Sketching vs.Tracing - Watercolor Tutorial

[@KristyRice]

Let me know, would you ever trace to create your art? Why or why not?

[@reneelanier3475]

I will trace!!!!!

[@Artjunky-pm1dk]

Love the idea of cutting out flowers more for composition than tracing. That's my hardest thing is composition.

[@danitheuerkauf7095]

An outline yes. I dont see why not.

[@KristyRice]

@@Artjunky-pm1dk yesss! This is a huge help for composition!!

[@KristyRice]

@@reneelanier3475 allllrught!!

[@barbarastephens2890]

I have often said that I am a “pretend artist” because I can’t draw, but I can sure trace and I love color. You set me free!!!

[@KristyRice]

No pretending here!!! There is a nuance and art to tracing so be proud of yourself!!

[@phillipstroll7385]

At least you admit you trace. That's what is important. I've only met the professional artists who admitted to tracing. There isn't many youtubers that don't. Because they don't have the skills not to. I think people forget at is a skill trained and learned just like cooking, sewing, military, doctor, etc. No one is born an artist. They train, practice, learn their trade just like any other profession. Tracing while calling yourself an artist is like calling yourself a doctor while never graduating high school.

[@RendaJane]

@@phillipstroll7385 Kristy has the skills.

[@NAVYWhistleblowerAssassin]

I'm a street artist. I really love the charm of imperfect drawings. They actually get the most attention. #Basquiat

[@SueKivley]

Love this painting. You're helping me get over my anxiety about "staying in the lines". I'm so excited to try this.

[@lynnettebass2451]

I think talking and painting at the same time is I skill set all by itself! You’re good at that too!

[@KristyRice]

Ha thanks! It’s not easy!

[@SheriWinston]

I love your attitude of being in the process and finding the joy!

[@KristyRice]

Yay! Thank you!!

[@becdowd9921]

It's so not fair that you get to talk to yourself and be rewarded for it instead of looked at as nuts like my family, ha. Love it.

[@KristyRice]

🙏🏻😘

[@SarahCoxWrites]

I'm primarily a card maker and am just getting into water colour. I CANNOT draw! This video has completely blown my mind!! I have a ton of stamps which I have just realised I can stamp out, blow up on my printer, cut out and trace to watercolour. Holy crap, I am excited about this!! Thank you for sharing this. BTW, love what you did with yours, as always, so amazing!!

[@KristyRice]

Ahhh love it!! Have you tried yet??

[@Pebblesmas]

@sarah cox omg just wrote almost the same, 😂 lol

[@m2d5]

Love how you think out loud while you work. What happens between brain and hand is VERY instructive!

[@KristyRice]

Ohh good!! My instruction is def a bit of stream of consciousness!! Lol!

[@sharonparks8144]

Love your teaching style - it has helped me so much to be more relaxed and less picky ❤️❤️

[@KristyRice]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@ShapeShifterKibayo]

Yes. You have finally fixed what I hated about every other how to art video of "don't do this or this is wrong or this is the right way" As you say. You do you!!!!!

[@viridian4573]

What a great use for seed catalogs and those gorgeous gardening magazines that tempt me in the grocery store check out.

[@KristyRice]

Ohhhhhh I never thought of that!!!! How perfect!!!! Thank you!! XO

[@danitheuerkauf7095]

You can sign up for seed catalogs for free. Baker creek. Burpee. Territorial.

[@danitheuerkauf7095]

Oh and there are bulb catalogs that show tulips and any kind of flower that is a bulb.

[@KristyRice]

@@danitheuerkauf7095 territorial?? I don’t get that one!

[@trudi5050]

You are my Fav tutor. You are so much fun, and easy to listen to/hang out with.

[@KristyRice]

Wow, thank you!

[@violafrancis5165]

Thank you sooo much to keep reminding us to play and have fun.

[@KristyRice]

Always!

[@barbaramerges7006]

I am an 85 year old beginner!!! Obviously, my sketching won’t improve too much. Thanks for giving me permission to trace.🙃

[@KristyRice]

Enjoy it all :)

[@debrabroido997]

This is such a wonderful idea to get your more loose style.

[@KristyRice]

Yes!!! :)

[@kl-br6bh]

Gardening catalogs are an awesome source of full color prints of flowers.

[@KristyRice]

Definitely!

[@lynnettebass2451]

Let talk about your scissor skills🥳 that takes years of practice, moving the paper and not the scissors so much! I love your channel!

[@KristyRice]

Thanks so much!

[@rmartino0913]

I usually take graphite and rub it on the back then draw over to with a white gel pen so I can see which lines I’ve done but I LOVE this idea of cutting out and just tracing the outline!!! I’m always struggling with keeping loose and I think this will really help! I love your videos … you are a joy to watch and listen to.

[@KristyRice]

Let me know how it goes when you try it!

[@Pebblesmas]

@renee martino what a fab idea, white gell pen, such a brilliant idea, also saw the rubbing of a grPhite pencil on a youtube video the other day, thx 4 remunding me and that fab tip😘👍

[@TXDHC]

I recently traced a wreath shape from one of your books. I had some new paints via your recommendations on pallets and one leaf just got stuck….the greens from Greenleaf Blackberry were funky….I don’t even know how to describe it but it didn’t act well with water. I ended up turning 3 leaves or spaces into your iconic figs! My pallets was earth tones and oh my…I love it! In the end I used those linear lines and BAM! ❤️ Team Replay 🎉 I do love this idea of cut outs….whoda thought!

[@KristyRice]

Love to hear that!

[@lynnettebass2451]

I love collage work so this is pretty too, the pictures arranged artfully! I love it so much.❤️

[@KristyRice]

Thank you so much!

[@marjoriewright5808]

Kristy...I want you to know your beautiful self inspires me and so many others!

[@KristyRice]

Thank you!!!

[@annierodenberg2327]

Kristy, I bought your brushes and love them. I handled them, painted stroke exercises, filling up paper with tracks of pigment. I love it. This fun painting sharing how you use these brushes and expression was very helpful...🙏🏻❤️

[@KristyRice]

Wonderful!

[@Pebblesmas]

@Annie Rodenberg you have a dutch name, are you dutch, and so yeah, where did you buy the brushes and how much was vat and shipping, that stopsme from buying those fab brushes 😟

[@davidheidary7124]

What a great idea 💡 my poor drawing just improved a couple of notches.✌️🌻🌹🌺

[@KristyRice]

Wonderful!

[@loveandlife4222]

I sure enjoyed watching this. You are a wonderful teacher and it’s just fun to see you bounce around the page. My style is much more realistic but I do love to mix and mingle my colors! They create magic. I also love the addition of the turquoise!

[@KristyRice]

Yes I do bounce!!! A little bit of turquoise always livens things up! Thanks for being here!!

[@melindarincon7571]

Absolutely gorgeous!!!!! It was a joy watching you paint this and I loved your colors. So glad I found you!! Thanks for sharing.

[@KristyRice]

Oh thank you so much! I'm so thrilled you're here! XO

[@kimmiewilk7665]

Thank you! I’m going to try the floral cutouts. I’m not into flowers so I don’t know what they look like to just paint them plus I’m a beginner. I think that this will help a lot!

[@KristyRice]

Wonderful!

[@portiaplumeria956]

Yes, I tried! Marvellous shades! They have recently created a new “maroon”! Waiting your video with this product! Let’s plunge into the beauty of watercolors!

[@KristyRice]

OOOOh now I'm curios!!! XO

[@4tjinta]

Love it. I absolutely will try this method. I’m an absolute beginner, but your lessons give me the idea I can do this! Thanks for that! I’m your fan 😍.

[@KristyRice]

I appreciate that so much!

[@dianaashton2512]

I love that I discovered you. Fabulous

[@KristyRice]

So sweet of you! Cheers!

[@conniemesce4093]

I alwaysove your painting and energy! ❤

[@KristyRice]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Pebblesmas]

OMG, lóve this, as.. I have tons of gorgious flower stamps, big and small and bouquets 👍, yeah, and mega soft, no line, ink, brilliant!! Even so much easier to start, YOUR VIDEO(S) MAKE ME SÓ HAPPY, THX!!! 😘

[@NAVYWhistleblowerAssassin]

Most of the really huge artists are famous for their imperfect drawings/imagery. Jean Michel Basquiat, Van Gogh, etc. Wonky subject matter can get cool & original. I actually tried to make art Basquiat style. It's very difficult. I am a savant, too, just like JMB. I'm thinking he worked in layers. Many many layers. I'm in love with printmaking because wonky drawings look very cool in prints and watercolor.

[@KristyRice]

Thanks for sharing!

[@yvonnereistad9031]

Great news I have just ordered your latest book which looks inspiring. I will have to wait two weeks so will be practicing from now.thank you so much for your inspiration I live in Geneva Switzerland yvonne

[@KristyRice]

Thanks so much!!

[@bobbiegraham7729]

I can draw. It just takes too dang long. I trace shape outlines and then get busy painting. That's where the joy is! If there will be a lot of negative painting, I note the points. Tracing isn't painting, and if you want to draw it first more power to ya. The only boss in my art room is me. And I like my boss, she lets me do what I want. She even lets me listen to music and watch movies.

[@KristyRice]

Yes yes and YES!!

[@morgenmachen2400]

I do trace when I'm painting botanical. I need exact detail, proportion, placement without all the eraser marks and pencil lines. And the biggest plus is that I get to the painting more quickly.

[@KristyRice]

Such a perfect example for the many reasons tracing makes sense. Thanks so much for adding to the conversation!

[@emmajaslanek3606]

You are a wonderful In structure. I have never done watercolor before but I have done acrylics. Hope I have success and one day I can just do something that is acceptable. Your paintings are just beautiful .

[@KristyRice]

Best of luck!

[@pamelaburke9250]

Loved this video! Sets me free to know I can trace flowers until I get the hang of it. Thanks!

[@KristyRice]

Of course you can!

[@annhinson5670]

I love, love this tracing idea. Thanks for the tip!

[@KristyRice]

You bet!!

[@dorisdare8724]

Kristy, I so love your style!

[@KristyRice]

Oh thank you!

[@yvonnereistad9031]

Just received your latest book!! Most inspiring thank you

[@KristyRice]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@karendirmish2696]

Here I am again going from one to another,not stoping to Try! Thanks for letting me be me! Love the draw paint, I’m trying! My question is: how do I make my palette, from my favorite bits and pieces? Than K s, Karen Dirmish

[@annemorozova]

I'm using handmade lighttable. Nice and easy.

[@KristyRice]

Nice! Great tip!!

[@marytesta3003]

I am so happy I found your channel. I can't draw so this was a blast.

[@KristyRice]

So happy you’re here!!!

[@jewelgarland]

Kristi, my favorite watercolor hack is sketching the underdrawing for a painting with a blue-violet or purple watercolor pencil, which when painted over washes into an attractive shadow. You could also sketch objects with a watercolor pencil of the same color, i.e. sketch a banana with a yellow pencil. Test pencils for ones that wash well (cheap ones don't) and draw as lightly as possible. I love that you are open to combining watercolor with other media, such as watercolor pencils and markers!

[@KristyRice]

Oooh my gosh yes! Have you ever tried a vintage copying pencil?? So so cool! Similar effect!

[@cathrynclark5287]

I love your dialogue when you are painting......so funny.

[@KristyRice]

🤦🏻‍♀️

[@lizseilerplays]

Five beautiful words, ROLL OF GRAPHITE TRANSFER PAPER 😉

[@KristyRice]

Oooh you’re going to like next weeks vid!!

[@lindaking9222]

Helpful tracing method

[@KristyRice]

Awesome yay!

[@susinok]

Interesting! I have a few seed catalogs with tons of flower pictures I could use for this. Hmm.... wheels turning...

[@KristyRice]

Oooh perfect idea!! Did you try it?

[@susinok]

@@KristyRice Not yet but I will.

[@figbotanicals2229]

Thank you sooooo much for your energy and beautiful content. As a beginner should i first start to focus on learning and practicing sketching OR on learn using the brush and watercolor comfortably. both has to happen at one point of course, but which one should I focus on first. For example, I sketched beautiful flowers with one of your videos but then i dont even know how to use the brush or be comfortable with the brush, and literally stuck there. What do you recommend?

[@suziealt6842]

..."you bet your butt I did." 😄 Thank you for your video and your humor. 🌻

[@KristyRice]

Hahaha you betcha!😂

[@karing2171]

Love your tutorials and style. Can you please advise what size your cat's brush is? Thanks!

[@elizabethevans702]

You mentioned layering/glazing, do you have a video for doing that? I really like your vids and I scrolled thru searching….lots of great content, but I couldn’t find one so thought I’d ask. Keep the vids coming….def having fun friend!👍😉

[@KristyRice]

Yes I do! Here ya go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHi5kpiErambY6s Glad you’re enjoying it here!!

[@kittenwiskerz299]

I do both. I like to sketch if I can but I don't see an issue with tracing because sometimes the subject is a little complicated and tracing is just quicker.

[@KristyRice]

Absolutely!

[@kayleendunlap3793]

Very new to watercolor and am so enjoying your videos! I keep clicking on the buy on Amazon button to purchase a set of your brushes and am not seeing them there.😑

[@KristyRice]

Here is a link! kristythepainter.portals.click/bg7U3C

[@marilynduncan5940]

I just bought a set of Christy's brushes on Amazon.

[@danitheuerkauf7095]

Love this idea!

[@KristyRice]

Thank you!!!

[@lucyluan]

Thank your sharing , I learned

[@KristyRice]

You're welcome and I'm so glad! What should I teach next???

[@mgstigliano]

I tuoi video sono una bellissima scoperta.Mi piacerebbe vedere la tua interpretazione dei glicini.Grazie,a presto Pina

[@KristyRice]

Oh thank you! Wisteria is definitely on my list! XO

[@marykhavelka8875]

I love flowers too and would occasionally trace. Question: What printer is this and is it used only for printing phtos (these prints are in beautiful saturated, true colors). Love watching your vids.

[@KristyRice]

This is a very affordable HP… I have to look up the model number. It does a good job with color but it’s def not a photo printer per se.

[@morgenmachen2400]

Hmm. Just an idea but I actually don't have a printer at home so often I'll use the monitor or the TV and place my paper right on there and trace that way. You'll obviously need to go to different pages to get the composition but for me, it's worth it to save on resources (paper ink and all involved with packaging and getting it to the house).

[@KristyRice]

Ooooh my gosh I've totally done that!!!! I find the legion cold press paper when held up to a window or put on a light box works perfectly!

[@morgenmachen2400]

@@KristyRice niiicceee I love Stonehenge! Also, Fabriano studio soft press💕. This is a great tip! I've only used arches HP which TBH has been limiting because I don't paint solely botanical. I can't wait to give it a try, thanks!

[@wendyinky3668]

Oh, Kristy!!! Why did I not know you until just recently? (Maybe because I took a mannnny years break from hobby painting and am just now coming back to this wonderful world of color!) You are a delight! I ordered your brushes last week and they arrived promptly. GAME CHANGER!! I am so enjoying your videos and everything else I can absorb from your vast arsenal of knowledge! I adore your delightful personality and charming way of teaching. Looking forward to many years of painting side by side with you!

[@KristyRice]

@@wendyinky3668 Well welcome back friend, I'm so glad you're here! Oh my goodness you flatter me! I'm soooo so thrilled you are loving the brushes! There is so much fun coming on this channel, I can hardly wait!

[@portiaplumeria956]

I like those autumn colors, Kristy! Do you know the handmade honey watercolors “Gallo”, from Assisi, Italy?

[@KristyRice]

Ohhh my gosh I do! I ordered a set of A Gallo's just went we went into lockdown in 2020. I treasure them! Need to film a vid with them soon. Have you tried? What do you think??

[@NaomiCoutureArt]

Very cool, loving all the colors :)

[@KristyRice]

Ohhh thank you! this palette just feels perfect for fall!

[@reneelanier3475]

I love you!!!!!!!

[@KristyRice]

😘💃🏻😘❤️💃🏻

[@chardellsalvant4891]

Guess I missed a video, but where do you buy your watercolors. Have bought sets don't like the colors. Love your color sets. Chardell

[@KristyRice]

Have so many different sets! Is there one in particular you’ve seen you’d like to know about?

[@chardellsalvant4891]

I love dark colors. Browns, grey and especially black I like how the watercolors mix together. Thanks for any suggestions you have especially any particular brand of paint.

[@neerumalhotra5630]

Very interesting style 👌

[@KristyRice]

Thanks!!

[@Dedaskitchen]

Thank you! I’ve just started giving beginner watercolor lessons and this tracing technique will help them so much! I have a question for you- for my beginners, what paper do you recommend just for practicing brushstrokes? While I do preach 100% cotton paper, I hate to have them invest in that for just the beginning practice, but at the same time, it can’t be too cheap, or the results will be frustrating. I’ve been using a Strathmore, for their practice pieces, but just wondered your thoughts?

[@KristyRice]

Honestly Canson Xl. It’s unpredictable-ish but okay for practice

[@jewelgarland]

After personally testing 23 different papers from dirt cheap to expensive, my findings agree with Kristi about Canson XL. Fluid watercolor paper and Strathmore 300 are also good. My testing criteria included lifting, wet-on-wet magic, wet-on-dry clarity, and whether both sides can be used. I have found budget paper from discount stores that are perfectly fine for practice. For blending on the page, I find that coated papers work better than traditional cotton papers, which pull the paint in like a blotter.

[@harmonycooper211]

Where do I buy your brush set. Cannot find them. Please

[@candyparsons806]

I have not been able to find your paint brush set on Amazon even though you said they are back in. There is nothing under your name that I can see. Help. Candy P

[@KristyRice]

I’m so sorry! They went back out of stock in 4 hours last Friday :( 1000 sets are coming late this coming week!

[@sherrieyoungbloo4792]

Than ks

[@nancyterry9725]

How in the world do I find your Pantheon information? I have searched but had no luck!

[@KristyRice]

Currently my Patreon page is not active :)

[@Judylou09]

Hi Kristy! New subscriber here and I love your videos! How do I get your brushes? I followed the Amazon link and don’t see your brushes there.

[@KristyRice]

They are currently out of stock. We are constantly manufacturing more but can’t keep up :( We’ll be back in stock in about 3 weeks :)

[@jeanneednathelwell2728]

Have you ever used a soluble graphite to sketch?

[@KristyRice]

Funny you should ask!! Just tried them out last week! Vid coming!!

[@trudi5050]

I did something like this with fall leaves from the gutter

[@soulsearchmedia]

Can we get your bushes individually? (especially in Canada)

[@KristyRice]

Just as a set for now!

[@nancyvrba2179]

I'm a straight line kind of painter I want to be more loose and free, I just need to let it go and see what I get. But I'm afried I'm going to make a mess.

[@KristyRice]

And what is the worst possible feeling to come of making that mess?

[@sheilamartens8311]

I don’t have a printer what can I do? Thankyou for your videos!

[@KristyRice]

Tear sheets out of magazines!

[@craftydegrasse3679]

Go to a library they'll let you print but I don't think they're in color. Mine lets me print 50 for free.

[@barbarabloomgren1339]

Kristy, what days do u upload?

[@KristyRice]

Monday, Wednesday and Saturday’s :)

[@barbarabloomgren1339]

@@KristyRice thanks!

[@NAVYWhistleblowerAssassin]

I watch Art 21 series on various artists. Tracing is quite standard. It's time-saving. The artists stressed that they practice drawing to keep up their skills, but trace to save time & get to the color applications. The fun part. Many even just conceived of an artwork on a digital print program & then had students make the actual painting. I didn't feel that was authentic. I mean, why pay $50k for a massive painting conceived by a big artist but actually painted by the artists Apprentices. Not judging. To each his own, I'm just saying...

[@KristyRice]

I agree!

[@patriciagolub5492]

ARE YOU LEANING YOUR BRUSHES IN BETWEEN COLORS?

[@KristyRice]

Not always!

[@andreatorraca8755]

Hmmm can do with still life too I bet………..

[@KristyRice]

Sure!

[@lionharehart]

🖼️🖌️🎨💯👍❤️

[@jenxx49]

I always trace. You know why? Because I'm rubbish at drawing and I don't enjoy it - why am I going to waste my time stressing myself out over sketching the image I want to paint? I hate how tracing is 'cheating'. Hell, I have adult colouring books that I like to do with paint!

[@KristyRice]

Everyone, READ THIS!!! 🙏🏻💪🏻❤️💃🏻

[@lucyluan]

new friend and subscribed and like+1

[@KristyRice]

Thank you!!!

[@lynnettebass2451]

Old magazines could work if one doesn’t have a printer

[@nokiot9]

Tracing is fine as long as you don’t claim it as your own. Art that involves it should NEVER end up in your portfolio. It should be for practice only unless your fine labeling it as “craft”. Because even when it’s legal and sufficiently transformative it’s kind of cheap.

[@KristyRice]

Sorry disagree :( Tracing elements from photos and combining to create something new is what I call innovation. But as I say, you do you boo, no shame!!