Watercolor Mistakes (10 most common & how to FIX them!)

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Have you made any of these mistakes, and are you going to try these solutions?

[@monopinion8799]

I tried the masking tape and dulled it on my sweater and taped my watercolour paper. I worked on my painting for three days. Once dried I gently lifted the tape and the tape pape actually lifted the first layer of the painting throughout the full paper. Not a happy time.. I conclude that I definitely didn’t work the tape enough. This is a lesson I won’t forget.!, could you write. Me the white paste or wax you applied to the ocean to block certain area.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Sorry, I missed your comment initially, thank you for watching. Oil pastel is what I used :-)

[@meliartandarchitecture149]

I had a monochrome portrait that I wasn't happy with it! So I removed the whole paint with your technique and painted again with different color and it just saved my painting :))) Also I add some purple to my bright yellow background and it turned way much better 👌

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

@@meliartandarchitecture149 that's brilliant 🙂

[@valeriegehling4358]

A reminder that as a beginner there are so many help videos to re- visit to brush up & bettermy techniques. Thanks so much for your help.

[@heleniglar9460]

What useful techniques for fixing common mistakes! I really appreciated your comprehensive instructions. You're a great teacher. Thank you.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks Helen 🙂 Glad it helped you!

[@jilb1500]

FANTASTIC INFORMATIVE VIDEO! Everything I didn't know how to fix was explained. I really like how you list with 1-10 on your videos. I know what to expect by the title, everything explained perfectly (I have rubbed paper and it WAS a disaster after painting for hours, only to ruin it.) Thank you thank you thank you for being YOU. Also, really enjoying communicating on your facebook site, such helpful, kind students of art on there. Jil Venice Beach, Cal.

[@rampantgeek]

I'm new to watercolor, and this is very helpful! "Fiddle with the paint too long..." Check. "Don't aim for perfection..." Check. "Quit while you're ahead." Exactly what I need to hear! Grand guidance, thank you!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Wonderful!

[@evelyne7071]

Interesting using masking tape along the edges. I had to watch you video again. There is always something I forgot, or did not really “get” at first. The semi-damp cotton wool-lifting and softening-the-edges techniques, are really handy. I’ll remember them this time. Thanks

[@SusanLS08]

Thank you. Your attention to detail is wonderful. I’d like to call this segment, “Help! Save My Painting!” ❤️

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Love that!

[@maryfeeney5240]

I’ve been painting with watercolours for four years, but I’ve just learned lots of helpful tips in this video. Thank you !

[@vlslatha]

So well presented and demonstrated!! So useful and informative! Thanks very much indeed... Regards...

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@margaretohara7872]

So many great fixes...thanks so much, Michele!

[@LilDivette]

THANK YOU!!! 🙏 I’m still a watercolor novice and have experienced some of these mistakes but didn’t know how to fix them (I would start over). This is exactly what I needed-thank you so much!!! 🎨

[@rp2736]

Great video thanks for sharing useful tips 👍🏽😃

[@ashleywright8686]

Never thought to mix pastel with watercolor. Nice. ❤

[@doreenchart4844]

Wonderful tips. Thank you.

[@cathyhaynes2700]

I really, really like this video! Thanks Michele.

[@lissataylor12345]

Thanks this was fascinating. I’m learning and the demonstrations were excellent.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Great to hear!

[@audreyferry9013]

Thanks so much for this brilliant tutorial, Michele. Some really valuable tips for watercolour novices like me. Your explanations are very clear and I really appreciate being shown how to correct common mistakes or accidents in your step by step guide.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful Audrey :-)

[@terryhunsaker8317]

Thank your for your patience in teaching how to paint not just do my painting. You have a marvelous collection.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem and thanks for watching Terry!

[@constructivecapers]

Stop the tape tearing the paper by heating it lightly with a hairdryer

[@davescupper5789]

You're so delightful and your advice is so helpful 😘

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks!

[@annhinson5670]

These are great tips to know. Thank you!

[@lakcurious]

I stumbled across your channel today and I was very happy and grateful for it! You explain very well and understandably, so learning is fun. As a beginner, I usually want more than I can, which is often frustrating, and your videos help a lot. The videos about the colors and how to use them are also awesome. So thank you again, I'll leave a subscription!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks so much for subscribing!

[@vickigower8125]

super useful tips. These will really help me out a lot. Thank you Michele!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joosvanleen]

Dear Michele, thank you for these wonderful videos!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching!

[@annavallentin4662]

Such well prepared and clear examples! Thank you!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sandrafunderburg9190]

I am 73 and never tried to use watercolor. Your tutorials are the most helpful to me . I am building up confidence with every time I watch one. Thank you for such precious gifts you give beginners

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are so welcome!

[@loreleihopkinsart]

I have learned so much from you. Thank you so much for being an amazing teacher 💛

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Happy to help!

[@OneTrueWord1988]

Really excellent fixes! Thank you so much. You gave me a laugh when you called the leaf "insipid." :)

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are very welcome ☺️ I am leading the fight against insipid watercolours 😂

[@ithappens11]

Wonder what my oily pencils would do as an under-glaze. Thank you! Such great info.

[@marjo-riittareinikainen9740]

I have been learning watercolour painting nearly a year now and now and then I get back to these basics! They are easy to be forgotten.

[@suzeaa]

Great videos. That you for being thorough and getting to the point without wasting time.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're welcome!

[@michodeb]

Great tips! Thanks!

[@shirleymalar2773]

Great to know that mistakes don't always mean the death of a painting! With each video I feel more confident that I can do this!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Yes you can :-)

[@lynnswango8768]

I used the masking tape and cotton to remove an area I had painted the wrong color and it worked wonderfully. So many great tips - saved my painting! Thank you :)

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

That's great!

[@SophieBird07]

Well I’m back again, picking up more tips. (I’m sort of a slow learner). But seeing that you have 42,000 views on this vid and only 2600 likes, I’m probably one of many. We need to be able to re-click “likes” perhaps to affect KZbin criteria. Hope this comment “counts” toward that end. I rewatch all of your vids, picking up more info each time. Thank you Michele.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you! Yes it all helps.

[@4apca]

Thank you Michelle! I’m a beginner and your tips have helped me enormously. Really appreciate the time and knowledge you put into these videos.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem Jay, thanks for watching!

[@zerogscott2976]

I keep watching your videos to see what color your fingernails are...hmmm...

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

New video tomorrow. New nails too 😉

[@starmazaheri7448]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber Cool....That's the fingers of an Artist alright :)

[@wendylinsen3900]

Great tips. Thanks Michelle

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching!

[@CastleMc]

re: the "patchy" background sky: I have found that failed washes are not always caused by painting too slowly and/or over-working...it is almost impossible to create a smooth wash on some mid-range "watercolor paper"

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Yes paper can make a big difference!

[@sebas888888]

The reason why paint goes under the masking tape is because the edges always end up dirty on the roll. Solution is to cut again the Masking tape on a cutting mat and you will get a clean straight edge again

[@natford8271]

What if it is a staining colour that you make a mistake with? No doubt you are about to cover that!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Staining colours are only partially removable. So then you consider what you can achieve on top, another layer of colour, or even gouache or collage.

[@regera-gb4vd]

thanks forelaborating the mistakes and how to rectify it. very useful

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are not welcome ☺️

[@MoMaryR]

Great tips, thank you

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are welcome!

[@carolshappyplace5828]

Such useful techniques to have in ones’ back pocket! And I have to say how much I Love your colorful earrings and how you color coordinate them with your outfits. So fab Michelle! 🤩

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you so much! The earrings go through phases, I often like unusual necklaces, but they tend to hit the clip on mic I wear for filming!

[@KristenSmeltzer]

Hello Michele! I am new to watercolor painting and new to your page. I am learning so much. THANK YOU! I have one request. I am from the U.S. and your Amazon links do not work. Is it possible to have UK links and US links for each product, so you can get credit? Also, I can't even see what the product is. (i.e. I would like to know what flat brush that is, the brand, size, etc.) Thanks so much for everything!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Hi Kristen the problem is that the Amazon links expire after a while. Plus recently Amazon changed stuff so affiliates get such a low amount I don't even bother now. It's not worth the time it takes to find them. But it's good of you to think of me. X

[@KristenSmeltzer]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber Thank you so much for getting back to me. I so appreciate it.

[@starmazaheri7448]

Thank you so much Michele. Your videos are very helpful indeed. May God Bless all your efforts with many folds

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you for watching!

[@MaryGadsby]

Another beginner here,thank you so much for sharing your expertise!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching Jeree :-)

[@annechumbley7284]

Thank you for this tutorial Michele. Brilliant x

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I am so glad you found it helpful Anne ☺️

[@karenohlsen2128]

what is the name of the stick you used to make waves? it sounds like "oil pastel". Thank you for your wonderful work!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Yes, correct. Oil pastels are more like an artist's version of wax crayons whereas soft pastels are closer to chalks. You can buy oil pastels singly or in a set.

[@lynnswango8768]

On the mistake #9, you use an oil pastel, can you just use wax instead? I had not heard of oil pastel before.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

A wax crayon may work, but candle wax is transparent, so although you could reserve the light blue with it, you couldn't add white on top for example. Oil pastels are easily bought individually from art suppliers and shops, you don't need a whole set.

[@myrnalandersartist]

This was really great, Michelle. So helpful!! I'm wondering what you do, when you find your colors have mixed on your paper and created mud. Or you're painting a sunset that goes from blue to yellow to orange, and now you have green?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Watch some of my sky tutorials, it's about keeping opposite colours apart. If your sky goes green then pink will neutralise it, but it will also make it more grey/neutral. Try my step by step playlist, I think there are some sunsets there. I also have a (paid) landscape course which includes colour mixing for landscapes.

[@myrnalandersartist]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber wonderful, thank you so much!

[@bethroegner9073]

Being able to smooth out a flat sky is incredible! Thanks for sharing these techniques.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're very welcome!

[@4ohgollycats]

Saw a video where they used Mr. Clean sponges? I wondered if it would leave a problem

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Always worth experimenting on a scrap!

[@yazosoyo]

Wow! All of these are genius! Would a Q-tip work instead of the cotton pad?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

For small areas, yes!

[@monopinion8799]

From the five greying artists Again thank you for your wonderful and very informative tutorial.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are most welcome!

[@lindathaxton1994]

Excellent tips! Thank you for sharing

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JulietheMakeupartist]

Thank you for this guide 👏👏👏👏

[@meliartandarchitecture149]

Thank you for sharing this great ideas!! I used two of them and it was like life changing to me!! 🌺

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Fantastic! Really glad :-)

[@krisyoungsteadt9139]

Priceless information. Thank you!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rawjokes2239]

I am using masking tape strait to the watercolor paper and lifting it with a little blow of a hair drier ... so in that way I have a lesser chance for the paint to go under the tape .. :)

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Great idea, what ever works best for you!

[@pattydriscoll7124]

I am wondering what you do with the white oil pastel afterwards - just leave it?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Yes indeed. If you get too much on the paper you can try ironing with an absobent cloth, but it's unlikely to come completely off the paper.

[@babswood2733]

Is there a trick to removing frisket? I am having trouble. Does it need to be thicker or less?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Less. I have a video called (I think) masking fluid mistakes. I can't put links here but it's fairly easy to find. Hopefully it will help.

[@deborahleigh9827]

What do you mean by a transparent colour? Is it a very watery colour?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

It can be Deborah but there are certain pigments that are known to be more transparent, these are sometimes called staining colours. Typically they are less granular and opaque than other pigments. Examples would include Prussian Blue and Permanent Rose. You will recognise them as they are strong, clean and look a lot like ink.

[@mariapazaristeaguirre4491]

hi, thanks. Can you teach how to paint stones under water and fish. Thans again.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Great suggestion!

[@bonnielacombe9835]

I’m new at water color painting and have made all of these mistakes. This video has helped me save a couple of projects. Thanks so much for the great tips.❤️

[@4ohgollycats]

Love the breaking waves.

[@deborahleigh9827]

Why won’t it work if you just use more colour to get rid of hard edges?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You Could take colour over the area and out further, but you would still have to agitate with the brush to soften the edge. Hard edges tend to show through even a layer of darker paint if you don't deal with them.

[@crystalheart9]

Lots of great tips and techniques. Thank you for such an informative video. I have a problem on a painting I am working on where I had a couple of pencil marks I wanted to get rid of. I erased them as well as I could and when I painted the wash over the area it left faint white lines where the pencil marks had been erased. I let it dry and went over it again with another wash thinking it would cover but the lines show up even lighter and more obvious. It's like the paper where I erased the lines is repelling the paint. I thought I could put some pastel over the white marks and blend it in with the background but when I tried to smudge the pastel to make it all blend the white marks didn't stay covered. I have some Daniel Smith Watercolor ground and am thinking of painting the area with that and then paint over it to try to get it to blend with the surrounding background but I'm afraid I am going to spoil my painting. Before I do anything that drastic do you have any thoughts on how to repair an erased area the doesn't want to accept the watercolor? thank you for all your great videos.💙

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I would say you need something stronger. Yes DS watercolor ground will work, but the edge of where you put it may show, so if you can finish the application of it along a painted line or such or fill in a whole area it will work better. There's always gouache, acrylic or even collage. But if you use these do it intentionally, don't just put it on one small patch, you want it to look like you did it on purpose :-)

[@crystalheart9]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber Thanks so kindly for your suggestions. I think I will give gouache a try. Thankfully it's in a small lower corner of the painting. I appreciate you taking the time to answer my question. I enjoy all your videos.💖💖💖

[@crystalheart9]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber Thanks so much for your suggestions. I decided not to go back over the area with DS watercolor ground but used my verithin colored pencils and carefully hatched color into the white areas and faded it out into the background colors. Thankfully it worked pretty well and the offending area is in the lower right corner under a flower bloom so it doesn't show. I can still see some very faint marks but I don't think anyone will notice especially when the painting is matted as it will cover some of the corner. Thanks for your wonderful videos I learn so much watching them.💙💖🤎

[@ΚωνσταντῖνοςΜιχαλόπουλος-δ5μ]

Very useful informations Michele!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you 🙏

[@carolleslie2673]

Michelle your obviously British…but why do you spell colour..Color??

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

The majority of my audience are American. Plus it's better for SEO. It's a business strategy ;-)

[@carolleslie2673]

Mmmm

[@juliedennis8733]

Great tips. Thankyou

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem Julie!

[@karengates925]

Hello Thank you for that tutorial. I used your masking tape and it worked great! I also bought those cotton pads and they are awesome. Thank you for giving my confidence a boost in that I can fix things along the way and you gave me the tools to do so. I can relax more with the knowledge you provided!!!! Thank you kindly. Karen

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are so welcome!

[@serviziolaboratorio7710]

Great video! Thanks! Silvia

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you liked it!

[@bethjacobson9579]

I really enjoy Ms. Webber's tutorials! It's unfortunate I live in the U.S. as I would love her classes and feel confident I'd benefit immensely.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks Beth! If we get through the pandemic perhaps I will visit the US, I have always wanted to!

[@AbiNomac]

Wry valuable video. Thank you

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are welcome

[@beebee4095]

Hello Michele. A question please. ‘In mistake 9, is it ok to use the little wax sticks that are available in art shops to achieve the same results?’ Excellent tutorials. Thank you 🌹

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Yes that should work but always best to try on scrap paper first. Thanks for watching ☺️

[@JimWisetheGrey3]

Thank You for making these Videos, Michelle!! You’re a fantastic teacher!! I hope your Channel is a huge success for you!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you so much!

[@johnnyrbattaglio6943]

Awesome thank you 👍

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're welcome!

[@evanherk]

I have found that for small spots, a slightly damp cotton bud /swab works very well.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Great idea! Yes I have done it too ☺️

[@ingridsaab5413]

Hi there, thanks, that's a beautiful tutorial. I have a question regarding the colors for the water and the ski? What blues did you use ?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Hi Ingrid, sorry without watching it again, and I have over a hundred videos on this channel, I can't remember. I usually favour cerulean, phthalo and prussian for skies

[@Dessperez1]

After watch like 20 videos , finally this one actually help me. Thank you 😊

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad to hear that

[@snuuby5468]

I have learnt so much from this tutorial. Many of your techniques I haven't seen used before on other channels. Thanks for the help !!!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nataliedeegan6659]

Wow that you this video has help me so much, I just my first water color set for Christmas and your videos have helped me so much already!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I'm so glad!

[@christinecarr4593]

I love so many of these techniques and can’t wait to get some oil pastels to try out some new effects especially on water. I know that I often use washi tape or painters tape to make a white border around a painting and have never had to prepare it like you have suggested with the masking tape and thankfully I have rarely ever had any paint leak under it but I often make sure I have it pressed down really good and ensure when I remove that I slowly pull it away from the watercolor paper and the only time I’ve had issues with it taking up a small top of the paper that was beneath the tape is when I used it on very cheap paper otherwise I’ve never had a problem so would either of these two tapes then also work with the correction techniques you mention? And I know you mentioned being able to use one of those white kitchen type sponges would you also have that slightly damp as you do with the round cotton make up remover? I may have missed you saying that in your video thank you

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Hi Christine, yes Washi tape should work just like masking tape, it's just not as widely used in the UK, I did have one of those 'magic sponge' art erasers, it worked fine, I just didn't find it any better than the cotton wool, and found there was a tendency for me to use too much water with it. But if it works for you it's all good!

[@artfulbarb5775]

Great techniques! I've made all of those mistakes at one time or another. Now I know how to fix them!!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Great to hear - the fixing, not the mistakes! :-)

[@belindahall5220]

Glad to know these tips!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you like them!

[@lindalanza6834]

So, so helpful! Thanks 🙂

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@linda9405]

Amazing

[@edwardfarres941]

wow so helpful! thanks

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're welcome!

[@fazestorm4441]

Better to use drafting tape?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

If you want, worth experimenting!

[@meri8746]

Thank you for the excellent tutorial! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're very welcome!

[@gemznunn]

These tips are really handy! Thanks so much for sharing them!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you like them!

[@gracegrace4116]

Thank you very much

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are welcome!

[@annsowers4591]

Oh my, what a valuable video! Thank you so much.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are so welcome!

[@jeannegow2144]

Thank you! Will add cotton wool to my tool box!!!!! Bless you💓

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are welcome!

[@barbaracimini1447]

Wow! This is so informative and helpful!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you think so!

[@Jon-mz2wp]

You can use cue tip to wipe up small mistakes also !

[@janetkuo]

OMG love your videos!!! Learned a lot from this one!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@ArtsandPaintingsChannel]

Amazing tutorial 👌👌😍😍

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks so much!

[@ArtsandPaintingsChannel]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber your welcome friend 😊

[@ArtsandPaintingsChannel]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber I hope you make me your friend 😊🤗

[@nattyw495]

😷good information

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks