Kristin Van Leuven

I’m a watercolor artist from Arizona and I have a passion for education and helping everyone feel like they can paint beautiful paintings at home. Join me as I discuss materials, techniques and show step by step tutorials. New videos release every Wednesday! Thank you for being here ❤️


Kristin Van Leuven

I’m back from France! Thanks for all your patience over the last two months as I finished up my edits for a new book and spent all of July in France hosting watercolor retreats. The July flowers barely made it but I think they are some of my favorites! I’m excited to get back in the groove of posting regular content now that my schedule has settled down and my kids are back in school.

So question: what video topics do you want to see more of from me?

Thanks guys!

3 months ago | [YT] | 903

Kristin Van Leuven

Thanks everyone for checking in, I am doing well! Between family time while the kids are out of school, writing my next book and prepping for 3 weeks of watercolor retreats in France I have been busy! Sorry for getting the June month flowers out so late, but at least they’re here! Two of my favorites. Rose posted today and honeysuckle coming tomorrow 💕

4 months ago | [YT] | 644

Kristin Van Leuven

Hi everyone! I just wanted to give you a heads up that I will be switching from 2 videos to 1 video a week for the next two months because I am writing watercolor book #4🎉
I have a few important book deadlines to hit in April and May and I want to make sure to focus on perfecting that content as much as possible.

I will still be posting a full video here on Saturdays as well as the tiny painting shorts. I’ll also still be posting my full length tiny painting tutorials on Patreon too.
patreon.com/kristinvanleuven

Thank you for being here! 💕

7 months ago | [YT] | 990

Kristin Van Leuven

Did you hear the news?! We added another week to the watercolor retreat in France! The first week sold out quick, so we added another week in the same location with the same itinerary for anyone who missed out! Details below 💕

uptrek.com/retreat/the-anatomy-of-watercolor-ii-ar…

I grew up with the self imposed belief that I wasn’t creative. I never painted and I wasn’t born with a natural talent for art, especially watercolor.
When I was young I often said I wanted to study anatomy and be a teacher when I got older. So when I went into the dental field, the most exciting part for me was teaching my patients about their oral health.

It was after my first was born that I realized I had focused so much on my education that I had no hobbies. I felt drawn to watercolor and it’s effortless, loose style, but I almost gave up so many times. It was so hard! The information I found online was vague and confusing. I wanted someone to break down watercolor concepts like they broke down the functions of the body in my anatomy classes.

Now I’ve been painting for 12 years and two things are still the same: I love teaching and anatomy and now I have the opportunity to teach watercolor the way I wish I had been taught.

If you follow my tutorials here, YouTube or patreon you know my goal is to break down information into the most basic forms. I feel that it’s absolutely what I was sent here to do. To help others find joy in art, encourage progress over perfection and to increase understanding.

I want you to feel that! This summer, we go to France and I’ve called my retreat “Anatomy of watercolor”.
This retreat is not just about fun and food and beauty, but also hours of workshops designed to help you fully understand watercolor at a basic level. To understand the how and the why so that you can feel confidence in your own skills and not just follow tutorials.

I know not everyone can come, and I promise to always bring the same passion for teaching here and on other forms of media. BUT if you’re looking for an opportunity to learn watercolor, explore Loire Valley, make lasting connections, and eat all the best food, I hope you’ll consider joining me in France next year! I can’t wait 💕

uptrek.com/retreat/the-anatomy-of-watercolor-ii-ar…

9 months ago | [YT] | 1,042

Kristin Van Leuven

Here’s a quick example of how to use the “easiest watercolor tree” method from today’s video in an actual landscape.

I painted the deer first, then applied the “blob” technique for the easy trees. They make the perfect light and icy backdrop for this winter scene!

To learn more about this technique, tap the link below to watch today’s video ❄️🌲

Beautiful ceramic pieces from @pottery_by_eleni


https://youtu.be/DyC2bkwUdi4?si=uoBD7...

10 months ago | [YT] | 849

Kristin Van Leuven

Hi everyone!
No YouTube video today, because I’ve just launched my 2024 heirloom watercolor ornament collection.

Here’s the link if you’re interested: lovelypeople.bigcartel.com/products

Each piece is a hand painted original watercolor painting, placed in a brass, double paned glass ornament with a chain and velvet ribbon for hanging. Perfect for hanging on a tree, or around your house all year long.

These pieces are heirloom quality, meant to be cherished and passed down for generations. They make lovely gifts, and can be used as a yearly family ornament.

11 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 554

Kristin Van Leuven

Today’s YouTube video is finally live! On Wednesday we made these textured backgrounds and today we added elements to make them a complete landscape. Which one is your favorite?

https://youtu.be/_ZG3c7PxAuU

11 months ago | [YT] | 872

Kristin Van Leuven

Sorry there was no video this last week! I’ve been in Croatia painting with a lovely group of people on a trip I hosted. Here’s just a peek of what we painted in our workshops. I’ll post more pictures on Instagram and I’ll share my tips for plein air painting in a video here on YouTube soon.

1 year ago | [YT] | 1,111

Kristin Van Leuven

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 100,000 subscriber giveaway. The winner was randomly selected from those who entered and Tess A. is the winner and has been emailed 🎉

If you receive any correspondence claiming you have won and you are not Tess A. please report it.
Thank you for your support as always 💕

1 year ago | [YT] | 546

Kristin Van Leuven

Ready for a giveaway?!

Over the weekend I hit 50,000 subscribers on YouTube! I feel so grateful for both the community here and on IG for helping me grow my channel and bring longer form content to you all, so I’m celebrating by giving away my books and art!

There will be 4 winners! 2 chosen here on YouTube, and 2 chosen over on Instagram, but you can be eligible for both. Each winner will get one of my watercolor books, or one of my 5x7” paintings from this picture.

Here’s how to enter:
💕Make sure you’re subscribed to my YouTube channel here and follow me over on my Instagram page @hellolovelypeople_
💕comment on this post your favorite thing about watercolor - this will enter you into the 2 drawings on YouTube.
💕comment on my Instagram post something you’re currently learning (crochet, singing, watercolor etc.) - this will enter you into the 2 drawings on Instagram.


That’s it! I hope it made sense 😆
Winners will be announced this Saturday August 26th. Good luck! 💕

2 years ago | [YT] | 230