The Biggest Mistake Beginners Make In Watercolour

[@Port712]

Now I found the solution for the problem of the hard edges I always make when painting watercolour. Then, what I tend to do is to add too much water to recover which just lifts off good dark hues and creates even more hard edges. Those hard edges do put me off painting watercolour because I feel so inadequate. Eventually, I paint every surface even just like kids do. Thank you so much, Karen! You taught me not just how to avoid hard edges, but I can have a hope.

[@KarenRiceArt]

I am so pleased that this has helped and try not to be too hard on yourself. Watercolour is all about the practice, keep at it and try to have as much fun as possible 😀

[@katepanthera7265]

Just keep trying - I'm a newbie and that's what I'm doing. It's frustrating but that's how we all learn. The main thing is to try and give as much value to what I did wrong and what not to do next time, as I do to something that turns out good.😃🖌

[@shivawatercolor6540]

👍👌🏼

[@appleknocker56]

This helps so much for beginners like myself! Can just watch myself trying to keep “fix” or add more when it’s actually “still wet” but if keep going over it end up with a mess! So tyvm & just switched to 100% cotton & feel having to learn (how to paint) over again as adopted to the cellulose paper! Practice feel is very important!

[@ccaa474]

I am SERIOUSLY in the same boat as you🥹

[@plazmica0323]

Finaly someone that understands what beginners struggle with, thank you every much

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are most welcome!

[@1012chart]

Yes much helpful information. In the first painting that yellow centre feels like a Michaelangelo peep into the heavens...

[@MsBlackParadox]

I like both paintings but it's good to know what techniques were used to arrive at the results. The second one is definitely a beautiful starry night, while the first one makes me think of a snowy December night in a smog-filled city.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks so much 😊

[@ChrisR_68]

I agree I like both I'm kind of I don't mind pale colours but I'll probably like to do more colourful. My mam showed me some watercolour paintings which were really colourful and I always thought they had to be pale.

[@ChrisR_68]

Also thank you Karen for this tutorial ❤

[@Miranda.Powers]

I agree on both having their own beauty! I do like both versions 💜 I'm also a sucker for starry skies 😀💜

[@shivawatercolor6540]

👍👍

[@JessicaNiles]

No one ever tells you what NOT to do and if they do, they don't tell you WHY. I need both of those explanations. This was great!

[@KarenRiceArt]

So pleased you found this helpful🎨

[@Kagane1001]

I just want to give my two cents why I think this video is awesome. I love how the mistake you do in the "wrong" picture feels so genuine like someone truly did their best, just... failed. Most "Beginner mistakes" videos I see are good artists pretending to be a grade schooler, deliberatly doing their worst to make a picture look bad. And even though the principles are often sound I don't see how to apply those to my paintings because their their example is *so* bad, even I know not to paint like that. Even I know not to *immediatly* put another layer on absolutely wet paper. Whereas yours, I have definetly been there, panic lifting bleeding colours, trying to safe my picture, never making the conection between that and dull colours. Sorry for the long post

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks so much for sharing and I am so glad you found the tutorial helpful!

[@k.b.woodworker3250]

Just to say, I loved your long post. It clarified some things for me, like the bad examples being too bad.

[@shivawatercolor6540]

👍👍👍

[@jbeansky]

she is really good. We all had to start somewhere. I was right where you are. just keep painting and having fun.

[@devinstephans7969]

same

[@TazArtz]

Can’t believe how letting it dry can make such a difference, I’m a complete beginner so found this very useful. The second picture is so pretty (but I quite liked the “muddy colours” too). Thank you ☺️

[@solveigfrank]

Haha yeah me too xD

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Tracey! The first painting turned out alot better than I expected!!

[@HollyOak]

At least now you have a choice and can work deliberately to get the finish you want. Me too.

[@shivawatercolor6540]

👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

[@anonymouse1593]

@@KarenRiceArt It has a "graphic novel" quality to it :)

[@T-roccBABY]

When I did a commission I combined both actually. The flatter washed out look I used on the gritty destruction, columns and dirt. The vibrant method I used for all the characters, lighting and magic going on. Pretty nifty!

[@indygo_art]

I usually work on two paintings at them same time, it helps me to get enough time for paint to dry 😅 I'm very impatient, and that method helped me a lot

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wonderful! Your idea is also a great way of not overworking your paintings!

[@annemarievanpeer120]

I think something important to note is that if you're a beginner you'll probably be using the cheaper cellulose paper. It's a LOT easier to lift colours and create back runs on this. Switching to cotton is a little pricier, but the paper cooperates a lot more and makes your life much easier ❤️

[@JanieAlcove9]

That was a brilliant demonstration of what NOT to do and why. The difference was glaringly obvious when you showed them side by side. I also loved your buildings using the card and tip of the paint tube. Extremely helpful. Thank you.

[@KarenRiceArt]

So pleased you found this helpful 😀

[@Janaely]

I have this project I've been meaning to start, painting watercolours from photographs of random objects. I haven't started partly because I'm intimidated, but you made it look less complicated. Thank you!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@lindamartin6040]

Thanks so much Karen. This is the clearest and most definitive description of what happens when you just can't bring yourself to wait. I finally understood about the stirring up of the first wash and creating mud ........ Followed your instructions and created a painting I was pleased with :)

[@KarenRiceArt]

That is wonderful Linda! I am so pleased that this video was helpful!

[@mysanalumina]

the "wrong" picture looks like it belongs in a manga or comic. I honestly like it a lot.

[@Immamom2]

Totally agree with you. It's looks so layered, like maybe what falling through a wormhole or blackhole might feel like. Steps upon steps of space.

[@Hekateras]

"Reawaken the paint" is a great expression :D The patience required for watercolour is probably the main reason I was never super into it until I discovered watercolour pencils.

[@jakeywakeyeggsnbakey]

OMG you're a lifesaver!! I'm in high school and had to teach myself watercolour as my art teachers never really covered it, I've been having this exact issue for so long and now I know how to avoid it!! Thank you!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

So pleased this was helpful! I was not taught this in school either!!

[@minetruly]

I bet your school doesn't provide soft enough brushes. Watch out!

[@connieblankley3268]

I watched your video mainly because I am NOT experienced in any type of painting with water or oil or acrylic. I will begin with water because I love the Softness in the results. In watching you, I don’t believe I have to be one who draws first because I cannot draw a stick so have held off trying. I will pick up supplies this week and begin my new journey. Thank you for your great instruction.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Good luck I hope you enjoy your watercolour journey 😊

[@dezirees6840]

No questions, I learned more in this video than a year of working with watercolour. I'm beyond stoked to actually have a clear painting

[@KarenRiceArt]

That is wonderful! I am so pleased that this tutorial has helped! Yay!!!

[@shea5542]

This was SO helpful. Thank you!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Hextopher]

Despite of the well merged one looking better, I really like the one with hard edges because it gives off those children story book vibes or the Tim Burton art stye vibes, the gothic dreary scenes. This one particularly lit up the scene where the sparrow sees the entire city while travelling in the story 'The Happy Prince' by Oscar Wilde.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you, that is so kind of you to say!!

[@andrebartels1690]

Long story short: Let your paint dry. Don't let the water control you, control the water. Those examples really highlighted, how this applies. Thank you 👍

[@zoes32flavaz]

So be a water bender?

[@Moonlight__65768]

be a the last avatar?

[@kimmiesrhythms]

Today I ventured into watercolor for the first time as an adult. I loved this tutorial it all made so much sense!!! Thank you so much!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Diane, so pleased it was helpful!

[@eciesz]

There is no writer wrong, just levels of acceptance. I found your video incredibly helpful.

[@lobo1368]

Thank you. One of the best demonstrations I've seen to explain this basic rule of watercolor painting. I am green as grass.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 😊

[@martinjohnson2549]

I like the mood of the one on the left more.

[@LindaNowlin]

Linda, Thank you for the tips in your tutorial. These were very helpful for a beginner.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@psychicmd]

This is where I learned water colors are deceptive and I need to check with the back of my hand for truthfulness. Thank you! I literally grabbed my paints and am waiting for them to properly dry:)

[@KarenRiceArt]

Yay! So pleased you found this helpful 😊

[@uschigrumann3664]

Thank you very much for this very helpfull video! Greetings from Germany 🙋🏼‍♀️😁

[@lakcurious]

Many thanks! Now I understand why my pictures often look like the first example image. I've watched so many tutorials, but you're the first to show so explicitly how it can be done differently. The comparison is very instructive. I would like to see many more videos of this kind! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us so generously!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Lak, so pleased you found this tutorial helpful... more like this to follow soon 😊

[@Purpleladybirdart]

Looking forward to trying this one…🙏💜

[@Joanna-nr4jt]

Just started trying to learn from KZbin, using some of my lovely late mum’s supplies (and wishing so much that I had asked her to teach me when I had the chance 😢) Thank you so much for this, it has explained a great deal as I keep failing with soft blending, and often getting those unwanted hard edges, or lifting off when I don’t want to. I also didn’t know that once dried it was safe to re-wet! So helpful thanks, especially seeing how easily it went wrong and exactly why. I’m going to save this to my library! Also I think you’re using much softer brushes than I am…

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! I am so glad this was helpful. I hope you enjoy using your mum’s materials.

[@sand3882]

I understand why you favor the one on the right, but I appreciate them both. Initially, I favored the one on the left because it felt more dramatic. Not certain where I stand now, but I see beauty in each.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you!

[@masaakishimizu4558]

This turned out to be a very much fun exercise, as I painted an imaginary NY Manhattan sky. I added now-gone Twin Towers to a skyline, memorializing them for world peace. You share with us lots of interesting and helpful hints, which I appreciate a lot. Thank you, Karen

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much! I love your idea of adding the Twin Towers memorialising them for world peace!

[@GabrielleMaillet]

Definitely helpful. I agree that showing mistakes or wrong approaches helps to understand. Thanks

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jasminv8653]

It's been years since I last got to take any actual lessons in watercolours, and I've developed a bit of a dread for them even though I love the technique, so finding your channel was a great refresher! Thank you so much for the video.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Jasmin, so pleased this video has helped you!

[@WatercolorArteest]

I made my first night sky today using the techniques you outlined in this video. Great video! I made my night sky over an active volcanic caldera instead of a city skyline.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Really pleased you found this helpful! Love the sound of the volcanic caldera!

[@craftycrandall]

This is such an incredible tutorial that really illustrates the beginner mistakes so well. I’m definitely guilty of being impatient, and have learned the hard way to wait and use my hair dryer when necessary. I love the result you got with the correct piece, and love seeing such an accurate and detailed mistaken piece. Thank you so much!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! So pleased you found this helpful 😀

[@MurrayHerts]

Thank you Karen, love you for this

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@nadaartisan8447]

I'm a complete begginer with watercolors despite being a 4th year art major in college.. I do know about this but I'm often too short on time to wait until it's completely dry (I don't have a blow dryer) and due to my inexperience with watercolors, I didn't know how much of a difference it really makes and this was extremely helpful and eye-opening to me so I can try harder to manage letting it dry despite being short on time since I now know how it makes a world of difference! Absloutly Loved your painting btw!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much for sharing! Really pleased you liked this tutorial and found it helpful!

[@TanitaSama]

I draw with watercolor for years but I didn't know that. Thank you for this tip! I'll try

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome 😊

[@mistyw4512]

This was so helpful, thank you! I tried following several tutorials and mine would never come out anything like the ones in the videos. I couldn't figure out why, but now I know! I also really appreciate that you actually showed the process of what not to do. It's so much easier for me to understand and remember when I actually see it as opposed to having someone say "don't do that" without much explanation.

[@KarenRiceArt]

So pleased you found this helpful! Thank you so much for sharing 😀

[@namitaroy5460]

I loved this vid soo much😅 unlike other artists who always make the wrong side as bad as possible, thank u very much now I realized my mistakes I always did while watercolor I now practice a lot and follow ur tutorials it also gives me motivation when I am about to give up and now my art have improved alottt ❤❤❤

[@KarenRiceArt]

So glad this has helped. 😊

[@kimdavies4542]

Yes I definitely add paint just as the sheen disappears and think I can get away with it. Will be having a go at this and learning 😀

[@KarenRiceArt]

I think it is ok when the sheen is disappearing as long as it is damper than the surface, not easy to do at that stage! We are all guilty of painting just one last mark!! 😂

[@lyndseywinnington9056]

Thanks! I have always worked with the assumption that any water on top will dissolve the paint below, no matter how dry - I'm going to have to try your method!

[@KarenRiceArt]

So pleased you found this helpful!

[@croenan]

I struggle with painting nebulas, and as an astronomer, I really want to paint some! Going to retry this technique, now that I am more seasoned as an artist, many thanks to you for improving my skills. I would love to see you do this again using salt or other texture techniques. Maybe paint Orion or the rosette nebula!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you for your suggestion 😊

[@debrarozin9940]

REally enjoy your demo of what not to do. I think this is very instructive! Thanks!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pocketbread7535]

The first one looks like a city, with dark clouds, while the sun tried its best to shine trough the clouds. And it looks like the first snow starts to fall, i love it absolutely. The second one is nice too, looks a bit like an experience with alkohol makers, but not bad. Maybe i just like the darker stuff a bit more xD

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😀

[@debbieschultz9768]

I can see that.

[@lajvkatt84]

Yes this helped a lot! I'm the left painting, I'm looking forward to try to become a better artist, I like watercolor a lot.

[@dorothyhagler5759]

Many thanks, Karen, for this most enlightening demonstration and explanation of how to achieve desired results when painting watercolor. Watercolor has a life of its own and it is so easy to get unwanted results when you are not aware of how you may be unintentionally causing them. I am so grateful for your expertise and knowledgeable tutorials which have helped me ever so much. Can hardly wait to try using my paint tube to put light in windows. Love it! You are a terrific teacher!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Dorothy! So pleased you like my teaching and my tutorials. Have fun using tube paint 😀

[@jessiemontgomery5838]

Very helpful! I watched the video twice before I tried it. It was challenging; increased my skill level.

[@KarenRiceArt]

So glad it was helpful! Thanks Jessie 😊

[@annareichelt5997]

Honestly, I really like hard edges in watercolor lol That probably just comes down to personal preference. Thank you for the tips, I will definitly use them all :)

[@starmazaheri7448]

Thank you Karen, Loved the way you quickly painted the city buildings and lights.😍

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@karinkersteter6708]

Karen, I adore your flowers and landscapes, but the second painting on here may be one of my favorites of yours. Those colors in that sky are stunning, and you make that cityscape look so easy! I will be trying this one!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Karin! So pleased you liked this one! Loved your painting as well!!

[@indiamarispereira6944]

Tks for the video and for such beautiful voice and amazing pronúncia :)

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! 😃

[@lisathomas1622]

Thank you so much for verbalizing this along with awesome close ups. You’re instructions are so helpful to me as I haven’t had an art class in person since middle school (years 6-8 in the US) . All my art skills are being picked up from awesome artists like you, however you are super descriptive compared to most and it really really helps me.

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome! So glad this was helpful Lisa

[@webtron44]

I'm watching this video and as you demonstrate what NOT to do, I couldn't keep from being amazed. I did ALL of those. You've educated me today. Thank you.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 😊 If you haven’t already and would like to access more exclusive and in-depth tutorials, why not think about joining my Patreon membership. www.patreon.com/karenriceart

[@muses18]

I've had such problems with muddiness, I almost gave up all together. Thank you so much for this!

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome!

[@kimlong692]

Just found your video.Out of all the lessons I've taken for watercolors, this has never been explained to me. It explains why I always got those edges and muddy colors so....Thank You

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome!

[@catherinegill2488]

Guilty as charged! Need to find a way to distract myself from carrying on when the paint isn't yet dry.

[@KarenRiceArt]

We have all been guilty of it! It is amazing how this one thing can change everything! 😅

[@ThuỷLê-k7i]

Both paintings are nice with me. The first one is like a smoky night at a city and the second one is a night at a mountain. Nice, good job I love it❤

[@ritaharker8792]

Excellent tutorial, the difference when it’s done wrong or when it’s done right is so startling! Thank you so much for showing us the right way x

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks Rita! It really is amazing! So pleased you found this helpful 😀

[@etheriusmoon1809]

This is one of the best demos out there. The hand trick really helps like ALOT. Thanks

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@cerendemir9977]

This was such a good video! I agree, sometimes we need to see how the mistakes are made. Thank you for this!

[@KarenRiceArt]

So pleased you found this helpful 😀

[@juliewest7719]

Love knowing what I shouldn't be doing! Yes! makes sense

[@razrv3lc]

I’m realizing how little the watercolor classes I’ve taken emphasized drying. I’ve had so many paintings like the one of the left and had no clue why but between this video and a vide PearFleur did about working with water (which included her mentioning allowing adequate drying between layers and even using a hair dryer if you’re impatient), I realized I never really even took it into account lol

[@KarenRiceArt]

I am so pleased you found this helpful. It’s so important to allow the painting to completely dry. It makes so much difference. I hope this helps you in your Watercolour journey. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@hasaraka]

Hands down.... this video is single-handedly the most helpful watercolor video I have ever seen! Thank you!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wow, thank you!

[@IMMA383]

I really like the result of the second painting, it's stunning (though I find that the first one has its own kind of charm :) . All in all, thank you so much for the tips, Karen!.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Imma! So pleased you found the tips helpful. I was also secretly chuffed with how the WRONG painting turned out! The buildings rescued it! You just never know... 😊

[@bethpascarella9940]

Emma, you can’t paint a bad painting even when you try! 😸

[@bethpascarella9940]

Sorry, I meant Karen!

[@doubletrouble8098]

I just bought some water colour paint and brushes And this was so helpful because tonight I'll do my first watercolour painting Thank you so much for helping me out.

[@KarenRiceArt]

So pleased this was helpful!

[@theresaklausner2871]

This was such a good tutorial for me! I'm a beginner and need all the direction I can get! You are so good at explaining things and give a list of materials too! I love the way you mix your colors so naturally too. I would like to get better at learning how to make better color combinations.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks so much 😀

[@KennyGsca]

oh wow you have clearly explained more in under 2 mins than the 100s of watercolor tutorials I've seen out there..."you getta sub instantly"

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! So pleased you found this helpful 😊

[@k.b.woodworker3250]

Great demonstration of how this works. The concept of moving paint around the paper (or avoiding doing that) is something to think about, for sure. Tt was remarkable how well you salvaged the first painting. I would have tried to make those round blooms into clouds. It may have made matters worse, though. Have to try the credit card for painting buildings, very cool.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful!

[@jackiedavis8473]

Absolutely lovely! Thank you for sharing your art with us and giving us valuable knowledge.

[@KarenRiceArt]

My pleasure 😊 thank you so much for your lovely comment.

[@Spooktastic1816]

This was so helpful, thank you. And using the card at the end - never thought of that! I'm going to try that soon, as well. Awesome.

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome! Have fun using the card technique!

[@hannastocksick7395]

Great demonstration! It’s a great idea to show the wrong one for comparison. Thx so much

[@KarenRiceArt]

So pleased you found this helpful 😀

[@rikkimaru1]

There is no rules in art creating. There is no wrong or right way to use watercolor or any other material. Art is freedom 🌌

[@Siriuslyyy]

i started watercolor painting this weekend and this is exactly what happened to my paints!! Thank you now i understand!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wonderful 😀

[@Britenus]

Your such a good painter that even the wrong painting still looks great.

[@eastsussexbeesandwildlife5801]

Thanks again, all the ones I did last night ended up in the bin, but today they have turned out great, I found that turning the paper and letting the colours naturally mix when wet did the trick and being patient between drying made all the difference, ta for giving and sharing your talent. Have a good evening. Peter

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Peter... I am really pleased this was helpful!

[@sharonmcmann-morelli4896]

i must say i am guilty of thinking paper is dry when it’s not, thanks so much for this great tutorial!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you Sharon :)

[@jorgealva1820]

Great lesson

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@Lenupet]

Drinking game: take a shot every time Karen says "deceptively dry" :D It's fun!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Love that!!!!

[@moondrawsstuff1910]

I really appreciate you explaining exactly how those mistakes get made and ALSO how to save it! Instead of just throwing the other one out you showed how to salvage it and try and find the light in it, of you will. Helps make the art students/beginners not feel like failures if their painting looks shockingly similar to that one haha! Great video :)

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad it was helpful 😊 If you would like to access more exclusive and in-depth tutorials why not think about joining my Patreon membership. www.patreon.com/karenriceart

[@deeharper2482]

Thank you so much for this wonderful and logical tutorial. I'm a newbie to watercolour and gouache. Now I want to try more work. The muddy colours of your first image were so easy to understand and it was very difficult not to look at those two great splodges after you made it clear why they had occurred. Thank you so very much. I have subscribed and will definitely be back to view your previous tutorials as well.😍

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Dee, really pleased you found this tutorial helpful! Thank you for subscribing. I hope you enjoy the future tutorials :)

[@luisafeuermann4012]

Thank you Karen for your immense generosity!

[@petvuk]

I prefer left one, ie "wrong" one. Looks more special, unique Unlike those rainbow colors on the right one which is seen too often

[@The-Secret-Dragon]

You're missing the point of the video, it's about the technique not the colours.

[@ph-vf5hx]

I think the point is that there are no 'wrong' techniques.

[@metalchemik]

Well, it is all about mastering the techniques. I had no clue how to rid off this problems shown in the left version of picture, so I've learned by try-and-error how to use them purposefully. And now I've learned how to avoid them, when I don't want them to appear at all. Btw, I like both pictures, each of them has something unique.

[@bw3839]

@@ph-vf5hx nope, but nothing wrong in learning the results of different techniques. Stuff like this is great for folk who have been frustrated in the pat because they could get the results they wanted and couldn’t figure out why.

[@fuchsmadchen]

I think the explanation of "wrong" is soo pretty. 🌌

[@watercolorswithmary5794]

Great tutorial Karen! I think that all is in practice and more experience gives better results ;) :D thank you for sharing this beautiful tecniques for a night sky and city silhouette :) have a wonderful day! Mary ❤️❤️

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome!

[@Linaskye143]

This is honestly the most helpful technique corrector video I’ve seen. No one ever explained clearly to let paint completely dry between layers!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you!

[@Jojo12336]

At first I thought it would be more than just "let your paper completely dry," but the proof is in the pure vibrancy of those colors on the right painting. It just looks spectacular. Thank you. This will level up my novice watercolors as I progress.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Great point! Thanks for pointing that out Jordan 😊

[@jillkent6134]

So simple but I make that mistake so often, what a difference, great video.

[@KarenRiceArt]

So glad it was helpful Jill! Thank you!

[@NaomiCoutureArt]

Wonderful tutorial and tips. I love doing galaxy and night skies like this because you get to practice your water control and just have fun with colors :)

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks so much 😊

[@chermckittrick2216]

The composition, with teeny tiny buildings against the enormous sky, is just brilliant!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you!!!

[@eastsussexbeesandwildlife5801]

Thanks Karen, I found that incredibly helpful. So good of you to take the time and effort to put these videos out. Peter

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you Peter!

[@robcooper3586]

Explains a lot. Thank you for a very clear explanation using do's and dont's.

[@KarenRiceArt]

You're very welcome!

[@zoebell7601]

I like the 'wrong' one most, and I'll tell you why. Good art doesn't just look pretty, but it tells a story. I asked myself, what stories do each of these paintings tell? The 'correct' painting to me, is a peaceful night sky over what could be a futuristic city. It looks still, the temperature perfect to stroll around and stargaze, maybe a bit romantic. The sky is still and completely beautiful, which sets the scene for the city below. The 'mistake' piece is dreary and haphazard, maybe a more industrial city of a past time, filled with conflict and turmoil. There is a darkness consuming the glimmer of yellow hope in the sky, or yellow hope peaking through the clouds suggesting a better future, but which is true? Are the specks of white stars, or snow, or ash of a great destruction? The 'ugly' blobs in the sky draw your eye and reflect the uneasy, ugliness of the city below. We wonder what might be going on down there. If art sparks curiosity, I believe it can be more powerful than art that's just aesthetically pleasing. Did anyone else see something similar in these pieces or am I totally off the mark? :)

[@pumpkingrantaire3861]

wow i love this interpretation! i can totally see it:)

[@AlottaBoulchit]

I haven't seen the "correct" painting finished yet as I'm still watching the video at this time but I definitely agree with your interpretation of the "wrong" one! It gave me similar vibes most definitely!! It felt like a city being almost choked in smoggy pollution like old London. I really liked it!

[@ST-uh5yj]

I don’t know why i liked the first one more! Those muted colours seem so soothing:)

[@TheRealArkness]

i need to say that in art, there are no mistakes. if there's something in a painting that you (i don't mean you, i mean in general) happen to not like, then that doesn't make it a mistake. it just means it's your opinion. there's also a lot of "mistakes" that have turned into something really good, whether it was by a new artist or an older more experienced artist. if that makes sense at all.

[@michael7482]

I agree. All mine are masterpieces, that is if I was a master. I get what you mean. I’m past the stage of being too critical. The whole idea is fun and creating something that one is satisfied with.

[@HollyOak]

If I'm doing the painting and I intend to do one thing, but because of my lack of knowledge/experience, it turns into something else, that is a mistake. Doesn't mean I can't appreciate the 'happy accident' or that I won't like it. Just means I didn't intend it for 'this' painting. The whole 'there are no mistakes in art' is a bit of a cop out, probably coined by people who didn't want to take the time to learn the skills involved properly.

[@aphelion_mks]

Yeah, everything ideas are subjective and each peace of art creates its one unique impression. The first one is definitely more moody, doesn’t make it worse. Many people enjoy post apocalyptic concepts and atmosphere. But if u want to make colorful picture with epic transitions, that’s impressive too. Just in different way.

[@monoverantus]

I understand where you're coming from, but remember that the reason she made the video wasn't to tell her students "you're not allowed to do that", she made it to address a common problem they had, that made them "panic". If you're trying to teach a certain technique, and your students fail in their pursuit to learn it, it's entirely proper to say there is a "right" and a "wrong" way, no matter what your personal opinion are.

[@brackcarmony6385]

Yeah, no. Mistakes are not somehow mystically not in artistic processes. That's called delusion. Can mistakes lead to interesting outcomes, sure, but that is not to say that you cannot make a mistake. Only if you have no intention can you not make a mistake. But if you have no intention, can one be said to be making art?

[@fernandsavoie6641]

What a great tutorial! It was a very informative video for me, I needed that, good timing as I am just a beginner with watercolour. Thank you very much for sharing…

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you 😊

[@evvunja]

Thanks for this great video. But frankly, I prefer muuuch more the first version. It's good tho to know what to avoid not to have the second one. I mean, it's great to have different perspectives on the creation, different styles etc ;) So, again, video is great, I appreciate it a lot. Thanks ;)

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! I think you are right!

[@kristahall136]

Thank you! I'm teaching my first class next month & am watching lots of videos like this to remind myself of what to cover & this is the best one so far. I would not have been able to explain this without your help.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Good luck with your first art class. So pleased the tutorials have been helpful!

[@AlizaBass]

Am I the only one who really likes the first one more? 🙈 I mean they're both beautiful and you're explanation is great! But I honestly like the atmosphere and the effect of the first one more...

[@KarenRiceArt]

I am starting to think that way myself! 😊

[@littletechn8175]

I really like the first one too, It looks like a snowy, smoggy London or something, ...dark, gray , and probably warm inside ❄