The UGLY Phase of Watercolor (and what it teaches us!)

[@ErinCRN]

I love this example of the ugly phase. So many of my paintings I’ve wanted to give up on, and forced myself to return to, and have ended up loving them.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

I don’t know why but the ugly phase so rarely predicts the final outcome x

[@bustermaximus]

To be honest, I quite enjoy the ugly middle of the process. It is that point where one might have to steel oneself, and work a way out of it. But if it's ugly, or the process is uncomfortable, that shows a chance is being taken, and there's a problem-solving and learning opportunity, which is how artists grow.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

I absolutely agree!

[@Dr_KarenSt]

I've just watched all your videos on SkillShare, Fiona. I just love your style of watercolor painting. The 'ugly phase' has intimidated me to start, and your words at the end here: to pick watercolor, to just begin meant a lot to me. Thank you for sharing being so reasonable and approachable to starting watercolor painting 🌷

[@drawingsinadrawer]

I’m so happy you found my video helpful. Thank you so much. Fiona ❤️

[@mandanbecca1]

So true… I love how you encourage us or remind us to fallow through. The allegory for watercolor and life was beautiful❤ Thank you

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@mandanbecca1 thank you very much . Fiona ❤️🌈

[@ellaryb.5148]

Thankyou for showing the time and patience it takes to build up and create a top notch watercolor

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you so much for commenting ⭐️

[@Anna-uy9dm]

I like how you phrase it - the only way out - is true! Arche paper actually washes out pretty well if you don’t use staining colors. I have placed mine under running water a couple of times and it returned the canvas to almost original white.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Really?? I had no idea whatsoever!!!

[@twisteddyekitchenmyfiberjo4577]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the intimidation of working with watercolors. I've only found your channel and have played your video's over and over. Not only are the painting you create, beautiful, but the conversations you have with us while you paint are spot onto how I am feeling. Thank you for explaining that my feelings are not just mine, that everyone goes through this phase. I will keep going with watercolor. I love that the water and the pigment have minds of their own, :)

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you so much for leaving such a beautiful comment ❤️

[@suzannemarshall7458]

a lovely video showing us how to get past the messy stages. inspiring

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you ❤️❤️❤️

[@bonitadonovan4704]

Really enjoyed the process you followed and the wonderful outcome!! For me loose watercolor provides a kind of game....taking turns with the watercolor and waiting for the lo and behold surprise! Trust the process. Thank you for sharing your work!

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you for your lovely comment!

[@jodiecurlind5358]

😊 well done. Love how colorful it is.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you 😊

[@lindaovitt-w6m]

Love the cow (or bull). It’s hard to tell. I think the way you handled the salt is genius. He or she came out beautiful.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you. That’s really nice of you ❤️ Fiona x

[@jessicalaware]

🙏❤️ thankful to have found you, very much enjoying your art and excellent instruction and guidance (Patreon) 😊

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you so much 😊❤️

[@exnaborrascalvo6315]

Hi ,gracias mil gracias por el video anterior y tus muy valiosos consejos ,he estado màs tranquila y ya empecè a pintar, sin esperar nada solo dejandome llevar y no esperando la perfecciòn sino la paz, el disfrute y amor por lo que hago

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@exnaborrascalvo6315 I understand but I can’t answer in Spanish. All I can say is Gracias 🙏

[@exnaborrascalvo6315]

​@@drawingsinadrawerigual respondeme en ingles y yo lo pongo en el traductor, gracias

[@exnaborrascalvo6315]

Ya vi este video lo disfrutè mucho, gracias de nuevo por invitarnos a viajar en un mundo hermoso lleno de libertad y color como lo es tu arte. mientras tanto me animè ya a empezar a pintar. Gracias

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Gracias 🥰

[@Harper.s_Art]

Thank you so much for this encouragement

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you ❤️

[@jeckslynne]

A lovely painting thanks for sharing

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you 🩷

[@louisea966]

great video, and thanks for sharing that rather epic ugly stage, lol. painting turned out lovely.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you, Louise. I hope all is well ❤️🕊️

[@artistbrindle]

Your art is absolutely beautiful and so is your voice. Wonderful videos.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you 😊

[@artistbrindle]

@ you’re welcome! Some videos inspire you to want to go get your brushes and paper out. This is one of them.

[@kayemoonflower]

😂Ha ha! MY ugly phases have looked like an untalented 5-year-old! I am actually beginning to feel a bit talented going along and trying all the techniques and practices you are showing ❣ Thanks for the link to the easel, I am going to check it out✅ I like your products explorations and recommendations, especially since you are also fond of metallics.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@kayemoonflower thank you! The ugly phase can definitely look like an untalented 5 year old’s 🤣

[@ErinCRN]

Do you let each section completely dry before going over it again?

[@drawingsinadrawer]

No, in the beginning it’s all wet in wet and when j I started on the strands of hair it was still a bit damp. When I got into the more detailed strands and the coloured ones, everything was of course completely dry. I dry it when I feel it’s time to keep the paint from flowing into other wet or damp areas. Fiona x

[@rosemarycarter-molnar3939]

I totally agree Fiona, with salt you never know what's going to happen. I even tried different kinds of salt...no rhyme or reason.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

The only difference is I think I put it in when the paper was just dampish but not wet. I wonder if it was that. Xx

[@kayemoonflower]

That is WILD with the salt!

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@kayemoonflower I know. I think the paper was dryer than usual

[@jackygann594]

My ugliest of the ugly stage usually starts when I try to control the water too early and start too dark and not protecting the white of the painting. I think I get in too much of a hurry to get to the finish. When I'm relaxed there is still the ugly stage but I've still got so many layers to go it always works out, well most of the time unless I'm listening to my subconscious mind 😅

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Exactly! Its the layers that make up for the ugly phase x

[@joo-005]

Thank you for your explanation; it’s really comforting me. And I’m so surprised your paper doesn’t buckle at all with so much water, why?

[@vebutler8957]

I wonder if it’s a block where all sides are glued. I love em x

[@vebutler8957]

You always look so beautifully put together!

[@drawingsinadrawer]

It’s an Arches cold pressed 300 gsm ( so it’s thick) block where paper is glued down on all sides and after you have finished, you peal it off and the next sheet is under there. When I use sketchbooks, I clip the paper at the corners. And also when you work on an easel, water won’t pool. X