Are You Still Making These 3 Watercolor Control Mistakes?

Рет қаралды 90,222

Күн бұрын

Learning water control in watercolor painting is a common hurdle for beginners. Here are 3 common mistakes that plague both the beginner and even the more seasoned watercolor painter in getting control of them watercolor medium.
0:00 Intro
0:48 You are Painting With Water
1:43 Mistake #1 Not Changing the Amount of Water
10:25 Mistake #2 Poor Brush Water Management
14:49 Mistake #3 No Bold Generous Paint Mixing
20:27 Conclusion
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Пікірлер: 392

@christinajackson2662 2 жыл бұрын

I just recently got on my own case because I’ve been so afraid of “wasting” my precious supplies, that they’ve literally sat and gathered dust! But I had a sudden “NO MORE!” moment, as the only true way to waste art supplies is to never use them. Hell, even making mistakes is still making! So glory to all our messes, may our tubes run empty and our paper drip in a rainbow of colors!

@svendbosanvovski4241 Жыл бұрын

Guilty as charged! I've been using cheap materials while the good stuff is locked up for when I get better.

@imjesssayin1706 Жыл бұрын

Amen to all of this!! I got to that point 3 weeks ago and haven’t looked back since!!!!

@sharonmcmann-morelli4896 Жыл бұрын

this was a very informative video for me….painting with water makes a lot of sense, i never thought about it that way, thank you so much👍🏼

@Lily-2019 Жыл бұрын

@@imjesssayin1706 good for you!! 🤗

@cellosubmarine 9 ай бұрын

I’m still struggling with this, with my success rate changing every day. But watching these videos is helping. Happy for you that you’ve reached that point!

@BluJean55 2 жыл бұрын

“If you’re being precious with your paint and are afraid to waste it, you’re not painting.” Thank you! 🎨 👍

@mindofwatercolor 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely!

@alisonhendry2928 2 жыл бұрын

Haha I laughed out loud with this statement. I remember when I used to quiver before cleaning off the old paint on the palette… waste.. ha! After years of making messes I enjoy the beauty of clean white and LOVE to squeeze out more paint! Means I can go shopping for more. Nothing more satisfying than squeezing out that last bit of pigment from a tube! Means I have used pigment and have been painting! Thanks for that statement! Will share with my beginner students.

@catherinelevison3310 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent. One other tip is when you have your brush loaded with paint but you’re aware there might be too much water in it, you can dab the part by the ferrule with a paper towel and that will remove excess water but keep the pigment in the tip and lower half of the brush. Then you don’t waste the paint or your time by redoing it all when in doubt.

@omybeach8743 Жыл бұрын

Finally a teacher who can teach. You really cover all your topics with such honesty and knowledge. Brings back the joy again.

@todd.mitchell 2 жыл бұрын

Outstanding instruction. I can't get over how wonderful it is to watch a master like this -- I live in the sticks, yet I get to stand at his elbow! Thank you, Mr. Mitchell. You got me started in 2017.

@susanyoung1600 Жыл бұрын

Exactly how I feel. I could never afford instruction like this. What a great guy.

@randommcranderson5155 2 жыл бұрын

2:00 Not making brush and paper moisture level changes when needed 10:51 Using your brush as a water manager, not just a paint applicator 15:12 Being too precious with palette mixtures

@7409gigi 2 жыл бұрын

I’m learning to watercolor so I’m watching LOTS of videos. I don’t know why but something connected in my brain when you were talking about water as a medium like acrylic or oils. “Painting with water….” Lightbulb moment! Eureka! I found myself using too much pigment and wasn’t achieving the sheer beauty of this medium. Keep in mind, I am so so so new at this. I am learning so much from you. Granted, a lot of your videos are way over my head in execution. But man, they are beautiful! (I think I may be a touch older than you😜 but when I heard your music today, I thought Herb Albert!)

@verwilliams1 2 жыл бұрын

Oh my goodness, me too!!! This video is exactly what I needed.

@christinajackson2662 2 жыл бұрын

Same, I was mentally forehead slapping myself, like geez! But thinking on it, I’ve only really done acrylic and a little oil, but mostly stuck with dry mediums like charcoal and graphite. This is literally the exact opposite but I was treating it the same, now my brain has done a somersault and I’m excited to get playing with my paints again 😃

@keepyourshoesathedoor 2 жыл бұрын

I do that too, that’s why I let my paints dry instead of using fresh paint.😭

@johncspine2787 Жыл бұрын

Me..too..! Super saturation…

@alisonhendry2928 2 жыл бұрын

I have not even finished watching and can’t wait to say how much I LOVE your water control vids. A long time ago, In the beginning of my learning journey in a galaxy far far away I found YOU! And the light bulbs came on! No one explained more clearly and simply and made me laugh at the same time. Water and pigment control on GOOD paper are essential to less frustration and more success. You are just the best and so clear! I send everyone to your beginner series when they ask for more KZfaq help. Thanks for all the years of your sharing. 🙏🥰

@madelcarreon9834 2 жыл бұрын

This is really helpful! Water control is definitely a problem for me and it's not typically discussed in beginner tutorials. Thank you Steve

@user-wk1mw9nj3i76 2 жыл бұрын

Wow! Essential information, not “just basics!” There’s something valuable in this video for every watercolor enthusiast, beginner to professional. Thanks for improving the lives of art geeks everywhere! :)

@duke2011ful Жыл бұрын

I am a newbie and I follow several artists, but I totally enjoy (and chuckle) at your delivery! I so appreciate the in detail guidance you provide. So many artists just don’t go in to detail on HOW things are done. And, I love how you go over even the “duh” things because you are directly speaking to me! LOL Love it!

@kellyhalligan1328 2 жыл бұрын

Good video. I use a doggy diaper pad next to palette as a towel, and also paper towels

@dneel468 2 жыл бұрын

My biggest problem is letting the paint layers dry enough, I’m always to impatient and start the next level to soon. Have to listen to myself and walk away. Thanks Steve good video.

@marykendrick4304 4 ай бұрын

Thank you for being patient enough to explain in detail without being repetitive

@plekang1 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the "news you can use" Steve! I dunno how you seem to get the RIGHT mixture of subject matter (spontaneous, abstract, realist, landscape, still life) - but you get the PERFECT balance! I absolutely need that "back to the basics" information over and over again ... so keep it up! Thanks again!

@dsimms561 2 жыл бұрын

As a new painter, this kind of instruction is invaluable. Knowing things like this will save time, aggravation and money

@natlisan 2 жыл бұрын

As for being "precious" with your paint, being afraid to waste it. I almost always find use for a colour I mix, even if it's using it for an under painting or adding more pigment to make a "black". So... don't be afraid of wasting paint just enjoy the process and playing with the paint that's half the fun! 😉

@mindofwatercolor 2 жыл бұрын

Exactly! Well said.

@dawnhorner6537 2 жыл бұрын

This video hits right where my frustrations have been lately. Thank you for all the great tips! I have been telling my non painter husband that if I don't learn how to control the water the water controls me!! Waiting for the paint to dry is the hardest part but taking a break to move a bit or do a small chore seems to help with that.

@meggraham7564 Жыл бұрын

Using the black paper was sheer genius! Again I have learnt a lot from this video.

@maryaltabev5275 2 жыл бұрын

Among the huge numbers of watercolourists on KZfaq you are one of the very few I follow religiously Steve. Every one of your videos teaches me a little something in an area I thought I had covered already. I thanked you many times and I’ll do it again: thank you for the time you spend on us.

@simpsonken178 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks a great video . For me having scrap of same paper to test on is a big help.

@mannyhoolin4662 Жыл бұрын

My favorite method of water control is what I call the W.O.S.S method. Wipe On Sweat Shirt. :)

@debhalld9794 3 ай бұрын

😂

@rmuller366 2 жыл бұрын

Being precious with paint is truly ridiculous with watercolor. By nature, watercolor stretches very, very far. It’s nice to watch these basics to see how far I’ve come along. Once I discovered moving the paint to another well if I wanted a tea consistency it was a true Eureka moment. Thanks for all your wise words Steve. Blessings to you and everyone!

@maryannperkins6000 2 жыл бұрын

This is so simple but I never heard it explained so well. sSeeing the pictures of varied drying cloths and surfaces etc. really helpedI Pled

@grannieannie1371 2 жыл бұрын

That car washing sponge is brilliant. Off to buy one now.

@providencevalleyfarm5270 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for another great tutorial! Controlling the amount of water is one of my biggest problems, but I didn't understand how to fix it. This is also a MARVELOUS reason for using up paints! While watching I thought, "Is there any reason I can't do this kind of practice with my cheap, "junkier" paint? I have very little quality paint. It's on my wish list from several sites, but I can't justify buying any more since I have quite a bit of my crafting paints & student stuff I inherited from my kids' college supplies. As you say, I've been really precious with my "GOOD" paint. I am treating my supplies so VERY precious that I haven't been painting at all, especially after seeing the blends you get with DS paints & knowing why I should be using the "good stuff." Sincerely, Thanks for the inspiration and instruction, God Bless You, Teresa

@sandjune2753 2 жыл бұрын

Great advice . Nothing worse than trying to colour match when you run out of the mix. Good tips. Thanks

@graciesmom2019 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, Steve! I’ve been playing with watercolor for a few years and have taken classes from 3 different instructors. Keep asking for help with the paint/water ratio, but none of the instructors talks about that. I feel like that’s where I’ve been stuck…basically painting with pigment instead of water with some pigment as you mentioned. Really appreciate this “back to the basics” video!

@sandyb4693 2 жыл бұрын

Great advice! Several tips in there I hadn't really thought about. The 'painting with water' concept struck a cord with me. It explains (to me) why I have so much trouble with other types of paint. lol I definitely fall into the 'paint is precious' club. In the past I could never get myself to remove any of the watery paint from my brush because I didn't want to waste any. The trick that got me past that was to remove the excess water from only the belly of the brush on the edge of a folded towel, leaving the tip untouched. The excess water is removed and all/most of the lovely pigment is left in the tip of the brush. I also have a few mixing surfaces (mainly small white plates) that I use for each color 'family'. One for blues, one for reds and so forth. It got me over the fear of wasting paint, because I rarely have a need to completely clean my mixing surfaces. ... And the inevitable neutral mud is great for shadowy areas or backgrounds. Thanks, as always, for all you do!

@katepanthera7265 2 жыл бұрын

That's really smart! I'll have to try that. Thanks!

@carolina.rentes Жыл бұрын

Despite painting with watercolors for a while now, I'm always excited when you post a video like this, with the fundamentals of the media. Thank you for doing this.

@alisonhendry2928 2 жыл бұрын

Now that I finished the whole thing I will add that if I do the LAZY and forget to blot or dry the brush etc I go back to the frustrating place. I sit and ponder and remind self that blot , blot, control that water is the key. I bought a pack of facecloths at Costco and use them instead of paper towels as much as I can to control the water. It is now a habit and all thanks to you. Love that squirt bottle idea for wetting paint too. Thanks .

@jannettebeatsonberger2516 2 жыл бұрын

This was very informative. I hadn't even thought about water management. Adding more water washes out the brilliance of color I use in a painting. Now I see how I'm making this mistake. Gonna start thinking my paint is so precious that I become afraid to use more paint and less water. DUH...learned something so obvious from this lesson. Thanks Steve Mitchell!

@clarkwilliamson117 2 жыл бұрын

After 20 years of doing watercolors I still need these reminders. Thank you! I normally steal the worn towels from the kitchen when they seem too stained "Hey Honey, I think we need to get you some new kitchen towels...these are pretty ratty."...and then my daughter steals them to wipe the acrylic paint off her brushes making them less useful for me. Ah, the cycle of towels...The carwash sponge is a new one. I'll have to pick one of those up...

@wendyspeaks5503 6 ай бұрын

This really helped to change to thinking of it managing water not just putting down paint! Also helping to not be afraid to mox larger amounts to start with! Thanks Steve.

@fruitypebbles803 Жыл бұрын

Oooh, I’ve never seen anyone use a sponge before, but it makes so much sense! Especially all those tiny sponges I see in cheaper watercolor sets sometimes. So that is what they are used for! 😆

@drawingarchitecture 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for reminding us about these. I not consciously been thinking about these as they are automatic of how I’m employing these brush and water management.

@suemills8834 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the reminder. I am often way too stingy with my paint!

@joyceyoung5628 5 ай бұрын

Finally, after years of other mediums--oil, acrylic, pastels, I realize I'm painting with WATER as my medium and adding pigment to it as needed---NOT starting with pigment!! The world has opened its wonders!! cant wait to apply the knowledge to reality!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart !!!!

@eileengoldenberg270 2 жыл бұрын

Great video and thanks for using my watercolor bowl in this video!

@LaLa_ArtGal 2 жыл бұрын

Did you make that great bowl? 💛🧡❤️

@mindofwatercolor 2 жыл бұрын

You're quite welcome which reminds me I meant to put your website link in the description.

@mindofwatercolor 2 жыл бұрын

YES she did and they are fabulous! goldenbergdesigns.com

@MixedMediaCraftsbyDiane 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! This is so very helpful as I still struggle with using too much water.

@therebeginner Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! I started watercolor (and drawing) a week ago and your videos, as the way you explain things in general, have been among the most instructive and useful in helping me understand why I was not getting anything close to what I expected, what I should try to do otherwise and how. It almost feels like you're standing next to me while I paint and explain what I did wrong ;)

@lindathaxton1994 Жыл бұрын

Excellent - never thought of “painting with water” new mindset & extremely important - thank you 🙏

@bristremel1554 11 ай бұрын

thank you *so much* for making this video. i've been dancing around watercolour for a few years because every time i paint it goes badly and i haven't dived in because i don't know what i'm doing. every person i've seen approach the subject of water control exclusively deals with wash strength, which hasn't helped at all because wash strength is only one small part of the role of water in watercolor! just the opening of the video alone, when you said that watercolourists are painting with water - my mind was blown! it makes sense, of course it does, but that's not how i've been thinking about water - i've been thinking about it as a temporary pain in the butt that i can overcome if i can get pigment-to-water ratios correct in my mixes on the palette - as if the palette itself is the only water management tool. your tips on blotting materials and not being shy about changing up water while painting, showing your setup and how to use the stuff - all of this was so, so useful.

@gclepine 2 жыл бұрын

Steve, once again.....you are absolutely the best teacher! You have a special gift for explaining things in a way that makes it easy to understand and learn the details from all your videos. Thank you VERY MUCH!

@InLiquidColor 2 жыл бұрын

Such a well-presented resource, Steve!

@mindofwatercolor 2 жыл бұрын

Well hey there! Thanks Denise. I appreciate you stopping by.

@AJ-po4sr 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Steve, much needed 🙏

@janemacomber3837 2 жыл бұрын

Perfect! Thank you so much.

@jegatlin Жыл бұрын

As a beginner, I continue to gravitate to your tutorials because they are so useful as well as inspiring. I have been using water and brush with little-to-no control because i hadn't been instructed what to do. THANK YOU! This tutorial has completely changed how i approach my pallette and paper!

@Linda-kh6rl 7 ай бұрын

This or the most helpful tips i have every had i have been painting for 55 years.An you have helped me so much. You or the best artist at explaining your artwork ❤

@rebeccalyons1327 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Here’s another problem. Being too precious with your paper!

@zlee11 Жыл бұрын

Really helpful. Thank you Steve.

@ellengreenlund3905 20 күн бұрын

I really appreciate the way you share your expertise. I know I’ve been making some of these mistakes and this instruction will help me paint with a more accurate purpose and result. Managing the water in my palette and on the paper is HUGE! Thank you so much!

@DesignsofValue 2 жыл бұрын

Great suggestions Steve! Love it!

@bls924 2 жыл бұрын

Learning water control is so difficult, I have struggled with it for sure. Thank you for breaking the information down and explaining in easy to understand terms! So helpful.

@pamelajohansen882 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. You were so clear.

@melissaaldosari8024 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent information! Thank you!

@Ann-ey1tw 2 жыл бұрын

Great lesson Steve! Thanks!

@pattycyr8662 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the great tips!

@SharonH11100 2 жыл бұрын

Yup. Thanks for this, Steve!🙋🏼‍♀️💕

@patriciabook11 Жыл бұрын

Great ideas - thanks for helping!

@deborahruggiero4192 Жыл бұрын

More great information… thank you for sharing! … again

@pitysing66 2 жыл бұрын

I needed this…THANK YOU!!!!!

@henriquejanuario881 2 жыл бұрын

great tips! thanks a lot!!!

@juliebrocklehurst-woods5247 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, thank you!

@susanhicks7250 7 ай бұрын

Love these gift ideas!

@ljoykakoske4301 2 жыл бұрын

Brick wall is now dismantled. Thank you , excellent watercolour information.

@l2s3s4 Жыл бұрын

Thank you. Very helpful.

@notsosassymarian 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Steve. Great reminders and some new-to-me tips for mixing colors.

@ohiokid7 Жыл бұрын

Awesome video! SO helpful! ❤

@ebrand3673 10 ай бұрын

So freaking useful!! Thank you thank you!

@richgiordano8725 2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic tutorial. Thank you

@margaretgeorge3903 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, great video 🥰

@marynelson1349 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks very helpful.

@ginnysullivan5507 2 жыл бұрын

Outstanding demo. Thank you

@irmareitz701 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve. Enjoyed these tips. So helpful seeing you blotting sponge, towel etc.

@vatiammatri2660 11 ай бұрын

Very helpful, thx!

@juliec. 2 жыл бұрын

Great lesson.

@chiarasola826 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this video!

@HSkyler 2 жыл бұрын

One thousand likes for this video!! Thank you! There's no one who doesn't need reminding.😊

@kimrigney6607 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@lynnelarsen-miller1105 Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!!!

@deborahbarbaccia6813 2 жыл бұрын

Great tips Steve, I'll be practicing these thanks 😊

@miriamgillham6701 2 жыл бұрын

This is really good, sound advice. So happy to have seen this and half way through I went and set up my watercolour station now with plenty of cloths, paper towels etc. Feeling really empowered with this knowledge.

@DaisyDebs 2 жыл бұрын

Oh ! That was SO useful for me ! Thankyou

@Art-What.. Жыл бұрын

Thanks Mind..

@christinewrestsmith6957 2 жыл бұрын

Always love you videos and delivery of info

@dshanley4226 2 жыл бұрын

This was so helpful. Water mgmt tool perspective is awesome. Been struggling with this.

@shelly2054 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the reminder of a concept so basic it’s often overlooked! Genius

@maryloueppard425 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so very much!

@norenebroyles283 2 жыл бұрын

Haven't checked in to your site for a while but now I remember how much I love your tutorials. Love revisiting the basics because I often forget them. Also love your style of teaching along with your calm and relaxed style. Thanks so much!!!

@ellencha5975 2 жыл бұрын

When you teach it makes sense. I like your back to basic videos. Thanks

@jadewytch2335 2 жыл бұрын

This is a great help and such good reminders, thank you!

@PaulaScardamalia 2 жыл бұрын

Eureka! Love the idea of so many blotting options and water management. Really helpful.

@heidicook2395 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so very much. I didn't realize how much was involved in water control.

@ButterFly-cw7sj Жыл бұрын

This is really useful!!! I'm learning a lot from this video!! Thank you so much!!!!!!

@JamilyaRamosChapman Ай бұрын

Great lesson thank you

@donnastrohmeier8739 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the great lesson. 🙏 🎨💡

@lindenyoung671 2 жыл бұрын

Steve, thanks for the informative tips/solutions to many of the problems I am currently having!

@janicekeown6213 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. I look forward to all your videos and you are so good at teaching tips and tricks that make a big difference in the end result! Have learned a lot watching you over the years!