Knowing when NOT to give up on a painting🦋|Watercolour/gouache illustration🎨

[@PatriciaSilveira11]

Maybe you are a hidden Gouache artist and just have to change mediums :D All that you describe you enjoy is gouache. Watercolor does it's own thing and that's the magic of it, but if you like control gouache is perfect, and I thing is the best for illustrations like yours. I've seen your last 3 videos and you seem to don't enjoy a big part of the process, so I agree you should do something about it. I love your style and your creativity, It's sad to hear you not enjoying yourself.

[@whatever.1765]

Yeah, that was how it was for me when i used watercolor, but now that i use gouache i'm enjoying the process so much more.

[@creekkidart7554]

yes! I had the EXACT same struggle she describes in this video, not liking the 'patchiness' and finally, I realized that I like details and contrast and other style aspects that just don't jive with watercolor. I was painting in the same many-layered style, but it stopped working for the illustration style I wanted to do so now I mostly do gouache and I love it.

[@YvesGeorgeSanchez]

It's just so sad how she doesn't like what she's doing but still continue doing it.

[@papayabizarra8625]

Hello! I agree with you Patricia, I think Chris may have more inclination to work with gouache. In my case I work in pure watercolor and with many layers, I guess it's a matter of enjoying the medium

[@pineapplesio]

​​​​@@YvesGeorgeSanchez I don't think she's doing something she doesn't like. I think she just didn't know how to use goauche in a way she would want. Disliking your process is different from disliking what you do as an artist.

[@nouveau8073]

I agree when you mentioned how you use watercolors quite different from most people. I think you’re the only artist I know who uses that many layers for a piece. And I honestly love your style. While it is unfortunate that it causes that graininess to happen,(I do like the texture though tbh), I think that it’s such a nice technique. I think combined with a more loose style of watercolor, (Like your usual style for the focal point and loose style for the background) it could create a nice contrast. I think your watercolor paintings has a unique charm to it. I really really love how this piece turned out tho!!! It really does have a peaceful atmosphere to it. And knowing what you went through in making it just adds so much more meaning. I’m glad you decided to finish it. And I’m really glad you’re happy with the final art. As an artist, I know how frustrating it feels when it goes wrong. I tend to give up easily when that happens. So hearing how you pushed through with this piece inspires me with my future arts. Thanks so much!! I don’t mind how long it takes for you to upload content for yt. I’ll never regret subscribing to you.

[@ChrisHongArt]

Thank you for the sweet words and positive encouragement! 💪😭 I appreciate it so much Janelle!🧡

[@annalastname4763]

Agreed!!

[@Harpoonland]

love this comment uvu totally agree

[@hellodelightfulrando]

I feel like 'time = money' is the scariest part of being a full-time artist. I know its not realistic but I had to let go of that feeling (mind you I'm lucky to have the financial stability rn to do that). For me when I did sketches or paintings I didn't like, I'd end up throwing them away because 'time=money' and my progress stagnated. You have to mess up, figure it out and try again in order to learn. It sucks that we live in a world that puts more value in 'first time perfection' than the journey to get there.

[@autumnfesperman7971]

I feel like every artwork goes through an "ugly stage" and the fixing of it is the tweaking and correcting until we like it, is what makes it awesome in the end! Sounds like a typical artist struggle! I feel like I'm slow too, This piece is so rich, you time involved shows and the final product is amazing.

[@davs.ketchup]

Your commentary makes me realize that no matter how good you are, you're never as good as how good you want to be. Your art is one of the best I've ever seen, but I very rarely hear commentary wherein you're quite satisfied with your work. There's always something wrong in your perspective. It makes me keep pushing knowing that I'm not the only one who feels displeased with my art. It just goes to show that it is part of the process. It always gets better towards the end.

[@ladyamalthia7688]

I love that you show the tough stuff and the work through. Thanks for posting. ❤ Turned out wonderful.

[@leomonteiroart]

For my part, I work with watercolors and I'm a huge admirer of your work, precisely because you manage to bring out these three-dimensional shaded forms that have so much light and volume to them. It's rarer for watercolors to be painting in many thin glazes, yes, but that's not because that's the wrong way to use watercolors! It's an established technique, it's just harder and takes more time to do, which leads many artists to opt for a different approach. That said, rethinking your style and your working methods is always valid. Just don't feel that you're doing something wrong, because you're not!

[@jacotromp1065]

The peace on the girls face is so relaxing and calming

[@ieatguacamole]

the moving butterflies are sooo pretty, so nice.

[@steelhorseclub]

I've read about a thousand books on watercolor this year. Everyone uses it differently. That's why I love it. Use it the way you want. Gouache is also the best btw. Especially in your hands. Amazing video and painting as always Chris.

[@tessa6307]

I give up on pieces waaayyyy to quickly. Watching your videos and hearing about your struggles and how you overcome gives me the motivation to stick with things to the end.

[@elizabetheddy1073]

I absolutely love this video! Ur artwork and inspiration is is breathtaking! I’m a 53 yr old mom who used to do a lot of acrylic painting, but after having a family, my crafting/artwork changed. About 5 years ago I had spine/neck surgery. I ended up needing a 2nd one a couple years later.☹️ I have found myself having less energy living with chronic pain. I found KZbin about 3 years ago, and have been inspired to get back into painting and making cards (I can’t believe how much more “stuff” mediums is out there now compared to 20 + years ago! It seems like all I’ve been doing is buying/swatching and organizing!! I’m so looking forward to actually using all the different mediums I’ve bought over the last 3 years! You have inspired me in more ways than one with this video! ( taking care of my health and maybe getting up the courage to actually paint!!) So thank you from the bottom of my heart!😊❤️ Over these last 3 years of watching KZbin, I’ve seen some incredible artist! Especially some that sell their artwork!! I have never really wanted to purchase any of them because they didn’t have any meaning. But this painting does, and it’s soooo adorable! I’m definitely going to ur shop to check out the prices!! ( I know as an artist/crafter, that u could never make the right amount of money when selling ur work! There’s SO much time that goes into art!) I’m hoping to purchase a print at the end of this month.😀❤️👍🏼 Thank you again for sharing and giving so much inspiration to me and so many others! Sincerely Liz😊💗👍🏼

[@lynajohnston9299]

We are our own worst critics. I think your work is fabulous and I have learned alot from your art. Thank you for sharing.

[@megbreiter6314]

Love the outcome ❣️ the butterflies are so energetic.

[@tjrollinthedough102]

Your art brings delight and a smile. Priceless! Thanks!

[@rogeremmerson]

I lucked in to your channel a couple of days ago. I had taken up water-colour painting on retirement in 2016 and had begun to make regular sales, from galleries and commissions, of what are essentially fairly conventional landscapes and townscapes. Two months ago, I tried out a new more abstract, almost graphic technique and a new medium, gouache. I was intrigued by your struggles with your work as it exactly reflected my own experience: one, I start well, loving what I'm doing; two, I hit a wall and begin to hate the painting; three, I go into rescue mode; four, I begin to see the light; five, I'm back on track and enjoying the work. BTW, since starting the new technique, I've sold two paintings. Keep painting, keep posting. I love your honesty and commitment.

[@krisartfox83]

The theme is very sweet and i like the analogy with the butterflies. Stay healthy!

[@megansimonson]

I truly love your honest approach! So many of my friends and family don't understand and they think I'm just being too harsh on myself... but there is always room for improvement and I'm so glad you're able to breakdown where you made mistakes and how you fixed it instead of giving up! Thank-you.

[@veronica0406]

I love this piece. So cheerful and positive.

[@ringsroses]

I think the best thing about making art is those moments when you decide to do something that could destroy a piece you feel could be better. There's an odd bravery to it and there's always a lesson in it for you as the artist even if the viewer doesn't see what you've learned. I love this piece and your process.

[@michellehall8734]

It's adorable!!! You like it, believe in yourself. I do art myself, and trust me. That painting is very cute, nice light. Water bottle looks good. Very nice.

[@arcuda2001]

You might want to try a watercolor paint like sennelier ... I personally love granulation , and don’t work in as many layers as you do.. but I’ve heard time and time again , that Sennelier is one of the best , for layering ... Your work is wonderful ..

[@LindsayKitson]

I was going to suggest the same, it's not wrong to work in layers, even many layers, but using non granulating colours can help. Good quality paints will have marked on the tube whether they're granulating or not. Cobalt colours definitely tend to be granluating - a watered down pthalo blue might have ended up looking smoother in a wash :) Sennelier and QOR are both noted for their non-granulating colours, though I have QOR's cobalt teal and it's still granulating.

[@ad6449]

Agree that Sennelier might be a good choice for the transparency, the luminosity, and the way it layers.

[@CobraDove1111]

Exactly

[@christineingram55]

This is absolutely gorgeous..I love the little characters they are so lovely ,and you can just imagine the cat joining in a yoga session..it tells a beautiful story,it’s painted beautifully ..Twice..lol..We are our worst critics .The whole painting comes together so nicely and best of all it makes you smile..Love it 😀

[@planzi1135]

I love how you always learn something with every piece!

[@jacotromp1065]

Your watercolors are so beautiful

[@emjaway]

Such a happy painting! Really realllly beautiful

[@hyperfenomeno]

It's so gratifying to see a person try so hard and become satisfied at one point. As always, love your content!

[@robertlocklear6674]

You are an amazing artist. I love the details that you put into your work. Don't change a thing.

[@hellencristini7889]

I'm addicted to your watercolors. ☆◇☆

[@EmilyGrobler]

Thank you for this very open and honest sharing of your creative process! It is helping me gain confidence in my own sketch book and to understand that true creativity involves a lot of self doubt, and requires serious perseverance. Especially seeing as you produce such beautiful art and clearly have remarkable skill and gifting. I absolutely love the look and feel of your mediums and the way you use them, regardless of whether the method is 'right' or not. It's you, it's charming and has a unique appeal that instantly draws you in.

[@JasonJBrunet]

Both versions were phenomenal.

[@LunaStar31]

One tip that I’ve heard with watercolors is that if it looks like the right shade you’re going for when you put it down wet, it’s not. I think just practicing putting down colors and different consistency of washes might help you learn to use them more effectively.

[@RegstarRogstar]

you study your own workflow so purposefully... its fascinating

[@jacotromp1065]

Loooove the cat and the happiness on his face

[@andyart5121]

It feels so happy and peaceful. Watching you go through the process is so carming and hearing you learn something from your piece is a great motivator to me. All in all, another wonderful creation ♡♡♡

[@mariesophieplan3243]

Honestly, I think your way of using watercolour is so unique and different from all the artist I know. I really love it ❤ this piece turned out so nice and peaceful!

[@paranoiarpincess]

Hey! I'm new and I love this piece! I've never seen anyone do so much prep work for art in my life and the finished piece really shows why it's so important, and that the more you work on something, in the middle stages, the better. Yes, you can over work a piece, but that's at the end. The more you please with the colours you want, and the placement, and tones and values. You've inspired me, thank you.

[@jalerisun5831]

I really admire your patience in layering, it really pays off.

[@stabbytron]

Your artwork is really beautiful and you are a far more advanced artist than I am but I share many of the exact same struggles you mention in this video. Nice to know that even with these difficulties, it is possible to make something that looks as nice as this.

[@Trainguy9000]

Your art is amazing. Your basic analysis of granulation, many layers and control all come down to really knowing your paints. I suggest watching a bunch of Teoh yi Chi 's KZbin videos reviewing and swatching watercolors. Almost all his preferred watercolor paints are transparent, vivid, and mix controlled colors and fit your wishes perfectly. He's a professional Illustrator and Urban sketcher both needs speed, control, and excellence.

[@ranasafi4858]

I am just in love with your sketches, your paintings, the technique you use, your style. Your paintings always look so warm to me and the lightning in every piece drives me insane. For example on this one, the light on the butterflies is just so good I might just cry.You're just super talented. 💖 I'm 20 and I've been drawing forever and I wish one day I will achieve this level at painting and not being afraid of the source of light and layering colors.

[@beccab3446]

Even your pencil sketches looked 3 dimensional and alive..

[@benlin1526]

Good to know I'm not crazy, you were saying everything I think to myself when working on a piece. This is so beautiful too, and you doubted yourself. Guess that's just the process huh.

[@loati94]

Every time I listen to artists on youtube talk about the time lines and that they HAVE to paint because it's their job and such I feel so relieved that for me it's just a hobbie. I've learned that when I turn something I love into an obligation I start to hate it.

[@ixchelskyfeather2513]

I am going to tell you what I told my daughter as she was preparing her summer pieces for art school as she was expressing similar frustrations. Don't compare yourself to other artists. I wasted many years being afraid of picking up my brushes because I feared that I wasn't good enough. My time spent in art school wasted... Especially with social media and online media/vlogging. Think of those art videos like Instagram models. I'm not saying they are as heavily edited or photoshopped, but it is rare that they will show you their flaws, mistakes and vulnerabilities. You are a rare gift to new and upcoming artists. You are showing a side that ALL artists struggle with. Even the Masters struggle with insecurities. They wouldn't be artists if they didn't have a deep sensitivity. Second...your work is amazing and unique! And that is because of the time and care that you put into it. The attention to detail... The way that you like to control the flow of color and blending. That is your own unique painting signature. When you add Gouache to them, they become elevated to a mixed media piece that is now multidimensional and easily recognizable as one of your own. Please don't stop doing what you are doing. Just breathe...maybe take a step back and really look at your pieces and try to see them objectively. Perhaps you will see them the way we do.

[@KimberlyCrick]

Loving how the print came out, you're right the edge to edge coverage looks cinematic - it's a scene out of a movie I'd really love to see!!!

[@jaymesl7360]

its wonderful to hear that you enjoy a piece of yours. I absolutely adore your work and i've found it very inspiring to explore new mediums! This piece if beautiful, i love how full the forms feel

[@amermaid8400]

Your videos are SO inspiring! 💓 Also, it’s kind of a recurring theme for you to add gouache to a watercolour painting, and they always end up SO beautiful! So maybe just keep doing your mixed media style, it works so well! ☀️ But here are some watercolour tips: as you said, try to limit using granulating colours only where you want to add attention, start with a very big light wash and add wet on wet for the background, than paint the figure in detail and add more detail and darkness to the background afterwards. I think it’s easier to determine how much more the background need and not to go too dark and detailed. But tips aside, just keep doing you, you are amazing! Have a great week and also good luck on achieving your health goals! 💓🦋 P.s.: I desperately want you to make a painting starring the cat as the focus, I love it’s little face sooooo much. Too adorable. 😽😻

[@paintingtheskykingdom9005]

Thank you for being so honest with your feelings as you struggle with a painting. i thought this was only because I was less experienced, but I think it happens a lot, and it is the rare painting that flows easily quickly from beginning to ending. I love the process either way. And yes this turned out beautiful, although it was nice in the beginning too! I know you learned so much more than you realize as well. Really interested in viewing more of your videos now.

[@anthonycarter1528]

Beautiful work! (I actually prefer the higher saturated work that you do- this character series is super-cute!!!). I hope those frustrations are starting to iron out. Can't wait to buy something once your store opens back up!!

[@tomishalovely-allen6091]

Your work is so beautiful. I love seeing you work through your challenges to a polished finish.

[@Imawatches]

Absolutely beautiful, i love the way the butterflies light up, it looks so magical

[@sodaswirls]

You’re going to go down in history! Simply amazing and so unique and appealing to view 💛👍🏼I just love everything you do!!!!!!!!! 😆💛

[@ChickenxBoneless]

The gouache made such a difference! Also your sketches are so good, the form is so solid!

[@ranasafi4858]

I think the way you work with watercolors is just perfect tbh. You're just a perfectionist I guess and that's cool because the results are satisfying and very pleasant, at least to my eyes. I just keep staring and looking at the details and work you put into each painting.

[@OwliSketches]

Your work always looks awesome though. I like the granulation of watercolor, but I also love the control of gouache.

[@meganlobrien]

Sweetest serene subject!

[@KekeShawnArt]

Oh I thought the gradulation was on purpose to contrast against the perfect faces. I still love it overall and I’m glad you’re getting used to mixed media. I always felt ashamed because I wasn’t able to do just a singular medium in a piece of work. So it’s fun to see your processes into mixing mediums, even if that wasn’t your original intentions

[@KekeShawnArt]

I meant perfect as in smoothly rendered 😂 I can’t work correctly today

[@ChrisHongArt]

I used to feel the same way too, but now I've accepted it as a way of life 😂 thanks Keke!

[@Pixiewithpens]

thank you for sharing this journey, it was really interesting and enlightening! my art teacher told me once about a piece i was unhappy with, "why torture yourself? make the next one better instead" but im leaning more towards what you said about seeing it through so you dont have to wonder, so i did push on for a bit longer and got slightly less unhappy. i didnt end up with a piece i really liked, unfortunately, but in hindsight i think that chalks up to 1) lack of skill and experience to execute my vision and 2) the concept itself wasnt solid enough. in any case i learned from it, and i think thats the most valuable aspect of pushing on. in terms of your personal art journey, not money-wise - the economical aspect is something else that ill leave to others to comment on. anyway, i love this piece! i think it really depicts that serenity you talked about, and i adore how you draw satisfied faces, and in general the roundness in your art style. it looks super cute and calming! youre very skilled and its lovely to get to watch you work. thank you :) xx

[@rociocruz2786]

As for your watercolor style, I just love it,really, it is different,Bul it is trulla yours and the result is al ways amazing!🥰🥰🥰

[@linzertube]

It’s so pretty! It really feels like you really resonated with the “getting out in nature, and self-care” idea in this painting. It’s an important piece considering all the conclusions that you came to, because of it.

[@evanblanco7352]

Hey Chris! Just want to express my admiration. I became a fan just recently. 😊 Your art is so amazing and your videos are so soothing to watch. I like how you share your experience in each of your works from excitement, then becoming frustrated and then finally getting it all to work. Your process helped me learn to plan my artworks more before working on them.

[@yvonnedulos2315]

This video made me subscribe 💙 I love the work and how you approach a piece. The patchiness is largely due to your painting style (nothing wrong w/ it if that's the image you're going for), where you paint in smaller sections over dry watercolor. I had this problem when I started. I tried hard learning how to control paint using wet on wet techniques and the results gave a more seamless look. Love your pieces, thanks for sharing them 💙💙💙

[@LyNguyen-ne2vm]

Thank you for the motivation

[@BloodyDrops]

Your art never cease to amaze me and to inspire me! what a gorgeous piece!

[@mariadrawsalot]

It was really interesting to see them next to each other. I was surprised to see how different they were!

[@natlisan]

Beautiful piece! I actually LOVED the granulation! as a watercolourist myself I completely understand your frustrations! but what I had to do was to just let the medium do what it wants to do (for the most part)! I also tend to work in lots of glazes to achieve the depth that I want. I use to try and control everything too and with a medium such as watercolour that doesn't really workout too well!!!

[@yumcatezu4111]

I think you have a way unique to use watercolor and i find this REALLY INCREDIBLE! I really love it

[@antonbooysen6147]

Stunning Painting! ❤

[@natalia7512]

Amazing as usual, you are my inspiration ❤

[@irinairinka6915]

I love this piece and all your pieces! You have such talent! And honestly you give me hope, because I also graduated art, graphic design and printmaking,but I like to paint and illustrate (as they say these days) ,but I don't have the guts to make a channel... Enough about me :p I love that you do pieces that are authentic,seem to be from your daily life, it's evident how much time and effort you put into them and please don't be ashamed of that. When you put out a video I hurry to see it and rewatch it at least a couple of times... Good job and keep working! 💙

[@dennisthewomenace]

Hi! I’ve been following your work for a couple of years, and I think trying out acrylic inks might be the best balance for you as an artist. Everything you said you liked about watercolor - the way it runs and interacts with the paper - is preserved, but the granulation and patchiness that tends to be a problem with watercolor isn’t as much of an issue with acrylic inks. It also allows you to control saturation fairly well, as I’ve found that wet ink is much truer to the dried color than watercolor is. Maybe in your next work? By the way, the piece is absolutely beautiful!

[@nathanleemillerart]

The painting turned out great! I wanted to suggest giving Arches 300lb hot press a try for you gouache paintings. I just started using it and it is fantastic, takes the paint wonderfully. It's expensive, but worth it.

[@finiraggio]

I love both of the pieces! I really like the granulation on the watercolor one and dont think it was really an issue... but of course it is a matter of what you like to produce as an artist so its your call. I also paint with watercolors and struggle with the thousand layer thing... I reduced them by increasing the time i spent looking at the painting and decreasing the time i spent actually painting... that way i could figure out what value was needed and where and layed it down faster and in fewer layers. My time management is 75% staring and 25% painting haha

[@ChandrewsArt]

" increasing the time i spent looking at the painting and decreasing the time i spent actually painting" ^^^ YES! This is the tip I've needed. I think I sometimes get caught up trying to "paint faster" when really it's an issue of painting more strategically so I don't paint the same thing a dozen times.

[@lindahazel5075]

I love this painting! It makes me smile and my heart happy.

[@ChrisHongArt]

aww happy heart happy art 😘

[@momgib2000]

Try Sennelier. And have you ever watched Stephanie Law? She uses a lot of watercolor ground to bring back light and it’s beautiful. I love your painting and to hear about your struggles ❤️

[@amermaid8400]

Yay! A new video! I’m excited to watch, already saw a glimpse of this on your Instagram account. 🎨 ✨

[@valiumk.9489]

I actually loved both of the drawings, but if you are happy, that's all that matters!! I also don't think there's a "wrong way" using the watercolours. What I almost always use to reduce some of the "patchiness" or just add a more controlled layer of colour, is adding details with tombow markers and/or (water)colour pencils, maybe you can try that someday. Have a great day!! 😊

[@Renee292929]

Omg this is so darn cute!! Love it how you added a cat! Not silly at all!

[@gildersleevee]

Another wonderful piece that is a treat for my eyes. I see a trend in your struggle that might help, you do not like granulating pigments in your water color paint. I am actually just the opposite, so I have had to search and create a list of various makers of water color tube paints that are very heavy in the granulation side of the pigment. Some colors I will just not put into my pallet, because I feel they do not give me enough granulation. So I have had to resort to mixing a lot of colors myself rather then buying it already made up in a tube. You Might find with some research that you can achieve the same colors you like, by making your own mix on your pallet using very low granulating pigments of say two or three other colors. I have been eternally grateful to a few you tube water color artists who spend hours and hours swatching out every color paint in the tube and in pans, and showing us the qualities of many many of the top artist grade water color manufactures on their channel. Here are 3 artists that I have the bell icon turned on, so that I never Miss a single post from them ..... ( yours is turned on as well but you already know yourself ;) ) These are in no particular order, "In liquid color" and "Hajra Meeks" and "The mind of water color". These 3 artists have a TON, and I mean a TON of Reviews on just about every watercolor manufacture out there. Even the very cheap ones, to some small niche market watercolor paint makers. SOOOoooo , Maybe all you really need to do is just get those Pesky granulating watercolor paints OFF your pallet, and substitute non granulating or very low granulating paints. Any way you end up going, I will never stop watching you work your magic with paint and pencil, You are an inspiration ( embrace it) LOL … luv your work.

[@karinlanven3562]

Great painting as usual!! Love how you always tell a story with your paintings! Looks sooooo relaxing, 😊👍🏻💙

[@mistylang429]

I’ve been waiting for this video since you started posting pics on Instagram. I love it! And the long walks sound amazing!!

[@PaintingStepByStep]

Cute and Amazing!

[@vicenteisaaclopezvaldez2450]

This painting is the one I found your channel through, and your technique inspired me, I dunno if that makes it worth it, but I'm thankful you finished it.

[@trinitygallagher]

Beautiful work (: I've been watching your videos while I work on my watercolor skills. So inspiring!

[@prunebvlt]

Woaaah everytime i learn something from your videos. Love it!! Amazing work 💖

[@Sarai0Mia]

Love this so much! ❤️❤️😍

[@gingeranderson9701]

I know very little about watercolor but, I watched a video by Shoo Rayner in which he talks about painting a smooth sky and says he lets his blue paint sit for a bit so the granules settle to the bottom then he only dips the brush across the top of the paint. Just thought I would mention it. :) BTW. I just Love your style! :) We all want to improve but don't change too much. :)

[@lunabii_16]

Oh gosh how i love your art style and art pieces, they always have this whimsical story book feeling that I’m mesmerized by it everytime, you inspire me so much♥️ hope to one day get one of your prints, lots of love from Mexico 🇲🇽

[@mparis130]

I personally LOVE granulating watercolors, but it's definitely something one needs to keep in mind, because it's so easy for the colors to get muddied. I agree that it's a control issue, but it's also an issue about knowing when the painting is done. Maybe you could try using thinner washes of watercolor, which would give you a little bit more control over the pigment you're putting down.

[@gluetastical4697]

lovely message, and the finished artwork looks amazing!

[@brenttaylordotus]

Well that's just awesome work.

[@AurorasArtWorld]

I'm so glad you finished this and you did it beautifully!! I love how the one butterfly breaks the frame! 💖 It's gonna be a big seller hun!

[@ChrisHongArt]

Thanks Aurora!😆😘

[@CozylilGurl]

I love your watercolors! There are plenty of artists that use many glazing layers to build up values. I think the issue was the granulation, which with many layers will building to look really gritty. I would maybe look into different types of watercolors and do a little experiment with your style to see how the pigments build. I love this piece and I’m glad you pushed through! But I love your watercolor work and I think you underestimate your skill level ❤️

[@loati94]

The grainy look makes it look vintage-ish so it's not a bad look, it's cute. It's only a problem if you don't like it. You do use watercolors a bit like if they were gouache since you use little water (compared with the majority of watercolorists), but there's many artists that layer a lot, something that in gouache is more tricky since many layers will make it crack and reworking an area will lift the one underneath so maybe do a 50/50 haha

[@jp8649]

Even your thumbnails are little masterpieces! I really like the texture you achieve, but I have this same issue. I really like using layers and have had to become more conscientious of both the paper (hot pressed for me when avoiding texture) and by using non-granulating colors. I've also recently switched from arches hot press to fabriano. The fabriano can't take as many layers, but it maintains a vibrancy that the arches doesn't. It's amazing how much of this is trial and error. The texture in your art comes off as purposeful, it gives it a vintage warmth that feels kind of nostalgic. I'm excited to hear about what changes you decide to make though!

[@ourabouras]

Personally I love the way you build up many layers of color to build up depth, your paintings end up with a richness of depth and color vibrancy that not many other artist achieve. While I do see the difference in the mediums I think they are both equally lovely, the watercolor one is a bit granulated, but maybe instead of changing up your technique you could try out different watercolors that complement your process.

[@2003mandiman]

I really love this piece of art 💖

[@Lissbirds]

Have you tried using a bigger brush for large wash areas like the sky? I think your brush size might be part of the issue with the patchiness you're seeing. Try a big, 3/4" or 1" flat brush and see if that makes a difference. (Though, honestly, it looked amazing even with the "patchy" texture.) You might also want to try adding more paint and less water and just doing a one or two layers; traditionally that's how watercolor washes are done. Also, are you letting your paint completely dry between layers? If the paint is even slightly damp, it will start to lift up and mix with any additional layers. Watercolor is fickle and easy to overwork. Good luck. Your ideas and illustrations are amazing and inspiring and so is your use of color!!

[@_morelia]

It came out so pretty :) Love the vibe it gives me!