I have I lost track of what is in each video but if it's the peach one the video is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGjUdJ6PqMeehck

[@godsdaughter9006]

What kind of tape are you using and where can I get some?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Sorry, I have so many videos, I am not sure, if you mean the tape around the edge of the board it's gummed tape, for paper stretching. You can get it from art stores or amazon. There are paper stretching tutorials on my channel :-)

[@etm567]

What if you used gouache for the background? If you want a flat wash and you don't really want to see anything through the paint would it be easier to do it with gouache?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Absolutely you can do that, it will give the painting an entirely different look of course.

[@orcamum]

So, what about having to do a background all the way around the focal point but you can't break the area down the way you showed? And also, do you advise us to first do the background and then the focal point or vice versa? I'm currently painting something that sits in the middle of the paper and the colours I'm using are very full of light so to speak so I've been thinking of throwing a really dark background all around to make them pop. How do you advise me to handle that? I'm an ardent follower of yours by the way! Love, love, love all your videos!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Aw thank you 🙏 Generally it's best to put a background in first but dark colours can bleed easily so in the casi you mention I would do it last. If you can't break up the background with lines then I would consider using texture, either wet into wet, salt or something else. You can still have it dark overall 👍

[@orcamum]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber Thank you so much for the prompt reply Michelle! I was thinking about dry brushing around the focal point too as I want to make the background as stark as possible. I'll see what I'll do in the end. Keep up the excellent work you've been doing for all of us! I really appreciate it!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

@@orcamum Good luck with your painting!

[@orcamum]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber Thank you! Lots of greetings from Greece!

[@taopan963]

Still curious how a large background is painted when it's not divided into smaller sessions. Like the poppy painting.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

It can be done in one, if it's a fairly simple shape, you would need to work methodically one side to the other, going round or masking other elements.

[@anartistpatty8912]

Where is the 🌹? I 'd like to see you paint the rose, please.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I did paint the rose, it's a seperate video. I can't paste links here but just search my name and rose on KZbin and it should come up, alternatively it may be in the 'step by step' playlist on my channel.

[@mariapazaristeaguirre4491]

PLease paint the rose. thanks

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

It's here 🙂 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGjUdJ6PqMeehck

[@dixieoswald1234]

I watched all three of roses and leaves. Very helpful and I am going try. Maybe I'll send a copy

[@jomackenzie7065]

My flat washes could use some work. mark Adams is the best at laying in a flat wash. Have you googled him? He blows my mind.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Ooo no but I will now! :-)

[@marlenevincent6019]

I live 8j Queensland Australia so therefore the paint dries very quickly.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I can imagine. It happens here about 2 days a year!

[@rosiemasonpaints]

Thank you, this was very useful! I'd love to see you paint the rose.