Practical Advice for White Paper Syndrome - How to do a nice first wash

How do you overcome white paper syndrome? I got this question quite a bit because a perfectly clean white paper can be intimidating. It’s filled with all sorts of possibilities of a successful painting, or a failed one. Today let’s talk about some practical ways to decrease your fear of white paper.
Sign up for my Fast Track Watercolor eBook, update, and newsletters:
www.cafewatercolor.com/signup/
My Instagram:
/ cafewatercolor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Materials I use for this painting: (affiliation links)
Paper - Saunders Waterford 14x20 rough
amzn.to/2HIl5K7
Big wash brushes - Escoda Aquario, Joseph Zbukvic set
amzn.to/2JHzczZ
Smaller paint brushes - Escoda Perla #8 and #10
(it's cheaper to buy them separately rather than the set with a travel brush that I rarely use)
Escoda Perla #8
amzn.to/2JGiaBY
Escoda Perla #10
amzn.to/2ral6A6
My brush for trees and foliage - Escoda Reserva #10
amzn.to/2HI3vtS
My painting light -
amzn.to/2Iu5HDC
Background Music by Big Rice Piano
/ bigricerecords
#watercolorcourse #cafewatercolor

[@brodouglasop]

Your compassion is authentic.

[@carolannefisher1516]

Brilliant, Eric. Thank you. One of my favorite strategies to deal w/ white paper syndrome is to plan on doing each painting at least two times. The way I see it, each sheet of decent watercolor paper has two workable sides for a reason!

[@boubella11]

I watch for every one of your videos and have recommended your KZbin channel to my friends. What a great comfort that you deal with how we feel about our art! You hit the nail on the head and have given great tips for beginners on how to start at our own speed and not try to become like the masters all at once. Great teaching! Thank you!

[@nancystobel7093]

Excellent advice Eric. We all have to conquer the fear of failure and instead just appreciate the joy of splashing color around.

[@theresajones6088]

I find Eric the most interesting , and sympathetic tutor on U tube.

[@marybrowne3095]

Love Eric's way of teaching. It is encouraging and not intimidating, both while being valuable and informative.

[@doreenjohnson6012]

Actually Eric, some of those demos feel advanced because the host skips over so many parts. Of course, you can't see what they're doing. However, you hold nothing back. You speak clearly and decisively. The sign of a great teacher. Thank you for all you do. Peace

[@sanders26601]

Not a new painter, but have had to stop due to eye issues, but glad to be back and so much appreciate Eric's remarks and observances that are so very pertinent. Fear of white paper has always been a problem for me, but I am glad to hear a good painter like Eric, so knowledgeable, address this basic problem. Thanx again, Eric!

[@RockinRavenVA]

This was incredibly helpful. The level of instruction was just right - not too easy, not too hard. I'm working on my own version right now. Thank you, teacher Eric!

[@SabraPenley]

Thanks so much, Eric. This is so helpful. I am a beginner and I have heard so many artists say that if you practice on cheap paper, you're not really practicing. It is refreshing and encouraging to hear you say that it truly is helpful. I have not been trying to create paintings (just working on techniques), for I don't want to use my expensive paper until I feel I am ready. I have to work within my budget, so this video has motivated me to try out this painting on my Canson XL. Looking forward to trying it out tonight!

[@ELENAOttawa]

I always practice on cheap paper first, and have great progress on cotton because of it! Don’t listen to gatekeepers, they are just on a mission to put people down, to elevate themselves. But they’re absolutely wrong! I love Canson, Strathmore and Artists Loft to practice on.

[@dougmoore5222]

Eric, you have a great site. I am almost 80 and taking up watercolor for the first time. I have been painting in other media for years, but watercolor is very challenging and exciting. Your tips are very helpful and make this journey much easier. You are a ver talented young man, and can teach a old dog like me a lot of new tricks to help me be a better watercolor artist.

[@marylabrec2728]

I'm so happy to have things explained clearly. I'm starting to feel less intimidated with each video. Yay!

[@MrJimbelt]

I like the idea of letting one wash dry before adding another gives you time to reflect more on your painting. Some cheap papers I don't like but I do use cheap paper a lot and I've gotten some pretty good results.

[@doreenjohnson6012]

You're a funny and clever guy Eric. Thanks for the sarcasm and chuckles. A smile hides behind that serious face. 😎

[@simpleshoes]

Absolutely brilliant Eric, as always. This is some of the very best content on KZbin. 👍

[@Cafewatercolor]

Thank you, Karen! That means alot!

[@dulcieogilvie5786]

Yes.......very helpful knowing that you can go from step to step, planning as you go rather than rushing headlong!!

[@apedreus]

I don't want to waste this nice piece of paper - excellent. Another terrific vid - thanks Eric.

[@bardotte5757]

Thank you ! Now I know how to avoid the hard edges that were ruining my paintings. I am enjoying practicing these wet techniques too as they are relaxing.

[@melspheralondon]

After watching countless other videos on KZbin I stumbled upon yours. I have a watched a few of your videos and I am totally blown away! Every question I have you have the answer. I just wanted to thank you for sharing in a clear and concise way. 😊👊🏻

[@debrarozin9940]

Not sure why I just stumbled upon this video today, but it is spot on! I've been painting for a few years, but still really struggle at times. This simple composition and review is fantastic! More, please!

[@joeywang6182]

Thank you so much for those valuable advices for the beginner like me. My cheap paper dried up pretty fast and didn’t allow me to have the chance to have those soft or beautiful edges and it left the ugly water marks when I applied the next brush or color on it. At times I almost felt like giving up watercolor painting. I am glad that I came across this video of yours! 😃

[@naseememan]

For a beginner this is a great lessons, thanks for your clear lessons.

[@bk6131]

I am suffering the white paper syndrome until I noted my papers are degummed today..... Thanks so much for sharing the tips. It's really helpful to focus limited things for each wash!

[@maureendaunt8665]

Great tips. Thank you so much. I definitely needed to be reminded to keep it simple. I can draw complicated scenes but struggle to paint them. And I love the soft colours you use.

[@raymondli3173]

You said something very true about white paper syndrome which will always been there. We cannot eliminate it, but can reduce it by practical steps as your video mentioned. Psychologically, I am prepare to have wastage. If I brought a stack of good paper. I must prepare about 50% of my paintings will not be satisfactory. Hopefully, over time, I can progressively improve.

[@johndeyloff4473]

You do such a wonderful job of explaining the so-called “simple” aspects of watercolor! Many other artists assume that everyone already knows the basics or they skip past things that are “automatic” to them. I don’t seem to have “white paper syndrome”, I have almost the opposite. I always cover the whole paper too soon with too dark washes. I would love it if you could do a video with details of how to reserve more whites. Many videos say to do this by just painting around specific or random areas but I don’t seem to be able to do this! Many Thanks, stay safe and please keep creating your wonderful painting videos!

[@SuperMorula]

You make it look so easy! Such a light touch with your brush

[@karenjohnson6487]

Definitely a great video. Great for beginners and intermediate watercolorists as a reminder of the basics and keeping things simple. Thanks.

[@maritaadams5504]

Eric, You have given me courage to try and paint a beautiful sunset of my countryhouse. I will try!! Thank you . I enjoy your simple explanations. You make it simple, however I still sweat to do it correctly!!!

[@lindathaxton1994]

Rewatching beginning videos - even more helpful since I’ve done more painting. Your videos are timeless for me. Thank you again for sharing 🙏👍✌️

[@SuperMorula]

Oh Eric your videos are so good! I’m so glad to have found you! Only one thing I would say is, in my class I got frustrated by poor wash results and my teacher said it was because of the poor quality of my paper. When I pushed the boat out and got decent paper the results were better and it gave me more confidence.

[@Cafewatercolor]

Moira Stevenson thank you! cheaper paper are for practice :) and there are some decent cheap paper available as well. Look for Bao Hong watercolor paper on AliExpress!

[@golfcartsalberta383]

You are a good teacher! Love the simplicity of how you break things down.

[@brianpenner1623]

You are exceptional as a teacher and artist. You are low key but masterful. You inspire and explain. Not flashy but filling.

[@jeanfaure3616]

Thank you Eric for your advice being very helpfull. Controlling the amount of water and mixing paints .,allowing painting to dry before painting next layer . Greetings from Hermanus South Africa. Jean Faure- retired Urologist

[@robbalbrecht]

This is brilliant, Eric! Just started painting and didn't know why I have problems starting. Putting all these tips to work from now on.

[@salemdog100]

Thanks for posting all these instructional/process videos for us. I'm a total beginner at age 63, and only now have some time to explore watercolors (which have always intrigued me.) Your videos are practical, positive, and encouraging!

[@ematito6071]

I thought this was just in my head, drawing, writing, relationships all these white papers everywhere. 😂

[@xulingzhu3684]

What a great artist!

[@judwatkins9478]

This opens doors! Thank you, Eric. Well done.

[@sarrigayat6937]

Same feeling here. It takes time for me to start the painting even though the sketch is already completed.

[@smithavishwanath7218]

This is so good - the way you explain. I've watched several videos on KZbin. You are by far the best. Thank you!

[@arlenethomas2880]

I stumbled onto your videos just a few days ago. Wonderful! As a beginning watercolorist, I find your videos very approachable and inspiring. Thank you!

[@stephendraper403]

Thanks Eric, a really useful exercise to build confidence, which still has ‘real world’ application. Stephen D

[@michaelmcewan432]

Massive help thank you so much, great tutorial

[@brendaelkins402]

Thanks Eric.... I love your style, i find your tuition relaxing, your voice soothing and as a beginner gives me hope.

[@brucefrazeur3172]

Thank you Eric, I'm new to watercolor, and these short knowledgeable lessons are very helpful. :)

[@ashutoshjadhav5390]

Exactly what I was looking for as a beginner

[@mariamdraws3996]

Thank you, Eric. Love your tips. And your voice! Best wishes from Spain.

[@lindasherman8036]

You are an amazing teacher! Thank you for all your videos. The peace and presence you radiate are refreshing.

[@miryomroytenberg5982]

You are brilliant! And the best teacher……ever!

[@nancymelching7535]

Very helpful video! Especially the sky/clouds. Thank you.

[@susansumnerroberts9617]

Very helpful, Eric. Thank you so much for making this.

[@shedriver23]

Yes! To the point that I set up to paint only to walk away with the white paper untouched. So overwhelmed that I once again watch others paint and wonder can I still do it. Eric, this video content is fantastic! Oh, as for doing a practice painting on less expensive paper, well, that doesn't work for me simply because I'll start it with a mindset of freedom and end up with a great painting that I then try to redo on artist paper and it's never as good... so I guess tricking my piece of mind backfires on me. Gonna try this way now...yes, on good paper, I'd rather buy more than lose anymore great paintings. Thank for these vids.

[@Cafewatercolor]

Thank you :) Seem like asking people to use cheap paper is a bit controversial. However, I should clarify that cheap paper doesn't mean poor paper. There are some affordable paper that's not that expensive. I think I should do another video for it :)

[@65sunnyday]

Wonderful advice. Love the sky!

[@therupoe]

Good stuff, Eric! Glad your back!

[@Duffett65]

This video has been so helpful Eric, it's just about where I'm at on my watercolour journey; I now know what kind of images to choose to paint at this stage and really practice getting the washes right. Thank you so much!

[@katefarmerpallotta9710]

Thank you Eric. This so good for me. I think I can begin

[@karenmoss8810]

Thank you! Lots of good information. I like the simple demo.

[@kaygeenair]

Thank you very much for the wonderful explanation. Thank you.

[@gerriblundell5641]

Such a perfect video and painting to start of with -thank you - I must have a go at it now ... !

[@janetwhitney7432]

You are a very good teacher. Thank you.

[@darleenenelson2606]

You give really good instruction, very useful, encouraging.

[@leefangtan6731]

Very practical and you explained it well.

[@esthers5876]

Great tips and reminders to slow down and prepare. Thank you!

[@Cafewatercolor]

Thank you Esther! great to see you again! =)

[@susanhepburn6040]

Thank you so much, Eric. Very helpful.

[@kathleenhulburt7209]

Great video as always. I have learned so much from you. Thanks

[@glennathomas9435]

Love your kind words for beginners. And the simple instructions. Whether I’m successful at recreating the examples at least I feel I’m had clear demonstrations as to how it should work👍🤗

[@lidiagarcia5961]

True!! Thank you.

[@laradunwell2779]

Thanks for your calm and encouraging approach. Your beautiful voice makes a huge difference to how I am able to enjoy and benefit from your classes - you are a pleasure to listen to. I also enjoy the clear way you explain what you're doing, and your choice of subjects is inspiring. Thank you again :)

[@annoneil9385]

Thank you Eric, you are very nice as well as a good teacher.

[@Cafewatercolor]

Thank you =)

[@srt9580]

Amazing illustration Eric. Awesome thanks. Learnt a lot.

[@natlisan]

Another beautiful piece Eric!

[@elgoogernut]

Very informative and helpful, Eric. As always you are very clear and precise! Appreciate it and thanks!

[@JikiSeihin]

Practice on cheap paper. That was one I heard before I started learning watercolor, but the moment I tried a good expensive paper and saw how the outcome of blooms and thirstiness of the paper, haaard to go back! Loved these advises ... thank you Eric!

[@Cafewatercolor]

I agree, good paper gives a better experience. I do like some cheaper Chinese brand watercolor paper. They are good quality but also not as expensive as most western brand. Search Baohong in aliexpress, and you will be able to find some =)

[@moonlightgator541]

@@Cafewatercolor Many Russians using this paper.

[@annevanderwoude9319]

I really enjoyed it and thank you for showing me.

[@belindahall5220]

Great advice!

[@eks46]

You have a new subscriber, Eric. I really like how generously you share your expertise.

[@lahpaw6922]

I love it 😍😍😍 Master Water color Artist.

[@cindybtanner3974]

Very helpful. Thank you Eric.

[@heathergrote550]

I am so excited to actually get "started" tomorrow on this very painting exercise! I have been agonizing over getting started, and now I believe I can do this! Very good instruction and advice! I especially liked the tip that cheaper paper will move you to practice mode and remove pressure! I keep hearing that practice is what makes us better painters and I couldn't agree more.... God Bless you!!!

[@Scorpior77]

Wow, it’s really really really easy to understand & learning. Thank you Eric !

[@lesleykuhn8345]

You are an excellent teacher! Love your videos! Very helpful for me as I'm a newbie! Thanks

[@LGLRTV]

I enjoy ALL your videos! You are a wonderful artist and teacher. Thank you for sharing your talents with us.

[@ZOONG12345]

So glad to bump onto your video. Thx for the info, valuable!

[@marcoa.morales9297]

Very useful, always a clean explanation as a master class. Keep the good work, I’m learning a lot. Thanks!

[@suemills8834]

Love the tips Eric thank you. I am always worried about painting wet into wet over a previous painted area. Watching this has given me the confidence to know if is possible without disturbing the under layer. I struggle doing everything all at once and get overwhelmed so breaking it down into stages is great!

[@mangalaoak2738]

Great video!!!.Simply explained and very educational .Thank you.More like these please.

[@heatherrunge1970]

Another gem for beginners! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@annikaglavstedt5588]

Thank you so much for the tips and the beautiful demo! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼😍😍😍

[@rstallings69]

Great tutorial!

[@janenewman6601]

Great tracking video. Looking forward to more!

[@boopstoons]

Thank you Eric. I have learned much from you.

[@saleelarath_art]

Thank you Eric.. I had been struggling to find the right process to start a water colour painting. Now after watching your few videos l found.. yes.. this is it! (From India)

[@narenrai4884]

Thank you for the tips

[@rosiejohnson3330]

This video showed several foundational techniques that I didn’t know (e.g. adding elements layer by layer, u Varying brush strokes for interest, etc). Plus, you made it look doable for a beginner. Thank you

[@shedriver23]

Just signed up for your fast track...thanks for sharing your insights and beautifully executed works of art.

[@maxinewright1556]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@gisellemagalhaes9355]

Great information!

[@cfrates2703]

Thank you very much for this video. Your tips of preparing your washes first are calming my apprehension about "white paper syndrome". Thank you for explaining basic composition/layout as you go. So helpful.

[@nhm9568]

Thank you!