" You can't copy another artist's style". I've been painting for a long time (I went to art college in the 90s) and I have to say I still get excited by the way other artists paint and I think "Oh, I'm going to try that". Without fail this culminates in a week of frustration until I go back to my own style, muttering about wasting time. I don't know why I keep doing it, although I do remember one of my art tutors saying to me in my first year "Find an artist you love and copy them!" Hmmm! These days I blame the internet (Pinterest, in my case) With that said, when you're starting out, it is really helpful to look at other artists, but you'll never know their techniques and secrets so your work will never be the same as theirs - but over the years artists develop their own style, and that's the most desirable thing!

@deriale6015

3 жыл бұрын

I had a writing instructor who has us start by immulating one of the prolific short story authors we were studying. None of us developed the style of those writers, but working in their style was something I found very informative. I wouldn't say trying to adapt to a certain style is a waste at all. If anything it sounds like you always try to go outside of your box and that's AMAZING! So many people do what they do and never want to do anything different. It's awesome that you're never settling with what you do.

@karistone1297

3 жыл бұрын

Donna, so much truth there! It's incredible...I started with a very basic gouache painting book and the images are incredibly simplistic. But no matter how I try, I CANNOT replicate the artist's style, even the way they paint simplistic flowers! I've now let it go, and as I develop more confidence I'm slowly finding my own style, so all Good! Guess we all need to believe in ourselves and our abilities more...

@yvonnekremers4354

2 жыл бұрын

This does sound like a good learning experience though!

@rhondaporro7116

Жыл бұрын

Historically , hasn't been copying of Master Artists Works been used as a teaching and learning tool? I'm not sure though, which is why I'm asking? Maybe that just happens in the movies Lol..

@rhondaporro7116

Жыл бұрын

Maybe, I am an unusual artist- because I am not sure I see the it necessary to "FIND YOUR STYLE" MY SUBJECT MATTER IS ALL OVER THE MAP- I JUST LOOK FOR WHAT I AM AM ATTRACTED- AND ATTEMP TO RENDER BY OBSERVATION_ IT USUALLY WORKS OUT RATHER WELL FOR ME. BUT, RIGHT NOW I AM USING JUST A FEW OF THE MEDIUMS AVAILABLE TO AN ARTIST ( WHICH IS VAST) I ENJOY ARTIST QUALITY COLORED PENCILS, ANY FORM OF WATERCOLOR PAINT, PENCILS , TUBES, STICKS,PANS AND AM EXPLORING ALL THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PASTEL MEDIUMS. I AM TOTALLY SELF TAUGHT NO FORMAL ART EDUCATION, YET. BUT, I AM LOOKING INTO TAKING SOME COLLEGE ART CLASSES. MAKING ART IS JUST SUCH A JOY FOR ME! I AM DISABLED AND SPEND MOST OF MY TIME IN BED. MY QUALITY OF LIFE IS SO MUCH RICHER DUE TO FINDING A PASSION FOR ART AND AN OUTLET FOR MY CREATIVITY- IT'S LIKE AIR- I NEED IT!

I love your sense of humour! I snorted my coffee when you said you were losing your will to live after drawing for hours. Nothing like a laugh to make something more enjoyable. Thank you Michele!

I adore how clear and concise she speaks, 90% of the youtubers i watch stumble and say, "Umm..." and think out loud. And it's so annoying! Great to listen, too!

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

9 ай бұрын

Yay, thank you!

@writeondesign

Ай бұрын

Indeed!!! I took note and said to myself" oh yeah, she doesn't dilly dally‼️"

I am the perpetual beginner which is driving me insane. The more I read and watch watercolour for beginners, I seem to understand less and less ???? However, you are a breath of fresh air for me, so as of today, I shall start my watercolour painting with a new free attitude. Thank you 🦋

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

You can do it!

Michelle, I'd like to thank you so much for all your videos❤. Some time ago I got into a school of Arts that killed my creativity- my drawings were never good, my paintings didn't represent anything and most of all, teachers didn't listen to me when I told them what I meant through the painting itself. Of course, if you go into an academy you are supposed to improve and find the mistakes you probably made, but the problem was that the teacher seemed to look down on me for asking too many questions and didn't seem to empathize. In a nutshell, after watching your videos, and how you explain so didatically everything made me realise that there are people who will get the message. And I am back to painting and drawing again thanks to your tips and tutorials ❤ I want to express all my gratitude because Painting and drawing have always been a very important aspect in my life and I had lost pleasure in doing it. But now I am pure ideas and creativity thanks to you ❤

This video was priceless to me! 😃 I am a photographer, but a beginner watercolor painter. I showed a friend some of my paintings and regretted it instantly. "Oh my! You could be in a gallery!" she said. I immediately said no, that's not my thing because I just paint for enjoyment. For months I didn't hear the end of it! I was simply painting from tutorials. (I follow instructions WELL after 22 years in the Army.) I haven't even figured out my OWN style yet! You covered all my concerns in this one video! Thankyou!😃👍

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

2 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

@tonybmore4929

Жыл бұрын

Me too!

Michele you are the only thing I wish I had known before I started watercolor painting. Thanks for all of your good quality instructions.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Ah thanks so much Dan!

very helpful to add drawing lines along the way and getting rid of some along the way

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

I appreciate the freedom to let go of other’s expectations

Thank you SO much! Specially about painting outside and getting and staying up late! I needed to hear that we are who we are and as long as I’m not causing pain with how I like to live, it’s no one’s business but my own. That’s the upside of being a grownup. I like the way you teach and I’m so glad I found you.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

2 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome!

@susanburns276

Жыл бұрын

Me too 👍🇭🇲

Oh, no gin in your morning tea?!!! 😃😉 You made me laugh, thank you also for that!!! I started watercolor one year ago. I am 61. I used to draw a lot during chidhood and youth until I was 20... and gave up for 40 years for several (bad) reasons! I don't know what is my style. Not yet! I try different things, and follow a few artists on KZread and I get a lot of tips and techniques, but above all it makes me HAPPY!!! And it is a passion and an obsession ! It helps me also a lot during this terrible covid period. It is like a kind of meditation. When family and friends tell me they like my paintings or sketches, I appreciate of course, but I think: what am I going to do next ?! Thanks to your advice, I will manage drawing differently now, you are right, I will cut it in peaces and it will be easier. Have a good day, best wishes from Lomé, Togo!

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

I like a Jasmine green tea in the mornings, I am pretty boring like that. I gave up art for a while too, the key was stopping listening to advice!

Finding your channel this afternoon was a God send....a happy accident? I am 73 and find it time to shift from crafting....some jewelry making and other fun crafting over the years, knit/crochet etc. and decided to learn to paint. I've bought watercolor paints, acrylics, watercolor crayons, watercolor pencils, a pad, some brushes and they are all in in box waiting for me to finish watching a million how to vids before I start (I'm nervous) but you are my stopping point for looking. I watched about 8 of yours today and will continue....you are smart and such a good speaker/explainer, teacher. I could never draw as a kid and what has kind of been holding me up is that sketching business. I have arthritic hands and although they do not shake my drawings are uneven and minute wiggley lines. After watching this vid I am so encouraged to be able to do me, what ever I can manage, no shame, no laws just freedom to play.....like a kid haha. Thank you so much for your insights and fresh takes Tfs and con't to stay safe!.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Kathy, one of my students has very arthritic hands and she still finds a way to make lovely things. ☺️

@kathytincler2446

3 жыл бұрын

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber Thank you.

Thank you Michelle! I am restarting drawing and watercolors after 40 or 50 years of doing nothing. I very much appreciate your easy gentle style of teaching. I will be a regular!

Thank you, your comments regarding not needing to be any certain type of artist is quite freeing.

Love the point about not feeling pressure to sketch every day or keep a sketch book. That's analogous to not all writers feel pressure to journal every day/keep a journal. Focus on the craft/creating in the moment.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Oh I had no idea about the writing thing! Makes sense I guess. I have written all sorts of things, including for magazines. Didn't know you were supposed to practice lol

So glad you spoke about drawing being boring or not your favorite thing to do! Non artist don't understand that. I like your take on this.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

@karistone1297

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, I can relate to that...I always want to get to the good bit...the paint!

I wish I had known I needed less paint colours and less brushes but how important good paper is. Great video.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

One tip before starting a whole painting-do a few small, quick thumbnails to figure out where to place things before beginning on the watercolor paper. I also do more than one thumbnail, just in case a better composition pops up on the fourth or fifth try. It usually does!

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Yes indeed!

@krisyoungsteadt9139

2 жыл бұрын

Great advice, Kathryn.

@valasafantastic1055

2 жыл бұрын

Sketchbooks are perfect for this!

WOW. That's so freeing to realize that yeah, I don't have to have every single detail completely done before I even go in with the brush, pen or marker...but I make all these OCD rules for myself that only leaves me rigid, frustrated and not any bit of progress made! I've lately made it an "art" within my art of taking all the fun & wonder out of it quicker than you can say STOP! Came across your videos by chance and it was bit of a cathartic moment for me in how to rescue myself from myself because i' ve just let myself wallow in dead-end drawing- drowning in tiny details!

The “do your drawing in stages” is brilliant! Why did that never occur to me? I’ve gotten lost so many times.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

You don't know what you don't know ☺️ Glad it helped!

@ChristinaTodd1970

3 жыл бұрын

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber It's fabulous advise!

@felixraphaelgilfedder7007

3 жыл бұрын

Very helpful,thank you.

@krisyoungsteadt9139

2 жыл бұрын

Sometimes just taking a break helps you finish a painting. I have good drawing skills but I don't draw my paintings at this point, I just paint them. There's always problem solving involved. It's part of life. :)

@Ballershorts82

2 жыл бұрын

Me too! I'm just starting and totally confused about the drawing part.

All of these apply to living life in general. I especially love the part about not paying attention to stereotypes, just finding what works best for oneself. We are all individuals. Yes, learning is important, but finding one's unique "voice" and expressing it, is the main point. Thank you for this!

@susanburns276

Жыл бұрын

How right you are 👍 I didn't even realise the extention art takes me in life situations 😲 I seem to take time looking at thing's more visually and see so much more!

I've been watching your videos for a few months now and love them. I glean what bits of information I can. But in truth, you voice - the pace and tone - is very calming. That's half of the reason why I watch the videos. Life is stressful but when your video shows up on my home page I know that if I click the link and play it in the background of what I'm doing...by the end of the video I won't feel anxious anymore.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Brian, that's wonderful!

Your video made my day on exceptionally bad day when nothing is going right. I shall continue to endure and persevere thanks to your encouraging words.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

I hope today is better. Absolutely, no giving up!

Love your remarks about not having guilt about any non artist habits. Having sketched with pencil and pen for the best part of eighty years, I've never felt the need to keep or make a collection of anything. The pleasure was and still is in the doing, and having spent a happy hour or two, the joy of discarding my efforts into the trash or if safely in my croft, it's peat fire, is to complete the pleasure with it's duel protection from vanity or disappointment. Plus the chance that when I next pick up pencil or pen it will be as exciting as the first time I did so as a wee lad.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful attitude :-)

I wish I had seen your advice much earlier. I am new to painting and tried acrylics. In each painting, I would state - look I got the trees correct but the bridge is horrible, or look I got the sky perfect, but the waves are too close to shore. So you are correct...start out slowly and don't try painting a full picture at the beginning of the learning process. I am taking many steps backward and starting with your advice. I will learn to master one thing at a time. The color chart makes so much sense and I will step back and do so. Thank you!

These are all great tips! Thank you.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you like them!

Haha, love what you said about preferring to be indoors! Having all your brushes, paints, temperature control, no bugs, water, right there. I'm painting inside with you! Thanks for sharing all the good information, you're teaching is so appreciated. Watching from Florida.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

Жыл бұрын

Hi in Florida! You are very welcome :-)

Thank you, you lifted some of my frustration

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it

I just started with watercolor 3 months ago and have learned more in a week of watching you in a week than I have learned before. Thank you.

Respect for sticking to your guns re sketchbooks, inside vs. outside etc. Helpful vid!

So glad you spoke about your lack of use of sketchbooks because I too thought I was odd for not doing sketches! Also I too find en plein air very uncomfortable and prefer to be indoors. Love your advice and guidance. Thank you so much 👍👏😀

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Yay, thank you!

When I started painting, I too wanted to paint loosely. It wasn't until I stopped and painted my way that I became happy with most of my work. It is like your signature, everyone is different. I wish I had known that when I started pInt8ng 5 1/2 years ago.

Yes Michele, very well said. Everybody has a voice and the goal is to explore and nurture that voice. We may not sound like Adele or the Beatles from the get-go but they do inspire us to get better. Nobody's dream is to be a cover band but if it helps us to progress then I say rock on!

You did make me laugh when you said it can take decades to find your style. I started last year at 64 , I probably don’t have decades left 🤣🤣🤣 One thing I wish I had known when I started out is it is better to start in bigger sheets of paper rather than the postcard size I was painting on. Composition, washes and details are easier bigger x

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Ha ha, my old nana lived until 97! You are so right, bigger is easier.

@kathiecranston1577

3 жыл бұрын

I'm still working on 5"×7" or less image size!

@gardeniainbloom812

3 жыл бұрын

How big is big?

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

@@gardeniainbloom812 I find working smaller than A4 (approx US letter size) can be rather fiddly.

@gardeniainbloom812

3 жыл бұрын

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber Thanks.

You made my day. Thank you for taking the guilt away and suggesting to just enjoy the process. I love your personality and humor.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

Following your heart ❤️, I need to reminded of this on a regular basis. I also need to reconcile myself that I need to find my own style and not try to emulate another artist’s style. I think I’ll find that very hard. Thank you for a very encouraging video

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

The trick is to forget about finding a style. One day, out of the blue it will find you.

OMG, this video is so incredibly wonderful & freeing! Thank you so much Michelle. No requirements to do a daily sketchbook, ok to use photographs as reference, ok to paint just indoors (it’s blazing hot here in Australia!), ok to do illustrations rather than full landscapes or portraits. It’s ok if I express myself doing just little bookmarks for Pete’s sake if I want to. I also especially appreciated your comments about “loose” painting. We see it just everywhere there is visual art & surface design including on cushions! It’s expressive & so many of us want to use art as a means of expression so we gravitate to it. But as you so wisely point out, our natures might really feel better & more authentic doing precise painting. Your comments about this applying to yourself really really rang true for myself! Lastly, our styles will find us on our journey. Cheers!

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

So glad you liked the video, thank you for watching!

i love how funny you are. i find myself pausing your videos to tell my wife about something funny you just said. great teaching style, keep up the great work!

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

2 жыл бұрын

I appreciate that!

I just discovered you last week and this is one of your older videos. Really good info. What you said about learning to mix colours and how brushes and the paint behave is so true. When I first started to paint I took a beginner course on a site called Craftsy and the first thing we did was study colour theory and learned to mix colours from a limited palette of the 3 warm and 3 cool primaries. And we made charts. That helped me so much in everything I have done since. The things you said about style is so true. Just like we recognize the unique handwriting we each have, each person has a unique style of drawing and painting. I’ve painted along with artists’ videos not trying to copy their style, but trying to learn various brush strokes, use of colour, composition, etc. Along the way, after painting for a few years I’m seeing my style just starting to come out. And just like with writing, I’m coming to the conclusion that “style” comes from how we are coordinated, as in “eye-hand coordination”, how we perceive things, as well as personality. And part of my journey has included “self-acceptance.” There artists whose art and style I love. At best I can copy their subject matter choices. Although I can paint “American folk art” things or flowers or landscapes or more impressionistic or more detailed, it’s all going to be MY version of it, not just like someone else’s. I think trying out various styles is good, IF the purpose is trying out a variety of things like a “survey”, to see what you are good at or what you like a lot or detest. Just like we copied the teacher’s writing when we were learning to write, we learned how to make the letter shapes but still ended up with unique-to-us handwriting, the same process can help in painting, if the expectation is to use the copying as a means to find out how we draw or paint things. And it’s so much better to accept how you paint and stop wishing to be like someone else. I’ve come to this through several years on a journey, from a mindset of believing the lie that I can’t draw or do art.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

2 жыл бұрын

Well it's wonderful that you are finding your own way now!

I'm so thankful that I stumbled upon your videos. You're a wonderful instructor. I'm going from acrylics to watercolors and boy, what a whole new world!! Your videos are so helpful. I bought a set of 36 SCHMINCKE'S and they're wonderful. I originally bought a set of 36 Mijello from Korea; and to anyone reading this, I wouldn't recommend them. They have a grey chalky residue. I used a clear antique deviled egg service dish to mix my colors--which BTW didn't mix together very well-- when the paint settled, you could see a chalk like substance, in the little egg cups. I sent them back, and told them watercolors are supposed to be clear, not chalky. Happy painting!!

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

2 жыл бұрын

Chalky paint is usually a sign of a lot of fillers and opacity. Thanks for watching!

I love your no-pressure approach to art. This was a wonderful video and helped me feel better about trying to discover my own art style.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

That's great, thank for watching ☺️

Thank you for this, especially the point about finding your own style rather than trying to copy someone else’s style. I love florals - loose, botanical, all of it - and I’ve been so frustrated that, no matter how much I try, my florals rarely turn out. Some are better than others, but they just never look right to me. So, I started thinking about what paintings did turn out the way I wanted them to, which of them, when I finished them, made me happy and excited and proud. And I realized it was fruit in a fairly realistic style. Apples, pears, peaches. And a lightbulb went off in my head. I’m not sure what it is about fruit - maybe the strong geometric shapes, maybe the consistency of color but with levels of shading, maybe the subject matter as that I am an avid cook and food lover. Whatever it is, it looks like maybe I’ve found my style. Today I’m going to work on a piece of bell peppers (capsicum) and find out if my love of painting fruit also includes painting vegetables.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

I love peppers. I am vegan so the more veg the better in my opinion. I love to cook too. Curries mainly at the moment! Good luck with your paintings :-)

@vanessamay3689

3 жыл бұрын

I would love to do flowers and I love daisies but they don’t always look great but maybe a work in progress. I love doing leaves and they do come in many varieties of colour and species. Have enjoyed this video and newly subscribed.

When I first wanted to learn to paint I was watching videos and became friends with a lovely human being who encouraged me . Albeit he suggested oils might be my medium because it came much easier to me. I'm stubborn and wanted to do watercolor. I would tell him my dream was to someday do Dave Usher skies. He told me; " you will do better than that. You will do Annette Fournier skies and whenever someone sees your work they will think oh that's a sky by Annette!" Such a kind encouragement. And true. Your style chooses you, not the other way around. Thanks Michele. 💜

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Lovely story, you are very welcome Annette!

@marcwheeler4406

3 жыл бұрын

I'm also so very glad I found this channel a year ago.. Michele has given me mental health lifeline, a laugh lifeline and a skill you can do this dont get discouraged lifeline...I thought due to my physical limitations at times I wouldnt be able to paint much but she suggested a small bucket next to desk to dump your dirty water jar into so I didnt have to keep getting up to change out waterjar and different ways to use a toothbrush with a knife etc for splatters and other small things that help when I just want to paint a bit and cant on those bad days.. I'm externally grateful that she thinks of these issues and has solutions and also ideas for people on limited budgets ..Its very kind.. at many times I always smile and feel encouraged after her videos, and to know I'll never probably ever physically be able to take a in person class from her but I can still receive her knowledge from her sharing her skills with me over time with these videos keeps me moving thru my day and I keep her videos as a postive goal if I accomplish this today I can reward myself with two extra tutorials classes(videos.lol).... mikelle newyork mom learning new skills during this challenging time 👩‍🎨🎨😷👋

This was what I needed today. I feel like I'm never going to be a real artist, because I'm not consistent, I don't really have a style and can't do well when I try to copy others, I don't paint en plein air, I hardly ever use a sketch book... Thank you for making me feel I'm still ok just trying to be me.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome Carol!

@eternal8song

3 жыл бұрын

If it makes you feel better, I went to art school and I don’t enjoy doing any of those things either! You’re doing great!

'I'm losing the will to live, basically." 😂 Me too, Michele!

Wonderful......a way to accept ourselves ad our individuality.

What a beautiful video! If there were ONE thing I'd like to keep in my heart, it's your section on disregarding the stereotypes of what you 'have to be like' or 'what you have to do' to be an artist- and as you listed them, after each you said "Don't worry about that". Thank you! :)

Thank you for this video. I only started my art journey 2 years ago for my own pleasure in retirement. I am absolutely hooked now! I love the way you say we can do what we want and not what everyone says we should be doing.

I am so glad I found you when I did. I have been nibbling around the edges of drawing, painting, crafting for many years. I love to draw and paint and actually have developed some muscle memory over the years, but didn't know exactly what it was until you! I feel that experimenting with a variety of mediums and styles with an open heart, without judgement, hones skills you may not even realize you need to know! Thank you, as always 💜

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

You are most welcome!

Thank you, that were some useful ways to look at painting. I have painted for decades, on and off, and probably never made a 'complete' painting, and always felt bad about it, without realizing it until now. But I love sketches! Maybe for me, it's the journey, not the destination.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Wonderful!

Fantastic advice. My new watercolors arrive today and with a sigh of relief, the pressure is off.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Have fun!

Thank you, Michelle, I found your message encouraging. From my own experience, trying to be what others think you 'should' be is the most paralysing thing.

I’m a complete newbie and am doing your basic watercolour course and am LOVING it!! But watching this video has answered so many of my doubts and fears and has set me free simply to go on loving what I’m doing through your course. Thanks for being such an encourager and so real. I may even have the courage to share my efforts with the group - thanks Michele!

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Marilyn, of course you should post your work!

I’ve never had the means to go into painting plus I just knew I was terrible with drawing and have absolute no sense of color or composition, but the thing I understood from what you said ( some I didn’t) is start small, I don’t have to do it in what I “think” is proper procedure or steps like I thought I should try to practice doing a sketchbook but I just couldn’t imagine enjoy doing that. Don’t try to create a whole piece of something, just practice what takes my fancy so if I like to practice making a leaf look right then I should do that and not worry about the whole bouquet. There’s more to what you said, but already some of the anxiety has lifted and I’m now more eager to get started and get the supplies and stuff. Thank you for taking time out to share your experience with us!

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

2 жыл бұрын

I am so pleased for you. One step at a time :-)

Fantastic video. I've been painting for a year now. Much prefer animals and plants. I come from a family of artists and we all have different styles which I love. I cant paint outside from something in nature as I need to take my time and would get a numb bum or worry about the wind or bugs etc. I am always taking photographs and I paint of an evening whilst watching TV with my partner. I love it. Xx

Helpful and inspirational. As an amature photographer, I love the way your photography has improved and is informed by your painting. One of the reasons I drawing and watercolor is to inform my photography. And my oh my, it is a big help to understand colour and composition, and in general, helped me understand why I take photos, and why I choose to draw or paint instead. These talks are a great help - thank you.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it Jim!

Thank you so much. This is exactly how I feel. Being an artist or a crafter is more personal perspective than academic definition. So there.

Love your videos! And so wonderful to know you don’t like sketch books or plein air painting. I will stop beating myself up because I don’t like sketching and draw only because I can’t paint without a drawing. I also much prefer to paint in my studio. And love the suggestion of drawing in stages as I go along. Thank you so much!

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dana, you are very welcome!

every minute i spent watching this video was worth it. i got so much more out of this than from watching live demos. thanks so much for sharing. subscribed!

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

Excellent advice Michele. I especially appreciated that photos are your sketchbook and that you prefer painting indoors. That certainly resonated with me :) Makes perfect sense!

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

You are most welcome!

Nice video! I am a pretty seasoned artist with still a lot to learn. I had to laugh in your - can’t copy another artists style - section. Your OCD comment made me realize I’m the opposite, I am a mess. But I admire the most realistic, detailed paintings because I can’t do them. I would go crazy. I am a mess, my painting is messy but good. And different shaped jars make me happy. The same shape of every jar would bore me:) thanks

This was my first time watching one of your videos and I am already totally impressed! I am a beginner and although I have accumulated a wonderful arsenal of paints and brushes, I have yet to produce anything but my swatches. I am subscribing for sure!

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

What a breath of fresh air you are, Michele! I laughed aloud at your comments on trying to copy style. I was so frustrated when I first started painting because what I saw in my mind's eye and what came out on the paper could not have been more different. It was a long while before I started enjoying that shift from idea to creation and now I find myself curious and amused as to what comes out of my brush. Rather like channeling some artistic spirit from the beyond, lol. Sometimes I wonder if art may be far more the inner process than the outer expression. i am still sparring with the Imposter and your words on that were helpful and thought provoking. Thank you!

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

2 жыл бұрын

So glad you found the video helpful :-)

Thank you so much for this very infromative video. I have been painting for 6 months and your videos are always great.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Glad to help

Thank you very much, Michele. Greatly appreciated.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Any time!

Not only helpful, YOU SAVED my brain from destroying my desire to enjoy myself through art! You are a compassionate, intelligent genius. I will save this email and re-watch when feeling discouraged. Bad habit of compassions of art, although in reality I DO believe that we are individuals and will end up creating how OUR style is. Thank you a million times just for stating the obvious, logical thinking pattern of so many of us. You are really helping me in so many ways. Freedom to create in whatever technique I feel like, with or w/o drawing first (I find that the boring part) and just "going with the flow" of natural creativity, my own. You are helping me relax, enjoy, have fun and create. Wish I found your videos months ago when I started just playing around with old watercolors and acrylics.

When I was a beginner-some six years ago-I would get out my supplies and turn on a simple follow along KZread video. I’d get to the point of what the artist was using and if I didn’t have say the exact brush or didn’t have just one of the colours they were using, then I figured I COULD NOT do it and give up. Clearly I was just looking for excuses not to continue for fear of the dreaded failure. I thought that as soon as I had the exact same products as the instructor, then I’d be just as good an artist as him/her. Big wrong as I quickly learned that practicing with whatever you have makes you the artist and not the supplies used by others... Forward six years later and I think I actually have happily accumulated all of those supplies 😂

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Can never have too many supplies!

@marcwheeler4406

3 жыл бұрын

I feel the same way...except at begining I bought what I could afford which was basic acrylic type of brush set I didnt know difference and what I thought was I could just practice brush holding and stroke did okay but eventually I had to accept that I needed to get WC paper and one decent brush with luck and sale and coupon I was able to get finally arches WC paper score of the year for me...lol mikelle newyork mom learning new skills of WC 👩‍🎨🎨😷👋

This is such a great point about not just following tutorials or copying other artists. We need to develop our own style but I'm not sure how. I think that's why I'm stuck and not painting now. I am drawing though.

Thank you so much! I am a real beginner (4 months in) and find your advice and tutorials very helpful.

Oh Michele, I agree 100% with everything you said. I did a year of drawing in England at the start of my journey. I laughed at your wanting to stay warm. Yup, so did I. I became a teacher and I would say, “No good painting EVER came from a bad drawing”. Oh, the memories. Thanks for a great, honest assessment of the beginners journey. The sooner we know them, the less stress we will have, and the more content we will be. 🇨🇦 oh, I have to add, I love the comments of your followers.

Loved your comments on artist stereotypes - very funny & true! Thanks for your support!

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it 🙂

I like painting indoors, partial drawings, using photographs as my sketchbook, and my workspace neat. What a freeing video! I have watched many watercolor artists with instructional videos and this is my first time watching one from you. You became one of my favorites immediately!

Today I found your descriptions quite funny lol Recently I purchased a lot of tutorial books on botanical watercolor painting. I have books on different artists' styles of botanical painting. After doing a lot of reading I discovered that I had lost myself in all that information that I became confused to the point of not doing anything. When I discovered that I put away the books and started to paint the way I enjoy. Yes, I still use books when I need some information or inspiration. I have found that it is a journey of discovery of who I am as an artist.

Very liberating indeed! I wish I had seen this 8 years ago but I might not have been able to believe it or do it. It's taken me all this time to see that exactly what you are saying has been true in my work and attitude. I'm going to make some changes.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Wonderful!

I agree with your first point. We always want to skip ahead and it's the practice and preparing that really help improvement. I do use a sketchbook and doing daily practice to accelerate my artwork. I never did before this last year and never really saw improvement or it took years to improve. I always try to remember a person doesn't just become a doctor, they have years of practice and studying. As an artist I have to do the same. I also like to see the improvement from it when looking back and I don't feel like I'm wasting expensive paper on practice. I hardly ever take anything from it to make a "big" painting from, I just use it as practice when I can't sit for hours and do something. I have notice it has also made my artwork a little more free because I limit my time to 15 minutes or less. For me I need the constant repetition to be able to draw something correctly. This is the third video of yours that I watched and just subscribed.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for subscribing, I really appreciate that.

I have been disillusioned of many faulty ideas and I thank you truely. Love your videos!

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Happy to help!

Thankyou very much, love your style of teaching and there is no ' waffling' like some videos.Straight to the point.Thankyou Michele.xx

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

Жыл бұрын

You're very welcome!

Thank you for explaining that I can be however I wish to be in expressing my artistic whims. I've just started with the drawing and watercolour painting and I really appreciate all your videos.

I HEAR YOU!!!! I appreciate the disillusion about bad drawings, the struggle is real as I am not proficient in drawing, yet...I prefer to take photographs for a plethora of reasons...I like a controlled environment and an organized set up because a little OCD can sometimes be beneficial...and I think the only time we can create without interruption is when everyone else is sleeping. So thank you for articulating what is in my head.

Such great information! I needed the pep talk also! Thank you!

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Thanks so much, Michele, this is very useful. Your comments on the stereotypes really resonate with me! I’m very private about art so I prefer to paint and draw at home, but I love all the paraphernalia of plein air artists, the notebooks, the beautiful little portable palettes and brushes, the collapsible water cups. Maybe I should do the equivalent of an indoor picnic sometime! I’m just starting out, and I’m finding a combination of playing with materials and singling out aspects of techniques to practise in small studies is very helpful. I’ve chosen part of a botanical photo that lends itself to lots of interesting practice and that I also find very pretty, so I’m always looking at, drawing, and working out how to paint one of my favourite subjects. I also find just painting squares and rectangles is really handy: no pressure to paint anything realistic, just seeing how different paints work in flat and graduated washes, and also feeling what the paint is like at different consistencies.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

An indoor picnic sounds delightful!

@marcwheeler4406

3 жыл бұрын

I concur with with..I also love the thumbnail palettes and easels and omgoddess the different paints out in the market😃🎨...I'm glad im.not a millionaire I'd have to many items I'd would be a watercolor supply hoarder..mikelle newyork mom learning new skill 👩‍🎨🎨😷👋

@kathiecranston1577

3 жыл бұрын

As much as I like painting out on my porch & yard, I keep wondering why I can't get myself to paint sitting on the couch (with all this 'cold,' even in my "studio"). I'm afraid it's probably because of the winter clutter that's developed here already. LOL Driving me nuts as it is! I can sit here & watch art videos now & be warm though 😉

I love your "how to be a 'real' artist" attitude! Thank you for sharing that. That's taken a HUGE load off my shoulders, and I can NOW be free to enjoy MY art.

I mostly love playing with color, watching watercolors mix and blend. I wouldn't mind getting to the point where I can share my paintings as cards or bookmarks. I've just started painting, thank you covid lockdown. I've learned a lot from you. Thank you.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome Lori!

Thank you for clearing up misconception that I need to be working in a Sketchbook everyday. I agree with you, teaching others helps me keep my skills and watching others helps me learn to do many things better. Thank you you do!

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome!

Thank you so very much for your comments as well as your wonderful sharing of your technique. Thank you thank you thank you for being you allowing me to be me!

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

It's my pleasure

Apart from the helpful tips, the best thing about your videos is that you are really outspoken (for a Brit).

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

Жыл бұрын

Oh, I moderate for KZread a lot ;-)

You are so right and reassuring Michelle. I have this painting that is half drawn, my basic background wash done and a few of the same flowers halfway painter. I always painted that way. It suit me and I create by drawing my flowers of choices in my visual composition that I have in mind. Great tutorial. Thank you for your guidance!

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome!

Omg this is so full of valuable information and I appreciate the bits of humour 😂. I am so very much enjoying your videos. Thank you 🙏 from 🇨🇦. ❤️

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad!

I'm just watching this video for the second time whilst waiting for my wax resist to dry! Brilliant tips, especially the one about staging the drawing. I should have done this with my latest attempt.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Oh my gosh, i do like you👍 thanks so very much 🌸

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

So nice of you

I love the honesty about a bad drawing becoming a good painting idea. I've had things look better after a bad drawing but never good. And like you, the painting is the part I love.

Ohhh my gosh, I love 💕 this video the best!! 😁 The thing about stereotypes is spot on. I have found that I love painting outdoors in the Spring to Autumn, but not 🥶 Winter. I love working with Sketchbooks & Painting no larger than 12 inches x 16 inches. I have learned that I enjoy painting certain subjects more than abstracts or loose paintings. As for my own style, I am definitely not sure what it is or how to label it but people who love & look at it say that they can tell my style but don’t ever say. Yes a bad drawing can never be a good painting, of which I am still working on improving my drawing skills. I am good at composition since I was a professional photographer early in life. I still have got lots to learn about colors, pigments, mixing, granulation, & techniques. Thanks for sharing this wonderful informational & fun video.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

2 жыл бұрын

Photography will definitely translate into art composition skills, I am the other way round, learning to paint improved my photography!

Thank you so much for this video Michelle! I'm retired, have multiple health issues and am going to restart my personal journey as an artist from this moment forward thanks to you! I've always felt pressured to do exactly as you say...be and do what the world around me thinks I should be/do!! Your message has so much wisdom and gives people like me the encouragement we need to give ourselves permission to just play it by ear and do what feels right to us. How liberating it is to know these things. I'm a new subscriber and delighted to have come across your channel. God bless you from vera in Northern Ireland

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

2 жыл бұрын

Hello Very, I am so pleased you found this useful, best of luck with your painting!

Happy you don't do Gin at 10am. Love your humour and thank you for sharing these wonderful tips. 👍❤

So true about loose painting. But it’s good to try! I’ve tried many watercolorists methods and can’t really mimic it but because of that practice I’ve finally found my own way

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

So true!

This video released some guilt from my mind and will allow me to proceed at my pace and hone my skills. Currently being in a drawing program is a good move I have already started. Now I feel encouraged to be myself and begin painting. Thank you.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

2 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

Wow! My first MW video... I just love the rapid-fire editing -- hats off to the editor, MW or whoever! Oh, and the content is just spectacular. The highest compliment I can give is: simple and effective! Thank you so much.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

I edit my own videos John, I am told I talk too fast, I try not to but I'm a bit hyperactive!

@johnchapin7707

3 жыл бұрын

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber Don't change a thing! (and you even TYPE fast...!)

I absolutely love just listening to you! I always learn & you many times confirm my own beliefs. In this video, I especially appreciated the last one: that there is no right or wrong way to do art, so to speak. So many people are so adamant about doing art particularly one way or another. GOD bless you Michele & I thank you dearly❣ ~Kathie in Lebanon, Tennessee 😊

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome Kathie!

Excellent content, Michele. I’m with you about the sketch books and detailed drawing. I just want to paint. Sometimes it leads me to not plan. It’s a balancing act. Appreciate the reminders. This video will help many.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Wonderful video, Michele - thank you for the great advice.

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

3 жыл бұрын

No problem Susie ☺️