Struggling to Learn These 5 Advanced Charles Reid Watercolor Techniques

Join me on my journey about how to paint loose splashy colorful butterflies in the style of the late great Charles Reid.
Charles Reid's books I LOVE:
amzn.to/3OzO3AE - Watercolor Basics - (this is the book where I found these 5 techniques)
amzn.to/3rPIULW - Flowers - I own this and can't wait to read this next
amzn.to/3DzRDEw - Portraits with Charles Reid - I've been reading this too. SO good. DO NOT pay more than $20 - there are used books on amazon, I think I paid $15. Search around in this link and you'll find cheaper options!!!
amzn.to/3QibdN7 This is the first Charles Reid book I owned. I love it like an old friend.
If you are a beginner and want to paint dreamy yet realistic animals (and sometimes other things) here are some of my thoughts for you... / 82080110
If you would like to try out a free sample tutorial of how I teach go to www.rachelsstudio.com/beginnerbunny for a start to finish tutorial - I promise not to spam you!
If you're interested in learning watercolor from me more closely, join me on Patreon at / rachelsstudio or buy individual tutorials at www.rachelsstudio.com/watercolortutorials or join my KZbin membership at / @rachelparkervarner
My Patreon has the most extensive collection of tutorials and is a great deal because you get access to most ($8) or all ($13) of them when you join! I'm still building my collections on KZbin, although I have a lot available to that membership as well.
Join my community of watercolor artists on fb at / rachelswatercolorworkshop to share your work, get feedback about your paintings and enjoy seeing others' art too!
***************Free Stuff***************
Full Length, Patreon Style Black Cat watercolor painting Tutorial with Traceable, Free to the Public!
• How to Paint a Wet in ...
For free downloads, visit these pages, join as a member for free, and then access get access to…
www.rachelsstudio.com/pumpkins
www.rachelsstudio.com/santa
www.rachelsstudio.com/houdini
www.rachelsstu...
www.rachelsstu...
My favorite supplies(contain affiliate links and I make a small commission when you purchase something):
My favorite shirt to paint in, lounge in, eat out in - it has a built in bra and I LOVE it! shrsl.com/41may
Paint Puck - bit.ly/3ktdbcl
PAPER
Hippie Crafter Paper - tinyurl.com/29...
140 lb Cold Press Arches Watercolor Paper - bit.ly/38CA8r8
Fluid Cold Press Watercolor Paper - (Cheaper Option for paper) - bit.ly/39wUVwN
PAINT
M Graham Napthol Red - bit.ly/3OPm667
Winsor & Newton Colors... - Burnt Sienna - Cobalt Blue - Ultramarine Blue - Winsor Violet - Green Gold - bit.ly/3LvzJFb
Daniel Smith Colors: -DS Lamp Black - DS Holbein Aureolin - Daniel Smith Permanent Green Light - bit.ly/3y3FqGF
Wisp brush set - amzn.to/2MMbw4A
Silver black velvet brushes - I bought the set of three with the 3/4 oval.
bit.ly/3F00wHi
Asian Sumi Hake Brush Set - bit.ly/3OMIWv3
Scrubber Brushes- bit.ly/3rXGt7h
Princeton Velvetouch Size 4 Long Round - bit.ly/3s1BWRl
Winsor & Newton Masking Fluid - bit.ly/3vWq8Rk
Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen in Black bit.ly/3vtHrKw
White Gel Pen- bit.ly/3s4lfol
Kemper Fluid Writing Pen - tinyurl.com/27...
I've also been using Holbein Soft Tape from Holbein. I have found if I leave this tape on my paper too long, it leave sticky residue. Otherwise, I LOVE it! bit.ly/3OMGJ2J
Elmer's Foam Board -. bit.ly/3F9v0qv
Pallette - bit.ly/3F0DGzk
Micron Archival Pens - Micron archival pens - tinyurl.com/4w...
Dot or Splat Spray Bottles -Stampendous has one at bit.ly/3MFyWlj but I haven't tried that one yet. www.artacademy... You have to scroll down and look for 'dot bottles'
everettswaterc... also has dot spray bottles. I think I like these a LITTLE better than the Tom Lynch ones.
Makeup Organizer I use to store art supplies - amzn.to/3cnam9D
Storage Bench for Art Supplies - amzn.to/32IJCdU
Gel Floor Mat amzn.to/3wyIF5X
5 inch Squeegee - amzn.to/2RjVzEE
Credit Card sized squeegee - amzn.to/3uvV88w
Samsung Galaxy - I use a Galaxy to film most of my videos! amzn.to/2IBXL5Y
SanDisk Storage for all my footage! amzn.to/3tZUYpe
Epson Surecolor P900 Printer - amzn.to/2UoSvFs
Epson Velvet Paper - (paper I use for prints) amzn.to/2K3eNKV
rachelsstudio.com
rachelsstudiodotcom (friend me! This is where I post the most)
rachels_studio
Instagram at rachelsstudiodotcom

[@10mileroadie]

wow! you do beautiful work! I have done some similar pieces, and am a self-taught Charles Reid fan. I didn't know he'd passed. he sure was a down-to-earth gentleman, and loved his family!

[@rachelparkervarner]

@@10mileroadie his family maintains an Instagram account where they post one of his paintings daily

[@pattiwilkinson6753]

I like some splatters too…very fun and freeing!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Yes, I love their energy.

[@charlenewilson9860]

Thank you, thank you for showing how to get the watery look especially on the flowers. I'm too detailed and want that watery, loose look.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Yes me too and I couldn't find any tutorials on it, so now we have a tutorial on this haha

[@JustDustyB]

Thank you for showing what it's really like! 😂 You're awesome!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you Dusty!

[@schnook-in-boots1027]

I haven't finished this vid yet, but have to comment and commend you on "keeping it real".....the frustration! The failures! Not getting the outcome of what is in your head! The doubt! YES! Thank you keep on "keepin' on" because while I'm dealing with a traumatic event in my life and cannot paint anymore......you are giving me the determination to sit down today and just "try" and not expect much. I look around my house and see my paintings on the wall and know that once upon a time I could do it....why am I creating such bad art when I tried the other day??? I am working through my grief and I guess it's a process. Not going to give up.

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm so sorry to hear that you are grieving. I hope you take good care of yourself and are gently with yourself! I hope you continue to feel better and better. When I first started painting on camera everything came out so badly and I felt like I had lost my ability to paint too.

[@ankejacobs4649]

I hope you’re okay… I also stopped painting for a long time and was disappointed when I started again. I guess I expected to still be at the same level, even sketching was so hard. I’m also determined to keep going so I might do a little study that I like and that makes me happy. Take care 🌸

[@schnukele]

@@ankejacobs4649 Definitely get back up on the pony! I'm working on my second piece at the moment and I'm having a whole different attitude. Not fearing it anymore and soothing myself with the mantra.... it's just a piece of paper. No one has to see it. An art friend recommended that I just draw big circles and drop paint in and be satisfied with how it mixes. It's good advice for sure.

[@ankejacobs4649]

Great! I’m happy ❤️

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

I had been an oil painter many years ago. When i retired i wanted to paint again but not in the controled manner that i was using oil. The idea of a more painterly approach was what i wanted. I wanted something with a bit of a mind of its own. So i started watching watercolor tutorials on you tube, but many were reviews of watercolor supplies and i bought and bought. I swatched and swatched. But not painting. I sincerely hope i have some time now to actually paint, health willing. Beautiful painting and you are very easy to understand which makes you a great teacher. Thank you.

[@rachelparkervarner]

I hope you are able to get in some painting too and that your health cooperates with you!

[@tamasurusrex]

You just blew my mind… water masking?!!? LOVE IT. THANKYOU!!!

[@rachelparkervarner]

You are so welcome!

[@marybatich8834]

Hello Rachel, You are gifted in so many ways...art, teaching, humor. I derive so much from your vidoes. Thanks! AND BTW I loved your fails as well as your passes...I do think beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and maybe you should try seeling some of what you consider fails. I have done so and was so supised that not only did they sell but the comments and what others saw in my fails led me to believe I am not the best judge of my work.. To Critiacal of my own self. You give amazing inspirtaionl videos..

[@rachelparkervarner]

I think on some levels, to continue to improve, an artist has to be hard on there work, otherwise, they wouldn't progress! I'm so glad you're enjoying my videos Mary!

[@monicaj3023]

Love to see the advanced techniques !

[@annemorgan2928]

This video is so exciting Love the technique. Thanks for sharing. 🇨🇦

[@rachelparkervarner]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@WhoaBasil]

I always learn from you. Thank you!

[@sylphofthewildwoods5518]

This is great Rachel! Thank you!

[@rachelparkervarner]

My pleasure!

[@Belcih]

Beautiful, thank you very much for sharing these amazing techniques

[@rachelparkervarner]

My pleasure!

[@peggyparsons5003]

Inspired to give it a go.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Practice practice practice is the key. Thanks for watching Peggy!

[@M0odyBlue]

Congrats 🍾🎉 on your watercolor achievements and milestones! Thanks also for showing us the “uglies.” We all have them and your not giving up is important.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you so much!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Charles Reid's books I LOVE: amzn.to/3OzO3AE - Watercolor Basics - (this is the book where I found these 5 techniques) amzn.to/3rPIULW - Flowers - I own this and can't wait to read this next amzn.to/3DzRDEw - Portraits with Charles Reid - I've been reading this too. SO good. DO NOT pay more than $20 - there are used books on amazon, I think I paid $15. Search around in this link and you'll find cheaper options!!! amzn.to/3QibdN7 This is the first Charles Reid book I owned. I love it like an old friend. Join my free Facebook group at fb.com/groups/rachelswatercolorworkshop This butterfly isn't up yet but I did one a few weeks ago on my Patreon that is on the $13 tier or you can purchase it as a stand alone tutorial at www.rachelsstudio.com/tutorials Look and see what tutorials I have on my Patreon at www.rachelsstudio.com/patreonindex I'm experimenting a new way to manage my tutorials by offering them at the beginning at lower tiers, either $5 or $8 and then 'graduating' them to higher tiers after a few weeks. That way, my lower paid members get access to more tutorials and my long time subscribers get more value when they stay subscribed and don't miss out on anything I do. So if you get on my Patreon and then jump back off after a month you might miss out!

[@mikelkirby2791]

I appreciated your explanation of a "very loose" watercolor style. I "do" usually more "interpretive-realism", This will be a fun challenge for me because I "control" my watercolor placement more. And I really like your results including the "uglies".

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm glad you enjoyed it Mike!

[@crystalheart9]

Lovely technique, thank you for demonstrating and explaining it.🥰

[@rachelparkervarner]

My pleasure!

[@MsKat444]

I was really inspired by this and love the techniques you are sharing! They are stunning!! Thank you!!!

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm so glad to hear that. I've been working very hard, studying and experimenting to try these new approaches.

[@alexabkelly]

Wow! So many amazing tips and tricks in this video!! Exactly what I was looking for

[@rachelparkervarner]

Glad it was helpful Alexa!

[@tpw9099]

I love your stuff u r such a great teacher thank u for Sharing what u learn

[@rachelparkervarner]

You're welcome 😊You might enjoy my Beginners playlist at kzbin.info/aero/PLk8QfRJaMFF2GmPlBBVxrvF6b4FFAqCy4

[@meridadiane]

Such a fun video 🎉

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you so much! I'm having fun experimenting!

[@teresajordao6634]

Thanks for this beautiful vídeo. I learn so much with you!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you Teresa for always commenting. It means so much to me!

[@joykruczay]

What I love most about these techniques is the fresh quality that is achieved. I was just re-visiting "How to Make a Watercolor Paint Itself" by Nita Engle, and she also uses water droplets as mask. You likely have her book, which I highly recommend. It is shocking how one can look at a previously read book and learn so much the second time around, due to ones cumulative painting experience.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Yes I definitely need to read that again!

[@eleniphotos]

Thanks as always! Good to see you uglies. grateful! I feel like I make a lot of uglies & occasional "wows". Very instructive!

[@user-ti6bq5lt8h]

Hi Rachel, thank you so much for sharing your artwork and techniques with us. As far as making mistakes goes, if we never do this we never learn anything both as artists and human beings. I would like to share with you my idea of where you might be going “wrong” with your butterflies if I may. I just want to add that this is just my idea, and I am very aware that it is easy as an observer looking in to make comments on other peoples work when you might be prone to making the same possible errors yourself. I say possible errors, as not all so called mistakes are bad! I believe that you may be over painting your butterflies and loosening your light and dark values. I think you should maybe try leaving more white or very light areas in any future butterflies you paint. As far as the butterflies you have already painted that you don’t like, have you tried “lifting out”? This may or not work depending on whether you have used staining paints or not, but if you really don’t like the paintings that much you have nothing to loose. Best wishes, Sam xxx

[@rachelparkervarner]

I use lifting in every painting I do. Thank you for your thoughts! I definitely battle with getting too dark and heavy.

[@natashafranz5463]

Love your videos and😮 great information ❤. I have been practicing loose painting. Its funny because I find trying to paint loose most of the time makes my butt pinch tighter. It's a process of relaxing with the paint and trying not to over think. Thank you so much for showing your fails along with your successes! You are an wonderful teacher 🥰.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Gotta love that watercolor pinchy butt 😂😋😆

[@mimvanwinkle1008]

How exciting!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you!

[@suel4269]

Just had 2 Aha moments from your video. My paint is drying too fast and unevenly and it’s probably because I’m dabbing. Also I didn’t understand to use use hard and soft edges, until now. 🎉

[@caroletraynor8763]

I would try different watercolour paper and do the same technique by painting the same subject on the different paper.

[@rachelparkervarner]

I normally paint on cold press, but hot press is the way to go to get these effects! Clayboard might be fun too.

[@barbarastephens2890]

How do I join your patreon group? I love your style. I am a pre- beginner!😵‍💫

[@rachelparkervarner]

I would encourage you to read this first... www.patreon.com/posts/my-thoughts-for-82080110 Also come join my free Facebook group!

[@beckymellon8135]

❤❤❤

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you Mary Lou!

[@lyndaj9141]

This was really neat! Which Reid book are you referencing?

[@rachelparkervarner]

The Watercolor Basics one. So good!

[@suel4269]

When you point to the corner and say you linked a video there , nothing is there. I’ve noticed that with other channels and it started happening about 2 yrs ago.

[@schnook-in-boots1027]

Just me again.... Check out some interesting artists such as Sumiyo Toribe. She does such loose and lovely landscapes often in a large size or 3-panel (triptyche) and makes it look effortless (cough, cough). Her clips are short (mostly under 10 minutes) but inspiring. Another artist I ran across is Marci Mason, but only a limited sample of her work posted by Monroeville Public Library. She has a butterfly painting that is intriguing (it seems detailed but it's not. Love how she explained about hard lines and blurring). The video is long (over an hour and a half --- but I skip to the painting parts and increase the speed). She creates a lot of her background with cling wrap and salt effects and water splashes. Can find it under Watercolor Made Easy by Marci Mason: Butterfly. You have all this experience so I'm sure you'll catch on quickly and might try some of the techniques along your journey. Me? Kind of a beginner and occasional painter so it's hard to replicate the techniques successfully and stay loose. My mind gets tripped up on details. LOL.

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'll definitely check out those artists! Just keep working on your painting, you'll get there!

[@laurengilliland8355]

👍🌺🦋

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you Lauren!

[@dianecharest8365]

I am soooooo far behind you, but maybe the dark line on top of the wing should be a broken line.

[@rachelparkervarner]

I think so too about that black edge!

[@dbandia]

Your art is so beautiful and you have so much helpful information to share - but every time that ding goes off my teeth vibrate entirely unpleasantly. I hate to miss the good info, but gonna have to unsub. I'm probably the only one, so it's not that big a deal.

[@ClairBremnerArt]

😂 I’m glad someone else mentioned this. I totally agree. I love the tips but the ding sound is a bit much

[@rachelparkervarner]

Oh no! I've never used the dings, I thought they would help highlight the main points - I tend to tune out when things get too longwinded so I was experimenting at adding a little interest. I'll definitely take this feedback into consideration and not be too over dingy next time!

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'll try not to be such a dingbat next time haha

[@ArtorLifeTorB]

Gorgeous, amazing, so beautiful painting 🎨👏👏👏👏🌺🍀🌼👍

[@diannaa5631]

I enjoyed watching you but sigh...I'm a perfectionist and I just can't paint loose

[@rachelparkervarner]

Dianna - if it's any consolation it's much harder for me to paint loose than tight but I'm stubborn despite many more failures than successes.

[@lourdesgallegos7508]

I love the techniques and your style of teaching but I have one constructive criticism. The little bell sound is very jarring and I had to stop watching the video because of it. It’s cool that you highlight little notes in writing but I don’t think you need the sound effect.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Yes others have said that about the ding, so that's the last you'll see of that lol

[@StorytellingHeadshots]

You should fix your recorded voice quality and take OUT the annoying “DING”! Sound. It is giving me a headache.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Yes that has been suggested and I will. And I've bought a couple new mikes in the last couple weeks and yeah, I'm not a sound person. I'm a painter. But I'll keep working on it.

[@mollypenwhistle7918]

Please cut the pings as it drives my dog wild and makes your video unwatchable for me as I can hear you over the barking.... wish I could have watched 😫

[@rachelparkervarner]

I definitely will, sorry!!!

[@maryannegunter115]

Sometimes your instructions seem too advanced for beginners 😢

[@rachelparkervarner]

Yes this was an advanced techniques video - you might enjoy my series on techniques though, I had one each for tea, milk, and cream consistency paint - Here is the tea consistency one - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGSbnKFuabx3g7c and then I have a playlist for techniques and Watercolor Basics at kzbin.info/aero/PLk8QfRJaMFF1LQuVdCHwOaIRsw2Xi9G34 and kzbin.info/aero/PLk8QfRJaMFF2GmPlBBVxrvF6b4FFAqCy4