4 Advanced Watercolor Techniques - 4 Tricks That Have Transformed my Art

[@laurierumery5085]

I’m new to your channel. I really appreciate that you pass on tips you have learned from other artists and that you give them credit. Because of you, I have subscribed to another artist’s channel and bought a book from an artist that you recommended. Neither of those artists would have reaped those benefits without your comments. So thank you for supporting other artists and thank you for making your videos. I’m learning from them and enjoying them!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Yay!! That makes me so happy! Artists unite!

[@agneshosni4787]

Totally agree. If we didn’t use these, schools like the impressionists, etc would not have developed

[@PatriciaGodboutArt]

Just adore your cats!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you!

[@eveeichner3627]

Great tutorial! Loved the iron table!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thanks so much! It was giving me the hives for a while!

[@ginistewart9636]

Love you sharing this!!! Thank you!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@PaintAndDrawTogether]

Great video for all who would like to learn watercolor painting. Thank you for sharing.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you!

[@cheralsquyresArt]

Thank you thank you!!

[@rachelparkervarner]

My pleasure!

[@emilymaness]

This is such a great video! It’s jammed packed with so many goodies! When you mentioned that some have complained that you refer to other artists I was perplexed and annoyed that some have done that to you! I am grateful that you share your sources and that you show humility by doing that as well. So I stand and applaud you!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you so much Emily - I really appreciate it!

[@alisonhendry2928]

I second this response. Also added an “ how dare they!?” In my head. Obviously closed minded. Nothing wrong with trying techniques or ideas from other artists. LOVED the Picasso reference 😂😂. One of my favourite teachers once said “ It has ALLL been done before you, so learn from it and just paint.” Thanks for being YOu and honest and sweet and funny and so giving with what you learn.

[@rachelparkervarner]

@@alisonhendry2928 It's definitely true it's all been done before, and we are so lucky to live in this age when it's so easy to share ideas!

[@YourYetHArt]

Your presentation is really helpful and the technique looks amazing.. Thank you for sharing your insights. Have a Blessed day.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you! You too!

[@marceybadillo1618]

Thank you for these tips

[@rachelparkervarner]

You are so welcome Marcey!

[@leuvaart4982]

Wonderful painting and valuable information!! Thank you so very much

[@rachelparkervarner]

My pleasure!

[@InLiquidColor]

Thanks for the mention, Rachel! I'm glad that you're enjoying all the different applications watercolor can offer!

[@rachelparkervarner]

My pleasure, and thank you for all your great content!

[@cielaquinada4291]

Brilliant. Some of the best techniques I've come across on KZbin. Thank you so much Rachel. And for those who feel you need to offer chastisement, as she so gently puts it, when you reach Perfection you may have gained the right to chastise someone. Otherwise, we should all stick to improving ourselves.

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm glad you enjoyed it and I just don't understand the mindset of people who chastise. I'm always more concerned with working on my own flaws than telling someone about theirs.

[@judychapin9027]

Love your art.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you!

[@exjw46]

Thanks for an inspiring video. Glad I found you.

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm so glad you found me too!

[@AnthonyAcriaradiocomix]

Think your peacock is gorgeous.

[@prachisingh7353]

I love how you give credit to every artist you have learnt from!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you : )

[@eleniphotos]

Thanks for the tips. Now I WANT a stencil! Never saw the need before. Sadie is so gorgeous! It pleases the cat-loving me.

[@zmaryellen]

Yes! I hate painting backgrounds. I don't even like thinking about painting backgrounds! Thank-you for this video. 😊

[@rachelparkervarner]

I agree, they are such a pain.

[@nobrainsnoheadache2434]

I have one of those tillandsias :)

[@teresajordao6634]

3 I really like this tutorial! thanks for the explanation 😍

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@rachelparkervarner]

My pleasure 💗🎨💗

[@sue6002]

Hi Rachel. New here. Tom Shepherd suggested you, so I came in for a visit. Wonderful video. Glad I found you. i’m not much of an animal subject painter, but I love watercolor. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos. Thanks for being here. 👩🏻‍🎨💕

[@rachelparkervarner]

Oh nice - Tom Shepherd is wonderful : ) Thanks for dropping in to say hi : )

[@redheadlady2]

Like so many…I absolutely loved all your tips🥰. Can’t wait to try them one by one…maybe RIGHT NOW‼️. Thank you, thank you🥂

[@rachelparkervarner]

Haha, so glad to have maybe motivated you!

[@wulfseig1864]

This video was in my feed so I watched. Thanks for all the tips and other artists suggestions. I watch the oil painter guy as well. One tip I learned and love came from Steve Mitchell at The Mind of Watercolor. He suggested to let the paint mix on the paper. Don't mix on the palette. It makes the painting have personality. I think the oil painter guy explained that tip as well. Anyway, thanks for sharing.

[@rachelparkervarner]

That is a fun way to paint, to let the paint mix on the paper and not the palette!

[@dottiekiley2171]

How about this…in art, we should respect everyone’s ideas and by sharing out, and giving credit, you are raising the artist to higher level. It’s a huge compliment I believe. Great video. Thank you.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you so much!

[@tomshepherdartist]

Awesome video Rachel! Thank you so much for the shoutout...such great info all round. And that James Gurney/Rembrandt insight changed my background painting completely (making it much easier ha!)

[@rachelparkervarner]

Yes it is really a game changer for me!

[@alisonhendry2928]

So glad two of my favourite tubers watch each other! It was really fun to hear Rachel praise you! I cheered!

[@judybreedlove5348]

You have the best tips and tricks.

[@rachelparkervarner]

I appreciate that!

[@sharondoan1447]

The techniques you learn from other artists are expanding my own understanding about how to manipulate the paint to get the effect I hope to achieve! This is wonderful! You have given full credit, and probably even more credit than necessary, to all the artists from whom you have learned/observed a technique.

[@rachelparkervarner]

It's a wonderful time to be alive to be able to learn from so many great artists!

[@jesstolley7193]

These tips were wonderful, the first three were ones that are new to me. Thank you so much for the video! I'm looking forward to trying these out in future paintings :)

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thanks for stopping by to comment and I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@katlynknowlden1969]

Thanks for sharing what you learn as you go! It makes me really feel more comfortable with the process of being a growing artist. Do you ever watch Louise de Masi? I think you would like her channel too.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Yes, I've learned a lot from her!

[@alisonhendry2928]

Yay For Louise! Breath of fresh funny air and excellent teacher.

[@nathalieheath5693]

Amazing content! Love the tips!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thanks so much!

[@rebeccavalicoff1581]

May I suggest you list the supplies you mention in the video.... Example line pen and white marker

[@chasingchrome]

I think the Rembrandt principle might add movement.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Yes!

[@carolratcliff]

Wow. How you used this stencil in reverse (with magic eraser) was so neat. It added so much to your squirrel background! Thanks for sharing and also crediting the artist you learned from.

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@alexgreenwood7001]

Fab, but to use all your supplies, I'd first I'd need to win the lottery! (I'll stick to sketching). x

[@rachelparkervarner]

Really? None of The supplies I mentioned are expensive. The most expensive supply you need for water color painting is paper and that does get expensive.

[@watercolorpour]

Thank you for sharing and I apologize to all who may find themselves buying one too many stencils! lol - but you can never have too many! Right? Love this video, especially the advice on backgrounds. Just subscribed to your channel and will check out the others to follow too. Thank you again, art is better shared! ❤

[@rachelparkervarner]

Oh fun to hear from you - thank you again for your watercolor channel - you deserve a ton of followers!

[@VictorianStudio]

Time to dig out my stash of Tim Holtz stencils - thank you Rachel! New subscriber here and now to catch up on your other videos!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you so much and I do hope you enjoy the rest of my videos.

[@raniyuna2930]

I use acrylics and I do this thing with tape too...but it's sometimes madness..😃 But thank you for method about light background on light parts and dark on dark parts. This I will try really.❤👍🏻🥰 Great video, thank you!❤

[@rachelparkervarner]

Ah yes, tape is fun to use with acrylics. I'm doing a few acrylic paintings now and I've been using squeegees to paint with, which of course I saw someone do somewhere on KZbin.

[@marionwigzell7334]

I really enjoyed your video Rachel, very informative. I love Tom Shepherd’s paintings too. Thanks for sharing (-: Marion 🐯

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@brenroseartsoul6713]

Beautiful artwork always! You inspire me throughout! Thank you so much for sharing your work 🙏

[@jawaharshetti2369]

Good information about painting! 🎉

[@solveigfrank]

Called contrast and colortheory oo

[@CastleMc]

The 4th tip-the idea of building a painting- was the first thing I learned in art school in the 1970s. I've recently started using watercolor for the first time and have been shocked to see that many watercolorists painstakingly finish sections at a time, even painting in details like the eyes of an animal before they have even applied pigment to the body. Obviously the medium makes a difference since watercolor is so immutable compared to other paints.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Yes, I can't work that way!

[@thewhitepebblestudio]

My studio is called Stealing brains....🤣 after the concept of Picasso...you are NEVER NEVER TO OLD TO LEARN.

[@shawnieleaf2277]

I don’t think that you’ve thought about the Picasso quote enough. “Good artist imitate, great artists steal. To steal is to make something your own. Great artists don’t just share other artists techniques; they take them, absorb them, and add their own markers on it to make it theirs (which is different than the imitation).

[@rachelparkervarner]

Yes so true!

Thanks for the tips. Is your cat a problem when you paint? I’m thinking of getting one.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Well, every cat is different. She's been a good studio companion! I would recommend getting a cat only if you are sure you can commit the time, resources and years of care a cat takes. For example, the biggest challenge is when I travel and finding someone to take care of her. It all takes $$$

[@krakentowa8727]

OMG....seeing you use that "Magic Eraser" on the stencil to lift out paint......brilliant. I'm definitely going to "steal" that!!!!!!!! Thanks!

[@barbara6204]

You can surely take inspiratiin from the good things of other artists. Why not? It is the bad things we should stay axay from!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Exactly Barbara!

[@Catherine-rt9un]

Every single time I watch one of your videos, I learn something and I’ve painted for 30 years in a more regimented style which is ok but not me. I love love love your free, loose style. I’m going to paint more in your style and free up my brain..😆. Wish I was your neighbor..

[@alisonhendry2928]

Fabulous! Love how you share your art learning journey! And I was so tickled when you mentioned Tom Shepherd and James Gurney! I have two of Gurney’s books and learn so much each time I open them, he is a GENIOUS! ( fabulous sense of humour too). I am going to explore that Rembrandt idea with more thought… and going shopping for stencils!!! Tried making my own a while back and exacto knives are just too scary… sharing with each other is a good part of being human. Thanks again!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Yes, I didn't want to mess with making it when there are so many wonderful ones available on the Internet

[@deborahfreshour5098]

I love watching you paint on your channel. Yes I paused you and ordered the Tim Holtz stencils to use in my watercolor. I have several in my stamping supplies , but never thought about using them in watercolor paintings.

[@rachelparkervarner]

They are perfect for watercolor!

[@jillp3761]

Your video and the tips from your experience and that of other artists is GREAT we need to share our experience there is so much to learn from others, not only in painting but life itself. Just a humourous comment ❤I think your lovely cat was slightly offended that you didn't pet her/him as she posed by your paintings 😊 I am a cat lover from WAY back

[@rachelscottart6908]

I have the James Gurney book Color & Light - my daughter bought it for me having got a copy for herself (she's an animation studnet). His videos & his immense knowledge of colour theory is mind boggling! I LOVE the tips in this video, I think the stencilling one is my favourite - thank you!

[@rachelparkervarner]

He's amazing! Thank you for commenting : )

[@viviandibrell849]

Oh Rachel! These are great! I have always admired John Lovetts paintings where he uses a lot of white which would go along with what you were showing scrubbing out or using white to make lost edges! And scribbling! That is brilliant! So far I have only used Circle stencils to rub out white spots to make a bokeh backgrounds but using patterned stencils would be so much fun. Did you spray the back of your stencil with tacky spray? Thank you thank you thank you this was a wonderful video. By the way Ellen Crimi-Trent taught me to spatter with white acrylic ink on a wet in wet background before it gets too dry. It makes a wonderful ethereal soft edge sparkles.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Yes I love Ellen Crimi-Trent too and have mentioned her in past videos. I love her video where she painted the red poinsettas then scrubbed them back out which is right up my alley!

[@greekveteran2715]

I came here because I love cuts and drawing/painting!!!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Happy New Year!

[@yeespace17]

Great tutorial 😃🌸🌼🌹. Thank you for sharing 😊.

[@rachelparkervarner]

My pleasure!

[@ArtistChic-sc4xy]

I love your shared stencil conept! Thankyou for sharing things you have learned. I also enjoy following James Gurney and Paint Coach. In my view, artists are perpetual students, continuously honing their craft and drawing inspiration from the world, regardless of their level-be it beginner, emerging, or seasoned professional. Much like Pablo Picasso, I believe in pushing boundaries and embracing experimentation as pathways to artistic growth and gaining fresh perspectives.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Well said and I agree!

[@StorytellingHeadshots]

Good video. Small note though: Isn’t the you tuber you referred to as “The Art Coach” actually called “The Paint Coach?” I could be wrong, maybe there is one of each. But the Paint Coach matched your description of an Oil painter who nevertheless has a lot of good tips that apply to watercolour and other painting media. Good for you making this great video! You do lovely work, btw!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Yes you are right! I linked his channel in the description so at least I got that part right lol

[@Centannicocktails]

YOu are so nice and talented! Thank you so much! I lost me way since I had to move 7 months ago. I am just coming back now. I am self taught on Watercolor, it always baffled me and scared me! THANK YOU!! !!!!! xoxo

[@rachelparkervarner]

My pleasure! A move can definitely throw your routine into a crazy loop!

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

Excellent tips...thank you...but push pull method will become a habit...which basically I think is not a good one..why? Because you are not clear from the beginning the colours or values .you just start then start playing. It can get muddy sometimes. Also in watercolour you can't push pull so much like oils. I do both media. This method is mentioned by Paint coach Chris fontario excellent teacher...I always follow.

[@rachelparkervarner]

That is a really good point but it's just what works best for me.

[@joykruczay]

Thanks for the links; Tom Shepherd is one of my faves! I forgot to ask with my last comment about a KZbin site you called "Art Coach". Is that "Paint Coach"? I found that site, but maybe I heard you wrong.

[@rachelparkervarner]

I think it's Paint Coach actually

[@kathiegettinger8374]

Thank you! I never thought of using stencils before… LOVE that idea!! 😉👏👏

[@rachelparkervarner]

I can't wait to play with them more!

[@earthrooster1969]

Valuable! So valuable... I already watched some of the artists you mention here and its great that you all bring their ideas into one bouquet 💐.. Thank You...❤

[@rachelparkervarner]

My pleasure!

[@bjgoels1]

I have never used stencils for the background, but I have used the texture of paper towel for effect fairly successfully. Most paper towel has an embossed pattern of some sort. Paint your background. Then, while the paint is still wet, carefully lay a paper towel over the wet paint and gently press on it (I use a flat hand rather than finger tips). Carefully lift the paper towel off again and, voila! You have a discreet background texture. I have also used plastic doilies.

[@rachelparkervarner]

That's such a great idea! I'll definitely try it 💗🎨💗

[@paulinetluong]

This was so helpful and informative. I only know how to paint very stiff and realistic, a very slow process. With all the tips you've given I see how to loosen up, paint faster, incorporate interesting textures, and work the painting, not let it work me. Thanks so much!

[@rachelparkervarner]

That makes me so happy to hear!

[@garymcguire8529]

Why don't you make your own stencils? You are obviously talented enough to do so. A stencil for each painting would avoid repetition if viewed in gallery exhibition. It would also give you a great catalogue of grasses, plants, flowers and fungi to choose from.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Haha great idea but I just don't make the time I suppose. I have made tree stencils on illustration board before though.

[@luckyhiker3434]

Very good presentation. 1st visit this morning as recommended by Tom Shepard. Thanks for your efforts to help the community grow. Robt

[@rachelparkervarner]

Much appreciated!

[@isabeltipple9942]

Thank you very much Rachel - very inspiring. I’ve been using soft pastels for a while now and neglected my watercolour painting but you have given me the confidence to have another go....👍

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm so glad to hear that! I'd love to try soft pastels too but there's only so much time in the day!

[@sherrieleslie7478]

Thank you for the info. So great!💙

[@GardenGnome_Australia]

Wow, these are million dollar tips there, I'm so grateful I found you, love from Australia

[@rachelparkervarner]

Glad it was helpful! I like to garden too btw! I have a garden channel that I rarely upload to but hope to more this summer at garden4parker

[@abigailhannah3421]

I feel like the 4th technique is a lot like using watercolor pencils. I love your paintings

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you! I haven't played with watercolor pencils much but they seem to be popular

[@PatriciaGodboutArt]

Artists should support not chastise. Stealing is a word I don’t like but I get we are all inspired and like to borrow from others but as you say give the credit to the original creator. “There is truly nothing new under the sun”. All we can do is lend our own interpretation. Is that what you meant?

[@rachelparkervarner]

exactly ; )

[@maryannnewton4240]

Excellent point. Your methods are just the most worthy. Bringing in other artists ideas to teach blows my mind.

[@rachelparkervarner]

That's how artists grow and develop!

[@MixedMediaCraftsbyDiane]

I just found your channel. Thank you for all the wonderful tips. I am very new to watercolor and just learning.

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm so happy you're here! Watercolor will take you on all kinds of adventures!

[@karenhoward303]

Keep sharing those ideas, Rachel, some of us understand what you are doing. For heavens sake..

[@rachelparkervarner]

Haha will do : )

[@thewhitepebblestudio]

Immediate new subscriber on your channel, Tom & James! Mhwa.

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm so glad to have you : )

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

Rachel...your style in watercolour see this medium very innovatively 🙏

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Beencouraged777]

Your paintings are more beautiful than the original pictures. I would love to be able to paint like this.

[@rachelparkervarner]

You can, you just have to put miles on the brush and learn learn learn! I still learn something new about watercolor every day!

[@TiffanyPoirier]

Wonderful tips! Thank you!🌈💐

[@rachelparkervarner]

My pleasure 💗🎨💗

[@marceybadillo1618]

Awesome new watercolor techniques that aren’t a rehash of other artists info, thank you 😊

[@rachelparkervarner]

My pleasure!

[@donnaeturner]

Thank you so much this video is really helpful!

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it Donna!

[@sunilkulkarni9620]

Very nice mam 👌 Which white colour you are using?

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm not sure, do you mean my white gouache - that's zinc white

[@polgara28]

Great tips! John Lovett is one of the best! Thanks so much.

[@rachelparkervarner]

I agree, I love his work

[@palnagok1720]

Kitty is wagging its tail...maybe it's a bit bored you're not paying it attention

[@rachelparkervarner]

Yes, you definitely understand her 💗🐈💗

[@sandirodman6756]

Wow! What a wonderful group of lessons!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you!

[@hummerlady54]

Great ideas! Thank you for sharing!

[@rachelparkervarner]

You are so welcome!

[@franjames4086]

Great Hints/Tricks! thank you

[@rachelparkervarner]

My pleasure!

[@rmuller366]

Well, well, well! How fun is it that after watching this video I discovered I already use 3 of the 4 advanced techniques. The only 1 missing is the Rembrandt principle. I must say though I do not consider myself advanced at all. I think I’m around intermediate somewhere. I’ve been scribbling from day one having seen Alphonso Dunn do it on his drawing channel. Today, I painted a beach using a stencil brush and the texture came out awesome. I don’t use the stencils themselves though, but I’m not against it. Scrubbing I’ve also been doing for awhile, however I haven’t tried the tape yet. Thanks so much for all the great tips as always Rachel. Blessings to you and for all you do.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you for taking the time to comment! Happy painting : )

[@donnaobrien6259]

Great tips. Thank you.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Glad it was helpful!

[@amps8687]

Thank you so very much for this!

[@rachelparkervarner]

My pleasure!

[@jeannetteantry1086]

Great tips! Especially the background insight and using stencils. You are a very talented and amazing artist. Thanks for sharing and for all this wonderful inspiration and insight.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you so much!

[@Horsewoman-pt2ku]

Great tips with good explanations. Lov ur paintings. Also there is nothing new under the sun. Meaning what you think one artist did first was already done by someone else. No judging to those judgy judges.

[@rachelparkervarner]

haha the judgy judges. Not a cute look you judgy judges ; )

[@staciecampbell5078]

LOVE the stencil idea!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you!

[@fiendeceuninck8705]

Scott also always uses stencils, but I find that they cost pretty much here

[@rachelparkervarner]

They are fun to play with! Some people make their own. Of course there are youtube videos about that!

[@fiendeceuninck8705]

@rachelsstudiodotcom thank you for the info 😊 I'll have to wait till the summer vacation because this semester is a lot of courses and tasks and labo's etc (I think it's called college in english; the one after highscool i think 😅; anyways, a lot of work)

[@papillondogs4297]

Great tips!! About sharing tips - There are no rules in art! You do you and if you share tips, no matter where they came from, all the better! Thanks so much!

[@rachelparkervarner]

So true!

[@donatfairs204]

Agreed with your thoughts on using ideas , techniques and subject matter to create and experiment various types of art work.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you! It's what we artists do!

[@imhorsenaround]

Thank you for being a good person and giving credit to others. Artists are supposed to learn from other artists - that makes all of us better. And why re-invent the wheel if you can skip ahead and learn how someone else did something. The the stenciled flowers are so adorable in the squirrel painting and that gives the idea that if someone wanted to they could do something similar with a brush.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you so much! When I use a stencil, I often also go back and augment the stencil marks with a brush, to make them pop even more!

[@natlisan]

Great video Rachel! A lot of the tips and tricks you mentioned I was already using with out even being aware of it!!!😉 So...interesting how intuitive watercolour painting is!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you and I recognize you from Facebook so I just sent you a friend request : )

[@danielleb.7055]

Thank you for all of these tips andtricks! I'm a super beginner and I always want to learn and improve my drawing and then painting. I do believe that people should share their knowledge with others as it can help and push people to try new things and maybe how to problem solve some issues they may have ran into during a painting or just if they're playing around. Thanks so much and have a great day!!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you for commenting and I agree, painting can really also teach you great problem solving skills!

[@fixieZfixation]

Look up checkering

[@rachelparkervarner]

Watercolor checkering?

[@maryannterwey3404]

Excellent video-I learned so much. Love your style of teaching and love your paintings. Keep up the excellent work.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you so much!