Simple Watercolour Background Tutorial Using Just 4 Colours!

I show you how to paint a Nuthatch bird in watercolour with a fun Bokeh background. Would you like to learn more about watercolour painting? Check out my Patreon membership: / karenriceart - includes ad free content, EXCLUSIVE TUTORIALS and sketch outlines etc...
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Masking Fluid: • How To Use Masking Flu...
More Bokeh Backgrounds tutorials: • Bokeh Landscape Made E...
Brusho Tutorial: • WHAT IS BRUSHO? HOW I ...
MATERIALS:
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JACKSONS ART SUPPLIES (10% Off Your First Order): www.jacksonsart.com/?acc=51ef...
Saunders Waterford watercolour paper 9 x 12 inches approx 300gsm Cold Pressed On block.
Cerulean (Prussian Blue)
Paynes Grey (Indigo)
Permanent Yellow (Cadmium Yellow)
Cadmium Red (Winsor Red)
White Gouache (W&N)
Ink palette: www.jacksonsart.com/essdee-in...
Triple pot water pot: www.jacksonsart.com/jas-stack...
Washi tape.
Large flat brush + Size 14 & 6 Black Velvet Brushes:
www.jacksonsart.com/silver-br...
Brusho: Light Brown & Black
Masking fluid & paper clip.
Natural sponge.
Table salt.
MUSIC:
Prelude No. 6 by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Source: chriszabriskie.com/preludes/
Artist: chriszabriskie.com/
Mesmerize by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
Photo link:pixabay.com/photos/nuthatch-p...
#EasyBirdPainting #WatercolourPainting #BackgroundPainting

[@ritaharker8792]

This style is gorgeous, the background really projects the subject forwards. I’ve had a go at the background on its own and it really is surprisingly easy but oh so effective! Thank you Karen for showing us how x

[@rosemarykreltszheim8731]

!

[@blessingindesign3412]

What camera is used for shooting your beautiful work.

[@glowycloey]

Didn't think about a paper clip for masking fluid! Ty.

[@mikelkirby2791]

Thank you for sharing your Bokeh background technique, especially lifting with the circle template of varying sizes. I have used this technique but chose square and triangle templates because the main object of that painting had sharper. angular edges. The background does make your bird pop!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much for sharing! Really pleased you like the background

[@estelbaldo]

Muchas gracias por darte y por ofrecer tus conocimientos.

[@sueking3870]

Thank you, I needed to rescue a watercolour background I had painted too heavily around a pencil drawing. Your bokeh method has really helped.

[@KarenRiceArt]

I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@jeleavitt]

The effect is quite striking and Iplan to play with it. What I really love though is your branchC! It is gorgeous.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much!

[@beccogiallo]

Beautiful painting and informational demo. Thank you.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you too!

[@lefthandstory1280]

Great sharing friend,beautiful content☺️✌️very nice☺️

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@magical571]

the tree looked the best at 9:55, but hey it happens with watercolor, you can't go back. Nice background.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you!

[@EliLoveGems]

Love these out of focus effect ❤

[@glorialacoma9735]

Beautiful Karen!!!!!!! Thanks from Spain.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much!

[@donnabirney817]

loved this new technique!!! Thanks so much for teaching us!

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome!

[@artonthecreek]

Best explanation of bokeh I’ve ever seen! Thank you, Karen I am inspired!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wow, thank you!

[@shmarol]

I love your bokeh technique. Beautiful!!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

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

[@sherizapara2992]

Love the bird, great painting, thankyiu!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 😀

[@patriciadupuis9857]

Yours have got to be the best learning tutorials, not just for new techniques and tools, but for how to use them effectively. The bokeh technique is particularly useful for background softness and light but using Brusho on the branches is a great idea for texture. So much to love about this pretty tutorial. It's a must do!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wow, thank you Patricia for your lovely comment! So pleased you like the techniques and on how to use them. Bokeh is so much fun and painting the textures on the branches 😀

[@lynnemcguire7804]

Absolutely stunning

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much!

[@lyndamitton4496]

Absolutely fantastic! You are a fantastic artist and a wonderful teacher!

[@terrikarman6878]

Wow!! That background technique is so cool!!

[@joanastley6334]

ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS TUTORIAL... I JUST BOUGHT A FEW NEW PAINTS AND DUG MY BRUSHES NEED A FEW THINGS BUT RARING TO GO THANK YOU.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wonderful! Have fun Joan 😊

[@DottieStanley]

This tutorial has convinced me that I need to try the Bokeh technique on a wedding bouquet painting and a fall leaf and berry painting! So excited to get started on those for friends! Thank you for sharing your wonderful skills!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wonderful!

[@gooisiewling4431]

Love your style of painting from Malaysia

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 😀

[@katherineclock7782]

Absolutely LOVE this technique! The project flow and music is just amazing. Thank you - I feel really inspired!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Yay, thank you!

[@bartha4art]

Wonderful and tricky, Love this!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! 😊

[@gloriawellington1444]

Thank you for sharing. I've been looking for how to create this technique for a painting I'm working on. I see it's a lot easier than my mind had it. lol. Thank you.

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome!

[@susanthomas8274]

LOVE the effect using the stencil! Brilliant!!!😃

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@madmax7201]

Those hands magic. Magic Wand comes after.

[@KarenRiceArt]

😂

[@sandraneale128]

Wow! So beautiful. Thank you❤️🦋

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@isabelrodriguez6717]

Precioso! Tan delicado y sencillo y, a la vez, tan rico tanto en color como en textura! Me encanta! Una belleza!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Isabel 😊

[@vickigower8125]

I love this and can't wait to try it. I just love birds and I think I could actually maybe accomplish this. Between the way you have done your background and the use of scraping and brusho, lifting etc it looks like it will be a fun adventure. Thanks Karen. I love your work.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks so much Vicki! I hope you enjoy painting this one!

[@karenk490]

You are so talented and fun to watch! Thank you for providing us your instructions and ideas!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much!

[@rialarasati9564]

I really enjoy the process...I will try to follow your technique...thank you for the tutorial!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@chrischurchley7003]

Your best background yet - it definitely works best keeping colour in the circles and not making them too white (that was definitely my learning). The texture on the branches is amazing and your bird is lovely. Thank you so much - hope to see more bokeh for sure 🙏🤞😁

[@KarenRiceArt]

Oh thank you Chris, so nice of you to say! I totally agree about making the circles different shades is so much more effective! So pleased you like the textures on the branches!

[@annettefournier9655]

Thanks Karen. I will have to try this background. It's lovely and soft! 💜

[@KarenRiceArt]

Have fun!

[@mickey5779]

Gorgeous!

[@IMMA383]

So beautiful !!. Thank you Karen.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much!

[@danielluis7371]

Beautiful background technique!!! Bokkeh effect 👍🏾

[@KarenRiceArt]

Yes! Thank you Daniel 😊

[@lindawetsch2674]

I love this tutorial and your interesting techniques, especially that background! Thanks for sharing them! And that little Nuthatch is adorable! I can't wait to try this one.

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome!

[@katherinewinfree7831]

What a fabulous painting! It's such fun to see you paint and learn how you achieve such beautiful effects with your yummy techniques! Thank you for a great tutorial!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Katherine! I love them!! 😀

[@barbarabarry309]

Love this way of making a background! Have my stencil ready❤️👍🏻. Thank you!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks Barbara! Have fun!

[@sanazrafi2707]

Amazing Karen. Thanks for sharing these wonderful techniques with us. I appreciate

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome!

[@jeankellner4314]

That is truly amazing! I didn't have a clue as to how you could get that bokeh look with a watercolor. Actually, I enjoyed watching and learning from all the technics you used. Thanks for this lesson. Looks beautiful!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks Jean! It is such a cool technique to use for watercolour backgrounds! So glad you liked it!

[@eliagron8750]

Loved the background. Thank you for sharing.

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome!

[@gillianjones537]

Absolutely inspiring. Thank you. 😊

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Gillian!

[@dianaguzman7737]

That's beautiful!!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! 😊

[@YasminVitGar]

So lovely and a great background! Will give it a try! Thank you for sharing!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Have fun 😊

[@danielleleclaire9974]

The bird is absolutly wonderfull ! And the treatment of the background is a fantastic idea, the trunks look So natural. Plenty of ideas of painting,thank you so much, Karen.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks Danielle, so pleased you enjoyed this one! I love this Bokeh style of painting! 😀

[@allisonjames2923]

Absolutely mesmerising. I love watching your videos. Thank you 😊 Love seeing you incorporate the random magic of Brushos too. I really struggle with trying to loosen up & Brushos don’t give you much choice, so I’m trying to incorporate them more

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Allison! So pleased you are enjoying the tutorials! Brusho is a very loose amazing medium and really can help you to loosen up! 😀

[@connietreadway9460]

Absolutely love this style. Your video was my morning art meditation. Very relaxing. 😍

[@KarenRiceArt]

I'm so glad! Thanks Connie 😀

[@cherylbrewer1218]

Thank you Karen for a lovely tutorial 😊

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks for watching!

[@arceliageraldinagutierreza731]

You are a fantastic painter, I loved your work.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 😀

[@patlizgailer681]

Such a great tutorial. Thank you!!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@annahitajasavala5854]

Thank you for the detailed tutorial for creating a bokeh technique background 😃

[@seemakapoor4894]

Lovely Karen loved the background

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you!

[@evahagemeyer9142]

Thank you for this wonderful tutorial!

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome!

[@johnporter9247]

So glad to see this demonstration! Have pondered how to achieve the blurry effect...thanks so much.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you John!

[@adelabasso62]

Absolutely beautiful! 😍

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! 😊

[@gfp46]

Love this!

[@mariebaar4694]

So many useful tips, I cannot wait to try them out! Thank you for sharing! ❤️

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome!

[@ang2887]

💥Absolutely stunning! Many thanks for sharing your fabulous technique with us, Karen 🤩

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks so much 😊

[@eileencollins3126]

Very interesting background, Karen. This technique is something I plan to use. I can also see the possibility of many deviations of this style. Thanks for explaining it so well and sharing with all of us!

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome Eileen! It really is a great techniques for backgrounds!

[@marytesta3003]

I have heard the term bokeh and wondered how it's done. It's sp pretty. Your explanation and demonstration is perfect. The technique has a dreamy feel. Love it. Thank you for sharing your techniques. I'm new to WC and not an artist so your tutorials inspire me.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much! So pleased you like the tutorial and painting and find them inspiring! Yay!

[@seshagriffin7025]

So amazing!

[@sbowenful]

BEAUTIFUL! I'm definitely going to try this! I also do photography and love a lot of bokeh in my photos. Just Magical! Thank You!

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome! Thanks Sheila! Have fun!

[@senthilkumarpolitician8163]

Hi... very nice painting...! Your working explaining is very super. Very clear understanding your speach. Thanks.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 😀

[@senthilkumarpolitician8163]

@@KarenRiceArt what is using color and paper company name pls..?

[@jeanneduncan3522]

Just stumbled on this technique! Amazingly beautiful. Thank you Karen and Happy New Year,

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks so much, really pleased you like this technique! Happy new year!

[@lora9664]

I loved this. You have so many helpful tips. Thank you so much. Can’t wait to watch it again on Patreon.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Lora! I have just finished the voiceover for the Patreon tutorial, so should be uploaded soon! I hope you enjoy the extra footage etc... 😊

[@joannepeyton1654]

Beautiful, Karen! Really cool background. That bird looks like it’s popping out of the painting. I could watch you all day. 💜😎🇺🇸

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks so much 😊

[@migdaliarodriguez3652]

Realmente es maravilloso!!!!!desde Puerto Rico

[@migdaliarodriguez3652]

It is so real you think the bird i goin to fly

[@2023pettales]

Just beautiful!!

[@kellyhalligan1328]

Love the paper clip idea and the brusho on branch

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks Kelly!

[@angelashaw5731]

Wow - so beautiful!🦋

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! 😊

[@cindycreateforlife]

Gorgeous painting and you are so encouraging and inspiring!💕 from 🇨🇦

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Cindy 😊

[@alicapendleton4054]

This is lovely !!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Alicia 😊

[@philipdown3147]

Greatful Karen calmingly how you achieve amazing effect using the Bokeh technique as before, enjoyable and inspirational tutorial again, greatly appreciated stay safe and healthy

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks Philip! This technique for backgrounds is so much fun to do and so easy!!! 😀

[@pattydearden3000]

I tried your background technique!! Love it!

[@KarenRiceArt]

So pleased to hear it worked for you. Thank you 😊

[@crystalheart9]

What a magical painting! Thank you so much for this beautiful tutorial in real time and especially how to do a background with bokeh. I thought you were going to paint circles with gouache. The lifting was so much more effective.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 😀

[@crystalheart9]

@@KarenRiceArt You are welcome and thank you.

[@franceduchesneau8561]

Just Wow! 👌🏻✨

[@artwithmamafairybreadd]

This is gorgeous ❤️❤️❤️💕

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@MsBuster74]

I love this technique and will try soon.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Have fun!

[@suerittmeyer885]

I loved learning about this technique and keen to give it a go. Thanks so much for sharing all your tips and techniques

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome!

[@poliwilliams6138]

I just start watching your videos, and I am telling you I have been learning a lot!!! thank you Karen you are the best tutor

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Pili! So pleased you are enjoying the tutorials 😊

[@catherinedoherty2025]

Fabulous! Now I know ! Thanks

[@stephaniecarrow4898]

Really lovely technique. And I love your use of simple home items like paper clips and salt! I'm inspired to try.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@edithtsacle5257]

Fabulous!!! 😍❤️

[@elenaborowski2520]

Lovely ideas . Thank you for sharing.

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome 😊

[@leon9707]

So inspiring. Thanks 😊❤

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@terrilikens4975]

Thanks for sharing this. I already have something in mind to use it with!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wonderful! Have fun and thank you Terri 😀

[@TheBeverleyann]

Wonderful lesson ! I will give this a go :) You popped up and inspired me to pull out my paints & play. Thank you so so much. Have a Lovely Day

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Beverley! So pleased you were inspired by this painting! 😀

[@janetwalsh7025]

Beautiful! Thanks 💜🌸💜

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome! Thanks Janet!

[@anjadewit8696]

Beautifull

[@KellySantos-ug8wr]

This is wonderful! Thank you very much! ❤

[@KarenRiceArt]

You're so welcome!

[@sandraocallaghan8616]

Ingenious.

[@wendypan5394]

Thank you so much for teaching the technics.You always use some "special tools" to have special amazing result, they were so inspired my drawing. I am so so happy to learned a new one! Appreciated,🌹❤️

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you very much!

[@anjadewit8696]

Beautiful

[@judithchaparro3336]

woooow, amazing!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@bonniendavid6308]

Just beautiful Karen, even more beautiful than the photo itself! It’s like the glorious warm sunlight is illuminating into the painting from the sun itself! I was wondering if you could demonstrate a painting of a dove or two for us all.😊

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 😊

[@littlejackrussell01092]

This is gorgeous! I’m going to try this and if it’s a success will give it to my friend for their birthday! 😬

[@KarenRiceArt]

Great to hear - thank you 😊

[@wilmamarais2157]

Awesome!

[@pamgibbons2043]

Perfect.love it👌

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad you like it!

[@sandyzando.7854]

Karen, Hello, from Bluffton, South Carolina. Nothing short of amazing! I am loving the background so much! I am using your idea to create a Christmas card with Christmas lights muted in the background like this with two white candle flames in the front. Hoping it turns out. Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Sandy! It is such a great technique! Have fun painting Christmas cards! Sounds like a great idea!!