What to Paint for Beginners - 3 Watercolor Painting Exercises

[@jesscherry404]

I am 77 years. Since I met you, I am learning so much! I used to paint primarily with Dr Martins inks. Now you have encouraged me to try other kinds of mediums. Thanks! I am having a ball!

[@shelleyl497]

Beginner here. Not to art but to watercolor. This is a gem. Loved it. Yay

[@jojo4shosho]

Thank you for being so welcoming and providing a pretentious free space!

[@KristyRice]

You are so welcome!

[@thejameshoeve]

Hi Kristy, I love your channel and your positive attitude! I am 61, and am just beginning sketching and since finding your channel, I'm getting started with watercolor. You are a natural born teacher and motivator . Thank you. 😊

[@KristyRice]

Thank you SO much!! Thrilled you are here!!!

[@justanotherti4790]

Thank you so much for these exercises. I am going to try one.

[@tinak5765]

Thank you Kristy, so important to say “art doesn’t have right to have a function.” This takes away the performance pressure so the painter can simply enjoy the process. 👩🏻‍🎨

[@KristyRice]

Yesss! Thanks for watching! XO

[@PaperPensandCoffee]

I have been doodling over my paintings for years. love that there are others out there that do the same. high 5

[@TheSadafmumtaz]

I just love how positive energy you have! I just can't stop smiling on the way you talk to us. More power to you dear Kristy!

[@KristyRice]

You are too kind! Cheers :)

[@wandaeades7274]

Rainy bad day. I'm mixing colors on paper! What fun! I played today!

[@KristyRice]

Wahoo!!!

[@kerri-mignon1196]

Omg! Love you. Always wished I had art talent. Growing up was only pushed and encouraged to be left brain. Wasn't even allowed to take photography classes... Now I'm older and can do what I want. Yes, I've done a lot of photography, pretty good if I do say so myself, but now been taking plunge into water color. First abstract, cuz doubted my abilities, but lately, discovered that maybe I don't suck. I don't follow rules (total errant). I've been fixated on discovered the truth of life, the universe and eveything (the answer is...42. I think) I've discovered that painting and creating is actually really helpful when falling down the rabbit hole. When my right brain allowed to do its thing, dots connect like crazy. And my skills actually seem to be increasing. I've always been hypercritical of myself. It's a big deal for me to be able to admit that. :-) It's a form of meditation. A type of visualization. We create our reality and artist expression is a phenomenal way to connect to our Creator. At least that's what I've experienced. Love and light to all

[@williammichael2156]

That's me too X love you X

[@kmmara41]

I just found you; and I’m 3mins in. Love it, love your energy and just saying “Thanks, you!”

[@KristyRice]

Welcome!!

[@NessaWolfeMuller]

I needed this today, thank you very much ❤ I have never seen this scrape technique. I love experimenting, it is hard to let go of ideas like “I’m wasting supplies” and “ I need to produce something important/valuable” and “ this is a waste of time”. Letting go of those negative thoughts is vital to creativity and positive mental health. Embrace the joy of being lost in the process, that’s my goal now. I have to remind myself of this goal every day. I hope at some point I won’t need to!

[@chaddonley9391]

I'm becoming obsessed too ever since I've tried it and stopped looking at it like a toddlers paint!

[@KristyRice]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😘

[@juliebergacker5680]

Wow! How wonderful and so fun 👏👏👍💕💕

[@kathyhanson172]

Kristy! I loved this particular lesson because I was at a point where I was getting tired of painting my flowers I’ve only been painting since February. So I did the bouquet and I did the shapes and I had so much fun thank you

[@KristyRice]

Wonderful!

[@luvkayakn]

I love these. I'm working 6/10s and these fun exercises are perfect for spending a little time just relaxing at the end of the day

[@KristyRice]

Wonderful!

[@carolrawson9118]

I’m a watercolour virgin and I am absolutely loving your videos ❤😊

[@craftsinnot7794]

Thanks for this! This was fun! I’m new to watercolor. So anything will help me learn how to do this. 😊

[@darschoenrock4057]

Awesome exercise1. I am going to try doing this.😘

[@wildflower1397]

I am 30 seconds in, and already inspired, lol.

[@bridgetthauert5518]

I am going to do this with my six year old granddaughter! Looks so fun!

[@KristyRice]

Have fun!

[@Weissguys6]

I put my watercolors away before Christmas and haven’t got them back out yet. And then I watched you today……. ❤️

[@Weissguys6]

Ohhhhh no, just finished watching. Now I NEED ink!! 😂😂😂 Apologies in advance to my hubby. ❤️😂

[@KristyRice]

Well get them back out!!! Wahoooo!!

[@paulasingleton1610]

I LOVE watching your videos! I just started a month ago and I am in LOVE. I have ADHD and I rarely stick to anything longer than a couple of weeks, but watercolor just makes me happy! Your videos make me happy to watch! I just love them. 😊

[@KristyRice]

How’s it going??

[@rosangelaneff4528]

I believe that I was looking for you to help me out w/ my little skill.You did and I love and enjoy my what I learned w/ you.Thanks

[@grandmak1860]

Yes, yes, yes! PLAY every chance you can! Art opens us up to receive! Thanks for the reminder and keep being you Kristy!

[@KristyRice]

Yes! Thank you!

[@patlatour2465]

Oh my I have to get me some gesso and ink I’m going to have so much fun painting ❤ I will try with pan paints and white gouache thankyou for these ideas I can see adding some of these into my scrapbooking pages. 😊 so much JOY.

[@Krisstofers]

Like I said, ever since I met your channel, that I keep coming back to the basics, tear it back and rebuild... So, here I am again!!!

[@carolbantegui2193]

Thank you! I love the way you paint!!! You really are enjoying doing your art!!!

[@KristyRice]

Thank you so much 😀

[@sherriallard172]

I absolutely love the scraping technique for backgrounds for pen & ink and also the gift tag idea!

[@KristyRice]

Thank you so much!! Hope it brings you some joy when you try it!!

[@treybeedee6177]

I’ve only been watercoloring for about 3 weeks and im already wanting to get a lot of different palettes. I’m glad you have a hard time coming up with stuff to paint. Right now I’ve been making greeting cards that have turned out pretty good. I have to say I’ve always been nervous about watercolor because I’ve always been an acrylic painter. Ive sold many painted rocks, i dont think u can watercolor on rocks . 🙄❤️

[@rainforme1850]

I smile when I hear ur play in ur fun and phrasing of words. You remind me of the children I used to work with and Headstart which is a program for 3 to 5 year olds that come from low income homes. We would put out art supplies and we never had to tell children how to use them. I do have a question, however I need a little more detail about the ink because I’m so new to art. Thank you for posting this because now I’m gonna do more than try I’m actually going to open up my watercolors

[@KristyRice]

I use liquid watercolor and Dr Ph Martin’s inks. Both act similarly on paper :)

[@karismify]

Witnessing your joy makes me cry so hard.. wish I felt that way but... [critical thoughts]. Haven't been able to make it through an entire video yet because of that but I admire the way you model positive self talk. You say "compliment yourself" and I'm like 😭😭😭

[@KristyRice]

😢

[@cindyriesenberg7035]

I’m so glad I found you. You have inspired this frustrated wanna be artist to be adventurous. I’m ready to try again. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

[@KristyRice]

Welcome!!! Cheers :)

[@DeborahOlander]

I appreciate your message and love that your studio looks like mine. Thank you

[@KristyRice]

You are so welcome!

[@MadhuB14-All]

Thanks, Kristy! So needed this after being thoroughly frustrated with my lack of skills yesterday.

[@KristyRice]

You got this! Just keep painting

[@pamelaroderick6588]

you are so cool!!! love how you teach!!! i started on a fluke when i retired and i’m in love with watercolor

[@KristyRice]

That is awesome!

[@aliceflores6016]

I think you are amazing! I am I love with watercolor! Still a beginner but watching your videos gave me confidence to keep going.

[@janettepolt2815]

Thank you so, so, much for helping me.

[@pamellabinder6186]

Kristy you are ssssooo inspirational and always giving excellent and important instruction! I’ve learned more from you in 2 months of following your channel that the 20 years I’ve been painting. Thank you so much for sharing your multi talents ❤

[@KristyRice]

Wow what a humbling compliment!!

[@nosebleedseats3788]

What have you done to me.... FRIEND?! Just copped the Art of Soil pallet, the one you have... AND your brushes ARRIVED today! Going to do my *assignment* here in an hour. I like to use my tablet and go along with you.... toooooooo freakin' excited!!! I love what you've done to me :)

[@KristyRice]

Happy to help? Lol!!!

[@reneelanier3475]

The joy of watercolor is just being able to play with beautiful colors! We don’t need to paint something, we need to play!!!! I adore abstract watercolor way more than painting a formal sketch.

[@KristyRice]

Yes yes yes!!!

[@ruthedwards9642]

I’m loving watching you have fun!!! I can’t wait to try these fun exercises! Thank you for sharing!!!

[@AnnetteJaworski]

I watched your cotton paper video. I bought Gencraft almost a year ago due to a promotion, and I love it

[@KristyRice]

Awesome

[@lorettawatkins5024]

Kristie, I love you happy approach to art...thank you for the inspiration!

[@KristyRice]

You’re very welcome!

[@timeenuf4200]

Leaving with wonderment!!! - I felt even more inspired than ever. Thank you for this fun, quick, physical reminder that we are all creative. Imagine how many people try this and how many ga-zillions of different art forms are created. Thank you again Kristy.

[@KristyRice]

You’re welcome!😘

[@art_nulfo]

Hi. Just found your channel and tbh I feel relieved because I'm new to watercolor painting and the fact that my first two paintings so far was good but eventually my next one turned mess into my eyes but when I watched some of your videos it changed with positivity and I see my latest painting now as "expressive" and "honest". Thank you for sharing your optimism. I will continue painting. 😊

[@KristyRice]

So glad you’re here and yes indeed keep painting :)

[@deborahpaulin1188]

That's about the highest compliment a teacher can receive! ❤❤😊 I felt the same.

[@Alleellaa]

I feel like we can all benefit from the advice "making art for Art Sake!" So often we get in our own way and lose the inspiration to create because we allow ourselves to get bogged down in the spiral of indecision/perfection/overthinking. Thanks for the reminder. If you can't tell by my novelistic comments, I really enjoyed your content. Thank you!

[@NAVYWhistleblowerAssassin]

I'm officially a huge fan! Going to get your books, pallets 🎨 and brushes! 😊I'm going to treat myself. I'm going to watch all your videos on watercolor paper, best paints, and whatever else! You are bringing back happy memories me my supplies & my art lab. 😊 I gotta get back to that mindset. I'm loving your original art rhetoric. Juicy is a great word to describe paints! 😂 What a fun teacher ❤

[@SatyaPerry-fp6lx]

Thank you Kristy. You are such an inspiration through this very essential art skill especially to a nit so confident beginner like me. Satya

[@marysharp9635]

always a delight to watch to break those boundaries Kristy ❤🎉❤

[@treybeedee6177]

You do teach painting watercolor like no other!!! AND I LOVE YOU FOR IT❣️❣️❣️❣️ your my favorite ❣️❣️

[@KristyRice]

Wow, thank you!

[@annangel4828]

Such fun, just playing! After scrolling through yt videos and pinterest and unsplash, I just surrendered. I rarely just play/experiment. Thanks for the encouragement!

[@KristyRice]

You bet!!

[@gillesthibodeau7078]

Love your videos and your style of painting. Imaginative and free! Very addictive!😍

[@MishWoon]

Love “no rules”….takes so much pressure off beginners like me 💕

[@KristyRice]

So glad!

[@williammichael2156]

Me too X

[@TracyLCrawford]

Love your videos- watched three this morning, and I'll remember. But the Montessori teacher in me has to comment. If you start from the top left of your circle, you can go all the way around without picking up you pencil.

[@susanpettit8751]

Why is it that I have just found you!!!! I LOVE your enthusiasm and your teaching. Thank you so much for putting out these tutorials. They are awesome!!! I need to figure out how to access your books next! Thank you again.

[@KristyRice]

Welcome welcome!!

[@ricncat62]

I am brand new to watercolors actually I am brand new to painting and I love your videos and keep looking for more from you

[@KristyRice]

Thank you so much 😀

[@victoriasebanz281]

watercolor is all about surrender....yummmm!

[@KristyRice]

😘😘😘

[@MrsBarnabas]

Thank you, Kristy. :)

[@KristyRice]

You’re very welcome!

[@picklesnoutpenobscott3165]

Eeee! You, are my paint crush! Totally. Thank youuuuuuu.

[@KristyRice]

Thank YOU!!!

[@Alleellaa]

Create and DESTROY! (Last exercise): I tried a similar technique for art therapy, and yes!! It's scary at first! You're like "wait I just spent time on this why would I destroy it!?" But after going through with the destruction, I was inspired again to utilize the new material from the deconstructed art. I learned so much from it! Follow your intuition, don't allow fear to dictate the creation process, destruction is fun and inspirational! And as creatives, creating and destroying is what we do, so embrace it!!

[@joeystoycity3140]

I’m totally obsessed with ur watercolor classes thank you so much

[@KristyRice]

You’re welcome!

[@Lacroix999]

When you started to draw the flower, my head just screamed “use a silver pen!!” Because for some reason I just thought that would have looked super cool on the pinks!

[@joburrow9863]

Thank you Kristy! I never know what to paint….so, many times I just start with blobs/puddles of coordinating colors. Then I might draw over the colors to make a picture. I love all of your exercises. I also love metallics in water color.

[@KristyRice]

Ahh yes you get it!!

[@milena_z_whales]

I LOVE these! So easy just start… I know I end up getting more creative once I start… but starting is often hard. Thank you for this 💙

[@KristyRice]

You can do it!

[@katewalton6350]

Love, love, love this ! So satisfying! Thx.

[@KristyRice]

So glad!

[@susanH1986]

Thank you for this fun play idea! 👍👍❤️

[@somebody7311]

The only function my art has is my pleasure, I had a stroke a couple of months ago and decided after 20 years to start painting again. I soon realised that I wanted to do loose painting I find it so satisfying I do not follow any rules anything goes. The compliments received and asked how did you do that surprised most people. The best thing is I am making a very good recovery. Found your channel a couple of weeks ago. Now I have many more Avenues to explore. Thank you so much. 😍

[@KristyRice]

Wonderful to hear! I’m honored to be a small part of your recovery! XO

[@mechiel_7]

I just typed watercolor in the search. And i just clicked on you. Ur amazing!!! I subscribed

[@KristyRice]

Wow so glad you found us here! Welcome!

[@g.pastore2358]

You are absolutely the best 😘Thank you so much! 🖌️🎨

[@KristyRice]

Thank you so much 😀

[@reneelanier3475]

You totally speak my watercolor language!!!!!!!!!! Play, break the rules!

[@KristyRice]

Yaaaaassss!

[@kathyconnery1896]

Your enthusiasm is so infectious. I am an absolute beginner hobbiest, and after watching ur video I realize there is no “wrong” in watercolor! Just need more tutorials and practice! 8:20 pm

[@KristyRice]

Thank you so much!

[@s.d.atkinson5986]

Wow, I just found your channel. I am totally an A type artist. I haven’t done anything for several years. I was in tears when you said, just have fun! No rules, just enjoy the process. Thank you so much for giving me permission to just have fun.🥰

[@KristyRice]

Welcome to you!!! So glad to have you :)

[@CrashsCreativeChaos]

Absolutely LOVED this!

[@KristyRice]

Thanks so much!

[@delenebartholomew1041]

I have struggled learning to handle my new brushes! This is helping, thank you.

[@KristyRice]

Happy to help!

[@ritaobrien9093]

Fun! Thanks, I'm going to try them!

[@KristyRice]

Have fun!

[@mellyn3924]

So fun!!! I’m going to do this with my 6 year old son. Tomorrow is his last day of kindergarten!!! Normally he isn’t super into painting with me, but I taught him wet on wet which he actually thinks is fun. I just ordered us vegan liquid watercolor primary paints for kids, along with every vegan watercolor paper. I’m going to do the Kristy budget paper tests on them to find the best. Thank you for all the tips, tricks, and motivations!

[@KristyRice]

Have fun!

[@mellyn3924]

Thank you, we had a blast!

[@rachaelhart363]

Omg I love your panting. I going to have a go two. All the way from nz❤

[@gingercontreras8511]

Ahhhh! You are so fun!!! So glad I found your channel! And thanks for reminding me that my art doesn't have to have a purpose. It's just fun!!!! 🤗

[@KristyRice]

You bet!

[@terriphillips6971]

This was so freeing, and it absolutely sparks joy for me! Thank you!!!

[@KristyRice]

You're so welcome!

[@nikkiholt5606]

I think I love your ways,

[@KristyRice]

Well yay!!

[@MissMolly3377]

I can't wait to try this tomorrow. I am in bed, right now, but I am going to try this. Looks so fun.

[@KristyRice]

Did you try it?

[@katbaldwin4664]

I know what I want to paint…. I just need to learn how to have a light hand… I feel everything I do is heavy. Thank you for your help.😊

[@KristyRice]

You are so welcome

[@Pandababyisme]

WoW Kristy, I'm enjoying this so much and I'm not even holding a paint brush!

[@lisajanify]

I love this so much! Thank you.

[@KristyRice]

Glad you like it!

[@joludesignz]

I love the little exercises and project to do and the wowd. :D

[@cynthiawelsh3299]

You’re so awesome! Thanks for just being the best 👏

[@mrs.z605]

Ive been watching your videos for a short while now, how am i just now seeing these super helpful and FUN exercises??? Going to do these right now!! Thank you!!! Fun fun fun ❣️❣️❣️

[@susanac6851]

Thank you for reminding me it's about having fun! My painting attempts don't have to be utilitarian either. I have now found I have no reason to say I can't think of anything to paint!! Thank you. Now I am going to have fun!

[@KristyRice]

Yes yes go!

[@francynericard1373]

J’adore ça. Kristy tu me donnes le goût de recommencer à m’amuser avec les couleurs sans pression. Merci

[@KristyRice]

😘❤️😘

[@vickineifeld405]

You are my best ! So motivating, fun and inspirational.

[@JacquelineJax]

Your book looks amazing. You obviously spend a ton of time on it

[@KristyRice]

I do :)

[@janiceerbstoesser84]

I love this technique that you've shown us. How do you pick the best color combinations? I struggle with this all the time. Thank you so much. Enjoy your channel!

[@DorsaAmiri-sk7bd]

This was the first video i watched by you and i absolutely loved it gonna continue watching the rest Thanks 😊

[@keariewashburn4680]

I'm doing these today!😊😃 just gotta do it!🤗 thank you Kristy 💗

[@KristyRice]

You got this!

[@brookerohleder6769]

I am going to use these exercises into backgrounds for my cardmaking...I am so thrilled I found this video today July 2022. ❤️

[@KristyRice]

I’m glad you did!

[@dianemcdonald3900]

Very fun!

[@judyhoomalamalama]

love this. Thank u. So new this and this video helps

[@KristyRice]

Glad to hear it!

[@1234dvarela]

Thank You! Very helpful.

[@robertweinblatt2018]

Just ordered your book and I’m going to have a flippin blast! Thank you🙏🏻

[@KristyRice]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@willcookmakeup]

I love this approach to learning materials. However, I'm just learning and don't want to spend a lot on materials. I have ordered better paper because I know while it's better when learning to be a little more frugal, but also if you go too cheap and the materials are bad quality then you won't like the process. I'm finding that to be the case right now with my current paper. I'm getting super frustrated with the switching and blending but I recognize it was a necessary investment if I'm going to have fun with this and enjoy the process. That said, for exercises like this where you're in a way "wasting" paper I say that loosley), should I just stick to my current paper that is cheaper? I didn't realize how expensive good paper is and I don't want to use it for experiments if that makes sense. And I think I got like truly bad paper, so maybe I don't need to go all in and get some of the pro brands I've seen recommended and can go somewhere in the middle. I don't mind paying like $30 for mid grade sketch pads with like 50+ pages. But I can't afford to experiment on 100% cotton paper that's over a dollar a sheet. Any advice would be great. Despite the frustration with my current paper. It's still been so fun to learn and play around. I'm a makeup artist so I love being creative. But this media is so different from makeup and working on faces where temperature, skintype and so many other things go into play that I've spent years learning. Water color has proven to be heavily underestimated by myself going into it