Don’t want to see the conversation end? Kristy and I shot a video for her channel too! Make sure to check out here: czcams.com/video/VsmoO8thjnQ/video.htmlsi=MKiZ8ByQzNz_kSjl
Two of my favorite watercolor ladies together.💜 Thanks for your candid sharing. I've felt like that too with other stuff and this was so useful. Wishing you soon a reconnection with joy, Emma 😊
It’s great to hear you say there’s no morality to putting brush, to paint, to paper. Your supplies are not treasures. Your supplies are the unfinished work. Do your work. If you were in an office space and you did not use the office supplies, you would not be doing any work. You would be fired. The end. Do your work. You are an artist. Do your work.🎨
This was wonderful! I would love to see more of these conversations. Not only are they therapy for the producers/artists, but they are so helpful for us in the audience. We are all learning together! Thanks you Emma and Kristy! It was good to sit in on the chat between the two of you-and I loved the little tip of adding pencil details and shadows to watercolor.🙏🙏🙏💕💫
Hi Emma! I am a longtime subscriber and loyal fan of your work and I rarely leave a comment! This is long and I apologize but I just want you to know how I truly feel and how you’ve helped me in the past and continue to help me. I survive day by day some good and some horrific. I work a stressful job as a paralegal for over 32 years and have a life filled with high anxiety and major depression. I have your brushes as well as I have your yearly subscription box from Craftmo. I took up watercolor because of you and I use it to help me survive in today’s crazy world in combination of medication and doctors care. To be honest it was your videos and how you teach about watercolor techniques that I use as a coping mechanism. I’m sure I’m not the only one on this planet that you’ve helped. You are truly an amazing person and have by far one of the best CZcams channels out there with such inspiring and creative content! To me you are truly a professional and successful businesswomen who somehow managed to be not only a working professional but most importantly a full time mom, housewife and one of the best CZcams creators out there! I honestly don’t know how you manage to do it , but remember to take care of yourself! Without you at your best mentally and physically nothing else that really matters to you in your life would be possible. To achieve what you have at your age plus raise a family leaves me awestruck. If you have to prioritize on what is irreplaceable in your life it has to be your health and then your family. Everything else will just fall into place. You have a unique gift and talent for art and teaching watercolor techniques that truly inspire and work! If other subscribers feel like I do about you and what you bring to your channel, take your time and find your balance and do what makes you happy and we will be here waiting for you if you do decide to take a break. You need to take care of you! Sending you positive vibes and healing thoughts and continued luck and success in all of your future endeavors! 🎨💕
You are my favorite watercolor teacher on CZcams because of your authenticity, sweet personality and your style of teaching. I think we all struggle sometimes, especially as the seasons change and the days get shorter, at least I do. Thank you for being brave by reaching out and bringing us along on this journey. 💜 Side note, I LOVE your book.
And it can be a combination of sooo many things these days! I think the young moms working from home have a lot of pressure,,I'm so happy to see this chat in the open and it's just the "do it" mentality that takes so much practice,,I can't allow myself to not paint cause I do want to get better. You've come a long way Emma!! Bravo for the honesty! ❤
My dear Emma, I am soon to be the age of 75 and have followed your UTUBE channel for years! You were my first instructer. I have social anxiety so I didn't want to go to classes and seeing you on this channel was the best solution for me. I have learned so much from you and Kristy and my watercolor journey has greatly improved throughout the years. I have to commend you for wearing so many hats with your marriage and children and your channels. No wonder that your creativity is affected from time to time. You are a great artist and I really loved it when you did drawings of people, you and your family. I was gifted a book from a friend called the Artist's Way. A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron. The book gives you daily exercises to complete to inspire and enhance your creativity. The one thing it stresses is to start with journaling each day and write all and anything that comes to mind to clear out the noise and chatter in your brain for one thing. You mentioned going out to a location which is another suggestion. Visiting a gallery or a museum for another. I know you are so busy with your beautiful kids and you didn't use them as an excuse which we all know plays a huge part of losing inspiration. It's a juggling act for sure! I love you and admire you as well! Loved the painting today and the therapeutic conversation with Kristy. Keep on keeping on dear heart!
Ladies, I am not an artist, by any stretch, but I think your discussion in this video is really universal to all people. And it is a very important conversation that all should hear. Through my 45 year work life, I had to continuously remind myself of the need for balance, breaks, stepping back to reassess regularly, and reminding myself continuously of the part that I was playing in the world's progress and well-being. (Sometimes it is just hard work...) I don't think there is a person who can thrive and succeed doing only one thing all day, every day. We all need variety, balance, change of pace, and renewal, no matter how dedicated we are or want to be. Emma, I wish you the best in finding your balance and getting your enthusiasm back. Give yourself permission to relax and reimagine. That is part of the process toward success in any walk of life. Connecting with others in your art community as you have done with this video is perfect! I am sure you are helping others as you two share your thoughts with each other and us.
Hey there ROCK STAR! I so admire how you face your issues, reach out for help, take action and follow thru. You are COURAGEOUS, Emma, and set a good example for so many of us 🙏 Your art therapy with Kristi Rice was spot on for me and can’t wait to try this out. That Kristi amazes me Thank you, Emma, for sharing this personal experience. Keep doing what you are doing, my friend, cos it does our world 🌏 a whole lotta good. 🤩
I would rather watch you be REAL and create with joy than watch you chase perfection. I enjoy spending time with you, learning and playing with art. I lose interest when the video has been edited so much that reality is lost. Love you both Emma and Kristy!❤❤ Thank you😊
Please don't ever stop painting!! We love you, even on the rough days, it just makes you so much more connected with us to see your "humanity". I am a new watercolor artist, and your sheer joy when you paint (even if you're not feeling it) makes us want to create and paint and enjoy. You are both lovely and you're changing our ability to create as well. THANK YOU. keep letting us see all your "realness". It makes us feel less alone as well.
I love seeing the two of you together! I’m so glad that you did this video together. I’ve had so much fun doing several CZcams lives with Kristy on painting and letting go of perfectionism and she is just the joy giver of watercolor. And Emma you have been so pivotal in my watercolor journey and I appreciate your calm and the ease with which you teach and show your artform 😀
Emma and Kristy, you two are my favorites. Thank you Emma for your honesty. I’ve had health issues this year and have been struggling. I finally feel like picking up a brush again. You are not alone, your community is here for you. Much love and happy painting. ❤
This was so enJOYable! Thank you for being brave enough to reach out when you felt you needed some help. You reached out to the perfect person, in my opinion! I love watching Kristy’s channel and watching her break the rules because I’m always so uptight and a rule follower! And bringing us along for the ride is so generous of you! I’m psyched to try something different tomorrow😅. We’ll see you next week for more fun!
My favorite yoga teacher, Adrienne, says the hardest part is showing up. Its’s so true. Kristy’s approach is sort of the same process. Just do it! Very brave and very important of you posting this. Thanks Emma. You have helped more people than you know.
I love the idea of a series: therapy with artists sharing while painting together. I don’t always catch the videos when they first come out (yes,algorithm) but I do still watch/listen while I paint. Thank you for sharing. Looking forward to more content on getting out of your head & just play.
On the topic of “wasting” supplies, I came to realize recently that, at least for me, the process is far more important than the product. If I occasionally create a beautiful piece of art that is wall-worthy, of course I’m pleased. But for all the paintings that aren’t perfect, or the paper I use to practice brush strokes or just experiment, those supplies are never wasted because I got to spend time playing with paint, watching it flow, learning something new. Even if it ends up in the trash, it wasn’t a waste because I enjoyed the process, relaxed, had some fun, and maybe learned something. More joy, less stress.
This was great! Thank you for being so transparent! I’m sorry you are going through this, but you’re on the right track to feeling better by simply “knowing “ & “acknowledging “ - and then looking for solutions! You are such a sweet person and I love your teaching style! This is a valley in this life , that is full of peaks & valleys! Keep smiling & painting and remember “what goes down always comes back up!” Thank you for being here!! 💕🙏🏼💕🙏🏼
Emma, I just wanted you to know that YOUR instruction has been the door for me to watercolor. When I was a little girl, a wonderful artist made a beautiful bookmark for me- of a lovely flower, which I have treasured over the years. I’m 53- and tried several times to learn via lessons, etc, but it never brought me any satisfaction, or joy, until I finally I found YOU. Something about your easy- going and very clear style has been the ticket. Your work is beautiful, and I love your videos- have learned so much from you. Thank you for sharing your magic with us!❤️
I would love to see you paint outdoors! What a great way to refresh yourself and give yourself a change from your studio. I’m looking forward to seeing this when you’re ready to 🥰
Oh Emma... creativity blocks are not just for content creators. I Cobain myself more of a fabric artist who dabbles in watercolor...I love creating and being creative. It doesn't always happen...life gets in the way! I so enjoy both you and Kristy and to have a "therapy" session with both of you is "the bees knees"! The best! We out here in community land ... just love the fact that you are so willing to share yourself with us. Thank you!
Creativity is a messy business! Most of us are happy to be "creative," but if we become obligated to create, it becomes work. You started out saying you were creating because it's your job. Or at least that's a big reason. Don't beat yourself up. Take a break and do something that you want to do for yourself. People who love to see your watercolor videos, including me, will be here when you get back - and will welcome you with open arms. Take a vacation. Breathe the fall air. Look at the leaves. Anticipate the holidays. Renew your own spirit. It will be okay! Once you've given yourself some space, you'll come back with a whole stack of new ideas. Peace. Wishing you all the best!
Ab fab series! The struggle to maintain one's zeal for your work is applicable to any vocation or avocation. No matter how much one enjoys their chosen profession, the pressure to produce income (which we all need) is real. The countless hours of planning, filming, editing, etc. YT videos would take an enormous toll on anyone.
2 wonderful artists who I follow drawing beautiful flowers and discussing a very deep issue ❤ what is not to love about this video. Thank you both so much ❤❤❤
THIS was exactly what I needed. I've barely touched my paints in the last month because I've been under a lot of stress and feeling like I needed to create something special. I know in my head the value of just doing something even if it's not perfect...let's do more of these!
through this video, I can sense the tension melting away from your presence Emma. Kristy you and Emma together is like a lovely cup of tea: soothing, refreshing. Thank you so much for sharing your time and your lovely doodles. Emma I hope that you feel better now. We all get that "unmotivated" period. I'm doing Inktober to help stretch my skills, to do something everyday, to keep the creativity flowing. It's a real challenge because the subject prompts are not in my skilset at all, so I'm jsut being "wild" and free, and not caring about what everyone else is doing. And I'm having some fun, learning new things too. I hope that you would give that a try some time too!
Emma, this is some of your best work! So pretty! And thank you, Kristy! I follow both of you on CZcams. Emma taught me how to set up and how use supplies, and Kristy taught me how to PLAY!! Thank you both!!!
I don't do art professionally and have no plans to head that direction, but I still understand this feeling you're describing very well. There was a point when I started learning to draw and paint that something flipped in my brain, and I went from just messing around with joyous abandon to feeling intimidated by every "real" picture that I do. (I do mostly portraits.) I'm not past it, but the times when I feel like I make a dent are those where I just sketch or throw some markers around in a cheap sketchbook (7x10 Canson mixed media, in this case). Nothing to write home about, but there are a few things in there that make me smile to peruse. There's also something to be said for the personal satisfaction of having done something without fear, even if it's not a masterpiece. Looking forward to seeing where this series goes! The buddy paint-a-long was really fun to watch.
I’m glad to hear Kristy say that she had an endless supply of art supplies. I do that for my daughter and yet…. When it comes to me painting I feel like Emma in that I don’t want to waste MY art supplies. It’s amazing that as an adult we put conditions on us while we will truly give our kids anything to not feel the way we do. I too apparently need to get out of my own head!!!
This was wonderful on so many levels. I’m still in the beginning stages of my watercolor journey and NOT progressing to any degree I find acceptable. But when I’m paralyzed to try another painting, I often go to Diane Antonne. Some of her stuff involves painting a very free flowing painted background - an almost stream of consciousness laying down of paint. Then once it dries using paint pens, crayons, markers, gold and silver or white pens and just making marks or designs or animals or flowers all over the background. They are fun and relaxing, especially since there is no goal or end design in mind while working on it. Good luck. What you do is hard and demanding. Hope you find your joy again. Even if it’s only for 15 minutes a day.
This was a great session. Kristy is so right. Allow yourself “play” time and mixed media is a sure way to get you going. I purchased some cheap cold pressed 140 lb paper at a local store that sells discount things and I use it to practice and “play” on when I have one of those days. That way I’m not using the expensive paper. Hang in there kid! You are not alone!!
Oh...totally resonates with me. I changed my hobby into a business (quilting, teaching, CZcams) and I thought I needed new hobbies. The first 3 I tried became something I brought into the shop. So I took up watercolors. And at the moment, I'm about to add hand embroidery to a watercolor piece. I'm watching this after taking 2 days off to try to recharge the creative mojo. I can get into flow state with watercolor more easily than my machine sewing. But it sure would be better to find my creative joy back into my creative quilting.
Emma, I was up all night as I have many health issues and I found your painting recently and love love love your style. I have only been painting 6 months. I have a cataract and autoimmune disorder that causes hand pain so painting is something I always wanted to try. When your life turns so fast to keep going on love all kinds of crafts. This is all I could do. I was feeling your overwhelmed state. My advice as you try some new ways to enjoy painting is by all means go outside. Outside makes me so.happy and I miss hiking and spending hours outdoors. And from a mother and grandmother take some breaks and take those cutie babies out and play. They grow up and are gone so fast. Go out and play on the grass and leaves you paint so well. Get some pumpkins and straw or whatever and make a cute outdoor decoration then eventually paint it to relax. Your adorable and I love your personality. I'm glad your being real with what your dealing with. Bless you. 😊
I love that you shared that you don't get it right on the first try and that you've painted something 7 times and cursed at it. Watching CZcams artists can make you feel so untalented sometimes because you can't do what they do. We don't ever see behind the scenes and how long it took you to get it right. I would love to see that struggle. It might help me to feel better about not getting it right on the first try. ❤
I started painting with you in 2020. I have often thought how difficult it must be for creators to be ‘on’ all the time to inspire us. I appreciate you. Great video.
Great video. Finding people who "get" you is so important. And rare! As a cardmaking artist, people don't really get how much time, energy and MOJO it takes to create a card, but they do appreciate the finished product. I'm sorry you are going through "stuff" that's causing you stress, etc. I have found challenging myself to get out of my comfort zone, just for ME!! Adding mixed media to my art helps as well as keeping my card designs simpler. I love watching you paint and would watch you paint that " moldy piece of fruit," any time.❤
Oh sweet Emma... it's called "burn out" You are so giving and you don't save anything for you!! Whenever you make your joy your job, it sucks the life out of you. No one is immune to this. Do you have anything else creatively that may start joy? Anything you've always wanted to try? Take a quilt class? Learn to knit? You mentioned drawing... what about a colored pencil art? I stumbled on a gorgeous red rose tutorial, that I thought was watercolor, only to find it was layering colored pencils!! Fabulous!! I can't wait to give it a try. You must find a way to "play." You and Kristy have such a special friendship... and today you let her take the lead, you reached out a hand for help and she happily took the lead... That's all you needed. You time! You are always the one rescuing all of us from our dark place. Take the time to learn something new that sparks joy to you ❤ We all will be here for you 😊
Joyful Hopeful Creative Cheerful Energetic Excited Daring Fascinating Amused Playful OPTIMISTIC... you're all of these, and so are your paintings. ❤ You are appreciated!
It’s not just that you two are sharing what you go through, it’s also that your process is inspiring to us. Now you’ve given us something new to try. I’ve had a lifelong love affair with pencils so this is fascinating for me. Ellen Crimi Trent uses charcoal pencils with watercolor. Charcoal moves with water and gives interesting results. I hope you do continue this journey because it IS great!
Omg what a great video!! I so have the same issues!! I'm talking to the video!! I have the same concerns about "wasting" paper and supplies, etc. Also, I remember you painting on your Mom's porch/deck one day and I thought how great you can do that. Last thought, I started doodling, neuro and zentangling on my botched pages and then using colored pencils and liners to do what you were doing with the graphite. Thanks for always sharing your art and your heart!! I've been watching you forever, you brought me back to art/watercolor.... thank you 💜
Thank you Emma & Kristy. I loved this. You both are such wonderful women, besides being so talented but you’re human and we all struggle. Yes Emma, please continue the series. What a great idea. 🎨❤️🎨❤️🎨❤️🎨❤️🎨❤️ Oh I meant to say, I bought your book for my granddaughter. It’s so good. She’s really excited 👩🎨!
I love you ladies both and I loved this conversation. I paint in my recliner while I watch tv or listen to music and I have four journals going all the time- I paint on one , let it dry and start another and another. Come back for a second round. It’s casual and relaxing. Every now and then i’ll pull out the good paper!!
i think many people think of creativity as a bottomless well, where new ideas and creative joy can be drawn without consideration. I believe it is more of a living thing that must be nurtured and then it will give without boundaries. I don't think that is limited to professional artists, but to all artists regardless of how well or how often they create. Taking time off, returning to techniques that are comfortable to regain confidence or joy, reminding yourself that failure is learning and you deserve all the supplies no matter how you use them.
Very interesting video. I hope you feel more positive soon, Emma. I am feeling much the same way as you a lot of the time and have recently talked a little about the difficulty of showing up to make a video three times a week. I love doing it, but sometimes there just isn’t any inspiration. And all the loving comments somehow increase the pressure to perform! I just keep reminding myself how lucky I am to be able to generate an income as well as help other people to relax with painting and all from the comfort of my own home. Remembering the hell of commuting to work in Calgary in midwinter on the C-train is enough to bring home the fortune I now have! It’s so easy to forget our blessings, especially if, like me, a person suffers from depression. Wishing you much joy, Diane xxx
It is so important as artists that we find joy in what we do. Changing things up really helps, and especially communicating with other artists! I have ADHD, and I have to find new challenges to ensure that I don't lose my interest in art, so finding new techniques and experamting with different mediums helps me so much!
Fun video. I'm not an artist but having so much fun with watercolor and drawing. Just please remember your public can't watch everything you do all the time. I have a list of those I follow and if I don't see them pop up or I've not watched them, I find them. That is what I need to do. I know where to find you. I understand about the algorythms and its a crying shame. I'm 72 and a retired nurse and I've NEVER had any interest in art for myself or opportunity as a child throughout school. It started with coloring and after a few years I have morphed to watercolor and very important to me, learning to sketch/draw, so I'm viewing everywhere.
Thank you for sharing. Im a singing and piano teacher. Music was my passion but after 15yrs I lost my passion and gave up. I know now that I have a mental illness diagnosis and I was burnt out. I lost my joy. After working a normal job I realise that I wanted to teach again. My passion had been rebooted. Now I used to do acrylic pains around the same time and gave it up too. Now I am so excited to paint watercolour as it is new to me and the experimentation is really fun. Thanks again.
I can't even imagine the amount of work you pour into your CZcams art career or the amount of pressure you're under. Any job, no matter if it's a passion or just a job, can have its stressful points. I'm sure the subscription boxes added a ton on top of it all. I'm sorry you're going through this, but im excited that you are braving the waters and sharing your journey with us. I love your flower in this video!! It's so beautiful! I'm going to try this myself as well! Watercolor has definitely been a big stress release for me. I'm praying you find your way back to the joy quickly! Ps I also like the one of kristy other techniques where you hold a pencil sideways and draw a picture without picking up your pencil and then paint over it. This was so fun and loose. Maybe even let go of trying to be creative and just start out watching some tutorials and follow along until halfway, then stop and finish the painting on your own. It's all about just having fun. But I would absolutely watch videos about you doing any of these things!! You are more appreciated than you know! You and shayda campbell were the artist that trained me in the beginning of my journey, so without you, I wouldn't be where I am as an artist. Check my IG feed to see how much I've grown. @creeksidehomeschoolers More and more I'm needing less and less tutorials, which is amazing to me. I actually feel like a real artist. You are a huge part of that! Love and hugs!! ❤
Thank you for being transparent! I feel that as well sometimes too. I’m a baker, went to Culinary School, and people want me to go professional but I bake because I love it. If I turned it into a business I know I’d lose my passion. It’s how I show my love to people.
Wow, this collaboration by you 2 lovely ladies has given me inspiration to keep trying. Emma, I have been following you since shortly after you began your channel. Kristy, I am a newer member of your channel with lots of catching up to do. Loving your work. Thank you both for sharing your talent as well as showing us everyone has struggles.
Well ladies what a lovely manner you both have, your both talented and kind and I’m trying to teach myself . It has been very therapeutic to watch and listen. Well done you both.
YES!!! I loved this! Perfect timing too. I loved seeing you both together and it stirred some thoughts for me. Sometimes leaving the paints at home and just soaking in nature and other experiences gives us something to create from. Filling the cup, so to speak, is really important. This time of year, going for my walks, I see so many colors and so many amazing leaves and this inspires me to come home and just fill the pages with leaves. To create, we need to feed our souls! Thanks for starting this series and I am looking forward to trying the graphite today on some leaves!
I’m glad you’re feeling better 🥰 I thought I once heard Kristi mention she’s a Christian. From my experience as a Christian also, that’s where all the joy truly comes from. Art therapy sessions can help temporarily but knowing who you are in Jesus Christ will bring a lasting joy and peace that surpasses understanding. I encourage you to turn to your creator who is more than eager to share with you an endless fountain of joy and peace and life. This life on earth is described as a mist of the ocean and a blink of an eye. So insignificant in the big picture. We are here for one reason. To choose life or death. Where will we spend eternity. Choose life! And bring as many with you as you can. Store up your treasures in heaven. God bless you precious Emma ✝️🩵🙏🏼
Got in a funk for over a year (due to some overwhelming circumstances that left me drained and frustrated which affected my motivation to do any painting. ) I’m coming out of that funk a little now and this video was very timely. Thank,you for being transparent. This will help many others!
I LOVED this video!! I’m beginning my watercolor journey in retirement and follow both of you. To see you talking and painting together was like having coffee with friends. Such a treat! Thank you, Emma, for your honesty. I followed my passion and taught English literature for over 30 years, and so I recognize the truth of your struggle. Sometimes that passion just gets lost amid all the noise of career-building and daily life. To see you reaching out to someone else was every bit as important as teaching a new watercolor technique. Maybe more so. And that you reached out to Kristy was icing on the cake. Here’s wishing you renewed joy!
I love the real talk, thank you for being vulnerable. One thing that I remind myself is that I may not like a painting or see areas for improvement, but my family and friends love the little paintings when I send it to them with a personal note. Everyone likes to know they’re loved and thought of. It also gives me confidence when I think I’m not good enough. I appreciate you both sharing!
I love you both!!! So good to see you up lifting each other! We would watch you paint moldy fruit LOL Thank you both for giving me the inspiration and courage to learn to paint. I have purchased your supplies and look forward to Every subscription box. Thanks for keeping it real. We all struggle some times. Just know you are loved!!! Both of you!!!❤
I am glad to be part of both your communities. I am praying for you as you go through a hard season. I suggest to keep the Sabbath day to rest and it revives the body and soul! Love you both. Celebrate life and keep creating beauty in all it’s variety. You’re a blessing just as you are. Enjoy you.
This was an amazing video. So many people struggle with this and it’s nice that you are willing to openly talk about it. I just want you to know that I really enjoy your tutorials. You are a wonderful teacher and I can’t imagine the stress you must be under with running a you tube channel among the other things you have going on. Just remember that you are wonderful just the way you are. We are not looking for perfectionism in your artwork. We are looking to have a good time and paint along with you. You are enough. Try and not get hung up on likes and views. You have a loyal following that adore you. Use up that paper front and back. Throw paint on paper and see what happens. I’m praying you will find that joy again soon Emma. 💕
This is beyond my expectations helpful. How did you know I have been in such a lockdown loss of creativity with everything going on. This is immensely insightful and I’m so appreciative for your openness and rawness Emma. Please continue this conversation as you re group and anyone else as well🌺🌻🌹
I loved your video on finding the joy in watercolor. I am just a beginner watercolorist but have faced some of the same challenges you and Kristi discussed. Another artist you might want to consider consulting with on this topic is Diane Antone. Through her abstract and doodling watercolor work she has helped me break through some of my artistic ruts and create some lovely pieces that are way outside my comfort zone. I loved Kristi’s idea to repurpose some of these types of creations. I recently used some of my abstract watercolor work to create valentines using heart shaped dies. Please continue this series. I think there are many components to being a watercolorist - not solely the ability to paint!
Two WONDERFULLY creative minds at once....what could be better?? 👏👏👏👏❤😁 You guys rock my world and i hope that this is just the beginning of many, many of these inspiring videos!! Can hardly wait to see whats next!
Gals it's so good to see and hear you both talking about how hard things can get doing the same thing and getting the same results year after year. I had a business selling my greeting cards at flower shops, wedding shops, Vendor Shows, different events. And the beginning of this year I took a look at what I had been doing for 17 years and I did not want to do any more. I shut the door to my studio for a few months and let everyone know I was going to take a break and sit back and rest. So I found water coloring, never did I ever think I would do this, well guess what, I have fallen in love with water coloring. You both have made me happing when I am learning from you both. Can I just say thank you ever so much for teaching me so much about water coloring. I understand your story so much. Emma hang in there, keep talking to Kristy she will help you through some hard days. She's a joy, love her too.
Hey, I’d love to see your “imperfect” works… you don’t need to show us your perfected paintings Emma. It’s ok, it actually would show us that we are okay taking up to 15 tries to get a pumpkin looking nice🥰. I mean you’re amazing and I watch Kristy too, she’s so free flowing, which brings comfort and confidence too. You women have really helped so many of us pick up a brush again after maybe 20 or more years of not creating. You help us create. You are so stimulating. Just love you. Big hugs and love from a 73 year old. 🤗💖
My fav artists together!! What?!!! And in a rut, just like me! A beginner at that! Have no right to be in a rut yet, but I guess it's possible. Glad you two chatted, did me good.😊
Absolutely spot on about our art stations around my home. I have a rolling table next to my bed. It has travel supplies on it, and everything is ready for any minute when I am inspired to try something I’m watching on CZcams. You are divinely creative. You were divinely created by the divine Creator. There are no rules on how to use your gift except to remember it is a gift. You get to choose. Even as a CZcams teacher, you can do the things that make you happy. Why waste that time?
Such a treat! My two favorite artists in one video. Thank you so much for this girl time. We all have our good days and bad days. Hang in there. You are the best and always inspire me.
Enjoyed this video very much. Love seeing artists encouraging each other. Both of your channels for information on product and inspiration. Thanks of sharing .
My two FAVORITE instructors. The sharing is so validating to those of us who feel like we are spinning our wheels in life. Emma , it has been encouraging to watch you progress in your creative and God given talent. Thank, both, for helping and encouraging we beginners. Love and prayers for yall.
I'm so glad I watched this. After losing my grandson and then my brother within a few months of each other, I not only wasn't improving, but getting worse. And had lost my joy. Trying Kristi's techniques have helped so much! I look forward to each episode!
I do not know everything you guys do, assuming very busy. Have you ever thought of doing a video together so many times a year? Loved the video today. Thank you. Today the video just seemed to lift your spirits. It got you excited to try something different, to share what’s going on with you and it was so fun. Lovely work LadiesThanks for sharing this with us.
Two of my three favorite you tube teachers! You guys are like a dynamic Duo. Is so refreshing to hear y'all say you suffer from the same painting problems as the rest of us. I haven't put brush to paper in a week. My last attempt was ghastly and I got so depressed. Tomorrow is a new day!!
I’ve so enjoyed watching you two painting and conversing. I’ve encountered the painting block so many times in my life (I’m 89). I’m in a slump now, and this video is a great help! Thanks so much. Off to look for my joy!
This video was wonderful Emma, and I look forward to seeing more like this. Seeing both you and Kristy Rice in the same video was awesome. You are both such great artists, and I am a subscriber to both of you. I felt such a kingship with you both as you discussed being afraid to waste your resources, I too feel that way. Hearing how difficult CZcams can be was very surprising. I had no idea. Thank you for making this video Emma and being so open with us. We love you and your art, especially that purple and blue flower, it was gorgeous! God bless you and your family. Have a great rest of your weekend!
I have followed both of you for a while, and am still fustrated in my watercolor journey, but I so enjoy watching the joy you Kristy and you have in your art. while I create "art" just for myself, I still find myself having days of self doubt. Thank you so much for sharing not only the joy but the anguish in art! This has inspired my to get my watercolors out again!
I think a lit of needed this. I am not a professional painter, even though I have sold my paintings l do not paint as a job. But l have been ill for a few years and finally had open heart surgery two months ago. Its been a long time since l have had the energy to paint. But watching this video helped me. I have been watching a lot of u tube but just couldn't get it together .Tomorrow l shall start to paint, ink, and collage! THANK YORY BOTH!
Your flowers were so pretty 😍 I took my watercolours into my garden this year. It was so lovely to sit in the warm shade of my neighbour’s tree and get inspired by the sounds and colours around me.
Don’t want to see the conversation end? Kristy and I shot a video for her channel too! Make sure to check out here: czcams.com/video/VsmoO8thjnQ/video.htmlsi=MKiZ8ByQzNz_kSjl
Two of my favorite watercolor ladies together.💜 Thanks for your candid sharing. I've felt like that too with other stuff and this was so useful. Wishing you soon a reconnection with joy, Emma 😊
Thanks for sharing this link
It’s great to hear you say there’s no morality to putting brush, to paint, to paper. Your supplies are not treasures. Your supplies are the unfinished work. Do your work. If you were in an office space and you did not use the office supplies, you would not be doing any work. You would be fired. The end. Do your work. You are an artist. Do your work.🎨
This was wonderful! I would love to see more of these conversations. Not only are they therapy for the producers/artists, but they are so helpful for us in the audience. We are all learning together! Thanks you Emma and Kristy! It was good to sit in on the chat between the two of you-and I loved the little tip of adding pencil details and shadows to watercolor.🙏🙏🙏💕💫
Hi Emma! I am a longtime subscriber and loyal fan of your work and I rarely leave a comment! This is long and I apologize but I just want you to know how I truly feel and how you’ve helped me in the past and continue to help me. I survive day by day some good and some horrific. I work a stressful job as a paralegal for over 32 years and have a life filled with high anxiety and major depression. I have your brushes as well as I have your yearly subscription box from Craftmo. I took up watercolor because of you and I use it to help me survive in today’s crazy world in combination of medication and doctors care. To be honest it was your videos and how you teach about watercolor techniques that I use as a coping mechanism. I’m sure I’m not the only one on this planet that you’ve helped.
You are truly an amazing person and have by far one of the best CZcams channels out there with such inspiring and creative content! To me you are truly a professional and successful businesswomen who somehow managed to be not only a working professional but most importantly a full time mom, housewife and one of the best CZcams creators out there!
I honestly don’t know how you manage to do it , but remember to take care of yourself! Without you at your best mentally and physically nothing else that really matters to you in your life would be possible. To achieve what you have at your age plus raise a family leaves me awestruck. If you have to prioritize on what is irreplaceable in your life it has to be your health and then your family. Everything else will just fall into place. You have a unique gift and talent for art and teaching watercolor techniques that truly inspire and work! If other subscribers feel like I do about you and what you bring to your channel, take your time and find your balance and do what makes you happy and we will be here waiting for you if you do decide to take a break. You need to take care of you! Sending you positive vibes and healing thoughts and continued luck and success in all of your future endeavors! 🎨💕
You are my favorite watercolor teacher on CZcams because of your authenticity, sweet personality and your style of teaching. I think we all struggle sometimes, especially as the seasons change and the days get shorter, at least I do. Thank you for being brave by reaching out and bringing us along on this journey. 💜 Side note, I LOVE your book.
And it can be a combination of sooo many things these days! I think the young moms working from home have a lot of pressure,,I'm so happy to see this chat in the open and it's just the "do it" mentality that takes so much practice,,I can't allow myself to not paint cause I do want to get better. You've come a long way Emma!! Bravo for the honesty! ❤
You took the words out of my mouth!! Emma is a beautiful soul that creates from her beauty and artistic strengths within!
Your art work is so beautiful. Thank you for being so honest. We also watch because of you, not just your artwork.
My dear Emma, I am soon to be the age of 75 and have followed your UTUBE channel for years! You were my first instructer. I have social anxiety so I didn't want to go to classes and seeing you on this channel was the best solution for me. I have learned so much from you and Kristy and my watercolor journey has greatly improved throughout the years. I have to commend you for wearing so many hats with your marriage and children and your channels. No wonder that your creativity is affected from time to time. You are a great artist and I really loved it when you did drawings of people, you and your family. I was gifted a book from a friend called the Artist's Way. A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron. The book gives you daily exercises to complete to inspire and enhance your creativity. The one thing it stresses is to start with journaling each day and write all and anything that comes to mind to clear out the noise and chatter in your brain for one thing. You mentioned going out to a location which is another suggestion. Visiting a gallery or a museum for another. I know you are so busy with your beautiful kids and you didn't use them as an excuse which we all know plays a huge part of losing inspiration. It's a juggling act for sure! I love you and admire you as well! Loved the painting today and the therapeutic conversation with Kristy. Keep on keeping on dear heart!
I love this comment.❤️
Ladies, I am not an artist, by any stretch, but I think your discussion in this video is really universal to all people. And it is a very important conversation that all should hear. Through my 45 year work life, I had to continuously remind myself of the need for balance, breaks, stepping back to reassess regularly, and reminding myself continuously of the part that I was playing in the world's progress and well-being. (Sometimes it is just hard work...) I don't think there is a person who can thrive and succeed doing only one thing all day, every day. We all need variety, balance, change of pace, and renewal, no matter how dedicated we are or want to be. Emma, I wish you the best in finding your balance and getting your enthusiasm back. Give yourself permission to relax and reimagine. That is part of the process toward success in any walk of life. Connecting with others in your art community as you have done with this video is perfect! I am sure you are helping others as you two share your thoughts with each other and us.
Beautifully said!
Hey there ROCK STAR!
I so admire how you face your issues, reach out for help, take action and follow thru. You are COURAGEOUS, Emma, and set a good example for so many of us 🙏
Your art therapy with Kristi Rice was spot on for me and can’t wait to try this out. That Kristi amazes me
Thank you, Emma, for sharing this personal experience. Keep doing what you are doing, my friend, cos it does our world 🌏 a whole lotta good. 🤩
I would rather watch you be REAL and create with joy than watch you chase perfection. I enjoy spending time with you, learning and playing with art. I lose interest when the video has been edited so much that reality is lost. Love you both Emma and Kristy!❤❤ Thank you😊
My two favorite artists together ❤ I'm sooo happy to see this collab!! I've been waiting for this!!
Same, same, same!!
Same!
Me too!!!! you are both so beautiful.
Same 🌟💜💜
Please don't ever stop painting!! We love you, even on the rough days, it just makes you so much more connected with us to see your "humanity". I am a new watercolor artist, and your sheer joy when you paint (even if you're not feeling it) makes us want to create and paint and enjoy. You are both lovely and you're changing our ability to create as well. THANK YOU. keep letting us see all your "realness". It makes us feel less alone as well.
I love seeing the two of you together! I’m so glad that you did this video together. I’ve had so much fun doing several CZcams lives with Kristy on painting and letting go of perfectionism and she is just the joy giver of watercolor. And Emma you have been so pivotal in my watercolor journey and I appreciate your calm and the ease with which you teach and show your artform 😀
Sending love. I found joy because u showed me the way in watercolor ❤
Emma and Kristy, you two are my favorites. Thank you Emma for your honesty. I’ve had health issues this year and have been struggling. I finally feel like picking up a brush again. You are not alone, your community is here for you. Much love and happy painting. ❤
This was so enJOYable! Thank you for being brave enough to reach out when you felt you needed some help. You reached out to the perfect person, in my opinion! I love watching Kristy’s channel and watching her break the rules because I’m always so uptight and a rule follower! And bringing us along for the ride is so generous of you! I’m psyched to try something different tomorrow😅. We’ll see you next week for more fun!
My favorite yoga teacher, Adrienne, says the hardest part is showing up. Its’s so true. Kristy’s approach is sort of the same process. Just do it! Very brave and very important of you posting this. Thanks Emma. You have helped more people than you know.
I love the idea of a series: therapy with artists sharing while painting together. I don’t always catch the videos when they first come out (yes,algorithm) but I do still watch/listen while I paint. Thank you for sharing. Looking forward to more content on getting out of your head & just play.
On the topic of “wasting” supplies, I came to realize recently that, at least for me, the process is far more important than the product. If I occasionally create a beautiful piece of art that is wall-worthy, of course I’m pleased. But for all the paintings that aren’t perfect, or the paper I use to practice brush strokes or just experiment, those supplies are never wasted because I got to spend time playing with paint, watching it flow, learning something new. Even if it ends up in the trash, it wasn’t a waste because I enjoyed the process, relaxed, had some fun, and maybe learned something. More joy, less stress.
This was great! Thank you for being so transparent! I’m sorry you are going through this, but you’re on the right track to feeling better by simply “knowing “ & “acknowledging “ - and then looking for solutions! You are such a sweet person and I love your teaching style! This is a valley in this life , that is full of peaks & valleys! Keep smiling & painting and remember “what goes down always comes back up!” Thank you for being here!! 💕🙏🏼💕🙏🏼
Emma, I just wanted you to know that YOUR instruction has been the door for me to watercolor. When I was a little girl, a wonderful artist made a beautiful bookmark for me- of a lovely flower, which I have treasured over the years. I’m 53- and tried several times to learn via lessons, etc, but it never brought me any satisfaction, or joy, until I finally I found YOU. Something about your easy- going and very clear style has been the ticket. Your work is beautiful, and I love your videos- have learned so much from you. Thank you for sharing your magic with us!❤️
I would love to see you paint outdoors! What a great way to refresh yourself and give yourself a change from your studio. I’m looking forward to seeing this when you’re ready to 🥰
Oh Emma... creativity blocks are not just for content creators. I Cobain myself more of a fabric artist who dabbles in watercolor...I love creating and being creative. It doesn't always happen...life gets in the way! I so enjoy both you and Kristy and to have a "therapy" session with both of you is "the bees knees"! The best! We out here in community land ... just love the fact that you are so willing to share yourself with us. Thank you!
Creativity is a messy business! Most of us are happy to be "creative," but if we become obligated to create, it becomes work. You started out saying you were creating because it's your job. Or at least that's a big reason. Don't beat yourself up. Take a break and do something that you want to do for yourself. People who love to see your watercolor videos, including me, will be here when you get back - and will welcome you with open arms. Take a vacation. Breathe the fall air. Look at the leaves. Anticipate the holidays. Renew your own spirit. It will be okay! Once you've given yourself some space, you'll come back with a whole stack of new ideas. Peace. Wishing you all the best!
Ab fab series! The struggle to maintain one's zeal for your work is applicable to any vocation or avocation. No matter how much one enjoys their chosen profession, the pressure to produce income (which we all need) is real. The countless hours of planning, filming, editing, etc. YT videos would take an enormous toll on anyone.
2 wonderful artists who I follow drawing beautiful flowers and discussing a very deep issue ❤ what is not to love about this video. Thank you both so much ❤❤❤
THIS was exactly what I needed. I've barely touched my paints in the last month because I've been under a lot of stress and feeling like I needed to create something special. I know in my head the value of just doing something even if it's not perfect...let's do more of these!
through this video, I can sense the tension melting away from your presence Emma. Kristy you and Emma together is like a lovely cup of tea: soothing, refreshing. Thank you so much for sharing your time and your lovely doodles. Emma I hope that you feel better now. We all get that "unmotivated" period.
I'm doing Inktober to help stretch my skills, to do something everyday, to keep the creativity flowing. It's a real challenge because the subject prompts are not in my skilset at all, so I'm jsut being "wild" and free, and not caring about what everyone else is doing. And I'm having some fun, learning new things too. I hope that you would give that a try some time too!
Emma, this is some of your best work! So pretty! And thank you, Kristy! I follow both of you on CZcams. Emma taught me how to set up and how use supplies, and Kristy taught me how to PLAY!! Thank you both!!!
Your smile at the end of the video is the best. You and Kristy are my go to watercolor people. The Joy is in you.
I don't do art professionally and have no plans to head that direction, but I still understand this feeling you're describing very well. There was a point when I started learning to draw and paint that something flipped in my brain, and I went from just messing around with joyous abandon to feeling intimidated by every "real" picture that I do. (I do mostly portraits.) I'm not past it, but the times when I feel like I make a dent are those where I just sketch or throw some markers around in a cheap sketchbook (7x10 Canson mixed media, in this case). Nothing to write home about, but there are a few things in there that make me smile to peruse. There's also something to be said for the personal satisfaction of having done something without fear, even if it's not a masterpiece.
Looking forward to seeing where this series goes! The buddy paint-a-long was really fun to watch.
I’m glad to hear Kristy say that she had an endless supply of art supplies. I do that for my daughter and yet…. When it comes to me painting I feel like Emma in that I don’t want to waste MY art supplies. It’s amazing that as an adult we put conditions on us while we will truly give our kids anything to not feel the way we do. I too apparently need to get out of my own head!!!
This was wonderful on so many levels. I’m still in the beginning stages of my watercolor journey and NOT progressing to any degree I find acceptable. But when I’m paralyzed to try another painting, I often go to Diane Antonne. Some of her stuff involves painting a very free flowing painted background - an almost stream of consciousness laying down of paint. Then once it dries using paint pens, crayons, markers, gold and silver or white pens and just making marks or designs or animals or flowers all over the background. They are fun and relaxing, especially since there is no goal or end design in mind while working on it. Good luck. What you do is hard and demanding. Hope you find your joy again. Even if it’s only for 15 minutes a day.
Diane does paint so freely . Liberating I find .
This was a great session. Kristy is so right. Allow yourself “play” time and mixed media is a sure way to get you going. I purchased some cheap cold pressed 140 lb paper at a local store that sells discount things and I use it to practice and “play” on when I have one of those days. That way I’m not using the expensive paper. Hang in there kid! You are not alone!!
Oh...totally resonates with me. I changed my hobby into a business (quilting, teaching, CZcams) and I thought I needed new hobbies. The first 3 I tried became something I brought into the shop. So I took up watercolors. And at the moment, I'm about to add hand embroidery to a watercolor piece. I'm watching this after taking 2 days off to try to recharge the creative mojo. I can get into flow state with watercolor more easily than my machine sewing. But it sure would be better to find my creative joy back into my creative quilting.
This is what I’ve been needing. Thank you.
Love Love Love your flowers of watercolor and graphite! Yes!
Emma, I was up all night as I have many health issues and I found your painting recently and love love love your style. I have only been painting 6 months. I have a cataract and autoimmune disorder that causes hand pain so painting is something I always wanted to try. When your life turns so fast to keep going on love all kinds of crafts. This is all I could do. I was feeling your overwhelmed state. My advice as you try some new ways to enjoy painting is by all means go outside. Outside makes me so.happy and I miss hiking and spending hours outdoors. And from a mother and grandmother take some breaks and take those cutie babies out and play. They grow up and are gone so fast. Go out and play on the grass and leaves you paint so well. Get some pumpkins and straw or whatever and make a cute outdoor decoration then eventually paint it to relax. Your adorable and I love your personality. I'm glad your being real with what your dealing with. Bless you. 😊
I love that you shared that you don't get it right on the first try and that you've painted something 7 times and cursed at it. Watching CZcams artists can make you feel so untalented sometimes because you can't do what they do. We don't ever see behind the scenes and how long it took you to get it right. I would love to see that struggle. It might help me to feel better about not getting it right on the first try. ❤
I started painting with you in 2020. I have often thought how difficult it must be for creators to be ‘on’ all the time to inspire us. I appreciate you. Great video.
Great video. Finding people who "get" you is so important. And rare! As a cardmaking artist, people don't really get how much time, energy and MOJO it takes to create a card, but they do appreciate the finished product. I'm sorry you are going through "stuff" that's causing you stress, etc. I have found challenging myself to get out of my comfort zone, just for ME!! Adding mixed media to my art helps as well as keeping my card designs simpler. I love watching you paint and would watch you paint that " moldy piece of fruit," any time.❤
What you created was so beautiful, Emma. Thanks for sharing!
Oh sweet Emma... it's called "burn out"
You are so giving and you don't save anything for you!! Whenever you make your joy your job, it sucks the life out of you. No one is immune to this. Do you have anything else creatively that may start joy? Anything you've always wanted to try? Take a quilt class? Learn to knit? You mentioned drawing... what about a colored pencil art? I stumbled on a gorgeous red rose tutorial, that I thought was watercolor, only to find it was layering colored pencils!! Fabulous!! I can't wait to give it a try. You must find a way to "play."
You and Kristy have such a special friendship... and today you let her take the lead, you reached out a hand for help and she happily took the lead...
That's all you needed. You time! You are always the one rescuing all of us from our dark place. Take the time to learn something new that sparks joy to you ❤
We all will be here for you 😊
Joyful Hopeful Creative Cheerful Energetic Excited Daring Fascinating Amused Playful OPTIMISTIC... you're all of these, and so are your paintings. ❤ You are appreciated!
It’s not just that you two are sharing what you go through, it’s also that your process is inspiring to us. Now you’ve given us something new to try. I’ve had a lifelong love affair with pencils so this is fascinating for me. Ellen Crimi Trent uses charcoal pencils with watercolor. Charcoal moves with water and gives interesting results. I hope you do continue this journey because it IS great!
Thank you so much for sharing. So appreciate you both.
Omg what a great video!! I so have the same issues!! I'm talking to the video!! I have the same concerns about "wasting" paper and supplies, etc. Also, I remember you painting on your Mom's porch/deck one day and I thought how great you can do that. Last thought, I started doodling, neuro and zentangling on my botched pages and then using colored pencils and liners to do what you were doing with the graphite. Thanks for always sharing your art and your heart!! I've been watching you forever, you brought me back to art/watercolor.... thank you 💜
Thank you Emma & Kristy. I loved this. You both are such wonderful women, besides being so talented but you’re human and we all struggle. Yes Emma, please continue the series. What a great idea. 🎨❤️🎨❤️🎨❤️🎨❤️🎨❤️ Oh I meant to say, I bought your book for my granddaughter. It’s so good. She’s really excited 👩🎨!
I love you ladies both and I loved this conversation. I paint in my recliner while I watch tv or listen to music and I have four journals going all the time- I paint on one , let it dry and start another and another. Come back for a second round. It’s casual and relaxing. Every now and then i’ll pull out the good paper!!
i think many people think of creativity as a bottomless well, where new ideas and creative joy can be drawn without consideration. I believe it is more of a living thing that must be nurtured and then it will give without boundaries. I don't think that is limited to professional artists, but to all artists regardless of how well or how often they create. Taking time off, returning to techniques that are comfortable to regain confidence or joy, reminding yourself that failure is learning and you deserve all the supplies no matter how you use them.
Very interesting video. I hope you feel more positive soon, Emma. I am feeling much the same way as you a lot of the time and have recently talked a little about the difficulty of showing up to make a video three times a week. I love doing it, but sometimes there just isn’t any inspiration. And all the loving comments somehow increase the pressure to perform! I just keep reminding myself how lucky I am to be able to generate an income as well as help other people to relax with painting and all from the comfort of my own home. Remembering the hell of commuting to work in Calgary in midwinter on the C-train is enough to bring home the fortune I now have! It’s so easy to forget our blessings, especially if, like me, a person suffers from depression. Wishing you much joy, Diane xxx
It is so important as artists that we find joy in what we do. Changing things up really helps, and especially communicating with other artists! I have ADHD, and I have to find new challenges to ensure that I don't lose my interest in art, so finding new techniques and experamting with different mediums helps me so much!
Brilliant! Thank you for sharing your thoughts! You have inspired me to put some watercolour down and take it from there! ❤❤❤
Fun video. I'm not an artist but having so much fun with watercolor and drawing. Just please remember your public can't watch everything you do all the time. I have a list of those I follow and if I don't see them pop up or I've not watched them, I find them. That is what I need to do. I know where to find you. I understand about the algorythms and its a crying shame. I'm 72 and a retired nurse and I've NEVER had any interest in art for myself or opportunity as a child throughout school. It started with coloring and after a few years I have morphed to watercolor and very important to me, learning to sketch/draw, so I'm viewing everywhere.
Thank you for sharing. Im a singing and piano teacher. Music was my passion but after 15yrs I lost my passion and gave up. I know now that I have a mental illness diagnosis and I was burnt out. I lost my joy. After working a normal job I realise that I wanted to teach again. My passion had been rebooted. Now I used to do acrylic pains around the same time and gave it up too. Now I am so excited to paint watercolour as it is new to me and the experimentation is really fun. Thanks again.
If this brings you joy, DO IT!!! I love this!! It is so cool to watch 2 different artists do this kind of watercolor play!
Always love your honesty Emma ... please do whatever you love, we will always love you... ❤❤❤
I can't even imagine the amount of work you pour into your CZcams art career or the amount of pressure you're under. Any job, no matter if it's a passion or just a job, can have its stressful points. I'm sure the subscription boxes added a ton on top of it all. I'm sorry you're going through this, but im excited that you are braving the waters and sharing your journey with us. I love your flower in this video!! It's so beautiful! I'm going to try this myself as well! Watercolor has definitely been a big stress release for me. I'm praying you find your way back to the joy quickly! Ps I also like the one of kristy other techniques where you hold a pencil sideways and draw a picture without picking up your pencil and then paint over it. This was so fun and loose. Maybe even let go of trying to be creative and just start out watching some tutorials and follow along until halfway, then stop and finish the painting on your own. It's all about just having fun. But I would absolutely watch videos about you doing any of these things!! You are more appreciated than you know! You and shayda campbell were the artist that trained me in the beginning of my journey, so without you, I wouldn't be where I am as an artist. Check my IG feed to see how much I've grown. @creeksidehomeschoolers
More and more I'm needing less and less tutorials, which is amazing to me. I actually feel like a real artist. You are a huge part of that!
Love and hugs!! ❤
Thank you for being transparent! I feel that as well sometimes too. I’m a baker, went to Culinary School, and people want me to go professional but I bake because I love it. If I turned it into a business I know I’d lose my passion. It’s how I show my love to people.
Wow, this collaboration by you 2 lovely ladies has given me inspiration to keep trying. Emma, I have been following you since shortly after you began your channel. Kristy, I am a newer member of your channel with lots of catching up to do. Loving your work. Thank you both for sharing your talent as well as showing us everyone has struggles.
Thank you. That was terrific. I am a huge fan of Kristy so it was great to see the two of you together. How fun.
Well ladies what a lovely manner you both have, your both talented and kind and I’m trying to teach myself . It has been very therapeutic to watch and listen. Well done you both.
YES!!! I loved this! Perfect timing too. I loved seeing you both together and it stirred some thoughts for me. Sometimes leaving the paints at home and just soaking in nature and other experiences gives us something to create from. Filling the cup, so to speak, is really important. This time of year, going for my walks, I see so many colors and so many amazing leaves and this inspires me to come home and just fill the pages with leaves. To create, we need to feed our souls! Thanks for starting this series and I am looking forward to trying the graphite today on some leaves!
I’m glad you’re feeling better 🥰
I thought I once heard Kristi mention she’s a Christian. From my experience as a Christian also, that’s where all the joy truly comes from. Art therapy sessions can help temporarily but knowing who you are in Jesus Christ will bring a lasting joy and peace that surpasses understanding. I encourage you to turn to your creator who is more than eager to share with you an endless fountain of joy and peace and life. This life on earth is described as a mist of the ocean and a blink of an eye. So insignificant in the big picture. We are here for one reason. To choose life or death. Where will we spend eternity. Choose life! And bring as many with you as you can. Store up your treasures in heaven. God bless you precious Emma ✝️🩵🙏🏼
I really appreciate you sharing what you're experiencing. This gives me such encouragement.
Got in a funk for over a year (due to some overwhelming circumstances that left me drained and frustrated which affected my motivation to do any painting. ) I’m coming out of that funk a little now and this video was very timely. Thank,you for being transparent. This will help many others!
I LOVED this video!! I’m beginning my watercolor journey in retirement and follow both of you. To see you talking and painting together was like having coffee with friends. Such a treat! Thank you, Emma, for your honesty. I followed my passion and taught English literature for over 30 years, and so I recognize the truth of your struggle. Sometimes that passion just gets lost amid all the noise of career-building and daily life. To see you reaching out to someone else was every bit as important as teaching a new watercolor technique. Maybe more so. And that you reached out to Kristy was icing on the cake. Here’s wishing you renewed joy!
I love the real talk, thank you for being vulnerable. One thing that I remind myself is that I may not like a painting or see areas for improvement, but my family and friends love the little paintings when I send it to them with a personal note. Everyone likes to know they’re loved and thought of. It also gives me confidence when I think I’m not good enough. I appreciate you both sharing!
I love you both!!! So good to see you up lifting each other! We would watch you paint moldy fruit LOL Thank you both for giving me the inspiration and courage to learn to paint. I have purchased your supplies and look forward to Every subscription box. Thanks for keeping it real. We all struggle some times. Just know you are loved!!! Both of you!!!❤
I am glad to be part of both your communities. I am praying for you as you go through a hard season. I suggest to keep the Sabbath day to rest and it revives the body and soul! Love you both. Celebrate life and keep creating beauty in all it’s variety. You’re a blessing just as you are. Enjoy you.
This was an amazing video. So many people struggle with this and it’s nice that you are willing to openly talk about it. I just want you to know that I really enjoy your tutorials. You are a wonderful teacher and I can’t imagine the stress you must be under with running a you tube channel among the other things you have going on. Just remember that you are wonderful just the way you are. We are not looking for perfectionism in your artwork. We are looking to have a good time and paint along with you. You are enough. Try and not get hung up on likes and views. You have a loyal following that adore you. Use up that paper front and back. Throw paint on paper and see what happens. I’m praying you will find that joy again soon Emma. 💕
Wow. What a wonderful session. You give me hope that I might actually be able to create! Never doubt yourself, Emma. Thank you.
Here to support both channels. We are made to create. Keep creating keep moving forward !!!
This is beyond my expectations helpful. How did you know I have been in such a lockdown loss of creativity with everything going on. This is immensely insightful and I’m so appreciative for your openness and rawness Emma. Please continue this conversation as you re group and anyone else as well🌺🌻🌹
I loved your video on finding the joy in watercolor. I am just a beginner watercolorist but have faced some of the same challenges you and Kristi discussed. Another artist you might want to consider consulting with on this topic is Diane Antone. Through her abstract and doodling watercolor work she has helped me break through some of my artistic ruts and create some lovely pieces that are way outside my comfort zone. I loved Kristi’s idea to repurpose some of these types of creations. I recently used some of my abstract watercolor work to create valentines using heart shaped dies. Please continue this series. I think there are many components to being a watercolorist - not solely the ability to paint!
Two WONDERFULLY creative minds at once....what could be better?? 👏👏👏👏❤😁 You guys rock my world and i hope that this is just the beginning of many, many of these inspiring videos!! Can hardly wait to see whats next!
Gals it's so good to see and hear you both talking about how hard things can get doing the same thing and getting the same results year after year. I had a business selling my greeting cards at flower shops, wedding shops, Vendor Shows, different events. And the beginning of this year I took a look at what I had been doing for 17 years and I did not want to do any more. I shut the door to my studio for a few months and let everyone know I was going to take a break and sit back and rest. So I found water coloring, never did I ever think I would do this, well guess what, I have fallen in love with water coloring. You both have made me happing when I am learning from you both. Can I just say thank you ever so much for teaching me so much about water coloring. I understand your story so much. Emma hang in there, keep talking to Kristy she will help you through some hard days. She's a joy, love her too.
Thankyou for making life a litttle brighter♥️
Hey, I’d love to see your “imperfect” works… you don’t need to show us your perfected paintings Emma. It’s ok, it actually would show us that we are okay taking up to 15 tries to get a pumpkin looking nice🥰. I mean you’re amazing and I watch Kristy too, she’s so free flowing, which brings comfort and confidence too. You women have really helped so many of us pick up a brush again after maybe 20 or more years of not creating. You help us create. You are so stimulating. Just love you. Big hugs and love from a 73 year old. 🤗💖
Loved the video. Perfect art therapy for everyone. So refreshing.
My fav artists together!! What?!!! And in a rut, just like me! A beginner at that! Have no right to be in a rut yet, but I guess it's possible. Glad you two chatted, did me good.😊
Absolutely spot on about our art stations around my home. I have a rolling table next to my bed. It has travel supplies on it, and everything is ready for any minute when I am inspired to try something I’m watching on CZcams. You are divinely creative. You were divinely created by the divine Creator. There are no rules on how to use your gift except to remember it is a gift. You get to choose. Even as a CZcams teacher, you can do the things that make you happy. Why waste that time?
This video! Two of my favorite artists. Talking about EXACTLY what I needed to hear!
Dear Emma, what a wonderful, liberating and instructive video that was. Thank you. 💕
Such a treat! My two favorite artists in one video. Thank you so much for this girl time. We all have our good days and bad days. Hang in there. You are the best and always inspire me.
Enjoyed this video very much. Love seeing artists encouraging each other. Both of your channels for information on product and inspiration. Thanks of sharing .
My two FAVORITE instructors. The sharing is so validating to those of us who feel like we are spinning our wheels in life. Emma , it has been encouraging to watch you progress in your creative and God given talent. Thank, both, for helping and encouraging we beginners. Love and prayers for yall.
I think the flowers with the pencil were fun. I am going to do this with some tinted graphite pensils tonight. Thank you both for all the inspiration❤
I'm so glad I watched this. After losing my grandson and then my brother within a few months of each other, I not only wasn't improving, but getting worse. And had lost my joy. Trying Kristi's techniques have helped so much! I look forward to each episode!
I do not know everything you guys do, assuming very busy. Have you ever thought of doing a video together so many times a year? Loved the video today. Thank you. Today the video just seemed to lift your spirits. It got you excited to try something different, to share what’s going on with you and it was so fun. Lovely work LadiesThanks for sharing this with us.
Your humility is inspiring. Thanks for being honest and seeking others to help.
Two of my three favorite you tube teachers! You guys are like a dynamic Duo. Is so refreshing to hear y'all say you suffer from the same painting problems as the rest of us. I haven't put brush to paper in a week. My last attempt was ghastly and I got so depressed. Tomorrow is a new day!!
Thank you so much for being REAL with us! You are lovely and I wish you JOY in your endeavors!
Honestly I could watch you paint flowers and trees and landscape over and over again. We are not looking for masterpieces ❤
I loved this conversation and demonstration. Thank you.
I’ve so enjoyed watching you two painting and conversing. I’ve encountered the painting block so many times in my life (I’m 89). I’m in a slump now, and this video is a great help! Thanks so much. Off to look for my joy!
This video was wonderful Emma, and I look forward to seeing more like this. Seeing both you and Kristy Rice in the same video was awesome. You are both such great artists, and I am a subscriber to both of you. I felt such a kingship with you both as you discussed being afraid to waste your resources, I too feel that way. Hearing how difficult CZcams can be was very surprising. I had no idea. Thank you for making this video Emma and being so open with us. We love you and your art, especially that purple and blue flower, it was gorgeous! God bless you and your family. Have a great rest of your weekend!
I have followed both of you for a while, and am still fustrated in my watercolor journey, but I so enjoy watching the joy you Kristy and you have in your art. while I create "art" just for myself, I still find myself having days of self doubt. Thank you so much for sharing not only the joy but the anguish in art! This has inspired my to get my watercolors out again!
Love the honesty and vulnerability of this conversation... thank you both
I think a lit of needed this. I am not a professional painter, even though I have sold my paintings l do not paint as a job. But l have been ill for a few years and finally had open heart surgery two months ago. Its been a long time since l have had the energy to paint. But watching this video helped me. I have been watching a lot of u tube but just couldn't get it together .Tomorrow l shall start to paint, ink, and collage! THANK YORY BOTH!
Your flowers were so pretty 😍 I took my watercolours into my garden this year. It was so lovely to sit in the warm shade of my neighbour’s tree and get inspired by the sounds and colours around me.
Loved this! Very timely for me since I haven’t painted for months. Thanks.