Here is how to get help:

Contact Rebecca: Always feel free to reach out to me, Rebecca Rhodes, at [email protected]. I'm here to help, and would love to hear from you!

Visit the Help Page: This page provides answers to your technological questions and anything related to the school.

FAQ - Painting on Old Pages

Find answers to frequently asked questions about watercolor painting on vintage paper. If you have a question, I invite you to place it in the comments at the bottom of the page. If you are wondering about something, chances are many others are too!

Do I need to Prepare the Paper Before Applying Paint?

No. You do not need to prepare the paper. We will apply the watercolor paint directly to the dry paper. Note: To protect the old paper, I do not attach the sheet music to any kind of sturdy board. Avoid using any kind of tape, which may damage the paper.

I Can't Find any Old Pages!

Maybe you live in an area where there is no access to old pages, or you are looking for a specific piece of music. Here is a solution that I have used.

• Look online for "images in the public domain," "sheet music public domain," or something similar.
• Often, you will be able to find images of sheet music or book pages in the public domain.
• Save the image to your device. Then, create a print of that image on high-quality paper that will accept watercolor.

Can I use a Pen?

Yes, using a sepia or black ink pen will help to outline shapes and create darker values. Be sure that the pen is waterproof! See the materials list for pens used in this course.

How do I Frame My Painting?

• To protect the old paper, I like to place my painting underneath a mat, inside a frame.
• When not working on the painting, store it somewhere dry and safe. Away from water and pets!

Troubleshooting

The paper is wrinkling!

• Paper might wrinkle when wet. Allow to dry. It might dry flat.
• If it does wrinkle, attach the painting to archival backing board with little pieces of two-sided tape.

The color is lifting!

Allow to dry, then revisit. Be gentle.

I don’t like what I just did!

See if you can gently lift the color with your clean, slightly damp brush.

I want to go darker but can’t.

Not dark enough? Don’t want the paper to wrinkle? Touch up darkest parts with black or sepia ink at the end of the painting.

Copyright

So many people are kind enough to ask permission before sharing their images - I appreciate this! Here is an overview of how you can use painting created based on these courses.

I've worked hard to create these tutorials for you. When you provide credit to our watercolor school, you are helping people to find us and to learn this style of painting. Thank you!

For more information, see "Terms of Purchase" at the bottom of this page.

Can I post my paintings from the courses on social media?

Yes! I encourage you to share your paintings on social media. By doing this, you are spreading the word about our course, helping others to find us. When you share your paintings, I'd appreciate if you would credit Rebecca Rhodes watercolor school and use the hashtag #rebeccarhodesart. Thanks so much!

Can I Sell or Exhibit my Painted Images from the Tutorials?

• The paintings you produce as a result of taking Rebecca’s tutorials or based on reference photos are considered legally to be ‘Derivative Works’ and as such the copyright remains with Rebecca Rhodes Art and any other photographer whose work has been used for these.
• You may share photographs of the paintings you create based on Rebecca’s tutorials online. Please credit Rebecca Rhodes’ Watercolor School whenever the work is displayed.
• Selling: You may sell the physical paintings you create based on Rebecca’s tutorials (for instance in a local art exhibition.) Please credit ‘Rebecca Rhodes’ Online Watercolor School’ whenever the work is displayed for sale.
• Prints, Cards: You may reproduce your own paintings provided the reproduction is for your own non-commercial use (for instance you can print it onto a Christmas card sent to friends and family.) Please credit ‘Rebecca Rhodes’ Online Watercolor School’ along with the reproduction. You may not reproduce your own versions of these paintings for commercial use, for instance to sell a print, greetings cards, mug, etc.
• Should you find similar subjects, live or from photographs, you can use the techniques shown in the tutorials to create an original piece for exhibition sale or reproduction.

You may not teach the content from our watercolor school on your own site.

Please use the following wording to credit Rebecca Rhodes’ Online Watercolor School:

• ‘Painting produced using a tutorial at Rebecca Rhodes’ Watercolor School’.
• For a painting completed via a Practice Pic or reference photo: ‘Painting produced using a photograph provided by Rebecca Rhodes’ Online Watercolor School’

See "Terms of Purchase" for more information.

Thanks so much for your consideration! If you need clarification, feel free to contact Rebecca at [email protected].

Would you Like Feedback and Encouragement?

Our watercolor school is a community of enthusiastic and friendly members, always willing to offer input and encouragement. Here are two safe places to share your work, receive encouragement, ask questions, and help others.

• Join our supportive private Facebook group, Realistic Animals in Watercolor! As a member of the school, all you need to do is request to join, and you will be accepted.
• If you aren't on Facebook, enroll in our Community, where you can share your paintings, ask questions, and receive/offer encouragement. It's free!

We are here to help you create your own unique paintings! Let's get started!