The ONE Drawing Technique That NEVER Fails. Ever.

[@Blick_Art]

We love your term "inspiration photo"! It makes an important distinction between how artists use photographs versus "copying". Nice!

[@KristyRice]

Well thanks!!

[@sherryfurr9115]

Kristy, I am new to watercolor painting.I started it in February and have painted 2-4 hours or more every day since then. I absolutely love it, BUT I had not found my niche until your post today. When I retired several years ago, I took art courses in sketching and I am pretty good at it. I am not as good at watercoloring, although I know it takes years to master. But I longed for a style that spoke to me, gave me my JOY. And this is it. Graphite and watercolor make my heart sing. Thank you for sharing your joy and helping us find ours. Hugs.

[@KristyRice]

Ohhh yay! What a fun breakthrough!

[@amybush9066]

Bibbity Bobbity BOOP! Loving this! It is strange seeing you use the round brush more lately, but loving it

[@KristyRice]

It feels strange. But good. I just had to design a round brush I loved! Lol!

[@Cuttlebuglover]

Another great tutorial (watching while I eat breakfast, but will re-watch later to paint along) I love how you ‘think aloud’ as you paint and draw. It’s so helpful. ❤️

[@KristyRice]

I’m so glad!

[@cathyhallowell9825]

I have watched hundreds of tutorials and never seen anything quite like this!! Really wow. I am still a real beginner so I would love something in line with this for beginners.

[@KristyRice]

I'm so glad!

[@LCLand]

I’m sure I’ve said this before and will say it again. I’m always impressed by the colors in your palette. It doesn’t matter what you choose. It will be harmonious.

[@KristyRice]

Thanks so much saying!!!

[@katieford4602]

This is my favorite tutorial ever! No stress 🥰

[@KristyRice]

I’m so glad!!

[@jwall6006]

I love this technique. Living in the Arizona desert, as you walk through a desert there are a total spectrum of color. On the prickly pear cactus the younger cactus pads are a little greener and softer, the blossoms are yellow or fuchsia and sit above the fruit, the saguaro cactus are sort of a grayish green blue with blossoms that are white with yellow centers, the wildflowers are oranges, yellows, pinks and red. But the desert is so alive whenever you see it. To catch that life in a photo or painting is so difficult. Even in the fall when it’s browns, greens, and blue it’s still beautiful. Those 115°-120° days I could do without.

[@tiinahongisto5979]

Hi!!! Got your Art for Joy's Sake book last week. Each time when I am reading it or just flicking it through, I am finding out new stuff out of it. Hidden messages of art making. 👍🏻💚

[@KristyRice]

Oh there is soooo much in there!!

[@romavermeulen5285]

Hi Kristy!!! I got your book today and i’m painting some pink flowers from the rule #2 chapter. I am so glad I found your tutorials! You have made me not scared to paint and try colors and techniques! Thank you so much for your way of presenting watercolors!!

[@KristyRice]

Wahooo! Yes love it!

[@phillipstroll7385]

I think it's wonderful you found joy and information in that purchase. As someone whom is curious, but hasn't made the purchase could you tell me what in that book is better than what I could get from any free book in any library? Of course she will tell me it's a great buy, but I'm a word of mouth type guy. Sell me. Why should I buy it instead of reading a free book from the library. I'm working on the kids Christmas so I'm looking for a great teachable book. Is this one it I guess is what I'm asking?

[@Neelloc83]

Having watched another watercolor artist video on combining graphite with watercolor within the last month, I love this technique. It reminds me of using Graphitint. I will echo a previous comment and say this is my favorite of all of the works you have shared since watching your channel. I did watch all five of your watercolor workshop/essentials and had a few aha moments. I don't paint along, but apply what you have taught with my painting. You are a rockstar. Thank you.

[@KristyRice]

So glad for your aha moments! I believe the mind of watercolor shared this technique recently…how fun!

[@Neelloc83]

@@KristyRice You are correct, Steve did. Having two exceptional artists demonstrating this particular technique is truly another avenue into watercolor painting. I also feel it takes the pressure off to be "perfect" with our painting.

[@cheriew1428]

Oh, heck yeah! ❤️❤️❤️. Outstanding video that I know I’ll watch again and again!

[@KristyRice]

Thanks for watching!

[@annyscroft2530]

I also get afraid of going to far, and experimenting beyond my ability, and messing it up. That is beautiful, I am so enjoying your work.

[@KristyRice]

Thanks so much!

[@sherylfarmer6936]

Oh Heck yes!!!!! Loving this!!! Thank you Kristy!

[@KristyRice]

😘😘😘

[@christinalal6620]

Thank you Kristy I love your videos! You are my favourite artist to learn from because of how you blend freedom and technique.

[@KristyRice]

Wow, thank you!

[@downrightdaffy3692]

The color combination is stunning!❤💜💙💚💛😍

[@stellaball7289]

Love it. That yellow flower really shines

[@sashaz2072]

Great video, I think it may help with my multi petal flowers like peonies. Love the shadows with pencil, and makes the concept of shadows a little easier to figure out

[@KristyRice]

I think it could!

[@yvonnelisette5914]

I love all the colors!

[@krisk9518]

I’m so glad I found you! I LOVE your techniques and teaching style 🥰

[@tanyaboudreau5361]

Oh Heck yes!!!!! Loving this!!

[@kb9847]

Painted along with you. Had to pause a lot, lol and my cactus, well let's just say it's verrry abstract. haha Thanks for the video.

[@KristyRice]

I’m so honored you painted along! Hope it was fun!

[@kb9847]

@@KristyRice it was. :) I'm really quite new at watercolour so I enjoy painting along as you instruct. I also bought 100% Cotton paper for the first time and OMG!!!! it's incredible!! haha

[@barbistraut5635]

Love your painting and teaching style, Kristy!!

[@iwonder-t1r]

Oh, Heck Yes!! Can't wait to try this technique out! 😍

[@sdc9572]

This is one of my all time favorite tutorials. I have learned so much from you. You are the best teacher. Thanks

[@KristyRice]

Oh wow thank you!!!!

[@sharyno]

You are a fun and wonderful teacher❤️❤️❤️I love your tutorials🥰

[@KristyRice]

Thanks for watching!

[@reginacasto3179]

Beautiful 😍❤️ cactus 🌵 painting 🖌️🎨

[@KristyRice]

Thanks!

[@karendirmish2696]

Amazing mixed media, you calmly take us to another mind set! I will try cactus sketching and then adding color! No Rules really works for me, and I’m learning so much from you! Thanks Karen Dirmish

[@KristyRice]

Wonderful!

[@sallyjohnson1566]

Gorgeous! This speaks to my inner doodler!

[@KristyRice]

AhhhaA love it!

[@1234dvarela]

This is one of my favorite pieces. Your talent really shines thru this technique. I’m excited to try it!

[@KristyRice]

Thank you!

[@shereehoshing9827]

I wondered what that painting was when you brought it out in last weeks class. FABULOUS

[@KristyRice]

Good memory!!

[@shereehoshing9827]

@@KristyRice I truly enjoy your tutorials

[@debbyemiller610]

Awesome my granddaughter is doing the nursery for my great granddaughter in cactus theme!!, LUV LUV LUV!

[@cp1234happy]

Love what you do and how you do it.😁

[@dianedial4262]

Kristi...I loved this video SO MUCH!!! Thank you for doing these live ones so we can watch you paint and feel how you make decisions that highly improve your paintings. So, so Fun!!

[@KristyRice]

Oh I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@nosebleedseats3788]

I've conscripted two of my BFF to your channel and they are absolutely loving it!!! one is successful artist, diff medium, but she is SO enjoying the experience w you as she never got into watercolor. you are such a bright light for me!!! again, thank you SO much for your time that you GIVE us. I can't thank you enough!!

[@lauriehuber8048]

Gorge Kristy…just gorge❣️❣️❣️

[@KristyRice]

Awww thanks!

[@marytesta3003]

I absolutely love mixed media. I have a try it of Derwent inktense, graphtint etc. and have a lot of fun. I'm glad to see that I'm not a weirdo!! Love your WC palette and brushes Kristy! And thank your for your 5 day workshop last week. It was amazing.

[@KristyRice]

You are def not a weirdo! Lol! I am!! Ha :) So glad the lives were fun!

[@patriciahorelick6450]

Love LOVE the graphite with Watercolor!!!

[@jeanfriedman2230]

I hope you know that what you are doing inspires!♥️

[@KristyRice]

Most days I do. But thank you for the reminder :)

[@christineingram55]

Kristy this is beautiful.I think the pencil addition has worked wonders on the shading and has really given the painting more depth.I love the colours too . You always explain so well as well as simply. You don’t need colou numbers and the ingredients as some use. For beginners it’s confusing and turns it into a science lesson. Beautiful work ,I love this one 🥰

[@KristyRice]

Thank you so much!

[@Karenliseblack8147]

Love this technique, I prefer this to intricate fiddly botanical drawings. Also your punchy use of colour is soooo vibrant. Thanks for this encouragement, I am sure going to try this!❤🎉

[@pattioneill3849]

Hi Kristy, love this technique, I'm going to give it a try. Love the bright mix of colors. Im learning to layer colors. Keep up the fun tutes! That's book speak for tutorial. 🤣

[@KristyRice]

I thank you!! That’s me speak for I’m grateful 😂😂

[@gailliguori3037]

Kristy, this is so beautiful!

[@KristyRice]

Thank you!! XO

[@carylpark7192]

A really nice video to watch on how to achieve a bit more drama. Enjoyed. 💞

[@KristyRice]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ivanaagapiou6340]

loads of creative bings! my mind thanks you!

[@KristyRice]

Thanks for watching!

[@Lauraisabelgonzalezart]

I purchased new sketch books just so I can begin to follow your videos and tutorials! I can't wait! Thank You for all that you share!

[@KristyRice]

Ohh fun! You’re welcome!

[@karenstewart3342]

I love your paint pallet. I did go to order, but being in Canada, the shipping rate made 12 colours over $80 before the conversion from American to Canadian which makes these untouchable for me. I will admire from afar. Love love love your style and colours❤

[@Calme1918]

Very happy with this video. Love the technique of using graphite with watercolor.

[@KristyRice]

Thanks so much 😊

[@ednarobbins1005]

Wow you have amazed me! More than just beautiful work, freeing and enlightening. WOW. Love it. Thanks

[@KristyRice]

Wow, thank you!

[@mwsugg]

Love this technique!

[@gillianmccullum2848]

Hi Kristy, I am a big fan of cactus plants and have drawn quite a few and coloured them using artist coloured pencils, I had not considered using watercolour paints. You have inspired me to give it a go. Your painting is extra awesome.

[@KristyRice]

Wonderful! Thanks so much!

[@jewelshairdesigns]

Loved the results with using the pencils! Can’t wait to try this.

[@KristyRice]

Ohhh you’ll have so much fun!

[@teresafuller3912]

oh heck yeah...another awesome tut!!

[@KristyRice]

Thank you!

[@hiswifeisfunny]

I didn't have hope for this for me, but it was great. thanks

[@KristyRice]

So welcome :)

[@Gigiridgway]

Thank you kristy, I learn a lot with you and use some of your wonderful techniques to teach my senior students in Florida

[@lizettebreytenbach8433]

Thanks, it helped me greatly 👍🏻🙋🏻

[@steveviking7171]

so pretty. Love the way you teach.

[@KristyRice]

Thank you! 😊

[@janetrusterucci3232]

Love love love it❤

[@nancydb1390]

I'm liking this. Will be trying. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@KristyRice]

Awesome!!

[@juliebrocklehurst-woods5247]

Fabulous suggestion to utilize pencil shading. I will try this.

[@kimfenton4676]

Hi Kristy, Very fun and meditative practice today. I love the editing and producing of this video! Love the cactuses as the subject!

[@KristyRice]

This means so much. Thank you!

[@samanthavyeahthatsme7040]

This is so gorgeousssss 😍😍😍

[@KristyRice]

Awww appreciate that!

[@charmde2008]

Gorgeous ❤

[@KristyRice]

Thank you! 😊

[@barbcairns2408]

It's beautiful!! 🌹

[@KristyRice]

Thanks!

[@LCLand]

Very interesting technique!

[@KristyRice]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@job3687]

Of hell yeah! I need to be making my xmas cards, which I usually lobe, but , every time I see and watch a new video from you I just want to haul my paints out!! Again!

[@KristyRice]

Haul friend haul!!

[@dianas514]

So very pretty! Love all the colors! Thank you!

[@KristyRice]

You’re welcome!

[@bevalbrecht6015]

So so beautiful 🎉

[@denisewells4617]

Love it & can't wait to try it! I do that with ink all the time but never graphite. My favorite medium is.drawing with graphite.

[@KristyRice]

Wonderful!

[@charquilter]

I love everything about this one. Will this technique for my practice tomorrow 🥰

[@KristyRice]

How’d it go??

[@nosebleedseats3788]

OH! and living in New Mexico, I LOVE the cacti you're doing!!!! one of my first paintings w/o following you was a barrel cactus and I had "rave reciews" from my mom, children, cats and friends lol seriously, it kicked ass. I LIKED IT and that's what matters. I've NEVER liked my endeavors until I found you. thank you thank you!!

[@beverleyreid4696]

I love it!

[@miriammillam101]

This is awesome!! I like using pen in watercolor pics but this is so subtle and interesting. You always inspire me to go further and loosen up for pity's sake!! Thank you again dear girl!! Your Minnesota grandma!!😊

[@KristyRice]

Aww you’re welcome! I do like the subtlety and the forgiving nature of this combo for sure!

[@keariewashburn4680]

I love this painting 😊

[@dianestreb3544]

Love your video tutorials

[@KristyRice]

I’m so grateful!

[@bettyryan4310]

Beautiful! I love the way you paint and am getting to love my dagger brush b/c of you! Thanks for a great video!

[@KristyRice]

Yay for the dagger!

[@kellimartin4583]

Love this! More please!

[@sheilanewell50]

Christy this was really a good video I love the combination of your colors and the way you use the pencil really great techniques thanks again

[@KristyRice]

Thank you so much!

[@loletafetty4963]

These are so beautiful!! Thanks!❤

[@KristyRice]

You bet! And thank YOU!

[@raquelsanchez9668]

Beautifull!! !You're very talented

[@KristyRice]

Thank you!!

[@Calme1918]

Thanks. I love these reviews You always make my day

[@KristyRice]

I'm so glad!

[@tammiebossingham4526]

I LOVE it....this is a gorgeous piece of art....I will use regular ink pen (not waterproof) to sketch and draw because I like the bleeding effect it gives...I'm going to try with pencil now too...So fun!

[@KristyRice]

SO fun!

[@christineosman7142]

Kristy. Where is the ground of this piece. I can’t tell where it exists in space. It’s pretty gorgeous

[@KristyRice]

Haha so funny…. We’ll technically it’s a underneath or behind the yellow flower. I left this floating so far but could create a more strict horizon line type suggestion of ground about 1/3 of the way from the bottom… but I’m envisioning an all over pattern for this one…

[@christineosman7142]

I think part of my confusion was the camera angle

[@mad4paws]

What about using watercolor pencils to do the shadows? I love the cactus!

[@elaineg60]

This turned out MUCH longer than I intended. When I’m anxious and haven’t slept..that tends to happen. I have several MRI’s scheduled this morning..probably better I wrote rather than attempted to paint. Much shorter part with question, scroll to the **** This may sound like a silly question…but I’m older, haven’t had an art class since high school (although I DID win some awards back then, with my vision, I’ll NEVER be able to sketch another Sammy squirrel 😂). As I’ve said in previous comments, I really started painting (w an 86yo tutor in China), 6 years ago. It was mainly Chinese calligraphy (my Son thought it would help me with characters…it didn’t, only reading and repetitive writing did-but that’s just me), then loose Chinese brush painting. I won’t go into proper terms except to say Gongbi style (a VERY detailed, more “Western” style), scared the daylights out of me. Move forward to today..I had taken a break for a couple of years bc of health, injuries and a thankfully, temporary, setback with vision issues. Last Summer, my precious son passed away suddenly, just a month before he was supposed to return to China for work…and travel. In the months before he passed, a close friend of his was RV’ing through Southern Szechuan Province and Tibet, and constantly sending us breathtaking videos and photos. (She spent several weeks in Kanding. Search Kanding Love Song here on YT and there’s photos of the area..it’s basically at the feet of the Himalayas. She then camped another 2 weeks in a park along a lake and River-with mind blowing views of Mt Everest.). CJ texted and called almost daily asking when I was going to start painting Xiaowei’s photos. I was too afraid, knowing that *I* could NEVER capture that beauty. After my Son passed and my daughters stayed with me for several weeks; they had NO idea of the art supplies CJ and his friends had sent me-much of it during the shutdowns. My younger daughter said I need to start a class (I have probably 40 brushes..after giving away about 15-20). My eldest-was in artiste heaven and has driven 2 days to get here 3 more times “to play with mama’s stuff!” SHE is the REAL artist in the family. As much as I encouraged all 3 from a young age-my eldest has excelled at singing (jazz/blues), theater, opera, guitar, sketching, photography and painting. I gave her a set of my Japanese Watercolors when she was here last summer…she now has 3-4. She had mainly done abstract acrylics before..now, she’s doing Western WC, Sumie-e and Chinese painting with ink. She encourages me each time we talk and text, and I’ve promised her to have some paintings when she and her wife come to help move me in October. Last week she even had her wife painting and they sent me photos. I thought they were painting some abstract views of mountains, a lake..and what appeared to be a very large building IN the lake..with tiny floating houses. I quickly regretted my teasing of her..I should have learned by now, she’s as nutty as I am. They were on a 4 day vacation, at a resort in Tennessee, staying on a tiny houseboat, next to an old abandoned dam..and a large old building IN the lake. All I had to send her was a franken-flower. I’d attempted a loose peony, which looked more like a rose..and turned into a mutant carnation the more I tried to “fix” it. 🤷🏼‍♀️. Don’t even get me started on my attempts to free-paint my sweet kitty_Leela. ***My best friend, with MUCH more experience in Western painting-(although she used to do only oils..until I begged her for help)..says I probably need to trace because my glaucoma and other eye issues are affecting my perception. (Poor Leela had an eye where her ear should have been. SHADOWS? I gotta get eyes and ears figured out before I even think of adding shadows! Although..I’m pretty good with shadows & reflections in landscapes..) My question, FINALLY..I’ve seen MANY videos on pencils, what to use..but…ERASING them? AFTER you’ve painted over them? Ok, I KNOW I can’t do that on my Xuan paper..but when I see people erasing over paint..doesn’t that strip the PAINT off? As I said, I don’t think I have a choice at this point but to trace or sketch out a picture. And I now have 2 hummingbird paintings (they represent my Son..they appeared at his memorial), one on Xuan-(Chinese rice paper but it’s not made of rice..usually VERY thin, much are made of mulberry), one on Arches, both with lots of pencil marks I THOUGHT I made very lightly, but the Xuan almost looks like stained glass pieces…NOT what I was going for! I have 3-4 erasers..white, orange, blue and a kneaded gummy thing. Can I actually erase..even just maybe the one on Arches..the pencil marks? I HAD used my more translucent Chinese paints, but I have Chinese pure pigments, still watercolor, but much more opaque on my next attempt. My son’s friend is still asking for a painting from her trip photos and videos. THOSE I think will be more traditional, mostly ink..with a few colors on top..easy to hide the graphite with black ink. ADVICE from anyone who read my novella? Should I attempt to erase? Am I missing something?

[@teebee9735]

Oh my Goodness. First of all I'm so sorry for your loss. To hopefully answer your question (but let's see what Kristy says too), in my experience once you paint over graphite it's permanent. The best thing to do is lighten the marks first with the kneaded eraser (the gummy squishy one), or a soft white eraser (they don't tear up the paper if you use a gentle touch). The white eraser can also be used as a "press and lift" eraser, which means you don't have to actually rub the marks and possibly rub too much away. Then to clean the white eraser you rub it on a scrap piece of paper. Another thing you may want to consider is using inexpensive water soluble graphite, or watercolor pencils to sketch with. I like to use the watercolor pencils in a similar color but lighter than I'm going to paint with and, if you use a light touch when drawing, they fade right into the paint. B3st of luck to you and I hope that whatever you're having to have MRI's for that you heal quickly and thoroughly! 🤗

[@tonyarodgers-beute8537]

Ty, appreciate you!!!!

[@KristyRice]

😘😘😘

[@jennbutterfly4448]

Layer, layer, layer to get dark colors, not go all in!!! This is the lesson I need to learn!

[@LUNAart2023]

Enjoyed watching it. Thanks for good information 💁

[@KristyRice]

You bet! Thanks for watching!

[@karly4justice]

Heck yeah girl!

[@maryellenrichards391]

I have always loved the look of watercolor painting. You paint with such freedom and ease. How long have you been painting, and have you studied watercolor or just art in general?

[@KristyRice]

I’ve been making art since I was 6 but watercolor since I was 11, so over 30 years :) I have a degree in art Ed with a minor in painting. I’ve also spent a good deal of time with wheel thrown and hand built pottery… That’s me!

[@judysavoy2670]

So fun !

[@donnalowe5370]

Lovely!

[@deirdrelewis1454]

I’ve had a life-long love affair with pencils! This is eye opening and I will definitely be trying it out.

[@KristyRice]

So glad!

[@AbraCassandraCrafts]

How helpful! So I’ve decided to buy some MaimeriBlu watercolors lol they’re expensive as HEYALLLL so I only bought 10. Excited for those to arrive. I’m a paint addict.

[@KristyRice]

Oh you'll have so much fun! Check out Jenna Rainey too, she just switched to this brand :)

[@AbraCassandraCrafts]

@@KristyRice Funny you mention because her swatching video of these paints is what made me buy them. I believe my comment on her video was "I blame you for the hole in my wallet" LOL

[@roden70]

Really nice painting Kristy. The pencil gives some much extra depth. I'm going to try this soon now I have your brushes and your paint palet. Can you tell me what your favorite mechanical pencil is and what leads you use in them?

[@nathalieheath5693]

Pretty!

[@Srander2000]

Hi Kristy. I am curious. As I watch the prickly pear video with lots of pencil and watercolor. Is there a “proper”, “legal”, “by the book” ways to do shadows and light? I never know if where I’m putting them is right for the persecution of the art. Which you have possibly touched on at the 17:42 point but in general…???

[@KristyRice]

Sure there is def a more scientific/exacting approach. Think about this… where is more of the light coming from in your inspiration photo or still life let’s say. If the light is shining from the left, any object closest to the source of light will be lighter. Anything obscured will be in shadow. Then there are cast shadows made again by light hitting an object and that object blocking some of the light… There are degrees of shadow as well and that’s where your value scale comes in. This is just the start but my imprecise yet more precise explanation. Light and shadow and their placement can certainly be a deep dive topic…

[@andreahardaker2704]

do you ever demonstrate with a water soluble pen? I saw another artist do what you are doing in this demonstration, but with the WSP... it gave gray areas

[@KristyRice]

Like a watercolor marker? Yes definitely there are a few here!

[@tonyarodgers-beute8537]

Yes, another to save, can i ask a favor? Is there an order that a newbie should start with???? Besides Dewent inktense, is there a set oe palett collection?? there is one expensive brand with interchangable boxes….

[@KristyRice]

An order of vids? Watch this first: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3O6fmuJac2Cm8U Then this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJquZoh_gtOEZrs In terms of a palette I’d need to know you’re budget and whether you like mixing colors or what a large palette of convenience colors :)

[@phillipstroll7385]

How do you like this paper? I have been waiting a month for my shipment of the legion rough to arrive. I hope I'll enjoy it. We have the same pencils. I keep mine in their case though so I can smell that luscious wood each time I open it.

[@KristyRice]

I’ve always loved this paper. It’s great quality and the price is inspiring !

[@phillipstroll7385]

@@KristyRice that's good to hear. Thanks. Lord knows I've waited long enough to try it. Hopefully it'll be here before this month is out.