Friday, February 13, 2009

Friday Focus - Watercolor Tutorial

Hello all! It's the final day of our sneak peeks and we have an extra little surprise for you! Today the fabulous Christine Okken will be showing you all how to get that fabulous watercolor look on your cards and creations but first -- we needed to give you a peek at our third and final set for February!

Introducing.....


This set is literally a breath of fresh air with fun flowers and elements that are perfect to deliver up a dose of spring in your cards and creations! If you want to get a closer peek at this set, stay tuned, after Christine's tutorial, we'll have a link list to our Senior Design Team and their creations and details on how you can WIN this set!

Want to be the first to get your hands on these three sets?? They will be released in the Flourishes store at 9PM Eastern! And we will even have a new release bundle-- buy all three and get 10% off!!!

So, without further ado..... Here's Ms. Christine!

Welcome to our Friday Focus and my first Flourishes Tutorial! I'm Christine Okken one of the lucky Design Team members.

I hope that as you walk along these next steps with me that you will learn some new tips for coloring with a watercolor medium – my very favorite way to bring color to an image. There are many ways to watercolor, many methods and styles, but I want to show you what I do, and what has worked for me (I first learned way back in high school!). Hopefully what’s in my brain translates onto the page for you!

Here are the supplies I used for this project:



1. Watercolor paper – I use Strathmore cold pressed 140 lb weight. Cold pressed is said to be easier for us non-experts to use, it has nice texture (or tooth) and this is a good weight, and you can buy it in large tablets like this at any crafty store.

2. Reinkers – Here I have a progression of colors Blush Blossom, Cameo Coral, Groovy Guava, Pumpkin Pie, and then Wild Wasabi and Not Quite Navy for the leaves and background wash.

3. Ink Pads – you don’t use the pads…just the inside of the lids for a palette.

4. A waterproof Ink like Hybrid Pallette Noir or StazOn for your main stamped image.

5. Your stamp and clear block. Here I’ve used the beautiful Daffodil from our brand new release Signs of Spring.

6. A watercoloring tool – you can use a traditional watercolor brush, but I’ve become used to my waterbrush. It’s your preference and what you learn to use generally comes to be your comfort zone. For watercolor I need a very good and precise tip with nice even clean bristles.

7. Scrap paper and a napkin for blotting out your brush or changing the color depth of the ink in your brush.

Let’s get stamping! Instructions will be beneath each picture.


I’ve stamped the Daffodil with my permanent black ink on the watercolor paper and am going to be adding my first layer of Blush Blossom ink. I’ve added a drop of reinker in the palette, but you can see I also have washed out layers of color in the palette too. That’s the consistency of ink I’ll start with. I also have my scrap paper nearby. I am constantly cleaning out my brush or dabbing off color on it – this way I’m always in control of what I’m adding to my stamped image.

Here is my first layer of Blush Blossom ink. You can see where my brush is pointing to, that’s the level of ink I’ve used. I add color into the areas of “depth” of my stamped image. I add the lightest color in a light wash to the areas that will gradually be built into deeper shadows and blend with a MODERATLY DRY brush. My brush is not super wet, more like damp. If you get too much water in your brush (and I’m constantly testing this), it will bleed. Some people can blend with *bleed*, but I am not one of them. I can’t control the bleed and I don’t like the hard edge you get when it dries.

Principal of Watercoloring: Light advances, Dark recedes

In other words, where you leave light or white areas in your piece it appears to be coming toward you, areas where you add darker color or shading are areas of shadow or depth, these areas will look like they are receding back. So as I am building my layers of color I am constantly thinking about where my shadows will be and where my highlights will be. That’s one thing about watercoloring…you can’t add light after the fact, so it’s really important that as you build your color you leave areas that are light or white in your piece. You can always blend them afterward but you can’t add them afterward!

The beautiful thing about Flourishes stamps is that our artists (in this case Marcella Hawley) add wonderful detail to the stamp so you have great clues to where you add shadow and light.

Principal of Watercoloring: Imagine your Light Source

Ask yourself, where is the light coming from in your piece, is it coming from the top, and to which side? This will give you another clue about how you want to shadow an image. In my case it’s top left…the image is really shadowed this way as well.


Here I’ve added a 2nd layer of Blush Blossom ink coloring in slightly less “area” than my previous layer of color….but deepening the color (with a stronger level of ink – less washed out color – more saturated ink).


Then I am blending the layers together with a brush. The more you blend between colors or layers of color the smoother the look. You have a few minutes to blend…but not a lot of minutes. If you leave your color without blending it will stain or set and isn’t as moveable or blend-able. What I do is add my color, then clean out my brush on the scrap paper and then with a clean moderately dry brush (just damp), spread or blend my color.



Here I’m adding a second color in layers onto my outer petals of the daffodil…Cameo Coral. Again, I’m building layers of color. You can see where I’m adding shadows or depth, into the center of the flower, and some of the tips of the flower petals. I generally add a light layer of color to the whole flower and then come back and blend each one.

Above I’ve added 2 layers of Cameo Coral to the outside petals and then a layer of Groovy Guava to the inner stamen/petal area; and am adding a deep Tangerine Orange as the deepest depth of the color in the center. In a peachy/pinky daffodil the center is really orangey and the outside is quite peachy-pink.


As my last step I come back and add a little deep Cameo Coral (full strength) to the inner parts of the outside petals. And my flower color is complete.


Here is my first layer of color on the stem and leaves. What I love to do with stems and leaves is leave a good amount of white so that you really get a contrast between light and dark.


Here it is close-up and blended. I generally add 2 layers of each color and then move to the next color.

The fun part about watercolor is the blending of different colors so for my depth in the leaves I decided to add a nice blue in (Not Quite Navy), which I’ll also use for the wash.


Here you can see the blue depths I’ve added to the leaves (a deeper shadow under the flower and in the connections between the stem and leaves). And you can see the start of the background wash.
Here you can see the level of color I first add to the background wash. It is very light and this is the only case where I use a lot of water in my brush. I would call it medium wet.

I take a good wash of color in my wet brush and then begin blending onto my background with soft wash of haphazard circular motions.



Above you can see the level of wetness on your paper. I wash in these circular motions all over the background keeping it damp but not soaked (or it will bleed into your main image…a NO NO :) ). Then you can come back and add a little extra color into the damp areas and again blend in that circular motion. (that's just the style I learned for a wash...you can wash it in a less cloud-like or softer motion). Sometimes I just add a soft halo of color around the image as well.


The wash is basically done here, my paper is curling because it’s wet, and in the top right you can see my scrap paper, full of color I’ve dabbed off …it’s a mess :) .

And below is the finished watercolor…still drying. I generally let it dry for a good hour before I make it into a card or your hard work will bleed.
And below is the finished card.... I did want the sentiment to look faded and like the ink had bled so I stamped it on damp cardstock and blended it with my brush.

The rest of the Design Team joined me today and pulled out their watercolor brushes too. To take a peek at their fabulous samples, head over to our Design Team's Blogs:

Julie Koerber
Leslie Miller
Cindy Lawrence
Faith Hofrichter
Latisha Yoast
Laura Fredrickson
Stacy Morgan
Nancy Kirk

For more info and pics on my creation: Christine Okken

I hope you've enjoyed the tutorial, that it has been helpful, and you have picked up some new tips....now it's your turn to try some of these techniques!

~Christine

From the Flourishes:

We had lots of comments for our All Wrapped Up giveaway! So glad you are excited about our new releases! The Random number drawn was 85 and that winner was:

Diana Gibbs said...
I am loving these peeks, and this set is so awesome, who doesn't like presents?Your DT is doing a beautiful job!Thanks for the chance at winning, I am off to cross my fingers...there will be no stamping today I guess, with them crossed and all...Hugs,Di

Diana, just email us at flourishescustomerllc@cox.net, and give us your address so we can get your new All Wrapped Up set off and on it's way to you!

Want to win today's release? Just leave a comment on this post and you just might win a Signs of Spring set of your very own! Also...don't forget to mark your social calendar too for our RELEASE PARTY TONIGHT!!!! We'll host it on our Flourishes Forum on Splitcoast from 7 to 9 PM Eastern! Watch for more sneaks, games and goodies to giveaway! It will also be the prelude to the launch of our sets in the store! We can't wait! We'll also announce the winner of our In Living Color Challenge. If you haven't entered - click HERE to find out how you can win all three of our February stamp sets! That contest closes at 5 PM Eastern tonight!

See you tonight!

117 comments:

  1. what a fabulous tutorial Christine!! Your image is amazing!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a wonderful tutorial from Christine! TFS! The sneak peaks are awesome too! Can't wait to see these sets in full.
    Smiles,Deena

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for the tutorial, and a chance to win this great set.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great tutorial. Thanks for the chance.
    x Natasha x

    ReplyDelete
  5. I would so love to have that set! Its just gorgeous!!Thank you also for the wonderful tutorial.

    ReplyDelete
  6. wow Christine! I am impressed...your tutotial was GREAT! TYVVVVM! This site has been awesome...so glad I found it...keep it up..I need your help! And thanks for a chance to win something...now...off to make a fuzzy card! so cute! ty ty ty ...and I always need new stamps! call me an addict!

    ReplyDelete
  7. The tutorial is GREAT! I cannot wait to use my Flourishes stamps this week-end.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Christine, You gave an amazing tutorial on watercoloring. Thanks for the step-by-step instructions and wonderful photos to match. You make it look so incredibly easy! I may just have to give it a whirl! The stamp set is awesome!
    Blessings, Kathy
    shecop@charter.net

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Christine,

    Thank you so very much for that wonderful tutorial. The pictures and step by step details make it easy to understand. Thanks for the inspiration. What a beautiful set!

    Mihika

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Christine

    Thanks so much for that wonderful tutorial. The pictures and detailed explanations made it very easy to understand. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Mihika

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a wonderful tutorial in watercolouring. Cant wait to see the entire set

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh my, I love anything flowers and I can't wait to get my hands on these new sets!!!!! The team has been so inspiring that I can hardly stand not having the stamps to start playing TODAY!! Thanks so much

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you for an amazing tutorial.
    these new stamps are all gorgeous and I look forward to using them.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks for the great tutorial, Christine. I like to watercolor, but I'm not very proficient at it. I'll have to practice more.

    Let me say that this is my favorite set in the February release.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks for the wonderful tutorial! I would love to win this set. Your card is just beautiful. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks so much for the tutorial--so helpful!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thanks for the great tutorial! Wonderful stamps!

    ReplyDelete
  18. This set is gorgeous! I am ready for Signs of Spring! Thanks for the chance to win and looking forward to the release party tonight.

    ReplyDelete
  19. This TOTALLY ROCKS!!! The card is absolutely breathtaking. And the tutorial is wonderful! I LOVE it all!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Fabulous job ladies on all the little peeks. Hoping, wishing, thinking, praying I win the set....

    ReplyDelete
  21. This tutorial was very inspiring. Great job Chrisine! This is my all-time favorite medium to work with. Thanks for the chance to win this beautiful set!

    ReplyDelete
  22. This is a great tutorial - really detailed. And I love this set - would love a chance to win. TFS.

    ReplyDelete
  23. A wonderful tutorial and another fabulous release!

    ReplyDelete
  24. what a great tutorial thanks so much
    that card is beautiful
    Hugs
    Norine

    ReplyDelete
  25. Wonderful tutorial by the expert! The set is wonderful, those little chicks are just so sweet! Thanks for the chance to win!
    LeAnne

    ReplyDelete
  26. Beautiful set and great work from Christine! I can't wait to be able to order these sets!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thanks so much for the tutorial ! These three new sets are wonderful ! I would love to win this one ! Ahhh...

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thank you for the tutorial and the sneak peek, it looks like a beautiful set.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Yes, I would love to Win!
    Who wouldn't This Spring set is so Colorful and Fun!
    See ya tonight for release party!
    Only wish I could join you all in Florida next weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  30. ohhh this set is just so pretty! I so want it :)
    Great tutorial, love those step by step pictures!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Wow! What a beautiful set of stamps for Spring! I would love winning this set! Eloise

    ReplyDelete
  32. what a totally gorgeous image this is. Your watercoloring is wonderfully well done, and is such a helpful addition to coloring techniques. Thank you so much for this, and for the chance to win this lovely set!
    xxooxx Penny

    ReplyDelete
  33. Wow, I truely love this set!
    Amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Love these! Thanks for the chance to win and thanks for the great tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  35. What a wonderful tutorial. I love how the image turns out. I really have to try that. Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Fantastic tutorial. You are so talented. Everything is beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Fabulous tutorial - and what pretty cards from all of the DT! Thanks for the chance to win - maybe Friday the 13th will be my LUCKY day!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Thanks for the tutorial! I love Daffodils and spring flowers. I hope I win, I hope I win! LOL

    ReplyDelete
  39. The watercolor tutorial was terrific! Loving the sneak peeks for this set!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Top notch tutorial! I sure enjoyed Christine's work. I'm glad to see Flourishes is showcasing Christine. Huge Congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
  41. What a wonderful tutorial. Thank you so much. Its very clear. I appreciate that. The new release is awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Very inspiring tutorial! I may give water coloring a try now. ;-) The image is absolutely lovely - I can't wait to see all the new releases. Thanks for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  43. That tutorial is very informative, Christine. I've seen where people say they watercolored with reinkers, and had no idea what they were talking about! This helps tremendously! Would sure love that Spring stamp set. Daffodils are my favorite flower :-)

    ReplyDelete
  44. Beautiful stamps! Just in time for spring. Thanks for the tutorial--it's great.

    ReplyDelete
  45. yet another really great stamp set. How cute are those little chicks. And thanks for such a nice tutorial.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I just love this set - it makes me feel like spring is almost here! I really appreciate the tutorial as well - thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Oh WOW!! An absolutely must have set, and LOVE the water color tutorial! Stunning! Thanks so much!!

    ReplyDelete
  48. I just love the watercolor look! Your tutorial is right on!

    Marian Bonney

    ReplyDelete
  49. What a gorgeous card. I have always wanted to try watercoloring and was too intimidated. I think your tutorial is so user friendly and makes me feel as if I can do it. I absolutely love the card. You have some amazing and beautiful cards. Thank you again for sharing your talent.

    ReplyDelete
  50. The tutorial was great. You explained each step so well. Thanks alot.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Absolutely gorgeous set and a great tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Thank you so much for the tutorial - it helps so much! Love this set and can't wait to see the new releases!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Love the tutorial.Could someone do one on Copic markers, for those of us who live way too far away to attend your class? (Also where do you purchase Copic markers?)This set makes me believe that Spring might actually come...even to Iowa!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Thank you for this wonderful tutorial! Gorgeous! I definitely need to practice, practice, and practice some more!

    ReplyDelete
  55. another gorgeous set! so love your floral designs, so realistic! thanks for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Great tutorial and this set really makes me look forward to spring!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Love the new sets and all the DT's work. This will be a wonderful release!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Nothing symbolizes spring more than a daffodil! Love the sneak peek and the watercolor tutorial was wonderful. Thanks for taking the time to share.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Wonderful artwork!I am going to try watercoloring!

    ReplyDelete
  60. OMG! I won yesterday, and I am so excited I am off to send you my address!
    I wanted to comment on this set too, because holy moly these sets are breathtakingly beautiful.
    If the number Gods pick me again, as much as I would love this set too, pick someone else ok?
    Keep em coming!
    Hugs, Di

    ReplyDelete
  61. Fabo Christine! Your tutorial is wonderful, and awesome card!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Floral images are my weakness and these are beautiful! Great tutorial on watercoloring (my fav!)..thanks Christine.

    ReplyDelete
  63. This watercoloring tutorial was very helpful! I especially liked the many pictures of each step. And I love the stamp set! Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Wow! Great tutorial! Latisha & I were just talking about learning this technique. Beautiful card!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Wow the projects are just fabulous and so inspiring. This tutorial rocks and I really need to try this, I need all the help I can get. Thanks for a chance at this sweet stamp set and all the eye candy.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Wonderful tutorial. Can't wait to see the full sets. Thanks again for the chance to win this set.
    Shirley L.
    Roseville, CA

    ReplyDelete
  67. This is a great tutorial. This would be a wonderful set to win.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Great tutorial. Hope I can make it to the party tonight. Thanks for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Would love to win a Flourishes stamp set and the tutorial was great--now if I can get the aqua painter to cooperate!!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Christine you watercolour technique is wonderful. I love the new daffodil stamp.

    ReplyDelete
  71. What a fabulous tutorial Christine! This is such a lovely stamp set!

    ReplyDelete
  72. Great tutorial, and I have so much enjoyed all these sneak peaks. Can't wait to see all the new releases.

    ReplyDelete
  73. Wonderful tutorial, thank you. Great card, thank you for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Wow, a fabulous colouring tutorial! Christine's colouring is always so fantastic so it's great to get a peek into how she does it. Thanks, Christine!!!

    Love the new images as well! The little chicks are adorable and the flower is beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  75. What a gorgeous Spring set, love that daffodil (emblem for the main national cancer fund-raising event over here) and all those sweet little chicks.

    ReplyDelete
  76. Another beautiful set. Thanks for the chance to win it.

    ReplyDelete
  77. What a wonderful tutorial on watercoloring. Thanks for the inspiration to try it.

    I love the sneak peaks.

    debbie

    ReplyDelete
  78. Wonderful tutorial. I've always wanted to try watercoloring with this method, but was too intimated to try. The image and card are gorgeous. Thanks for the chance to win also.

    ReplyDelete
  79. Each new set just wows me! The subjects, the detail....fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  80. What a wonderful tutorial. I can't wait to try out this technique for myself.

    ReplyDelete
  81. Fabulous tutorial Christine! Thanks so much for taking the time to share this.

    The spring set looks amazing so far all the sneak peaks are beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  82. As a gardener, I LOVE this set of stamps!! And all of the samples are just stunning!

    ReplyDelete
  83. Christine, your instructions are terrific! They are clear and the pictures match what you are demonstrating! Good job! This is my first visit to your site but I will be back, lyn

    ReplyDelete
  84. Thank you for the tutorial. I love the look of watercoloring but feel like I have lots to learn!! Thanks for the chance to win a stamp set!!!
    Melinda

    ReplyDelete
  85. Signs of Spring is beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  86. Thanks so much for the tutorial! You make it look soooooooooo easy and real! Would really like to win the set.
    Jan

    ReplyDelete
  87. Thanks so much for the great tutorial. Wonderful. Love the stamp set and yes I would love to win it.
    Hugs
    Heather

    ReplyDelete
  88. Gorgeous artwork w/tutorial! Thanks for showing those finer details. This is my favorite set in this release!

    ReplyDelete
  89. What a wonderful tutorial - thank you so much! And this set looks awesome! Who wouldn't want to win this?!

    Elaine Allen

    ReplyDelete
  90. Thanks so much for sharing and inspiring with both the tutorial (terrific!) and your beautiful artwork.
    Kris, Wadsworth, OH

    ReplyDelete
  91. Oh Christine! What an amazing tutorial! And to all the ladies, thank you for rockin' all the sneak peeks this month! I will see you all tonight at the party! Hugs, michelle

    ReplyDelete
  92. love the tutorial. i've ordered the "i love roses" set - can't wait 'till it gets to me so i can start stamping
    thanks for the sneak peaks
    love
    yael

    ReplyDelete
  93. Wow.....gorgeous coloring and great tutorial. TFS ...BTW, your final card is beautiful too....

    ReplyDelete
  94. Oh my! I can't wait to see the rest of this set. I love the daffodil!!

    ReplyDelete
  95. Great tutorial - I want to paint along! I don't think the daffadil is normally that color but hey, who cares - it turned out gorgeous. Now to get the same colors and the stamps and see how badly I can screw it up. Right now we are having a ton of snow so the spring stamps look even better! Thanks so much!

    Chris R. from Iowa

    ReplyDelete
  96. What an awesome tutorial! Thank you Christine for sharing all your tips and talents. The flower is just stunning.

    ReplyDelete
  97. I love this set. Christine did a nice job on her tutorial. Thanks for a chance to win.

    Robbie

    ReplyDelete
  98. An awe inspiring tutorial Christine. Such a beautiful card - it would gladen any recipients heart.

    Thanks for the chance to win this beautiful set.

    Helen Reiters

    ReplyDelete
  99. That was a wonderful tutorial. Thanks for sharing it with us. Have loved the sneak peeks! They remind me that spring is just around the corner!

    ReplyDelete
  100. Thanks Christine for your awesome watercoloring tutorial!!

    ReplyDelete
  101. With this demo I will attempt to watercolor images more often. The new sneak peaks are great!

    ReplyDelete
  102. Thank you for doing this tutorial! I always can learn more about watercoloring
    LIsa

    ReplyDelete
  103. Thanks for the watercolor tut, Christine. Such beautiful work!!!

    ReplyDelete
  104. What a gorgeous set and breath of needed fresh air.
    Your card is beautiful!
    Your tutorial was great...I did learn from it..I love the blue color wash..and will definately try it all.
    Thanks for the opportunity to win this fabulous set.

    ReplyDelete
  105. Bookmarking this to study later! Always something more to learn...Daffodils are among my favorite favorite flowers - I so appreciate the chance to win!

    Dina @ mamadinis

    ReplyDelete
  106. Great tutorial with pictures...thanks so much!!!
    Thanks for the chance to win.

    Susan H.
    tomsue@charter.net

    ReplyDelete
  107. thanks so much for the tutorial You make it look so easy I'm going to give it a try. I only wish I had the stamps to really go step by step so I hope I win!!!

    ReplyDelete
  108. Great tutorial! Love to watercolor, but don't exactly have the "skills"! My waterbrush is too wet all they time (sort of leaks), so I gave up! I'll have to try again! Love the new stamps!

    ReplyDelete
  109. Thanks Christine that was an awesome tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  110. i don't know if it's too late, but this set is gorgeous!!! beautiful coloring!

    ReplyDelete
  111. I am still working on my watercolor technique, so I really liked this tut - thanks! And the results were just gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  112. Thank you for your tutorial on watercoloring. I'm saving it to my favorites and will use it when I watercolor. What a beautiful card, too.

    ReplyDelete
  113. Awesome tutorial.. This flower looks gorgeous :).

    ReplyDelete
  114. This was my first look at your awesome website. I am a watercolorist but have never used my watercolor paper for stamping. Thanks for the great tutorial!

    ReplyDelete