Time for me to give up on watercolours?😅

Stay-tuned for a big shop update in the coming weeks! :D
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[@Katie-md7mh]

Honestly I've been going through art block for like 3 years. And even if I drew, I never felt happy about it. It feels nice to see an artist I look up to kinda reevaluate their work and try to take a new step towards a refreshing direction that makes them happy.

[@Hannah-pi8de]

I used to be in a very long art block. I tried my hardest at cartooning, and while I enjoyed the concept, nothing was really coming out right. This year I've decided to go more realistic and do something I never thought I'd like, and actually beforehand actively hated: oil and acrylic paint. Now I'm popping out pieces that I really enjoy. I still struggle at times, and the first pieces I produced were total flops, but I produced my first realistic self portrait in oils the other day! It turned out well! I hope you're able to get out of your funk. Sometimes it just takes a break doing something else you enjoy, or a perspective change on mediums or styles.

[@Katie-md7mh]

@@Hannah-pi8de Thank you! Its nice to hear that t.t

[@DarksStars]

Art block rarely if ever is a thing on its own. It's usually a symptom of something bigger and identifying that can help to resolve it. Sometimes it's because of larger life things (busy schedule, stress, mental illness, etc), but it can also be a mindset problem. There is a certain "gap" between your perception and your actual drawing skill, and they often don't level up at the same time. So it's common to be dissatisfied with your own work bc your perception of what it should be has improved. In short, if art making is something you want in your life but you're struggling with art block, I highly recommend to take some time to reflect on the actual root cause and how you can adress it

[@wonderland4515]

I've never had an art block for that long but honestly whenever i deal with it or see other people dealing with it i think the best option is to take a step back and not let it bother you. I dont mean staying in bed or binge watch netflix. Take a step back but stay active, go outside, take walks, observe nature. I think the worst thing to do is staying confined inside 4 walls and forcing yourself to sit at your desk and just hope for something to come out. Go out and let yourself be inspired by your surroundings, or dont, you can just relax and unwind. Take notes of little things that you might wanna add to your art, etc. I think we as artists put this pressure on ourselves that we constantly need to shit out art and that we're not good enough and its very frustrating but you dont need to constantly think of something new, sometimes its best to just get a sketchbook and doodle some simple stuff like rocks, butterflies, flowers, or even draw from reference. art block is also a good time to try explore new things and try to understand better your creative side, maybe try a new medium, new art style or even a new art form. Last year i went through about 3/4 months of art block and i decided to completely forget about drawing for a while and get into sewing and just making costumes and it was so fun.

[@imawonder]

Ahhh so enchanting and magical! Adore all the nuanced colours throughout the piece

[@knikorupi9647]

omgggg i luv uuuu

[@dwayneissac2302]

instablaster...

[@pamj7823]

I love how you combined watercolor and colored pencil. This is so beautiful. I read that many artists combine watercolor and colored pencil as you have, especially for illustration. It seems logical what you said about your art style evolving. Also, I wonder if trying new watercolor pigments or brushes might help with you. Siennas, ochre and Ultramarine blue can be very granulating. Maybe you might like the alternatives that aren’t granulating and are more transparent. For example, PY42 Yellow Ochre is less granulating than PY43 Yellow Ochre. Daniel Smith makes Quinacrdone earth tones that are smooth and transparent. Or you could mix transparent, non granulating colors to create the earth tones you seek. I love watching Dr Oto Kano KZbin channel as she swatches and compares various brands of colors. She compares the Daniel Smith Quinacrdone earth tones that are more transparent and make cleaner mixes. Her videos have helped me make better color choices for what my style needs. You art is amazing! Wonderful to see how your art is evolving. Also, the Transparent Oxides earth colors are great mixing colors and non-granulating like Transparent Oxide Brown, Red and possibly yellow. Dr Oto Kano compares brands and you can pick which brand of a color has the properties you seek - or even a convenience mixture like Holbein Brillant Green. She helped open a new world for me with watercolor pigments. And their are other channels that swatch out colors. I do love how you blend the colored pencil with watercolor. You bring out the best of both mediums.

[@ChrisHongArt]

I could definitely try switching up my palette a bit more, I've been using pretty much the same set of colours for YEARS now 😅 thank you for all the information!! :)

[@pamj7823]

@@ChrisHongArt I was using the same for years too. There are so many new options today, that is why watching videos of swatches can help take out the guess work. I have regretted many colors I bought because I never tried them before. You are incredibly talented. I wish I was as skilled as you are. Thank you for sharing your videos. I am learning so much from you.

[@artisticmango3455]

I love the way you use your watercolour! And I really love how the final piece looks. ❤️👀👌👌

[@engineb191]

omg...the BG transformation is just pure magic!!!

[@tjrollinthedough102]

You achieved a charming rich and delightful painting! The colored pencil created a wonderful look! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@mollylikesspace]

I actually like the granulation. To me it looks like a cosy children's illustration, the granulated look made it look like a dream, like fuzy and faded. But the final looks amazing as well 😁

[@zara4leafclover]

Yes granulating pigments don't love being layered. They usually become very easy to lift. I'd suggest synthetic pigments that are smoother and don't cause granulation, but they are also much more pigmented. Similar to cerulean might be a phthalo blue/turquoise (but watered down). Knowing your pigments, and their characteristics can save an artist a lot of headaches. If a person that prefers to use many layers uses non-staining and easily lifted colors (ex., cobalt violet) it will be a much more arduous process and not very fun.

[@ChrisHongArt]

I definitely could use to sit down and actually learn more about the properties of each pigment! Maybe I need to seek out more staining pigments 🤔 thanks for your thoughts!

[@christinamoxon]

@@ChrisHongArt I can recommend the channel: In Liquid Color - Denise goes thorough a lot of paints and swatches and compares all the major watercolour brands and their pigments. Learnt a lot from her. Senellier are supposed to be a good brand for layering and glazing. And Schminke as a range are mostly non granulating paints.

[@MadamSutdisi]

@@ChrisHongArt It might be a good idea to try ink. Definitely staining and wouldn't be lifted once dry. Watered down they can be quite translucent. Good luck with your self discovery.

[@rogeremmerson]

Don't beat yourself up over medium. The result is beautiful and entrancing. Every painting I've ever done always has that mid-point where I hate it and it's a struggle to make it work...and then it does!

[@treelore5100]

agree with this!! it's absolutely normal. Total control tends to lead to not such a great result.

[@arachnidsLor]

as a viewer, i think 'wow i love how this is going! why is she saying its getting worse?' as an artist i think 'i know that feeling. and being told hpw great it is will only make you feel worse..' chris, your content has been motivating and inspiring me for many years now, thank you for that! i know some pieces on this channel you love, some you probably dislike still. if there is a positive out of that negativity, i suppose its the fact that many people are still inspired to pick up their art supplies and make something. you really inspired me to get into traditional art after being mostly digital for 10 years now : > this piece is beautiful, ive been seeing bits and pieces on insta and i couldnt wait for the video!

[@ChrisHongArt]

I remember when I made the switch from 100% digital to traditional, it was scary at first but I've never looked back! :) Thanks so much for your kind words and continued support, means so much! 🧡

[@DustyMusician]

About the cerulean blue, there are smoother ceruleans from other brands, like Schmincke and DaVinci

[@lmfaolouise]

i watched how you did it, but i still dont know how you did it. you are an extremely talented artist, chris! i look up to you a lot

[@makingsandmusings]

Hi there, I hope you are well, I just posted my first sketchbook tour video and would love it if you checked it out!

[@jocsgrotto]

The transformation is stunning! I can totally relate with feeling frustrated when I can’t replicate the process from my previous works. When you first started incorporating colored pencil into your pieces (and working with colored pencils in general), I was so excited for you because it reminded me of how fun and amazing it felt working with multimedia. You don’t have to stick with one medium, the world of art supplies is your oyster! It’s super smart and efficient to use watercolor as a base and then render with colored pencil. I really admire how much you uses colored pencils to make your pieces since I feel like they require a lot of layering- but that’s what makes your art process unique and yours! When we can’t replicate our processes from before, I think of it like a means to evolve or experiment. I really loved this piece, it felt more so magical and dreamy with the colored pencils!!

[@ChrisHongArt]

Thank you so much Jocelyn!

[@crystalclear111]

I am very late to the party but I had to pause the video to clarify a few things before they escaped me. I had nearly taken the title of your video literally...and found myself exclaiming out loud very early into your video "why would you ever give up watercolor?". I have to say I find your work is not only incredibly illustrative, it is emotive and full of depth. It brings a magical nostalgia to me immediately! What a gift you encompass 💗

[@AlinaHuynhArt]

your works are gorgeous as always Chris ;)

[@manolomeo5266]

Las líneas verticales (o efectos verticales como tu los llamas), hacen sentir que la luna cae o va dejando un rastro de brillo en el ambiente.

[@MissShembre]

I actually love the texture that one paint has, because it makes the art look vintage-y 1950s, but I can totally see that it would be super frustrating at the 'ugly stage' before the pieces start to shape up a bit.

[@mmveelee]

I have a general idea of how you feel about mixed media but, I still don’t think you realize how OKAY it is to use mixed media and how beautiful your works are! I understand the frustration you had about this piece, with wanting it to only be in watercolor at first but, having to surrender to other media to complete the artwork. At the same time, You should feel proud of yourself for being able to let go and use all the tools at your disposal to make it match your vision and meet your standards. Do you know what I mean? 😅 Anyways, I still love your artwork and how you’re experimenting with mediums so, keep it up!

[@cris_ad]

There is seriously nothing more frustrating than art supplies not doing what you want. From your illustration style, I think it may be more beneficial for you to not use granulating colors. There are some very pastel watercolor colors by Holbein (shell pink, jaune brilliant 1 & 2, lavender, leaf green, verditer) that have that soft, dreamy, airy feel to them which I think you might enjoy (if you don't already own them!); this piece reminded me of those colors when you said you wanted a very airy look to the background and when you mentioned that the granulation was not working out. :)

[@sketchingwithrose6645]

It’s so cool to see you paint with watercolor! Sometimes it has digital art effect or a fun story telling illustration style and I love it !⭐️😃😍 Can u pls make an in depth tutorial on how u do it ?

[@bizzybreeillustrations2158]

I really love the background the granulation makes the vibe feel like she’s super cozy resting while there is a storm ⛈ like when in real life you’re in bed cozy listening to rain fall on the roof! I love it 🥰

[@ChrisHongArt]

I think it could definitely have worked as a stormy piece if I had gone that direction! thank you :)

[@bellacristine4350]

Seus desenhos são incríveis, parabéns 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤

[@mariliarodrigues7137]

Beautiful illustration! I love the watercolour mixed with the coloured pencils, they work out really well together!

[@makingsandmusings]

Hi there, I hope you are well, I just posted my first sketchbook tour video and would love it if you checked it out!

[@daneelpotot1783]

I have been anticipating the process of this piece ever since i saw the sneak peaks on ig, and ohmy what a dream!!! Its so much better that what ive expected 😍😍 love ur works as always, chris ✨✨

[@isaniart]

I totally get what you’re saying about looking at past work and wondering how you were able to create it, and then getting disheartened (just made a video myself about that lol). I think you’ve naturally gravitated towards using watercolor as a base, so embrace it! Who knows, maybe you’ll go back to just watercolor in a few years, but this season of your art is mixed media. Much love to you

[@patriciateal2099]

First of all, I think you are an amazing storyteller!!! I love your work!! This one was different than your usual for sure... I think that it was bolder, but also it had a ton of depth. I always struggle with linework versus painterly as well. Admiring the linework of others and yet never committing to it in my own work... This piece has that great balance that I am always drawn to. In regards to your speckles... I believe a big part of it is due to the granulation, but also the hotpressed paper. I know it is so much smoother but I find those speckles always occur and I find it distracting after a few layers. Sometimes it is granulation, other times I think it is just the "pilling" of the cotton (I also use Arches HP). I hope you don't "give up" on watercolor... selfishly :p but that it becomes as you say a foundation for the painting. Thank you for always honestly sharing your struggles and joys, I appreciate you!

[@KitKatToeBeans]

First I want to say that your finished piece is absolutely beautiful! Looking at the granulation I don’t think it was a fail, I think it added character...adding to the dreamy vintage look of your style. I think you have the right idea about using watercolor as your base and other things like colored pencil & gouache to render and finish your work. I’m curious have you ever used inktense, Caran d’Ache watercolor pencils or neocolor? Perhaps adding watercolor pencils/sticks would be a fun alternative. Either way I think what you said made a lot of sense and could ease your frustrations when using mainly watercolor. Best of luck on your continued journey and ty for letting us follow you along ☺️

[@FrankMakesMovies]

I did a quick search on your channel and didn't find any reference to this product, but have you tried Derwent Inktense (pencils, blocks, pans)? You might like the results you can get, and if you make a mistake (or something you don't like), you can cover over it with white and keep working it until you get the result that you want. That way you could work a piece all with one medium without feeling the need to pull in the reinforcements of gouache or colored pencils. Just a thought.

[@Cristinarting]

I don't think you should give up on watercolors but to try to be more aware of what you like when using them. I really loved how it was going at the beginning even I could notice the muddiness you said and I absolutely adored how you managed to make it glow with the color pencils. Don't give up. I really love your videos and listening to you speaking of your struggles while painting makes me feel more calm with my struggles. Greetings from Mexico!!

[@dianemoos2951]

This happened with my art also I started doing things with different mediums and I would go back and I would see how I did things that got the same results with a different medium but because I like the medium I was working in it didn't work anymore and I was used to doing the new medium so maybe what has happened is you are getting results with your watercolor that you didn't exactly know what was going on and you're remembering doing them in one way and expecting the results you get with colored pencils and you're trying to do it like you do with the colored pencils anyway just a little insight

[@folkerwulff]

This is a beautiful piece, so don't beat yourself up over it. In addition to the color pencils, consider soft pastels, especially pan pastels. They also play well with watercolor (and pencils), especially when applied carefully so they don't fill up the limited tooth of the watercolor paper. We have all these wonderful media, so not using them (together) out of some sense of "purity" or whatever seems pretty dumb to me. Just like building a house, concrete outside, carpet inside. Nobody in their right mind would leave the floor bare just because it bothers the purity of the concrete. It's the result that counts, and yours is (are) beautiful :-) Cheers - Folker

[@milkaboom]

How can I just be so much in love with your art... It's just amazing and every time you post I instantly want to grab a pencil and start drawing! (also I'm going though an art crisis too and it feels nice to not be alone)

[@juliepannell5853]

Just beautiful ... your thought process was very much like mine when I began to doubt watercolour versus colour pencil. Honestly they work beautifully together and so nice to see you going back to your lovely whimsical pieces. The other thought I had was struggles with highly pigmented watercolours .. often hot press paper is partly accountable but then if you use cold press you lose the ability to get good results from the colour pencil .. just a thought ... ☺️

[@LifeofPani]

That's beautiful, i love it, don't ever stop watercolors 🌊💦🌊

[@lillychannon3625]

It turned out great, lovely colours and super cute. It makes me happy

[@CosmicSpectrumArt]

Lmao I have the exact same attitude about watercolour that you mentioned at the end x'D (that was also a meandering path that i arrived at eventually). I tried using simple ink + watercolour a whole ago and moved on to coloured ink only, and then tried dabbling in watercolour again recently; but in the end my fav combo is watercolours + ink for base and coloured pencils for the rest. PS Call me ;D

[@MuffinsAntonio]

You have my favorite art style and have gotten me to push myself to follow my dreams in doing traditional media illustrations. I have so much anxiety toward drawing traditionally because it feels so permanent, but videos like these help me work out those feelings and be brave enough to actually try. Thank you for all your hard work and for showing us your absolutely wonderful artwork

[@librosaurora1230]

Your drawings remind me of figurines made out of porcelain

[@Pedro-ql9lf]

13:00 Totally. If you absolutely love the character, you feel more inclined to finish the rest of the piece. Tho if you have a perfect background but a main focus you don't like, not so much. I usually do the eyes first in my drawings, because if I do them right, I'm obviously gonna spend time on the rest of the face. Love the piece btw, your a huge inspiration for me ✨💜

[@aliciasodidavila1813]

I love watercolors, and You use them really well. I hope with practice I learn to do it like You 😊💞

[@jasminnedil2404]

If you love your fans pin this comment💀✨

[@ButterflyEvolution]

The title gaves me so much anxiety

[@eishan_wip]

im so surprised how much you can 'fix' with pencils! very beautiful!

[@lefthandstory1280]

Very nice friend.great job😘😘...

[@ryanembry9875]

You're definitely asking yourself the right questions. Follow your vision. The old methods and ways will always be there for you to come back to.

[@perlaescent]

Watercolor still remains a mystery struggle to me! I enjoy working with gouache more and adding some color pencil for further blending ☺️ But I do love the ethereal effects many artists I admire do with their watercolor artwork.

[@tnteesha]

I love how this turned out. Always a treat to see a new video from you 💕

[@suburbanview]

As an artist u have the right and the obligation to experiment with different mediums. Sometimes we forget that we have many options to develop an idea. That part is what is missing in digital art. Go, do some sculpture, oil painting, acrylics, put all together. What we learn in one technique, will enrich the next one. Just like in life. Experience make u wise, a better person. Same thing with art.

[@keepyourshoesathedoor]

You could mesh digital art with traditional.

[@bossbabypaints]

You should also try pastels sometime idk i feel that it would be cool

[@cynthiamoon4315]

ooooh lovely. I also want to know more about the actual palette your paints are mixed on. I'm loving the layout and size.

[@SusanSaladini]

I’d love to know about that palette too. I’m obsessed!

[@nessaillus]

I think using watercolour to fill in big spaces/do the first colours of the pieces is pretty smart to save on time and looking pretty, and then detailing with coloured pencils makes them a match made in heaven. The end piece is super pretty and inspiring 💞

[@ruru429]

I've known some artists who use colour pencils with watercolour namely Lioba Bruckner. I think it doesn't matter which media you use if it looks nice in the end and you're happy with it!!! Love your art style

[@NervousGaming1990]

So in more recent years, I find that using watercolor to make a base color I can make the most of my color pencils.

[@NervousGaming1990]

Alcohol markers make a great base for color pencils too, but not as good as watercolor I find.

[@Theonlyayren]

I love how you worked through this and didn't give u. that is such an inspiring trait. I also really been into your work a lot more lately this new approach is amazing and so magical but yeah if wasn't clear already I love this!

[@robkemp7291]

Personally I feel mixmedia would suit your current work cox of your approach.

[@yeespace17]

Your drawing 👍💕 so beautiful! I liked your style 🤗💕!

[@strawberrissa2769]

OMFG this is amazing 😍🤤

[@lyssasletters3232]

Turned out beautiful👏! Suggestion: research the pigment properties of the specific colors you are using before you start using them on the paper! 🌈 Maybe only use granulating or opaque colors for the top layers, and use transparent or semi-transparent paints for the first few layers. You may also like to use paints that lift easily from the paper 🤷‍♀️, rather than ones with greater staining properties. Do some blending swatches on a scrap piece of watercolor paper to see how the colors you are using will blend together. Some paints just don’t blend well 🤷‍♀️. I like to use procreate to design the colors and lighting for a piece before painting because it takes less time than analog. Determine what medium to use based on the specific effects you are trying to create! I think colored pencil was a very good choice for this specific piece because you achieved some great contrasts and details in the foreground. I think the background could have been created using one wash of watercolor, doing wet-on-wet. Watercolors are great for magical wet-on-wet effects, if you have the courage to let them just do their thing. 💗💗💗 I’d suggest checking out Kendyll Hillegas’s videos; she does a lot of mix media artwork👍 , and she has a KZbin channel. For wet-on-wet watercolor inspiration, check out Amarylis Henderson’s Skillshare classes. Oh and Yasmina Creates also shares some great tips for mix media (especially making dreamy watercolor effects) on her KZbin channel and in her Skillshare classes! Thanks for your inspiration!!!💗💗💗 hope this helps!

[@lavinder11]

Interesting how you see an ugly muddy color while I see a beautiful dreamworld.

[@ccblue13]

I love working in primarily watercolors too! I feel like since you have such a clear vision of what your piece should be, it doesn't leave enough room for watercolor to just do what it does. I feel like watercolor in particular is really a "have the end piece in mind, but lets see what happens on the page and work with that" kind of medium. I absolutely adore your work, and I would love to see a process without you fighting with your watercolor when you choose to use it. But please don't give up!

[@annaclimbing]

can’t wait to get this as a print Chris! i love how it turned out 🤍

[@minhadeusa]

Nossa que desenho maravilhoso. É lindo. Você é uma grande inspiração pra mim. Wow what a wonderful drawing. It's beautiful. You are a great inspiration to me.

[@PostBlueHaze]

I really love the storytelling ability you have, in addition to your (killer) painting skills. You are an incredible artist! Also, a sidenote, I literally signed up for Skillshare because of you and Arleesha.

[@ChrisHongArt]

Arleesha is amazing! Thanks so much for your kind words!

[@rosezif]

Love it so much! I personally love to watch you using both, watercolors and colored pencils together, you inspired me to try do the same🤩, thank you so much as always for the inspiration 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@leoken1990]

please give us an elloborate watercolor tutorial on skill share for portraits.... PLZZZZZZZ

[@rubenmsk]

she is worrried about the granulation but i am worried about that spaguetti arm

[@littlelemoncurd6191]

Your artwork is always gorgeous! If you want beautiful grain-free watercolors, I HIGHLY recommend the Japanese watercolors from the website/shop “Choosing Keeping”. I have them and they are the most beautiful and smooth paints I have ever encountered. They are pricy but I PROMISE you they are worth it. (This isn’t an ad. I am not affiliated with them lol). I have been meaning to make a video about them (I got a few sets of them) but have been too lazy lol.

[@MelissaKHillmanArt]

Oh my goodness! I think I saw some of your work on Instagram at some point and LOVED IT! So fun to see you pop up on my KZbin feed! I love this painting. So much. 💛🌿

[@SketchingWithSarah]

I love watching your process and it always fascinating how you were able to JUST YOU WATERCOLOR ONLY?! I always end up using colored pencil and ink and white gel pen to get it how I want and its so cool to see you incorporate other mediums too! I love love using colored pencils with my watercolor art because its so much easier to clean things up and makes things sharper and smooth out the watercolor textures. It's so nice to be able to "save" a frustrating piece too. I spend less and less time in the watercolor phase now and focus on the other mediums I have more control over that I introduce into the piece. I think its all about spending that time in the parts of the process you get joy out of the most! For you, falling in love with the character you create! You always make such sweet, wholesome and whimsical art and as a long time follower on Instagram I love seeing you grow and grow! I personally love using watercolor with colored pencil and I think that's why I fell in love with watercolored pencils! I just love how portable they are and how I can just make art with them anywhere with little set up and mess. You should try watercolor pencils and water brush pens if anything you should just try them out for a fun experiment in your sketchbook I would love to see it (: PS: The "special effects* really make your pieces so magical and bring them to life! ♥

[@arkiabethay7276]

What made you get into your medium?????? For example I only use color pencils because I don’t understand the layering process for watercolors or any paints of that matter?????

[@ThePointedPaintbrush]

So relatable with needing to love or like what you are working on. If something messes up or doesn't work how I like or is taking too long to fix, it makes me hate the piece and have negative association with it. Lately I've been learning to quick while I'm ahead, or accept the loss. Have you seen Carter Goodrich's older children's book illustration work? He used to do the colored pencil over watercolor based style for a long time! I really like his Nutcracker illos.

[@margaretf667]

Use the Quinacrodone and phthalo colours and you won't have granulation and they will layer and layer.

[@wanessalima440]

Hi! This is amazing. I loved your style, is so dreamy. ❤️ I have a curiosity...what you use for paper doesn’t fold when you paint with watercolors?

[@dawnrood4885]

Love, love this!!!!! Try cold press arches for water color. I think it may be the hot press paper frustrating you. Not sure, but you do Beautiful work, full of love!!

[@MyLadyAmalthea]

I love the textured background, but then I love granulation anyway. Swapping out some of your opaque colors for transparent/staining colors would help. I love Sennelier for multiple layer glazing, but also us a lot of M. Graham.

[@AndreeaDrawsandPaints]

I love the final result! It's beautiful and serene. And I think watercolour and coloured pencils work great together for your ilustrations. ♥️

[@Angela10277088]

This is so beautiful! I think the granulation and colored pencils give the piece such a beautiful, dreamy look!

[@vampiricconure]

Ah yes, the annoying Middle stage! I'm currently slogging through a gouache /mixed media piece, so I feel your pain. Keep the chin up and keep up the great (drool drool!!) work!

[@nudgehole_2807]

Very amazing drawing😁😆👍You are very skilled.👏

[@Vgudorf]

The end result is ABSOLUTELY STUNNING, Chris, and this melding of watercolor for the first layers and colored pencils for more controlled finish may just be the technique that helps you arrive at the exact look you’re going for. But, cerulean blue is a very hard pigment to use as a blender base. It’s generally highly opaque, and granulating, and with it’s tendency to appear chalky, it just doesn’t like to play well with others in multiple layers, at least not if clarity and transparency is the effect you’re going after. YEARS AGO, I stumbled upon a book called by Jim Kosvanec that helped me tremendously in understanding how the properties of individual pigments affect the mixing of transparent glazes. Unfortunately, the book is out of print, having been published in 1994, but last I looked, you can still obtain copies for a decent price on the used book market. He breaks down traditional watercolor paints into five categories: Transparent non-staining, semi-transparent non-staining, transparent staining, semi-opaque and opaque colors, and whitened and blackened colors. He explains quite well how to mix and layer the colors from each category, and how to avoid mixing mud and laying down dull washes and glazes. I read it as a beginning watercolorist, and to say it saved me countless hours of frustration would be an understatement. One of the things that bugs me is the way watercolor paints are being marketed to aspiring artists nowadays. The focus is on hundreds of boutique colors, often with ambiguous and unhelpful names that promise great results, but leave people confused as to why they can’t to get beautiful, clean mixes and washes. Traditional single pigment colors with traditional unsexy names, used in proven and age-old fashion techniques isn’t nearly so marketable anymore. It’s unfortunate.

[@garymcguire8529]

I think your artwork is great, especially your pen work. You are very lucky to be born into a mix media era, so many ways of laying colours, so many colours. Try looking at the old artists from the past, in " Unsung Heroes of Illustration" by Pete Beard on KZbin. Try watered down acrylics, which I use instead.

[@ajwspjs2]

While I understand you wanting to have color harmony, you KNEW that the combination was not working due to the granulation. You KNEW, but yet kept going, instead of stopping when you first recognized the problem. So, since you KNEW what you were doing, and still kept going, it's not your watercolor technique that's the issue. I've seen your work. You watercolor with the best of 'em. There is absolutely nothing wrong with your watercolor. And, since you've mentioned you've been getting more and more frustrated over the year, and since your watercolor skills are perfection, then it stands to reason that right now, for the moment, maybe for tomorrow, or until the fall, or until next year...lol...you need a different way to express yourself in your art, and you already know...like you knew that the granulation was building up in this picture. You became more excited as you began to "rescue" your painting. Messing up the watercolor gave you an excuse to do what you really wanted to do in the first place...mix up the media, go in a different direction, do something exciting, move forward, etc. I found it fascinating that you know/knew the problem, yet kept forcing yourself to "finish". I'm thinking you're the "I'm no quitter" type. I get that. I'm one of those too. However, switching focus is NOT quitting.

[@katherinenoggle6407]

I ADORE watercolors, but have never been able to control them. Put a colored pencil in my hands and i can achieve even a painterly look, but watercolors??? Nope, not a chance. When i was trying to master them, i bought a ton (A TON) of really nice, incredibly expensive colors that now just sit there, silently mocking me. This makes me feel so much better, the idea of using them as a base layer and putting colored pencil on top. It's a comfort to know that even really gifted artists struggle with some mediums now and then. I love this piece, and the background is just *chef's kiss*.

[@whatifitnt]

Can you picture darker corners...? To create a moon halo around her...? I wish I was one quarter as talented as you are with watercolor 💦 please don’t give up 💝✨💖💫

[@ladyjoy5828]

I enjoy your process. Especially with your illustrations. My favorite is when you overlay using gouache. Glad to see you back to painting characters. Hope to see more!

[@thrashingmoose28]

So beautiful Chris I want a print! Your work is so enchanting and whimsical. You've inspired me to try water colours and gouache. Is it possible to use polychromos pencils on top of gouache?

[@popesuavecitoxii2379]

I love watercolors. It's the first painting medium I learned and I used it to make a lot of illustrations but, since I started using acrylics, I haven't been painting with watercolors much lately. If you try the fluid acrylics you'll see that it does everything watercolor can, minus the ability to re-wet the pigment. It might take up to a week or so to get the hang of, but your technical options will be expanded. You can use it on practically any surface. No need to use gouache for opacity or worry about muddy blending. You'll have far more control over the colors, which are far more vibrant IMHO. Nowadays, I only use watercolor when I'm travelling or quick sketches.

[@ElYetiberto]

La verdad desde que descubrí este canal e aprendido mucho y ahora ya obtengo los resultados que me gustan :D la verdad la señorita Hong es muy talentosa 😍

[@sirenyaazi]

You definitely feel like a good mixed media artist. I have to wonder how old the paint is and if maybe the quality of the pain has been compromised? perhaps just age, repeated wetting and drying, etc. Could be that you might need a new set? Try a new brand? Then even keep incorporating your other mediums to your watercolors. Mixing the mediums just is you getting the most out of your tools, there is nothing wrong with using more than one method

[@FlidaisPeridotEyes]

I recommend schminckes ultramarine finest if you want a non-granulating blue

[@Metal_Mouth]

Ahhhh it’s so pretty!! 😭😭 I honestly really love your watercolor/colored pencil mixed-media pieces, it gives off a different effect than your gouache or your colored pencil only pieces. I love the combination of the textures and how the nuisances of colors of the watercolors shine through and how the colored pencils completely changes the overall look and atmosphere! I might be biased because I use watercolor/colored pencils regularly but I find that it definitely helps make using the colored pencils process faster and gives it dimension. But you don’t have to listen to me, if the process isn’t fun then let it go. You should have fun with the process and not suffer through it all. C.F Payne is an artist who does amazing mixed-media work and popularized the oil rub technique and I think you might be interested in him and his process. I think he did a couple of yt tutorials on it as well. He was a guest speaker at my art college before lockdown hit and his process really helped me through my thesis and inspired me to go back to old works and rework them.

[@atstationofgreywitch]

Amazing work, youre a truly master of illustration. Also thanks for interestings conclusions

[@daniellehill1253]

I think this is very beautiful. I love the layering of colored pencil over the watercolor.

[@eyeyeye-fm9oo]

York watercolor struggle really resonates with me. I've been trying to make graphite and gouache work for me for the past 1.5 years or so but I just feel so done with them atm.

[@LadyNerdyLegalPants]

The way your process has been going on the last couple years really makes me wonder why you don't try the same illustration in a digital format. I'm noticing a favor to highly rendered pieces, which are gorgeous! I actually went fully digital last summer and I'm in love. I had the same issues with watercolors. I like doing layers. I love being able to draw and move things around. I love being able to create effects... What's your thought process on going digital in a piece?

[@fuchsfarben]

what a beautiful outcome :D I have this way of getting myself to feel "obligated" to finish a piece if I don't like a certain aspect of it, or aren't looking forward to painting a certain part. I'll usually finish the character first, since I don't really enjoy doing backgrounds and then the "well I've gotten this far, now I gotta do the bgtoo"-kind of state that gets me through the entire process :')

[@JamieHerself]

I am OBSESSED with your style. :) So beautiful

[@draw-budmarkio2675]

I am glad to see a new video! I have watched almost all of your videos for inspiration since I get art block from overworking, so to see a new video is a plus! Trying new materials and styles do help with such things. Hopefully you will be more inspired in the days to come! Can't wait to see the shop's updates and new videos! 🗒🖌✏🇵🇷

[@someonesomewhere1100]

9:07 "but I kept truckin on..and I made my bed, so.." Hahahahh I'm laughing cause that was such a cute way to put it, and because I can relate to this haaard 😂😂😂

[@brendawillems4804]

Love them both! But the left one, how it was before looks to me more like á painting. For me it has a more Mysterieus and interesting look! But how it turn out is also absolutely beautiful, very cute! Thanks for Sharing, you are a stunning artist!