Watercolor Beginner Series Episode 1 - Materials

[@1012chart]

Another sleepless night where I'm from... Just found your channel... So fabulous. I loved the dragonfly tutorial and your intro. You are such a great educator. I'm 63 and just beginning. Thanks so much

[@dianaericson6934]

Good video, that I shared with a friend. Looking forward to my first box.

[@LetsMakeArt]

Thank you so much for the share! We can't wait for your box to arrive!!!

[@bobrobinson4110]

I’ve been doing stained glass since the 80’s, dabbled in some larger paint by number that I really enjoy. My sister-in-law, whom I’ve given several sun catchers to discovered this on the quilters site and sent it to me. Been to Hamilton several times to satisfy my wife’s need for quilt stuff and I go sit in the Man Cave. Next time in town I’m coming to see you!! REALLY looking forward to starting on the antique sewing machine that I just got today!

[@LetsMakeArt]

Hi Bob! We can't wait to see you. The shops are all currently set to open back up this spring.

[@cindytaylor6657]

Thank you! I am ready to start🥰

[@LetsMakeArt]

You are so welcome. We cannot wait to begin painting with you!

[@mcmurf2]

wow.. so much good information.. THANKS!!!!!! onto the next video!!!

[@kimhouston6815]

Great info! Loved the primer!

[@LetsMakeArt]

So glad!

[@juliebergacker5680]

Yay! Awesome😁👏👍

[@jazz46buster]

Great info .. thanks

[@Skinnychelle48]

I lovvvvvvve Princeton Heritage Brushes, my all time fav! The 4050 line is so awesome, perfect snap, not too pointy, the handles are a little thicker, they are pretty synthetic and affordable!

[@marytufts1163]

Happy New Year! I LOVE that you are doing this series. This really helps "round out" the LMA lessons that you are teaching through the kits. I have often gone shopping and looked at watercolor supplies and gotten horribly confused. I'm such a "newbie" at this that I don't want to waste money on products I won't be satisfied with and/or will never use again. I was actually looking through drawing courses online to get some "basics" and VOILA! You are meeting that need through this series. THANK YOU!!

[@samanthahelferich8525]

I'm in love with this channel and Let's Make Art in general! I'm a new subscriber of the monthly box, and I couldn't be more excited to learn and paint more. I'm a visual learner, so this beginner series has been so helpful and fun. Thanks for the work you and the Let's Make Art team does!

[@LetsMakeArt]

Welcome! We are so excited to see your creations.

[@rachelhall4784]

Bend and Snap! Love it! I'm a beginner. I just found you yesterday 7-4-19. Loving your series. Love Keenan's questions. He usually asks what I'm thinking. I'm going to try the August kit. You had me at dragonflies.

[@aras1588]

Just got my first kit in the mail- excited to get started!! I love your kits and your instruction is totally so helpful, I can't say enough- Thank you!

[@trudysmith5230]

howdo i get a kit

[@robinharlow2594]

Very Helpful. I just ordered some of your kits. Can't wait to try everything. Your videos make watercolor look fun.

[@MarcellHobbs]

I’ve received my butcher tray/brush add on kit and my third sub box. I just discovered this series and started binge watching. Thanks for teaching and sharing!

[@jamesarnoff3494]

Thank you for your kind words💐 You’re fun communicating with. It’s a pleasure meeting you

[@jamesarnoff3494]

Where’re you from?

[@GeminiDolly52951]

I am a beginner to watercolor - I need all the information I can collect - Thank you for taking the time to explain what is involved

[@LetsMakeArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@marioalejandro7549]

I’m not a painter,so Keenan come in handy for those questions I may have. Thank you both!. You make a great team ! Good job guys! Thank you for this!

[@talyfaith]

Your videos are amazing!! Thank you!!🥰

[@LetsMakeArt]

Glad you like them!

[@captkristipaints]

I can't wait to go through and watch these videos!!! I have been trying some things with watercolor, wanting to get better but not knowing where to start. Here's my sign!!! Thanks so much!!

[@LetsMakeArt]

Yes! You can do it!! :)

[@deann23c]

Love your videos and you remind me so much of Melissa Joan Hart!!

[@MarshaMood]

Thank you so much, Sarah! This tutorial was excellent!

[@candyland8527]

You mentioned lightfastness which I appreciate because I intend on making gifts of my art. I enjoy learning with the tutorials you do with the liquid watercolors and find I like the colors better than the tubes. BUT obviously it will be a problem giving my art away unless I intended on making copies. I will try spraying with a UV spray and testing lightfastness that way before ever giving away an original. Also, you mentioned Opera Rose when you were talking about lightfastness and I wanted to mention that Opera Rose is very limited in it's lightfastness (if any). A better option for a pink that is lightfast is Permanent Rose (you lose some of the brightness of the Opera, but it's still a beautiful pink color). Thank you for all of your tips and advice!

[@karoncrickmore2093]

Sarah, this was so informative. Thank you!

[@LetsMakeArt]

So glad!

[@pineappletop8751]

Thank you for your information. What are your thoughts on stretching the paper? Is it necessary?

[@audreybronson2710]

Just what I needed, thank you so much. Great video!

[@destinyseck3786]

Watched this while trying to water paint...it’s helpful

[@ritawilkerson2340]

Thank you Sarah. I found this very helpful.

[@deannemontgomery2919]

Thank you Sarah . You're the best!

[@smileyguydesigns9199]

Happy New Year! I just wanted to comment and say that according to their website - the Dr PH Martin's Hydrus liquid (pigment based) watercolor is lightfast while the Dr PH Martin's Radiant liquid (dye based) watercolor is not lightfast. Thanks for all the wonderful videos you make - I love them all!!!! ...Heidi

[@mdyeasinali6061]

thanks

[@scmarih]

Actually, I looked up the information and this is what is stated: Like all aniline dye base colors, they are fugitive when exposed to direct sunlight over time. For lightfast, archival watercolor use Dr. Ph. Martin's Hydrus Fine Art Watercolor.

[@Ane-kh3yp]

Really helpful and lots of inside, never knew so much about brushes. Thank you.

[@graceoldham4002]

You guys are so so great! You're tutorials have helped me so much and really, you're just so much fun to watch!

[@marikareimer4411]

Great video. Thank you Sarah :)

[@keenanmorris5934]

Your Cameraman has the same name that I do! Now I'm invested, lol!

[@LetsMakeArt]

Sweet another Keenan!

[@ecfrancis]

Love you! And love your videos!

[@Acrylicworld2020]

Woow that was really awesome work😍😍😍♥️♥️👏👏

[@virginiaogden3293]

Thank you.

[@dragonflytee]

Hi, just wanted to say that the purpose of stretching paper isn’t to remove the “starch” from it. It’s actually a sizing agent that’s used on Cellulose paper like the Canson you’re using and inside and on top of 100% cotton pro grade papers. You would not want to remove that from either paper. The amount of soaking that’s done to stretch your paper would not remove that very important element that keeps the paint looking vibrant and not soaking in like it would if you just used a cardstock. When you wet paper it expands. The purpose of stretching is to wet the entire piece so that it expands and dries evenly (decreasing warping or peaks and valleys). There are plenty of videos out there on stretching paper that provide tons of info on its benefits. No it’s not a process for everyone or for every project but it would be nice to at least have people correctly understand the basics. Happy painting!

[@emilumi3890]

thank you I'm really new in watercolor and I really have a lot of difficulties your video gonna really help 😁

[@rabisaturn]

Sarah, Thank you for the information. I was blaming myself for not having the right materials

[@Skinnychelle48]

Shinhan Tube Paints are really beautiful bold, creamy, and affordable.

[@NerdMom84]

Thank you for this series!

[@Skinnychelle48]

Walmart always has the best prices on the Canson XL Pads, great for practice as a beginner.

[@kimsargeant4272]

Thank you Sarah.

[@mariannekeller7504]

Which colors of Dr. Martin's Hydrus paints would you suggest to begin a palette? ( I didn't see these on your Website.) Would set #1 give me the warm and cool primary colors or would it be better to purchase them individually? How about the Dandelion colors - how do they compare with the Hydrus paints?? Love all you do and I'd like to try theses paints. Thank you so much!!

[@angielilliank.1109]

Thank you for the great overview and recommendations. Can you please recommend some 0 VOC water color paints and 0 V0C dyes?

[@reelynn77]

I have dr Martin’s inks and neocolor ii crayons from my art journaling days. Can I use those for watercolors?

[@lindaerday5341]

Can you make a recommendation regarding the sort of tape I should buy? Is it painter's tape? 1/2 inch? 3/4 inch? I just watched all 5 of your beginner's videos and am eager to give this a try!

[@dedecolwell2691]

Thank you for this beginner series.. just what I need to get started! You are so talented! What is your background?

[@sabrinahamrick3335]

what liner brush do you use? Brand?

[@jammaarts4429]

Unfortunately I bought the wrong watercolors. How much of a difference will it make in my work with Talens watercolors vs. Dr. PH martens watercolors? I hope you have the answer because I cant afford to buy another set. Thanks and keep up the good work.

[@jackiblair7932]

Hi Sarah... I’m wondering if it’s possible to add glue to the other end of the Canson tablet to create a watercolor block? Rubber cement?

[@teresadurheim5613]

Love the videos! Do you recommend Dr. PH Martins or Dandelion paint co?

[@LetsMakeArt]

Both are great options. We mainly use Dandelion Paint co. in our tutorials and subscription boxes but Dr. P.H. Martin will always have a spot in our shop.

[@terrikane8200]

I might have missed it, but what are some suggested brands for the dye/liquid paint?

[@LetsMakeArt]

We recommend our in house Dandelion Co. liquid watercolors or Dr Ph Martin liquid watercolors. We've included links to both of them below. Dandelion Co: www.letsmakeart.com/products/dandelion-paint-co-15ml-watercolors?Social&Dr. Ph Martin: www.letsmakeart.com/products/dr-ph-martin-radiant-concentrated-watercolor-0-5-oz-bottles?Social&

[@darlenesweetwood1913]

Which paper do you include in your kits?

[@peggydarata7401]

Thank you very nice information

[@micaelagregorio2280]

Hi! I love your channel 🥰 I have a question: the ceramic butcher tray you use is made of a specific material or any ceramic plate (those we have at home for cooking) can be used? Thank you so much! 😊

[@LetsMakeArt]

You can use any ceramic or glass plate/dish as long as it is white. Any other color will distort the color of your paint as you mix it. Our butcher trays are metal coated in ceramic. They are very sturdy and have a very slight bow in the center allowing your colors to sit along the sides and you can mix in the center.

[@micaelagregorio2280]

@@LetsMakeArt Thank you so much for your reply! 😊 I love your tutorials and I was curious about what I can use as a pallette! I will try it after I buy liquid watercolors.

[@1stangelab]

Thank you for clarifying all this! Here's a question. Is there a way to "fix" the painting when it's done like you would do with pastels or chalk? Or will it always be susceptible to water. When I send postcards, do I need to worry about them getting wet?

[@LetsMakeArt]

Watercolor paint will always be susceptible to water, even after it dries. You can always go back in and adjust, but be careful not to mess with it too much to avoid disintegrating the paper. As for the postcards, some people will use the plastic sleeve the postcard is sent in and move the stamp to the outside to protect it. Protection isn't necessary, though!

[@maryturner3534]

You can wax your painting

[@jennifersutton9072]

I've noticed that you use two different brands of liquid watercolor in your kits - what is the difference between the Dandelion & the Dr. Ph Martin paints? I was hoping to find out in this video. Can I still use the Dandelion paints just fine for a tutorial you've posted that uses the Martin paints? I don't really want to have to purchase both. Thank you!

[@LetsMakeArt]

You can definitely use any paint you'd like to complete these projects! They'll still come out about the same - the only difference between these two paints is the quality. Sometimes Dr Ph Martins are easier to blend! BUT - our dandelion paints are also great and you can totally just use those if you don't want to spend more on the others!

[@jennifersutton9072]

@@LetsMakeArt thank you so much for the quick reply!

[@janmay6455]

Just a question... do you tape your paper before painting? And is it ok to dry the layers with a hairbrush?

[@LetsMakeArt]

Not always, but if the painting uses a lot more water (like the Tropical Sunset) then I do it to prevent the paper from warping. You'll want to make sure it's completely dry before taking the tape off and that you use artist tape or painters tape as regular tape will tear the paper when coming off. A hairdryer? It's okay to do that but it can push the water around and change the look.

[@Kroejer94]

what is a 140 pound weight in gsm ?

[@kellybradshaw4]

What kind of paper comes in the kits?

[@LetsMakeArt]

We use Canson Watercolor Paper- www.letsmakeart.com/products/xl-watercolor-pads?_pos=1&_sid=d6fc218c1&_ss=r

[@terrirarick9548]

So....do we ever get to see Keenan or is he your magical mystery man? Do his teeth twinkle when he smiles? Jk...... your watercolor beginner series is excellent. Thank you so much

[@dulcemexica]

Can you post a link to purchase the brushes you are using in the video?

[@melaniemueller7663]

www.letsmakeart.com/collections/paint-brush

[@GaPeach2018]

This needs to be updated. Great basic info, but seems like you have moved forward since this was produced.

[@kellyroxburgh1925]

Why the salt to your right?

[@LetsMakeArt]

Hi Kelly! Sometimes we'll use salt in our projects to add in some texture to the watercolor!

[@jacquev9184]

Did she say what the salt was for?

[@destinyseck3786]

I once heard that salt is good for making stars in your painting, you sprinkle some salt on your painting and wet it a little

[@victoriamora3139]

Hi I have 2 months of kits now and haven't opened up 1 yet. I can not find any instructions on how to transfer the outline. sorry I know its a dumb question but do I tape it down? use a pencil?

[@PenniCaserta]

I assume you found the graphite paper that's folded up and in with the post card. You may use painter's tape or washi tape to tape the outline paper to your watercolor paper (rough side up). Place the graphite paper "shiny/dark" side down between the papers and use a pen, pencil or tracing stylus and very light pressure, trace over the lines. You can always test your pressure on scrap paper before you start your project. The graphite paper is good for many, many uses so don't throw it away. Some people use a colored pen or pencil so they can see where they've traced. When you select a project to work on, I would suggest watching the live paint-along for that project. Sarah walks you through every step while she paints the project. If you want to paint along with her, I advise watching the playbacks of the lives because you can pause/go back if you need to, at least until you feel more comfortable painting. Go for it and be brave! You can do it! 👍

[@kathyharris5242]

Very helpful, but you got cut off when you began to talk about how you use the fan brush and for what.

[@pamelastroud]

Your reason for using a fan brush got edited out it looks like.

[@anneslabinski9463]

You might explain the difference between a cool and a warm yellow for those of us who are clueless. Great explanation otherwise.