10 Tips for Beginners I Wish I Knew About Watercolor

In this video we're going to go through the 10 tips that I wish I knew as a beginner, or listened to! These aren't your usual tips for watercolor beginners, they are real tips that I would've saved me a lot of time, money and effort!
0:00 - Intro
0:49 - Move to cotton
3:23 - Use same brush as the teacher
5:47 - Don't listen to the don'ts
8:38 - Your taste vs. your art
10:56 - Swatch on the same paper
13:15 - Try the scary stuff
15:17 - Start with fewer paints
17:13 - Spend $ on paper & paints
20:11 - Style is for someone else to see
22:01 - Paint many paintings
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[@OtoKano]

So grateful that so many of you are enjoying this video! Am overwhelmed by all your kind comments, and loving all your own beginner tips!

[@Nickabod79]

The type of art you love to look at may not be the type of art you love creating. Thank you. I needed to hear this so badly today.

[@KingdomDV]

This was a real light bulb going on moment for me. I feel like a heavy weight was lifted from me. I can't express what a valuable realization this was for me. Thank you!!

[@annettefournier9655]

Oh yeah upgrading to cotton paper was a game changer. There are affordable ones to explore on now too. One additional thing: always remember that you are worthy of your supplies. So use them.😁💜

[@maya.4446]

Do you mind telling me which papers are affordable? I haven’t found affordable cotton paper yet.. thanks!

[@grannieannie1371]

@@maya.4446 it depends on where you live, in most countries anything by baohong is really good.

[@annettefournier9655]

@@maya.4446 oh and Bockingford is not cotton but is wool flocked and is easier to paint on than any other woodpulp paper I tried as a beginner and good price

[@gnostie]

@@annettefournier9655 Bockingford cold pressed pads too?

[@maya.4446]

@@grannieannie1371 Thank you!

[@unoffensiveusername1887]

One of the most valuable lessons I've learned as a beginner is If you don't like how it's turning out, keeping going anyway. Power through. You may never get it to a point where you love it, but you will learn something new, and you may be surprised what you end up with. Most of my pieces go through an "ugly" stage. And often when I feel like it can't be salvaged, I am pleasantly surprised with where I end up if I just keep going.

[@curiousobserver4525]

What I've learnt about PERSONAL STYLE is that its a combination of your: * Decision making - colours that you're naturally drawn to, which ones you put together and which ones you separate, shapes you like, what you choose to paint, how many layers you do, what brushes you choose for certain effects, if and how you place line, your preferences for revealing light sources, the things you never put in your work such as certain colours or subjects etc etc. All these decisions are a product of your character, your life experience, the way you interact with the world, the way you've been influenced by classes you've taken, books you've read, artists you like, videos watched etc. Every one of these decisions that is second nature to the creator combines to become a unique expression. * physicality - the physical structure of your body and the way it moves directly translates to the page. Short arms of an artist sitting down produces different strokes to a tall artist standing up. Do you have a pinched nerve, tight muscles, a yoga body, do you dance while painting, paint at night when you're tired? Every aspect of your body and how it moves is second nature to the creator but combines to becomes a unique impression of the way a piece feels. * resources - the materials you use, the specifics of the space you use to create in, how you feel in that space. These resources alone won't create a unique style, but combined with your decision making and physicality, it creates a mathematically complex array that becomes a creator's personal style. That's why it can feel so elusive to the creator, as a lot of these things are either fixed or subconscious at the moment of creation but are completely visible and obvious to observers of your work...

[@moma-b]

I would recommend Van Gogh watercolor as starters. They are very affordable and despite they're called student grade, they really feel professional quality. 100 years of lightfastness guaranteed under museum conditions. Huge variety of colors.

[@ilahjarvis]

I agree with everything you share 100%. As a watercolor teacher, I hit on the need for cotton paper and a limited palette, and it's really hard to get people to believe that they need to do LOTS of paintings before they get very good. We all know and accept that the beginning piano or violin student will have to make an awful noise for a long time before they can make beautiful music, but students believe they should be able to make their paintings look exactly how they want in a beginning class. You have to paint until you automatically know how much water and paint to apply, and can begin to predict how the paint will behave. That is a lot of hours.

[@OhJodi69]

I am a florist (retired) and I love it....I really do great work, but I expected that skill to translate into painting beautiful floral watercolors. While knowing a bit about color and balance has helped, omg I hate painting florals, lol I tried too hard, for too long, and was just so frustrated. Some things turned out nicely, but only after a lot of work and stress. I've since learned that I enjoy painting landscapes, am dabbling in line, ink, and wash, and am finally learning to draw. So my advice is to not expect your interests and skills in other areas of your life to translate directly to painting. Try many different styles, topics, methods, and media......but let your brush lead the way to where you will be.

[@krisyoungsteadt9139]

Good advice. I gravitate toward landscapes and atmospheric phenomena. I have painted a few botanical paintings, which I do plan to do some more of.

[@gerriebell2128]

Everything you said is so right. I call myself an intermediate beginner. I think I’ve been painting watercolor for 3 or 4 years. I think my style is starting to come out. My theory from observing lots of art and from my own painting is that someone’s style is like their handwriting. It is unique to them, and depends on their eye hand coordination and how they see things. Painting IS a form of “handwriting” - just like people can recognize a person’s writing, their painting is recognizable, too. But just like a child needs lots of writing practice before their “handwriting” gets developed and recognizable, this principle applies to art. Just like a little kid starts out just learning to form the letters, we learn to paint by doing basic things at first, and style gets developed with lots of practice. I think also it’s very important to learn to “accept” your style- because it’s a part of and an expression of YOU. Style can be changed a little with lots of practice, but as a part of us it’s not usually going to change drastically.

[@lowlee78]

I was shocked at the swatching difference. Amazing.

[@alexhazydreams]

One thing that really helped for me: don't be afraid to try different approaches before you find the one that's right for you. Watercolor can be used in super loose and wild ways as well as very tight, refined ways, in one layer or in many fine glazes, or even with mixed media coupled with gouache, acrylics, colored pencils or inks. You have to experiment a bit with it several in order to know in which part og ghe spectrum you feel more confortable. Personnally i found out that i love to start very chaotic, with wet on wet and splatters and then tidying up as I go from layer to layer, preserving a bit of the original wildness in some areas. I used to be afraid of using wet on wet and chaotic marks but I know find that it gives me more freedom as well as more information to supplement my painting. Also, once you get that limited palette, get to know your colors. Try and mix them with each other, be curious about properties such as granulation and staining power, make color charts. I resisted this for so long and it made the process of learing color so much more tedious for me.

[@jillwiswall5386]

Oh my goodness, #4!!!! Accepting that what I enjoy consuming is NOT what I enjoy creating, and becoming okay with both has taken me years!

[@valasafantastic1055]

I love to mix watercolour and gouache I advise leaning more into gouache to properly make use of cheaper papers. I super agree on not listening to the ‘don’ts’ . Let’s just feel it out, what works for us and for each painting. Do paper tests what techniques and media are best for which papers. All can be used well but how. I do lots of media and one paper is ideal for ink and alcohol marker while another is amazing for watercolour, etc.

[@brigitteitg]

One more tip is to actually use the supplies you have, especially the expensive ones!! 🤩

[@spacepebble]

Elizabeth Keefner here: I agree with these 100%. Especially about the paper. I am still a beginner but nothing helped more or gave me more confidence in my work then good paper. Wonderful video. I really like these casual type of videos.

[@OtoKano]

Hi Elizabeth! Thank you so much for your comment. It's great to hear that good cotton paper gave you more confidence!

[@courtenay4130]

The comment on not seeing your own style is mind blowing.

[@jillscheffer459]

I really believe tip #4 is gonna change my life! I feel like I just been freed up! I LOOOVE animals! I mean OBSESSED! I hate painting them though😞 and it bothers me so much! I don't have patience to learn fur! I never heard anyone say what you said! Thank you! I'm letting it go! What a relief to know I'm not alone and I'm ok! I'm so grateful to you😀

[@VeretenoVids]

Thank you so much for this!! Some of the best advice I have received over the years is: Learn the rules so you have an idea of why/how they became the rules, but then go out and break every single one of them (and look to see how other artists break them--your example of Hokusai is great). You'll figure out for yourself which rules are helpful for your art and which are complete rubbish. I also took a short workshop ages ago and we were allowed to use only Hansa yellow, ultramarine blue, alizarin crimson and burnt sienna. For a color lover it was really frustrating, but I learned TONS by doing it--including the fact that, yeah, I totally want to buy ALL THE COLORS, but I don't need to.

[@artbycatfitz]

I too want ALL the colours!. But, understand the value of a limited palette. It's fun playing with all my colours to find the next limited palette for a new piece of art.

[@krisyoungsteadt9139]

Excellent advice: Hansa yellow, ultramarine blue, alizarin crimson and burnt sienna. You are forced to mix the colors you want from those four colors. Doing this will make you a better artist plus it is easier to work from a limited palette. You will focus more on the basics of your art making, and will have the chance to improve more quickly. Too many colors can bog you down if you aren't ready for them. :)

[@OtoKano]

oh gosh yes that would be so frustrating but can totally see how it would be so SO good for learning about mixing and color theory!

[@annenglish2935]

Thank you for sharing this!!! I'm a beginner almost 70... was at first thrilled just to see the paint on the paper and how it moved! Then I fell in love with certain colors and bought several that I thought were different... knowing zero on pigments!!! Then it was magenta, Winsor Blue, Marine Blue, Turquoise... then greens... loved the Forest Green by A Gallo, you swatched... Winsor Green, Viridian.... Phthalo Green. Well, I needed to hear this and a little sooner also. Then someone shared with me... Saving your good paper for when you're better, is like a Golfer playing with his kids golf set until he's good enough to use real golf clubs! ⛳️ With love from a California Gramma ❤️

[@cazkiwinz4300]

Ha, great analogy!

[@sarahmitchell9247]

Thank you for saying out loud - that there can be a difference between what you like to create and what you like to look at in terms of art.... very helpful. That is exactly what is happening for me.

[@grannysmithart]

when i first started teaching watercolor, i emphasized the importance of paint brand ; later i urged my students to buy better brushes; 10 years later i have to agree with tip #1 - cotton paper makes all the difference in the world! so often i hear the OMG ! who knew! response from students when they try out cotton paper for the first time. I do agree professional paints are more vibrant, less chalky,and move in a more interesting way; and a good brush opens up new possibilities, but nothing is the game changer like cotton paper. Day one of my beginner classes, we always learn wet-on-wet technique on cotton paper, it makes fans of the most skeptical! (today as we were cleaning up, the preschoolers were moving into our classroom- a boy of 5ish saw a scrap of paper with demo of wet-on wet, he was amazed and thrilled! need i say more ?)

[@sandjune2753]

Oh my you are so right about paper and paint. After going back to painting after a 20 year gap. I thought why is this paint so bad. It was my paper and my brushes. New brushes, got rid of my old out of shape sable and now enjoying it again.

[@FranNyan]

Variation on the "start with fewer colors" Buy the sets, but then pull out a limited pallet of them and shove the rest in a drawer. The magpie will be appeased and you can always swap things out if you find you just don't like one of the ones you've pulled out. And I think with rules, people forget that they aren't meant to be hard and fast "thou shalt not" things, but instead, general guidelines to get you started, like training wheels on a bike. After you get comfortable with things, you don't need to keep following them. As for paper, I think I was about 2 months in the journey when I went "Okay, this paper is annoying me, what else is there." I went out and found the cheapest per inch cotton paper and learned from that. At the moment I'm back on celulose (mixed media paper at that) because the bulk of what I'm doing are quick cards where cotton is overkill, and doing just fine with those limitations. And there are good student paints, you just need to find ones that are backed by a proper brand and find the ones that work best for you. Never had any trouble with the Van Gogh paints outside of wishing there were more pigments in their line up. I actually like them more than the Windsor and Newton pro line in general, I find.

[@keepyourshoesathedoor]

Thank you. I needed to hear your first point.

[@soon_to_emerge]

Your taste vs your art is an eye-opener for me. I’m the same as you - I enjoy portraits, but I absolutely hate things I need to learn to paint portraits. I like to mess with paints, see how they interact, the texture and feeling they create. Maybe I should try abstract painting?

[@lorirogers1911]

Okay, mind blown by your realization that there may be a difference with what you like to look at or admire and what or how you enjoy painting. I don't know why, but this honestly brought me to tears. You've given so much to think about here and I feel so much better about my journey. THANK YOU!!!!!

[@ginabadeaux9319]

i like your tips i have been painting 27 years my passion is still alive im in love with watercolor ,ive painted in acrylics i never became known or professional i share work sometimes but ive been doing small works for 2 years ,im at home and my kids are grown ,i do it because i love color so much ,every you tuber says buy arches but still im buying cheaper canson ,its not that cheap really ,one of my best portraits is done on the kids paints its my favorite,if i sold id buy arches

[@PHALOMOON]

Wow, your last tip "watercolor is a technique" is a total game changer! I've been struggling lately, which has made me think I'm just not artististic! I just haven't put in enough miles with the medium to be consisten with it ! Woo-hoo, so encouraged to get back in my studio. Thank you sooo much! Hugs from Texas

[@jaclee6]

These are good tips. What I come to learn in my own learning journey is paper, paint, brush!

[@hrt2art]

Thanks once again for information I really needed. For me the best tip here is to paint, paint, paint and several paintings at once. Most of these things I know but I just need to get away from expecting every painting I do to be "good'. It's about the mileage.

[@magalie_launay]

So much kindness in your advice ... I find myself, thank you

[@tarotbysemaj2424]

Wow, your compassionate heart is so visible. I so appreciate you taking the time to create this video and share your "SHAME" with the all of us, that is a very VULNERABLE and beautiful place to put oneself. Thank you for your insights, your passion for sharing and your desire to make us the very best versions of the Artists we wish to become. My big takeaways: "You can't see your style, your too close to it, it's too personal". Wow, that was HUGE and made me realize that my style is something that I can celebrate. Funny that you mention that others see it, and it's TRUE! Sometimes we get lost in our own paintings. My other takeaway is about the practice. "Watercolor, until your an EXPERT in it, Ain't gonna do that for you!" What a priceless bit of insight. I have deep gratitude for your sharing and your willingness to create such SOLID content. I learned so much from this video, and was comforted that my mistakes are the same ones others have made too. Seeing that makes me realize that it was never really a mistake at all, just part of the JOURNEY of learning. 🧡✨🧡

[@didiirwin]

What a brilliant comment! Thank you for putting your thoughts together so eloquently. They mirror mine 🤗👏💯❤️

[@ethicsexistentialism4191]

Thanks Oto. You are such a pleasure to listen to. As an artist of 35+ years I relate so completely to these "mistakes"!! Especially the one about " the style/genre of art you love to look at not be the style/genre you love creating". It is something I still battle with every day. Letting go of the desire to be good at every style and every medium is so difficult!! God bless you 🙏😇 Mary from Australia 🤗

[@alisonhendry2928]

Brilliant!!! We two would get along like a house on fire sitting down with a cuppa to talk watercolours! Paper paper paper! It is the most important. I agree with all of your fabulous tips.I laughed out loud sometimes with your statements as I recall my own beginner journey with this wonderful addicting medium. Showing up for the marathon is a great analogy. Roller blade up hill on ice… yup, until the light bulbs start to come on and THAT is a wonderful feeling. Thank you for all of the work this took to put together. I love your honesty and energy. Oh and the point about liking one type of art and yet not liking to paint it really hit home for me. I love to look at landscapes in museums… I could stare at Monet’s haystack s all day. BUT PLEASE don’t make me paint landscapes! Torture. I find my pleasure in realistic animals. Totally different. You really said something very profound there for me… hugs and thank you!

[@saramiller909]

Best advice for anyone embarking on a creative journey

[@deniseeddy6352]

OMWorms!!! We must be mind melded cuz I totally agreed with every single one!!!

[@mo_mo9069]

Thank you for sharing such great advice. I’m a complete beginner and comforted to know that all the mistakes I made starting out happens to others.

[@angiepen]

Number Ten -- absolutely. I'm a newbie at painting but a professional fiction writer, and the corresponding advice we give to newbies on our side of the creative world is, "You'll learn a *lot* more by writing six stories than you will be writing one story and rewriting it five times." Same idea. As a beginner, you have no idea what's wrong with the [thing] you just finished, and no idea how to fix it. Flailing around in the dark, attempting to "fix" it is a waste of time. You'll learn something every time you do a new piece, your skills will increase (if only a little bit) every time you do a new piece, so do lots of new pieces.

[@flychk1229]

I was lucky enough to have been told to start with the very best cotton paper I could get. What I wish I had listened to, though, is...you don't need every color in the world! If I had listened to those that told me get your primaries (cool and warm) and a burnt sienna and learn to mix your colors I would have saved a lot of waste and frustration in the beginning! Like you, I had no idea what to do with some of the colors I had.

[@gerriebell2128]

Yao Chang is a really good teacher:)

[@annenglish2935]

I watched this again... haven't been painting for nearly a year... and I'm a beginner. This resonates even more clearly with me now! I'm not interested in doing some "basics" like sketching right now... and I may never... Also, what art I appreciate isn't the same as what I like ... I'm done being frustrated and will start over with a more positive and relaxed attitude. Thank you for all you do, Dr. Kato! My thoughts and prayers are with you, from a California Gramma ❤️

[@aeli999]

Excellent tips. I too wish I had listened early on. The 100% cotton paper is huge. I don't think I've ever heard anybody say that about style before and I think everybody needs to hear it.

[@sailorfan86]

I think a tip I’d share is, allow yourself to try, fail & trust yourself, the process that you are trying to convey.

[@anneolaug]

The comparison of cotton and cellulose paper is absolutely mind blowing. It speaks volumes! I loved the twig. And I do agree to not listen to the don’t-s!!! I have suffered much pain because a teacher told me never to use black for shades. 😂 it’s so ridiculous and unnecessary. Great video 😊

[@beedee4427]

When a super smart, considered person gives you their honest list! Every single one of these I can completely relate to. Many thanks for validating my choices along the way (most of those ultimate choices after making the usual rookie mistakes like you mentioned). All the best from Australia!

[@KizetteandTotoro]

I agree. Paper makes all the difference. In fact, a quality surface will make it easier to paint and can make cheap paint look amazing. This also applies to other paints like gouache, oil and acrylics. In fact, I agree with all your advice. Spot on.

[@NoFri11s]

Excellent tips. Way more useful than most you hear. Well done and thank you!

[@valeriegehling4358]

Your studio looks so clean & tidy, I‘m so messy! Thanks for the tips.

[@deborahthomas1617]

These are such good tips. I have sets of 12 and 36 pans. I find i paint differently with each set. The larger set has proper color names and teaches me more about specific color properties Then i got a set of 24 tubes and became more comfortable learning about mixing. I learn a lot about my style when i rty to follow a tutorial by an artist who tries to impose their style rather than just instruct. Good advice about papers. Im trying to become familiar with the natures of variety in my price range. Using half and quarter sheets has been good for me as i still feel like my work is still exercise and experimentation. It gives me the freedom to practice techniques as far as i can. If im still motivated i can try again with what i have learned Again thanks for sharing

[@lesleyevangelides5935]

I really loved your video and made me smile ... I made every one of those mistakes. Still learning as I go along but it's the journey that's such fun ... can be expensive but still fun

[@jeannes]

I really liked what you said about finding your own style. You should make a full video on that topic

[@denisesanborn9965]

Your tips were very helpful! I’m a beginner and so far most of what I’ve done is watched lots of tutorials. I’m ready to start actually painting but I get anxious about starting! Gotta get over that, I know. Enjoy your videos!!

[@andreag5517]

I love watching your videos, but when I saw 'Beginners' in the title, I didn't think I would learn anything. (I'm 5+ years into being passionate about watercolour). This was such a good video. It has given me an uplifting feeling as your tips were beyond supplies and techniques. You are a wonderful person. Thank you.

[@LyricsGoddess]

Number 4 really hit the spot for me. Thank you for that advice. I really need to let myself just create instead of trying not to fail or trying to paint what I like to buy from others.

[@ciannacoleman5125]

Such a great video. I've been painting 20yrs (although only 10 that haven't been "kid" paintings) & 100% agree about upgrading paper first, then paint, then brushes. I admit I upgraded paints last, but the interesting thing about upgrading brushes is you have to relearn how to use them anyway so it makes better sense to upgrade paints first.

[@LanaGoesArt]

Hi Oto, I indeed wish, there were videos like this when I started out with watercolour! 100% with you on the style thing and the choosing of a palette that fits your needs. It's actually how I built my first palette and I love it still. Thank you for this wonderful video. Have an awesome day!

[@annedurand3136]

The 10th is such a hard truth.. you’re right to repeat it even if it hurts a little haha !!

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

I definitely wish I had upgraded my paper to cotton sooner, and a good quality brush. I at least started out with some good paints. Thanks for sharing these great tips.

[@deborahthompson3847]

Good advice! The tips are useful. Especially if you are older when you start on this journey!

[@vikingdragon2764]

Thank you for the advice. I started with more expensive paper, I prefer fine paper. I recently bought some cheap paper, very bumpy, but turned out was great for white rocks, as well as for sheep or goats. I am enjoying painting, but not too much planning or sketching. I have several paintings in different stages, as my mood determines what I paint.

[@suemauer5965]

I just found you today while looking for details on "split primary palette". I've been painting with watercolors for, mmm, over two years? And I am just NOW learning about the importance of understanding warm and cool colors. I still can't look at a color and see which it is, but your palette setup works well for me!

[@floydfloart1240]

🙌🏻🙌🏻 truth!! You just have to paint, and paint, and paint some more. Not my strong point. And if I have a successful painting then I’m scared to death to try it again and fail the next time.

[@melissacole8376]

I love this video! I love all your videos but this one is super useful. I bought a set of watercolor tubes about 2 months ago and fell in love with it. It was the cheapest set ever because it was on clearance at a discount store. It came with 12 tubes of paint and 2 paint brushes for under $4.00, and it was the most amazing set of paints I had ever had up until that point. It was pure crap but it was amazing and it opened my eyes to the world of watercolor. Pair that with the cheapest cellulose paper I could find and I was hooked. Fast forward to today and I have watched all of your videos obsessively, some videos more than twice, especially the longer swatching videos. All of the personalities of each paint, pigment and brand are so fascinating to me. Thank you so much for all of your knowledge and information.

[@diannaa5631]

Nothing but cotton paper for me And good brushes.i use silver black velvet brushes.

[@debhalld9794]

As a brand new watercolor painter/enthusiast THIS VIDEO IS EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED!!! Thank you soooo much!!!

[@peggyeagan9153]

Great tips. Tip about finding your style was right on because I did not realize what it was until I took a class where we all painted the same thing then we walked around and saw what others painted. Gotta love good paper too!

[@patriciatolliver4057]

Patty- Thank you so much. You gave great advise and very helpful tips. I am now more calm about this journey.

[@lightwavz]

I am so embarrassed now that I got shirty with Steve Mitchell over cellulose paper. Now, years later, I have embraced cotton paper and recanted my idiotic comments. Cellulose has its place, but it will bite you in the rear whenever it possibly can. Cotton plays nice. Now I know. p.s. I am still LOVING my Roman Szmal collection I got through your affiliate link with Jackson's. They make me feel fancy every time I break them out. I couldn't ask for a better, more affordable range!

[@Ann-ey1tw]

Love your videos and this one is right up there! I all your tips, but the one I agree with completely is to use cotton paper, and the best you can afford. That was such an eye opener to me! Thanks for all you do and your swatching videos are excellent too!

[@gnostie]

The bit about paper is vastly overlooked. What would help tremendously is a detailed multifaceted survey of cotton papers, including partially cotton options. And Oto is the perfect person to create such a video...

[@wendychampness1901]

Great tips ❣️ I have been painting watercolor for 18 mos and I can say that I would have liked this when I started except for a few things: I started w a Cotman set(12 hues) and I think that was good for the first month, I think that trying to copy what others do (good painters) is good for learning techniques, at least for awhile. One “ don’t “ that I only recently paid attention is “don’t leave your brush standing in your water, even for a short time!” I have learned what good advice that is!

[@julienotsmith7068]

As a spinning teacher I used to joke about “spin a mile of yarn and get back to me” when people wanted to know how to improve. Because it’s a technique and like watercolor and everything else, it takes practice. Well, one student got irritated as all heck and sat down to spin a mile of yarn and show me I didn’t know what I was joking about. They got to about the half-mile mark and came to tell me they hated me because I was always right. 🤣 So I took up watercolor during Lockdown and I kinda suck at it, and I watch these videos - I love them, thank you - knowing darn well that knowing pigment is just like knowing fibers. It’s useful but until I do the umpty-zillion paintings (what’s the equivalent of a mile? I suppose it varies) I’m not going to improve. As for style, I’ve recently quit fighting to use realistic colors because everyone around me associates me with bright color in all ways, and why fight it.

[@annenglish2935]

Yes! I love it when I hear the word Rules!!! I heard, "There are no rules in watercolor."... after hearing about "following " rules! Then, an artist will say, "that color isn't realistic." Great!!! All the more reason I love it. Yes, I buy convenience colors, but it's what I love! Even to swatch favorite colors brings me joy! Happy painting in your own journey! A California Gramma ❤

[@nataliearena2241]

This is absolutely what I needed I’ve been painting for many many years but watercolor is relatively new. I have loved every video since I found you you make so much sense to me. I really appreciate your time. Thank you more than thank you can express it’s made a difference. It’s not often we get to positively impact someone’s life but you did today again thank you doesn’t suffice but it’s what I have.

[@chantalnugues-perrin3631]

I follow you 100% ! What a very comforting video and how nicely you emphasized all the points that everyone of us has gone through 😉 thanks for sharing your thoughts 🙏🏻🤗🤩💖💖

[@danaboykoartrepreneur]

Thank you for your honesty, for sharing your most brilliant insights & for helping others. Your passion for this wonderful medium is a true inspiration♥️

[@EveBolt]

I second everything you said here. All true!!

[@ikerluz2220]

Eve! :D

[@marta.808]

This tips you are giving above are also very useful, because despite my so called " long experience" , I still was afraid of using cotton paper so not to ruin it aso, despite the fact that I have a lot in stock, that I have bought for the times I feel confident and worth using it. And yesterday I finally did and made some swatches on it. The difference is huge, uncomparable I would say ( I was using the cheapest paper for the swatches so not to ruin the expensive one.....No comment) :) Just thank you. :)

[@joanneivey5994]

You covered so many issues that were on point for me. Guilty on all counts, especially the 48 set and cheaper paper. Thank you so much for the encouragement not to expect perfection in everything, but experience enjoyment in the process.

[@Miastrong930]

Thank you for your videos. I can categorically say the every one of your videos that have watched is excellent. In my mind you define excellence. Growing up I was always told if you are going to do a job do it well. I know creating these videos is hard work. I think of the people who do videos as having a unique style. I really like you style. Keep doing what you do so well. Many many thanks.

[@carolynderricks3226]

Thanks Dr Oto, these are so helpful, and some I’ve already encountered myself! Esp about the cotton paper!

[@patsymorrison7436]

I so appreciated your video and the ten tips. I have just completed a beginner's watercolor class and some of your tips were encouraged by our teacher but one of the things that struck me the most was to enjoy the freedom and creativity one will find without feeling like you have to fit into a niche or style or anything else. It has been so extremely helpful all of it. Thank you for taking the time to make your video.

[@goat8477]

Just awesome tips!! Thank you. Especially, to see how pigments look on cheap versus more expensive paper :-O The difference is ca-ray-zee 😲

[@mmveelee]

These are really great tips! Especially #9, it makes so much sense!

[@ConnieVitucci]

Excellent tips . . . Really needed to hear them all. Thank you. 💙

[@anitafelicitas4315]

Very charming talk! Thank you for the helpful and unselfish sharing of tips and techniques. I love all your videos❤️

[@karipaints6259]

Lots of great tips and I agree with all of them. I finally restocked my paper supplies with some Saunders Waterford, which has been my favourite for a long time. Why I thought I could use my stash of Bockingford which I use for acrylic painting is beyond me! 🤣

[@rogerehinger6694]

I really enjoyed this video, excellent advice we all ignore from time to time. Good education and reminder when too much time has passed since I was even semi-serious about watercolor. Thank you

[@sabirnazarswatercolors139]

You are right..i have been doing water colors for over 50 years...and realised few years back that..50 percent of watercolor is the paper..and paper actually determines your style..infact it dictates few techniques.

[@Finkeldinken]

Love this. I hope it's going to help a lot of people new to watercolour and I hope they are better at listening than I was 😂

[@cragraven8949]

Thanks for the advice about ignoring the 'don't'. I hear so often - never use white, it's wrong, etc.... well go and look at some of Sargent or Turner's watercolours. They both used white, and they were working right at the cutting edge of watercolour - literally working with paint companies to invent the paints. If we weren't meant to use the stuff, paint companies wouldn't make it. :) Work the way that works best for you and do the art that you enjoy - best advice ever.

[@deborahrodney6562]

Thank you for this marvelous video. Most all of your points hit home with me. I have a lot of paint and a lot of brushes but for some reason I’m resistant to using better paper, even though I have several types and sizes. I don’t want to waste it…😂. I love watercolor but I believe it isn’t the right medium for me because I’m too impatient and I don’t want to put in the work it takes to master it. I have started to combine watercolor washes and first layers with design gouache finish layers and I’m having a much better time of it. I think that might be my niche.

[@joannebramley7101]

Thank you so much for this video. I am a 70-something beginning watercolorist and am so frustrated by trying to get "the look" of what I like down on my paper. All of these tips resonated with me. I can't wait to paint tomorrow:)))

[@annenglish2935]

I'll be 70 in December & also a beginner watercolorist!!! I've watched videos for 10-15 seconds at a time to copy a loose floral just like the artist... what I see & what's in my head doesn't translate to my paper!!! Good paint, brushes & watercolor... I guess it's me! Ouch! I should paint a little bit each day... happy painting... enjoy the process! God bless you, from a California Gramma ❤️

[@debhalld9794]

I, too, am a mature woman just starting watercolor. This video hit me between the eyes... spending money on too many good paints but not on good paper😢 Plus all the rest she said was spot on. Let's get going ladies ❤

[@laurelb4193]

Excellent advice thank you! Especially #10!

[@gwenlynn7261]

Sooo true!! Two additional tips: 1 don't buy a color because you like the color if you don't use that shade in your painting. I love dark reds and dark blues. When I started getting into wc I was on the hunt for the perfect red and blue. Now those are the shades I actually use the least. One because they are so potent that you only need the tiniest bit. And two because those colors don't appear in my paintings as much as those "boring" browns or greens. Nowadays I enjoy making portraits or parts of it and completely change the color of the skin, so I can use these beautiful reds. 2 once you invested in some paints and paper use them before buying more. I got so hooked on trying them all and all the brands and all the colors and tubes and pans and colorstory and whathaveyou. Unless you actually paint all day each day this material will last you a long time. I thought oh that paper block only comes with 10 sheets I'm gonna run through this in no time. But I found that I use the "good" paper way more sparingly than any other. I might do sketches in my sb and colorstudies on cheap paper and only when I do a 'final' piece I use my high quality paper. I usually cut it into size and use the scraps for my color testing. Also the paint takes a really long time to use up. The only shades I use up frequently are yellow, yellow ochre and green. Maybe because of the pigment but also of saturation and usage per area painted. A bit of red into ochre makes a huge difference. A bit of ochre into red not so much

[@inger_musicart5620]

Excellent tips! Adding to have fun 🤩

[@Ktpstudio]

Thank you for sharing with us, many of us ignore a lot of these tips and advise.

[@polgara28]

Excellent advice! I know we beginners are a lot like teenagers in a way, thinking we know better...just do what she says, in the long run it will cost less money and it's worth it! Love this video! ❤️

[@elizabetheddy1073]

Hi Oto!😀❤️ I absolutely love this video!! I made the same mistake as you, buying WAY TOO MANY watercolor paints!! I binge watched so many watercolor videos (especially yours) that I didn’t know which paints I wanted?? BEFORE I watched these videos, I bought 5-6 pads of Canson watercolor paper, and a bunch of student grade paints! I had fun swatching them out! Then I watched all the videos!! I did hear people say to start off with 6-12 paints, did I listen? NO!! So I bought a set of 48 Holbein ( I followed a great watercolor artist that uses them) Before I opened them, I realized this artist was using colors I didn’t have?! So I bought the 108 set!! I set up 2 48 palettes and another small one and swatched them! They are beautiful! But I couldn’t stop there, then I bought 48 small tubes of Daniel Smith, Windsor and Newton and Schminke!! I’m so addicted to picking out colors and swatching them! (At this time I was going through something difficult, I think these purchases were supposed to help me get out of my own head!!😔) NOW I’m so overwhelmed, I don’t know where to start???😱 HELP!!! I did try to painting a flower, but it turned out horrible! I know I need to play around with my brushes, do brushstroke techniques, wash techniques and color Theory is so confusing to me!!! I’ve watched so many videos on color theory, CAN ANYONE SUGGEST any good videos?? My dream is to be able to draw landscapes, preferably beach/nautical scenes. I found an artist that I do love and ordered a few of his books. I’m saving them for when I actually have a clue on what I’m doing!! Thank you for everything Oto, you are such a sweet kind talented young woman!😊❤️🖌🌅

[@renskee.jellema8697]

Go and look at Oliver Pyle, he just did a watercolour beginners serie on KZbin and does landscapes!

[@annenglish2935]

Paul Clark (UK) is excellent... he does everything, but most importantly, he is taking you along with him in his watercolor! He's a sense of humor, too! New videos every Wednesday... he has a few hundred to view! Happy painting! A California Gramma ❤

[@rahelko_art]

Your tips are so helpful! I can absolutely relate to them… Thank you so much for sharing them! ❤

[@Christine__D]

Thank you for this wonderfully encouraging video! And I am going to try very hard to not buy ALL the colors lol

[@noemeadolfo]

This! .... Is the video I need! 👌👌👌