My Top 5 Watercolor Secrets for Creating Everyday

[@maureencepiel959]

I have found a way of starting my paintings. I have a very difficult time with backgrounds, too light, too dark, wrong colors. What i do now is load my brush with a lot of pigment and rinse it off in my water jar. Then i use that water to paint a background adding more pigment to the water as needed. Now I don't have a "scary" white paper, and I can continue painting. Smile on!

[@kellyhoernig]

Great tip Maureen, thanks for sharing it with this creative audience I really appreciate it!

[@pattiklein2140]

I love the simple but powerful idea to paint what I enjoy. I forget that sometimes. Thank you.

[@kellyhoernig]

If it doesn't make you smile, why create around it? That's why I always try to paint something I enjoy.

[@ullawahlstrom837]

Maybe a new tip for you- I saw another KZbinr use an ordinary sticker roller for clothes to get rid of the unwanted extra graphite you can get on your WC paper when you use this method. I found it useful

[@kellyhoernig]

Great tip, thank you for sharing it with me and my viewers, it's much appreciated!

[@josyblevins6349]

Is that for store bought, or “homemade”? What a great idea!

[@elizabeththompson6345]

The handmade graphite paper tip is so valuable! And painting what I love is so important. I read through several daily prompts for painting, and I learned that if I don’t what to draw a car, I don’t draw a car. Thanks for you and your relaxing, yet inspiring videos. I look forward to them.

[@kellyhoernig]

The graphite paper alone is a watercolor game changer. Glad you found these tips helpful and hope they provide some ease along your watercolor journey!

[@jedpye3696]

You can also colour the back of your image that came out of your printer (printer paper) with a pencil and use that for tracing also. I have been doing that for 40 years

[@kellyhoernig]

Great tip, thank you for sharing it with my audience!

[@bonnierosendale]

Kelly - I use Saral brand gray graphite transfer paper and I never have any problem getting it completely erased on all the surfaces I use, such as watercolor paper, mixed media, bristol, and even in my diary/journal. However, I've never tried any other brand so I'm taking your word for that, for sure, and sticking with Saral brand.

[@kellyhoernig]

I'm glad you found a transfer paper that works for you. I never had much luck with Saral and since I always have tracing paper and graphite around, it is so easy to make over and over again when needed.

[@hildaschrock3000]

Have learned so many practical and easy tips from watching your channel. I am a late in life beginner and your channel has saved me precious hours of forever searching what’s right for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.🥰

[@kellyhoernig]

You are too kind and I'm so happy you have found informative tips on my channel. I have a lot of playlists if you are looking for something particular, enjoy!

[@laurahale5774]

Thanks for all the wonderful tips, but especially the reminder that doing what brings us joy is why we paint, draw, or create.

[@kellyhoernig]

You are welcome, thanks for watching and always create what brings you happiness!

[@pintapetz]

The joy of painting is doing what you like with what you have. Thanks for your inspiration.

[@kellyhoernig]

Yes and YES! No special supplies are ever needed, I always want you to use what you have and let it bring you joy!

[@Razzilou]

I so appreciate your light approach to discovering beauty, whimsy, joy ~~This morning I wanted to just hear your voice & so rewatched/listened to this exceptionally valuable basic tutorial which unfolds new insights every time! Thank you for sharing your gift, your discoveries in this format. Mostly home bound due to medical things, I would never have known of you otherwise. A gift, you are! Best to you & all you cherish, Robin

[@kellyhoernig]

Ahhh Robin, thank you so much for your kind comments! I'm glad that you find value and inspiration from my videos. Thank you for being part of my In the Studio creative community, I really appreciate that!

[@caraanderson_za]

Love the graphite tip as well as the composition prep. Thanks so much!

[@kellyhoernig]

You are very welcome, I love tracing paper for all the reasons!

[@JoanneSharpe1]

Your work is so precious, so joyful! Your color palette is so peaceful. Love the tip about mixing custom colors from the tubes into a pan, GENIUS!! Thanks for sharing.

[@kellyhoernig]

Mixing tube colors has become an addiction but it also makes the colors more of me which I love. Thanks for watching!

[@Regulus1999]

Thank you Kelly! I just found your channel tonight and I love it. You have such a great way of speaking, showing and explaining things. And your journals are to die for! Just the style and type of inspiration I've been looking for confirming what I knew I already knew, if that makes sense. Off to watch more!

[@kellyhoernig]

Thank you for your kind comments and welcome to In the Studio! There are a lot of playlists if you are looking for something specific, enjoy!

[@polgara28]

All of these are excellent! Thanks for sharing them. To take your mix a step farther, I mix colors of paint in a used, clean sandwich baggie until it's the shade I want it to be, then cut a corner off the bag and squeeze it into an empty new tube (bought mine at Blick) until it's full, then use the tube wringer to seal the end. There's a trick to it, to keep the air bubbles out, but it's difficult to explain. Paint what you love, my new mantra! 🌻

[@samantams]

Omg aren’t you smart!! Loved it, and thanks for sharing!!

[@kellyhoernig]

What a wonderful idea, thank you so much for sharing it with this audience!

[@kellyhoernig]

I totally agree, so great!

[@patanderson6602]

Thanks for your great tips and your lighthearted encouragement. ❤

[@kellyhoernig]

You are very welcome and I'm always here to encourage you to be creative, always!

[@carolynl615]

Great ideas and I love your sketchbook!!!

[@kellyhoernig]

Thank you so much, they are my daily practices and just let me be free!

[@jlm517rocks]

Best 'spalantion of transfer & overall tips... really helpful, ty!!

[@kellyhoernig]

You are welcome and glad the tips were helpful!

[@ilgaleja]

I absolutely love your channel and appreciate how you share your secrets and tips.

[@kellyhoernig]

Ahhh, thank you so much, I really appreciate that and welcome to In the Studio!

[@lindamcdermott9980]

You have brought my love of painting to a whole new level. I actually know what graphite paper is, but have not used it. I redraw everything, this is a game changer. Thank you so much for reminding me ways to use this. I’m also going to try the mixing colors into pans. This may be great for greens. I’m sure it will take some experimenting…. Oh what fun!

[@kellyhoernig]

Ahh Linda, that is the best compliment ever, thank you! So glad my videos are inspiring you in new and exciting ways. A palette of handmixed greens just sounds delightful!

[@dorothygladsjo3510]

Kelly, I’ll share a tip with ya:) On step 4, use the residual on the palette paper to create a swatch:) A brother label maker using their hi adhesive waterproof labels works great on thise half pans and a magnet (they make them for half pans:) on bottom then use a metal empty colored pencil tin to place them all in. Then you can pluck whatever ones you want in other metal small palettes depending on your subject:)

[@kellyhoernig]

What a great tip, thank you for sharing with all of us!

[@josyblevins6349]

I was wondering how to store the half pans.

[@kellyhoernig]

@@josyblevins6349 you can add magnet strips to the bottom of half pans and store them in any tin, even the vintage watercolor ones from childhood work great. I prefer to use a 3d half pan holder/palette from www.etsy.com/shop/ArtstoEmbers?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=1561865895&from_page=listing I just like the ease of it.

[@mamajuliette972]

Love the handmade graphite trick!

[@kellyhoernig]

You will love it and I'm happy to share!

[@kimmie596]

Such great ideas! Thank you for another great video❤

[@kellyhoernig]

You are welcome and thanks for watching another video by me!

[@whatifitnt]

💖 Now I gotta go dig out my stack of tracing paper 😂 and get some of those graphite sticks… been wanting to get some for a while now… ❤ Thanks Kelly 💝

[@kellyhoernig]

Yes, glad you are inspired to create your own transfer paper - it is a game changer!

[@tonibauerlein5806]

I LOVED IT! Your approach really inspired me. Gonna get a concertina book and go to town.

[@kellyhoernig]

It is a magical way to create and really great for design practice if you want to keep the story going on and on and on. Enjoy it and glad you were inspired YEAH!

[@sylviarago4917]

Thank you for this video. Enlightening and entertaining.

[@kellyhoernig]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching!

[@elsamartinez7905]

Such valuable insights! Thank you for making my art experiences fun and easier!❤❤

[@kellyhoernig]

Thank you for your kind comments and I'm thrilled to know these tips are helping you on your art journey, YEAH!

[@patvalenzuela5105]

I love your attitude and you did inspire me. I've been looking for some inspiration lately I've lost my feeling for painting. I've been slow stitching which I love but I'll admit I miss painting.

[@kellyhoernig]

Thank you and I'm so glad you were inspired! My question for you, how can you combine the stitching and the painting? It would make a beautiful sketchbook.

[@gailpacker5090]

This was wonderful, thank you.

[@kellyhoernig]

Thank you so much and I'm glad you enjoyed these everyday tips!

[@robincunningham4306]

I'm a newbie and just soo grateful for your passion and guidance. Thank you for sharing with the public

[@kellyhoernig]

Thank you for your very kind words and welcome to In the Studio! Enjoy the beginner of the journey it is such a beautiful thing to play, experiment and find what brings you joy!

[@lioninwinters]

wonderful tips, thank you!

[@kellyhoernig]

Glad you enjoyed them, thanks for watching!

[@umaravi560]

Your tips are very spot on for me. I struggle with cleaning my tracing. You inspire me and give me the courage to keep painting with watercolour. I am on day 78 on the 100 day. Thanks for being so generous. :)

[@kellyhoernig]

You've got this my friend! And on day 78 of the 100 day project, what a great accomplishment and right on track. Glad these tips inspired you to keep on painting, being creative is a gift that you truly give yourself when you let it happen. Happy painting and I'll see you at the 100 day finish line!

[@ceciliasawyer2432]

You are soo generous with your techniques. This one was spot on for what I wanted to know. I will go get a Derwent Graphite bar today!

[@kellyhoernig]

You are going to love making your own transfer paper, let me know how you like it!

[@TheShmoo123]

Thank you so much, really useful tips. Iv had tracing paper in my stash for so long and never used it, I will now👍🏽🙋🏽‍♀️

[@kellyhoernig]

What? Never used the tracing paper? Once you start using it, you will buy another pad just so you don't run out of it LOL Glad you found my tips helpful, thanks for watching!

[@lynthompson9100]

Thank you for these helpful wonderful tips! I learned lots!

[@kellyhoernig]

I'm so glad this was helpful, thank you for watching!

[@alisonhendry2928]

Ok so I remade the graphite paper i usually make, the way you do and voilá way better. Thank you! I still have to go over the very faint lines a wee bit to see my crazy details, but I am super happy with the method you showed us. Mixing my own colours in a half pan… there is something new for me. I am going to try that today! I usually use French ultramarine blue and Burnt sienna both by Winsor &Newton to make my greys, browns and black and I mix each and every time…. Now I am going to try the palette knife, fresh paint and make my own black pan. Thank you! Love your inspiration!

[@kellyhoernig]

Alison, I'm so happy that your graphite paper came out and that you are going to be mixing your own colors YEAH!

[@maestra730]

GREAT video! thanks for all of the clever ideas!

[@kellyhoernig]

You are very welcome and I hope they let you get to the painting part quicker!

[@yovamccoy2806]

I haven't seen these tips for. Thanks for sharing and showing how the tip works in practice.

[@kellyhoernig]

I'm so happy I shared new tips for you, thank you for watching!

[@kimesch9698]

What great ideas! Thanks.

[@kellyhoernig]

Glad you enjoyed them, thanks for watching!

[@ann-marielofberg1159]

Wow, A new place with such a lovley paintings, I love Your style and those secrets are just amazing. Thank You for that and how I can use the tracing paper. I thought did a misstake by buying it, but now it will be extremly handy to have! I also signed up for getting the newspaper from Your own page.

[@kellyhoernig]

Thank you for finding my channel and newsletter, welcome to In the Studio!

[@peggymann925]

Thank you for this video. I love the artwork in your journal. I'm new at watercolor, just found you and am looking forward to more of your videos.

[@kellyhoernig]

Thank you so much and welcome to In the Studio! I have a lot of playlists on my channel if you are looking for anything specific, enjoy!

[@fr7115]

Love, love, love!!!! This tutorial video was so perfect for me because I was just thinking of mixing my own customized colors! : )

[@kellyhoernig]

Yeah! I'm so happy to hear this inspired you to try your hand at mixing your own customized palette!

[@hopeamen8087]

Love all of your tips. Thanks so much for sharing. I am just getting started on my watercolor journey.

[@kellyhoernig]

You are very welcome and what an exciting time, to be at the beginning of your journey! Have fun, enjoy the process and try everything that looks interesting to you. It may not come out exactly how you want it to. But you are a success for trying it anyways! What you learn from the process will help you do a bit better the next time, I promise.

[@joanlowder1376]

I like the tracing ideas. I love putting the tracing in clear sleeves. I also would use oops printer copy paper. Slide down in sleeve so tracing up against the wrong side of the oops paper. Easier to flip thru and see. Winston Salem nc USA

[@kellyhoernig]

Tracing gives you a plethora of ideas just waiting to be used. Glad you liked the idea!

[@Yaya7773]

Thanks for sharing! Very pretty!

[@kellyhoernig]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@susancook1617]

Thank you for sharing your tips Kelly 😊

[@kellyhoernig]

You are very welcome, thanks for watching!

[@olgasamchuk4593]

great ideas!!!! thank you so much!

[@kellyhoernig]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@pottedferne]

Yes ❤

[@barbarag7831]

These are such fantastic tips! Thank you so much. I just subscribed. I don't want to miss anything from you.

[@kellyhoernig]

You are too sweet and welcome to In the Studio! I have a lot of playlists on my channel if you are looking for anything specific, check them out.

[@cherylschumaker1366]

These are very great tips, especially for beginners like me. Thank you so much !

[@kellyhoernig]

You are very welcome and so glad you found them helpful on your journey!

[@candacenagle505]

I love this...I can use all of the tips that you shared! Thank you!

[@kellyhoernig]

So happy to hear that and I'm glad they resonated with you today!

[@Flying_Squiryl]

First time watching. Really love your tips and look forward to checking out the rest of your channel ✒🖌

[@kellyhoernig]

Thank you so much and welcome to In the Studio!

[@ByGGiPaint]

I would have never thought about putting those two colors together...how fun!!! You have encouraged me to do some of my own fun color mixes, thank you! :)

[@kellyhoernig]

I'm so excited about inspiring you to think outside the box and mix your own colors. You are going to love it!

[@lynnbieniek3305]

Thank you for your inspiring thoughts. You are so right, if it isn't fun then why are you doing it!

[@kellyhoernig]

You are welcome and right? There is only so much time in a day, why waste it if it isn't making you smile.

[@janegeorge-john854]

Great tips, thank you. And I am now inspired to try mixing some colors myself!

[@kellyhoernig]

Yes to mixing your own colors! Have a blast creating, experimenting and trying something new.

[@Annoir50]

I trace my outline straight from my tablet onto printer paper. I hold the image face down against a window and scribble over the outline with an 8B pencil. It then easily transfers to the watercolour paper. Much easier than making graphite paper in my opinion.

[@kellyhoernig]

I agree it is easier but with the tracing paper you can put the drawing exactly where you want it and that is really what I use it for with the handmade graphite under it to transfer it. Thanks for the great suggestion!

[@philnasmith9755]

Thank you, Kelly - you have just blasted through some barriers in my mind that I didn’t even know were there! 💣💥🤯

[@kellyhoernig]

Oh wow! What a great compliment, thank you for that!!! Now that your mind is clear, go for it!

[@flowerlady3150]

Great video! Made me see things in a new light and really perked me up! 🌟🌟🌟

[@kellyhoernig]

Such a great compliment, thank you so much and welcome to In the Studio!

[@LaurrainePetrie-Butler]

Great tips thank you and love your sketch book.

[@kellyhoernig]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@carolynberlin124]

Love these tips. Thanks for sharing. Off to find a font for my travel pages.

[@kellyhoernig]

Yes to computer fonts! They are so much fun and with so many to choose from you can always find just the perfect one to fit your needs. Thanks for enjoying my tips today!

[@teresavanwye669]

Wonderful tips Kelly! You never fail to inspire me 😊

[@kellyhoernig]

You are too kind Teresa, thank you for that!

[@melindaavila498]

Found your channel today, Saturday and subscribed. Great for beginners!

[@kellyhoernig]

Glad you enjoyed it and welcome to In the Studio!

[@charlotteh.thorbjornsen]

Thank you so much for great secrets, dear Kelly! - so smart ✨

[@kellyhoernig]

You are very welcome and glad you found them helpful!

[@lorivliegen4850]

Great video, Kelly! Thanks so much for sharing your creative tips and wisdom (hello, tip #5!). xo

[@kellyhoernig]

Glad you enjoyed it and a big YES to no. 5!

[@barbcairns2408]

First time seeing your work and really learned alot!! Thanks so much❤

[@kellyhoernig]

Thank you and I'm glad you found it helpful. Welcome to In the Studio!

[@greggtransky9080]

Thank you, Kelly, for all of your amazing videos. Sondra Borrie

[@kellyhoernig]

You are very welcome Sondra, thanks for watching In the Studio!

[@goofmeister1949]

Hi Kelly, these tips are so valuable especially paint what you love. I found your page yesterday and subscribed. I remembered you from a session you offered as a part of Lifebook a few years ago. So happy to touch base with you again.

[@kellyhoernig]

I'm so glad these tips spoke to you and that you found me again YEAH! Welcome to In the Studio!

[@crystalinedreams6039]

"paint what you like" a new version of my own personal favorite quote. "if you do what you like/want in all things it will never feel like work". i also like "do your best in all things" that way you can always be proud of what you do & it's never a chore. tfs your great tips.

[@kellyhoernig]

Yes! Art is a personal journey so let it be unique to you and what you like! Glad my secrets connected to you and thanks for watching!

[@ChantelleArts]

Brilliant video, watched an enjoyed till the end ☺☺

[@kellyhoernig]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@SheilaLandry]

Great tips! I have a cretacolor graphite stick that I have been using for a couple of years to make tracing paper. I really dislike all the store brands as they are all so dark and you are correct - they cannot be removed! Thank you for all the tips!

[@kellyhoernig]

Graphite sticks are great and a lot easier than a pencil. Handmade transfer paper is a game changer for sure. Thanks for watching Sheila and I'm so excited about the success of your new project!

[@awatercolourist]

Hello! Thanks for these tips. I like the graphite paper trick. I tried it before, but I did not use a folded paper, I just put another sheet under my graphite paper when storing it. I love your idea better. I read somewhere that store-bought graphite paper has was with the graphite, that’s why it’s difficult to rub it off.

[@kellyhoernig]

Glad my secrets helped and yes, folding it makes it last longer too because everything isn't rubbing against it as you move it in and out of your drawer for using it.

[@jennivandermoezel8907]

This was great Thankyou so much!

[@kellyhoernig]

You are very welcome and happy you enjoyed my tips!

[@marjoriebader5754]

I have so enjoyed your 100 days compositions. There's a lightness and surprise to the first ones that I think comes from your simple lines (graphite) that your objects respond to. Since the lines are absent from the later compositions, I'm wondering if that was a decision that you could share.

[@kellyhoernig]

On my smaller concertina, 100 days projects, there aren't any graphite lines visible. On the larger concertina, where I show adding elements on tracing paper to try them out, I come back and add graphite and colored pencil lines to add a looseness to the paintings. This is intentionally added at the end so I can give a more messy, uncontrolled look to the pages. Hope this explanation answers your questions, thanks for asking!

[@margiebowser1397]

Really good ideas!

[@kellyhoernig]

Thanks, glad you were inspired!

[@kkswiss1902]

Thank you for your tips ❤

[@kellyhoernig]

Glad you enjoyed them, thanks for watching!

[@Pink-Coconut23]

Hi Kelly! I love this video! Do you use a certain color palette? You mentioned that you mix your own colors; would love to see more on the details of the colors in your journal. They are gorgeous.!

[@kellyhoernig]

Thank you so much! I have shown several of my studio palettes and color charts here on the channel. Search for "studio palette" on my channel and you will see them all. Enjoy the color changes as I develop my art, there is a big difference in where I started to where I am today.

[@Pink-Coconut23]

@@kellyhoernig Will do!! Thanks!

[@kellyhoernig]

@@Pink-Coconut23 you are welcome!

[@jennyjanesbeauty8216]

Thankyou, really helpful xxx

[@kellyhoernig]

You are welcome and glad you found it helpful in your watercolor endeavors!

[@simonacockadoodledooo4518]

Kelly you are a genious !

[@kellyhoernig]

You made me laugh, thank you!

[@pottedferne]

Verrry cleever!!

[@kellyhoernig]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@beana666]

Graphite paper?? Never heard of it. In the UK we learn to use the tracing paper and pencil method in Primary school. I'm so surprised that you in the US don't do the same. After all, it's what tracing paper is for!!

[@kellyhoernig]

In the US there is all kinds of graphite paper in a multitude of colors - grey, black, white, red, yellow, blue. So getting back to the basics is what I am reminding everyone of, the simplicity of graphite on tracing paper LOL

[@CindyRippe]

Nice tips Kelly!

[@kellyhoernig]

Thanks so much Cindy, really appreciate that coming from you!

[@barbaraambler2482]

Use Bestine rubber cement thinner to dampen tissue when rubbing graphite on tissue paper. It eliminates the dust transfer problem.🎉

[@kellyhoernig]

Great tip but it is a chemical and since I don't have it on hand, this way works for me.

[@diannaa5631]

I do the same thing with a #8 graphite pencil.

[@kellyhoernig]

An 8B is perfect for that!

[@mardijames518]

Kelly have you tried Saral wax free transfer paper? It works great!

[@kellyhoernig]

I tried Saral a long time ago and was not a fan. This graphite paper works for my needs at this point. Thanks for letting us know it is great though!

[@samantams]

Loved the tips! But the little monkey in my head keeps saying I shouldn’t use stencils or anything like that, because it’s cheating. If you’re interested, maybe you could make a video where you tell us (and our monkeys) what you think of this - while painting something, why not! I have already used this trick in my sketchbook after watching other videos from your channel and told the monkey to just go away.

[@kellyhoernig]

There is no such thing as cheating in art, especially if you are creating for yourself. Now selling something with stencils in it is a no-no due to copyrights but using them to enhance your journal or personal artwork, go for it. As for those naughty monkeys, they get in the way of practice, send them to their cages and lock them up. Trust me, after a couple of times, they will no longer bother you!

[@ashleywright8686]

What is the sketchbook you’re using here? TYSM in advance ❤🎉

[@kellyhoernig]

I use several concertina sketchbooks or a handmade sketchbook most often. You can find the links for each in the video description box, I just added them for you. Thanks for watching!

[@ashleywright8686]

@@kellyhoernigTYSM! New subscriber. ❤️ your tutorials. 🎉🌷

[@donnaeiler3179]

Good to know

[@kellyhoernig]

Thanks for watching!

[@awatercolourist]

18:36 I know what you mean: I always feel that the palette knife will scratch the porcelain. I’ll try mixing on tracing paper next time. What palette knife is that? What’s it called?

[@kellyhoernig]

It won't scratch it but I can't stand the noise it makes LOL It is a discontinued palette knife from Liquitex.

[@awatercolourist]

@@kellyhoernig Thanks!

[@petragunther4439]

No. I führt agree about the graphite paper. I'm using "Saral" without any issues. Can be erased easily and completely

[@kellyhoernig]

Thank you for letting me know, I appreciate you sharing with the audience!

[@vikkigrenier2978]

Oh my... the best video ... learned alot!.. 😊mahalo!...🤎🤍🤎

[@kellyhoernig]

Thank you so much and I'm so happy to hear that, welcome to In the Studio!

[@ralphherrick596]

When you make your own color...do you use any water?

[@kellyhoernig]

I do not use water or any other medium because the paints I'm mixing already have moisture in them. They are ready to go in the tubes so I just mix from there.

[@rachelhambone1159]

The dust and wiping of it when creating graphite paper can be completely avoided by using an HB lead. LOL

[@kellyhoernig]

Of course it can, but what would be the fun of that LOL

[@ralphanderson2604]

I simply DRAW

[@kellyhoernig]

Drawing is great but not everyone is able to or do it correctly the first time and some papers do not like to be erased over and over. Just offering an alternative to drawing.