Watercolor for Beginners | Three Ways to Use Wet-on-Wet (Part 1)

In this watercolor technique video, I show three ways to use wet-on-wet technique. This is Part 1 of an ongoing Watercolor for Beginners series. Subscribe for more videos like this, smash the “Like” button if you enjoyed, and leave a comment if you have any questions or feedback!
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[@JennaRaineyChannel]

QUESTION OF THE DAY: What is the hardest part OR most favorite part of using wet-on-wet for you? Let me know in the comments and if you have any questions, I'll be sure to try my best to help! Also, don’t miss out on these FREE downloads: Floral Watercolor E-Book < bit.ly/floralebook >, Watercolor Supply List < bit.ly/jennasupplylist >, Digitizing Watercolor E-Book < bit.ly/digitizeebook >, How to Scan and Edit Your Artwork in Photoshop video < bit.ly/editartvideo >, and if interested in licensing your artwork, check out this FREE guide < bit.ly/licensingsheet >.

[@teatimewithtee]

I've watched so many different videos on this and your is so much more clarified.

[@teatimewithtee]

I'm wondering about the lighting is that a necessity?

[@liankyson9161]

Instablaster.

[@nalinimehta8981]

I’m so glad you spoke slowly and didn’t rush thru the tutorial. Your language was clear. Made it easier to follow,

[@fernandsavoie6641]

Wow! Not wet-on-wet! Wow! I’m learning so much! Thank you, thank you, thank you! …ordering your book on learning to watercolour in 30 days. Can’t wait!

[@sassycat378]

Absolutely awesome. Finally someone finail explaining all about wet in wet. I ndever understood all of there till now. Thank you so much.♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🥂🥂

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

YAY! I am so happy it's helpful for you!!

[@presidentjbr]

Watching the paint burst like fireworks - that’s the best!

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

I agree!

[@annebouvier13]

love your tutorials, I especially love how you explain some examples when you would use this technique. thanks!

[@arabesquejacob8176]

I love the wet on wet, it’s so unexpected, spontaneous...but the hardest part for me is knowing how much water to add and being able to do the beautiful blooms...but I like that I never know how it’s going to turn out, like controlled chaos! 🤩

[@christierella]

Wet in wet is the magic that drew me to my love of watercolor!

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Pure magic!

[@riosulysto2068]

7:13 OMG!!!! I've never thought that I'm a type A person, but seeing that supposed to be yellow bugged me out to the max! My shinbones and ankles felt so uncomfortable I had to pause the video, walked to the kitchen, drank something, stretched and rolled my ankles before I could continue hahaha

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

LOL!

[@Clauds71]

I feel you 😂

[@dearbrave4183]

Hahaha really that bad? 😂 I was also a bit uncomfortable but u took it to another level 😂😂

[@feliciaspratling]

Your tips are very helpful for beginners who are learning how to watercolor paints.

[@dearbrave4183]

I'm about to try it. I don't have a favourite yet. But thank you for the video ❤️

[@teatimewithtee]

I'm enjoyed the way you demonstrated how the wet on wet is done.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

I'm very happy to hear you enjoyed! :) Take care!

[@louisscenti3813]

This is great Jenna. I am new to watercolor and understanding the technique instead of randomly slapping paint around gives me much more confidence. Thank you!

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Understanding technique is hugely helpful! Glad you are learning from my videos, Louis!

[@arabesquejacob8176]

I just bought your book and I can’t wait to dig in! Painting relaxes me and your videos are such gems 💎 for beginners like myself...thank you for your generosity ! Thumbs up 👍🏼 for the video! Blessings 😍

[@dusty265]

As always thank you for these tutorials, it give a lot of clarity to my paining!

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Of course, thanks for sharing Forrest!

[@Skirliegirl]

I have loved your tutorials! Have not done any art since leaving college, so I'm very out of practice, and watercolour was never my strong suit! Thank you!

[@michaelapongratz4948]

Thank you, Jenna - I love your tutorials

[@cindymccann3753]

These tutorials are absolutely informative! Thanks!

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Good! I'm glad they're informative for ya Cindy!!

[@adeleschumacher-ry1pe]

Enjoyed the tutorial using wet on dry. Learning a new technique will help me greatly. Thanks again.

[@deberracameron6378]

You are very good at conveying ideas very clear

[@simpleartideas]

That's beautiful tutorial Jenna. Your coloring techniques looks easy and lovely.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Thank you so much!

[@karenmcguinness5036]

This is a great video! I've not seen these techniques describes like this ~ I love your teaching style ~ I find you very easy to understand ~ you speak to me 💖

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Aw thanks Karen!! I'm so glad I speak to you in an understandable way.

[@tanyakamonpramualratana9105]

Thank you. I thought I was hopeless but from this first lesson with you, it looks like I can make it. With a lot of practice, that is.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

You can do it!!

[@lauriehendricks8587]

Thanks so much - this is great! I have both of your books but am just now getting started. Watching you explain things in a video is super helpful for me!

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Aw thank for all the support and love, Laurie!! I do hope you enjoy the Everyday Watercolor book!!

[@a.mcdonald1393]

Loved this Jenna, thank you.

[@susannaraubenheimer6174]

Thank you Jenna, learned a lot for sure

[@peacefultahitti379]

So helpful. Much thanks my dear ❤️❤️❤️

[@neecy9810]

Love this technique!! Mine certainly didn't look like yours. Practice, practice, practice!

[@daniellareber7233]

This is amazing Jenna ! I got your book for Christmas, but seeing this on video is sooo helpful !! I'm loving what I'm discovering! Thanks so much !!! :)

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Thank YOU so much for the love and support! I'm glad these videos are a good compliment to the book! xoxo

[@jennifermayer5092]

YES! I worry about wasting the paint on my brush! You pegged me! I've been more worried about this as I have learned that my backup set of paints are really crappy. I couldn't really tell a difference at first, but now that I have more free time and I'm learning and practicing more, I can feel and see a huge difference. I've started adding a tube of a quality paint to the occasional Amazon order lately, since heaven knows those things are coming fast and furious, and that way I'm not spending a ton all at once.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

I hear ya, Jennifer, that's a very real concern for many painters! All about finding the supplies that you love and really going for it! Happy painting!

[@mahalita1923]

I borrowed your book, and this video really helps reenforce the lessons. Also between the “wasting paint” and keeping the yellow clean I’m realizing Im one of many people with control issues I gotta work on lest this medium drive me insane 😆 thanks for the reassurance lol

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for sharing Mahalita!

[@Clauds71]

😂

[@wendykeown2983]

Love this easy to follow thanky

[@rebeccablanco1482]

Thank you so much for the tips. I’m taking my first watercolor class at college and we are now trying to do school online because of the virus. These tips really helped me with my wet on wet project.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

You are so welcome! Happy painting Rebecca!

[@MariasMiscellany]

I just found your channel. I loved this tutorial and can't wait to try these techniques. Im totally a beginner so it was fun to see the "magic" happen 😁

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Welcome to my channel! I am glad you loved the tutorial! Enjoy your watercolor learning journey. I'm glad to be a part of it. ❤️

[@abby-fichtner]

"Its. going. to. be. okay." 🤣 New to watercolor, enjoying your videos and learning so much - I love how you really go into details about how you do everything like how much paint you put on the brush and what angle you hold your brushes. And all of those camera angles and closeups. Wow! How many cameras do you use? And do you have a couple of people filming? super impressed. thanks for the great videos!

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Thanks for sharing, Abby! Glad you’re loving the videos and getting into watercolor! My husband films and we use two cameras. That’s it! We do our best and glad it’s appreciated! 😁

[@annie1emma]

Thanks, Jenna!

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Of course!!

[@mariasartori7307]

Thanks!!!

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Of course!

[@irenemcnamara9699]

Bonjour, Jenna! This is my Monday progress report. I have a habit tracker, and I devote about 1/2 hour - 1 hour of painting and art tutorials every day. Last week I tried your beginner's seascape and tried to keep it more towards your pattern. It was better, but the dog stepped on it. Looking forward to more drills! IMac

[@cindybtanner3974]

Thank you Jenna. I struggle with blending colors from light to dark.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Of course, Cindy! That can totally be tricky, but practicing these techniques and messing around with different pigments will be a big help, especially understanding which pigments are stronger than others. I hope this video gets you in the right direction!

[@Lisapizza789]

I’m not a beginner but these are helpful.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Glad they're helpful for non-beginners! Thanks for lettin me know!

[@acerituraj4153]

Another excellent video Jenna :D wet on wet is one technique that I struggle a lot with specially when paper sucks up all the water even before I'm done giving the area a complete wash of water (I mostly work on A3 size paper). I like how every technique was explained. One thing I really like about the video was you explaining about the angle of brush I personally have struggled a lot with wow in the past due to holding brush at a wrong angle so that's a big plus for me. Effects created and the colors used were really good to watch. Biggest problem in wow for me is a thin border getting created which gives a patchy effect so I would definitely love to get some tips for it. All in all a great informative video. Keep up the excellent work Jenna :D

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Hey Ace! It is a bit hard to know, with the difficulty that you are having, it could either be the supplies you're using or there's too much water -- so the water is pushing the pigment to the edges and creates a hard line. If you are unsure about supplies, you can compare with what supplies I use in the description of the video! I hope that helps!

[@acerituraj4153]

@@JennaRaineyChannel Thanks Jenna :D I'll do as suggested :D for the time being I'm using the glossy side of paper to avoid issues faced with textured side of the paper :D

[@cathybates4739]

Hi! Thanks for the great video! My biggest challenge is getting the right amount of water/pigment. I think it might be because I live in a very dry climate, Las Vegas, but when I try to go back and add color to anything, say the base of flower petals, its already dry and I just get a dot. When I try to get it wetter, I get the spider web effect you mentioned in your video. Sob! I tried spraying the paper lightly and letting it mostly dry before u start painting, but that just makes fuzzy caterpillars. Also, at first I bought WN series 1 paint. It helps a little to have series 3 or 4, I think.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Hey Cathy! Ya, getting it just right can be a tricky... Beyond getting the right combination of water to pigment, supplies do play an important role, for sure -- like you mentioned, getting a higher series of paint can be helpful...

[@kathybowen7263]

I am new to your channel. I love your teaching style and am excited to work my way through all of your videos. Thank you!

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Welcome, Kathy! Glad you love my teaching style. Happy painting!

[@rachelburger1111]

so cool! :)

[@arshiyajabeen7718]

Thank you so much

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

You are so welcome, Arshiya, thanks for watching!

[@marymoore1241]

I really enjoy your tutorials as I just found your channel recently . I just started experimenting with watercolors and really enjoy learning technique and best way to learn strokes. Like how do you know to paint an object with wet on wet vs wet on dry? Looking forward to viewing more.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Hey Mary! I am so happy your found the Jenna Rainey channel, welcome! We have more watercolor for beginner videos on our to-do list, so hopefully we can get to those soon, and further discuss when to use which technique! In the meantime, I hope you enjoy your painting!

[@NaturalHealthAngel]

Thank you! I bought some Winston Newton paints but not sure if it's my paper or just my inexperience, but I can't get the bleeding thing right. I have Masters Touch cold pressed watercolor paper.

[@shauner_1]

Bootiful I’m learning so much for u and sorry if this u don’t like and I’m new but I already watched like9 vids of u

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

I'm SO happy to hear you're learning so much! Happy painting!

[@Clauds71]

Hi Jenna, this is so informative, encouraging and rekindling an old passion of mine 😍 thank you 😊 I didn’t realise how much of a Type A personality I was till I started watching your videos 😂 😅. My struggle is poking, especially when I’m painting trees and I want to reflect them on water. 🤔

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

You’re so welcome Claudia! I’m so glad these videos are helping you and that you’re learning and growing. thanks for sharing! ❤️

[@elizabethlarose3632]

Biggest struggle is getting that balance of water to obtain those bursts of color or being able to push or pull the color with the right amount of water. Thanks for the vid

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Getting the right amount of water -- a lot of people struggle with that, and it's tough to get it just right, but once you get used to it, you got it! :)

[@SusanHilesArt]

I never knew that there are pigments that are stronger than other pigments as far as wet on wet goes. This gives me something new to consider! I had no idea! Lol! 😊

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

It is very interesting how pigments interact with each other, and fun to test it out! :)

[@agymayachelonia8381]

Hi Jenna, such a useful video! I tried the pushing but I can never get the pigment from the colour for the 2nd colour to go into the 1st one. It alwas ends up in the other direction. Is there something I'm doing wrong?

[@griffinharvey3910]

With the demo being 'wet on wet' I was surprised when you didn't wet the blank paper first before applying the blue paint. I thought I knew that one term. I was wrong. :-)

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Hey Griffin! I'll wet the paper first if I am doing a bigger brush stroke or just trying to fill out the page or larger spaces. But wet-on-wet can be used this way (I use it this way far more often than not).

[@griffinharvey3910]

@@JennaRaineyChannel Thanks so much for your response. I really appreciate you and your vids. :-)

[@karencrowe3314]

great video! I still struggle with water ratio, I tend to use too much,

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

That is a tricky one... I’m thinking I need to do a water control video...

[@dotydiva]

Thanks for the tips. Great ideas on the wetting and dropping paint in How to you not get that hard line? I've done the wet on wet or when I paint I get a hard line and I don't like the not blending softness that wc should be.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

That can be a little hard to tell, but could be the supplies you're using or too much water. Check the description of this video to compare your supplies with mine, and if you feel as though you're supplies are high-ish quality, then mess with the amount of water you're using.

[@bethstilwell2326]

How do I find a channel so I can follow along as you post? I pushed save and subscribe but don’t know how to find channel if I go away. Or look at something else. New to watercolors and new to utube. Can’t believe I didn’t know all of you wonderful artists are here to help. 🤷‍♀️Thanks for the video and I’ll be watching and trying all of these. 🤔

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Hi Beth! So... Log in to your KZbin account and go to my channel ( kzbin.info ), hit the subscribe button towards the right, and also, you can hit that little bell icon as well for notifications... When you do this, you'll get notifications that my new videos are posted, and you'll also see my channel on the left side of your screen under "Subscriptions" when you are on KZbin (and logged in). I hope that helps out!!

[@oro5377]

Thanks for this. The book was so confusing on day 1. The paint dried quickly and no “color explosion” happened at all.

[@pennylane5675]

I like the little woosh woosh sound lol little Julia roberts reference?

[@cheannbal]

Hardest part: getting that water layer exactly right so there's no pooling but enough water that the pigment blends. Practice, practice, practice.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

That definitely takes practice getting used to, Cheryl, but once you get it you've got it! Keep working on it and enjoy the process!!

[@joettasmith4594]

That’s my issue too. Totally brand new to watercolors and I am trying to figure it all out! But,I’m totally loving the process.

[@kathybailey4815]

Question. Do you wet your paper first.?

[@vickiejohnson3162]

Nice video! As a beginner it’s hard for me to use the right amount of water! Too dry or a sloppy mess🥺

[@eveny119]

Had to laugh every time you referred to ''type A people'', Stop reading my mind! haha Enjoyed the video. I never got the hang of watercolor. I prefer drawing and acrylics. When I took a class, they soaked the paper first, that was wet on wet, no mention of pulling pushing,,,, are they your terms or are they well known methods?

[@neecy9810]

Hardest part is water amounts. Thanks

[@johnr4670]

OW-NOW-BROWN-COW

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

moo

[@muireannin09]

HELP! I thought that the WOW method meant you wet the paper prior to applying paint??? No?? It means that you apply water to the already wet paint??

[@cathyhaynes2700]

If I keep watching and trying what i watch, maybe eventually I'll get there. I paint pictures that look really nice, from across the room. Up close... ....ugh!

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Aw you got it, Cathy! Enjoy your painting!

[@desireeperez208]

Will I EVER get the water/pigment right. Ugh lol

[@petemulford9383]

Our 8 year old daughter has been working through your tutorials and has really got the watercolour bug, thanks to you. Thank you so much for your informative videos. You recommend Windsor and Newton paints but our budget is a bit limited. Can I ask what would be the bare minimum number of colours and recommended colours you would suggest going for? Thanks so much

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Hey Pete! I am SO happy to hear that your 8 yr old daughter is getting the watercolor bug! That is awesome! As far as the paints go, technically you could go with THREE paints... If I could only use three paints, it would be opera rose, prussian. blue, and lemon yellow deep. I have a video that shows all that you can do with just three colors < kzbin.info/www/bejne/a17IqYObo9WNmqc > that may be helpful. If you are looking to save, trying get the cotman version of winsor & newton paints. That could be a great place to start!

[@petemulford9383]

@@JennaRaineyChannel thank you very much for your help - opera rose, prussian. blue, and lemon yellow deep ordered :)

[@fishisnotfishfish2267]

Paint me like one of your anime girls!!! Whispers to self senpai pls \(> ^