12 WATERCOLOR HACKS YOU NEED TO KNOW 

QOTD: Which hack was your favourite? Also if you are wondering about any of the supplies I am using remember they are all listed in the description 😊

10:10 “just a quick little doodle” *draws a better flower than I ever will in my life*

I just also want to tell a art hack about that tape So basically all you have to do is get a blow dryer and blow dry the tape and peel it off slowly. Idk what's the science about that but it does help to make the tape less sticky on the paper.

Outside of the pipette, I find using a dry brush also does a pretty good job absorbing without causing too much damage

Oh lord 😂 when you were trying to erase the pencil through the watercolor and had all the eraser bits everywhere, I LITERALLY just blew on my phone to get them to go off the paper 😂😂🤦‍♀️

When using heavy objects to prevent warping in your watercolor sketchbooks, be aware that if you it to often when your art is especially wet it can start to warp the rest of the pages, use a piece of wax papar or if you dont have that use some thin plastic like a bider sheet (that's what i use) have fun creating!

The method I prefer to help lift tape without tearing the paper is to use a hair dryer to heat the tape slightly as you pull it up. This way you don't lose any of the tack on the tape that is preventing watercolor from seeping under the tape.

I would recommend using a hairdryer to break the adhesive of the tape. Peel the tape off while still warm.

Using soapy water instead of normal water gives the painting a very nice texture, it can even make bubbles.

A tiny bit of soap also gives a cool frothy watercolour effect! Experiment until u get a consistency that dries normally but still looks frothy

I searched for watercolour hacks and everything was from 5 minute crafts. This was the only thing that was not. THANK U

I honestly need some white gouache! Seems like such a life saver! 💖😍

That salt and cling film one was super neat.

I've been painting many years, and the "draw with a watercolor pencil" instead of graphite is GENIUS! Thanks! I'm not a fan of graphite lines in the painting. 'Preciate ya! 🙏

The hairdryer is a great idea (esp in art journaling). BUT one of the best, most beautiful parts of watercolor's personality is the "movement" it has-- know that when you hit a painting w/ any sort of heat-- it will stop that movement . The bleeds and mixing of wet into wet painting say in skyskapes-- is what makes them look so luminous and realistic. Also, I too am a saltaholoic in watercolor-- I have found (over the last 25 years of WC painting) the salt in the packets from McDonalds ( in the US--it may be different in other areas) is the best-- it makes perfect patterns and textures. Splash Landing Studios

"Quick little doodle" Draws best flower I have ever seen

This is probably one of the best RU-vid watercolour videos I’ve watched. You’re very talented and have a superb way of explaining things without the topic seeming so daunting. Thank you

I spent 8 years of school.. 3 as an art major n it's been about 12 years since I touched watercolors. You are the person I learned about the saran wrap hack from. I have always hated water color but ur hacks make me want to go back. I'm an acrylic junkie 🤣. Love ur vids and ideas ❤️ much love from California ❤️

About hack #5 - I prefer not to use two separate water cups, as this promotes dumping excess paint down a drain where it can potentially be harmful to aquatic wildlife (such as the common Phthalo blue and greens have a copper molecule which is toxic to fish, and other watercolors like cobalts and cadmiums that are toxic to everything else too). Instead I use a paper towel to wipe off excess paint before rinsing my brush in a single cup between color changes. In addition to using a paper towel, you can also work on a watercolor background for another painting by wiping the brush on a scrap piece of watercolor paper. You may end up with a rainbow streaked background for making a bookmark or greeting card with if nothing else. I find I go through very little water per painting session this way.

As a beginner these hacks were so helpful! The tape actually out loud said OH learned a lot here. Thanks

I have been watching watercolor youtubes for a while now, looking for someone who can give me tips and tricks, hacks and such, and YOU are the winner! Not only do you have all sorts of great information, you are super easy to listen to!

Paper flattening trick was the best one. Thanks!

Hack 5: I use an ice cube tray for extra rinse for brushes. I’ll clean in one jar, rinse in second jar, and then rinse brush in 2-4 cubes of clean water in ice tray. I makes keeping palettes clean a lot easier too.

I love the idea of using a watercolor pencil for your outline. I also love the white wax pencil to mask. The latter is going to help me so much with my work. thank you.

Two related hacks to some of yours. One, old school flower presses are gold for flattening paintings, and keeping them stored flat in humid areas. Same trick, moissten the back and place on one of the absorbant layers in the press. Side note, removing those absorbant sheets and putting the painting on top will help the paint dry faster than if it sits on a board or metal rack. I use an old metal copier paper rack ive lined with retired flower press sheets. Lets me have more in progress pieces without taking up much space, then when they dry islip them into the press, tighten it down and leave it a bit. Second hack. You can use masking fluid or wax resists on top of a dried background to preserve a bit of color or detail. It does lift a bit of the color when it comes off, but it can be really fun for some effects. Especially if you want to pop out a detail in the midground or make something appear to glow. Also helps if you started with a wash and want to overlay a texturing effect like salt, alcohal, or saran tricks while having bands or patches unaffected (like light rays cutting through saran wrap foilage) dry the wash, apply and dry the mask, and proceed.

I watched your video about colored pencils and thought "This girl really is great with this medium" and then I watched this one about watercolors. You are insanely skilled in both techniques. Just wow. 👍 Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

I don’t acually do water colour Art because I think I’m more of a drawing person But I think I’ll try it out and use your tips😊

I happened to see this video on my way to work and now passed by my favorite art supply store, and bought the masking fluid and an oil based white pencil ♡ thanks for inspiring us!!

I am so glad I found your channel You've helped me a lot grow as an artist just by your little tips and tricks and hacks I love them You're a fantastic artist and I can't wait to become as good as you are🎉🎉🎉🎉

Wow, I’m so glad I found your channel. I’m also glad I never gave up painting when I felt I wasn’t good enough. If you’re new to painting and you’re reading this - keep going, you WILL get better. Practice truly makes purpose and continue watching tutorials

The one with the two jars is incredible ! I will use it Frome now on every time 😝❤️

thank you i love your channel its so nice for you that you got good while you are young im 60 now ive been painting for 25 years

Love your use of products to conserve the white.

Wow! Your art and art tips are absolutely amazing! I'm so happy I found your channel. I love art, its one of my hobbies. This will definitely help me improve my skills. Keep up the good work!

Just what I needed, the masking fluid for covering your main subject of the paing and adding the background without damaging it. I am working on art right now that this will come in very handy, thank you Kristy.

young Lady, if does are your hands than I must say you are a born healer. You love holding and touching people and ART is a way of your Spirit to grow and SEE> You have a natural feeling of caring for others. Life is not that complicated,but you have a talent to stand in your own way, stepping on your on feet. You are a talented women in many ways. People should feel blessed to have you around.

As a newcomer I am learning so I loved all your hacks, Thank-you for sharing & caring.

Very informative and some great techniques! I always love it when an artist shows you tips about their medium! Saves you years of learning and throwing lots of attempts out. THANK YOU!!!👏💎💎

Wow! I thought I was going to just see a repeat of all the techniques I've seen ., but at least HALF where very enlightening! Thankyou SO much for making this tutorial. It is an excellent advert for your courses! If/when I finally get around to doing an online course/tutorial you will certainly be at the top of the list! I said my favorites in your little poll you've got going .. but also I never would have thought to mix gouche WITH water colours.. I mean why not!? It's water soluble. Just never would have occurred to me so thanks. All 12 were brilliant examples of what you were sharing. I'm SO inspired!!💥🤓🙌 THANKYOU for your time & effort🙋🎈

the white pencil one is sooooo clever. i would never have thought about it :)

I also really like using Q-tips for small mistakes! Tissue / paper towels can be cumbersome for a small problem area. Especially when I have 1 - 3 seconds to react before a dark color dries permanently.... this medium is stressful sometimes.

Wow, this is probably the best watercolour tutorial I have come across! You explain art techniques really well and don't sound pretentious about teaching beginners. This will be so much help when making my art and design assignments. Thank you!

These are great ideas but I have one more for fixing warped paper.... a iron haha. I don't have clothing that needs ironing but it works great on paper, just be sure to iron the back side not the painted side :) also you could use white acrylic paint in place of gouache, dilute it as you would with the gouache and you're good to go.you can also water down any acrylic paint to use like water color, now you have a lot more colors to work with. You can get a 2 oz bottle of paint for 50 cents and go crazy on the cheap 😉

OMG, the salt and the cling wrap-BRILLIANT!

Great tip using the white pencil 👍

Great to watch, thanks! Had to laugh when I found myself blowing the screen as you were rubbing off the masking fluid 😂😂😂

I use paper washi tape to make borders. The gum is quite weak and they're fairly inexpensive. Put a layer of cello tape over the washi if it's too absorbent

Water soluble graphite pencils work a treat as the lines dissolve as you paint.

Salt and gouache paint very pretty. Been painting a lot and needed some new techniques. Thank you am really excited to get started.

I LOVE YOUR VIDEO’S KIRSTY I LEARN ALOT FROM THEM AND I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR A NEW VIDEO❤️❤️❤️❤️😘😘

I adore the detail in your work...the definition of true art. I get so sick of the current trend for sloppy and drippy stuff that requires no talent whatsoever. Your work is absolutely beautiful!

Thank you for sharing the wonderful hints for watercolour. Very informative video.excellent tutorial.

The watercolor pencil instead of graphite idea is BRILLIANT! I have no idea why this never occurred to me and even when I use the lightest graphite and draw as lightly as possible I still see it sometimes and it drives me bananas! Thank you!!!

The pipette one is definitely my favourite, I use it to drop water on the pans that have dried out but I've never tried to pick it back up, so thank you for the hack! :D

Beautiful art, really great hacks. Thanks much.

Thank you so much for these tips! It’s so difficult when you are starting out, every little bit helps. Be safe 💖

I always enjoy every part of the drawing .

Loved your hack for warped paper! So simple yet genius🤗 They're all excellent tips

Hlo Kirsty! charcoal is my most favourite medium and I watched all of your videos and started with portraits. My first portrait came out so good and I want to give its credit to you because you inspire me everyday. Your videos are so helpful and motivating. Thank you so much for sharing your tips and tricks. The words I say for you are not enough because I can't write my feelings. Thank you so much once again. It is my dream not be like you but to be better than you. I love you so much!

Your killer watercolor paintings are beautiful.

I learned two new things: The masking pencil- I NEED one now that you showed us how. And also the mixing of gouache into the watercolour paint is a new and wonderful idea for me! Thank you.

I'm starting to use watercolour in my junk and art journals. So thanks for the techniques. Joie ❣️😁

Your efforts are truly inspirational. Absolutely fantastic👍😊

That masking fluid is so helpful

First time doing watercolour today and I used your hacks and it looks like I have been doing watercolour for weeks 🤪 Watercolour is so easy and creative

I love your tutorials really a perfect youtuber in Art ever i saw thanks for that alot😍😍😍😍

Very helpful thanks, I didnt know you could also erase the was pencil once everything has dried. Pretty cool

Just saw your vlog for the first-time. I knew many of the hacks but a few were new to me. Your talent shines through all you do. Cheers!

Wow! Great hacks. Really enjoyed learning these techniques!

Wooow just amazing! Love your videos!

I just Love the way you draw.. thank you again☺️

Best tips! Thank you for taking the time to share!

Thank you, Kristy! Using a pipette was my fav.👍🏻🌟🙂

*That is some pretty tape you got there*

Loved everyone of your hacks new to water coloring so every little bit helps.

I’m just starting! What great ideas! Can’t wait!

Hi Kirsty I enjoyed ALL your hacks, great video once again 😍😘

my art teacher showed us all of these tricks and our last project of that rotation and it was cool.

Great hacks! Thanks! I've used the salt and plastic wrap before, the plastic wrap is also great for creating a stone wall or road, and for more pronounced edges I weigh it down with a heavy book for about 20 minutes then remove the plastic wrap.

Thank you so much love the hacks. Especially using to water cups.

Your voice has a melody that repeats over and over, it made me fall asleep.

The use of gouache and your masking fluid techniques are really terrific!!! Thanks for sharing these hacks!!!!

Your paintings are beautiful! Thank you for helping us beginners!

If you want to make sure that the tape doesn’t rip your paper, just heat it up with a hairdryer or heat tool, it’ll make the glue on the tape kind of melt and you can take it off without worrying about taking paper with it :)

I’m just using these as watercolour hacks I wanna try! Feel free to use them too

Thank you Kristy, so useful these tips !

Thank you for the tips! I've used most before, but adding some of yours makes painting more enjoyable. I especially like your hack of watercolor pencils to draw the design instead of grafite paper. 👍

Finally an art hack video that actualy works! Btw amazing video!!

Wow you are best at Art I love Art so much I love all

Great video!! My favorite?? The masking media!!

Great & helpful ideas! Thank you so much! I love the cling wrap and the effect it makes.

Plz give graphite and charcoal tips

Who else wanted to see her rip off the tape and show the final 'piece'? 😔✋🏾

I have only recently gotten back into my art and along with that I got into watercolor; a medium I never had interest in before. Now I can hardly understand why I shied away from it so much. I love it! I have also found so many of your videos to be super helpful to me as I explore and experiment with watercolors and how they behave and function. Thank you very much for these helpful videos. You have a wonderful balance to your videos too. Not too much talking and explaining what you're going to show in the video, you just jump right in and keep the audience engaged and tuned in. (Plus your accent is really delightful to listen to haha) I have learned so much and I am eager to learn more as I develop my own style while increasing my technical skill in watercolor.

Thank you Kirsty, these were all very valuable tips, my favourite being the watercolour pencil for outlines. I love your art, thank you for the glimpses of your serious work - fabulous!!!!!!!!!!

6:00 LOL I was blowing to remove that eraser dust left on the paper with my mouth open.😂

I love hacks three and eight Thank you again for such a wonderful video! You always do such quality work, amazing technique! We can really tell that you work hard on your paintings and your videos! Your patron channel is perfect too! I encourage anyone with the means to subscribe to your patron channel right away! Money well well spent!!!

Thanks again for sharing. Very explicit. Love your teaching.

That graphite pencil>watercolour pencil trick has basically saved my life! Thank u sooooo much!

I tried salt on DS Payne's Gray. The paint was still moist. I let it dry, wiped the salt off and it had done nothing. I was perplexed!