Watercolor Crash Course, Part 1: Materials

[@cindyenglert.az51]

Thanks so much- I’ve been a watercolor painter for several years but IO always love to listen to watercolor information in case there is something new to learn. I am an Arizona painter so heat and drying is always an issue. I used to live in Colorado and I miss all the beautiful areas around the state to paint.

[@LauraGYoung]

Thanks, Cindy! I’m always in awe of Arizona watercolorists, as I know what a challenge a hot, dry climate can be. Colorado is admittedly gorgeous, but I’m jealous of your Sonora desert! It’s a dream of mine to go down there and paint all the birds and fantastical cacti. (perhaps there should be an artist exchange program... ) :) :)

[@terrilikens4975]

Yay! Back with a vengeance!! Your video presence has been missed. You sound strong and ready for a great 2025. P.S. Your onscreen editorial notes are a hoot. P.P.S. Skeeter!

[@LauraGYoung]

Aw, thanks, Terri! I’m trying to take better care of myself, but it can be tricky as I can get overloaded and forget to drink more water or even sleep haha. Skeeter says he’ll try to keep me on track. ;)

[@shareemartin9055]

This is a great video. Presented very well!

[@LauraGYoung]

@@shareemartin9055 Thanks for the kind feedback, Sharee! 🥰

[@suzannemarshall7458]

very helpfu;l advice and fn to watch. Thank you!!

[@LauraGYoung]

So glad to hear! I’ve learned a lot from others and it’s so cool to pay it forward. :)

[@CreativeKristenTaylor]

Yay, a new Laura Young video!!! Also, I’ve just started getting back into gouache (trying to learn it properly now) and this was really helpful for that media too. And if you don’t mind me asking, do you think a cotton/wood blend paper like the Fabriano Studio paper would work for someone who mostly uses thicker layers of gouache (my washes/water use are pretty limited right now)? Wondering if that would be a good practice option or if I should go ahead and get cotton paper now.

[@LauraGYoung]

Hey Kristin! :) In my experience, gouache is more forgiving and I've used it in sketchbooks that weren't 100% cotton. That being said, it's hard to beat pure cotton in the long run as you can use both gouache AND transparent colors on it, and if you're planning on eventually transitioning to cotton I'd start using it as soon as possible, as certain papers become intuitive the more you use them.

[@davidritter7237]

Sable is antelope, not weasel

[@LauraGYoung]

@@davidritter7237 Hi David! In addition to the sable antelope (Hippotragus niger), the term “sable” can refer to the weasel I spoke of, as well (Mustela sibirica). :)