TEN beginner watercolor tips that will change everything...

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00:00 - Intro
00:25 - #1 To-Do
02:27 - #2 To-Do
03:28 - #3 To-Do
04:30 - #4 To-Do
05:41 - #5 To-Do
07:31 - #1 Don’t-Do
08:28 - #2 Don’t-Do
09:33 - #3 Don’t-Do
10:39 - #4 Don’t-Do
11:45 - #5 Don’t-Do
13:37 - THIS will most definitely help you!

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

What was your biggest takeaway?! Do you have any tips to share that helped you improve? LMK👇🏻Don't miss my course The Art Within! We cover sketching and watercolor fundamentals, discover creative style, and how to get into "flow state" for optimal creative mindset. Check it out: www.jennarainey.com/the-art-within // If you want more monthly watercolor tutorials, I offer ad-free Patreon-exclusive tutorials and live art classes on my Patreon. www.jennarainey.com/patreon

[@Shellyshocked]

So, I don't know any art lingo or how to describe things artistically. I've always been naturally artistic without taking any art classes. Whether it be painting, pencil drawings, pottery even chalk on a chalk board. I've never said I'm an artist I just enjoy art. Do you think it's important to know how to describe art or what your doing? I wish I knew how to ask the question better. I've been watching your videos and your paintings are gorgeous.

[@consueloyoung4484]

@@ShellyshockedI really understand where you are coming from, I too have always been interested in art, in every imaginable medium. Sewing, stained glass, drawing, and now painting.

[@sofar_sogud4929]

When I end up with a painted page that’d likely go in the circular file, I cut them into bookmark sizes, write “that thing that makes you happy, do more of that” on the back, then I hide them in books at the library and bookstores. I also give one to those I see reading or painting in public. To see them soften at the idea of a gift, is incredible. I think it brings me as much joy, as it does them.

[@lorettawatkins5024]

I REALLY like the bookmark idea!!!

[@appleknocker56]

After a few in trash can realized did have places that did look good so cut them out & saving to make a collage picture! Ty for these videos as when just starting out (like any skill) must practice! Just need to watch less YT videos & actually try more 😊.

[@Elizabeth58886]

I LOVE this idea!!

[@azaz-ty1bn]

Practice practice practice. FYI, only one in ten are wall hangers.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Gotta practice!!

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Jenna, I was so afraid to buy sheets of paper but it really is the cheapest way to get quality paper at an affordable price! I had no real way to cut sheets at home, so I bought my sheets at an Art store and they would cut it in half for me. Now I and my Gran had been customers there for years and supporting local businesses is just another reason to shop local if you can! Customer service is not entirely dead! I will say Canson is NOT a bad brand they have quality papers too! They have the Heritage line of papers and they are 100% cotton they work quite well! I still am an Arches user, but I have branched out over the years to use even store brands like Kilimanjaro from Cheap Joe's even Blick's has a 100% cotton paper! So if your looking for a budget paper look for a store brand just stick with 100% cotton! You do not have to spend all of you money on a big brand name! After Paper I say buy quality paints, Most professional grades paints will work consistently. I came back to traditional watercolors after years working only digitally. I started with Mission Gold and tried so many different brands after finding the mixes from Korea not to my liking, as I thought they would. After watching Denise Soden's videos I tried Dan Smith, but was so disappointed with their customer service, I will never support that company ever again! So I purchased some DaVinci watercolor paints and I must tell you they have taken over my studio and traveling palettes! I am continually blown away by their paints and just cannot recommend them enough! Now I do wonder if anyone has made it this deep into this comment, but if you have I wish you only good painting no matter what you use or what you paint! Have a lovely day!

[@blue.orchid.coaching]

Great advice especially "don't stay in your lane". So happy to have found you on-line!

[@mariannschulz2770]

One thing I have learned in my journey is that sometimes you will surprise yourself. I pulled out a painting that I did 6 months ago and added some more intense shading and I like it even more now. I have learned that I need to look back and see where I started to see how far I’ve come. Rather than just get down on myself for one bad painting day. I also love that you talk about muscle memory and practice. It really has made me feel less intimidated to get going. Love ur tutorials.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Thanks for sharing, love this! 💕

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

Aaaa that’s amazing Mariann! yes as your skill level progresses then your eye becomes trained to making subtle changes that finish off the painting 🖼 👌

[@ChantelleArts]

Yessss creating something daily is super important 🥰👏🏻

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

SO important!!

[@markdonovan1540]

These are very helpful tips. As a relatively new watercolour painting hobbyist, my biggest challenge is consistent practice. I tend to have periods of more frequent and intense painting activity, but then I can go a month or 6 weeks without painting or drawing anything. Over the last 3 years I've amassed plenty of materials that are just crying out to be used, so no excuses really. My other big problem, although it is also an inspiration, is spending too much time watching KZbin videos about watercolour painting instead of doing it myself! I'm with you on 100% cotton paper, plus I prefer 300gsm (140 lb) paper. That last tip, number 10, was the most significant for me. Thank you for this much needed eye-opener.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Thanks for sharing Mark! I hope you find some quality painting time this week. 👍

[@susanorban3059]

I could of written exactly everything you just said! Here I am watching yet another Art KZbin 😂❤️

[@NellieandRuthDesigns]

My biggest takeaway was not to get frustrated ! My dad was a wonderful artist and I inherited ZERO from him other than knowing how to put colors together and to have a vision. When I paint and it doesn't look the way I want it to I get so frustrated. Your tips are very helpful and I guess practice is the key, do something every day. Thank you Jenna for all your tips and pulling out the best in all of us ! xo ~ Barbie

[@eileencollins3126]

Great video. Being creative everyday is so important, but I think not letting frustration get into your head is even more important. When your work is not going the way you envisioned, you need to look at it as an opportunity and a challenge to conquer!

[@johncspine2787]

I’m disabled from a solo career in a symphony as a principal member..being older, and having lived a life of military precision, knowing the rigors of professional level practice, first I tried learning oils with Michael James Smith’s series, I kind of burned out, now I’m trying watercolor..it’s just difficult for me to get into a new routine of committing to a practice schedule after having “been there and done that” for decades. What’s hard about beginning watercolor is the variables of well..water. Plus it’s super dry where I live, I bought a great spray bottle that dispenses a super fine mist (called “Flairosol..”). Thanks for being one of the many generous artists that try to help ppl like me that are trying to learn and desperately need help!

[@carolsmith9478]

When I began to be interested in art, my mom kept on telling me not to muddy my colors. Ever since, even in my photography, I’m always conscious of not muddying my colors. Fun stuff!

[@jadeintheparke1]

Paul Ruben’s hot press 100% cotton block. Got it right at the start of pandemic when I was just getting into painting. LIFE. CHANGING. suddenly I wanted to paint all the time because my paintings didn’t look horrible and I didn’t have to fight my own paint

[@appleknocker56]

Is Paul Reuben’s cheaper than Arches? Tyvm as have Paul Reuben 24 tube set (4th generation) and love their paints!

[@jadeintheparke1]

@@appleknocker56 yes my hot press block was like $15?

[@appleknocker56]

@@jadeintheparke1 Wow! So get the hot press & honestly don’t know difference between “hot” pressed & cold as far as how effects paint movement & ability to hold water? Ty!

[@jadeintheparke1]

@@appleknocker56 honestly I don’t have a ton of experience with 100% cotton cold press, just cellulose cold press. But I personally love the Paul Ruben’s paper. It is quite smooth is if you prefer something more toothy but as a beginner it was great

[@itechnwrite]

Getting in the zone: Eliminate distractions and use music that takes you there as you meditate/simply allow the flow to move through you from the inside out until everything else fades away. Even 5-10 minutes in the flow state cleans the mental palette of pollution and re-aligns (tunes) your mind-body-spirit into a single, peaceful sense of being. The more often you do this, the easier it becomes to achieve the flow state quickly and to remain in that state for longer periods. Do it enough daily and you remain in that state as a lifestyle, as the masters learn to do. Art - or anything else - created from within the flow state is far more impactful than anything created outside of that state.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Oh I LOVE this!! 💕

[@aligrotts6400]

I call it "being in the ZONE".

[@wendyslowski9058]

I enjoy working on 100% cotton 140lb Bee paper; a little rougher than others but manages many washes and lifting out if you want to try.

[@MrsLympha]

These are great tips! Flow state is a crazy experience. I have found if I am in flow state my painting is leaps and bounds better than if I am "really trying" or overthinking. I can be in flow state and love the result, then try to replicate it and it looks like garbage. The mind is CRAZEE! 🤯

[@marielouisedavidson4834]

Another fabulous video and tutorial. Excellent teaching and so helpful! Thank you!

[@elisiataylor]

Divide the price of good paper per square inch --- helps to overcome the mental block telling yourself it's *only* 2 cents per square inch ...half that if you use both sides to practice!

[@rooismum1023]

Great idea, I've done it when buying shoes in the past divide by 2. Going to buy some better paper now... 💞

[@jonlizsam]

Golden advice! A agree with all, but it’s easy to get in a rut, especially good paper and put the screens to bed!!!! Thank you!!

[@lesliekelly7860]

Thank you, great advice. I am new to watercolor and art as a whole. I have been finding that I like many different things. Whimsical is fun, and makes me feel free.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Glad it was helpful! 💕

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

I love whimsy too! Colorful and whimsy 🖼 🎨

[@NaturalHealthAngel]

This really helped today especially! I couldn't paint for a week due to lots of stuff out of my control and then started again this week doing tutorials and keep throwing them out. I felt like I lost all creativity. I'm stuck but this video really did help. THANK YOU 😊

[@massimehrkhah607]

Thank you jenna! And never say never!

[@carlasimpson4064]

My biggest takeaway was Sketching tips! Thank you

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Love that! 💕

[@normamiller2316]

Spot on tips, especially everyday, mix things up, sketching and use my creativity❤

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

Jenna, Myles turns 4 next months. Which means that this April you and John are celebrating 4 years of consistently creating and posting videos on KZbin!! Definitely glad you two took the leap, I am so grateful that you bought all that expensive equipment, then John giving up his job to become your full time video guy! Your channel is a labour of love 🎥

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Awwww, thank you! You have been here since the beginning and we appreciate you so much! 💕💕💕

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

🤗 🤗

[@fiddler1252]

Take a small sketchbook and pencil in your pocket when out walking. Doing gas changed how I see Nature. 🥰

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Love that! 💕

[@greekveteran2715]

Canson universal or 180 in A6 or A5 and a Pentel Graphgear 500 loaded with 2b Ain stein,is the best sketching paper and pencil thus the best combo. If you want to make it more fun,get a Kohinoor 5347,5340 or a Kaweco sketch up and the Kohinoor Red Chalk and Sepia leads! Best sketching supplies out there!

[@kellymurphy9302]

Number 3! So many beginner art/crafting spaces preach doing something really basic to learn. It’s never resonated with me and I’ve fought against the idea so it’s so refreshing to hear advice that pushes you. 👏

[@Yashkirtivardhan]

So inspiring that I have seen this video again and again..... Thanks for inspiring me to overcome my fear of creating with watercolour...

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

You're so welcome! Have fun with your watercolor journey! 💕

[@consueloyoung4484]

Happy birthday to your 4 year old, don’t scold me I know they are all sweet, I found boys to be much sweeter!!. Thank you for your wise words, I agree that staying in your lane, not practicing on a daily basis or pairing tutorials only, REALLY hold you back. I learned that while recovering from surgery and could not find my way, any way!!. I would like for you to continue to give us this style of information when you can. I thank you and appreciate you very much!. ❤. Hello to John ✋

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Aw thanks for all the love and bday wishes for our boy! John says hi!! 💕

[@22GmaRocky]

Thank you for sharing so much.I’m looking forward to your new book

[@carolyncarter6987]

I changed up to 100% cotton about one month after practicing on cheap wood pulp. Once I saw the results before me that I intended I made the decision NEVER to use cheap paper again unless I’m just swatching a new color or testing out a new brush.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

It's a game changer! Once you use good paper, you can't go back! 😉

[@carolyncarter6987]

@@JennaRaineyChannel Yup. I am now exploring different brands of pigment because they react differently. Pigments like Sodalite Genuine are made by different makers and react in water differently. Love your channel Jenna. You definitely helped me step up my watercolor journey.

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

Pigeonholed is definitely a word!! Imagine it Van Gogh never tried vibrant colours! Imagine if he stayed stuck in moody Dutch style realism (which is beautiful, but didn’t suit Van Goghs personality) So definitely getting unstuck and experimenting with different mediums and using the entire width of chromas

[@LuzJulianna]

Jenna, you are a treasure! I love the way you articulate your speech, your voice and your wisdom. Thank you. I do enjoy celulose paper sometimes haha! But it depends on what I'm doing.

[@erinferreira5010]

i painted at my kitchen table when i started! i had one of those lil utility carts.. took the wheels off & had it on top of the table with all my supplies. my easel was standing next to the table, & i just sat at a chair from the table if i didn’t wanna stand. that was when i painted on canvas every single day. now i haven’t been able to in a while just because i have two kids & im a single mom, & my toddler would absolutely get into everything before i even got done setting up my palette lol. started watercolor since it takes up sooo much less room. but it’s so relaxing 🥰

[@Yashkirtivardhan]

Thanks for the tips❤❤❤

[@barbaracabrera207]

What a great video!!! Thank you so much. I will follow your tips. TFS Austin TX USA

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

You are so welcome! 💕💕

[@katarinaklasson9099]

Thank you for 10 great tips🎨

[@lindyartforfun]

Great insight and help thank you practice and keep going. ❤

[@PhotofriendlyJR]

Wow…. Just found your channel this week. I’m familiar with Flow State in business, but never thought of it for art. Maybe I was using it subconsciously. Thank you, Thank you!!

[@paulafrance0404]

Not taking myself so seriously helped me get more freedom to create. My art teacher sometimes paints without looking at what she's doing and the results are breathtaking!

[@mrs.homemaker9939]

Thanks! I wrote all your tips down! ❤

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

You're so welcome! 💕

[@wanderingcreativity]

Thank you so much friend

[@jeanne8264]

Thank you 👏❤️

[@alicechampagne7091]

Could you describe what you mean by the “right” side of the paper? I’ve been painting and watercolor for over 10 years and was always told there was no right or wrong side. I often use the back of an abandoned one for another painting. 😂

[@appleknocker56]

Usually one side has more “divot” indented into the paper & other side has much smoother. Often with “not my fav) Canson XL must use natural light to see side supposed to use. Still test colors on that paper but went on to 100% cotton as just performs so much better. Ty for these videos.

[@e7yu]

Nice, more techniques. 🤠

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

💕💕

[@GabrielStocktonWatercolors]

Lov'n your channel

[@OceanSkyKai]

Hi Jenna! Thanks for all you do! On the list you send us, it has paper 25% cotton, is that ok? Also can I use my watercolor pencils or just forget about them? Thanks! Brand new here

[@beverlyhelm5287]

Thank you, I’ve figured most of this out and am now at that last tip you gave…to turn off my tablet and get out there and sketch something in real life.

[@rmuller366]

Jenna, I love how you just go for it and add your bloopers right into your videos. Always makes me laugh which is another thing that’s so important. Everyone: Don’t take yourself so SERIOUSLY. That was my issue in the beginning and it’s an inspiration killer. Thank God I always came back to watercolor, because I love it over all other mediums I’ve worked with. Now I’m working with some watercolor color pencils just to try something new like you said and I’m having a great time with those. Blessings to everyone!

[@pattyfromivy6141]

I have embraced the recommendation to buy 100 percent water color paper. But! I do plan to use my other (non- cotton) paper for sketching and technique perfecting - like learning to paint palm trees. I can not waste it. Any other suggestions for use of this paper?

[@djgamiller]

Great video with wonderful tips. Can you tell me please where you purchased your beautiful ceramic palette?

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

It's from Sylvan Clayworks!

[@Cre-Art]

I start every day with some sort of exercise like practicing brush strokes, or basic techniques like WOW and washes. I don't do self-invalidation, and take something good away from everything I paint even if it's "don't do that again!" Keeping it light and FUN gets better results. And one great lesson, but I can't remember who said this (was it you?): Work through the ugly. Every painting has that stage. I've begun to realize that's not the time to quit. Yes, some uglies will remain just that. 😝But most likely it's just a stage of a work-in-progress. It's incomplete, not necessarily bad. [Would love to credit the artist that said that, so if you know, please put it here.] Thanks for all of your tutorials. :)

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Love this! And I may have said that! I'm recalling my oceans tutorial that I wasn't liking at first, but powered through to really enjoy it, and I made sure to include the good and bad in that tutorial. But there are many excellent instructors on KZbin I'm sure are encouraging the same. 💕💕

[@Cre-Art]

@@JennaRaineyChannel You're very generous with your time, and in spirit. I watched the recent video where you acknowledge other artists' channels. That's what makes this YT art community so special. And we tell other people, and they tell other people... 🎨🎬🎹💖

[@aligrotts6400]

I have, over time, picked up different artificial flowers from the dollar store to use as my MODELS. like painting the real thing.

[@Yashkirtivardhan]

❤❤❤

[@elizabethcarlone1364]

Thanks for your great video.. All that you said are so true. You are a great teacher.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

I appreciate that! 💕

[@debbiepayne903]

Great tips, new ideas, and reminders too!

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

😂 🤣 #justinbieber making an appearance Love how the b roll footage is timed perfectly to fit what you’re discussing

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Haha, anytime to include a Bieber b-roll, we take it!

[@cardswithcaitlin]

What's the name of the song at the end of this video?? So relaxing.

[@33Jenesis]

I have every medium supply except oil and gauche. I even have calligraphy and manga stuff. I have pens, pencils, brushes, ink pads, fountain pen tips; everything. Except I don’t do anything except once in a blue moon. I am not frustrated at my meager result because I am too lazy to be consistent.

[@vikkimaree4564]

After you’ve practiced sketching, do you ever add watercolour to the sketches . I figure that the paper you sketch on isn’t the 100% cotton you paint on so the outcome wouldn’t be good. I kinda answered my own question .

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Ya, it depends! Sometimes I sketch in my sketchbook -- I won't paint over that. When I paint, I almost never sketch before -- but there are times here and there I will do a very light sketch on my watercolor paper before painting. I have to keep it very light though, or else the lines may show through the pigment.

[@leanbeankelliqueen]

Paper makes ALL the difference, I learned that the hard way.i spent Less $ on cotton paper then continuing to buy cheap paper (Canson)retrying to figure out y my paintings look like poo

[@aliloucreations1817]

“Never say never” was actually brought about by Sean Connerys wife , he said he’d never do another James Bond movie,and lots of years later he said yes,so his wife turned round and said to him “never say never again” and that actually became the films title ❤️

[@gaylekarlsen6798]

Canson makes a 100% cotton paper.

[@mixed_artology]

I was wondering the same! I have a block and was slowly but surely getting sad about using it... :/

[@mjpete27]

Canson has the Heritage line of papers and they are not the most expensive, but they are 100% cotton so wonderful to use too!

[@gaylekarlsen6798]

@@mixed_artology Personally, I love Canson blocks.

[@kimhansen2630]

Hi Jenna… I am very sad😢 I am new to the watercolor process… Sort of… I am 71 years old and did art when I was a younger person and for many reasons have not done art for a long long long time… That’s just the background to say, as I was watching your videos last night a link came up for your fav products sold on Amazon. Much to my delight there was an affordable brand of paper in the link… And guess what it was?! That’s right! CansonXL… I am $40 poorer and now you tell me, don’t do that! Bad bad bad… Don’t worry. I’m given to histrionics and like to exaggerate!!… Though it is the truth. I spent $40 on paper that you say don’t buy. This too Shall pass … but that’s OK I still like you very much! 😊

[@itsamberevie]

Nobody: Me: watching this while literally drawing on Canson Watercolor Paper

[@cbnz2929]

I've practiced every day for years and I suck worse than ever

[@coloringwithd]

You mentioned to challenge yourself but don’t do a tutorial that is too advanced. How do I know what is too advanced for me? TYIA 😊😊😊

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Gauge it off of level or frustration and anxiety. If you are too frustrated or anxious, you should probably dial it down. You can be challenged, but don't let painting become a source of anxiety. 💕

[@coloringwithd]

@@JennaRaineyChannel Sounds good. I'm trying to get rid of anxiety. Thank you. I will be aware of it while I'm watching painting videos. Have a nice day. ☺☺☺

[@marlenaamalfitano1558]

I always like you, but you are talking so fast it seems like you can't wait for this to be over. Maybe more videos with a little less content or longer ones so you can slow down?

[@mazsteele-hall8924]

Marlena... American people tend to speak faster than say an Australian like myself, try slowing the speed down a little you, may find that better for listening... in the settings button.

[@marlenaamalfitano1558]

@@mazsteele-hall8924 believe me when i say I am a fast talker and listener, it seemed to me to be more not quite I want to get this over with. Not Jennas usual

[@spirit006theassassin]

Do not forget that not everyone gets that much money as you in USA. And not everything is available.