Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Negative painting is one of the most important watercolor techniques you can learn because it helps us create luminous, high-contrast results and allows us to successfully paint many light-colored subjects. ✨
In this new video, I’ll be breaking down exactly what negative painting is, why it matters so much in watercolor specifically, and sharing 6 tips to help you get the best results possible.
If this technique has ever felt confusing or intimidating to you, I hope this lesson helps make it feel much more approachable and easier to understand.
► Step-by-Step Chamomile Flower Painting Tutorial is on my Patreon here:
patreon.com/posts/watercolor-84170183
► 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 Paint Consistencies Explained youtu.be/1Adb6c-ZL5Y
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
Wash Practice Session: Flat, Graded, and Variegated youtu.be/ihx1gvqRrXY
White Daisy Watercolor Tutorial youtu.be/r32dizOofAo
How to Paint White Flowers - Beginner-Friendly Watercolor Tutorial youtu.be/U6EoCy3CYBg
Tips on Painting White Objects with Watercolor youtu.be/G2DAV93cKW4
► Supplies:
-Arches Cold Press 140 lbs. 9x12” Watercolor Paper amzn.to/3C5syyG.
-Princeton Aqua Elite Watercolor Brushes (Set of 4) *3 and 10 Rounds are used in tutorial amzn.to/3qIJx6p -Princeton Neptune Quill Brush Mop (6) amzn.to/4nONjaQ -Royal and Langnickel Zen Watercolor Brushes Round (14) tidd.ly/4uWftnk
-Daniel Smith tubes amzn.to/3ZncCD9
-Winsor & Newton tubes amzn.to/3TPXa19
-Winsor and Newton White Gouache Permanent White amzn.to/41ZKMP3
-Faber-Castell 9000 Series Graphite Pencils (HB) amzn.to/3y9q9Xm
-Blue Scott Absorbent Towels amzn.to/3ObA0QO
-1” Artist Tape amzn.to/3VWTTjJ
-General’s Three-Pack Eraser Set amzn.to/3Q57pRk
-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.
#watercolortechniques #watercolorpainting
00:00 Introduction
01:20 What is the negative painting technique?
05:21 Tips for best results
Negative painting is one of the most important watercolor techniques you can learn because it helps us create luminous, high-contrast results and allows us to successfully paint many light-colored subjects. ✨
In this new video, I’ll be breaking down exactly what negative painting is, why it matters so much in watercolor specifically, and sharing 6 tips to help you get the best results possible.
If this technique has ever felt confusing or intimidating to you, I hope this lesson helps make it feel much more approachable and easier to understand.
► Step-by-Step Chamomile Flower Painting Tutorial is on my Patreon here:
patreon.com/posts/watercolor-84170183
► 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 Paint Consistencies Explained youtu.be/1Adb6c-ZL5Y
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
Wash Practice Session: Flat, Graded, and Variegated youtu.be/ihx1gvqRrXY
White Daisy Watercolor Tutorial youtu.be/r32dizOofAo
How to Paint White Flowers - Beginner-Friendly Watercolor Tutorial youtu.be/U6EoCy3CYBg
Tips on Painting White Objects with Watercolor youtu.be/G2DAV93cKW4
► Supplies:
-Arches Cold Press 140 lbs. 9x12” Watercolor Paper amzn.to/3C5syyG.
-Princeton Aqua Elite Watercolor Brushes (Set of 4) *3 and 10 Rounds are used in tutorial amzn.to/3qIJx6p -Princeton Neptune Quill Brush Mop (6) amzn.to/4nONjaQ -Royal and Langnickel Zen Watercolor Brushes Round (14) tidd.ly/4uWftnk
-Daniel Smith tubes amzn.to/3ZncCD9
-Winsor & Newton tubes amzn.to/3TPXa19
-Winsor and Newton White Gouache Permanent White amzn.to/41ZKMP3
-Faber-Castell 9000 Series Graphite Pencils (HB) amzn.to/3y9q9Xm
-Blue Scott Absorbent Towels amzn.to/3ObA0QO
-1” Artist Tape amzn.to/3VWTTjJ
-General’s Three-Pack Eraser Set amzn.to/3Q57pRk
-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.
#watercolortechniques #watercolorpainting
00:00 Introduction
01:20 What is the negative painting technique?
05:21 Tips for best results
