The Truth About Watercolour Painting I Wish I Discovered Sooner

The Truth About Watercolour Painting I Wish I Discovered Sooner! EXCLUSIVE tutorials: / karenriceart
MATERIALS:
(I use affiliate links and may earn a commission.)
Links to art materials: www.karenricea...
PAPER: Watercolour paper block 500g CP/ROUGH Hahnemuhle Andalucia.
SCHMINCKE JOSEF HORADAM METAL SET WITH LEATHER CASE HALF PAN SET OF 12
PAINTS (alternatives):
Quinacridone Gold (Raw Sienna)
Ultramarine (Cobalt Blue)
Cerulean (Turquoise)
Paynes Grey (Indigo)
Hansa Yellow Light (Lemon Yellow)
Magenta (Permanent Rose)
BRUSHES: Size 2, 4, 6, 10 Round Black Velvet Brushes.
HB Pencil, Waterpot, Kitchen Towel.
Brusho.
Sea salt.
REFERENCE PHOTO: www.pexels.com...
#MuddyWatercolours #watercolorpaintingTutorial #watercolourbeginners

[@Bearwithme560]

Fiddling is what ruins things for me. I discovered that using a larger brush with a touch of patience works well, thanks to you.

[@KarenRiceArt]

My pleasure 😊

[@janicehilton8884]

Oh my goodness, you've answered SO, SO many questions about my puzzled/disappointing moments! This demonstration will be my go-to and I'm watching it over and over again. I'm a very new at watercolouring and enjoying it so much thanks to your posts and this channel. Many thanks, always.

[@KarenRiceArt]

I’m so 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

[@maryannegunter115]

When I first discovered cauliflower, I thought watercolor paint was supposed to do that 😂. I admit, sometimes I like them.

[@kathyb5740]

I strive to achieve that in abstracts....LOVE the blooms !!!!

[@amandaterrio4823]

I like the blooms too. Sometimes they are so pretty. I love to add a touch of gold into a bloom and just watch it flow. Watercolor can be so mesmerizing

[@musicandart78]

😂😂 I love cauliflower but only where I want them😂😂

[@stones7589]

I strive to avoid them at all costs 😂 I'm getting better at it, thanks to Karen!

[@ibelf2465]

Came back to tell you this video solved a lot of my watercolor issues! Decided to paint a few landscapes after watching this & it made all the difference. I am famous for doing too much & messing it up. Thank you for sharing your talents!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad I could help 😊

[@catgray1]

I'm new to watercolors. So, been having this very problem. For me, I find it helpful to use more clear water on the edges of areas I put color, so that it blends better with colors I used next to it. Not using enough water gets me into trouble. I also noticed that my colors are a lot richer (darker) than other watercolors I look at online and in videos. I wonder if it's because I'm used to painting in acrylics? I'm trying to use a lighter hand, but struggling to do so. But then, that's what practice is all about, right?! 😂 ❤

[@KarenRiceArt]

This is so true. And practice does make perfect. I also teach acrylics and with watercolour the fewer washes of overlapping colour the better. With acrylics you need to allow each layer to dry, and then new layers can go on top easily. 🎨

[@Coco-ne5ix]

Perfect timing. I did the first two of your thumbnail demos yesterday. I just kept trying to fix and ended up with a lot of warping of my paper, lifting and one big cauliflower. It’s so hard to stop myself 🤪. Great advice I will try to use.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad I could help 😊

[@appleknocker56]

It’s that need to keep “fiddling” and just did it this morning! Nice painted background, start my mountains & one side 🤔 let me “fix that” and cauliflower then let’s try to cover the cauliflower place right now 🙃! As you said, Seems to pull you in to make it better when let it dry so ty.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Well done! It’s really hard to stop yourself. 😊🎨

[@mariakapatos9545]

Karen thank you so much for all your helpful advise so appreciated ❤

[@jomc20]

Sometimes I purposefully create 'cauliflowers' eg in grass to create interest.

[@KarenRiceArt]

I always tell my students if they appear be proud of them 😊

[@consueloyoung4484]

😂 I laugh now Karen because I clearly remember the first few times I did exactly what you presented in your first two tn. I just know that I could fix it if I just kept trying!!!. As “they” say, “live and learn”. Thank you Karen for the reminder because one can get cocky!♥️☔️

[@KarenRiceArt]

So true 😊 happy painting

[@sanrepenti]

Thanks!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@DC9V]

Now I know why I suck at water colours. Thank you so much!

[@KarenRiceArt]

My pleasure 😊

[@UnkleAL1962]

I'm just starting out and have this issue. Thanks so much for your advice. I've also gleaned from tutorials to buy a better paper and I chickened out and bought some relatively cheap paper as I thought I needed to practice first. But I'm finding out the paper I have dries out pretty quickly, and curls easily. It doesn't keep a nice sheen like yours does for even 30 seconds which is probably not helping my progress. Enjoy listening and watching and learning from you!

[@KarenRiceArt]

This is so true about cheaper paper. Cheaper paper is great to start with as it does dry quicker. Buying better quality paper is not a false economy as you can always use the back as well. I recommend 300gsm Cold Pressed watercolour paper 100% cotton A4 or bigger. 😊

[@MiraleeKelsey-cu8ph]

Thank you for this lesson. What a great reminder of how to manage your paintings. Every time I hear “let it be, and let it dry” i am going to to rewind this in my mind and play it in my head. Or if even better find it on KZbin and watch it again 😊

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome 😊

[@lynnstlaurent6789]

I may do a “Let it be, Let it dry” in a nice calligraphy script to remind me of this.

[@philipdown3147]

Thanks greatly Karen for taking time to explain clearly when we need to leave a painting alone ,also looking for when we can continue painting if required. Stay safe and healthy

[@KarenRiceArt]

I am so pleased you found this helpful Philip. Take care 😀

[@Sassylassie1111]

Thank you! I see now what I've done wrong with some or a lot of my little paintings that I had to throw away. I'll try to do better now!

[@KarenRiceArt]

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

[@roxannerosecrans4441]

Love the hot tips! Omg I get cauliflower all the time, I hate it. Thank you 🥰

[@KarenRiceArt]

My pleasure 😊

[@oceandreamer1958]

Sweet Heather, I’m praying for you and complete healing. My heart aches for you. I know that our Lord has you covered and He never leaves you. Sending prayers and hugs!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@arjungurung1823]

I am so fascinated by watercolor, and am also a beginner in it. Thank you so much , you are just an angel

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment! I am so pleased that you enjoyed this tutorial. For more exclusive and in-depth tutorials why not think about joining my Patreon membership. www.patreon.com/karenriceart

[@MaryWolfe-y7q]

100% the most helpful advice I’ve gotten as a beginner. Thank you!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Great to hear - thank you 😊

[@Poethead50]

I found this to be very helpful. I’ve only been painting for about 2 1/2 years, but this was very helpful nonetheless. I do wish I had seen this long, long ago. The number one rule I created for myself was when you think you like your painting, do not fiddle with it! I ruined it every time I did that! I appreciate the tutorial. Thank you!

[@KarenRiceArt]

That’s so great to hear. Thank you so much 😊

[@vangoghsseveredear]

Im gonna hear a nice British lady telling me "quit fiddlin'" in my head now if I start overworking something, thanks! Lol

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@teresaalverides2754]

Thank you for this! I have trouble with cauliflowers often. “Let it be” is what I’ll be telling myself!😊

[@Dojustdoandbe]

“Always allow your painting to dry when the sheen is gone” I’m not sure what you meant by that and wonder if you wouldn’t mind clarifying. Thanks I’m enjoying your tutorials!

[@KarenRiceArt]

You may find this tutorial helpful :kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHyTkHudbLR-ms0si=vgqB05bsC2nN59qG

[@-mellanslag-]

Further down @pesto12601 asked and Karen answered in detail: When the sheen is gone, dont start painting again straight away. First wait for it to dry completely, and then go on painting.

[@DreamingCatStudio]

So helpful! I’m new to watercolor and do exactly what you’re saying-fiddle fiddle fiddle. It’s great to see how that doesn’t work and I love the tips you provided. Thank you!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad it was helpful and I’m so pleased you enjoyed the tutorial. For more exclusive and in-depth tutorials why not think about joining my Patreon membership. www.patreon.com/karenriceart

[@carolineeccel5387]

The one on the left is mine. 😊

[@christianebehr138]

Dear Karen, you are so right I think I have made that big mistake very often. Thank you for showing how do it right many greetings greetings Christiane 😊😊😊

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome 😊

[@theshanny8]

Thank you so much i needed thus desoerately. I make these mistakes all the time and get very fristrated ypu jabe single jandedly taken my oaintinf to new levels. Mauch gratitude ❤

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you for your lovely comment! I’m so pleased you enjoyed this tutorial. If you would like to access more exclusive and in-depth tutorials why not think about joining my Patreon membership. www.patreon.com/karenriceart

[@mikepolo2887]

This is good and safe 101 approach. The next step is to do all the work in the drying wash that lost its sheen: it allows to create intricate detail and soft edges at the same time. And watercolor can be permanent if you use only organic pigments like phthalos in certain formulations.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Great tip 😊

[@karendirmish2696]

So much to learn, trying trying trying to paint without Rules in bedded into my brain stopping me! Freedom is watching your videos! Thanks Karen Dirmish, learner 8:29 8:

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wonderful 😊

[@morenopaularobles3899]

This is THE first vídeo I Watch from you. I’m happy met you. I think I will get better in my work of watercolor THANK YOU VERY MUCH 👍🏼✨🌷

[@KarenRiceArt]

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

[@AlbertaGail]

I've been painting for a month now, and cauliflowers have been my biggest problem. Your explanation is so helpful! I paint slower than the tutorials, so have been painting "when the shine is gone." I do have a question. If I don't get back to the area while it's still shiny, do I miss the chance to do the wet on wet effects and get a nice blend of colour?

[@KarenRiceArt]

I'm so glad you enjoyed this tutorial. Water allows you to continue blending the colours directly on the paper, and that will give you the soft edges and spontaneous effects. If your painting is drying too quickly, you may find going to a smaller size will give you more time or spraying with a spritzer bottle from a distance to rewet the paint. I hope this answers your query?

[@AlbertaGail]

Yes, it does, and thank you for answering my question. I forgot that you mentioned using a spritzer in the video. I will try it! I also want to say that your art is beautiful and your tutorials so very helpful. My two best paintings so far came from following your tutorials. @@KarenRiceArt

[@magiclessbrat8501]

I have a question if u leave the painting and all the shine is gone then how can we add more details without lifting of the old paint ??

[@KarenRiceArt]

It is not a good idea to add details if the shine has gone as you may get a cauliflower or backrun. You can add thicker paint damp into damp... However if you are starting out in watercolour I would say it is best to let your painting dry.

[@blinkybli8326]

My problem is that if I re-wet the painting after it dries, to do a little more work, I end up pulling up and/or moving around the paint below, no matter how carefully or lightly I try to work.

[@KarenRiceArt]

It could be that your painting isn’t absolutely dry? Or the brushes that you are using are too harsh to the paper. Make sure you use soft head brushes and really load them and glide those brushes across the paper so it doesn’t disturb the paint underneath. Hope this is helpful. 😊

[@blinkybli8326]

@@KarenRiceArt Thanks for the ideas! I'll try them all.

[@hilmanadi706]

hi karen, thanks for making this video, i just started watercolor painting three days ago, and i'm facing this issue. this video is really helpful! but, i got a question. when i started to paint wet on wet, my painting was got dried really fast so i cant blend my painting with other pigment aaand i got that cauliflower, i wonder if it has something to do with the type of my watercolor paper or just a bad water control?

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad it was helpful! I find 100% cotton watercolour. Paper is the best. The painting does not dry as fast. You could wet the back of your painting as well and place it onto a nonobservant surface. This keeps the painting from drawing out too fast.

[@queenzummo]

I’ve just started playing with watercolors but my paper keeps “pilling” (not sure that’s the right term. Is it something I’m doing wrong, or is it the paper I’m using? Thank you.

[@KarenRiceArt]

I use watercolour gummed blocks, which help with keeping the painting from buckling. I also use paper that is 300gsm cold pressed watercolour paper 100% cotton or bigger and that seems to help also. Good luck 😊

[@davidrachlin3557]

I really needed to learn this!! I never knew why the cauliflowering was happening.

[@KarenRiceArt]

So glad it helped 😊

[@willeel3750]

Very good advice, like Charlie and the NIghtcats said, "When you ain't got a clue, nothing is the thing to do." But sometimes it is hard not to fiddle!

[@KarenRiceArt]

So true 😊

[@indigovox32]

I love it, this is so helpful:) I think I might have problem with brushes only, could you share which brushes are you using? It looks to me like silverbrush black velvet, and I reaaally hope it's not because I can't afford it 😅😅

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you and glad you found this helpful! When it comes to brushes I always say buy what you can afford. I do use Black Velvet Brushes by Silver Brush (you can purchase them from Jacksons Art Supplies). I wish I’d known about them years ago as they have brilliant beautiful points and their loading capacity is amazing! If you were to just buy one, I would recommend the size 10 round. A mop or hake brush is great for wetting large areas. 😊

[@indigovox32]

Thank you so much! I usually work on smaller dimensions like a6 to a3, so i think 10 would work good, for larger areas I can always use some 'lower' quality ones :)

[@christopherpotter6753]

Very good advice! I could have known this too 10 years ago

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@Rbrocklehurst]

timing is so important enjoyed the lesson and the fiddling

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment! I am so pleased that you enjoyed this tutorial. For more exclusive and in-depth tutorials why not think about joining my Patreon membership. www.patreon.com/karenriceart

[@Rayito_]

I'm a beginner and I definitely do these lol. Thank you for the video

[@KarenRiceArt]

You're so welcome 😊

[@Олька_бараболька]

Thanks for your help with this! ❤

[@KarenRiceArt]

You're so welcome 😊

[@ilahjarvis]

I'm always stopping my students when they enter the "fiddle" zone. The want to make it "better" when they need to stop and let it dry. Once it is dry they will be able add more paint without risking a back run.

[@KarenRiceArt]

So true 😊

[@not-g-mamamalic]

If you do let the painting dry, can you still go back and fix it? For example, on your first painting that was messed up, is there anything you can do after it is dry to make it better or is it just a bust? Your videos have been so helpful in my attempt at painting with watercolors. Thank you!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Great question. If you get a cauliflower it is tricky to fix it when its is dry, especially if it is in the sky. That is because it creates such a had edge. Removing it would remove paint and then you will have other issues. My best advice is learn from it and move on. If it happens elsewhere in the painting, you can disguise by maybe using darker colours and textures. Here is a tutorial where I show you how to fix a painting: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZubgmmMjLSiqas

[@not-g-mamamalic]

Thanks again Miss Karen! @@KarenRiceArt

[@kikilynn1167]

You can take a clean brush, dip it into water, wipe off the excess water, then blend away the cauliflower edges.

[@Jana_Slavova]

Try using a stretched fishing line, just make sure the paper is flat.You can glue it to a surface with double sided tape.

[@KarenRiceArt]

That’s really helpful. Thank you so much for sharing 😊

[@Jana_Slavova]

@@KarenRiceArt no problem. That's why I use aquarell too-its perfect for sky,bc of its transparency (like the sky itself)but its best used in combination with gouache, it's just too difficult for terrain and more complex foliage.

[@SuperExadidas]

Thank you Karen...really useful.

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome 😊

[@lucythompson6132]

Thank you Karen. I love all your tutorials. This one is very helpful for me. Just to be clear though, we do not paint over dry or even damp. To get the uncauliflowered, only paint wet on wet?

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 😊 The most important thing is not to paint over a picture that has lost its sheen.

[@dianedeczynski4251]

Could you have sprayed the almost dry painting to 'reconstitute' the surface to accept more paint?

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you for your question - you could spray if there is still a sheen otherwise you’re in danger of creating cauliflower and blooms.

[@dianedeczynski4251]

Thank you Karen. I've NEVER done a watercolor before but will be in rehab after a surgery soon and thought it would be a good activity to pass time. I've worked in acrylics, alcohol inks and oil a tiny bit, but never watercolor. I'm really looking forward to learning with you as I heal. Thank you for your reply. @@KarenRiceArt ❤

[@KarenRiceArt]

@@dianedeczynski4251 I hope you enjoy learning about watercolour and heal well soon.

[@julieb737]

Excellent advise that covers so much . Cheers !

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad it was helpful 😊

[@sanrepenti]

Finally, I know how to demonstrate the most often done “mistake”. Thank you so much.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! I’m so glad this helped. For more exclusive and in-depth tutorials why not think about joining my Patreon membership. www.patreon.com/karenriceart

[@PasCorrect]

Is it possible to get the sheen back somehow? Like by misting the area with water?

[@KarenRiceArt]

Yes you could mist the area with a spritzer bottle.

[@peterfuchs1935]

Thank you very much for this video!! I will remember next time, if I habe a brush in my hand.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad it was helpful! 😊

[@yocoffee]

It’s so helpful! It’s exactly I’m struggling at. You rock!!

[@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

[@josesantiagodevicentemarti4031]

Quite INTERESTING ...THANKS so much...Karen...👏🎶📽️🖋️📖🖌️🎨

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome 😊

[@Lea-zf7lm]

Watercolour is teaching me patience lol

[@KarenRiceArt]

It so does 😊

[@hermanirascible3310]

Another aspect is that when one is painting in a drier or warmer environment or under a running fan, paintings will dry much faster!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Very true 😊

[@ladyelainefairchild3546]

Does cauliflower happen with hot press paper?

[@KarenRiceArt]

It does I’m afraid

[@GKganesan]

Helpful: thank you.

[@KarenRiceArt]

You're welcome 😊

[@rebekahcrossman4690]

SO clearly demonstrated - I needed this. THANK YOU!!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad it was helpful 😊

[@elizabethkandror1530]

Love the explanation.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much and glad that you enjoyed this tutorial. For more exclusive and in-depth tutorials why not think about joining my Patreon membership. www.patreon.com/karenriceart

[@Rockymtnbloom]

This was the hardest lesson to learn!

[@KarenRiceArt]

For us all, I agree.

[@janinetapp6482]

I so needed this!!! 🎉

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@paintingtracey]

Great advice thanks so much

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome 😊

[@Nadasna]

So helpful - thank you!

[@KarenRiceArt]

You're so welcome 😊

[@Jay-ql4gp]

Thank you!

[@KarenRiceArt]

You're welcome 😊

[@ChantelleArts]

This is wonderful, thank you for sharing ☺☺☺

[@KarenRiceArt]

My pleasure 😊

[@anamarie8]

Thanks very helpful !💐

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are welcome 😊

[@rheasparrow1]

very useful video!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 😊

[@SMK7525]

This is a very good example for what I should learn. Could you show now the correct thumbnail painting?

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you... the extended tutorial is available on my Patreon membership: www.patreon.com/c/karenriceart

[@teresajordao6634]

Thank you for this vídeo!💗

[@KarenRiceArt]

You're so welcome 😊

[@lincat7400]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@KarenRiceArt]

You're welcome 😊

[@Lyddiebits]

I just learned the Cauliflower is wrong...but I like the bloom it makes!!! To me, art isn't wrong or right and that's ok.

[@KarenRiceArt]

So true. I think if blooms appear in your painting consider leaving them in and be proud of them! 😊

[@DarkForestAtmosphere]

What is 'backrun"? Please excuse my ignorance. I'm a newbie

[@KarenRiceArt]

Backruns happen when a drop of water creates a bloom in a freshly painted wash. Hope this helps?

[@Neorhim]

Important cue for watercolour.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@slipbeat]

Thank you for this. I Just started watercolors and may be the one person who is interested in exploiting the cauliflower.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Enjoy 😊

[@coloringwithd]

Very helpful. Thank you ☺☺☺

[@KarenRiceArt]

You're welcome 😊

[@Sajad_najm]

مرحباً هل ممكن شرح ما حصل ولكم كل الشكر والتقدير على هذه المعلموات القيمه التي لم استطيع فهم ما حصل بسبب اللغه 🇮🇶🌹

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 😊 There is a transcript you can follow.

[@DayByeDayChristineOKArtist]

Very helpful ❤

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@pesto12601]

So.. this is confusing.. are you saying to: a) NOT paint when the SHINE/SHEEN is gone BUT the paper is still DAMP? b) NOT paint when the SHINE/SHEEN is gone AND the paper is DRY? I assume you mean B.... if the shine/sheen is gone, then wait to paint until the paper is COMPLETELY DRY.. not damp.. AND.. assume you also mean it is OK to paint if the SHINE/SHEEN is still there... ie: wet on wet... CONFUSING!

[@KarenRiceArt]

You can keep painting until the shine has gone. Once it’s gone wait for the painting to dry, then you can paint wet on dry. Hope this is a little clearer.

[@pesto12601]

@@KarenRiceArtYes.. THAT makes sense.

[@CélineGraindorge-j3s]

Après la maîtrise du feu, la domination de l'eau si Dieu le veut !

[@anasel-mahdi7908]

Tip Top Tips in watercolor.Thanks

[@ashleywright8686]

I know all about fiddling. 😂 TYSM for this video.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Happy to help 😊

[@jpan7071]

Liked. And subscribed.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Welcome. 😊

[@eternalfizzer]

Thanks - I needed that :-D

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad I could help - I’m so pleased that you enjoyed this tutorial. For more exclusive and in-depth tutorials why not think about joining my Patreon membership. www.patreon.com/karenriceart

[@EssGeeSee]

Sorry I can’t figure out what you are saying here. Don’t paint on dry, ever?

[@KarenRiceArt]

I am explaining not to paint when the sheen has just disappeared from the paper - this is the "deceptively dry" stage where the paper will absorb wetter paint unevenly, causing blooms and backruns. Wait until the paper is fully dry

[@IamBraads]

A real Karen. POG

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much! I am so pleased that you enjoyed this tutorial. For more exclusive and in-depth tutorials why not think about joining my Patreon membership. www.patreon.com/karenriceart

[@youwatchme0808]

[@user-py1jj5di4u]

JESUS LOVES YOU REPENT AND BELIEVE IN THE GOSPEL