Loose ink and watercolor sketching |How to get through the “ugly” phase

In this video, I will show you how I gradually adjust and refine a painting to get past that dreaded “ugly” phase. Free hand sketching also takes lots of practice, so it’s ok if your paintings and sketches are not perfect. No one has perfect art and there is always beauty in the imperfections!
Download reference photo(taken by me) for free on Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/s/d9ddbc613f
Do like, comment and subscribe if you found this video helpful to you. Thanks for watching!
Social media and store: linktr.ee/jilleearts
Shop this art print & more at my Redbubble shop: www.redbubble.com/i/art-board...
Materials
Paper: Arches Cold pressed 100% cotton amzn.to/3Xt4v6N
Watercolor: Holbein and Van Gogh amzn.to/3JZ7uko
Pens: Micron pen 03, 02, amzn.to/3YumgnW ,Unipin fine liner 0.4 amzn.to/3JZ8fda
Timestamps
0:00 Intro
0:38 Preparation
1:38 Color Mixing
2:07 First layer
3:51 Inking
6:22 Painting
10:38 Review for problems
11:07 Fine tuning and adjustments
13:00 adding highlights
14:11 Finished piece
14:31 Comparison between 100% cotton and 25% cotton
Songs
Music by Damien Sebe - it's the little things - thmatc.co/?l=944A8C1F
Music by Damien Sebe - road trip - thmatc.co/?l=876C859F
Music by Damien Sebe - exhale - thmatc.co/?l=2997D545
Music by Mr Tav - A Quiet Place - thmatc.co/?l=C69C0A9C
Music by Zight - Summer (in Z major) - thmatc.co/?l=4605679D
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some of the links above are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links, I will earn a small commision at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your continued support!

[@FishoeShoe_da_great]

"ultimately the goal is not to get it perfect, it is to finish the piece" this advice doesn't only apply to art :p

[@GONZOFAM7]

2:42 is what I needed to hear. I usually start getting discouraged at this point and stopping at the base layer stage.

[@priyashelly8486]

I don’t paint but I stumbled onto your channel and it’s so soothing to watch these videos before bed! So wonderful to watch the process and your art style is cozy and inviting 😊

[@JilleeArts]

Thank you Priya, I’m really glad you enjoy them! ❤️

[@Mahdeez3246]

@@JilleeArts no cap i tried it in a bond paper... The result is!! I got bonk with a pan cause the paint sticked our table and it wont come out...

[@Mahdeez3246]

@@JilleeArts your my new art teacher now

[@hehs3469]

You can paint , for 1, Painting is Of feelings , 2, Expression , 3, The Imagination , 4, It Doesn't Have To Be Perfect , 5, JUST ENJOY IT , AND WHAT YOU CREATED SHOULD BE EXCEPTABLE BY YOU ;, just try and enjoy , 🌞

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

Why not get a little paintbox, a pad of paper and an aqua brush you fill with water and just curl up and experiment for relaxation? No pressure. Just you. Doodle.

[@jerrywall8878]

I am amazed at your starting point- great composition. Too many artists have great paintings but fail in balancing the elements of the scene. You do this well in so many of your watercolors. You follow it up with the second important element. Creating a focal point! Great job! Love your work!

[@JilleeArts]

Thank you very much Jerry, I am flattered by your well written comment!❤️

[@josephlai9759]

I love what you said, especially the ugly phase. You make a terrific teacher. Thank you.

[@JilleeArts]

Thanks for saying that ❤️❤️

[@theantichrist4267]

I just found your video , and I was impressed with this mixed media illustration . It looked vary well grounded and has a relaxing vibe . It looks pleasing .

[@lalitakumariyer9315]

I came across your video and was addicted at the first one! Such useful tips and methods to help.

[@mikyroelands8468]

I love your way of painting. This loose wet painting and then drawing and details is very interesting!!! You really draw well!!!

[@JilleeArts]

Thank you so much 😀

[@eilendun]

It's amazing, gorgeous and absolutely wonderful!!! 😍😍😍😍😍

[@TheSadafmumtaz]

You explanation is so therapeutic to learners like me who can have similar issues, your strategies are brilliant. More power to you Jillee!

[@JilleeArts]

Ah thanks, that’s so great to hear! These are strategies I find work for me🙂More power to you too! 👍💕

[@luisv7117]

I can't wait to try your technique I love it much better than the other way around

[@gingerbuchanan2795]

What a beautiful mood! I love your style. 🤩

[@williamstilgoe61]

Wonderful to watch, soothing and inspiring at the same time.

[@adrianmuino3412]

I appreciate the fact that you explicit mention the importance of the paper in watercolor, and also show the difference on what can be achieve with different papers. Nice video!

[@JilleeArts]

Thank you🤗❤️

[@gigih.9254]

You are so talented! It is fun to just watch you paint and draw.

[@sumuraik1890]

It's wonderful. The atmosphere is very good.

[@jasmijnariel]

Truly amazing! Just starting without any sketching❤

[@santanainspirartes]

Such a good explanation for an amazing piece!! Love it so much

[@brianrogers3942]

Really nice job Jillee! Your ink drawing looked spot on to me and the mix colors are amazing.

[@roxannerosecrans4441]

First time watching you and I love your style and your calm voice. Love the urban art 🎨. Great tutorial, thanks

[@sunitjogi8497]

This is amazing! You have inspired me to start with watercolors again :) Thanks!!

[@barbiebrowny7003]

Loose Watercolour sketching with ink and pen are my favourites Of course our MISTAKES are our motives to improve ourselves ❤️❤️❤️❤️👁️

[@ArcherElf-zl8uq]

your art looks phenomena TT✨

[@anick6265]

Just lovely!

[@rgve3144]

I absolutely love this piece! It is so quaint and you did a beautiful job! Thank you for inspiring me to draw and paint!

[@sejalzaveri9952]

Water colours have always always been a tough medium for me. But ur explanation made it look simpler at least to find some courage to start some painting again. Lovely way of explaining it. Thanks a lot! ❤🙏

[@mikewadley2700]

Fantastic!!! Very inspirational & relaxing!

[@paulainaustria9180]

Thak you, Jillee! Your encouragement got me going. The "ugly phase" is drying right now. I happened to find a phto of a skyline with blue and yellow skies, grey clouds and orange sunlight reflections in windows. Seems just right for this - to me - new technique. What I particulary enjoy about your approach is the playfulness. No grid, no tracing paper, just two eyes and a hand. Wonderful! You are gifted in many ways. 💫

[@jeannecheah5009]

Well said on the ugly phases, very inspiring

[@StonedustandStardust]

I really love this technique. Can't wait to try it tomorrow. I am happy when l know every piece can go through an ugly phase. You just have to push through and you will be rewarded. Thanks 👍 .

[@JilleeArts]

Welcome☺️❤️

[@nothanks1239]

Really love it. Was so satisfying to watch. Also, the "goal is not perfection, it is completion" sentence will stay with me forever. I'm terrible for always striving for perfection and disappointing myself. I'll remind myself of your words from this point on.

[@sheidaa1383]

I love it soooo much ♥️ thanks for sharing this art😍✨

[@aidenalamo6262]

I love your process. Please continue to make wonderful works of art this way! Your words and how soothing they are is exactly what I need to improve my watercolour painting techniques. Thank you. Kindest Regards, Aiden Alamo

[@sgvaldepena488]

Amazing you really captured my attention and made me watch the whole thing.

[@mr.toskou]

I am really love your style painting ❤

[@AtelierArts]

I love what u are saying with this video about the ugly phase! The piece came out so beautiful as well! 💚💚💚

[@JilleeArts]

Thank you so much ❤️🌟😊

[@noggs4vlogs]

Love your work. I keep watching over and over hoping I can achieve such a great piece of Art. All your videos give me great inspiration to keep trying. I want to concentrate on Ink & Watercolor. I've always liked sketching but like most people I've never had the time. Keep up the fantastic Art and Tutorials, Jillee. Thanks.

[@user-we1jn8mh5g]

You are so talented and amazing. I recently stumbled upon your channel, and I subscribed after the first video. You are also helping me to improve my art. The way that you just... go for it! Thank you so much. I owe you that.

[@cheahsiewsiew6390]

This looks really healing 🌊💯😍

[@JilleeArts]

Thank you, glad you like it ❤️⭐️😘

[@ChericeByler]

Very nice! The highlights really brought it alive

[@JilleeArts]

I know right? Sometimes it’s not easy to plan for the lighter areas with watercolor and I don’t really like using masking fluid. Thank god we have white goauche to save the day😂

[@bethcrane5780]

I enjoyed this very much. I hope to see more videos from you in the future. I appreciate your calm, encouraging approach. Thank you.

[@JilleeArts]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BlancaVarguesArt]

Very beautiful painting, so nice😍😍

[@starwarwaahana.]

ur instructions make my work clear all of our soothing words are literally the thing i need to improve btw a new subscriber ❤😊

[@kakujin13]

Magnificent!!!👏👏👏

[@rociocruz2786]

Beautiful!❤

[@parachute3725]

turned out great!

[@hehs3469]

Absolutely Exstrordenary , A Fine Art Piece Worthy Of Framing , A Rembrandt , Warm , Cozy , Homely , Your Domicile , Great Job Love ,

[@StonedustandStardust]

Beautiful work.

[@JustAnotherGoddess52]

En un mundo tan caótico, usted nos da paz y alegría con sus videos. Muchísimas gracias. Siempre aprendo algo nuevo. Cariños desde Chile

[@Oozaru85]

The ugly stage has made me quit so many projects, I can't even count them all. Thats why I prefer to do the outlines first before applying color to my art works. That way my outlines keep me motivated to keep going and cross the ugly stage and finish my work.

[@flyingcat3170]

i love your painting style

[@user-gm3yn2sb1m]

your an amazing artitist,your works have inspired to do more art.Because of you Watercolour is easier for me . THANK YOU 😁

[@kgh22]

I am in awe with how beautifully you explained the whole process. Your simple words really made it so satisfying to watch it 'til the end. Thank you♡

[@JilleeArts]

Thank you so much 😀Glad to hear that 💕😊

[@jairosanchez2583]

Beautiful

[@syritasdoneitgoodytwoshoes2471]

beautiful!!

[@eirenedelosreyes6025]

Your art feels homey. Good job :)

[@enasasker1514]

It's amazing and beautiful 😍👏❤️

[@craftqueen417]

Just Amazing!!

[@la_papetrie]

Beautiful and enjoyable to watch .lots of good tips thanking you

[@JilleeArts]

Thank you for your kind words ❤️☺️

[@Horsewoman-pt2ku]

Your work is amazing and thank you for reference photo

[@JilleeArts]

Thank you very much ❤️❤️

[@cosmospatel1993]

Beautiful.

[@mimiarce9208]

Magnifique ❤

[@chamilrathnayake]

This is a lovely painting :)

[@y_equals_mx_plus_c]

Looks like a gypsy house 👍🙂 Very nice painting

[@JilleeArts]

Thank you ☺️❤️

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

This is lovely to watch and to listen to. Your voice is so soothing. I have tried loose sketch watercolour a number of times but in reverse manner to you, i.e I use the fine black pens followed by loose application of paint. But I look forward to trying your method.Thanks! Subscribed now!👏

[@hugosdsantos]

I'm in love with you art, it's so emationally beautiful. Thank you.

[@JilleeArts]

Thank you ☺️❤️

[@beautifulabstractions755]

I love this. Great work!

[@JilleeArts]

Thank you very much ❤️

[@user-by5nm5in3l]

그림 느낌 정말 좋아요~배워서 그려보고 싶어요~^^❤

[@Sweetnsour2023]

Your voice is so relaxing. 🫠

[@duncanking4474]

Absolutely stunning work :)

[@JilleeArts]

Thank you!

[@sweethomes674]

Excellent techniques 😊

[@moondyk]

I just discovered your channel, and it's awesome!! ❤

[@flaviovieira3263]

Assistir seus vídeos é perceber a magnitude divina da expressão talento.

[@nards656]

Your "not perfect" is so perfect. I really wish I could learn to do stuff like this so that I could enjoy doing it, but I just don't have the time and motivation to do so, it seems. That's a lame excuse, so I need to work on that.

[@interiorsefforts]

awesome painting

[@carollegros8671]

First time watching love it

[@AlbaGouacheArt]

Very nice video, so pretty painting😍😍

[@ghostwriter6113]

Beautiful

[@TheArtOfJerry]

Nice painting. Early congratulations to 10k subs.

[@JilleeArts]

Thanks! ❤️❤️

[@scottenosh4548]

That extra wet-on-wet layer you did @ 12:21 made a big difference.

[@myk669]

I love your artwork 😊💜🇵🇭

[@AndakSindan]

you are visionary, Keep it up !!!

[@JilleeArts]

Thank you 🙌

[@yudanyudan7903]

when I see your picture I always remember ochtopat

[@blutigerschadel8498]

Thanks for your content, in in love

[@TheAbabeed]

Beautiful 😍 well done

[@JilleeArts]

Many thanks ❤️🌟

[@besauhovlog9795]

Great video, thank you for sharing

[@rachrach9871]

Lovely 🥰

[@war1963]

Awesome work.

[@JilleeArts]

Thank you so much 😀

[@user-mu2by9ll2z]

넘 멋있는 그림이에요 그림그리는데 도움이될거같아요 땡큐🥰

[@Misana]

Wonderful video.

[@karenkaren9526]

Your painting is more inviting than the photo 😊

[@rociodelcisneromeropineda1303]

Hermoso felicidades que paz me da como pinta hermosas obras.

[@user-qn6fi9un4d]

У вас потрясающие работы!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@JilleeArts]

Thank you so much ☺️😭

[@aradhyabiswas5050]

U are such a very good artist and a great person because u are teaching so many things....... I love your all drawing and technique ❤️❤️❤️......... Your watercolor paintings are different and awesome like others 😍😍.... I'm inspired from u 😍😍😍

[@JilleeArts]

Many thanks for the compliments🥰glad to inspire a fellow artist, cause I am inspired by many other artists as well❤️

[@morenopaularobles3899]

Really i like your fresh naive tender art. its giving on me very nice feelings. Congratulations, Jillie. It’s like you are a sweet young perdon

[@morenopaularobles3899]

Person

[@lucytrunk9834]

Love 💕 it!

[@JilleeArts]

Thank you ❤️

[@GaGal8806]

You are incredibly talented!!!! And the face that you did this with pens and no pencil sketch at first just blows my mind! I hope to reach your artistic level one day

[@JilleeArts]

Thank you so much 😀

[@IvanIvanov-lq2yt]

Amazing! You should illustrate books especially for children. Good luck!

[@Madeleine_abou_shakra]

Perfecto ❤❤

[@SimonaCZK]

Love your videos ❤

[@JilleeArts]

Thank you ☺️

[@WitchMaster-vi4kp]

gotta give the oscar to the commentary😂😂😂😂