Watercolor Pep Talk: Fear of the Blank Page

[@mindofwatercolor]

Oh my goodness! This is great Angela! I just launched a new KZbin channel on watercolor painting and made an episode on this very same subject. You and I apparently get similar questions. If you don't mind I would like to include a link to your video (my episode on this subject releases next Tuesday) to give my viewers your perspective on the same subject. If I had seen your video first I would have made a mention right in my video. Thanks, excellent thoughts, this will help a lot of artists. After 30 years of watercolor painting I still experience the anxiety of the blank page.

[@cathybird9763]

Steve from mind of watercolor said look at this vid. So glad I did!!! At 61 years old, am finally going back to what I did 40 years ago!

[@pamelastewart4764]

This is not just a pep talk for painting - it's a pep talk for living.

[@DJoslin322]

Angela, I want to thank you SO MUCH for making this video! I found it on June 1, 2016 and was astounded to discover that there is actually a condition known as "fear of the blank page" which is exactly what I have faced since the spring of 2012! I painted my first watercolor that year while visiting some old friends in Florida - they invited me to sit in on their art class at the Senior Center where I was given some cheap watercolor paper, cheap paints, and a picture to copy from (it was a complicated sunset on ocean waves scene). I did a reasonable painting of it and thought "this is fun & I will be more expensive supplies when I get home from my trip. So then I had all the fears that you mention in this video and put everything away out of my sight! After watching this video just 3 months ago, I have now painted over 40 paintings and absolutely LOVE it! For the first 2 months I painted the art tutorials that I found on your channel and also Steve's on the "Mind of Watercolor" channel

[@parkesdj]

"You've just invested $20 in your own mental health." I like that thought very much. Thank you for the video.

[@InaMCo60]

I love your attitude! the part about not doing studies in a structured way is exactly me! so glad to hear someone say there are other ways of approaching it that are just as valid. I remember in art class at school we had to research dive different aspects of our final work separately (composition, colour etc) and it just did not work for me at all. took all the joy out of it for me and ended in overthinking.

[@maryking9594]

Angela, thank you for posting this video. You give the novice like me so much support and encouragement. I am a retired nurse and just began watercolor less than a year ago. I've studied videos from you and Steve Mitchell and the Frugalcrafter.I have enjoyed photography for the last 35+ years. Painting is a new way to express my creativity and have FUN. That is for me the most important thing you spoke about in the video. That and keep practicing. I may never be a professional artist but improving and learning is what I can strive for. Thank you, Angela, for sharing your skill and wisdom. Mary

[@annsowers4591]

Watercolor and adult coloring are my tools to help me live with the loss of my Son. Medication can do just so much and you honestly feel rotten. I was blessed to have a Dr help me with alternative meds for PTSD and anxiety. The result is me wanting to get lost in creativity. I will never be whole again but I can finally look at horses and cattle without breaking down. Sadly when it happens to you, you meet other Parents that are living their nightmare. Once they get to a certain time, I encourage the coloring to start. I even buy sets for some that really can't afford it. Sorry for being long winded. Maybe this will give others ideas how to help a grieving parent.

[@valeriehill247]

Very refreshing way to approach the blank white paper...I feel encouraged to paint and just enjoy what transpires...thank you!

[@SistahRev]

I’m new to painting, and have scoured KZbin in an effort to put together a teaching “faculty” for my personal KZbin watercolor “school.” 😊 I am thankful and happy to include you on the roster of my few chosen instructors; I tend to like structure and procedure, but you and your videos help me connect with that dimension of watercolor that I find so lovely and compelling: the fluidity, freedom, flow, and seeming boundlessness and boundary-lessness of it!! Thank you for this video!! I have particularly latched on to the ideas of “collaborating WITH the pigment” and “letting the watercolor LEAD”- these will help me relinquish my inclination to try to be totally in control every time I sit down to create. Best wishes & joy to you! 💐

[@SistahRev]

Angela Fehr Yes!!! The practice & repetition of skills that can feel so binding is actually the process that develops the muscle memory (and heart, mind and spirit memory) that enables later improvisation and innovation to APPEAR “effortless”!! I am trusting that the effort I put in as a beginner will later free up energy for the work of more advanced challenges down the road. Thanks so much for your reply!

[@theartsypixie2771]

I know this is 8 years old, but I just found your channel. I can appreciate not trying to be like another artist now. I recently went to the local art museum and had a write moment with their work. I fell absolutely in love with it, I studied it from all angles trying to figure out why it captivated me so much and unlike usual I didn't feel the need to replicate, or mimic the technique or artist. I just appreciated that this piece of art was in the world. I didn't feel the need to pressure myself into being like them, and it was so liberating. It released whatever block I have had and allowed me to just sit and play with my art again instead of dreading failure and putting unnecessary pressure on myself. 😊

[@Hiirikettu]

Thank you for this video. You have very good points. I'm trying to get back into drawing and painting. It feels much more challenging, than when I was lot younger. Fear of blank paper, fear of failing (that is biggest reason what keeps me from doing things I would want to). I tend to think "oh this paper is so expensive, to use it I should actually have skills to draw or paint" and so this paper sits in my drawer or is not bought.

[@evetteurbino]

This is exactly what I go through and in my case, it has turned into such a fear that its crippled me. I use to paint for fun, but one day I wanted to be more serious and study watercolor to learn the proper way; because I am self-taught, and ever since its just crippled me. I haven't done a painting since. My son recently moved into a new apartment and he wants a painting and I eventually will do it but I find it hard to break my fear of the blank page. I know the composition of what I will paint, but just to thinks that this one will be actually hung in a home where people; other than family, will see it. This video has opened my eyes. I must do the painting over and over until I feel comfortable, as you said, and then and only then can I start on his painting. Thanks so much and I enjoy watching your video's. They're so helpful, encouraging, and inspirational. Have a great day :-)

[@evetteurbino]

+Angela Fehr Thanks for the response. I have to really press my way through this issue. I've been trying to fight it and lately I have notice a little give in my fear and so in watcing your video, I realized this issue of fear is not isolated to me, but that many experience it. So it has really given me a push in the right direction. It's good to hear from you on this issue. I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to address the psychological issues of painting. I need to get back to the fun of it. It's so weird that I don't even know when this issue started. It doesn't matter now. What matters is getting out of it, as I know I will. Again, thanks so much. :-)

[@lucytyson6275]

This is a great topic, I do feel guilty if I miss a day or two of painting. The thing is even when I don't actually have brush in hand I am always thinking about what to do next, or reading and watching anything I can about art. You are absolutely right about cutting ourselves some slack. All art does start in our brains, whether or not a person composes, or just puts a brush to paper (or canvas) the idea forms in our minds. We are still being creative in the time thats in-between the paintings.

[@valentinas1680]

I just love your approach on this matter. Same things are going through my head especially the guilt about the lack of time because my kids still occupy most of my time. Every morning I wake up with the clear thought "Today I will find time to paint!" and every evening when the kids fall asleep I'm facing the choice "Should I force myself to paint /which I know will keep me awake till 2-3 am/ or should I go to bed and try to find time for painting tomorrow?". It's a tough decision.

[@linnyslodge]

Yeah...just fun and paint, no sketches, no compositions, no headaches! Just feeling happy and putting those feelings on paper with paint! How liberating ! I am not doing anything wrong......I am doing it my way....and your way, as it turns out!

[@waynerogers5485]

Julia Child has been a big help to me. Regarding her cooking, she said, “My guests don’t really know what I intended. If they like it and compliment it, it is good.” [paraphrased]. It reminds me that no one but me knows what was in my mind to do exactly. If it is a good painting and people like it. It’s ok. Just because it’s different than what I had intended doesn’t necessarily make it “bad”. Try again to get my intention on paper and keep going. Hope it helps.

[@jenniefrench1338]

You said it! I set up kind of a relaxtion thing because of my anxiety is a bit higher especially when money is on the line and client expections might be different from my taste. Doing research is important but my best work so far is just what has poured out of my mind. But usually I do sketch if it is detailed. Very encouraging! I have had a 20 yr hiatus and started back a couple of years ago and went just forward. It could not have been put better. Thank you! Great! You are so humble and this brought tears to my eyes.

[@robynbeltrametti1748]

Thank you so much Angela for your encouraging words! Im a self taught WC painter and I let myself be inspired by other painters. Ive rarely tried to paint something "of my own" because of that fear "what if it goes wrong"! I appreciate your spiritually uplifting words...and will just try to have a go and have fun in what Im doing instead of worrying like you said before you even start! Kind regards Robyn of Switzerland

[@kdbhoney]

Releasing or refusing to allow negative self talk is critical to happiness and contentment. Thank you for your encouraging words of wisdom. I am now able to see the cost of paper in a fresh light!

[@carolroberts379]

Wonderful encouragement video. It should be the "prologue" to every other instructional that you share here, especially for students in formal settings where we/they are all wound up feeling they have to "compete" and "work" and "control" (my biggest problems at 71 y.o.) the materials to "create" something "acceptable" to a teacher, or for a grade. Had an oil teacher who almost had me saying (after loving to draw since a little girl): "I hate art!" My new H2O - color teacher is an encourager, one who demonstrates "forgiving" ourselves instead of all those things I first mentioned. I watch your videos to build upon what he teaches, so: Thank you sooo much.

[@susanderby8320]

Hi Angela - What a terrific topic. You are able to pinpoint the things that always seem to come up, how hard it is to keep trying to improve when things don't go the way the mind sees them, the time spent away from other time-consuming activities, and the money it takes to purchase the supplies needed to keep trying. I too paint a subject multiple times until something I like arrives on the paper, and have a giant pile of "rejects" waiting to be repurposed! Sometimes I cut them down for smaller projects, and I always use both sides of the paper. Thanks so much for your encouraging words.

[@andysargent5821]

I found your video through Steve Mitchell and found your talk very enlightening. You covered all of the reasons that I have experienced including worrying about wasting a costly sheet of watercolour paper. I also find that I have quite a few subjects that I want to paint but can't decide which one to paint first. Thank you.

[@fionafrazer8820]

Thanks for this! I have only been painting since February and have tried to paint everyday. Just recently I had watched some tutorials that suggested the drawing with values first, etc. and I find this totally dulled my enthusiasm. Nice to hear that it's not necessary and that I can "just do it"! Your knowledge is appreciated!

[@cheryldarnell612]

I just viewed this, after putting it off for 4 months! Im such a procrastinator! This message was so good and so important and I really appreciate you sharing your opinion on this! Thank you so much for this message; Im also not a very structured person and have lots of challenges in planning things. thank you again!

[@TheHolly61]

Just a beautiful and genuine pep talk that has come at a much needed time in my life with watercolour. Thank you so much!:)

[@TheHolly61]

It certainly is! :)

[@scablet]

i just started watercolor and painted ny first tree yesyerday and it mad me so happy and proud of myself. i will try to treasure that and make sure not to get to critical on myself. thank you for this. very encouraging .

[@blondielox23]

thank you for the encouragement. i've been watching your videos to try to learn something about watercolors. I had hip surgery in april and have had to lay low and have been unable to participate in my sport which is figure skating. So i've channeled my energy into watercolors and have had a lot of fun with it. i really have no clue what i'm doing but it is keeping me busy and its a great challenge. so far i have only painted flowers and some trees. very basic things. i want to work toward painting a portrait of my dog. if i can figure out how, i will post some of my work on here for you to see. its nothing impressive, but i've done some practicing with washes and different watercolor techniques that you've taught in your videos :) thanks for the awesome videos!

[@cintiabloom]

Thank you for this video. I used to draw and paint all my childhood until college, and it's been 10+ years since I have done anything. Lately I've been feeling an incredible urge to get back to it, something I can't explain... but thought of self-doubt keeps creeping in, although at the same time... I know I can do it! It's such a mental battle above anything else!

[@juststartingover2735]

Thank you! I completely relate to what you said about wanting to just get down to painting instead of going thru all the structured “steps”. I am more motivated when I just put paint on paper and see where it takes me. Some days I will continue to explore and just have fun, and other days I will settle down and “follow the rules”.

[@dopehat868]

Wonderful video! You are so awesome Angela! Completely agree with everything you said here & it was all incredibly helpful! I've been drawing portraits since I was a child but have only just started out using watercolours & they're definitely not easy! It's also hard to find 'good' advice - I think a lot of tutorials (at least the KZbin ones I've looked at so far!) are too interested in giving you rules & so's & don'ts & for a new painter it can be scary because I believe that watercolor in particular is a very individual thing where you just need to go with the flow - rules pretty much don't belong! So then it just makes the whole thing a lot more confusing & difficult! So it's truly wonderful to hear everything you've said here! And I really agree that art is so good for your mental health, no doubt. I've just started up again after years of doing nothing & it's amazing - I feel like myself again! :)

[@brendacollinsdeeks7268]

Thanks for this pep talk Angela. I’ve been feeling discouraged lately because I haven’t felt I’ve been improving ‘fast enough’. You are reminding me that I’m learning at the exact pace that’s right for me. 😊

[@ewwwobbie]

This video was a blessing to me. Thank you Angela, from the bottom of my heart. I think I’ll go do some more painting!

[@bayla2011]

Angela, you're so inspiring. Thank you for all of your videos!

[@craigweir8023]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts Angela. I agree with you everyone should find there own way and like you say ... I think by jumping onto the paper and having a go in 'doing' you find your way.

[@gms9810]

This was very inspirational. I'm still new at watercolor and have no confidence in myself,[probably because I'm lousy at it], and this talk helped. Thanks.

[@jaminamj295]

De bons encouragement...ce que vous dites est tellement juste. Merci !!

[@khawarahmed6064]

As student and lover of watercolor I always thought its only me. "Its always hard to translate on paper what you have in mind" is really encouraging, as it is coming from a matured artist who is a woman as women have highly developed and vivid imagination as compared to men. Thank you for your video on this subject

[@nanagaga2001]

Thanks so much for the pep talk Angela. I was so glad to hear you say you seldom are able to translate the vision in your head to the paper, because that's exactly what's been holding me back. It encourages me to let go of that expectation and just go ahead and paint anyway. Keep up the good work!

[@parkercummings1906]

Wow. I am in my fifties and this was the best pep talk I have ever heard. And I have heard plenty. I marked this in my favorites to go back to when I need it. Thank you.

[@mikeandmaureanbreck683]

Thank you so much for the great encouragement and advice! Appreciate your tutorials and the time you take to share. Thanks so much!

[@hondavalk]

Wow, you are such a great teacher Angela. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@kristilyons8735]

Thank you for this! It was a great pep talk. I especially appreciated your encouragement for people to 'find their own voice,' as it were.

[@azzuparis]

Hi Angela, this is really a grear talk and so inspiring!

[@lauriebowen25]

This is very inspiring!❤ thank you so much for sharing what I think all of us feel at some point in our art journey and making it so easy to see.

[@oldasa]

Messing up a Quality sheet of watercolor paper is my single most inhibiting factor to release my creativity. If I knew a cheap paper allowed and encouraged the techniques achievable with the higher quality sheets, I would paint and create like a demon, banishing my fear of waste forever. LOL Same thing happened to me building balsa wood models as a child. Once i was able acquire huge amounts of balsa inexpensively my talents took off to the moon. Please tell me the one paper I can mess up on for the lease costs out of my pocket. Who'd have thought something as minor as paper costs could inhibit so much potential talent?

[@carolroberts379]

P.S. Because of your videos, I am learning to let my brushes and creative self "go outside the lines" and play, get my hands and arms dirty in class, to even walk away for a few minutes and take a little lunch, then recess like in 1st grade, come back, take a short rest, and then get back to letting my soul express...

[@blancagrosjean443]

Angela Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! This video has encouraged me to keep on going. I can relate to everything you just said. 1000 times thank you!

[@Ms1lonewolf]

Your thoughts on this subject is exactly what I was thinking. As long as you keep on painting you learn. I paint on smaller pieces of paper also. I do sketch something first if I'm not doing just washes. I'm at a point now where I'm trying to learn what colors go together, mixing colors and trying to learn what colors are good for shades. I found out when mixing Grey's they are endless. Also discovered that what brand of paint you buy does matter when it comes to true color. Now I understand why artists buy primary colors and mix them, their selfs to get what color they want. Thanks for the video. I think it will help people. 😊

[@africo9104]

Just to say that , Mind Of watercolour pointed me in your direction on his video.

[@1961MCW]

Hi Angela, I want you to know, you are what I have been looking for. By trade I am a basket weaver of museum quality Ribbed Baskets.Which is a very structured art form. I took up watercolor years ago, as a way of unwinding and relaxing, I love wet in wet as well as all the rest. Thumbnail sketches never were my cup of tea, it would be like you pointed out not free flowing and easy we are back to rigorous structure oriented painting. I do not want that and adopted "my free and loose way' and quit caring what others thought. This is the way I paint take it or leave it. It is for my relaxation and enjoyment and a way to unwind, I do admit that in some way composition is always in the background. Composition is important, but not to the point you must do a total rendering in pencil and then go back like paint by numbers. to get a perfect painting, I have found your videos most refreshing to myself and you have also touched on various complimentary colors and how the work and work when blended and well you have a new subscriber, I never thought I would find another Watercolor painter like me. LOL

[@lissaw.8205]

Many thanks for the encouragement and rationale for valuing ourselves as well as our works!

[@juliec7302]

Angela....thank you so much for this video. I've decided that in 2015 I need to get in touch with my creative side and indulge my right brain infinitely more than life has allowed for in recent years. I will be trying to find myself, my voice, and my perfect medium this year, and watercolors are something that I want to try. However, I have been feeling a little "crazy" to be so terrified of a blank page, canvas, tube of paint or a paint brush. It's good to know that maybe I'm not as crazy as it feels, but taking the first few steps into a realm you are unfamiliar with is definitely intimidating. Learning to let go, have fun and indulge your inner child is scary. Thank you again for this video...it makes me feel like I might be able to create something artistic yet. =)

[@bozomahoney]

THANK YOU SO MUCH !! You made me feel like I'm ok with who I am and what I paint!! I've put the guilt away! thank you so much

[@cece_h]

Thank you! What a great reminder to start my painting process. I think if I can remember those thoughts and replay them in my head before I start my painting I'll paint more freely.

[@sandypickert8059]

Kudos to you... what a great piece of "art" you have shared.... I so needed to hear every word! Thank you.

[@joancc]

Great talk! God bless you! Thank you, it's just what I needed.

[@renaissancewm2000]

Thanks for this Angela. I get nervous when I paint on the good paper, and it shows, but when I am fooling around on scrap paper I do my best work. sigh. Sometimes I do a quick sketch on Yupo paper first, if that helps anyone.

[@susanhepburn6040]

Thank you so much for this, Angela. I found it really helpful and encouraging. With best wishes from the UK.

[@Rusless]

Thank you for your words Angela. They were really significant to me that I usually spend my day feeling guilty because I have a lot of work and things to do but almost no time for sit down to painting and to improve some techniques. Thanks for encourage us to keep trying, to don't give up and specially to learn to enjoy what we are doing... In the end, if we don't enjoy what we love to do, which is the purpose of doing it? Thank you again :) Regards from Argentina.

[@downtownpearl33]

truly inspirational! the 'blank page blackout' oh my - painful and paralyzing - force myself to sit there and carry on anyway (and sometimes that can take a good hunk of time lol) sending all those self critical nit-pics far away. thank you for sharing these words of wisdom with us. btw your most recent work with the trees is esp awesome. (think it was the session about paths and floating the paint - something like that.) :)

[@brendaoquin]

Thank you! Thank you! I've been very frustrated with myself lately, I.e., paintings not turning out, what should I paint?, what, what, what, how, how, how?? Ha. So, thank you for this. I needed it today.

[@gailtaylor1215]

Angela, thank you for this awesome video on the subject of the blank page. I certainly fear the blank page still, but I have gotten over the stressing out over the costs of the materials. I would always say to myself, "it is only a piece of paper." So one point down and 5 to go. I also lean towards smaller paintings now as I have two larger ones that I haven't finished due to frustration.

[@lesliegulyas148]

Thanks for posting. I appreciate your words of encouragement.

[@Blissfulthings]

good pep talk! one thing I like to do to break the ice is that I'll tear down a full sheet of WC paper into a postcard sizes ,I have a jar of ideas and I pick one out and try to do what's on it...or if I'm really stuck I'll play with triads plus one extra colour and mix them until I find something interesting in the colour mix then write it down on the WC card as a "recipe " and collect them for future reference! I hope this helps anyone

[@maryayris6295]

Hey just read this comment from one month ago, and it rings so many bells; resonates. Why feel guilty if nothing makes you want to move a brush (whatever) for a day; week; whatever? Hey, I have my own studio, and sometimes don't go near for weeks. Why? 'Cos I don't want to;don't need to; can't be bothered; too tired with other things. the one emotion I never feel anymore is guilt! Art is an emotion in itself, so if you are too tired; too stressed; or just plain fed up and worn out, don't worry about it -"it" will come back -art never leaves you, it is always there. Think about the last time you saw a falling leaf; a child's smile; an angle or a shadow that fascinates you and makes you smile and think "yeah, I would like to paint that". Once you have started on the road of creativity you will , hopefully, never stop: never stop seeing beauty, shapes, colours in all forms and walks of life. You don't have to get all those emotions "down" on paper, surely it is enough to feel and pass on some of your emotions to family and friends. Hey, sorry getting too deep - will go into art room and splash a load of colour on!

[@OneTrueWord1988]

Thank you for your comment Mary! Don't apologize for the depth of your thoughts - they resonated with me.

[@DeeDigs]

Thank you, wonderful advice !!!!!

[@JustOneMoreStamp]

It's not a waste it's a use. Thanks for your words.

[@denisechapel1040]

FREEEEDOM! (Said in my Mel Gibson Braveheart voice!) Thank you thank you for putting into words and video all I've been thinking as a newbie watercolor lover! ❤️😊👍🎨

[@jcr1563]

Really appreciate your comments. Very helpful. Thank you.

[@suecurtis1496]

I have learned so much from this .. I am new to painting, but I do like it so thank you for helping me.

[@pepami12]

Thank you for your words. I am a struggling beginner, this is very helpful to me.

[@carola.hadikin4820]

Thank you so much for your video. I felt like you were giving me a pep talk that I so needed.

[@dorothyatchison1825]

Thank you so much for this video Angela .... I sometimes have a terrible time getting that inner critic to shut up ... she can actually spoil my fun

[@bedlam1954]

Great advice Angela. I always think of the paper like this. Whatever you paint on it, it will only ever be a piece of paper. The only person that adds value to that is someone who will spend their hard earned cash on it.

[@bedlam1954]

I agree with that sentiment too Angela, I would never sell my best works at any price. When that rare magic happens, looking at the painting ensures I re-live those feelings.

[@moiseschavez2415]

thank you so much, from the deepest part in my heart, thank you

[@gement]

If you are on a budget and like painting smaller, note that a full sheet of watercolor paper can be cut into 27 4x6 cards. 27. Compare that to the prices of pads or blocks and you will start feeling pretty great about your price per painting.

[@joshclark6188]

i knew i subscribed for more than just "help" My approach and thought are exactly what you have said, I'm not structured, i just want to paint. I have already painted one of my paintings twice! to make improvements and to not make the same mistakes from the last one. with that each one i either learn a technique i like or learn what doesn't work for next time. I would love to se the paintings you have done that you "hate" or are not happy with. im curious what we may think of them. the ones i've not been happy with of my own, i find people like alot. idk im rambling now, thank you for the vid!

[@terraspath2642]

Thank you so very much. This talk really spoke to my heart. ♥️

[@gement]

Thank you! I have been doing my best to ignore the inner critic (fed by artist advice) that if I don't plan compositions and do value studies I'll "never grow as an artist." When what I'm doing is aggressively playing with color mixing and strokes and washes for pages and pages, which is something else that they moan people don't do enough of. Make up your minds, y'all. Thanks for saying there are other ways to get there. This is especially important when "there" isn't representational art for me. I don't have a goal of landscapes or portraits or still lifes or florals, so... a lot of the advice just doesn't apply very well. "Just paint more and have low expectations" definitely does, though.

[@TheBohemianCrow]

In art school I was always confused as to why I HAD to make all these sketches and plans and blah blah blah.... I could not work like that and thought I was wrong and not good enought! Thank you for setting me free!

[@TuxieTude]

+Cyndi Nash My son quit art school after his 2nd year because of what you're talking about. I love art and have done artsy craftsy things all my life, but I don't think I could do all the super structured stuff either! :)

[@TuxieTude]

+Angela Fehr You are awesome!! :)

[@sallyframe1532]

I really , really like your pep talk!! I am 77 yrs old and am trying to get back to w/c painting . will let you know if I succeed!

[@ronaldbarsky3600]

tyvm, think u r 1 of best inspirations ever

[@SusieLaLonde]

Awesome advice Angela, thanks!

[@susiecrawford3376]

Thank you. I needed that pep talk!

[@chrislogsdon1198]

Thx so much for your inspiring words on the blank paper! I have a brother that is a fabulous watercolor painter...so I compare and just don't come close to his amazing art! I will have to get 300 lb paper to try.

[@keithpayne4143]

Thank you Angela, that was inspirational.I've been struggling at bit recently.....I needed a pep talk.👍 Best wishes, Keith

[@tammytillman77]

Thanks Angela! Just what I needed to hear. :) Keep inspiring!

[@adeleabrams1207]

Thanks for the pep talk. I needed that.

[@arisu2023s]

When I am not satisfied with a painting, I flip the pages too to practice and paint more! :D

[@annevai]

loved this video! My grandmother is a watercolor artist and taught me to paint with watercolors as a child and in the past couple months I have recently picked it up again and remembered how much I love it. I'm wondering if you have any advice as "what" to paint. Like you, i'd much rather paint than draw, so I've been trying to do some sketchy type work, still lifes,etc. But I'm finding it hard to just come up with things in my head to paint. I don't know if that makes any sense to you but I'm wondering if you have any advice? Thank you for all of your awesome videos!

[@poisonivy5074]

Hello Angela! I primarily work with charcoal, but I'm trying to branch out and try a new medium. I've tried a little watercolor here and there, but am still having a hard time. One of the things I was wondering about was brushes. Which kind would you recommend?

[@andreabatten9124]

Thank you for this very informative talk. I do believe a positive attitude makes a big difference to the outcome of a painting, instead of stressing about all the reasons why the painting might not work. :)

[@caripeace]

Great advice! I feel the same way.

[@belindahall5220]

Thank you so much for this video! It's very helpful!!

[@DeathBringer769]

Thank you for this video.

[@EthanS1481]

Very inspiring! Thank you!

[@nathaliebalter7250]

so true, thank you. ...

[@roden70]

I understand that good paper helps a lot but it is expensive. I don't have the money to spend in a fancy coffeeshop and neither on very expensive paper. So I bought a pack of less quality paper (300 grams, 25% cotton) but now I can at least practise and have fun with watercolor. Off course mental health is worth a great deal but if you simply don't have the money, you can't spent it and you have to search for alternatives in order to be able to paint.

[@roden70]

+Angela Fehr Thanks for your suggestions Angela. I'll try to find out if this paper is available in Europe.