Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
If you've ever wondered how many layers you should be using in your watercolor paintings, this new video is for you! 👩🎨
I painted the same avocado three times, using one layer, two layers, and three layers, so you can see exactly how adding layers changes the values, depth, detail, and overall realism of the illustration.
I'll also talk about when a one-layer approach can be preferable, when multiple layers can be helpful, and how to avoid the muddy, overworked results that can happen when we layer too much.
It's a short, practical lesson that I hope will help you feel much more confident about when to add another layer... and when to stop! 🙌✨
I hope you enjoy this one and find it both relaxing and helpful.
► Apply for one-on-one online sketching and watercolor sessions here: erikalancaster.com/one-on-one-classes-application.html
► Access my Drawing Mini-Course for the Total Beginner for Free here:
erikalancasterartist.kit.com/2a06aa492f
► Recommended Resources:
Watercolor BACKRUNS How to Avoid youtu.be/ASuaUXpbZzs
Watercolor Paint Consistencies Explained youtu.be/1Adb6c-ZL5Y
Wash Practice Session: Flat, Graded, and Variegated youtu.be/ihx1gvqRrXY
Color Theory 101: Everything Beginners Should Know youtu.be/sp5EivHJNv8
Wet-on-Wet vs. Wet-on-Dry Guide and Exercises for Beginners youtu.be/PQSgi0tSb5s
How to Paint a Realistic Seashell in Watercolor youtu.be/9mv1FVowunM
Watercolor Tutorial Bright And Fun Doughnut Realistic youtu.be/_JMDWUnkuNA
► Supplies:
-Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper 9x12” amzn.to/4b2HMIV
-Royal&Langnickel Zen Round (14) amzn.to/44I3QoR
-Winsor & Newton Cotman 111 Rounds (8) amzn.to/4x3c5Z8
-Princeton Aqua Elite Round (3) amzn.to/4vM4hdG
-Van Gogh Watercolor Tubes tidd.ly/4b6wgLu
*Colors: Perm. Lemon Yellow, Indian Yellow, Burnt Sienna, Payne’s Gray, Yellow Ochre
-Derwent Graphic Drawing Pencil (HB) amzn.to/4ceV6tV
-Blue Scott Absorbent Towels amzn.to/3ObA0QO
-1” Artist Tape amzn.to/3VWTTjJ
-General’s Eraser Pack (3) amzn.to/4b0e1sE
-Mr. Pen Kneaded Eraser amzn.to/4cWkcfP
► Gear + Art Business Tools:
-Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera
amzn.to/4caJ99g
-Manfrotto 196B-2 143BKT 2-Section Single Articulated Arm with Camera Bracket (Black) amzn.to/2l7HJ8j
-Yeti Microphone amzn.to/3PtzE9G
-LED Desk Light with Arm Mount amzn.to/4kft2cK
-MacBook Pro 16 inch amzn.to/3sFavQe
*Disclaimer: This channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. It is also a participant of Share-a-Sale, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for content creators to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Shareasale.com partner companies.
#watercolortutorial #watercolorforbeginners
00:00 Introduction
01:03 General Differences
02:05 What is "one" layer?
03:59 Layer 1
06:52 Layer 2
09:52 Layer 3
If you've ever wondered how many layers you should be using in your watercolor paintings, this new video is for you! 👩🎨
I painted the same avocado three times, using one layer, two layers, and three layers, so you can see exactly how adding layers changes the values, depth, detail, and overall realism of the illustration.
I'll also talk about when a one-layer approach can be preferable, when multiple layers can be helpful, and how to avoid the muddy, overworked results that can happen when we layer too much.
It's a short, practical lesson that I hope will help you feel much more confident about when to add another layer... and when to stop! 🙌✨
I hope you enjoy this one and find it both relaxing and helpful.
► Apply for one-on-one online sketching and watercolor sessions here: erikalancaster.com/one-on-one-classes-application.html
► Access my Drawing Mini-Course for the Total Beginner for Free here:
erikalancasterartist.kit.com/2a06aa492f
► Recommended Resources:
Watercolor BACKRUNS How to Avoid youtu.be/ASuaUXpbZzs
Watercolor Paint Consistencies Explained youtu.be/1Adb6c-ZL5Y
Wash Practice Session: Flat, Graded, and Variegated youtu.be/ihx1gvqRrXY
Color Theory 101: Everything Beginners Should Know youtu.be/sp5EivHJNv8
Wet-on-Wet vs. Wet-on-Dry Guide and Exercises for Beginners youtu.be/PQSgi0tSb5s
How to Paint a Realistic Seashell in Watercolor youtu.be/9mv1FVowunM
Watercolor Tutorial Bright And Fun Doughnut Realistic youtu.be/_JMDWUnkuNA
► Supplies:
-Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper 9x12” amzn.to/4b2HMIV
-Royal&Langnickel Zen Round (14) amzn.to/44I3QoR
-Winsor & Newton Cotman 111 Rounds (8) amzn.to/4x3c5Z8
-Princeton Aqua Elite Round (3) amzn.to/4vM4hdG
-Van Gogh Watercolor Tubes tidd.ly/4b6wgLu
*Colors: Perm. Lemon Yellow, Indian Yellow, Burnt Sienna, Payne’s Gray, Yellow Ochre
-Derwent Graphic Drawing Pencil (HB) amzn.to/4ceV6tV
-Blue Scott Absorbent Towels amzn.to/3ObA0QO
-1” Artist Tape amzn.to/3VWTTjJ
-General’s Eraser Pack (3) amzn.to/4b0e1sE
-Mr. Pen Kneaded Eraser amzn.to/4cWkcfP
► Gear + Art Business Tools:
-Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera
amzn.to/4caJ99g
-Manfrotto 196B-2 143BKT 2-Section Single Articulated Arm with Camera Bracket (Black) amzn.to/2l7HJ8j
-Yeti Microphone amzn.to/3PtzE9G
-LED Desk Light with Arm Mount amzn.to/4kft2cK
-MacBook Pro 16 inch amzn.to/3sFavQe
*Disclaimer: This channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. It is also a participant of Share-a-Sale, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for content creators to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Shareasale.com partner companies.
#watercolortutorial #watercolorforbeginners
00:00 Introduction
01:03 General Differences
02:05 What is "one" layer?
03:59 Layer 1
06:52 Layer 2
09:52 Layer 3
