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Let me pick your brain: What’s missing from most beginner watercolor courses? (Patreon)

Published:
2026-01-13 22:34:14
Imported:
2026-10

Content

Hi everyone 💛 Over the past few years, one of the most frequent questions I get is: “Anna, will you ever make a beginner watercolor course?” I hear you. And I always try to build my plans around what you actually want and need. So over the holidays, I started thinking more seriously about what a Watercolor Foundations course from me could look like—something that truly supports beginners and helps them build confidence from the ground up.

That said, I want to be honest about my hesitation:

My teaching and tutorials have mostly been aimed at intermediate artists—people who already have the basics and want to level up.

There are already SO MANY beginner courses out there (free and paid).

I’ve poured a lot of fundamentals into my book (and of course… a book and a video course aren’t the same experience).

But—I’m not opposed to investing the time to create this if you genuinely think there would be value in a foundations course coming from me.

So I’d love your feedback:

1) Have you taken any beginner watercolor courses you loved—or didn’t love?If you can, tell me:

which course/creator it was

what was genuinely useful (specific examples!)

what was missing or what you wish they had explained better

and if you’ve taken a “not so great” course—what didn’t work?

2) Would you (or someone you know) actually be interested in a true beginner / foundations course from me? Yes / No / Maybe (and why)

3) If yes—what would you want it to focus on? Where do you think I could bring the most value? For example:

a clear “start here” roadmap (so people don’t feel overwhelmed)

layering & glazing (how to build depth without panic)

building a “perfect palette” and learning pigment properties

guided practice projects that build skills gradually

As always, just like I did with my book, if I decide to take this on, I promise I’ll approach it with the thoughtfulness it deserves—so it becomes a comprehensive resource that helps someone progress faster (and feel less lost).

Thank you so much for helping me shape what I create next. I’m really curious to hear your thoughts. 💛

— Anna

Files

Comments

Mysmichelle

I'm a beginner and so intimidated! I think smaller projects. Also the "guided" practice like once I do this exercise with you and your course then what should I be doing I have worked through 30-day watercolor and a couple of online and patreon tutorial type things nothing gets me feeling like I can step up and go to the level where I need to be to do YOUR projects ? I don't know if that makes sense but like I can watercolor like a gradated background looks like a beach maybe but then if I wanted to add people and some beautiful flowers or a boat or something I don't know what to do with my skill that would transition into being able to take that intermediate step I hope that makes sense to you. I would love to do a intermediate course with you but of course on the inside I really want to be intermediate right now, Right now ugh!

Lisa OBrien

I just got Hannah Pickerel 30 day bootcamp book - not sure I’m going to like it, no reference drawings. I also got Matthew Palmers 30 minute seascape book today. I’m thinking I’ll like that much better, has line drawings it’s 4 x 6 painting format. I love your tutorials, currently working on the horse. For a beginner course I would like smaller scale and not so tiny details for the beginning of the course, like work up to smaller details.

Anna Bucciarelli

Thank you so much for sharing this — it makes total sense, and I completely understand. 💛 And you’re not alone: I still feel intimidated when I sit down to paint, even familiar subjects. I’m honestly much more comfortable in my commercial work where things are more controlled — mostly black & white, digital, or ink. Watercolor asks for the messy, uncertain part first, and that can feel scary. I also think you nailed the problem with many 30-day challenges and beginner courses (or at least what Ive always felt might be the issue): they teach skills, but they don’t always build consistent long-term “brush in hand” practice, or help you push through the stage where your work looks messy before it gets better — that’s where most people get stuck. I truly don’t want to make another course that just rehashes the basics. But I keep getting requests, so I’m brainstorming what format/content would actually make the biggest difference — especially for that “I can do a wash… but how do I add the boat/flowers/people and level up?” bridge you described. If you can answer one quick thing: would you prefer short guided exercises (10–20 min) that build toward bigger projects, or small complete paintings that repeat the core skills in different ways? Big hug, Anna

Linda Cain

From my standpoint I feel I have a grasp on most areas of watercolor however my biggest challenge is regarding the right amount of water.; either on the paper, in the brush or both. You and other instructors do go over it but not always with each project. I also do color pencil art and many tutorials rate how much pressure to use on each section, rated 1 (light) to 5 (intense). It helps a lot. It would be nice to have some way to gauge how much water should be used.

Isa

From having started a few video and book beginner courses I'd really like something along the lines of "this exercise with these colours" now you can use this in this small, with not so many details, project. An easy build up on skills and ideally two different projects to let us soak in the learned technique and really comprehend it better and know in what ways it can be useful for other projects. I like to draw everyday scenes as well as animals and plants and I'd love to use watercolour on those themes so, a few examples along those lines would be great too. But I'll take anything useful at this point.

Lina

Your 101 Watercolour Secrets hits the nail on the head! It describes your tools and processes, whilst your tutorials capture the nuance of each technique. EG: Colour layering is so important, but it must include the ‘science’ of transparent, semi-transparent and opaque paints. After trawling through manufacturer paint info, I created swatch cards with information on transparency, staining and light-fastness. My suggestion is to offer 10-20 guided exercises that explain these concepts as well as paper wetness, when to use different paper types and how to choose quality paper (that costs less than Arches). PS: I LOVE your book and it’s accompanying videos - I have recommended it to my art group and anyone else who is interested in improving their artwork. Thanks!

Cathy

1) Have you taken any beginner watercolor courses you loved—or didn’t love? If you can, tell me: which course/creator it was 1) I took a class in high school, that taught some very basic fundamentals - i.e. where your light is coming from and painting shapes with those light directions. 2) Local stationary store that the instructor seemed more concerned about "speed" of what you could complete in an hour, and did not go back after the first class. 3) A gal that lived down the street, not formally trained, and while she would focus on a specific paint along, you mostly picked a photo that you wanted to paint, and she would individually coach you through it. What was genuinely useful (specific examples!): I found some of the later more helpful as all her students were at different levels and on going. She didn't try to throw so much at you so you could not remember or absorb it all at once. One of my friends just started water color, but is terrified of having to draw something. What was missing or what you wish they had explained better: It's been a long time. Slow learning things in a slower pace learning about how water colors work better together and effects. If you’ve taken a “not so great” course—what didn’t work? Going to fast, and allowing more time to complete the task at hand. 2) Would you (or someone you know) actually be interested in a true beginner / foundations course from me? Yes / No / Maybe (and why) - Yes it has been years, and its a little intimidating to jump into your courses. 3) If yes—what would you want it to focus on? Where do you think I could bring the most value? For example: a clear “start here” roadmap (so people don’t feel overwhelmed) - YES layering & glazing (how to build depth without panic) - yes building a “perfect palette” and learning pigment properties - yes guided practice projects that build skills gradually - yes, and something simpler in scale (i.e. while I love detail, initially do something more simple) I once took a color and design class (quilting), we had a book that when you did an assignment in the back, it provided you with specific sections of a book for a reference point to fall back on. We started with very simple (black & white) and built up up (Pure hues, shades, tones, tints, looking at each color, how colors work together (value, temperature, neutrals, monochromatic, complements, all the way to polychromatic (with regard to fabric), then we got into line, shape form, texture, color value size and scale, principals of design. Then each month we had a workshop that focused on specific things like color schemes, luminosity, color temperature, transparency, depth and dimension, etc. Ideas for beginning class (not in any order): Background wash, light source, wet on wet, resist, salt, bleach?, selecting and understanding paint brushes and the effects they create, use of spritz bottle, underpainting, blooms - how they are created and how to create or use it to an advantage, negative painting, how to paint the look of a glass pane, using of cello or plastic wrap or other things for effects, blending paints, one of my instructors did not believe in the use of gouache, so a better understanding of tools, when and why to use them and the desired effect the create. I love that you provide a traceable design, but I have done some drawing. My friend is just terrified of it. So perhaps a sub set of lessons on how to overcome the fear of learning to draw and how to approach the sketching process.

Will R

Here is a list of a beginning watercolor tutorial video Choosing a subject to paint Best types and sizes of recommended brushes Masking edges Contrasts and how to make them happen Preventing wet adjacent to wet issues Where to find a sweet inspirational and encouraging artist's 😺 cat Review of best kinds of watercolor paper to use Storing and organizing supplies Working flat versus on an easel Allowing imperfections and the process of learning Judging your artwork harshly Porcelain paint wells Just having fun and enjoying the process

Connie

I agree

Pamela Lloyd

When I first started painting, I had a $10 pan set and inexpensive paint brushes. It was always frustrating to me when a tutorial told me I needed specific named colors, since those weren't available and were out of my reach. My paints weren't great, not always translucent and they would shift if they were rewetted, but they still allowed me to make some nice pictures. So, making sure that beginners feel that it's okay not to have all the fancy equipment is #1 on my list for a beginner's tutorial. I also really appreciated teachers who were supportive and clear that our goal as we begin our painting journey is not to create perfection, but to learn and have fun. It helps to share a sense of playfulness with the paints that encourages exploration, rather than following an exact template. I know many tutorials come with sketches people can print, but I think sharing ways to do without an undersketch (or to make your own) may be more helpful in the long run.

Lynn Muster

As you know, I’ve been with you for 3 years now, starting my journey with your tutorials. You have a lot of tutorials that already have clear explanations and examples of techniques, perhaps you organize these into one video. In particular, I vividly remember the exercise you had us do timing paint into water (Cockatoo with Lilies, I think). Wet into wet vs wet into damp. If I had to recommend one technique to learn, this is the one! This is the hardest one!!! Learning water control, on paper, in paint and on the brush. If beginners don’t know these early on they’ll never progress. For me now, I’d like some tutorials on how to progress from intermediate to more advanced 😁

Ewa

Honestly, it was what you're already creating and your compositions that drew me to you plus your calm, beautiful voice, and I'm sure it's not just me. That's what sets you apart from other artists. As you wrote, there are many beginner courses online. I'm also a beginner in watercolors, I've been looking at a lot of different artists, and I decided I had to stick with one. I definitely chose you, although I have my eye on another artist with a different, more relaxed style. I find your way of explaining clear and accessible. However, if a series for beginners were created, it would probably find its audience as well. I think it would be worth showing, for example, your table of values ​​from 1-10; it might help some people, as well as water control. My advice to other beginners is to always watch the tutorial at least twice: the first time to know what to expect and prepare, the second time to paint. And of course, knowing pigments. I spent a whole year collecting and learning the names of pigments; I think it's incredibly important to know a lot about them. Knowing your brushes is also important, I practiced brush strokes a lot, painting leaves and various lines, for example. Of course, paper is also important. Arches is a class of its own, but for me, I chose the cheaper version, although also a good one: Baohong Academy, because then I think it's not a shame to waste expensive paper and you can practice more. And here's my personal request to you, Anna: maybe try another paper, like Baohong, which is quite popular and much cheaper than Arches. They also have an Artist version, which is also cheaper than Arches. But overall, I'm extremely satisfied and delighted with the teaching technique you're using❤️ But I've been on your channel for quite a short time, and I'd love to see what others have to say.

Koko

I'm a true beginner with no skills but found your book to be incredibly helpful. I agree with you. There are so many free and paid tutorials out there already. Your tutorials challenge me and I was able to paint your lemons and bird image that is on the cover of you book. I was really surprised to see how well I had done. Thank you so much.

Koko

Even though I'm not there yet I love a challenge, so I too, would appreciate advance techniques.

Koko

I agree.

Ewa

Wow, that is truly admirable, 3 years, bravo! I completely agre with you, water control is the key and the values.

Gabrielle

As a beginner I strugle with the time of the water in the paper. I live in a very hot country, would be nice to know how to keep the paper wet for as long as possible.( I made a similar comment in the horse tutorial... didn't see this post before.. 😊 )

Andrea De Salgado

Yo tomaría todos tus cursos y te seguiría en Patreon y hasta el fin del mundo y mas allá , porque amo tus clases en skillshare ( aunque no das retroalimentación a los estudiantes que suben proyectos :( ) y tengo tu libro, te sigo en youtube etc. pero porfavor Anna SUBTÍTULOS EN ESPAÑOL XD estoy muy vieja para aprender idiomas y además estoy segura que muchos aman tu arte en países de habla hispana. Hablando de un curso que realmente sirva a los principiantes, técnicas bien explicadas con ejemplos en tiempo real, como solucionar errores, sobre pigmentos y mezclas, la importancia de la luz y el contraste etc. Me gustaría un curso con ejemplos claros de los estilos de acuarela que existen, eso ayudaría a comprender y a inspirar para encontrar el estilo propio.

Ewa

I totally agree with you.

Koko

Well said!

Ewa

Agree, every beginner should start with Anna's book. Is all there explaind for beginners it a whole encyclopedia.

Bart Noble

I've taken a few courses here-and-there but I still would love to learn more about water control and values. I have a difficult time understanding how much water to use, what will happen if I use too much/too little (either on wet or dry paper). One thing that I think is sorely missing (although you do touch on this which I really appreciate) is the thinking behind the approach: How should I start? What colors make sense? Where should or could I take artistic license? I really want to get into the right mind and mindset of how to approach the work before a single line or stroke is made. Finally, and I don't say this lightly, I think your courses here are an excellent example of how to do tutorials correctly. The production value is excellent. The audio is excellent. You almost always keep the reference on screen (which is invaluable and hard to believe others don't do this!). Your instructions are clear and your voice is soothing. I love different videos about technique and exercises but I really believe the best teaching is done by doing and following along with you has been really valuable to learn real lessons for real artwork. I'm willing to bet I can double or triple my skill by just following these real-piece tutorials and I'm grateful for that. I wish you all the success!

Mim

Cait McCollom

I think I'll be an outlier here... I have absolutely no interest in beginning lessons. They are a dime a dozen everywhere, but finding intermediate courses like yours have been incredibly difficult. So for me, I have absolutely no interest in them. But IF you did... Maybe lessons on how you build your compositions and references. That would be all I personally would find useful.

Peggy K

I don't have interest in beginner lessons and would be disappointed if that endeavor took time away from your current tutorials. Call me stingy, but just being honest.

Anna Bucciarelli

Absolutely- it would be huge undertaking- this is why I am asking here first 😊

Anne Watman

You’re right, there are a ton of beginner courses out there. Your courses are not for beginners, but as someone who is still not completely confident, I did find I was able to follow you. If anything, maybe some lessons that are possibly less complicated? I actually framed one of my paintings from your tutorials. I got a lot of compliments, and believe me, I gave you credit. I did not sign it, and I will never sell it. It’s for me. I’m a slow, painstaking painter, and I’m quite good at copying. I still go back to a lot of the “beginner” courses because they are relaxing, and actually have helped me free up some. I know this probably isn’t very helpful, but I think it’s something you need to decide for yourself. All the basics are out there. If you want to offer beginner tutorials, what do you have that is helpful, but also adds to your style of watercolor? I look for artists whose paintings I like, but who are also good at teaching. I’d put you in that category. I will also add that I learned a lot of the basics (mostly wet in wet) from Louise de Masi. Her paintings are beautiful, too.

Ana Bechara

I would love a beginner course from you! I have taken several courses from other people, but honestly no point on mentioning cause I really didn't learn much... I personally would love to have a real lesson on pigments and on water control. Also for me, it is better to have small complete paintings. To give a sense of accomplishment. Even if I feel that now I am not a beginner anymore (I totally was a year-ish ago when I started following you), I feel that anytime there is a chance to go back to basics from someone like you, it would be a mistake to miss it. So trust that if you made a beginner course, I would be the first one to enroll!

Rivers

Yes please! Your beginner course will be perfect

Marlaina Capes

I’ve taken a number of online courses and have learnt some basics. Not everyone that offers courses are really teachers. You actually teach. You break things down methodically and see easy to follow. I agree that some smaller/simpler projects would be helpful. Sometimes I’m just intimidated by 3 part series. I’d like help with backgrounds. I’ve ruined some lovely projects with backgrounds. I’d like ideas on how to do wet on wet when the weather/house is warm. I’d love ideas on how to compose a piece. I enjoy your classes so much!

Kristina

I joined because your tutorials seemed more intermediate. I think the beginner tutorials are a bit saturated, tbh.

Cynthia

A beginner course would be great! I’ve learned a lot from your tutorials but feel I need to know more about the basics.

Sammie Bryant

I would enjoy and take a course of yours. I started one from Ana Mason that was good. I enjoyed the course as each lesson built on prior. Hers was many lessons with many parts, it was very good. I was interrupted due to a health issue with long recovery so I did not complete. I then had to pick artists to follow and I stayed here.

Barbara Bollin

Hi Anna, I have been a member for nearly a year. I love your teaching; I have learned so much.! I also purchased your book and refer to it often. That said, I still struggle. I have quite a background in drawing and colored pencil, and even Japanese wood block carving. I am 74 and I have devoted quite a bit of time to art for the last 20 years, I always loved drawing but did not do very much when I was raising my family and working. I’ve been surprised at how much I struggle! It has nothing to do with your teaching, however. The clarity of your classes could not be better. I think what is missing from beginner watercolor classes is the message that, this is not going to be easy! There comes a point when nothing’s going to take the place of time and practice. Those who join you in intermediate work already know this, and have reached a level of skill. So my suggestion is that if you offer a beginner class make it clear that one is not going to become proficient without dedication and discipline. I jumped into your classes, thinking it would go more smoothly for me because of my background in drawing but now I see

Joy Thornton

I think there are so many beginner courses it may take unnecessary time to put together. I like other people's suggestions of smaller, simpler projects. I just painted your Calla Lily on a free trial of Skillshare (won't pay their full annual fee) and it was hugely enjoyable. It was refreshingly quick and I was so pleased with the result. It will make a great card. I am a good intermediate level. What I think a lot of people offering beginner classes miss is that most people still want to produce a beautiful painting, even if it is a beginner level. I nearly gave up watercolours in frustration and it was Geoff Kersey's book Trees and Woodlands in 30 minutes (now published as a postcards book) that focused on 4x6" paintings that really got me interested and got me practicing and hooked on watercolour. The projects were small, but also attractive little masterpieces. If they go wrong you don't lose much time or paper and you can easily have another go. They were well explained, enjoyable and rewarding learning exercises gradually building skills. It's so enjoyable to do smaller projects like this inbetween more complex pieces too, and they make great cards. May be that would be a popular beginner friendly option that would also be attractive to more experienced painters too? Good luck!

Barbara Bollin

I actually pushed the send button and I was not done. Anyway, watercolor is it’s very own set of skills and my drawing background only helps to a certain point. I am determined though! I keep sitting down and trying again. oh! I also wanted to mention, you are just the gold standard and you make it look so easy! Once you have the paper you like, and the brushes you like, and the paint that you like there remains the challenge of water control and making it a second nature. One has to somehow become intuitive about it!

Amy N.

I bought your book and joined your Patreon because of how much I enjoyed your book. I was hopeful that your Patreon site would have a variety of projects of varying skill levels. I would welcome a few more beginner projects here. I also think it would be nice if you only used your 12 favorite pigments (listed in your book) for beginner projects. More pigments could be used for projects other than beginner level. When I don't have the same supplies, it can be hard to tell if it is my technique or supply that is causing a problem. Supplies could be built up gradually both for cost and overwhelming choice reasons. You could even consider breaking classes down into very beginner and advanced beginner (supplies added for each level). The course description and supply list could help one decide where to start. Please consider having outlines that fit on a standard 8.5 X 11 sheets of paper. This size easily transfers to 9 X 12 sheets or blocks of watercolor paper that are widely available. My printer resizes your outlines to fit this size, but the outlines can be distorted which makes the tutorial more difficult to follow and somewhat less appealing when finished. I really don't want to have to go elsewhere to have the outlines printed. I do enjoy tips on composition, drawing, pigment properties etc. I loved your Christmas project tutorials. You are a wonderful teacher and share so much valuable information. I have taken in person classes by a professional award winning artist. I was very disappointed with the classes. I wanted to be able to use more than 6 specific paints, two brushes, and one very specific paper which required stretching and 'breaking.' I wanted to learn about composition, basic drawing and how to merge ideas from a variety of sources for paintings, but tracing photos was the only method taught. I learned how to mix lots of colors with those 6 paints, but I felt they produced flat paintings as they matched too well to provide enough interest. Two brushes did not meet my needs. I wasn't getting the results I wanted. I wanted to do more than paint someone else's photos that I had no interest in and thought were poor quality and composition. I wanted to use a bigger variety of paper including some that was less expensive--especially for practice. I learned how to stretch and break large sheets of paper. That skill is useful. I wanted to learn about pigments...more specifics like your book explains. We made color and glazing charts--but only with the 6 pigments so no further discussion of order or when to use various ones was presented. We could ask questions about the 6, but were also encouraged to just use the charts we made. The charts we made were helpful, but again limited. I have also joined two other Patreon sites. I enjoy those very much too. They have a different style. Having to join an entirely different platform/site might deter me from signing up for specific classes. Now that I have read more, I would like to add a few things. I would love to have outlines that I could tape together for bigger paintings. I wouldn't want the focus of this group to be at the beginner level, but I would like a bit more of them. They would not need to be extensive tutorials--maybe just half an hour or so per project. I think it would be good review for some and a place to begin and practice for others. The problem with the class I took is that it went from beginner right to advanced! Topics that were appreciated in the beginner class that we not covered well were painting water drops (reflection/refraction), painting water in a glass vase (distortion and the color change). I would definitely buy a workbook (perhaps even a series of workbooks) of beginner/adv beginner tutorials especially if they were linked to videos. Those projects could be short ones and supplement your wonderful book.

Clare E Bentz

I would love a beginner class, since I am a beginner and have been scouring your Patreon page for anything in that category. I have only tried a few online tutorials/classes (like Let’s Make Art) but found the creators are either too high energy (which can be really annoying when you are trying to focus on learning something new!) or they don’t give any information about what materials (brush size, pigments) they are using. Or they want you to buy their special paint colors as featured on their website. I love that you include a materials list with outlines, brush sizes, pigments (and alternatives if we don’t have the exact color), etc. I also love that you have a really calm soothing voice and background music which helps me feel calm when I’m trying to follow along. I would absolutely love a beginner class that focuses on techniques and then maybe applying the technique in a project. You are a very gifted artist and I like to learn from the best. Your book includes a wealth of information that has been really useful, but the projects are a bit beyond my ability- so having a class to walk through some basics would be awesome. Thank you for reaching out and asking your subscribers. That means a lot.

Beckie Siganto

Hi Anna I would love to do your beginner watercolour course. I have been following you for some time now, and I always love your tutorials. I always struggle with too much water on my brush. I have actually sent you a message asking you to show your waterbowl more in your tutorial videos so I can work out where i'm going wrong with the water. YES YES YES Please, I want to get better at this medium of watercolour, but I just don’t get the flow like you do. I think just do what you have been doing, but include the instructional steps and images of how you change from paint colour to paint colour - meaning do you wash the brush out or do you just rinse it quickly and then dab it on the dry towel, this would be so helpful when i am doing your tutorials, as i so love them all. Regards Bettyanne

Debbie Baker

I love your painting tutorials, the detail, and lessons you give while we paint along with you. It’s challenging which I like and results alway worth all the effort! You are are great teacher and I don’t have an interest in beginning painting lessons mainly because there are so many on iTunes already . I love that you put your energy into a more challenging paintings!! Thank you for asking us.

Sabrina Peart

I agree with Debbie Baker, I'm really happy with the intermediate-advanced tutorials and would not probably invest much time in beginner tutorials. I'm a little hesitant to say it, but I paid for the whole year and I wouldn't like a change of focus at this juncture. Thank you for asking about the issue though - I'm sure whatever you decide on will be worthwhile.

Mariana Ath

Thank you so much for asking, this is exactly the kind of thoughtful approach that makes your teaching so valuable. There’s SO much content out there that I feel completely lost about where to focus as a beginner. Your style is what draws me in, that beautiful balance between loose, expressive brushwork and intentional, thoughtful color choices. Your approach to composition and the way you build depth through layering feels different from other instructors. I understand everyone’s watercolor results will differ, but right now mine just look wrong, and I think it’s because I’m missing something fundamental about mixing, water ratios, and that balance between control and spontaneity that makes your work so beautiful. Your thoughtful, intentional approach to both painting and teaching really comes through, and that’s exactly what would make a foundations course from you so valuable. 💛

Mariana Ath

You’re my favorite watercolor artist, and I really wish I could learn from you. But as a beginner, and I think this is true for many others who want to follow through, I can’t keep up with your intermediate or more advanced videos, and that’s discouraging. Even a video that explains the basics would be incredibly helpful. Or simply showing more steps as you paint the more difficult subjects, so we can bridge that gap between where we are and where your current tutorials begin.

John

Two friends and I signed up for a watercolor class a few summers ago and I didn't know anything--how to hold the brush, if I should mix water in the paint before or after I put paint on paper--and I still remember my 7th-grade art teacher telling me I draw like a 6-year-old, so I had no confidence whatsoever and after an hour, wanted to quit. I struggled through the first few classes feeling as though everyone else knew something I didn't and their hands could make the paintbrush do things my hand refused to do. Then the instructor was sick one day so the substitute showed us one of your Youtube videos and from then on, I've been hooked. You can't overvalue great, compassionate teaching or the power of a teacher's love and devotion to her craft and her students. What I'm trying to say is this: what's missing from all beginning watercolor classes out there is you. Your book has the answers to so many questions that it's invaluable, and in the beginning, people need lots of guided practice with lots of opportunities to make, and learn from our mistakes, and if they can do that in your beginning watercolor class, they'll become empowered to learn from those mistakes and be glad they made them. You do you and it will be an exceptional class.

Lindsay

I’ll answer everything more after I wake up, but as someone who follows you *because* you teach intermediate and advanced skills, I would be really bummed if your content was replaced with beginner work instead, or the quality of the current work dropped because you were too burned out with beginner videos to keep your current quality. There are so, so many beginner courses that it’s a genuine struggle to find artists who teach at your level. Especially when they *only* teach beginner coursework. If someone wants beginner courses, there are countless to choose from, but next to no intermediate or advanced courses of your quality. I think that fellow Patreon members putting together a list of good beginner courses for those who want them would be a much better plan. I wouldn’t mind a beginner-ish video every now and then, but I don’t want your content to change. You specialize. There’s nothing wrong with that. Asking for a beginner course from you is like going to a podiatrist for a root canal, or a kindergartener going into an algebra class and asking them to teach basic addition.

Ewa

You can always wet the paper on both sides. First on the back side and than glue it with tape and than the front side. But it's not always for every technique. You would have to measure times how long is drying the paper in your climate. Good option is also weting for example a petal twice, because in warm climates if you wet it once the paper absobs the water quickly, wet it once very good and than second time. You can try it if it works for you.

Shelley Tobisch

I'm a beginner and I love your content. I feel you have lots of awesome content here for the beginner, like the hearts tutorial. I get blocked by fear because I don't fully understand the character and nuances of the pigments themselves and know this holds me back from growing. I'm currently pushing myself to learn more about the pigments, mixing, swatching... really "seeing" what's happening on the paper in front of me. As a beginner, who truly wants to learn, I feel a certain responsibility to take the time to explore, discover and thus push away the fear of the unknown. I break down your intermediate tutorials into bite sized pieces, I know I can tackle, instead of the whole thing at once. This builds confidence and helps me grow. I admire your work and will continue to follow along. The information you offer, that is beyond where I am right now, I can put into my "tool kit" for the future me and it will be there when I am ready for it. I look forward to more of your wonderful tutorials. I learn something new in every one of them. Thank you so very much for stretching me and helping me grow. PS... I love your book : ) I'm currently building up my watercolor "stash" so I can follow along working with the paints and pigments you enjoy working with.

Mark

I did Anna masons one , the pear. It was fine but I didn't particularly like the subject , her videos I found are too fragmented and for a beginner course I personally found her too quick and talked about certain aspects of watercolour as if I should already know it .wasn't a relaxing paint and the subject was BORING. I learnt to paint by doing your tutorials and loved them . I think Ive painted the plums 5 times , over and over until I got the lifting right. I've done your sunbird and lemons recently and I absolutely loved it .Negative painting has been my biggest challenge but I'm finally getting it. I guess I haven't tackled the more intricate designs yet but I'll get there. I think if you are to do a beginner course my biggest thing is the subject I get to paint has to excite me. I challenge you to not use dioxizine purple in them too 🤣 (only joking). I do think you have great beginner friendly stuff already but I also can't wait to see what you offer

Ewa

Anna I just wanted to add that if it were possible and didn't cost you too much time and effort, you could attach the drawing in various sizes, for example, like you often have a 31 x 31 cm pad, or a larger one ready to print with an A4 printer. I saw one from artist Krzysztof Kowalski on Skilshare when I had a free month he attachedthe fils in various sizes, and it was incredibly helpful because all you had to do was print and cut along the lines, tape it together, and you could print. This would be a huge help for me and probably for many of us who can't draw and can only rely on an A4 printer. I know we can print at poster size, but it's difficult for someone who isn't very good with different programs, and it doesn't always fit the size of the pad you're using in the current tutorial. I have to add that I really love that you are making the illustration bigger and not so small that we would struggle with small paintings and do all these details on a small size, and for that I have especially bought the larger sized papers to be ready to follow all off yours tutorials😊

Ewa

I meant that it was already possible to retrace the drawing*

Carolina Rabello

As a beginner, I came here to read about the beginner’s ideas of what a beginner course should be, but after reading your comment I believe you have a good point here. Even as a beginner I take tons of advantage with Anna’s lessons. Of course I would love to have her teaching me the basics, but I believe I still can learn a lot from her more advanced techniques.

Dianne Wernars

I joined exactly because your courses are not beginner. I have taken beginner courses but not everyone who teaches is a teacher. I find your style of teaching wonderful and have learned so much. While your compositions are quite complex, I approached them by focusing on one part of a composition and did numerous studies until I felt ready to tackle the whole composition. This taught me to pay attention and not rush. I learnt how to use my brushes and my paints. I practiced water control and all the techniques. Sometimes it would take a month to complete a composition. Most importantly , I have started thinking more independently and deciding my own colors or subject matter because I gained so much confidence from your teaching. You have a vast amount of tutorials where one could use this approach. Thank you for all you do!

Lindsay

I think you would get a lot of benefit from Emma LeFebvre’s videos. She has a YouTube and a patreon

Jonsie

I am drawn to your content because it is intermediate and more technical.

Judy Logue

Hi Anna I’m a beginner at watercolor and have been trying to do some of the more simple videos of yours. In watercolor I just don’t know how to start. I have issues with water control. It’s either too much water and fades into nothing or not enough and goes dark and doesn’t move. I’d love to learn glazing and layering. Also in your videos it’s nice to see your mixing palette so we can gauge how much water you have in the puddle. I love your videos. I’m drawn to your florals and the birds so beautiful. Your book is wonderful too. I would love a beginner class. Thanks for asking

Holly Jo

Hi Anna, I would greatly appreciate a beginner course or tier that wouldn’t affect the intermediate group that don’t need the extra help. You have a great way of teaching. I love that you put up captions with extra details. I haven’t seen anyone else do that. I really like it when you explain , now do this, use this brush-etc.. I struggle with the blending. when I think it looks like you are, but you don’t actually say you are so I’m unsure.

Nancy Gibson

This might be less beginner, it depends on what you classify as the basis of skills. But, I would love to understand more about composition. I have a basic understanding of thirds/offsetting and triangle usage but feel I am missing some elements of composition that will help me take it further.

Vel

Thank you for reaching out to us and asking! I am very grateful for you considering what we actually want and need. Firstly, I find your intermediate tutorials excellent because they are real time and the camera work and voice overs are so clear. I feel that they are good even for beginners to follow provided they pause and rewatch if needed. What I love the most about your tutorials is that you don't teach how to paint this one single object, but how to break it down, how to analyse its values, what brush strokes to use - these are transferrable skills that can be taken to any piece. I think what most people refer to when they ask for beginner content is to have one or two elements to focus on. Some of the larger compositions you have done are stunning and I have watched them through gratefully, but have been reluctant to attempt them because of how much time I have available to dedicate to a piece. I hardly ever can do 6 hours on a piece, even if I can break it in steps and do it across the month. So I think what would be encouraging for more people to pick up the brush and paint isn't a change in how you paint or explain things or even the number of pigments used, but having 1-2 smaller elements to focus on. For example, the leaf we did last year is something I was very keen to try because it is a single object I can do in one sitting. I hope this is helpful, and thanks again for asking! I would personally be more than happy to continue to receive more intermediate level of content and decide to do one or two elements of those if I cand focus on the whole thing.

Dian

Hi Anna - I agree with several of the other comment in that I find your tutorials very informative and easy to follow and I was a beginner when I started following you. I would class myself as intermediate now and am able to choose my own subjects and paint them successfully most of the time. I think maybe a few simpler subjects would suit both beginner and intermediate painters without distracting too much from what you already do and possibly a bit more on composition as mentioned by someone else. Your drawing for watercolour series has been very helpful. Your book also covers a lot of detail although I appreciate learning that way is not for everyone. I did an online course with Phil Davies called Draw Awesome and as well as covering drawing skills he covers using several different mediums and would recommend it. So to sum up I think there’s enough free and paid beginner tutorials out there already. Thank you for exploring this with us.

Dian

Does anyone know how to put a line feed in without posting the comment please?

Susan Kalzer

I am an intermediate to advanced follower. I am also an adult education teacher of quilting, sewing and knitting. I learned art basics from books and at night school. When I started exploring online classes to get further into art I soon discovered the difference between demonstrating and teaching. Most internet hosts are demonstrators. Demonstrating is fine for those who already know the basics. Teaching is a different skill set. It requires teaching the thought process behind the skill and the reasoning. It also allows breaks to view close up what was done. One of the best examples of a teacher is Louise de Masi. I suspect she must have been a teacher in a school at one time. Notice the pacing and the breakdown of steps. I can’t say whether it is worth you time doing a beginners course or whether you should continue your excellent more advanced lessons.

Paulette Detweiler Imhof

The drawing lessons are a must. I just want to paint, but I know that if I ever want to step out from tutorials, I need to improve that skill. Love hearing how your thought process works. Keep recommending options on which paints can be substituted. Pigment #’s has taught me that I have a lot of colors that are used, but have a different name because of the brand. Keep telling students that they don’t need a lot of brushes, just the right ones.

Darcey

I’m reading through the comments and agree with so much your students have mentioned. I am a beginner. I jumped right in with your tutorials . I looked for subjects of interest over level of instruction. I keep something going on my art desk all the time and learn in 20-40 min sessions. My art is not good but improving over time. I think something that would be helpful would be an opportunity for critique, feedback and correction. I realize you have way too many students to help each one but maybe a monthly or quarterly opportunity for your students to submit a finished tutorial for review and have a short lesson on how to fix common problems. If that is too time consuming maybe a quarterly poll of what is the most difficult part of a tutorial and a short video on that issue. I feel like mine are mostly water control with timing, softening edges and timing of details when my work is damp. Although I love your teaching moments I have enjoyed tackling your large compositions as a beginner. I have a few books that have helped me with beginner basics (including yours) and love your tutorials in their current form.

Mysmichelle

Thank you so much for replying I like to have a finished product when I leave a thing but I also enjoyed 10 to 20 minutes content pretty regularly so I would say a mix maybe every third project is a complete project in a beginner course or something you know something to keep you going saying oh hey I made this I love it when I can make a little car to postcard or a card front that I can use and then send to somebody and say hey I've been working on my watercolor just ideas

Barbara Bollin

THIS IS AN IMPORTANT COMMENT! I agree.

Barbara Bollin

Love this comment!!!! Thank you, John!

Roland

Hello Anna. I like your crisp painting style. Most water color painting classes have subjects that just meld together. I guess that it is easier to be ‘abstract’ than to paint with well defined subjects. Also I would like to use basic colors so I don’t have to buy special one time use paint. I generally buy good paint and it can get expensive.

Robin Huizing

Shading bright subjects, neutralizing colors like fleshtones, and bright saturated colors, how best to paint cast shadows vs form shadows. Pushing paint -to paint within a subject. How much water, in paint- versus brush, vs paper. How to see the moisture level on paper.

Mirabelle

I've read through and agree with much of what has already been said: I joined your patreon and love your tutorials because they are more intermediate AND I also think they offer a lot to the beginning watercolor painter. One of the first tutorials I did with you when I was fairly new to watercolor was a short youtube video with key points, not a full step by step tutorial--your white rose. To this day it is still one of my favorite paintings and I learned so much--soft blurred backgrounds, negative painting, white isn't always white and shadows aren't just grey. I think a good question to consider is what you can offer beginners that is most inline with all the great content you already share. A first step could simply be organizing your tutorials to showcase the more beginning ones or ones that focus on a particular skill. Even though I have been painting for awhile and can follow along with your more complex compositions, I started with the simpler ones when I joined patreon recently--the pansies for example. From there it might be easier to see what you could add that isn't already there and make suggestions for how a new student might progress through your tutorials. I also appreciate it when you do simpler projects like many have mentioned, for times when one doesn't have the bandwidth to delve into your more complex projects. One of the best beginner level courses I took was Watercolor Summit that had a collection of teachers but a clear progression. The first painting was monochromatic and focused on teaching us tonal value. The second was an ink outline floral painting that focused on color choices and blending on the paper. With each lesson I had a finished painting I enjoyed and a specific skill I knew I'd learned. Not exactly addressing your question, but I'll add that I would be grateful to see upcoming tutorials about how you work from idea/inspiration to sketchbook paintings to a finished larger composition. I think this is something that is sorely lacking out there and would be invaluable to those of us trying to make the leap from tutorials to our own compositions. Also please keep doing your color spotlight videos. I love how you explain the different properties that would lead you to pick one red/blue/etc over another for a particular subject. Whatever you create for us next, I'm sure to enjoy it and learn something valuable for my own artist journey. You are in the top tier of teachers and artist out there Anna and I very much appreciate all you share!

Sabrina Peart

Off subject - Where can I find the tutorial for this easter bunny? I love it!

Dawn Howell

Anna, I applaud your detailed, step by step teaching style and tutorial commentaries. Your book is SUPERB. There is no equal resource out there like it. I have been painting for 3 years, and consider myself intermediate to advanced. When I began, I found the UK artist and teacher, Susan Rice so helpful. She was a trained teacher, so her gentle, but detailed guidance was wonderful. Jenna Rainey was also my beginner fav for florals, pigments and brush stroke instruction. Paul Clark is very good for landscapes. I agree with you that there is a plethora of beginner tutorials out there; not sure if we need another! What you could do is make a list some of these artists for beginners. Jenna Rainey provided links in one of her tutorials— so helpful. For my skills now, I need help with creating interesting compositions, which is what I love about your tutorials. I must give Chat GPT a go at giving me visual ideas. BTW, I love the background you chose for your new horse tutorial— perfect! I will paint it for my lovely Chinese daughter in law’s coming baby girl. She will be born in June 2026, the year of the horse!

Dawn Howell

Also for beginners (these are trained teachers): Lois and Morgaine Davidson Art for landscapes and nature subjects. Matthew White for landscapes. In the Studio with Michele Webber. For delicate florals (“Xray Technique”) Olga Koelsch. EmJ Watercolour Studio (Emma Jane Lafevbre) for florals and botanicals. Most of these are very good at using a limited palette. The Davidsons (mother/daughter artists) typically use only 3 to 4 primary colours and even show success with student grade pigments.

Lindsay

Between Anna and Louise de Masi, I learned *fast*. I was already at a mid-high beginner when I found them, but between the two of them and trying paintings that were definitely above my skill level, I was able to build upon basic skills incredibly quickly. I think that my general personality is a big reason for this. I don’t see bad paintings as “failures.” Even when they’re way above my level and make me go 😬😅 when I look at them, I still consider them a success because that was time that I spent practicing skills that I clearly need to work on. Doing harder tutorials allows me to determine those specific skills, which is something I definitely don’t get from beginner videos. I think a lot of beginners expect to create these masterpieces that people who have been painting for over a decade can just pop out, not realizing the massive amount of work that goes into learning watercolor. There’s a reason it’s one of the hardest mediums to learn, and why, when I told various artist friends that I wanted to learn it, they all wished me Godspeed 😂 The absolute best thing I ever did as a beginner, and that I still do now, is practice brush strokes and make swatches. There will be days where I want to sit down and paint, but don’t have it in me to start a new painting or work on an in-progress. So those days, I sit down and just play with my brushes on some cheaper cotton paper from amazon. I practice brush strokes, try new techniques, etc… some days, I just choose random colors to mix together to see what comes out. I make a *lot* of swatches, and I spent a pretty significant amount of my early days painting swatches in order to get to know my colors better. This has made a massive difference in my ability to choose and mix colors. It also works as practice for water control, especially since making swatches entails doing a lot of flat and graded washes. The same goes for practicing brush strokes; you learn how much water you need for each stroke, as well as how much water your brush can hold. Whenever I finish a painting or have been making mixed swatch cards and have a ton of mixed pigment left, I just grab a piece of my cheaper paper and start painting loose florals and practicing brush strokes until I run out of pigment. That way, I don’t have to waste a ton of good pigment that I definitely won’t use for another painting, and it cleans off my palette to prepare for my next painting. It’s these little things that are so vital for learning basic skills. I know most people find them boring, but I actually really enjoy it. I just toss on a podcast or audiobook, or I call/FaceTime a friend or my 1yo nephew while I do it. Because of that latter one, I’ve gotten really good at painting strokes without looking at the paper because I’ll be talking or singing to my nephew while I do it 😂 Just building muscle memory while singing about purple monkeys in bubblegum trees lol

Lindsay

My seventh grade art teacher called me a hypochondriac while my autonomic nervous system was starting to shut down, so I feel you on the shitty middle school art teachers front. Idk why these people go into teaching.

Lindsay

Do you think that a playlist from of videos on early foundational basics would be useful for you? Or would you want it to be a course from one single artist instead of a variety of different teachers?

Lindsay

Synthetic ox gall in your clean water will keep your paper wet for longer! Just keep in mind that your pigments will spread further with it than without. I recommend practicing on scrap paper before using it in a painting. I personally like Qor’s version, but Schmincke has a solid one that you mix into your paint/water on your palette or use on your brush with your water while doing a wash, so go with whichever you think would be your preference. Personally, I prefer Qor’s, but I keep a second jar of clean water that doesn’t have it so that I can vary when I use it.

Lindsay

I also watch a TON of videos from different artists. Even when I don’t intend to do a tutorial, especially ones I know are too difficult for me, I like to watch them through in order to pick up on things that I can’t catch while following alone, like watching how fast their painting dries, how often they rinse their brush, etc… I like to watch these videos while I’m getting ready for bed, or trying to fall asleep. Anna and Louise are also the two I go for when I can’t sleep because they’re so relaxing lol Plus, I just love watching theory videos. My sister was laughing at me on Christmas while I was painting with my reference photo on my iPad, and my phone playing a video on advanced color theory. She correctly surmised that I had forgotten to take my Concerta that morning lol I think a lot of beginners are afraid to fail, are too precious about their supplies, or just don’t have a ton of practice time, so they want to spend it doing actual paintings instead of practicing brush strokes or making swatches. But the problem is, that’s how you learn the basics and develop that muscle memory. And nobody looks at a page full of brush strokes and hates it and wonders why they bother trying to learn to begin with, as they’ll clearly never be as good as the professional who’s teaching them who has been painting for over a decade. So that definitely helps with the self-hate thing that a lot of us experience when our paintings don’t look exactly the way the tutorial artist’s do. For me, the artist that was incredibly helpful early on was Emma Jane Lefebvre, especially her Patreon. She makes videos on different brush strokes, loose floral compositions, and just started a series on watercolor and mental health that I’ve been enjoying greatly. Since she’s geared towards beginners, she tells you when to wash and pat your brush, which I’ve seen a ton of people on here mention they would like. Tbh I genuinely don’t think water control is something that can be taught through theory and explanations. It’s something that you develop with practice and with learning your brush’s idiosyncrasies.

Bart Noble

One more thing real quick: I know you show a lot going on and I'm sure it can be overwhelming to film, but I'd love to see your actual brush, palette, and water when you work. Maybe not for the intermediate videos. Maybe not all the time. But I think it would be very useful/helpful sometimes to see how your palette, how you mix colors, how much water you're using and when you're dabbing.

Jessica Ostrow

Yes, seeing the actual water in use would be really helpful!

Mariana Ath

For me personally, I’d really value learning the foundations from one single artist at first, especially someone whose work and teaching resonate with me. I’ve tried hopping between lots of beginner videos from different teachers, and while they’re all helpful, the approaches sometimes contradict each other and that’s where I start feeling lost. A structured foundations playlist (or course) from one artist would help me understand their way of thinking

Amy N.

Just a few more things. I am new on this site and find the postings on this thread very helpful. It would be nice to have a place to continue this on a special post. I just found an index on the pinned thread on the home page. The index does more than list the available projects. Most of the projects have a level rating (beginner, intermediate, advanced) as well as a description of the focused on painting technique. Had I looked at this index, I may have started with different projects. I probably will be comfortable with those intermediate level projects. My in person instructor described herself as 'a fine artist,' rather than one with a loose style. Anna definitely fits into the fine art category and so does this Patreon site. I agree it is what makes this site special. I would like a sprinkling of small projects that focus on techniques members are having difficulty with. The projects do not have to be full paintings with multiple objects. I would love to have that on this site, but would also be willing to buy a workbook with video links. Topics I would be interested in include design, drawing, composition, water control for good blending, layering and glazing. The workbook(s) should pair well with your first book. I do believe the water control is something that gets easier with lots and lots of practice. I probably would not enroll in classes on another platform.

Amy N.

Read the questions better and want to add that the students in my in person classes (I took 2--6 session classes in 2025) told me that the reason why they don't join Patreon or other online classes is that they typically don't use them once they sign up. If they sign up for an in person class, they make the time to go. The other thing is that with an in person class, I actually did touch the instructor's brush so that I could get a better sense of just how much water was needed. My brush was not wet enough to blend.

Joy Thornton

You could have a greeting card section or 'mini Annas' !

Ruth Heaton

Would love tutorial on "building a perfect Palette"!

Eliana H

no changes nedded, your classes are perfect!

Linda Watkins

For true beginners.... which I'm not really but I've not had anyone teach so much direction twrd layers. I think you probably should in EVERY VIDEO since your videos aren't numbered mention what paper & brushes you are using for that video. Your painting on 12"×12" is very different than the 9"×12" in painting on...

Linda Watkins

I'm not really an absolute beginner but some of the things that I think would particularly help beginners are.... since your videos aren't numbered i think you should probably, very quickly say in each video what paper & brushes you are using for that particular video. I may have missed it but I only remember one video you says Escoda Brushes & that you were painting on 12"×12" cotton paper.

Linda Watkins

I'm not a beginner but I've never had anyone teach watercolors to paint in layers before

Linda Watkins

I'm going to try again.... In each video, since they aren't numbered, say what paper & brushes you are using. You do a really great job of saying what colors & brands of paint you are using & suggesting other brands that you feel are equally good. It made a huge difference when I changed to Escoda brushes. Worn out, junk brushes make a huge difference in having bad outcomes. It wasn't just me & crummy technique!!!! Buying Escoda brushes made all the difference! You suggested 100% or 50% cotton paper. I haven't been able to find 50% cotton anywhere....I figured it would probably be less expensive but it's not to be found. So to help on cost I've been doing the first painting of a particular study on pulp paper & then changing to cotton once it's going well. Maybe mention it's perfectly OK to use both sides of the paper while folks are learning. If it's a painting to be sold or gifted that's probably not ok but until then, use both sides if it means folks can financially afford to paint twice as many paintings. I'm one of your Patreon people but so often i can not for the life of me find part 2 without sending you a message & having you give me a link to part 2, etc. Is that just me or are others having the same problem? It could just be me.... Maybe mention that when transferring a drawing to watercolor paper to use ONLY Wax Free Black Transfer Paper NOT Carbon Paper. An acquaintance of mine was having that problem. She was using left over Carbon Paper from back in typewriter days... Something you might occasionally mention is that it's absolutely ok to create a painting from 2, 3 or 10 of your tutorials. It's strange maybe but some folks seem to feel it's not being fair or just to you to depart from any given tutorial. Maybe you need to verbally give folks permission to take leaves from one tutorial, blooms, from another, an animal, bird or bug from another... On one hand it may seem silly to think that it's not ok to do that but on the other hand it speaks to the place of honor some folks hold you in as their teacher. I personally think you do a great job on the tutorials. You paint faster than I do, esp on the first round of a painting. You might mention that if you are painting faster than some folks can keep up with just stop the video, work at their own speed & then turn the video back on when they are ready to go again with the next piece of the painting. It may seem silly to have to say that but in some cases it would help folks who are already intimidated by watercolors in the first place & lack confidencethat's it's totally ok to do whatever they need to do to make it work for them. And this whole conversation is about beginners & what they need even though you started this adventure thinking you were teaching intermediate & advanced folks. A lot of those millions of beginning, online classes out there are not teaching transparent watercolor colors in layers. I've never heard a watercolor teacher say.... ok you have to stop now & give this at least an hour or more to dry. I have struggled bc no teacher has ever said that to me until you. You'd think I'd have figured that out but until you said it, it never occurred to me that that could be why I was having so much trouble sometimes. I guess you need to give yourself permission to boss folks around. They can always ignore your instructions if they want.... it's the internet. You do a great job of saying.... if you don't have this color, it's fine, use what you have. I really appreciate that in your teaching. But I think a lot of beginners esp need definite instructions... let it dry at least an hour, use wax free transfer paper, etc, etc, etc,.... those who have the confidence, skill to ignore you & go on, will ! You are doing a great job with the tutorials so don't see any of this as criticism, ok?

Morgane Leroy

Hi Anna, thank you so much to ask and trying to adapt every time to us. I learn from you since July and I was a beginner in botanical and animals painting. Your teaching helped me a lot and I quickly skip to intermediate-advanced tutorials thanks to your advices and your book which is amazing ! I would like to practice more on shading and blending techniques. After I paint a dozen of your compositions I begin to do my own watercolor paintings. Simple subjects to start. I have difficulties with shading to give the 3D effect and also to have smooth edge with blending techniques. I find my paintings to flat and too much hard edges. For example when I add shadows I don’t know if I have to use blue or purple or if it’s better to use a stronger value of the color. When I try to softened an edge I use blending but sometimes my brush is too wet or the paint I want to blend is to dry so it doesn’t blend well. I hope you’ll understand my meaning as I am French

evelyne giovannoni

hi Anna I love to paint with you a lot of subjects what i like to work on is negative painting with background like : summer grapes or yellow roses love to paint Birds and Animals thank you for the patience and calm the explanations are clear thanks a lot evelyne from france

AtlantaandThoros

I love your tutorials because they are more advanced. They are exactly what I need right now as an artist. There are so many beginner tutorials that it’s actually really difficult to find intermediate or advanced ones. I think it’s ok if your tutorials are something a beginner needs to work up to. It gives them a goal. That being said, some of the topics I would love more guidance on include how to choose which parts of your painting to leave completely white (because I’ve noticed you leave areas white that are also just very pale in reference photos), how to simplify details and what to leave out, how to choose a good reference photo (like what kind of lighting to look for, etc), how to learn which lines to leave hard and which to soften (because I’ve noticed that you make some lines hard for items that are in the background to help them pop, but I’ve heard other artists say anything in the background should be soft. And I love your style specifically so i would like to know how you make that decision).

MadCatter (Cat Fleming)

I would be interested in a beginner course. I learned watercolor basics in high school & could never got the hang of blending, etc.

Kathy Stefanou

Rae Campbell puts out a free weekly tutorial suitable for beginners. Your leaf tutorials are very beginner friendly. I enjoy all of your tutorials and like to challenge myself with the more detailed tutorials.

Monica

Not sure how long one has to be painting to be considered a beginner, but painting since August I'd say I still consider myself one. One of the things that drew me to your tutorials from the start was 1) your style. 2) your way of detail created 3) the amount of information you give while presenting. I follow so many watercolor artists on YouTube for beginners. Selfishly I'd love to see you create something that doesn't require thought. That being said, I would hate to lose the quality of content you provide now to accommodate that.

Gabrielle

Good point, I never tried measure times! Definitely going to try! Thx!!!

Sandra Nelson

I've never really gotten beginner details, so I'd love a course covering everything from paper, brushes and all the great things you share on layering, and the different wetness of paper. I love your work! Thank you being willing to cover the basics and then still cover the amazing work you present.

Linda J.

When you gain a skill, it is easy to forget the beginning struggles because they are now trained instincts. I had never painted before receiving watercolors as a gift a year ago, so my struggles and epiphanies are still very real. I stumbled upon your YouTube channel and stuck with it to gain a passion and basics. I’ve watched every YouTube video you’ve made and finished twelve of your Patreon tutorials, some of them twice as you suggest. The one thing I appreciate that you do so well, is every video is worded as if I’ve never watched another. You mention basics all the time! So I have given this question a lot of thought, and hope they help. Watercolor is four things: Paper, Paint, Water, Brushes. Once you apply these things to a style and technique, I feel you’re already past true beginner level. Your fabulous book is excellent at discussing paper, paints, and brushes, as well a few of your older YouTube videos. The items I struggled with that I could not find helpful instruction on were as follows. Water. I once wrote to you privately that my exact same paper and paints dried out far faster than your real time videos. You mentioned humidity as a factor, that maybe my environment was drier and then talked about using Ox Gall. While you have this in your book, and one tutorial shows its use, I think this secret weapon needs more info. As a beginner, my actions and strokes are slower, and using Ox Gall helped me relax and have more fun. Lastly, does water quality or temperature matter? I seem to do better with filtered water verses my tap water, and cold verses warm, but unsure why. Brush loading. The struggle of water quantity to get the value of your paint color is very real. It can look one way in the well and another on the paper. I recognize palette, paint, water, paper, affects this outcome. Therefore, more tutorials towards techniques and exercises to help learn ones paints and brush loading to equal a value would be wonderful! One of my biggest joys in watching your videos is your brush control. How a brush is held and worked directly affects the outcome, yet I’ve not found good instruction on this. With your art upbringing, are there exercises you could share to help with good brush control? Your ability at fluid lines and curves is something I want to attain! There’s much discussion of layering for effect, but what’s missing are tutorials making color charts with our own palette to understand how our color choices will layer. You are wonderful at making substitute suggestions, yet if we don’t know how our choices interact, our outcome can get muddy. An example is your yellow rose tutorial. Yellow is challenging, and so knowing the interaction of yellow and reds we have before painting would had made this tutorial go better for me. So far, the only other person I’ve studied in depth is Arletta Pech. I enjoy realism, but really like your bright, colorful interpretation to realism which is why I follow you. I appreciate Arletta’s color layering for realism in botanicals. I only have her book, and not watched her older tutorial. If you took on this project, I would absolutely invest the time to use it. But I do agree with some other comments, we love the challenge of painting your projects, so please keep giving us inspiring ones to do. Lastly, if you read this far… now that you have a cat, you can actually show me how to remove cat hairs from my paintings instead of explaining it!

Dawn Howell

Well written, Linda, with some practical points made.

Linda

Anna, please don't change a thing in the way you teach! There are many, many tutorials on you tube for beginners

Linda

(I accidentally posted before I finished my point...) It is much more difficult to find good tutorials for intermediate to advanced watercolors. I love and appreciate everything you do. I am loving your book also.

Hairbuggy

I agree. I am frustrated by the plethora of sub par watercolor tutorials, mostly made by what I consider to be late beginners. Your exact style is not mine, but the way you layer and glaze in broad sections yet still creating a sense of realism is where I am being pulled artistically. Your book has answered a lot of questions for me, and more particularly in regard to understanding color families, each colors staining power, and what they layer or mix with best. The fact that your videos are linked with each chapter is really helpful. It's two fold: the videos reinforce what you explain in the book, plus they give additional information; and the book gives insight to the videos that is not explained in the videos. What I can't get a grasp on is underpainting. I like how you use yellows and reds for warm and cool undertones, but I also want to learn how to use a very colorful, rainbow-like underpainting as well. I am still a little timid about layering, but I haven't had a lot of time to practice. I'm sure that if I followed more of your tutorials I would feel more confident as you are so good at it.

Hairbuggy

You should buy her book, 101 watercolor secrets

Hairbuggy

You should buy her book, 101 watercolor secrets

Hairbuggy

I would love to see your rough sketches and brainstorming!

Sandra Nelson

Thank you I will get it right away

Laura Todd

I am a beginner. I have only really been painting for 3 months. I just started a class locally and attend a weekly, guided open studio. Both of these resources are helpful to get direct feedback so that may be the only specific thing I can think of that is missing from most online resources I have seen, but it would be really difficult logistically I think. I absolutely love your tutorials. I feel like I am cheating just doing the same painting sometimes, but I learn so much from comparing my work and progress as I follow yours. I can sometimes get discouraged that mine doesn't look as good, but I try to remember that I am working way above my experience level for many of the lessons. There are so many "beginner" classes available that make super simple paintings or provide exercises to introduce techniques. But I learn these with much clearer understanding by following your higher level content. I appreciate that you often provide options to simplify a painting or process, although I usually attempt the more complex option. I wish I could post a picture to show how much you have improved my painting in a very short time. I really appreciate your classes and I am not sure that making a simpler option for beginners would be much more attractive to me. Thank you Anna!

Celeste Godwin

Hi Anna and thank you for asking and having this in mind. Plenty of watercolor beginner courses online or on youtube are too simple and frankly I do not learn anything from them. I need more technical explanations as well as recording of an artist's process. For example I would like to see these points explained at length in tutorials made by you : - Water control. Not just a few things, many exercises to master and learn how to use water. I live in a place with dry climate so I would like to know how to help or time my application better and not be so stressed about it. Uses of ox gall and other substances that may help. Problems with papers and uneven drying. - Countours. Crisp contours and soft edges, how to avoid spilling. How to deal with paper irregularities and paper that bulges rapidly. - Brush work & control that details how to use a brush like pressure and angle. Brush loading. Types of brushes and their particularities. What brush is better for what. There are so many brush types out there that is so difficult. Exercises to learn how to hold and use a brush. - Underpainting and blending. Not just how you add colors in a circle and play with them, but how to create good blending and how to deal with the many issues that may arise. - Colors and how to mix and find matches of colors for your painting. Differences in using pans and tubes. For example I am having a hard time using pans. I need to take a bit from a pan and make a wash and then go back for more pigment etc. This requires so much place on the palette, to make different nuances of same pigment. - The process of a painting. I would like to see more of how you load your brush and when you wash it in water. It would give me more understanding of how you use the brush and paint.

Caroline Barlow

hi Anna, just over 10 years ago I was following an artist on youtube who did give this type of lesson, but his copyright was challenged and to fight it he needed to go to New York - he was in Europe. The videos were taken down and we all lost out as Google was intransigent in spite of visual proof he was who he claimed. Then I went blind and covid struck and there I were other health complications so I am coming back to start all over again, with plenty of theory but little practice and a physical handicap that sometimes makes painting difficult. So yes, to a beginners course that does things properly and seriously! Though if its on Youtube, make sure to ensure copyright as I would hate to see what happened to my friend happen to anyone else.

Renee Griffin

Anna- I would like to see you continue to focus on intermediate and advanced watercolor skills and throw in the occasional small project. (i rarely have the spare time to complete a full,tutorial. I have several incompletes strewn throughout my space.). THE REAL REASON FOR MY COMMENT- I am in love with that rabbit!!! Please, please, please… a rabbit tutorial this spring?

Ve Butler

I’d really like portraits to be explored, I think. I’d also really like the opportunity to develop artistic instincts: how do we find inspiration, how do we make a composition, how do we find our style? X

Ve Butler

Hi hun what is discord? X

Anna Bucciarelli

Good Morning! Thank you so much for double checking - Unfortunately, that comment was not from me — it was a cammer who signed up for a free membership last night using my name + “AUTHOR” and they even used my photo illegally as their profile picture. I’m really sorry this happened — it’s so frustrating — and I’m in communication with Patreon about how they can help prevent and block these kinds of accounts moving forward. I removed the account as soon as I saw it, around 5 am today but they managed to leave a few comments before I caught it. I’ve reported it to Patreon, and that person has now been blocked and removed from the site.

Linda

Anna, I received an email that said it was from you (Author) ... also stated that I have been selected to receive a membership award. Is this part of the previously mentioned scam?

Anna Bucciarelli

Hi Linda, Unfortunately this was a scammer - someone impersonating me by using "my name + Author" I removed the account as soon as I saw it, but they managed to leave a few comments before I caught it. I’ve reported it to Patreon, and that person has now been blocked and removed from the site. Please note, I never run giveaways through random comment replies like that. If I ever do something like a giveaway or member reward, there would always be a full official post from my account with clear details. I’m really sorry this happened — it’s so frustrating — and I’m in communication with Patreon about how they can help prevent and block these kinds of accounts moving forward.

Linda

Thank you, Anna, for your response. I thought it looked suspicious, therefore, I didn't respond and contacted you. I'm so sorry this happened! Thank you for taking care of it.

Jill

Hi, Anna. I love you tutorials although I have more success with some than others. I really struggle with layering wet over dry when you say to "smoothing with a damp brush" so the paint "melts into the layer below". I may not be remembering the phrases you use exactly correctly so I hope you're able to figure out the technique I'm referring to. I just cannot seem to get it right. Sometimes, I end up just blending down over the remainder of the area with clear water or even wetting the entire area then dropping in all the colors, including the colors from the layer below. Thanks for all you do!!

Kathryn Garcia-Stackpole

I agree that beginners need basic understanding of color theory, composition planning, understanding of dimension and also learn to sketch and draw. Your book that I finally got a copy of (as a gift :) is a great reference for all skill levels in my opinion. I also agree that there are lots of online tutorials for the beginner as well. Perhaps you could decide on a few that you might refer folks too, if they get too frustrated here in this environment. I always encourage everyone, especially myself to keep learning. And Not compare myself to anyone else's talent. I am here because I absolutely love your painting and teaching style and my personal and professional practice has improved from the experience. Thank you! Kathryn

Kathryn Garcia-Stackpole

This is great summation in my opinion of the medium. The fact is there's actually very little control with watercolor. But with more and more practice, I am learning the techniques to accomplish what I am trying to do. Such a journey! :)

Amy Soule

I would be extremely (!) interested in a beginner's course from you, Anna, as long as it did not take too much time away from the lovely intermediate/advanced tutorials you already provide, which are wonderful. What you are already doing is so inspiring that it keeps me painting, so eventually I will learn my way through all the initial difficulties of working with this magical medium. If you did a beginner's course, your thorough, clear, and encouraging teaching style in and of itself would make the course worth its weight in gold. I would love to see tutorials (and have not seen effective ones anywhere else) on brush technique and water control (how much water is actually in your brush for the various techniques you use, when do you dab your brush, are you dabbing the heel of the brush, more drills on wetness level of the paper, drills on painting something small (such as the persimmons from your beautiful deer tutorial) over and over again along with you, charging in new colors at various times, and why, when YOU go over your edges with a damp brush, it looks amazing, and when I do it, I get varied, not always desirable results (probably too much water in my brush?). I'd also love to know more about your system of using the flower-shaped wells for your paint, because I find myself wasting paint when I switch to new projects. That's my fantasy wishlist, but, again, what you are already providing is so inspiring, informative, and encouragaing that it supports my art journey in wonderful ways, even though I am the beginningest of beginners! Thank you for sharing your light!

Ve Butler

There are some pretty awful people out there. Thank you for taking the time to answer. If you hadn’t I could have been scammed, so you’ve likely saved me, and many Patreon friends, a whole heap of bother x

Yvonne Moelker

I Iike beginner tutorials if approached in a more complex way, but am only growing as an artist because there are teachers like you that encourage us to be bolder, brighter, and more adventurous in composition and colour. I have learned more from you than anyone and look forward to more material (more birds, bunnies please?). So I personally prefer that most of your tutorials are more intermediate/advanced. Your tutorials and subject matter are unique and I appreciate your approach and patience in showing us how truly creative we can be going out of our comfort zones! Thanks so much Anna.

susan r harrison

Anna, please continue intermediate advanced exercises, there are many books, and youtubes on beginners tutorials,and artists that only do beginners! lets stick with advanced thanks

Anna Bucciarelli

Thank you, Susan! I came from an acrylic / gouache background so I completely relate. It took me a while to start "thinking" in watercolor. Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback. I received so many comments and I am still processing everything. Will go over this topic in detail and respond to everyone at our upcoming Live session.

Anna Bucciarelli

Jill! Thank you so much for taking the time to share feedback. I’ve received so many thoughtful comments and I’m still processing everything. I’ll dive into this properly and respond to everyone in our upcoming Live session.

Anna Bucciarelli

Thanks a ton for your feedback, Kathryn — I really appreciate you taking the time to write (and I am so happy to hear you are enjoying the book!). There have been so many comments coming in, and I’m still absorbing it all. I’ll go through it in detail and address everyone during our next Live.

Anna Bucciarelli

Hi Amy, Thank you so much for taking the time to write this ! I’ve received so many thoughtful comments and I’m still processing everything (in the best way and also planning some videos that can address some of the issues mentioned). I’m going to go through this topic properly and respond to everyone in detail during our upcoming Live session. And I especially want to highlight what you brought up about water control (and brush technique) — it’s one of the biggest themes that keeps coming up, and it’s also the one area that can make watercolor feel either magical or maddening depending on the day. 😅 Regardless of what i do / don't do with beginner content, I decided to create on a dedicated video focused just on water control — what “the right amount” of water really looks like in the brush, when/where I dab, how wet the paper should be for different effects... PS: the flower shaped wells are just a force of habit - I like to organize my colors into groups (reds, greens etc) I buy mine on Amazon I think te brand is called Meeden, I just wish they came with a cover to protect from dust:) Although I heard someone say there are now art stores offering the covered version. I haven't seen them in Canada but depending on your location you might be able to find something like this (if you do please let us know). Have a wonderful day!

Anna Bucciarelli

Hi Susan, after going through everyone's feedback I would agree... We'll chat more at the upcoming live but this feedback has been tremendously helpful!

Anna Bucciarelli

Thank you Renee! I’m so grateful for the feedback , it's helped me streamline my thinking and confirmed exactly what I felt about the type of videos I should focus on. I’ll discuss this in depth and answer everyone at the next Live session! AND YES - the rabbit + some spring flowers is 100% coming very soon!

evelyne giovannoni

bonjour Anna j ai suivi des cours de debutants avec billy showell et louise de masi j aime beaucoup vos sujets et le niveau intermediaire avance

Amy Soule

Thank you, Anna! I'm excited about the Live session! And thank you for the flower well info!

Sara

How to hold and load a brush with paint. Also going over what supplies you really need in order to make your pictures turn out ok.

Susan Crooke

Would you consider a beginner/introductory course on glazing to bridge between beginner and intermediate? I have done a beginner course with Jane Blundell but we didn't do much on glazing....your beautiful art work inspires one to learn this beautiful method.

Mary-Anne Buist

Anna I have your book - it immensely helpful and the best book I own. Can you explain how you create your watercolor swatches - so that they are organized. I see you pull them out when creating a composition - - would love to know size and do you keep them in a binder? Thanks. I am hoping to upgrade my patreon when I get home in the spring.

Lisa Davolt

As a beginner watercolorist I started with some free tutorials on YT, I quickly found you and because I like your style and subjects. Because this was such a new medium and because of my personal learning style, I felt like I was struggling with your tutorials. I canceled my subscription, purchased a year long membership from another artist. Her style isn’t as realistic as yours and the tutorials I did of yours are still some of my favorites. Now I can’t wait for the year to be over so I can start your Patreon back up. I’m still a beginner but I feel the information and lessons of yours push me further and help me improve in the actual style and process that I want to continue with.

Ray

1) Have you taken any beginner watercolor courses you loved—or didn’t love? - Yes I took one for basics when I was just starting out but I didn't find it challenging enough and whilst I understand that muscle memory is important - it did get very repetitve and I wanted to learn more . 2) Would you (or someone you know) actually be interested in a true beginner / foundations course from me? Yes me! I love your style of watercolour and I really want to paint botanicals especially in vibrant colours . I have your book which LOVE but I also like videos and audio guides to learn from. 3) If yes—what would you want it to focus on? Where do you think I could bring the most value? For example: a clear “start here” roadmap (so people don’t feel overwhelmed) layering & glazing (how to build depth without panic) building a “perfect palette” and learning pigment properties guided practice projects that build skills gradually YES to ALL of these! Also how and where to place light and shadow and plan it into your painting. You make it seem so effortless but I am sure it took a lot of practice to learn it.

Xue L

Instead of a purely beginner oriented class, how about smaller compositions as a warm up for those getting back to painting or who have less time? Maybe it’s a simpler composition but still requires intermediate techniques!

Dobbsie Koeman

Would like more lessons on drawing the watercolor projects.

Emily Yang

Yes - and yes to all the areas that mentioned. I think a roadmap with guided practice is especially important so a beginner would know where to start and level up gradually. As others mentioned, it will be great to lean more towards intermediate techniques that can push a beginner to grow. Fundamentals are helpful to list which ones are required knowledge, but they are well covered in a lot of places so perhaps you can just recommend resources for these.

Bonnie

The very first watercolor class I ever took was in person and it was fall and the teacher had us work on fall leaves. It was super simple wet on wet technique that we used to drop in beautiful colors into the fall leaves. Bonus it was super easy to trace the leaf shape to get going- you get a real feeling of success from this super simple project. Then I practiced other subjects on my own at home with lots of disappointing results. I took another watercolor class at a community center but the teacher had a background in acrylic painting and didn’t really understand how to teach watercolor so that was a waste of time. Then I signed up for a class with Alex Kinkaid online and ‘live”. Every week she taught us the techniques to paint a different flower or two every weekand after 6 weeks or so we painted all the different flowers we had learned again but the second round we painted them together in an arranged bouquet. This is what is missing from most beginner classes- the power of doing the same painting for a second time and applying what you learned from the first painting. That was the first time I painted something that I was pretty happy with the results. It was a super fun project. I think she was also the person that told us you have to make a lot of bad art before you make good art and that was good to learn because beginners put a lot of pressure on themselves. Alex does class live and online classes. I also did a course with Kerrie Hess who is an Australian artist and fashion illustrator that was really fun to learn simple watercolor techniques and I love her soft color palette. Currently, I’m taking Botanical Art classes online through the North Carolina Botanical Garden and the Massachusetts Horticultural Garden- I like these classes because they are taught online but they are “live” so you get real time feedback on your work and theses classes also cover how to draw and composition. I am also working on your tutorials on your Patreon- my plan is to do a series of your bird and bloom paintings and hang them up in my home. Currently on my third painting from your patreon account. Your instruction is excellent and the provided list of supplies, outlines and reference photos are very helpful. I really enjoy your classes because they have leveled up my watercolor painting and I have learned so much- at this point I feel I have the basics down and I am more interested in your intermediate classes. I am also interested in learning to paint botanicals in the Chinoiserie style but it is hard to find teachers.

Margaret Dwyer

I have just joined I tried several artist tutorials but found they often focused on a single subject Your tutorials are just lovely the amount of information is generous and very relevant What I love is your focus on some single subjects and then leading onto a more complex subject . I would like more information on your creative process how and why you choose what to include or leave out I brought your book first and am now so glad I found your Patreon page I love that you include all methods of glazing and blending I find that drawing is very important to practise and your advice to do a subject twice Thank you Margaret

Bridget

I’ve been a Patreon for a couple of months now. I find your voice so calming and easy to listen to, so follow your lessons fully. I joined after buying your watercolour book. It’s the best beginner friendly book I’ve read. (I have 4 others that I purchased before I found yours.) I have paid for a few online watercolour courses. The most intense was Jane Blundell’s watercolour course that explored different colour triads. It was very good, and interesting, but I didn’t enjoy her as a teacher. I also took Liz Chaderton’s course. I enjoyed her courses. Most beginner courses are very repetitive talking about colour palettes and colour theory. I love the approach you provide, without the repetitiveness. I’ve learnt more in the last couple of months and produced my best paintings since reading your book and following you on Patreon. i think I would say I’m closer to intermediate now. And I think that has a lot to do with a mental state, a willingness to experiment and accepting it can go wrong. If I was looking for next steps, it would be exploring looseness. I’m not sure if that is something you would include. Experimenting with lost and found edges. But either way, I think you are very talented and you have a wonderful teaching style.

Anna Bucciarelli

Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback! I completely agree with your thoughts on beginner courses. Many of the foundational topics have already been covered, at least to some degree, and I’m not sure I would be adding enough value beyond what is already out there, even if I were to put my own spin on it. For now, I think it makes the most sense to continue focusing on intermediate techniques and more in-depth topics, since that seems to be where there is the greatest need. P.S. I also really appreciate your kind comments about the book. It was the longest project I’ve ever created, so it means a great deal to hear that it resonated with you.

Jasmine Wong

I'm a beginner in water colour with only school days experience using poster colours.I would be very keen to do a basic water colour course from you with step by step lessons on composition, what is tonal value& how Not to over correct water colour painting resulting in muddy colours. I'm still struggling to get shadows & light areas. Perhaps you can do a beginner,intermediate & advance class for different levels of learners.Just love yr drawings & detailed paintings .

Helen Bajema

I would love guided practice projects that build skills gradually.

Liz Fields

I honestly would love a beginner's course. I have never taken a painting class (online or otherwise), I found you, on YouTube actually. And, even though I have yet to try and paint something from a tutorial of yours, I must say, that as a beginner, I feel lost. I have no idea what I am doing or where to start. Yes, I've taken a basic art class but that was years ago (and wasn't painting). I need, my hand held (at least for now). But I also feel like not having a beginner course (taught by you) would be a travesty. Yes there maybe good watercolor classes out there. But I haven't the foggiest where to look. I've tried youtube and all the artists I look at wants hundreds of dollars or their instructions arent clear, or its locked behind a join button. I need someone who has more knowledge, to hold my hand and say "Ok these are mandatory to buy (good paper, brushes ect) and why or why not to buy the item in question, hold the brush like this to get xyz, practice this technique, do this tutorial ect. I'm not saything I'll need it all the time. But quite honestly I would rather have a better understanding of what, why and how to use the medium in question, and paint what I want to. i don't always want to rely on tutorials to paint a photograph of a tree I take. I want to be able to say (or think) "Hey, I want to paint that picture of a rose, I took. When we went on that trip, down to Sedona" And be able to do it, all on my own. But in order to do that, I need the basics first.

Angela Brewer

Hi. A beginner here. I understand where everyone is coming from. I came here to find full length beginner tutorials. Since those are not available can someone recommend a few easy tutorials to start with. I have been bouncing around YT for about a year and I am ready to focus and become an Emerald Member. Thank you in advance.

Vicki

I'm a beginner but still trying to follow your tutorials. Love them

Mark

Hi - the main thing that attracted me to your You Tube site is that you teach more intermediate skills. Having said that I think you have enough content to "stitch together" as a beginners skills refresher pathway without recording completely new beginners tutorials. For example your essential colour tutorials are just brilliant. As is the betta fish damp techniques tute.