STOP! Don’t Abandon Watercolor - 10 secrets to succeeding with watercolor

[@rachelparkervarner]

Be sure to join my Patreon for free at www.patreon.com/rachelsstudio and my free Facebook group at fb.com/groups/rachelswatercolorworkshop. If you liked this video you'll LOVE a few of these - My 10 favorite paint colors - kzbin.info/www/bejne/j37QgpKvaMmVfac Rembrandt Windmill Principle - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn2rp5pmaNZ3sLc Watercolor Clock - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKrJpIuFrLJljM0 Water Control - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJyyeKidi96ha9E Color Theory Pop - kzbin.info/www/bejne/q32tgHyMndhqg9E Mind Blowing Charles Reid Tip - kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3OwdmqLibSDps0 www.rachelsstudio.com for prints, originals and visit my visual index to see all the tutorials I have available at www.rachelsstudio.com/patreonindex - it may take a while to load as I have close to 200!

[@cathyg8702]

Not only do you not suck, you are an exemplary teacher as well as artist. Thank you for being so generous with your time and skill.

[@rachelparkervarner]

@@cathyg8702 thank you so much Cathy!

[@connied8507]

I take a photo when I'm stuck. It's a fresh perspective that's portable and easy to get feedback from friends, relatives, neighbors, et al.

[@rachelparkervarner]

That is so true Connie! It's amazing how much I realize I need to adjust when I watch my video footage of a painting. I almost always find something that I can do to make it better.

[@surpriseitsus9622]

Great idea, I could look from a different perspective ❤

[@WolfenWorks]

Same

[@kokoslores9666]

That's exactly what I do! A photo shows me what the picture needs to be finished or if there is anything to be corrected.

[@carolschedler3832]

Interesting!

[@katele480]

You are exactly what I need. It’s so great for a beginner to be told you can scrub, you can lift, you can keep working on your painting etc. Much advice to beginners is quite negative - don’t overwork, avoid scrubbing, etc and you end up nervous so that if you make one mistake, you think the painting is ruined. I absolutely love your encouragement- thank you

[@rachelparkervarner]

@@katele480 I'm so glad to hear that and I can still relate. I've always heard 'don't mess with it after it's down' and since I'm self taught I thought I just paint wrong. Then I read the amazing artist Mary Whyte's book and discovered she scrubs. That gave me the realization that there is no right or wrong way to paint. Do what works for you. That will help you develop your own style!

[@kathleengarness1660]

Isn't Rachel a great teacher? Every time you do a painting it should teach you something. What I learned in art school is that you will paint 100 watercolors before you do one you like, and after 100 watercolors, I've found that's pretty accurate, so just keep at it! Also if I may add one thing, try small single exercises. If you can paint one small thing well, you can paint a lot of things well.

[@rachelparkervarner]

@@katele480 that warms my heart to hear. There are a zillion different ways to paint watercolor. There is no right or wrong way, but choose the way that works best for you!

[@barblallier9413]

What a great lesson, these are valuable tips and lessons! Great to know there us more than one way to paint! 🎉❤

[@barblallier9413]

​@@rachelparkervarnerscrub the snot out of Arches! 😂

[@rubyfisch5077]

The one thing I wished I would have learned when I first started watercolor was that you have to go through that 'ugly' stage to get to somewhere good. I threw out so many paintings because I gave up on them too soon. Thanks for all the tips. I love the sheep.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Yes I almost threw out this sheep, crazy!

[@barblallier9413]

Me too, she has such good tips! And does beautiful paintings!

[@barbiemathisart]

This is a really helpful video. The biggest mistake that a lot of my students make is that when the water puddles too much, instead of handling it like you did with tilting the paper and absorbing water on the edge with a brush, they start dabbing with a paper towel, or worse, scrubbing with the paper towel. I will show them this video! 😊🎨🖌👍🐑

[@rachelparkervarner]

Oh funny haha - sometimes I dab at it - it just depends on what I'm trying to accomplish. Hope to see you soon my friend!

[@barbiemathisart]

@@rachelparkervarner It's "more planned dabbing", haha...guess I do, too sometimes.

[@nancyloomis3046]

Love your sheep painting!❤️ I consider myself an intermediate to early advanced watercolorist. I'm highly intuitive and generally figure out how to get an effect or stroke that I need, plus I've watched hundreds of videos like yours on YT over a period of 6-8 years that have really assisted me in further developing myself as a fine artist. Even though I've taken a number of formal art classes over the years, there's always something we can learn from others and YT is one of the best places to do that...for free and/or through an artist's Patreon or other tutorial site. I think your explaining how to get the right intensity or mark type is very helpful for watercolorists who may think watercolor painting is too hard. (tea, milk, cream example is great!) I think watercolor painting is one of the easiest paint medias to master, if that's your goal, and it's also one of the most easy clean-up & ecologically friendly medias if you stay away from the cadmiums and cobalts and other pigments that come with caution(I use cads & cobalts, but no one has to with other safer colors that have been developed.) The really good news is that per ounce, it's one of the cheapest paints to use because a little goes a long way. And you can learn the basics with inexpensive student or even kids sets. Once you have more confidence and know you want to advance, there are lots of great artist grade sets to start with that won't break the bank! Thanks for sharing your knowledge & experience!

[@Photobyhart]

I’ve been so worried about the overworking that everyone talks about, your advice is very helpful

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm so glad!

[@Diane_McDon]

“Blot your heel” brilliant; haven’t heard this from thousands of YT tutorials I’ve watched 🎉

[@rachelparkervarner]

@@Diane_McDon I watch a lot of tutorials too so I'm always learning new things to share. I just tried panpastels this morning for the first time for example, after seeing another top watercolorist use them, can't remember who. But I'll share about it soon. I have to catch up with video editing after the holidays!

[@Diane_McDon]

@ Looking forward to it, I’m currently binge watching your back catalogue now! 👍

[@rachelparkervarner]

@Diane_McDon be sure to check out my binge list I pinned in the comments

[@janetm8902]

Great tips - thank you! The sheep is gorgeous!!!

[@rachelparkervarner]

You are so kind to say! I loved painting that little sheep.

[@lindagriffin7225]

This is one of the best videos for beginners! Thank you Rachel!

[@rachelparkervarner]

You're so welcome, I'm glad you found it helpful Linda!

[@michelleanne9530]

Thank you so very much!

[@rachelparkervarner]

@@michelleanne9530 my pleasure!

[@acornhomestead3575]

I love that sheep. I'm sorting of new (again) to watercolour and if I didn't have an assignment due Tuesday I'd give this a bash. I think it's stunning !

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Good luck with your studies!

[@snarkleparkle]

Thank you for so much encouragement!

[@carol_english]

thanks for the important info about paper qualities. Can you do a short video about papers? its not an area I’ve seen addressed and it’s critical.

[@rachelparkervarner]

@@carol_english That is a great idea. I will file it for a possible video!

[@Lalaland_lady]

Well, Rachel thank you for this extremely timely video. I’m working on a couple of big projects that I feel frustrated about and I definitely feel encouraged. Thank you again.

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm so glad you found it helpful!

[@susancook1617]

Thank you for the great tips, very informative. The painting is gorgeous. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@rachelparkervarner]

You are so welcome Susan!

[@barbiemathisart]

Yes! Most times, it's just not finished! Keep going!

[@dianawilliams1476]

When I clicked like, it went from 0 to 0 ! What’s up with that! This video is sincere and easy to understand!

[@rachelparkervarner]

@@dianawilliams1476 Haha well thanks for trying!

[@sherri1891]

I really enjoyed this - incredibly helpful - mindset, tips, perseverance and reaching out asking for advice - thank you!

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@mariondavis3444]

You had some excellent ideas thank you the one that I like the most was the hot and cold colors together. That’s the best understanding. I think I’ve ever heard.

[@rachelparkervarner]

I do want to do a video just on that topic soon Marion. Stay tuned!!

[@laurainel]

❤ thank you! This is a great video…it is like a little watercolour bible! Love it!❤❤❤

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@janemerves7682]

This was an excellent tutorial!❤

[@22GmaRocky]

Thank you for sharing this valuable information. When you’re watching people paint on KZbin or demos when they’re not really an actual tutorial and we see them finish third thing in a setting we sometimes think it’s all in one time when it probably isn’t like you say our first go to the first layer it’s just that and underpainting and now we have to do our details. I have definitely abandoned some paintings that I should’ve went back in.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Yes sometimes I go back to paintings many months later and do more to them!

[@barbarahenn-pander5872]

Stunning summary. New subscriber. Now to stop watching and start painting!!❤

[@rachelparkervarner]

@@barbarahenn-pander5872 I'm thrilled you enjoyed it so much Barbara!

[@kathylynn888]

Thank you! This is so helpful. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge! ❤

[@rachelparkervarner]

@@kathylynn888 my pleasure!

[@joanneferguson9297]

I was attracted to Don’t Abandon Watercolor. Thank you, I will try again.

[@rachelparkervarner]

It takes a bit of stubborn determination with watercolor, but it's an amazing medium and I still learn something new ALL the time!

[@rachelparkervarner]

That's why in my tutorials I don't shy away from showing me floundering about because for most artists I think that's a part of the creative process, painful as it may be. If you aren't having days where nothing works, you're not challenging yourself, and that means you're not growing. If it's hard, you're growing. If it's easy, you're stagnant - true with watercolor, true with life.

[@lword45]

Found this today and learned a lot of tips... one is putting the colors in a circle ... and .... leaving the tube beside it. Duh! I could never remember what colors I was using. LOL. Thanks for your channel. I'm diving in now to learn more.

[@rachelparkervarner]

After painting with pretty much the same colors for years you know what you're using!

[@dragonflylover1211]

New to you and your work and loved every minute of this video! Such great advice & you explained it perfectly while demonstrating the techniques. I'm self taught and find all these tips and tricks invaluable-Thank you so very much! I appreciate you 🙏♥️

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it - don't be a stranger!

[@TeriKozeluh]

Thank you for this video! It took me a long time to figure out on my own about under painting. It’s not mentioned much in tutorials.

[@rachelparkervarner]

That's true - when you do my start to finish tutorials you learn about underpainting a lot. My new free Christmas tree I just published today had a first layer I later almost completely covered up.

[@cindybohl9593]

Rachael you are such a great teacher! This is an awesome video…..in fact I need to watch it a couple more times until this info is ingrained in my brain. Such great information! In fact I want to show it to my watercolor group as there are a lot of new watercolor artists that struggle with most of these issues. Thanks again for another great video! I love your sheep watercolor….wreath and all.😁

[@rachelparkervarner]

@@cindybohl9593 Haha that durned wreath. Thank you so much and I appreciate your sharing my videos!!!

[@ritaobrien9093]

Thank you for all of these helpful tips! As a beginner, I like to keep growing and learning!

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm so glad you found them useful!

[@jennlizzy2019]

Thanks for the great tutorial. I learned alot.

[@rachelparkervarner]

@@jennlizzy2019 I'm so glad!

[@alicechampagne7091]

What an excellent description of all of the things that we all have done when we first learned to what a color paint! 😂 You explain what not to do in a positive, detailed manner. I’m going to share this with some of my friends.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thanks! I'm so glad you enjoyed it Alice and thank you for sharing!

[@loril9193]

Love the sheep! Great tips as I'm newish to watercolor. So detailed and insightful. I need more practice. Again, thanks for posting. New subscriber ❤

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you so much for subscribing and I hope to see you in my comments again soon : )

[@Valentina-Steinway]

Just subscribed ❤ Thank you Rachel…!

[@rachelparkervarner]

I appreciate it Valentina!

[@judyhaney716]

Very nice! Thank you!!!

[@Candid1ne]

Rachel oh my gosh, I’m new to you so I’ve definitely subscribed that beautiful holiday sheep was everything. I’m so glad you didn’t give up on it. I am a novice watercolor artist have been practicing for a year and a half and I’m in love with it the way you convey your expressions is something that is very collectible for me so I’m definitely gonna follow your lessons. Thank you for your work

[@rachelparkervarner]

I love sharing my passion with others and it's amazing to hear you're finding your voice in watercolor! Stay tuned because the video I'm editing today will go out in the next few days and builds on this video. Also, my last two videos share a lot along the same lines as this video. It's funny what the algorithm chooses to push! I do pack ALL of my videos with lots of tips.

[@joanneferguson9297]

Oh thank you for showing the paint in the pallet, all the advice. I subscribed!

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm so glad Joanne, and I hope to see you in my comments again. Happy painting!

[@spktme]

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing. I always learn so much from your videos. Thanks for sharing it's much appreciated!

[@rachelparkervarner]

@@spktme that truly makes me happy to see!

[@SueLeigh-pr8vy]

New subscriber who may never lift a brush but LOVE your advice, encouragement and works.😘

[@rachelparkervarner]

@@SueLeigh-pr8vy thank you so much for subscribing!

[@marionbik2022]

Very helpful. Thank you 🙏🏼🎨✨

[@rachelparkervarner]

You're welcome! I'm so glad you found it helpful Marion.

[@yunzers]

Excellent information. Thanks so much. You have such a beautiful studio!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thanks for the compliment! I love my studio, it's my happy place!

[@cadernodemoda]

Com certeza você não aborrece ninguém. Linda pintura e ótimas informações! Feliz Natal!

[@rachelparkervarner]

muito obrigado!

[@jennintransit8034]

Thank you for all this information! A lot of it was validating but that last tip about under/over working…yes! I can never understand what people mean by saying “overworking.” I think it is a myth, too.

[@rachelparkervarner]

I totally agree! There’s no wrong way, as long as you’re happy with the result! Stay tuned because the video I'm editing today will go out in the next few days and builds on this video. Also, my last two videos share a lot along the same lines as this video. It's funny what the algorithm chooses to push! I do pack ALL of my videos with lots of tips.

[@happypappy]

Thank you! So helpful and interesting! This is excellent! Exactly what I needed to hear!

[@rachelparkervarner]

@@happypappy I'm so glad!

[@paularmstrong2507]

Awesomeness. Thank you

[@rachelparkervarner]

You're welcome!

[@GaPeach2018]

Love your tutorials. They are very informative and direct.

[@rachelparkervarner]

@@GaPeach2018 thank you so much! I'll have a new one this weekend that's a similar style to this one

[@selinapeterson4859]

Thank you so much for this wonderful video and for sharing your thoughts and knowledge in such a warm and motivating way ❤

[@rachelparkervarner]

@@selinapeterson4859 it's my pleasure!

[@annewatman677]

I’ve been painting with watercolor for around 3 years now, and I’ve learned a lot. But, you had so many helpful reminders and tips here. I also notice that a lot of artists stop too soon, and that includes me! But, it’s always nice to know that someone like you runs into the same problem every so often. Thank goodness for KZbin and all of the other great resources for learning to paint with watercolor. ❤

[@rachelparkervarner]

Yes KZbin is so amazing to have as a resource, and it allows me to do what I love - share what I learn with others!

[@nellkrams3698]

Abandoned my watercolors…never! Get frustrated with them (or me)..frequently. I’ve learned so much from you over the years, and am still learning. With watercolors there is always something new to learn. I love when you post tips like this…it’s like a refresher course. I feel like I’d like to write all these tips down with a watercolor demo next to it to remember them all! After seeing this, I feel I should go back to your videos and look for more tips! As far as overworking a painting, I find I learn so much from this so that when I repaint this project, I know when to stop. Also, looking at it the next day with fresh eyes helps too. Keep these tips coming… I love them! Thank you!❤

[@rachelparkervarner]

My pleasure Nell! I'm working on a new even longer free video about painting a Christmas tree and I'm PACKING it with all my best tips I can think of, no holding back on any secrets. It will probably go live in the next few days so stay tuned!

[@junefrancis8452]

Thank you Rachel , Love your Christmas Tree Toturial.I will joining your group colorworkshop.Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year 🎉❤

[@rachelparkervarner]

@@junefrancis8452 thank you June, I look forward to seeing more of you online!

[@patricialeydet8771]

I’m so happy I found your page. I will learn so much from watching you. Thank you.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you Patricia! I'm working on a new even longer free video about painting a Christmas tree and I'm PACKING it with all my best tips I can think of, no holding back on any secrets. It will probably go live in the next few days so stay tuned!

[@patriciahorelick6450]

This is lovely and your tips are helpful!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you so much Patricia! My new video goes over more tips and I'll demo a few too!

[@rcdowding]

Thank you. An excellent tutorial.

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! My new one is more of the same!

[@anamarie8]

Beautiful artwork

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you so much Ana Marie!

[@YosemiteLee]

As per usual, some juicy tips here Rachel. My#1 issue with watercolor is looking down to paint aggravates an old neck injury. This is why most of my work is in oil or acrylic where I can be working eye level to my canvas on the easel. I still do small watercolors❤️ All the Best!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you Lee - that sucks about neck pain. I have fibromyalgia but can manage it for the most part by eating low carb.

[@jackiepousson6304]

Love your tips, very inspiring

[@rachelparkervarner]

@@jackiepousson6304 thank you Jackie!

[@donnacarraway9182]

Really good tutorial!! Thank you!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Glad it helped! Stay tuned because the video I'm editing today will go out in the next few days and builds on this video. Also, my last two videos share a lot along the same lines as this video. It's funny what the algorithm chooses to push! I do pack ALL of my videos with lots of tips.

[@kailand3056]

Thank you for a very helpful video - I’m a beginner and I appreciate these tips and tricks. Bless you and have a very Merry Christmas❤🎄

[@rachelparkervarner]

Merry Christmas!

[@cindyseverson2917]

Thank you!!❤

[@rachelparkervarner]

My pleasure Cindy!

[@sherrieallyn-b6p]

What a great video, instruction, and advice. Whatever you do or say, it's always valuable. I liked your commentary on underworking/overworking. It kind of made me think of the loose/tight "schools." I think in every watercolor page, there's always someone who says they're trying to loosen up. Usually it's the original poster who expresses that. Why is loose always everyone's pinnacle? Maybe it only seems to be the way it is. I think the loose/tight spectrum is just a part of one's style or what they are trying to achieve. I do not see one as being necessarily better than the other. Maybe that's something you could address in a video sometime if it's a subject that interests you. Thank you for all you do!

[@rachelparkervarner]

It is a good topic to discuss, why people want to be 'looser' often me included. I just love the work of people like Charles Reid so much, but I also love tighter work like that of Mary Whyte. Looser is harder usually, but it LOOKS effortless.

[@Angie-pl3uw]

Thank you. You have a new subscriber!

[@rachelparkervarner]

@@Angie-pl3uw Love to hear that and welcome Angie!

[@carolschedler3832]

Great topics Rachel - total newbie here - very helpful. (Subscribing now)

[@rachelparkervarner]

@@carolschedler3832 I honestly would like to hear more from you, my weakest area for teaching is beginner so if you can give me feedback what you need, that would be helpful. I'm working now on a new video - the 10 commandments of watercolor so stay tuned

[@lynxlady5355]

So helpful! Thank you.

[@rachelparkervarner]

You're welcome!

[@marenjeworowski9859]

Really enjoyed your video ❤

[@rachelparkervarner]

@@marenjeworowski9859 thank you Maren!

[@jackierobinson780]

Fantastic advice!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Glad it was helpful!

[@evahagemeyer9142]

I needed this

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm so glad Eva!

[@maryhull448]

Wonderful information really enjoyed watching this

[@rachelparkervarner]

Glad you enjoyed it Mary!

[@RebeccaYouhoo]

Beautiful Work....

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you so much Rebecca!

[@NMranchhand]

Great tips.

[@rachelparkervarner]

@@NMranchhand thank you! Do you have a ranch? I want a ranch. Haha.

[@lindathaxton1994]

Excellent lessons - extremely helpful for me! Thank you sooooo much 🙏

[@rachelparkervarner]

My pleasure Linda!

[@sheraaa9169]

Really helpful thank you

[@rachelparkervarner]

Glad it helped Shera!

[@angelikawerner6462]

Very helpful!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Glad it was helpful Angelika!

[@pottedferne]

Wow thank you 😊❤

[@rachelparkervarner]

You're welcome! 😊

[@chrissyplanteater2892]

Great tips thanks 🤩 love the painting ❤

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you Chrissy!

[@21ruevictorhugo]

Thank you so much! I love this video!

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@mthomas1800]

So inspiring!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Ahhh, my favorite thing to hear. I hope it gets you painting and playing a lot more!

[@pamelawilson2382]

You are such an excellent teacher. I have learned so much from your Patreon😊 Question? How do you test to be sure your painting is completely dry between layers? It seems I reactivate every time I think I am Layering?.. Thank you

[@rachelparkervarner]

@@pamelawilson2382 it should no longer be cool to the touch . I'm so glad you're enjoying my tutorials ❤🎨❤

[@michellehilty2300]

Do you sale your paintings ? I love your style!!!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Yes on rachelsstudio.com and on Etsy at www.etsy.com/shop/rachelsstudio Thank you so much!

[@carolewilliams6177]

Thanks for all your advice on this video, will any harsh brush scrubber do or does it have to be special for water colour?

[@rachelparkervarner]

@@carolewilliams6177 it depends on your paper but it can be any stiff brush. I use oil painting brushes a lot but they also make watercolor scrubbers

[@Chavez760]

Hello everyone, does the technique work with gouache?

[@rachelparkervarner]

Which one?

[@terrilikens4975]

I think this is your best video yet. Blotting the heel is my big takeaway. Well done!

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it Terri!

[@AFAskygoddess]

Sometimes, the biggest mistake is just the composition you choose. Your skills may be fine, but unlike oils or acrylics, you rarely can fix a bad composition.

[@rachelparkervarner]

@@AFAskygoddess I agree!

[@adricrespoabejamaya9298]

Subtítulos en español por favor

[@rachelparkervarner]

There should be, not sure why they are not working

[@BarbaraGoldsmith-q3x]

❤😊

[@Studioreneonline]

👍

[@rachelparkervarner]

: )

[@tassi8925]

My brother says, you stuck until you don’t, keep practicing!

[@rachelparkervarner]

True! It made a huge impression on me when I learned about a research study where they studied over a hundred super successful people and looked for a single trait they had in common, and they found it. Grit. Sticking to something no matter how many times you fail. When I started my KZbin channel I promised myself to have grit even when I was exhausted and wanted to give up. I committed to that for years, and it has paid off!

[@tassi8925]

thank you so much, I learn so much from your videos, your style is so beautiful

[@ΔεαΚ]

You forgot butter lol

[@mell3749]

you dont suck!! lol

[@rachelparkervarner]

@@mell3749 well that's a start haha!