Watercolor Sketching & Journaling - Part 1 - Gay Kraeger

[@jackiblair7932]

Goodness, Gay, where have you been all my life. Wonderful video.

[@hanimoon1422]

I think this is the best watercolour tutorial that I ever watch in KZbin 😂

[@gaykraeger]

Thank you!

[@theluckyone7189]

oh my god! me think so too!

[@DonnaslifePart2]

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! This is THE BEST down and dirty beginners course on journalling I have seen...and I have looked. The basic ideas followed by the the fundamentals principles of graphic design give even beginners EVERYTHING they need to create pages they can be pleased with. Again THANK YOU!

[@lidiavon1063]

I have just stumbled on your video, I felt such overwhelming gratitude to all the people that take their time to share their knowledge and skills that I had to share! It happened to be this site,......so, THANK YOU! I'm really grateful and I'm sure there are thousands of us out there ;)

[@gaykraeger]

+lidia von Thank you Lidia. It is always nice to hear thank yous!

[@leewarren492]

Gay, I just came across these. Your Craftsy class was the very first class I took less than two years ago. It made my favorite medium and my passionate desire to learn travel journaling accessible. I return to it often and have not only continued to journal but am pursuing studies rather relentlessly. I'm so happy to let others know about these KZbin classes. Thank you for sharing your gift.

[@gaykraeger]

Thanks Lee, So glad you found the Strathmore classes. Happy journaling!

[@SusieLaLonde]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching your video. Thanks so much!

[@aera6437]

I have a tip: use two containers so that the dirty one is for cleaning dirty brushes and the clean one is for mixing colors, etc. That way, you dont use dirty water for the watercolours and to avoid muddy colors :)

[@gaykraeger]

Great tip!

[@coolabah-blue]

Love your video, you are a great teacher, can't wait to try your method😊 Thank you for sharing!

[@gaykraeger]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the class.

[@Msboochie2]

All the videos I ‘be watched and books I have read, none of them told me about the “bead”. I love this, she’s made washes easy for me now. Thanks 🙏🏾

[@gwensimmons_gigi1629]

Thank you! This tutorial was very informative. The graded wash tip has been very useful, as well as creating aerial perspective and depth.

[@gaykraeger]

Glad it was useful Gwenneth!

[@thatswhatshesaid.literally737]

*Most informative, best explained, most thorough taught watercolor tutorial I have ever seen on KZbin thus far! Excellent!! Thank you very much!* 👍👍😊

[@gaykraeger]

Thank you!

[@jhpark1980]

This is the best tutorial for both watercolor & watercolor journaling. You have incorporated watercolor basics so smoothly and kindly. Thank you!!!

[@gaykraeger]

I'm glad you liked the videos!

[@vikibanaszak4881]

This is wonderful. Thanks for sharing it with me. I was so excited that I watched them all. Now to get some practice before my trip.

[@arrquiteta1]

Sure this is the best watercolor tutorial on KZbin! Thanks for helping me!!

[@gaykraeger]

Thank you Marcia, I'm glad you enjoyed the videos!

[@TJ-kz1ul]

You have such a gift for painting and for teaching. Perfect for a beginner. I have watched many other videos to learn watercolor, but this one has been the most useful.

[@gaykraeger]

Glad you enjoyed the videos Treena. Happy painting!

[@jhummel640]

I just found you on Craftsy, and I wanted to thank you for your "real" teaching...you know what I mean! I am an avid gardener and walkabout botanist, and I've always wanted to make my own botanical drawings/paintings and field sketch...despite growing up in a family of artists, nobody could get the "how" across to me. But you did it! Thank you so much. I feel like I've found a key!

[@gaykraeger]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it.

[@kylah.1592]

This video inspired me to start using and learning more about watercolors nearly four years ago. Thank you for that 😊

[@gaykraeger]

You are welcome. So glad you were inspired!

[@zhaomike5202]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpiqoKt_rqxpj9E

[@joanneoliver6427]

Dear Gay, I love your videos on watercolour journalling very much :) Your teaching is excellent and I have understood so much listening to you and watching and never got bored, in fact, more interested. I love your techniques and, will be trying them. I cant wait to do a water colour journal and love the idea of keeping a journal in my bag for sketching etc. and for showing great ways to put dates and title, balancing everything on your journal page etc, I love writing also. I do a mixture of art things, and love mixed media which involves all painting of every kind. I love water colouring very much. I have learnt tons watching these video and enjoyed watching them. Thank you so much for sharing your talent. I will be watching to see if you do more. Thank you Gay. Jo from no so sunny Essex, England xx

[@gaykraeger]

Joanne Oliver Thank you Joanne. I'm glad you enjoyed the class!

[@RobbieghRobyn]

Thanks so much for you videos, they are a joy to watch, so glad I found them, you make watercolour make sense!

[@gaykraeger]

Thanks Robyn!

[@cheekyauschick]

Wow I have watched all your videos, thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart for making watercolor painting so easy to understand. I have spent more money then Australia's entire debt, to learn how to watercolor on line doing class after class, only to be constantly disappointed at the course content and delivery. Then >>>>> drum roll pls.... I quite by accident discovered you "Gay" ....THANK YOU, my confidence is growing with every practice attempt I do...cheers K` :)

[@gaykraeger]

What kind words! Thank you. Happy journaling!

[@dalynnmontgomery505]

Thank you Gay! I really like your clear explanations and descriptions of your technique! I look forward to seeing your other videos too. I'm excited to get started.

[@gaykraeger]

You're welcome Dalynn. I'm glad you enjoyed them.

[@elsagrace3893]

Wow my art teacher never told me about the bead for the wash😏. Thanks so much. Oh yay! You are in California. Maybe I can take a class from you some day.

[@KuddlyKisses]

Wow! This series is really awesome! I am just starting to attempt to paint with watercolour and this series makes it fun and interesting. I have a lot of trouble starting things and even more trouble finishing, but I have started on paper thanks to you...so...THANK YOU!! ♥♥♥

[@gaykraeger]

+KuddlyKisses You are welcome! Enjoy the process!

[@zhaomike5202]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpiqoKt_rqxpj9E

[@vwood2]

Thanks very much for your workshops - they're excellent. In addition to clear instructions, you keep things fun as well, which is really important. I also use the Strathmore journals - the watercolour and the mixed media versions. I have tried most makes, and always come back to these as the best fit for me - great quality and value.

[@gaykraeger]

+Vicki Wood I agree, the Strathmore journals are great quality and value. Thank you for the kind words!

[@andreabatten9124]

Excellent demonstration thank you. Very clear instructions. I look forward to your next demonstration ☺

[@gaykraeger]

+Andrea Batten Thank you Andrea

[@vincentbostwick9135]

I really learned a lot compared to the other videos! Thank you so much! I will continue watching the rest of the little series on watercolor sketching.

[@zhaomike5202]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpiqoKt_rqxpj9E

[@annelouise4639]

So beautiful! I'm really glad to have discovered your channel, having recently bought my first Strathmore journal and being a watercolour novice. Thanks for your very useful video, Gay! 😊👍👍

[@gaykraeger]

You are welcome Anne. Glad you enjoyed the videos.

[@claraavin3261]

I finally learned to make a good wash. Thank you.

[@cindywallwork5510]

I wish I could post my watercolor!! My first attempt, as a new water color artist (actually, first attempt at being an artist) is so beautiful, thanks to your KZbin!! I did washes and landscape. THANK YOU!!!

[@cindywallwork5510]

I went to Hobby Lobby and bought inexpensive supplies. They worked beautifully!! Again, thank you!! I am so proud!! My husband actually saw my painting and couldn't believe I did it. Thank you!!!

[@gaykraeger]

I wish I could see your watercolor! I'm glad the tutorial worked. Keep painting!

[@azzuparis]

Nice video. I love the way you illustrate how to make a wash. You made it simple and I finally understood how to do it. Thank you :)

[@gaykraeger]

You're welcome Leila, glad it worked for you!

[@Loupa57]

An excellent, clear, informative and enjoyable tutorial. Thank you

[@suzyq6767]

I learned so much. I have a lovely scene very much like yours right off my deck. I'll give it a try today. Your tutorial gave me courage. Thanks.

[@gaykraeger]

That's great Suzy! Have fun painting.

[@donayesthatsmedy7524]

My favorite ever video on watercolor. Thank you.

[@gaykraeger]

+Donayesthatsme Dy Thanks!

[@martynakycler3081]

Thank you so much for this video! I'm just starting my watercolor journey and it was very precious to see those exercises you showed. I'm gonna try it myself right away.

[@gaykraeger]

Have fun Martyna!

[@lisawiening3520]

Thank you for these 4 excellent videos. I am a beginner and your tutorials really helped!!

[@gaykraeger]

+Lisa Wiening You are welcome Lisa. Glad you enjoyed them!

[@firequeen2194]

Amazing! Thanks to you I’ve perfected washes, so grateful. 😘

[@gaykraeger]

Cool! I'm glad I helped.

[@artxombie2628]

First video I have watched that explained the wet edge. I always thought I had too much water on the brush. Thank you for this great video. I might busting out the watercolors again.

[@gaykraeger]

Art Xombie, I hope you do break out those watercolors. The whole goal is to have fun!

[@patytrico]

Thank you for give us beginners a real clear explanation, it hopes to ease a lot of my fears! Now I feel confident enough to begin wetting my brushes ;D copying what you do until -hopefully- i find my own way. Greetings from Uruguay.

[@gaykraeger]

+Paty M. Glad you liked the videos! Remember, the goal is to have fun! Wet those brushes in Uruguay. You have wonderful things there to paint!

[@WilliamParmley]

I enjoyed this very much. That art supply store looks fantastic! Wish there was one like that near me.

[@gaykraeger]

Thank you William. It is a great art supply store. I am lucky it is fairly close to me!

[@PanamaMLE]

I have just watched your 4 videos on journaling...I enjoyed your explanations and feel ready to tackle a day in my life. Thanks for sharing. I didn't understand journaling.

[@gaykraeger]

Glad you enjoyed the videos Emilie. Happy journaling!

[@lessatwi1]

One teacher (not art) to another: this is an absolutely wonderful old school teaching. Pl. keep it up.

[@gaykraeger]

Thank you!

[@fiona1269]

I learned from this video and it encourageed me to try washes in my new journal. Thank you for your tutorial.

[@gaykraeger]

You are welcome. I'm glad it got you adding washes!

[@vagrantastronaut]

What a great video. That last painting was very lovely! You're a great narrator as well :)

[@gaykraeger]

Thanks!

[@christennacarr2917]

So beautiful. Love your teaching style.

[@Digitoes3]

Thanks for your great video! Through it I learned why I was getting a streaky wash; the water bead! It's all about the bead! Thanks for that!

[@gaykraeger]

+Sarah Beverly It was learning about the bead that made it work for me too. That changed the whole way I did watercolor. Glad you liked the video.

[@TheCombatartist]

You must have an architectural design or illustration background, which I do, and thus, this is why I found this tutorial to be fantastic! I'm very experienced in the use watercolor, but I am always on the look out for tutorial videos that are well-done, which this is. I really enjoyed that you created this utilizing a "sketchbook".

[@gaykraeger]

Thanks! I have a graphic design background. I recently have done more illustration. My drawing skills improved when I started keeping a journal. You know that thing about practice. It really works!

[@belladini4754]

You’re a really good teacher...please continue the videos.

[@Rudenbehr]

Love the way you talk. I watched the video all the way through.

[@gaykraeger]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the class.

[@rwilson4039]

You are awesome! You make it look so easy. I know it's not but that's how you know a true artist... :)

[@gaykraeger]

Thank you!

[@greetingsfromchilliwack5702]

The explicit instructions leave little me feeling that I can do this! I love the notes and timely speed frame segments that keep the video exciting, and of course most helpful. Thank you Gay! excellent video, can't wait to watch the next 3!

[@antoniskyriakou327]

Nice presentation and teaching for starters!!Knowledge and experience.

[@gaykraeger]

Thanks!

[@seahorse5689]

Wow! That was a wonderful tutorial. Thanks!

[@gaykraeger]

You are welcome Judy, glad you enjoyed it.

[@mariahpriceu4me]

I've tried quite a few washes and could never get them quite right, now I know why.

[@1294bfmaspens]

Many thanks, Gay, that makes sense, l will try this out. I find your videos very helpful by the way.

[@gaykraeger]

You're welcome Barry. Glad you liked the videos!

[@delila351]

THank you so much.............I learned so much......off to watch another!

[@gaykraeger]

Glad you liked it!

[@From_the_mil]

Excellent! When are your next series of videos? :)

[@gaykraeger]

As soon as retire I will make more videos. I do have a few on my website. www.watercolorjournaling.com/online-classes/online-classes.htm

[@maximme]

thank you very much. Was just learning waterbrush and how to get even wash.

[@maximme]

btw, use markers on your table to make sure you are within the camera view. Ie paper clips, tapes to make the boundary of the view.

[@gaykraeger]

Thanks for the tips!

[@YvesGeorge]

I really hate watercolour because I can't control it but thanks to you, Ms. Gay, I learned a lot and will try your techniques.

[@gaykraeger]

Yves George Sanchez Yves, That lack of control thing is hard. I am a control freak but I am learning to let that colored water evaporate on the page and enjoy seeing what happens. Letting it dry between layers helps a lot.Have fun!

[@madisonxyz9887]

Yves George Sanchez I love how it's has a mind of its own XD That's why I hate oil, too much control in that.

[@tanujambwani4781]

WoooooaaaA.....!! 😃..... Loved it... (...🥰 India)

[@gaykraeger]

Thank you

[@anniesavidge2468]

I’m a rank beginner; only been painting for a couple of months. I’m thinking of using a “journal” for practice painting. For example, different stokes, learning to paint trees, various flowers, etc. and maybe a different one for my “real” paintings. Does this seem viable? Are there better ways? Could you give me ideas on how to use journals. I’m really hesitant to start one because watercolor paper is so expensive, but I’ve already the difference in using good watercolor paper as opposed to cheaper, so-called student papers. Suggestions

[@gaykraeger]

Annie, Using a journal to explore different techniques is a great practice. There is no pressure to be perfect. And you get a record of your artistic journey. The Strathmore journals are affordable and great quality. If they are too expensive for you you can tear down watercolor sheets. You get many pages from a single sheet. You can punch holes in them and use binder rings to keep them together. Have fun on your journey. Gay

[@iartistdotme]

This is a GREAT learning lesson!!!!!

[@deborahrech7429]

Wow, I learned a lot from your teaching! Thank you.

[@gaykraeger]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@karenleestoloff6140]

Can't wait to see painting we will start with!

[@gaykraeger]

Happy painting!

[@LJP12330]

wow I love this

[@Nonamenut]

A really great teacher. Thank you!

[@gaykraeger]

You are welcome. Happy painting!

[@OneTrueWord1988]

Thank you for such an interesting and informative video! You are an excellent teacher, and I appreciate all of your efforts on our behalf. Looking forward to the rest of this series, and want to ask where I can find information on ordering your dvd. God bless you!

[@gaykraeger]

+OneTrueWord1988 Thank you! You can find the DVD and other classes on my website www.watercolorjournaling.com/

[@kdmylove]

thank you for this video. it is a gem. God bless u....

[@gaykraeger]

Thank you Christina

[@elemaitch]

just loved this video... THANK YOU :)

[@patzplaze]

Thank you for this. It is perfect for a beginner in watercolor, like me.

[@gaykraeger]

+Pat G You are welcome Pat. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@gaykraeger]

+Pat G You are welcome Pat. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@madasaboxofrogs]

What a beautiful view from your window :-)

[@gaykraeger]

Thank you Nicola. I love where I live.

[@gmax758]

Enjoyed watching !

[@gaykraeger]

Thanks

[@nicoleoleary1211]

Your making me want to paint!

[@gaykraeger]

That's great!

[@rudymelo880]

Beautiful painting

[@alexra9967]

Why have I only seen this now? 😭 your tutorials and videos and journaling are amazing! Btw, what store was that? I'm dying to get in that store, I don't think I have that store in my country though 😭 we don't have art stores that sell art supplies only. I don't even think we have individual watercolor pigments that come in tubes sold here it sucks

[@gaykraeger]

Alex Buenaventura Thanks Alex, That store was in California. But luckily you can find everything you need online. There are lots of great art stores on the internet.

[@mrcoffee5909]

I agree Honey... This had so many points on exactly how to actually mix the Colours and how to mix up the Colours and then how to precisely fill the space without it looking like a nursery school painting.. 😂🎨😂🎨 I can't express how grateful I am at this moment!

[@gaykraeger]

I'm glad you enjoyed the videos!

[@odileabriel8052]

Bravo de France ! J'adore ! Je m'abonne😍

[@gaykraeger]

Thank you Odile. I'm glad you enjoyed the class.

[@annajordan9058]

so informative, really enjoyed your video. Thank you so much!

[@gaykraeger]

+Anna Jordan Glad you enjoyed it Anna.

[@ZuleykaK]

Hello! Is this the mixed media sketchbook or Strathmore have a watercolor vertical sketchbook? Is it possible I can have the link for this one?

[@gaykraeger]

For the class I used the watercolor book. I do love both the mixed media and the watercolor papers. Here is link to Dick Blick for the watercolor version www.dickblick.com/products/strathmore-softcover-400-series-watercolor-art-journal/

[@Ferbeas12]

I know this is an old video but can anyone tell me if these watercolor sketchbooks hold the watercolor so it doesn't warp or do you need to stretch it? If so, how would you stretch the paper in the sketchbook so it doesn't warp?

[@gaykraeger]

The Strathmore watercolor journals are 140 lb cold press watercolor paper. They are made to get wet. Even with the large books I have never had an issue with them warping. No stretching needed!

[@leewarren492]

I'm currently working in a 400 series. No warping.

[@Miserableplace]

Bless this lovely lady.

[@larajurg5370]

if this was addressed here already I am sorry...can I put my creamy WC in a tube in the palette and if they dry out are they still usable by wetting or do I have to throw them out?

[@gaykraeger]

+lara jurg Yes, you can put your watercolors in the palette. They will dry. That is what you want so you don't have runny colors when you close the palette. I usually let them dry overnight before I close the palette. When you want to use them, use a brush to wet them and they are ready to go! You don't have to throw them out. I am still using some of mine that I bought in college. (That was ages ago.) They have dried in the tube, but I peeled back the metal of the tube, got the color wet, and viola, they worked!

[@larajurg5370]

ty for the info!! I appreciate it!

[@jsclar7037]

That's a great idea. I found my mother's watercolors all dried in tubes from probably the 1940s or 50s. They won't go to waste!

[@1294bfmaspens]

How come the paper does not buckle, as it's not taped down?

[@gaykraeger]

Barry. It is 140# cold press watercolor paper in bound journal. It is small enough that it hardly buckles. As soon as it is dry, I close the book and that flattens any buckle that might have happened. The Strathmore journals work very well for keeping visual journals.

[@jhiliilu]

Dose watercolors smudge on the front page of a sketchbook?

[@gaykraeger]

After they are dry they do not smudge.

[@jhiliilu]

Gay Kraeger thnx mam

[@peggyqbkg9705]

8.15 when painting starts. 9.30 'the drip'. 10.30 picking up the drip. 11.40 using a water brush for gradient wash. 13.20 painting her landscape. 14.15 doing trees. 15.50 drying. 16.50 more detail in closer trees. 18.38 spatter. 18.58 mixing browns for trunks.

[@kathucz]

That was awesome. oh my god, i hardly need to buy my own colors D:

[@gaykraeger]

+Le Kat But it is so much fun to go to the art supply store and get carried away!

[@kathucz]

+Gay Kraeger im gonna paint in a few days and i am so excited, thank you for answering and keep up the good work, like to see more. :-)

[@gaykraeger]

+Le Kat I do have a class on Craftsy. You can check it out here. www.craftsy.com/class/illustrated-nature-journaling/5345?_ct=sbqii-sqjuweho-dum&_ctp=1&rceId=1446497804817~5b5nkch7

[@laurasawochka7893]

I'm thrilled I stumbled across your videos. I'm a fan. Do you give classes?

[@박성실-t9d]

Thank you for your good exlpanation~^^

[@gaykraeger]

You're welcome!

[@eringobragh387]

this is so pretty.

[@gaykraeger]

+Erin F Thanks!

[@greetingsfromchilliwack5702]

a small inset of the view you are looking at would be nice to see while you paint!

[@kamaleshbaruah8698]

Mam, plz tell me when you saw a first book how much prize

[@gaykraeger]

+kamalesh baruah hmm, Not quite sure what you mean. I started my first journal in 1996.

[@allexclusive8]

Very good lesson! Thank you so much!

[@franciscojofrec.6273]

Love it! Thaaaank you!!!

[@Nasauniverse001]

Really helpful. Thank you. I any your view.

[@gaykraeger]

Glad you enjoyed the videos!

[@pochufung2589]

Thanks, your video helps a lot. Where is that store in CA, what city?

[@gaykraeger]

Po Chu Fung Po, The art store is Palace Art Supplies in Capitola, California.

[@adrianadebrun]

Maravillosooooo!!!!! Gracias por enseñarme.

[@gaykraeger]

You are welcome! Thanks

[@phylr3983]

Thank you so much for this very helpful video.

[@gaykraeger]

You are welcome!

[@dustboy157]

Thank you for sharing! I learned a few new things

[@gaykraeger]

dustboy157 You are welcome. I had a great time making the videos!

[@noorulniharmalik]

Great work!

[@ljsquare1]

Wonderful!

[@gaykraeger]

Thanks!

[@thewaytojannah4392]

Thank you so much. I love your way of teaching. Very helpful and brief. Do you offer online classes?

[@gaykraeger]

I'm glad you enjoyed the class. You can find more on my website. www.watercolorjournaling.com/