My new favorite way to paint?👀 Using acrylics like watercolors! Mix media illustration process ✍️

[@CelticBotansDigitalArt]

This brings a really interesting discussion on the whole "sketch vs rendered" debacle - contrary to pretty much everyone else, I don't believe sketches are inherently better, I believe it is a style that has its pros and cons like any other style out there. However, it's really easy to overdo our art and make it look "stiff" in comparison. It's kind of tricky, but I think it's possible to achieve a balance! I work primarily in digital, though I once in a blue moon will work with traditional media (ball point pens most of the time, sometimes watercolors and colored pencils), but the solution I found to bring a bit more life to my rendered work whatever the medium was to let "roughness" and textures to show up more, it was the game changer for me. I'm always here watching your videos but never comment by the way, your work is really incredible and so unique! Keep up with your excellent art

[@NouranGamal-u6r]

I love the expression on the teddy bear's face. It looks as if it's a bit shocked by the clown's embrace or her sadness and need for comfort. I also love the lighting on the clown's face because it looks like the light is coming from the teddy bear especially with how the teddy bear has the lightest value

[@will0wisping]

It's interesting how the tone shifted from sketch to final. The finished piece reads so... not cheerful but cathartic? Like she's finally letting her emotions out and the relief she feels from that. Sometimes you just need to have a good cry before you feel better.

[@ChrisHongArt]

I did light her face up more as opposed to the colour comp, as I felt having her face in shadow made the piece feel a bit too somber! :)

[@luisav.411]

the teddy bear has such an adorable expression, looks like little bear that gets lost and have a lot of misadventures haha

[@ChrisHongArt]

haha aw that's so cute!

[@Just_Cynthia]

I love this technique. I've been doing this technique for years and I didn't know if anyone else did it. I always saw people painting with watercolors or acrylics separately. I love working with acrylics, when I want textures I don't put too much water, but when I want it to be more even and more watercolor, I put more water, it looks great! That's how I use them with colored pencils, like you did!😊 Your illustration turned out stunning!!I love the colors and the dreamy atmosphere so much!!💖

[@mialinguia]

in order to get rid of the graininess of color pencils in mixed media, you can use Gamsol or any other odorless mineral spirit (paint thinner) it breaks down the pigment and helps is blend like liquid!

[@luisav.411]

I dont know, for me just being able to see the process of a piece being done it´s satisfying alone. Excellent as always :)

[@57jamari]

So useful to watch your process, and hear your challenges. Who would have thought you had them because your work is fabulous?

[@sanya_ne_znaet5626]

I really like your original art works and get enjoy listening and watching you in process. Thank you so much for your content ❤

[@laschizo]

Your process is always so enjoyable to watch🤌! Thanks for sharing your technique!

[@tsu2155]

i feel like with sketches you look at them and see their potential and that's why we often like them better than the finished piece

[@melinadelarosa8743]

This is so cute! I think you did amazing with the values! The stars added so much to the “magic” feel! Absolutely enjoyed watching this!

[@untypixel]

i really wish more people saw your content. i love the colors you picked! this might actually be my second favorite to the “Love me or Fight me” illustration you made:)

[@tub8r]

Awesome illustration techniques. To avoid mud in glazing and layering or mixing situations, it is a good idea to decide which areas are cool and which are warm and never mix colors for those areas. Even the background can be divided into the warm area closer to the light and cool in the opposite side, while the middle region could be allowed some transitional neutrals. If the bottom of the face was supposed to be warm, you wouldn't want to introduce blue there at the earlier stage. The terminator boundary is a good place to separate the cools and warms while matching the value. But with the contrast added by the color pencils the temperatures pulled out nicely in the end. The use of tracing paper for planning out the additional features is very creative. The floating elements added nice spacial atmospheric effects and dreamy mood.

[@КапитанОчевидность-д1ъ]

Chris, you are amazing! When I first saw your art work, a whirlwind of wonder just took me away! I can't even describe it in words... what you're doing is pure magic, you are a magician!

[@tajten]

Omg Chris! Please post more I love ur videos ❤

[@ccolorbee]

I'm so glad you made this painting a video demo. I've been working on a painting for the past few days with the same two supplies your using here and its been such a struggle. This tutorial/demo helped me understand where I went wrong. Thanks so much and stellar work!

[@krisartfox83]

18:20 I have to interfere: there is no such thing as too many stars ;D i feel you i get overboard with these little magic details myself. Lovely illustration and fantastic work with the traditional media

[@ChrisHongArt]

You’re totally right - I ended up adding more stars after this video 🤪

[@julianab03]

Thank you for speaking about the dilema of not knowing what to do with some shadows and lighting, I feel like with the time I've been drawing I should be a master on it, but even professionals like you have this kind of thoughts, so again, thanks! Always loving your art 🤍

[@SabineLeppanen_Art]

Chris, for the fast drying issue, have you tried using liquid matte or satin medium? It slows the paint drying and you can make your layers very translucent by just adding a tiny amount of paint. Also, you can cover your initial sketch with clear gesso. That makes the paint on top go on more smoothly without absorbing into the paper, so you don’t have to hurry. But that’s maybe just me. I hate having to paint quickly! Your art is adorable.🥰

[@ChrisHongArt]

I've never tried mixing mediums with acrylics on paper but maybe I should try one day, thanks! :)

[@NelaDunato]

Acrylic mediums can interfere with colored pencils. Matte medium has some grit, but it's quite different than working on paper, and feels like drawing on sandpaper (which isn't a super pleasant experience). Satin medium is too slick for colored pencils. Painting over gesso requires a thicker paint consistency (not watered down), which again means a more plastic surface that colored pencils won't adhere to.

[@creativewah]

Love this piece! The teddy bear is adorable! Thank you for sharing your process! 🩵💕💜💕🩵

[@Laura.jane.handmade]

I love your style Chris. I always feel awe stuck by how well you blend everything and the story your artworks tell! I have two of the pins you created awhile ago - the bumblebee and daisy; and they always make me smile when I see them! I also have a print of a girl with her cat in a market (I can't remember the name of the artwork for the life of me) but all of your art always bring such brightness to my day. So thank you!

[@ChrisHongArt]

aw i'm so happy to hear that those pins and print brings you joy to this day! :D to be honest I hardly remember the titles of my works myself haha

[@Laura.jane.handmade]

@@ChrisHongArt of course they do!! And hehe I don't remember the names of my artworks much either. Much love from Australia!

[@lyssasletters3232]

Yay! An unexpected Chris Hong painting video to brighten the day!

[@daliahmorenaa]

Literally been googling the past days on how to make Acrylics/Oils more watery. Thank you

[@hanthonyc]

Oh my gosh, it's been a while since I've seen this technique! Before I had ever heard of gouache, I gave my art professors headaches by watering down my acrylic palette and building up pigment on the canvas over time... Needless to say, I think it gave a very hazy and ethereal quality to my projects.

[@ChrisHongArt]

I think I've definitely been after that hazy and ethereal look as you say in a lot of my works in recent years!

[@mialinguia]

I love your work so much! and this is exactly how I use your book too. It helps me practice sketching and move away from tracing. I've been able to get better with proportions and rendering. And using your sketches puts me in a space of wonder, imagination and positive creativity. Thank you

[@ChrisHongArt]

aw i'm so happy to hear that my book helps in that way! you always leave such kind and positive comments, thank you so much for taking the time! :D

[@tinysparrow3559]

It is so dreamy! Beautiful 💛

[@wellysocks]

your art style is so satisfying

[@moonlightgator541]

Such a pretty illustration, magical.

[@FelinePoetry]

I love your work, and I love teddy bears, so this peace is a match made in heaven for me! ❤ Thank you for sharing your process! I’ve never had any luck watering down acrylics, but this piece makes me want to try this technique again.

[@ranasafi4858]

Your art style is truly unique and inspiring to me. whenever I watch you, I always want to try your techniqurs especially what you do with the background (the stars here and the glowing hearts in a previous illustration) I think it's genius the effect you achieve.

[@lillymichelle2342]

Such a beautiful dreamy artwork 😍.

[@jocelynecupcake]

The lighting and colors look amazing

[@KelineBar]

Very adorable, really like the Light, it reminds me my own childhood. Very Nice !

[@ChantelleArts]

this is stunning, what a gorgeous process ☺☺☺

[@thaliaricha686]

I agree with many of the comments prior to mine, you definately should make more yt videos, the tracing paper idea was cool! Mapping out the piece like that was creative as the finished product, i personally wouldnt have thought of that, but now...anywho plz make more Y/T videos theyre very enjoyable!

[@vonkatartistry]

Gosh I love this technique ! And the drawing is so sweet 🫶🏻

[@lennoxraynewood2741]

I love to use acrylic like this as unlike watercolor once it’s dry it doesn’t pick up and make the Color’s turn to mud but a lot of a paints smell bad and cause you to get buzzed off them.

[@snailsdraws]

I love your process to its entirety. It's always so soothing and well thought out! I was really eggsited for this video!!!

[@maya-jh6iw]

I think this is my favorite painting from you so far😍😍 i love it!! It is so sweet

[@death__ray]

As alwys very insightful! Thank you for sharing the process with us

[@kikilowatt]

your colors are so beautiful!!! im always amazed by your work ❤

[@owlytedailer-sg5cq]

The way you hold the color pencils is so cute, with your thumb tucked in 😢

[@ChrisHongArt]

I'm glad you find it cute haha as it seems to bother most other ppl X'D

[@TheArtOfJerry]

fun and colourful experience. Nice to Learn from you. This kind of characters remind me of one of my favourite gacha game.

[@ChrisHongArt]

oh interesting, what is the game??

[@TheArtOfJerry]

Wait I go find... It is some Nexon mobile game...

[@TheArtOfJerry]

Overhit is the game title but has been shutdown

[@rociocruz2786]

SO LOVELY AND CUTE!❤❤

[@vladlen4i]

absolutely magical!!

[@ourabouras]

Curious why you opted to use acrylics over gouache or watercolor? Also, I’ve been watching a number of Lois’s tutorials and she makes a big point of keeping her original sketch with all of the random sketchy lines, and then building her painting up from that (allowing some of the sketchy lines to show through). She is of course working digitally which makes this easier, but maybe you could try sketching with a color pencil on a large format and then painting atop of it😁

[@ChrisHongArt]

i've never had great success trying to "sketch" onto the final painting surface, there's definitely some kind of mental block there haha I'm trying to get better at it by doing the transferring by hand! (as opposed to tracing)

[@adiixo.]

Omggggg i miss you 😓🤏🏻🤏🏻

[@paulineartstuff2073]

It looks amazing ❤

[@cindystone3990]

Beautiful!

[@jameelawahlgren]

I'm curious what you like about watered down acrylic vs actual watercolor!? I've tried both and find acrylic to be more forgiving when it comes to layering and not lifting but is much harder to control and blend!

[@jameelawahlgren]

Ah, I see you already answered this 😉

[@evej8355]

exceptional

[@МаринаФедосова-т7ь]

woooow! so cool😄

[@annalisafeleppa7391]

Beautiful piece. 😍 It's fascinating to know that you can layer watercolour, coloured pencil, and acrylic; like watercolour, in more than one layer. I didn't think the acrylic paint would layer over coloured pencils so well due to their wax and oil bases. But there you are, it works! What paper did you use, if I may ask? Kindest

[@treeshapedsnacks4078]

I dream of buying one of your pieces someday

[@donnafriend153]

I really like how soft your illustration is, really nice. Would acrylic gouache work in the same way as the acrylic paint? I was just wondering because I usually use watercolor and gouache, but I recently bought acrylic gouache.

[@nickorange4881]

question why did you choose acrylic over water color , gouache or acryl gouache ? it came out super cute though and amazing.

[@ΚλεοπάτραΓαρεφαλάκη]

Hi! I love your art. I have a question. What paper did you use for this piece of art? ❤

[@noshinskoala]

hey Chris have you tried out Posca’s colored pencils? I personally love them!

[@K.ART_vlog]

very nice, ❤😍👍

[@darkforestpyxi]

I do this too!

[@lizachka1482]

hello, wondering is there any particular you're using the watered down acrylics as opposed to just watercolors? nice vid btw!

[@kaylasorrells5901]

hello! quick question, why do you use watered down acrylic instead of watercolor?

[@jilii.]

YAYYY

[@sokkoart]

How do you avoid the paper from crumbling when using the acrylics so watery? 😊

[@parleymanderson7527]

I think she used watercolor paper

[@rubencastilleja6163]

On the teddy bear the white was that goulash

[@Lunerose2120]

Beauty

[@moodyandtheartist]

Curious why acrylic and not watercolour? It turned out so cute 🥰

[@lielurr]

I keep reading the teddy bear as an extension of the girl, rather than a separate object, mostly because of the way their forms intersect: the body of the bear aligning to her lower body, the left arm of the bear's pink circle's edge touching the curve of her arm flowing into her elbow. Were these "connections" intentional?

[@ChrisHongArt]

I don't think so, at least not consciously haha that's an interesting interpretation!

[@lielurr]

​​@@ChrisHongArtthanks so much for responding! I'm so used to only so many results when commenting-- either speaking into the void or getting a less than favorable reply --so this was a great surprise, haha. It may just be my art school eyes kicking in; I had a professor who was ever vigilant about tangents so they jump out at me right away. It's in no way a bad thing in this case, just sort of became a "once you see it... " sort of thing for me. But yeah, in my mind it sort of felt like the bear is less of a comfort and more like an altered version of the character, like an avatar of sorts? Sort of adjacent to the original idea of the bear as an object for being an emotional support tool but rather it's more a source for escapism, like imagining herself AS the bear and going to its safe imaginary place to combat sadness she may be experiencing in the moment.

[@suburbanview]

Hey, can I ask You, who printed your book?

[@beluchy8520]

So cute, what paper you use?

[@ChrisHongArt]

this is the Stonehenge hot press watercolor block by Legion!

[@jezza_wut]

❤❤❤❤

[@qiyiyi29]

wow. 55 seconds!!!

[@Deedeedoodad]

I’m really curious now, why don’t you use watercolors instead of acrylics?

[@ChrisHongArt]

because acrylics allow me to work from dark to light, so I like that flexibility as opposed to watercolours where you can only keep adding value. I still enjoy using watercolours as well!

[@Deedeedoodad]

@@ChrisHongArt ah that makes sense but gouache can do that too no? Or is it the dry shift that makes it harder to use?

[@treeshapedsnacks4078]

​@@DeedeedoodadMaybe because layers in acrylics can't be lifted or disturbed once they dry. Like they can be with gouache and watercolour.

[@星庭まひろ]

かわいい

[@alicedavid1857]

[@kani3302]

Get gouache please🙏

[@AshaDrawsHerself]

❤❤❤❤