Moonlight Watercolor Cards in Winter (easy)

Whip up some impressive nocturnal winter scenes in watercolor this season.
140lb cold press paper by Arches
Dainayw and Biaelk squirrel hair brushes
DaVinci, W&N and QOR Watercolor
Speedball Color Wheel Palette
Check out my full Zoom workshops for painting realistic watercolor
shelleypriorar...
Shelley
www.shelleyprior.com
shelleypriorfineart
shelleypriorfineart
Shelley Prior Fine Art - KZbin

[@marilynlobley7517]

Thanks, Shelley. I'm an 80-year old beginner and you are teaching me so much.

[@elenaborowski2520]

Thanks!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

I’m very grateful for your support of my channel. Thank you so much ❤️

[@BeverlyCampbell-l8w]

Thankyou from Wyoming great lesson

[@hglatGAIA]

What I love about Art is that you are getting 'something out of nothing' - which is a Miracle when you really look at it! I think I'd like to study art as a subject. Not the History of Art necessarily but the PRACTICAL side of it and create mysteries on paper each time.

[@suel4269]

Here’s a tip for the moon. Wrap a coin in tissue and press it on the wet paper to lift a moon shape.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Not heard of that one before. Will have to try that too.

[@suel4269]

@@shelleypriorfineart how about that! I taught you something! 😬❤️

[@Doggymomma52]

I like this idea 👍🏻

[@Kyomiibrown]

@@shelleypriorfineart The stickers you used are better IMHO as the tissue/coin method used by many watercolour artists on youtube tends to give uneven edges though it’s ok for loose/quick paintings. Additionally you have to blot it when the paint is wet whereas with stickers that’s not an issue and you can carry on adding colour.

[@carolleslie2673]

Yeah you can also do that for the sun too, it works great just don’t smudge it.

[@delphineisabellecharle]

It s very beautifull thank you

[@marshaschlesinger7721]

Thank you. I’ve been wanting to paint this for a long time. Easier than I thought.

[@hglatGAIA]

I've never tried watercolor so was looking for inspiration today and definitely got it, thank you Shelley.

[@Rockymtnbloom]

Are people still needing a palette similar to Shelly's? Meeden Art now makes one: 32-well ceramic with cover! Shelley you are a delightful and thorough instructor, I am so glad I found you!

[@Frideborgsmys]

Saw this today november18, 2023 . I must have missed you and your work its so stunning beautiful. And when you explain all how to paint slow and twell dont do that , do so and all that . I will do this, I have the paper and I will mix color.🥰😍🤩

[@whitneyarthur4921]

Oh my gosh…this changed my life for painting trees! I was so inspired I did one in blue like you and then did one with pink and they turned out so pretty! Thank YOU!

[@cecilialofgren1396]

Here comes Sweden! Thank you for sharing and teaching! You give calmness and inspiring!😊

[@Matriarch57]

Excellent! Thank you for all those pointers!

[@janevincent1721]

Oh my, I feel so relaxed and peaceful just looking at this amazing picture. I am so excited to give this a try. I absolutely love the trees. I've had some difficulty painting the evergreens and your method,though simple, is perfect to me. Not only is it easy, it looks like fun. I am going to try putting a gentle mother deer with her fawn nearby. It denotes even more serenity to the scene. oh, also a squirrel, maybe with babies or not depending on the room I have after my trees, snow, and shadows. Thank you! I just subscribed and grateful to have found you. XOXOJANE

[@akapoetry]

The tape removal suggestion will change my life!

[@ruthdallas6125]

Thanks so much for this excellent demo. For people who struggle with evergreen trees if you are painting firs the easiest way is to have the branches at the top point up and gradually have them point straight across and then point down towards the bottom. Not crucial in this sort of painting but if you had a more prominent tree it really makes it more realistic.

[@elizabethkoeman1149]

Great tutorial! Love the picture and will try to paint it. You explained every thing very well. Thank you. So. Much. Looking forward to the next painring session.

[@debbyshehane9955]

So pretty! A project for tomorrow morning. Thank you.

[@suzanneboily5224]

Hi! Watching from Northern Ontario. Thanks for sharing !

[@dalemoyer]

Love it. Makes me feel like I’m there

[@brin3m]

i really enjoyed this. might take up watercolors again.

[@Karin-n9h]

From Germany ❤

[@epsminis]

Hello from Germany, 😊Thanks for the great lesson. I was able to follow you well and paint my own picture. You are a wonderful teacher. I have given you a thumbs up and a subscription. I'm already looking forward to your other tutorials. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@cecilialofgren1396]

Love, love, love!!!❤❤❤

[@janetholley1004]

Good morning everyone, thank you Shelly, what beautiful art! Your advise on just do smiley face stroke with your brush on the trees helped me a lot, they turned out great!

[@mieperdepiep6145]

In the Netherlands we don,t have Thanksgiving, but on the 5e of December Sinterklaas is coming with surprises. You,re giving packs on Christmas. We do have Christmas, but without parcels..... Have fun and thank you for this gift !

[@carolstefan7662]

Shelley, I just recently found your videos. I have one started already. Love your channel. Your paintings are beautiful!

[@rhondaporro7116]

I AM A HUGE FAN OF " THE SEVEN", SCHOOL OF AMAZING CANADIAN ARTISTS . MY MOTHER WAS CANADIAN, SHE WAS AN ARTIST FOR 60+ YEARS. SADLY, SHE JUST PASSED AWAY AT 84 YEARS OLD. WE VACATIONED IN CANADA EVERY SUMMER OF MY CHILDHOOD. CANADA HAS AMAZING PEOPLE AND IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY, TOO! YEP, I AM BIASED 100%! MANY, AWESOME MEMORIES OF VISITING MY FAMILY IN CANADA! YEP, I HAD ZERO LUCK FINDING YOUR SPEEDBALL PALLETTE. 😔😪 I REALLY LIKE THE COLOR WHEEL DESIGN. PS.,YEP, I LOOKED FOR YOUR SPEEDBALL PALLET -

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thank you Rhonda. I'm sorry to hear about your mom. I love the group of seven as well and this is a beautiful country in which to live. I consider myself lucky 🙂

[@carolbenson6524]

Like the way you do the clouds and the shadows.

[@Obsidian_Iris_]

This is my first visit to your channel . I love the cards and your teaching style. The explanation how to angle the shadows to match the light source is worth a subscription. If you haven’t already done so, I’d appreciate a video strictly on how to determine where to paint shadows on objects, especially like a face or even if it was just a picture of an ear or nose; where would the shadows appear based on where the light source is. By the way, the US Thanksgiving used to be in late September (or possibly December, I forget which), but it was moved for some reason.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

I did not know that about the US Thanksgiving 👍

[@rvfinzi]

Grazie.

[@judycozon4081]

These were some of my most favourite Christmas cards I have ever done - was a truly wonderful tutorial. Thank you so much Shelley❤

[@RaechelleBennett782]

Hi Shelley, this is such a beautiful tutorial! I cannot understand why you've received so much fortuitous criticism on this lovely painting. I'm writing this just after midnight on November 26, 2023. Full Moon tomorrow here in western Canada. We indeed have a clear night sky with an almost brightly shining full moon. There are multitudes of stars out and yes, we even have some random wispy clouds making their way across the midnight sky. Some stars are quite visible through this type of cloud, and some are half diminished in brightness. YOUR NIGHT SKY IS VERY ON POINT! Secondly, in observing the objects in my backyard-- trees, fence and gazebo, the shadows cast by the moonlight fall exactly as per their direct angle with the moon. YOUR SHADOWS ARE PERFECTLY ALIGNED AS PER THEIR SUBJECT'S PLACEMENT WITH THE MOON. I went as far as googling actual photographs of moonlit night shots. Your painting depicts correct shadow alignment. That said, I just want to thank you for this amazing tutorial. You remind me of my watercolor instructor/friend who started me up on watercolor painting. Her instruction for each new project came with a lot of knowledge and explanatory techniques and variations so that each student could personalize their painting technique. You Tube algorithms added you to my feed and I'm happy it did. I'm a new subscriber. Shelley, you are a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to me. Thank you! 🍁🇨🇦🌹

[@amandalmiddlemiss]

I would love to see you peel the tape off. lol. Absolutely beautiful

[@rhondaporro7116]

Such a beautiful scene, Shelly another,opportunity , for shadow, and a lil mystery would be foot prints, animal or human even snow shoe tracks or ski tracks would make an interesting shadow. Or even a snow shoe rabbit casting a shadow, maybe even a bird of prey hawk, eagle, owl or even wolves all nocturnal hunters would be options. A cabin with fireplace with smoke rising and and the warm glow of the fire in the windows- then not monochromatic, obviously. I rea love this subject matter idea. I remember as a child sometimes the snow on a cold winter night just sparkling like millions of diamonds in the moonlight as I walked home from after school swim practice, my long blond hair would freeze stiff 😆

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Such lovely ideas Rhonda! Thanks for sharing. My long hair would freeze too. Oh to be a kid again.

[@Mona-m3e]

Hello from the UK.what a great winter landscape - beautiful Christmas card. Will certainly attempt to paint some myself. Great !

[@andersenjudith7114]

Thank you for sharing!

[@NancyTipton-u8e]

Thank you, thank you, thank you.😊

[@sunnyjoy229]

Beautiful and such a calm tutorial. Enjoyed it.

[@theresaavery4670]

The angles of the shadows is something I hadn't thought about. Very informative. Thank you. Just discovered your channel and am subscribing now!

[@maureenknight3863]

stunning

[@marlenegraeve9011]

You have a knack with watercolor and a lovely teaching skill. thank you

[@rickdillenbeck7397]

Fantastic, quick and easy! Thank you Shel!

[@eirenmist12]

Thank you so much for the inspiration and the instruction! Some great tips!

[@cathiedolen513]

I enjoyed your video. You added some great tips. I will definitely try painting this.

[@loisgibbs7524]

Watching from Alberta Canada🇨🇦

[@theresamoss8947]

I loved this tutorial. I put a owl silhouette on the fence i put in. I love it. Thank you

[@Thesandersson]

You got stars in the clouds🙈

[@shelleypriorfineart]

The clouds are usually light at night. The sky is dark (where the stars will show). Take a look outside tonight.

I loved this tutorial. I would be very interested in knowing more about how to do the silhouette bear!

[@sandrabeck8788]

Never thought about clear tapes advantages! I ALWAYS learn something watching your videos!

[@giovannascotti488]

I did it! Thank you for your great tutorial❤

[@pascalebeguin-lawler4829]

Thank you for sharing this tutorial. I had so much fun painting with you.

[@mahirakhan-rea9625]

Just found this today and love this card/painting.. Im going to use it as little paintings.

[@veronicasamantha13]

Thank you Shelley! I can't wait to try this! 🌲

[@lisajensen1843]

Great video! The silhouette idea gives me so many ideas👏👏 thanks again!

[@marioalejandro7549]

You’re a fantastic teacher 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@sarahstevenson2384]

Thanks for this Shelley, especially the tip on shadows, which is always something I struggle with

[@shelleypriorfineart]

I’m so glad that you found it helpful. Thank you for joining in today 😊

[@annmarieruda8166]

I really enjoyed your video. I am a. card maker and found this very informative. I do a little watercoloring not much but your advice about the shadows was excellent. I usually struggle with shadows. Thank you. I will tuning into more of your videos.

[@sarinhaavila]

Your videos are WONDERFUL!

[@papatya9964]

Thanks for sharing from Turkey.🌻

[@deborahgiles8214]

Love this! Thanks for such a detailed tutorial. What beautiful cards to send.

[@anniekempton9193]

Very nice! Taught me how to do shadows & sky alittle bit better!! Thanks soooooo much for sharing!!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks very much Annie. Happy painting! 🎨

[@stephaniemyatt8346]

Thank you so much! I’ve been taking time off from painting and drawing and focusing on silver metal forging (that sounds like I’m bragging….I’m really not very good yet😂). This is a welcome break and I like your instruction style! Very informative 🙏.

[@bethanystover7679]

You did an amazing job! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@junerubenstein8966]

This is such an excellent tutorial. I learned many many things and I’ve been painting a long time. Thank you so much.

[@alancoulter7269]

Glad u decided to go for Moon glow as the cloud would've been behind the Moon and that would be impossible. Love ur stuff.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thank you very much Alan ☺️

[@sassylass9406]

I love your teaching technique. Gonna give a try. Love your take on “it could be any color” Thinking outside of the box! Loved the fact that was clearly your imagination. I so wish I didn’t need a reference pic. Great video. Thanks.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks very much and yes, other colours look really nice too. Thanks very much for watching. Have fun painting.

[@DAlilbigman]

Shelley you are an awesome teacher! You just took me back to the beginning of my love for art painting! Watercolors was my first love! Thanks for sharing these valuable techniques! Lots of patience!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

I’m so glad that you are excited about painting again Don. Thanks so much for watching. Happy painting 😊

[@sherryoliver3215]

Beautiful job of teaching this and making it great for beginners too.

[@chantalrochon3566]

Love your teaching ❤😊😊Thank you! For your useful instructions 😊😊😊😊

[@ranielson2854]

✨Shelley✨ 🌟Wow! Your wonderful artwork is absolutely Spectacular and very Beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing your awesome techniques! Love ❤ your work and this painting!

[@Pattymelt415]

Love that you like to play. Would love more videos like this one. Playful and loose.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks Lola. I will have more. I like to mix things up so there's something for everyone. 😊

[@dandelion1239]

Gorgeous pics & fantastic tutorial!! Thank you. I just found you & totally enjoyed this!

[@rubytuesday9380]

just found your channel! thank you for sharing, great tips

[@carolyndaughton3373]

Such a lovely tutorial! So informative and I love your cards. I'll give this a try. Thank you.

[@pascalealbertini7508]

Thanks so much for this very interesting tuto 👌😁🌞🌈

[@laurahale5774]

Thank you so much! I just found your channel, and I'm looking forward to exploring the rest of your videos.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Welcome Laura. Thanks for watching ☺️

[@danielalondongirl933]

I cant wait to try rhis myself, excellent demo and instruction, thanks so much! New sub! ❤

[@bmac5242]

I love this Shelley - thank you!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks and you are most welcome. Happy painting ☺️

[@1BJM]

I just found this and love it! Thank you!!

[@ConfederateDixieDarling]

Using a score board (card makers important tool) will guarantee a straight fold. Also using low tack tape (another card maker’s tool) is a great aid. Masking fluid is great at keeping ink/ paint from areas you don’t want it to be.

[@azap7488]

This was such a great tutorial. It came out lovely . Thank you 🌲❤️

[@sarahstevenson2384]

And I love the end of your video!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thank you so much Sarah 😊

[@lyndaculp5060]

Thank you for the instruction on shadows!!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

My pleasure Lynda. Thanks so much for watching. Happy painting 😊

[@barbaramilbradt2188]

So beautiful!!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

I’m so glad that you like it Barbara. Thanks ☺️

[@maryrakas8012]

Wow! First time I have watched you. I learned a lot - thank you!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Welcome and thanks very much for watching Mary 😊

[@sweethomes674]

Beautiful 🎨

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thank you very much :)

[@jlm9118]

I just found your channel. I love your videos. Your art is beautiful! Thank you for sharing!

[@MoMaryR]

Such a good tutorial. Many thanks.

[@barbaramilbradt2188]

I love adding a little glitter drama sometimes too!

[@phyllisbanfield1032]

Thank you,a great video.

[@avanellehansen4525]

Painting starts at 13:45 minutes. 😊

[@deejcarter2003]

This was a joy to watch and I’m excited to try this🥰

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks very much Dionne :)

[@staceybrister1315]

Thank you😊

[@lyndaculp5060]

First time watching you. This is awesome!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

I’m so glad that you enjoyed it Lynda. Thanks for joining ☺️

[@MsForevers]

J’adore

[@needle.thread.watercolor-jloh]

The sky is beautiful as well as the tree covered hills. Makes me want to find out what is in that valley! Thank you for a wonderful, informative tutorial!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks so much for watching. I'm glad that you enjoyed it. 🙂

[@deborahgoodwin3426]

What a wonderful little painting Shelley! Excellent teaching and a great exercise of perspective, brush technique and certainly a fascinating discussion of moonlight shadows. I am definitely planning to try several different variations and love the idea of adding a bit of sparkle to the snow. Possibly one of the Daniel Smith pearlescent paints? Anyway, thank you for sharing the wonderful sticker idea. I have tried the coin in the tissue trick and the results can be somewhat unpredictable. Simply beautiful! 👩‍🦳🖌️🎄

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thank you so much Deborah. Yes so many different ideas about shadows. I pinned a photo at the top of the comments to show why I did mine this way.

[@mizzprettyhuston]

I am pretty decent at oil painting & drawing, but when it comes to adding shadows & hilights I'm not very good lol.......how you explained how to create shadows helped me. I'm going to get my watercolors out and practice. Happy holidays to you & everyone in the comments 😊

[@peggymccubbin4142]

I iron mine and they flatten nice.