Saturday, November 5, 2022

Friends of Unity November Blog Hop ~ Watercolor

 Hello, Friends! 

Welcome to November and welcome to our FOU monthly blog hop!

This months cue is a FAVORITE of mine! All about Watercolor!! 

*****AttnThere will be a lot of text in this post as I will share in detail about my own watercoloring processes, papers and mediums used, and tips & tricks. Hope you will take the time to take it all in and read to the end ;). If you do, (and I hope you do) please express in the comments. ;) I plan to choose an extra winner for your efforts!

Many of these cards you have seen in the past. They are perfect for illustrating my explanation of various papers and mediums!

When I first started to explore watercolor I wanted to give up so many times. I just could not get the hang of it!! I am so thankful that I kept practicing and watching other makers who's watercoloring I admired! There are many, but the two main influencers were Angie Blom and Gracie Chavez.

If you are just learning and frustrated; can I please encourage you to keep trying! Keep practicing! Keep messing up, but don't give up! I PROMISE your perseverance will pay off!

Keep in mind, you can learn alot from someones technique even if they do not post videos of their process. I studied Angie's cards and Gracie's videos. I learned so much from both!

I transitioned from pretty clean and simple to loose and somewhat messy and I love it. I make lots of mistakes, but the beauty of watercoloring is you can usually cover or fix a mistake by adding or taking away ink. I don't try a lot of techniques because I discovered what I most enjoy.

I, personally, use 4 specific types of paper for watercoloring; Canson XL, Fabriano Hot Press, Hammermill Premium Color Copy Cover 100 lb and Bristol Smooth.  The two I use the most are Canson XL and Fabriano. The 2 coloring mediums I use are brick pan sets (my favorite is Prima Marketing) and Watercolor Brush Pens ie Zig Kuretake, Stampin Write, and Karin BrushMarkers Pro.

Canson XL works so well with all the mediums I use. Whether applied directly to the paper or from my glass mat. The ONLY issue I have with Canson XL is that it is a very off white. I, typically, only use a white card base and prefer a white panel, as well. 

Here are a few cards I made using Canson XL with the various mediums I like to use.

This card I made for this weeks Brown Thursday mega release using Prima watercolors on Canson XL. Oh, how I love this Petals and Wings Ledger

I predict this to be a best seller! Agree??!!

On this Balloon Party Background, made a couple years ago, I used a Prima pan set on Canxon XL. See on the green balloon? I had too much water on my brush and it pooled the ink. I still love how this card turned out!


On this sunflower cluster from Sending Love and Prayers I used my Zig Kuretake Markers both directly to the Canson XL paper and from my glass mat.


See the small grooves in the Canson XL watercolor paper below? It makes for great contrast. Also, notice the off white tint the paper has. (as mentioned above) I always make my card panel smaller than my card base and do wish the whites were the same tint. This wc paper is best for overall fluidity with your inks and a favorite of many watercolorists.

On this adorable Santa Pup (Feliz Navidog)  I used Karin markers both from my mat and directly to the paper. The ink moved beautifully!


Let's look at some cards using Fabriano Hot Press. This paper works so well with Karin Brushmarkers.

This Newsprint floral uses Karin on Fabriano. I applied the ink both directly to the paper and from my glass mat.  You do have to move quickly before the ink sets in leaving you a rough line at your blending point. Especially when applying the ink directly to the paper. Sometimes I add water to the paper first, but most often I add ink and then my slightly wet brush.


Karin Markers definitely have a learning curve. I find they work best for me in smaller areas when applying directly to the paper. If I am coloring a larger area I apply ink to my mat first. Natasha Vacca is excellent with Karin markers. She gave me the tip of using them with Fabriano!

On this card using Magical Lilac I applied Karin's directly to paper because the coloring areas were small. Love the vibrant blue here!


The next two cards were created using Prima pan sets on Fabriano.



These handsome men below were stamped on Hammermill 100lb premium color copy paper. It has somewhat of a silky feel to it unlike traditional copy paper. I am still learning how to use this paper as it is tricky until you learn how to apply the ink and move your brush. I start very light and gradually darken. 

With this paper I typically apply my ink to my mat first, unless I want a deep defined area, as this paper absorbs pretty quickly. Definitely the hardest for me to learn to use, but I love this finished look of ink to this paper and it is cost effective. I am finding myself starting to use this paper more and more. This is the paper Angie Blom uses for most all of her cards!



Here's another card I made just this week using one of my Prima pan sets on Hammermill. I am not entirely happy with my watercoloring on this one and the lighting was terrible when photographing. I still love the card and wanted to share! 

Again, for me, this paper has the biggest learning curve! Oh how I admire Angie's ability to use it!

If you happen to buy this paper, remember it must be Hammermill 100lb Premium Color Copy. Basic Hammermill paper will not work. ;)


I am not sure why, but I use Bristol Smooth the least. This card with Oh, Dear Pooh uses Zig Kuretake both directly on the paper and from the glass mat. I do love the look of the loose watercoloring on this card! This loose somewhat messy style of coloring is my favorite where I feel the most free to create!


Below is another card I made this week using Winter Awaits by Graciellie Design with Karin BrushMarkers on Bristol Smooth. Both directly on the paper and from my glass mat. (The sentiment is a new Itty Bitty called Look Forward Trust God)

Bristol Smooth is very similar to Fabriano. Bristol is less expensive, but I do feel Fabriano is just a bit smoother allowing for better flow of the ink. 

Sometimes I like the edge of my ink to look smooth and blended out and sometimes I like it to look, well, edgy! ;)

Pretty sure this will also be a best seller!


You're still here!?! Yay!! 

Thank you so much for sticking with me to the end!! I sure hope you were able to make sense of the explanation of MY own PERSONAL watercolor style.

I know this was a load of information, but I pray you find it useful and insightful!

I'm not sure if I have a favorite paper and medium as all the ones I shared with you offer me a different creative form and result. It is interesting learning how your brush moves with different inks and papers. 

If I can leave you with any advice it is to define your own style! This will bring you the most joy!

I hope you’ll  join our cue and create with "Watercolor"! Please, TAG ME if you do. I would truly love to see it!

My hope is that you read through the entire blog. Makes my heart so happy thinking you do!

As always~

Thanks for spending time with me today!

It brings me so much joy sharing my thoughts and creations with all of you!

Until next time~

Be blessed, friends!

Bobbie Sue

I hope you have a chance to visit each blog and leave a little (or a lot of :) love along the way . I know they are all equally as wonderful and unique!  

There are some pretty awesome giveaways with each hop! Including one from myself! Be sure you comment on EACH blog post to be entered in the drawing.

This months winners will be announced during next months blog hop!!
(I have a feeling you will comment anyway as a way of support and admiration to the artists.) 

Speaking of winners! The winner from my September FOU blog is - Doreen G.

BobbieSue, I adore your holiday tags!! These would be beautiful as tree ornaments, as well! ๐Ÿ˜๐ŸŽ„๐Ÿ˜ Fun to look back on last year's beautiful tags, too.
- Doreen @ whereisyourhappyplace@blogspot.com

 Congratulation, Doreen!! Thank you so much for visiting my blog  and for leaving such a kind comment! Please claim BEFORE next months hop. Message me here please so I can get your winnings to you!

Please read the following few paragraphs:

To help us identify you as winners, please sign your comment with your full name. It often only shows a blog name or first name only that leaves us uncertain of who you are. :) And I really want you to get your winnings! 

The links I share are NOT affiliate links. I just love sharing MY LOVE of Unity products with you! :)

Friends, please know that our hops are not sponsored. 
(Although, I know Unity Stamp Co. lovingly approves) Because your support is so valuable and so appreciated, prizes are given from the creators own private stash of Unity stamps.


The hop started with the most awesome
Crystal 

You came to me from my friend

Next up is the wonderful

There are 12 of us hopping this month! Be sure to go back to any you may have missed as we ask you to give love to each blog to be included in the giveaway. :)

Forgive any grammar mistakes you may find. However, I am always open to friendly and constructive criticism or correction. Please know, I write my blog out of absolute enjoyment and do not stress overlooked errors. Thank you, friends!

63 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with watercolor, Bobbie Sue! I've learned so much and appreciate the time it took to share this with all of us! You cards are all amazing and beautiful!

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  2. Love your use of the blog to educate us! Your style is so unique and beautiful… love all of your cards!

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  3. Oops that was me, Joyce!

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  4. Holy Hannah, Bobbie Sue! Thank you so much for the blog post about watercoloring - all of your tips from your own experiences, and folks you have learned from. I never knew paper was such an important tool to match with the media one is using. I have avoided Karin markers because of the learning curve and think I will continue to "play" with what I already have at home until I give more time to practicing with watercolors. I love them and the flow-y look of them, but haven't spent enough time just experimenting, trying, and playing. Thanks for the inspiration! I am going to subscribe to your blog. I saw both of your Brown Thursday cards and was in LOVE!! All the best, Cathy Preissing (corysnana.blogspot.com)

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    1. Cathy, thank you so very much for sharing your thoughts and your sweet heart and your kind comments regarding my blog post and cards. I am just thrilled that you read it and felt inspired. Blessings!

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  5. I stare at and swoon whenever I see your cards! Boy do I cherish the ones I have received. Thinking I will print this out as reference, whew a WEALTH of knowledge for sure. I am the lowest on the watercolor newbie scale and have only schmooshed and splattered at this point, but have collected a nice paper stash at HL discontinued sale so this info is so so appreciated. Happy fall sweet Bobby Sue. Hugs.

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    1. You always lift me up, Carol! Thank you so very much. I hope you watercolor more and more and discover the joy and freedom in it!

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  6. Hi sweet friend! Wow your post is absolutely amazing!!!!!!!!! I loved learning more about how you color!!!!!! I have admired your coloring for so long! I have not tried the hammer mill! The other papers are my favorites too! I may need to try this one though! I truly appreciate the time you took to share your process! You are AMAZING! You are so sweet to mention me too! Huge hugs!!!!!!!!!

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    1. Oh my goodness, friend. I absolutely love that you visited, read and took away from my blog post! Thank you so much for your kind kind words! Big big hugs!!

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  7. Bobbie Sue…your art is MY inspiration! I have been a fan of yours for a very long time! Your style is what I’m drawn to. Watercoloring doesn’t have to be perfect and is easier to build upon…I definitely like the more messy loose style! I enjoyed your blog and hope you continue sharing. I hope one day you can put a video together! ๐Ÿ˜‰ Paper & inks play such an important role and I think it’s more of a personal preference. I use both the Canson XL and Bristol smooth! I will keep practicing and hope one day I can look at my art like I look at yours! ๐Ÿ˜. I don’t blog & I’m only here because of your video talking about the hop & I’ll go check out the other amazing ladies! Thanks for taking the time to share. I’m not looking to enter the drawing…merely to offer support and gratitude! Thank YOU again so much for being you! God bless!
    - Angela Anderson

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    1. Oh Angela, I truly appreciate every single word you shared with me here. How absolutely special. Thank you so much. So humbled... :)

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  8. Quite the bunch of
    fabulous cards! I
    Love the Shine card.
    Beautiful coloring
    on all the cards.
    Carla from Arizona

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  9. Thank you so much for all this info! I agree about the off-white-ness of the canyon but I feel for me (still needing more practice) it feels the best! As I said I need more practice with actual watercolor pans....as I typically use Tombow ABT markers (which are waterbased) and either a blender pen or water brush......practice, practice, practice! Your watercoloring inspires me! The monarch butterfly background and the lilac cards are my absolute favorites!

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    1. Jennifer, I appreciate this so much! I hope you are inspired to work more with pans.

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  10. Thank you for your detailed post of all the tips and tricks you use to creative gorgeous pieces of watercolor art! I love your style and amazed at all the work that went into organizing this post to refer to when help is needed!

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  11. An amazing post, which I have learned so much from, Thank you for sharing your experiences with the different papers and mediums

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    1. Thank you for your visit, kind words and always supporting our hop!!

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  12. Beautiful cards! Thank you for sharing so much great information - especially your thoughts on different papers. I have only used the Canson paper and am also annoyed by the off-white tint. Will definitely try some of the others you mentioned.

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    1. Oh I just love that you took the time to read my post and were inspired to try new papers!! Thank you so much, Laurie!

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  13. Oh yes, I already bought the Petals & Wings Ledger during the brown Thursday live event! lol I love that style - it does most of the work for you!! Of course, ALL of your cards are stunning. Your sunflowers look so real! And the lady on the bench - the coloring of this is just beautiful and has a 60's vibe to it.

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    1. You are going to love that stamp!! I do love the lady sitting on the bench. So thought provoking! Thank you, Becca!

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  14. Thank you SO much for this detailed description of different paper, mediums, and processes! I'm just getting started in watercoloring, and it's a bit overwhelming. I actually bookmarked this post so I can refer back to it :)

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    1. Teri Kellum from Texas - I got a bit excited and hit publish too soon :)

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    2. Teri, I am just thrilled that you read the blog and felt so inspired to use it as a reference during your own watercoloring journey! Feel free to contact me anytime if you have any questions! Blessings also from Texas!

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  15. Lots of great info here from your experiences! Love the beautiful cards you shared with us! The sunflowers and the pup are my favorites!

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  16. Hi Bobbie! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience and advice with watercolors. I love Canson xl and Fabriano too! I LOVE your watercoloring and loose and free style. Every card Of yours brings me so much joy. Keep shining your light my friend!! Hugs!

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  17. Hi friend! I read every bit of this, because you are so helpful and sweet in sharing your techniques. You pour so much love into each one and I can't possibly pick a favorite, because each one is just so special!

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    1. I love that you read every bit of it. ;) Thank you so much for such nice words...

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  18. Thanks for the paper tops!

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  19. Unbelievable! You really nailed the watercoloring! I LOVE the masculine ones!

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    1. Thank you, Meghan! I, also, love those handsome guy cards!!

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  20. Wow! What can I say that hasn't been said already? The time you have taken to share & show your technique speaks volumes of you as a person & an artist! I truly feel inspired to keep on practicing & continue to try new techniques! Thank you & happy creating!!

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    1. Cathy, this is so so sweet... Thank you so much!! Keep practicing and enjoying the process!!

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  21. Sandhya, I just love that you read this post! Thank you so much for such sweet sweet words. You are an amazing watercolor artist and inspire me often!! Big hugs!!

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  22. Thanks so much for this informational post. Your cards are all gorgeous. I do love that ledger stamp. Thanks for sharing all your experience.

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    1. Thank you so much, Beatrice. I love that you both enjoyed and appreciated this lengthy post!

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  23. Wow! What gorgeous cards! Thanks so much for sharing your watercoloring knowledge!

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  24. Amazing cards! I love the all but I think Magical Lilac is my favorite. Thanks for sharing your experience with different papers and paints!!

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  25. I can always recognize your work before seeing your name! Your work is so inspiring. I only use my Gansi Tambi watercolor pans but like them a lot. Thanks for the tips on papers! I enjoyed the entire informative blog post! You have such a generous and sharing heart and I appreciated all your kind comments on my GIU week.

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    1. YOU always make me smile with your sweet comments, Vannessa!! Thank you so much for your support and encouragement!

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  26. Bobbie Sue, I adore your watercolors! Thank you so much for sharing the papers that you enjoy, as well as your mediums. I enjoy using Canson XL myself, but agree that I'd also like a whiter base for my watercolor images on a white card base. I will need to try out the others you have mentioned. ❤️
    ~Doreen Guilfoyle @
    whereisyourhappyplace@blogspot.com

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  27. Ohmigoodness!!!! THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!! I am so excited to be your selected winner for the hop!!! Thank you!!!!!
    ~ Doreen Guilfoyle @
    whereisyourhappyplace@blogspot.com

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  28. These are all so gorgeous! I LOVE your style! Thanks for sharing your processes, tips and tricks. So appreciated!

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  29. Thanks for sharing your techniques, I'm trying to find my way into the watercolor world but I too often struggle with figuring out what supplies to use. I'm definately going to try Fabriano now!! Thanks again,
    Marie Falagrong

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    1. I am so happy you read the post and pray you are even more inspired to practice watercoloring! I am here for any questions you might have!!

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  30. Your cards are AMAZING, girl. The Petals & Ledgers card is my favorite. Thanks so much for the amazing inspiration. I LOVE Unity Stamps SO much.

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    1. Oh my goodness, how sweet! Thank you so much, Karen!

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  31. Gorgeous cards. Your designs and coloring is amazing! I love all the stamps you chose. Just beautiful. Thank you for inspiring me every week. Happy Holidays, sweet friend!

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  32. I absolutely love everything you’re gifted hands make. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all of your encouragement. I am always in awe of your gorgeous watercoloring and am SO happy you put this wonderful post together! Your creations are stunning and the info your shared is incredibly helpful. Thank you for sharing with us! ~April Sarandrea

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  33. They are all so pretty, hard to puck a favorite!

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  34. Bobbie Sue!!! I am in complete awe of what you have shared with this month!! Your water coloring technique is amazing!

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    1. Oh Meg, I always love hearing from you!! Thank you so very much for enjoying and appreciating such a long post! You are missed!

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