Lesson- Light and Shadow / The Importance of Using White Space

In this video, I teach you how to paint shadows in your work to create depth. I also go over the importance of using white space in loose florals.
I am by no means a professional art teacher. I share with you what I know and how I approach painting using these techniques. Hope you enjoy!
Here are the watercolour materials that I use!
Paint Palette:
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Arches Watercolour Paper:
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Princeton Snap Brushes:
Pack of 4! Sizes 0, 2 and 6 round brushes and a 3/4 angle brush
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Size 12 Round brush:
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Winsor & Newton Cotman and Professional Paints:
Ivory Black: USA- amzn.to/2OcuFss CANADA- amzn.to/2SRf5TZ
Burnt Umber (Professional): USA- amzn.to/2Ocj10W CANADA- amzn.to/2NQIRXY
Cobalt Blue (Professional): USA- amzn.to/2HEhort CANADA- amzn.to/2CaRc4d
Indigo: USA- amzn.to/2CsbMgy CANADA- amzn.to/2VFiQhc
Turquoise: USA- amzn.to/2F93yuq CANADA- amzn.to/2Cc75HB
Prussian Blue: USA- amzn.to/2OaEjMm CANADA- amzn.to/2TqqOxO
Hooker's Green Dark: USA- amzn.to/2TLlcyk CANADA- amzn.to/2STNod8
Intense Green: USA- amzn.to/2TK5ELA CANADA- amzn.to/2EWe49y
Emerald: USA- amzn.to/2FfjfAn CANADA- amzn.to/2EHyxxs
Sap Green: USA- amzn.to/2HFJ2Ew CANADA- amzn.to/2UqUQOx
Dioxazine Purple: USA- amzn.to/2TGdllI CANADA- amzn.to/2EVLN2G
Mauve: USA- amzn.to/2HBOaJS CANADA- amzn.to/2SUPz0l
Opera Rose (Professional): USA- amzn.to/2UGXxvv CANADA- amzn.to/2tYc2zf
Permanent Rose: USA- amzn.to/2ueqbsc CANADA- amzn.to/2tTtTYc
Rose Madder Hue: USA- amzn.to/2TJwhQt CANADA- amzn.to/2SUQgGZ
Cadmium Red Hue: USA- amzn.to/2HHMOgH CANADA- amzn.to/2XO5n8r
Cadmium Orange (Pro): USA- amzn.to/2CAyzan CANADA- amzn.to/2Un74I8
Yellow Ochre (Pro): USA- amzn.to/2ueMrCw CANADA- amzn.to/2NQcmJE
Cadmium Yellow Hue: USA- amzn.to/2FdZEAi CANADA- amzn.to/2Uuujjq
Lemon Yellow Hue: USA- amzn.to/2HEYiBA CANADA- amzn.to/2XMsalh
Paint Sets: USA- amzn.to/2UJfUjE CANADA- amzn.to/2NQhTjp
Dr Ph Martin's Bleed Proof White Ink: USA- amzn.to/2OaXxkT CANADA- amzn.to/2EN47d0
Prang 16 Watercolour pan set:
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Prang 8 Watercolour pan set:
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[@franscescavint7356]

November 2020. I watch your videos in the mornings and in the evenings. Even when I don't paint. I just watch them while drinking my coffee.

[@mjrtla]

Another fantastic art lesson. I loved the teaching on the sphere shadow as well as the sunflower/daisy lesson. I always learn and come away with exciting new projects to practice from your video tutorials! I have your channel on the “alert bell” and I’m always so happy when I see a new lesson posted from you! Thank you so much Emma🥰

[@journalsbyfranca1272]

I’m having so much fun learning from you! Thank you so much for sharing your talent with all of us. ❤️❤️❤️

[@lizmiller7681]

I’m watching this in April 2020, during the “stay at home, shelter in place” Coronavirus mandates, and this is helping me more than anything else. These videos are the best thing I can be doing during this difficult time. I’ve started painting again and I’m serious that it’s helped me so very much. Thank you, Emma, you’re the greatest. 💖

[@quigbklyn]

I agree. I'm enjoying her talent and teaching ability, it's doing wonders for me!😊

[@ampp.8998]

Exactly what I was going to say! Very helpful and hopeful! and breathe! Thank you Emma, you are the greatest for sure!

[@robincooper9323]

I had an aha moment when you showed how to get the white space on the sunflower. Thank you for teaching us these wonderful tips!

[@heatherdoodlebug5254]

Thankyou for all your tutorials! I'm a beginner and its so hard teaching yourself to create white spaces! I like the flowers you did, before "white spaces" and with "white spaces". It clearly shows the difference! I still seem to have trouble building layers of light washes cuz I like dark vibrant colors but hopefully with practice I'll figure it out. I love the way you teach and wanna say Thank you for doing what you do!!! Your work is beautiful and your tutorials are inspiring and help so much!!!

[@terismith4333]

This is the first time I've seen a tutorial of yours & I'm very glad I stumbled across you. You explain & show things in a very clear, yet very understandable way & I appreciate it, as watercolour is my favourite medium, but I know basically nothing about it. I'm going to start practicing & watch more of your video tutorials. Thsnks so much!

[@lucrezialevanti4339]

Love your lessons! I definetely need to improve and practice more on shadowing and the light source - thanks so much! Great lesson to practice with. You make it look so easy! Always look forward to your tutorials!! :)

[@razee.maharjan]

Your videos are so helpful and relaxing to watch. So easy to understand and amazing! Also, you and your baby are so cute. 💖😍

[@janetcoopey1128]

I have always struggled with using shadows. This is such a simple way of teaching it. Makes perfect sense now. Thank you.

[@dianagoulart7364]

Thank you for your excellent tutorials! I'm just beginning to paint, so this is like magic to me. Watching the whole process and seeing how you use the brushes to create beautiful flowers is a huge help! And what a lovely cute baby!

[@adunzoroq33]

wow, you make it look so easy :) every time I try I seem to overdo everything - thank you fo your lessons - love them!

[@shriya006]

Lovin' your videos on flowers here. Thank you for posting them and keeping it simple for beginners like me to follow.

[@Janetl62]

Thank you Emma for sharing your love of painting. 💕

[@debrawalters9746]

Emma, I’m a new subscriber and I can’t get enough of your beautiful artwork. You are a wonderful teacher as well. Blessings 💖

[@gwensimmons_gigi1629]

So the kid is 3 now?!? Wow .. great tutorial!! TFS! 😃👍🏾🥰🤩

[@anitadavidson1249]

Thank you for taking the time, not to mention putting in such thought into helping those like me who are just starting out and can feel a little intimidated. You're a wonderfully laid back tutor!

[@diviatrivia9731]

Nobody has ever explained anything so clearly and simply. Love you. More power to you beautiful soul

[@lindaloumontana6698]

I have had a real problem leaving whites in my paintings. This video has helped remarkably! Thank you so much for sharing your techniques!

[@nabarcheto7950]

Finally, someone using "normal" and regular watercolor materials! Thank you so much! I've been watching watercolor painting videos but I was never able to get the same results because the paper and the paints people use are difficult or expensive to get where I am... I see similarity btw your paints and paper! Just thank you!!

[@smalefamily9806]

I completely agree with previous comment. You make it easy and accessible. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@rosefarrough6291]

I got a beginner's kit from my daughter at Christmas. I China Paint. My classes have been shut down since last March, 2020. I am wanting to try Watercolor Painting. Thanks for sharing. You are an excellent teacher. I am looking forward to start painting.

[@ionaday3340]

I'm so glad I found your channel. I received my first watercolours today and this was so helpful. I'll definitely be going back and watching more of your videos. You made it look so effortless.

[@ei3577]

Emma is a very good teacher 👍

[@michelesantos1585]

So simple and the effect it really jumps to our eyes. Thanks for the tutorial 🙏🏻

[@carolgilbert7800]

By the way, your baby is really adorable! I love seeing him in the beginning of your videos! I'm glad you're including him!

[@kerrym5424]

Your color mixing is fantastic! I’m so glad I found your channel. And I have a terrible time with light and shadows. This really is so enjoyable to watch and also great painting techniques.

[@BurghGirl51]

Great lesson! Just what I need (among other things..) to improve as a watercolorist. Thanks for all you do.

[@melindarincon7571]

Thanks for sharing your art lessons today. It's so much fun to try the thing you teach.

[@donnahenry3772]

You are the BEST! Thank you so much for all the lessons. I'm learning so much from you!

[@wanamakoo]

Hi Emma, I am just starting with watercolors, and your tutorials are SO helpful! I watched several and thought "she definitely has gone to art school", and was so shocked when you mentioned in one video that you haven't! Thank you so much for posting these.

[@bonniebishop2755]

Great, simple explanations and examples. I love the looseness of the hydrangea and want mine to look much more like yours (I try to draw each flower within the hydrangea separately - tedious and not as realistic). Thank you.

[@eliev7844]

Aww, this is just so good! I’ve just started learning watercolour painting and have been so frustrated but not understanding the underlying principles. This tutorial has helped me more than any other. Thank you xx

[@jenniferscantland3439]

Love your tutorials! I'm learning so much, thank you

[@juliebergacker5680]

Awesome lesson’s again. I really enjoy your video’s. Thank you for another great one 😁💐

[@maureensilberstein2325]

Very clear explanation while you’re painting. Thanks a lot for the tips.

[@rosamundamica690]

Thank you! Like others here, I am in lock-down in Melbourne. I just love frigging around with the paints, but if I can improve so much the better.

[@melodief3848]

You are a very good teacher, thank you!❤️

[@debbiestrotz6917]

You make it look so easy! But I'm learning so much from you - practice practice practice!

[@TheProductiveMama]

Love the lesson on highlights and shadows! It’s something I struggle with tremendously!

[@monsibb]

You make it look so easy!!! I´m trying but it´s a little difficult for me , but i won´t give up til I get a decent result ! Very very beautiful tutorials!

[@marymorgan2221]

Thanks Emma, you have a lovely manner, and your explanations are helpful and easy to understand. Thank you.

[@kristinlannum7856]

Thanks so much for a wonderful lesson! I had forgotten about the use of white space to create a more natural looking flower!!

[@McCauleybasketball]

Thank you so much for all the lessons. Learning so much!!!

[@victoriafischer5874]

Always enjoy watching your videos and seeing your sweet son. I’ve learned so much from watching. Thank you!🌼😃

[@debimcgill5919]

I went to Craftomo and WOW! Detail brush set, every size from 0-12. On sale for cheap!!!!! Gorgeous blue brushes. I can't wait to get them!!!!!

[@noelreasoner]

Thank you so much for sharing this. It is so very helpful. I am also watching this as a shelter in place, so it's giving me something to keep my mind occupied!

[@victoriafischer60]

This to is April 2020. I’ve enjoyed painting a little each day and learning from your videos. It’s extremely relaxing and I’ve been making cards for people to brighten there day and get some Happy Mail. Your little baby is precious. I miss seeing my Grand babies at this time. Thanks so much for sharing your talents. You’ve helped me learn so much. 🌺🎨😷

[@avaliveradio]

What a fantastic tutorial I enjoyed watching your technique and you are such a great teacher

[@joannedonovan9489]

Great lessons! I'm just learning how to paint, so this will help me a lot! Thanks!!

[@patpowell820]

Very helpful tips! I love water color and would like to be able to create some of my own. Thanks for the great tutorial!

[@gwenb.4000]

love this tutorial. and your brain is working just fine!

[@rachelmullins8030]

I ran across your channel while searching for tutorials and the few I’ve watched have been so helpful! I made the hydrangea from this video and I’m quite happy with it. The leaves underneath, not so much. The round 12 I have seems too stiff and snappy to make a nice swoopy leaf. Thanks for the tips!

[@pokey3010]

Excellent love this! I learned a lot i can over do so your loose teaching helps me a lot! Oh and my brain and mouth don't work together either!! LOL Thanks for this!!

[@suresh.chikarachikarasures6859]

You are the best teacher I always watch your videos

[@prettythings89]

it blows my mind how it looks like you're throwing random blobs on the page and the end-result is a lovely hydrangea!! I just adore your videos :D

[@joyceflenterie2240]

hi, youre tecknick is realy good . it helps me to see it on a easy way. go for it. love youre style

[@marshmadoodle3621]

I have lilacs in my yard. I need to try this lesson!!! Thank You!!!

[@seashore4445]

AMAZING. Watching this for my floral eye makeup!!

[@raquel1576]

Es maravilloso ver cómo pintas tus acuarelas. Te acabo de descubrir y me encantas. Muchas gracias por compartir tu trabajo

[@roxannetucker5813]

I'm 67 years old and have always loved to color. My biggest problem was always trying to figure out the highlights. Thanks to your video, I now understand the shadowing for making my stamped cards or just coloring comes to life. Thank you!

[@leeannesser8858]

Thanks so much and appreciate the tips about quality of paper!

[@yvonnewhitehouse]

Awesome. That’s exactly where I’ve been going wrong and not liking the result. Thank you so much.

[@saviivanova3889]

I love your lessons and still. Thank you very much !

[@lindadavis2056]

And to think you are creating my most favorite flower! SUBSCRIBED

[@DeniseSmithCreative]

Love your channel! I started a channel and having trouble getting my overhead shots! You do a great job! Love your style! ❤️❤️❤️

[@deborahamaral8470]

I loved this video. Thank you for sharing!!

[@carolgilbert7800]

I, too, am watching you during the "stay at home" time. It's April 11th and I wanted to learn how to paint flowers with watercolors. I've been watching your videos all week and learning a lot. I need a lot of practice but I wake up every morning looking forward to watching one of your videos and trying to paint the flowers myself. In fact, I've ordered some small notebooks to use for practice. Question: How much water is on your paper when you start painting? I must have missed that part. Are you painting wet on wet? Thanks for getting me through this difficult time!

[@tessyts]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Will definitely subscribe and watch more videos. You have given me some real hope that I could possible learn to paint also. I needed something in my life about right now. Again, thank you Emma.

[@rhondaschrantz8480]

Hi Emma, really enjoy your videos and have learned a lot!

[@dotydiva]

Enjoying your ideas on white space. Thanks

[@alejandrapalacios6525]

Thank so much ! I am learning by myself and your video was a amazing class !

[@user-bx3rz4kz3g]

Adorable!!!Thank you so much!!! now I really know how do it!!!

[@Mrsxmasbaby]

Exactly what I would like to learn. Great tutorial. Thanks

[@jankisoni8294]

Thank you so much learning a lot from your tutorials 😊😇

[@annrotunno6791]

VERY helpful video, thanks. White space demos were clarifying.

[@donnaforte7044]

Thank you. I’m so happy I found you

[@christinevaiana6924]

Very sweet and real. Thanks for letting me into your world

[@luciajob1806]

Your videos are wonderful. So easy to follow. Thank you

[@mousenmick]

This makes so much sense!!! Thank you, I now know what I was doing wrong :)

[@sanyuktashekawat106]

Thank you so much for teaching us all this 🙂

[@kisserpetersen7079]

Kære Emma Jane Tak, for fantastisk vejledning og meget inspirereende akvarel maling !!

[@lisaannpeterson6825]

Your work is great and I love your teaching method. You make perfect sense and I am able to do the same (almost) painting as you. The grade of paper does seem to matter. Thank you!

[@barbaragemin5117]

You've given me do many tips and ideas on flowers Emma. And they work!! Thank you, you're very talented. Any ideas on how to paint a loose freesia? I have some in a vase but no plan on how to tackle the job.

[@elenap.506]

Love love love your channel🙌🏻😘

[@joaniegreen2184]

Your one of my TOP favs on utube💕

[@judyludlum2371]

Thank you! New subscriber. Great tips for us beginners.

[@kimberlyann207]

Thank you for all your tutorials! I watch and rewatch all of them! I have a question.. how do you get a lighter color without the paint being too watery? Thanks again 💗💗

[@EmmaLefebvre]

kimberly holden if there is too much water just dab it a little bit on your paper towel

[@nancybroer4712]

❤️ your videos! Thank you.

[@bluebird8094]

Perfect tutorials .thanks for sharing.

[@nadeeshanimaduwanthi7052]

Wow so beautiful I can learn more things with you thank you for sharing this lesson

[@Rita123xyz]

thank you so much. you are a great teacher!

[@marymorgan2221]

White space is so useful, thank you.😘

[@lindacarreira8106]

Excellent lesson, Emma!

[@dotmarkham4729]

Thank you for how various1 methods in watercolor paint. Now I think I will try doing this

[@nanschifris8734]

White space! Who knew what a difference it made?! This should really help improve my florals, which tend to look too cluttered.

[@sharigriffis4389]

Great tutorial, thank you!

[@renatahelm2961]

really awesome lesson! thank you

[@sheristeele6664]

I've been wanting to try watercolor and your directions are so so good and beneficial. Thanks (darlinng baby too)

[@barbarabealer6295]

Terrific lessons! Thanks!

[@LindaMaeNot]

Wonderful, low stress how-to video. Subscribed 🙃