Painting Light Foliage Over Dark Backgrounds in Watercolor

Рет қаралды 164,005

Күн бұрын

Painting intricate foliage detail over a dark background is a frequent challenge for the transparent landscape watercolor painter. In this video we look at three common methods for dealing with that challenge.
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Пікірлер: 255

@boopbooperson1654 6 жыл бұрын

Thank God for you c: I can't afford art school so this is really helping me improve when I get confused about my watercolor stuff

@catherinelevison3310 5 жыл бұрын

Wow...this..was..so..helpful...and exactly what I needed. I dabbled in watercolor many years ago and now I have the time to really learn. Even as a beginner I immediately fell into the purists camp because I wanted to not break rules. To find out that you are okay with a gelly-roll white pen is so freeing to me because you are very experienced with watercolor. Everything I’ve watched you demonstrate or paint has yielded the best results imaginable. Thank you.

@Lobstrique 7 жыл бұрын

the illustration was great! i love how you did all three ways on one sheet, you really see the differences in the effect

@susandavia6290 7 жыл бұрын

Another truly great video lesson... I can't tell you ... can't even begin to measure .... how much I've learned from you. Thank you so much Steve.

@nancyrolfe3033 5 жыл бұрын

Once again, I've learned so much! Thank you:) I taught Math next to Art teacher. He only taught one way and I had trouble getting shapes I wanted...He was great man and I appreciate his help. But....it's nice to have ways to "fix" areas. I'm trying different options...Very much appreciated

@morvenskinner845 5 жыл бұрын

I loved the simplicity of this painting , done so quickly too.

@maryannelooney6214 7 жыл бұрын

I love the tutorial. I find myself to enjoy negative painting best. I can let my right brain go free. It so relaxing and the end result can be a rewarding growth. Thank you for the great tutorial.

@helendeboerArt 6 жыл бұрын

Just as a suggestion. I use an ink quill for my masking. I have several tip sizes. They work very well and when dry, the masking comes off quite easily. Love your videos. Thank you.

@debbiedickerson3578 5 жыл бұрын

I’ve painted my light area then put masking fluid over it, then dark. Looks great. Love your work. Watch you often.

@cynthiakeith8760 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for this tutorial... having the 3 technique styles completed side by side has been very enlightening! Much appreciated.

@michaelannfitzgerald8742 7 жыл бұрын

Love all your tips and tricks. When the gel pens start skipping you can get them flowing again by scribbling a bit on the palm of your hand also. I am loving your channel. Thank you so much :)

@elsagrace3893 7 жыл бұрын

I love watching your vids. I like the peace, humor, enthusiasm, pleasant mood and practical info. It's a nice place to be. 😊

@mindofwatercolor 7 жыл бұрын

Very kind thanks!

@fly9lngolf 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Steve. Just a note of Thanks. Your videos have helped me revive my watercolor painting after a 20 year hiatus. My favorite painter is fellow Wisconsinite Charles Peterson. We have several of his prints. I love his Memories Collection paintings illustrating his ghosting technique. Thanks again.

@dougmkeller9898 5 жыл бұрын

Your samples are soo great, thanks for showing all the detail Thanks Steve, !

@kcald9891 2 жыл бұрын

This is exactly what's been stumping me with watercolor, thank you so much!

@JamieDiamondHelms 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing your gift with me. I'm learning a lot from your videos and it's most appreciated!

@richardkeller3852 7 жыл бұрын

Very informative, as usual. I like the way you always say, this is the way I do it, some people do this or that, and if anyone has a different way that works, let me know.

@CP-jr2hj 7 жыл бұрын

Another recently learned Very Helpful Tip I came across across is to use a white oil pastel over areas you want to keep as white, eg, dots of light in plant's foliage, but will want to glaze etc quite a few times. The waxy coating of the pastel keeps the area dry too. This guy is quite a master of the art, so to speak. I find his videos so very organised, and professional...all the facts in labelled segments...ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS.

@maryanharrell5642 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much, Steve for this video. This is a subject I have been searching for help on for some time, as I do use dark backgrounds with light foliage and foregrounds quite a bit. Well done. I will try the ink, too. It looks great.

@gretchenmack-pq4fo 8 ай бұрын

Thanks again for this great tutorial! I have recently went back to drawing/painting, watercolors. Gave it up yrs ago to raise a family, and work. I am practicing a lot and one of the watercolor artists I follow, Paul Clark, has spoken highly of your work and tutorials, really grateful for all of you who share your work, expertise and experience in all the videos. All the videos have really helped me regain confidence to continue on with my art. Thank you! Gretchen Dubois, WY

@lonnekevinken4387 6 жыл бұрын

this is one of the most helpful videos i have ever watched, thankyou so much! This is something I really struggled with, but I'm going to try these techniques and see how if goes now!

@lenwenzel7440 5 жыл бұрын

Nice illustration of a common problem for new artists. I'm just returning to painting after years off due to aging eyesight. After cataract treatment my eyes are doing well enough to paint. It was a helpful video for me,thanks Steve. I will look for that opaque white ink!

@gailgassen8670 7 жыл бұрын

Your so fun to watch! Your also full of so much great knowledge! Thank you

@micarson4524 7 жыл бұрын

You continue to be major awesome!!!!! Thanks so so so so much for sharing your wisdom and humor. You inspire me in so many ways!

@christinetempleton7657 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks, that was fun and FULL of good advice and tips. Loved it.

@Rockymtnbloom 7 жыл бұрын

this is great information, and the whole discussion while you paint is helpful! thank you!

@xxBlueCinnamonxx 7 жыл бұрын

How do you not have more subscribers? Your videos are amazing, they're very educational, funny, and heartwarming all at the same time. Keep up the good work! 👍

@reneelogan2947 7 жыл бұрын

thank you for sharing your art and techniques..very inspiring.

@labtrainer09 3 жыл бұрын

This was REALLY helpful. Thanks not only for another excellent, immediately useful tutorial, but also for your innate talent for teaching. Direct experience has shown me that good teachers are born, not made. Clearly-at least to me-you were meant to share your skill, knowledge, and instincts with others, and that's a gift.

@debrapeterson3981 6 жыл бұрын

You are awesome. Love your style and teaching methods. Thanks!

@melindastroup1844 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this video! It's exactly what I needed. Have struggled with this for a while.

@zhinekelsang3768 5 жыл бұрын

incredibly clear and very helpful. Thank you!

@Rubbereyes 2 жыл бұрын

Lots of great ideas & information. Thanks.

@ecksdog 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent tutorial. Thanks.

@redbeard365 5 жыл бұрын

You have the best watercolor series on the Internet.

@azzuparis 7 жыл бұрын

Hi Steve, thank you so much for this helpful video. The second method is the easiest but with the first we can learn how to control and use the brushes so it is a nice challenge :)

@katrinagerdes3119 6 жыл бұрын

Something different to try and I think it will be fun. Thanks so much.

@annacount3682 Жыл бұрын

Enjoyable and enlightening! I was particularly intrigued with the tools you use for masking. I use a G-nib on a dip pen for fine lines, but have never been able to figure out how to do all the little bit of, for instance, Queen Anne’s lace. I think your “messy pen” might be perfect! Thanks for the thoughtful presentation!

@thirtyfiftystudio2241 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for all the great information. It really helps in my watercolor learning process.

@obtainingmercycroft 3 жыл бұрын

This was incredibly helpful. Thank you so much!

@allysmootwinters8613 11 ай бұрын

Just what I needed! Loved it.

@deborahsteele4349 7 жыл бұрын

Love love love your tutorial s THANK YOU ❤️

@2lmdi 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Very good demo for me. As an oil painter whose mind has not yet switch from dark-to-light, I'm constantly experimenting with way to add lights at the end. Right now, I'm doing that with liquid paper that matches.. Arches paper colors specifically... and think its second to frisket for me ... well right not... its an ongoing challenge. Thanks again.

@arlenemurphy804 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you Steve. great info!

@bonyasobaka4136 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the lessons, it's adorable💟💟💟💟

@beverleyconlin9934 2 жыл бұрын

thank you your video is crystal clear....Merry Christmas from Canada

@isalawton6239 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks again for the great demo. I can see the difference in all three samples. I have masking fluid, but have been afraid to use it. You inspired me to do so.

@mindofwatercolor 7 жыл бұрын

Sure, give it a go. What do have to lose. Cut your paper in some small mini paintings and do some experiments.

@gillyslikejillysart7458 5 жыл бұрын

Great info as always Steve! Thank you! Very helpful!

@essietangle9931 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you! This was VERY helpful!

@judytitta4271 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks. I found the listing. Love these videos! Keep them coming.

@sonyaeckers8297 6 жыл бұрын

I love your tutorials! Thank you

@tomrichardson1951 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! Very helpful!

@CoxJoxSox 7 жыл бұрын

Beautiful demo as always

@nidhiyadav6794 Жыл бұрын

You videos are so good … thank you !!

@colleeningham7335 7 жыл бұрын

Helpful as always. Thank you.

@teaartist6455 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks, this is quite helpful for someone like me who's utterly inexperienced when it comes to shrubbery. If you dislike the skipping maybe try white indian ink with a dip pen. It's what I use if I ever feel the need to add any highlights/other white spots.

@BigBlueSky123 7 жыл бұрын

A really useful video! Thank you so much!

@heloisabeatrizteixeiradasi7063 7 жыл бұрын

Great class! Thank you.

@labtrainer09 3 жыл бұрын

P.S. You didn't mention it, but this subject (light over dark) is absolutely critical for those of us who like to ATTEMPT (I'm still trying!) to capture rough seas and, especially, surf. I'm starting with the negative-space approach for the "white water" that's involved, but it's a tough row to hoe. I just received my first order of gouache and masking fluid!

@lilliemae36 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this. Always like to learn something new...to me. Been around for a long time and am amazed at how much I don't know! I'm enjoying being brave and loose with the washes. Thank you. Maxine

@jaspermartin7444 5 жыл бұрын

Second time watch for me, very helpful, thank you! There's just so much to know and oftentimes the most important lessons need repetition in order to really get it. Heck, I'll probably even come back a third time! :D

@belindahall5220 5 жыл бұрын

Extremely helpful Steve!! Thank you:)

@Inkdraft 5 жыл бұрын

One purist says to another purist: We've always lived in mud huts and we're not going to start living in brick and mortar now and no one else can either. LOL. Lovely video. You should feed your buddy there a little more, he's looking a little peckish. I always wanted to get that light over dark technique and thanks to you it will be much more fun now. I've subscribed.

@mindofwatercolor 5 жыл бұрын

LOL!

@nadineb348 3 жыл бұрын

Thanx so much for creating theses videos. I wish I could subscribe one million times

@nknana3 7 жыл бұрын

Great tips! Thanks!

@ianjackson5834 7 жыл бұрын

some great technique , thanks for that

@fishingalot247 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for uploading these helpful videos. :)

@1969hippiechick 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! I was just staring at some light green foliage in front of a dark green background and agonizing over how I was going to do it.

@_LUNARVAEZ 7 жыл бұрын

thank you for this video, it is very helpful.

@doreenprice2722 4 жыл бұрын

great video many thanks

@rebeccapage4411 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Nice seeing the different methods side by side. Drawing on a damp paper towel helps the gelly roll when it starts skipping.

@mindofwatercolor 7 жыл бұрын

+Rebecca Page nice tip thanks!

@robinmontana6837 6 жыл бұрын

Rebecca Page ii

@jaspermartin7444 6 жыл бұрын

Second time watching. :-) You give such a thorough explanation, extremely helpful, thank you so much!

@annevanderwoude9319 5 жыл бұрын

I like the paintings and the bible text thank you

@PlacesWeveBeen 5 жыл бұрын

Masking fluid is probably my favorite of three (and the only one I already tried), but I'm going to be trying the other to just to compare results.

@smitchell1002 5 жыл бұрын

From another S(Sharon).Mitchell 😊 Another great video. I keep learning. Thank you so much. FYI, just went to order Kuretake white ink on Amazon. Shipping is free but has long delivery date. Delivery anywhere from mid to end of September. Shipping is direct from Japan to US so dates vary.

@pablomiezavarela8358 7 жыл бұрын

Very interesting thanks. From Barcelona Spain.

@vivilev8031 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you really helpful!

@beesareLameWasps 11 ай бұрын

I havent considered painting right over gel pens or gouache or any highlights... I've always leaned towards purist because I've mostly used wc for plein air. I recently started using Neocolour II's, so thats been fun, but I will definitely try some opaque white. Thanks!

@Preservestlandry 4 жыл бұрын

Roll the pen tip between your fingers to warm it up and get it flowing. Thanks for the tutorial!

@sharronarturi1690 5 жыл бұрын

Great guide through watercolors with detailed tips. I have viewed your You Tube VIDEOS THANKS !

@Blissfulthings 7 жыл бұрын

very interesting, I have two of those colour shapers and they work great,a ruling pen is nice too and not hard to clean and good for inking as well!

@suebrozowsky8449 6 жыл бұрын

Blissfulthings c

@shiyamazaheed8355 7 жыл бұрын

What an inspiring and educational post. Beautiful artwork always looks forward to your post which is a meaningful and educational purpose to me. I would be very grateful if you could post a video on how to paint grapes in watercolor Thank you.

@elflordsjourneys 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tips,I'll give them a try,you're my favorite watercolor guy on utube.😀 and I see your a believer too☝

@mindofwatercolor 7 жыл бұрын

Yes, I am indeed. Thanks for watching!

@judyptak7118 7 жыл бұрын

Great. Thanks.

@DrawingWithFire 7 жыл бұрын

Great video Steve! 😆🖒

@JustMeYouSee 3 жыл бұрын

If I could only watch 1 channel it would be yours! I have learned so much. Thank you! 😊

@mindofwatercolor 3 жыл бұрын

So nice of you

@randicommand2453 7 жыл бұрын

What I do when my white pen stops drawing is do a couple of little circles on the flesh mound between my thumb and the back of my hand. It really works fast, and leaves lovely little scribbles on my hand! 😉

@rachelagent5027 7 жыл бұрын

Randi Command x

@Ieat2much 4 жыл бұрын

I have decided I want to live without masking fluid. My introduction to art was through DeeDee and her philosophy resonates with how I want my style to be. Avoid fiddly at all costs. Hopefully One day my landscapes will look half or even quarter of how beautiful yours look. I am trying to avoid mixed as much as I can but then I like making things difficult for myself😛

@mirafeather7844 5 жыл бұрын

So helpful!! :)

@OldLady-um9kt 7 жыл бұрын

Very interesting video. Thank you. Hugs!

@OnlineCollegeofArtandDesign 5 жыл бұрын

amazing!

@Sunflower-rx8rf 4 жыл бұрын

I tried using masking fluid. I dumped half the jar all. over. everything. It was an amazingly Giant mess...🤣 yup, it ruined everything. Since then I have bought every type of white ink to try & find the perfect flat matte. Thank you for sharing the Kuretake ink. Thank you for showing the 3 techniques, & the types of alternatives to get around the tricky spots. Before I go grab some of that ink, have you ever played with the old school typewriter fluid “White out” for this exercise? If so, did it accept glaze? Just trying to be cost effective. Thank you for your wisdom, experience, & simple teaching technique. You are by far, hands down, the most comprehensive instructor I’ve found on Watercolor painting. Thank you.

@HanieBCreations 7 жыл бұрын

I use the Jelly Roll white as well. I also use other Jelly Roll colors when painting abstract. Haven't tried the Uni-ball. I added those to my wish list on Amazon. Thank you for sharing so much information ! HanieB.

@thatguyTushar 4 жыл бұрын

"h-white". haha. A fun tutorial, learned a lot. Thanks

@suzijorgensen6545 5 жыл бұрын

Love gellirole pens

@synopsisrewriten2849 7 жыл бұрын

thanks for the video. I just started painting with watercolor a few months ago due to inspiration from my great grandfather. he made his own paints nad even painted after he went blind. obviously when he painted he was a purist as you would call it due to times. they are the most amazing watercolor paintings ive ever seen. I appreciate your objectivity in your presentation of methods though.. its good to know different techniques just in case a situation is calling for a specific need. I am like you though, I love that traditional watercolor look, not a painting that looks like acrylic done with watercolor... I would just paint with acrylics then.... and much cheaper than watercolor. I like the fact im part of keeping a medium alive. watercolor is a dieing art in the traditional sense as you said.

@mindofwatercolor 7 жыл бұрын

+ishkiia Paige thanks, happy that your great grandfather inspired you to help keep this medium alive.

@bardotte5757 5 жыл бұрын

Please excuse my ignorance, but I am fascinated. How did your Grandfather manage to paint when blind? How dis he know to choose his colours, mix them and know where to place the brush marks? I have seen some fabulous paintings by people whom are blind and takes my mind to another dimension. Thank you 🎨☘️🌹

@pedrocarloslaufferneto4189 Жыл бұрын

hi...pedro do brasil... nice to see the indication of the gel pens...for the white details...for example, clear windows in dark glass...using the Uni Boll Signo...when it clogs at the tip, I rub it in my hand or I lick the tip...saliva is good for the gel....hehehehe