Painting Clouds and Skies in Watercolor, 4 Studies

Рет қаралды 210,413

Күн бұрын

I paint 4 quick watercolor sky and cloud studies to brush up on my sky painting techniques. Landscape studies are a great way to test techniques, solve problems, be free with the medium, learn and practice without the pressure or fear of making a mistake.
Colors used (M. Graham - amzn.to/1LmK4xa)
Study 1 (upper left)
Ultramarine Blue
Paynes Gray
Dioxazine Purple
Study 2 (upper right)
Phthalo Blue
Cobalt Blue
Paynes Gray
Study 3 (lower left)
Quinacridone Gold
Red Iron Oxide
Paynes Gray
Dioxazine Purple
Study 4 (lower right)
Cobalt Blue
Paynes Gray
Dioxazine Purple
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Пікірлер: 451

@mothymandibles 2 жыл бұрын

The one on the lower right is so pretty and organic it’s my favorite.

@dorothygladsjo3510 10 ай бұрын

This was fabulous, and very informative, I just realized that this is 7 years old! Timeless

@isabelle.9 7 жыл бұрын

Both sides now : one of Joni Mitchell's best songs in my view. Such wonderful lyrics and emotion.

@elsa_draws_stuff 6 жыл бұрын

I'm 19-years-old and I got your quote without even thinking. I love classic folk-rock. I'm excited to have found your channel because I would like to switch to watercolor from markers for my illustrations but I don't know where to begin!

@MrIronose 2 жыл бұрын

Judy Collins! You goof! I laughed out loud. Or, as the whippersnappers say, LOL!

@suel4269 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing. The two on the left are my favorites. I’m painting a sky or more a day for World Watercolor Month 2022.

@barbarabunn86 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you again. I like your 'study' idea with the four sectioned off paper. This can further serve as a reference sheet when I'm trying to decide what sky to use. Thanks, Barbara

@Alabamastrutt 2 жыл бұрын

I like your philosophy and approach to doing studies. It really takes the pressure off. Thanks

@mindofwatercolor 2 жыл бұрын

It also yields great results in artistic development.

@yeprighto 8 жыл бұрын

the little addition of the buildings on the top left study is awesome.

@mindofwatercolor 8 жыл бұрын

+Rand McNally 👍

@Sunny-pr1qw 5 жыл бұрын

oh I really appreciate your stressing doing studies, and not trying to do whole paintings, as a beginner. I"m in a class and the teacher always gives us whole pictures to paint and I often go out so frustrated because there are way too many elements! just let me do sky, or mountains, or tress, or close up grass and flowers, but not everything at once! so, yes, this is a huge help. xox

@jmoss55ish 8 жыл бұрын

Another Brother from a different Mother! I appreciate you teaching. Thank you.

@mindofwatercolor 8 жыл бұрын

😃👍

@TucsonBillD 3 жыл бұрын

Even five years later, my aging little grey cells seem to still be somewhat functional… Joni Mitchell’s song “Clouds” still resonates.

@MickKly-ih4it 4 жыл бұрын

Loving these tutorials, learning something new with every video and enjoying the process ,much appreciated 🙏

@heather173 5 жыл бұрын

"I look at clouds from both sides now, from up and down, and still somehow...it's cloud's illusions I recall, I really don't know clouds at all". I really am that old. ;)

@vegasrenie 4 жыл бұрын

Heather - lol. Same here!

@ladyhecate9450 4 жыл бұрын

I know the answer and Steven Stills wrote a song about her and it was his "heart that is a suffering , it's a dying, that's what I have to lose."

@tarotbysemaj2424 2 жыл бұрын

I just found your page and really enjoy learning from the mistakes you make. That is a sign of a GREAT teacher! Someone who is willing to show the struggle and the success. Thanks for the education, for taking the time to instruct, for being AUTHENTIC too. That speaks volumes especially to those of us who are just beginning our watercolor journey.

@marisajane7229 3 жыл бұрын

I love putting your videos on when I paint...your process helps me let go and be more flexible with the outcome. I’ve noticed I tend to get frustrated when things don’t come out exactly as I was picturing in my mind (which is just about always) and your voice is so soothing!!

@bl9531 4 жыл бұрын

Wow, I loved painting 40 years ago then just got too busy - recently retired I am just rediscovering art - so glad I found your videos - thx so much for your efforts - you have taught me so much

@annsowers4591 3 жыл бұрын

I love these studies.

@phyllismosley8004 8 жыл бұрын

I like them all. I think the fourth study looks just like the ocean crashing upon rocks and throwing white spray into the air. And Judy Collins is the version I thought of first. Love it!

@mindofwatercolor 8 жыл бұрын

+Phyllis Mosley Awesome, thanks!

@TheNovemberlight 8 жыл бұрын

That Joni Mitchell quote really made my day - even though I'm not an "oldie". Good music is good, regardless of the age of the listener. :)

@mindofwatercolor 8 жыл бұрын

+Anonymous Yes indeed!

@Lilikoi2024 6 жыл бұрын

Great that you show problems as well as successes -- I learn more from watching how you approach the problems! Inspiring and freeing - I have to stop trying to make it perfect, and just enjoy the process. Thanks!

@debramoss2267 6 жыл бұрын

Mine too, got it pleasantly stuck in my head, now!

@bls924 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this great video! Self-teaching watercolor is not easy. I struggled around for quite a while, and almost quit until I thought of a different way to approach it, and your video here solidified it for me, it was yes! he's right! That's what I need to do. I singled out what was my biggest challenge, the hardest, and it was clouds , at least clouds that could be recognized as clouds. The simple studies are invaluable! It's all there, the wash, the color, values, water control, the thought process on creating shapes, etc. all of it. And, those simple studies can be applied to most of watercolor painting, trees, water, waves, etc. the list is endless. After some confidence is achieved a cohesive painting should be a bit easier. All you need is paper, paint, and practice with no pressure on yourself, so you can enjoy the process of learning and gaining that confidence to do.Thanks again!

@scotthagens6613 7 жыл бұрын

I love that you show your mistakes and allow us to learn from them!

@marklaw7185 5 жыл бұрын

Yeah all 4 of them lol, only joking

@slvrhrt6 4 жыл бұрын

75 years young and renewing a long ago abandoned hobby. Thankful for your videos.

@Homerojay79 8 жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting this. Doing studies or simply just painting whatever comes to mind on a no-so-big piece of paper is one of the most useful things for me. It serves as a warm-up or to unblock the mind. Maybe even to keep you painting when you don't want or can't set up your space properly. I've been following your channel for about a year.

@Homerojay79 8 жыл бұрын

+Nrai BTW I had not thought of dividing a larger sheet for doing studies. I'll try that, making blocks or sketchbooks is time consuming and sometimes that keeps me from painting and a whole sheet is maybe too large for the spontaneity of studies.

@mindofwatercolor 8 жыл бұрын

+Nrai Yes, you've sized up the benefits of studies very well.

@CupCaked 8 жыл бұрын

Love these studies, especially your "blooms". One actually reminds me more of breaking waves at the beach. Love the background music in this video - very subtle and low-key.

@mindofwatercolor 8 жыл бұрын

+Karen S. Thanks!

@NICOLETAALINA 4 жыл бұрын

I love your videos so much, you are a great person and a wonderful teacher.THANK YOU

@ellenconklin8643 5 жыл бұрын

I just found you on you tube...I like your free style... I love the idea of studies... not always creating a finished product. Allows for experimentation and learning.... this is perfect for me ! Thank you so much for sharing!

@BornAgainFarmGirl 3 жыл бұрын

5 years later I’m still here to refresh my understanding of skies , love it.

@empress_craft 6 жыл бұрын

Really appreciate that you kept the final study, despite your original intention not working out. Not only is that a good example of learning no matter how experienced you are, but also how you shouldn't give up and at least attempt to salvage what may have been a "mistake" originally. I actually really liked the last one as it turned out!

@kimdoucette8079 7 жыл бұрын

Watched this a few months ago and took your advice. I have two pads of studies now. So helpful! Highly recommend for anyone wanting to learn. Thanks!

@mindofwatercolor 7 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it! Thank you!

@moma-b 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing this! Clouds are a difficult topic. 🌦😶‍🌫🌪

@gwenanderson1914 5 жыл бұрын

Love what you said about study - playing and making mistakes provides you with so much more freedom to just have fun.

@wanttolearnreidy4469 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Solange and Pjpony, you have put me out of my mysery....of course Judi Collins, I have this on the old fashioned vinyl from the 60's.

@ArielleLavecchia 8 жыл бұрын

Joni Mitchell, "Both sides now" - I grew up on it... My mum played a lot of these songs when I was a kid. People don't write beautiful ans meaningful songs like this any more... I love painting clouds and sky with watercolour

@mindofwatercolor 8 жыл бұрын

+Arielle Lavecchia 👍

@AJ-po4sr 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for letting us know that nobody is perfect you learn by experiencing

@rainbowfox1934 8 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the permission to learn. We need to hear that because we live in a perfection culture.

@mindofwatercolor 8 жыл бұрын

👍

@seahorse5689 6 жыл бұрын

Watching this one for a second time now that I have a bit more experience with watercolor and continue to be amazed with the quality of your videos and your teaching. So very helpful Steve, thanks again.

@isabeltipple4389 6 жыл бұрын

As usual, a very useful lesson, especially the tip at the end about not being afraid to do studies. I fall into the category of " never wanting to 'waste' paper" , so this was aimed directly at me and I will tAke it on board! Thanks again Steve.

@pathayes6084 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this demo. I have been disappointed and struggling with my skies as they never came out the way I wanted. Seeing this demo and trying them myself I can say that my skies have improved 200%! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

@robertmansell3667 7 жыл бұрын

Really great video,not your usual perfect finished painting that most people feel they can never achieve and give up frustrated,your comment about allowing yourself to make mistakes is very important

@elizabethbergan9989 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Steve. You are an inspiration in so many ways. At 82 years, I have been watching you for more than a year. My artist son suggested I take the art supplies, which he and I bought 20+ years ago, off the shelf (I had just retired). He has been expertly guiding my attempts. My love of all elements of nature led me to try landscapes, especially sky and clouds. I have had some success thanks to other of your tutorials but I'm far from accomplished. Thank you. By the way I am a patron.

@My2up2downCastle 5 жыл бұрын

Ice cream castles in the air...... Interesting subject for a painting.....

@isalawton6239 8 жыл бұрын

I do a lot of experimenting, most of the time it ends-up in my not so good pile, but I keep them all so I can go back and learn from them, so you are so right to try and try again. Love watching you and always learning something new.

@mindofwatercolor 8 жыл бұрын

+Isa Lawton 👍

@markfw54 8 жыл бұрын

Written by Joni Mitchell in 1967, first recorded by Judi Collins in 1967. Then recorded and released by Joni in 1969....... yes I'm an old timer... :) And thank you Steve for the sky studies... love them... I'm a cloud watcher.... I really love the lower right one, reminds me of a sky I have seen before.

@mindofwatercolor 8 жыл бұрын

👍

@jacquelinepearce1127 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and also for being so enthusiastic.

@betsyweatherhead8069 8 жыл бұрын

So, so helpful to hear how you think when you're experimenting--particular when it doesn't work out as you planned.

@mindofwatercolor 8 жыл бұрын

+Betsy Weatherhead 👍

@janetbailey8966 5 жыл бұрын

You're such a fabulous teacher!! Thank you!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE your channel!!

@jmeyer3rn 6 жыл бұрын

I don't know if it's you or your trusty wingman Reese, but I just loved this cloud study and the encouragement to face my worst fear/greatest challenge. Reese makes it all the more entertaining with his witty silence and blank stares. Please keep him on your payroll.

@tbefilms 2 жыл бұрын

I LOVE your attitude towards making mistakes. Very Bob Ross, but also you point out exactly what you learned from it. I'm so new to watercolors that practically everything I paint is a study, but I don't think of it that way, so I get very frustrated with myself when my paintings don't turn out the way I picture them in my mind. Thank you for reminding me that we're not all masters to begin with!

@samanthaglorioso8440 6 жыл бұрын

Love this video. The running thought process is fantastic. I am also a quilter and there is a pro I follow who says, "what was I thinking, you ask" which I find immensely enlightening. Also love that you show the whole process, including the mistakes. Very encouraging, since I am just learning, and make a lot of mistakes. Love your teaching style. Thanks so much, Steve!!

@stephw1363 2 жыл бұрын

Love your experiments....have watched a ton....but.....patiently waiting for one on waves and subtle water ripples and water reflections overtop of shallow rocks. Heres hopin! Crossing my fingers and brushes!

@kathleenm3443 5 жыл бұрын

Looking at your clouds, from both sides now. You really do understand clouds after all! Bravo!

@becbeccobb 8 жыл бұрын

Neil Diamond's song. I love it! My Mom had an 8-track we used to listen to when traveling. Thanks for the memory! And of course the watercolor lessons & inspiration! You're awesome!

@mindofwatercolor 8 жыл бұрын

Hmm I didn't know Neil sang this too. It's actually a Joni Mitchell song. Judy Collins sang it too.

@becbeccobb 8 жыл бұрын

+The Mind of Watercolor KZfaq has a video of Neil doing the clouds song. Man! That really dates me!. Ha! But probably great music for painting clouds. Thanks for telling us it's important to do studies. I've just tried to paint masterpieces. I need to loosen up! Thanks for the lessons!!!! Please don't stop! :)

@ml2mercer2011 8 жыл бұрын

Love the yellow and purple. Always perplexed on how to do that. Now I know! I'm one of those people who blaze through paintings without doing studies and end up frustrated. Thanks Steve!

@mindofwatercolor 8 жыл бұрын

We've all done it. It took me too many years to really appreciate them.

@eledelosoriogiddings5069 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for these great videos! Totally agree with you doing studies. I was one of those people where I tried to make finish pieces everytime i pick up my brush. A lot of frustrations! Until I started to do studies! More freedom, and discoveries and learning.

@pw4075 8 жыл бұрын

I "recall" Judy Collins performing Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" at my college back in the day... love your videos. I am learning so much. Thank you for sharing your talent and expertise.

@mindofwatercolor 8 жыл бұрын

👍

@belindahall5220 6 жыл бұрын

From Both Sides Now... always a classic! Thank you for the advice at the end as well as the instruction! All very helpful:)

@simpleliving-bulgaria4787 7 жыл бұрын

More, more, more please :-) thank you for always reminding us that mistakes are a good thing. Playing, experimenting is a good thing.

@mueenaesat5390 8 жыл бұрын

I never actually used phthalo blue for skies and now i cant wait to try it. I liked the idea of adding the landscape on the first clouds/mountains and i really liked the music at the background.

@mindofwatercolor 8 жыл бұрын

+Mueena Esat Thanks!

@annenglish2935 2 жыл бұрын

Looked up reference on clouds, Both Sides Now, written by Joni Mitchell and sung by Judy Collins 1968... I remember Judy singing this... which makes me 69 years old... but you, my artist friend, amaze me and encourage me... recently found your site and a beginner at watercolor! Thank you for sharing your gift with all of us around the world, a California gramma 😄🌴🌺

@louisebaker-griffiths5937 5 жыл бұрын

Your videos are terrific Mr. Mitchell, thank you so much!

@SelynaB 5 жыл бұрын

You are such an inspiration. Telling us that it’s okay to make mistakes because that’s how we learn :) Thank you for sharing your talent!

@walkingtourist 8 жыл бұрын

Beautiful clouds. They are normally my nemesis. Thank you for painting these four studies and for demonstrating how a painting grows and becomes alive.

@mindofwatercolor 8 жыл бұрын

+Alice Gerard 👍

@janetbreneman9091 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! Love the emphasis on try, try, try! Don’t be afraid to try; we’re not just turning out finished pieces. I also love your theme verse: The heavens declare the glory of God! You did it justice!

@annebaiel 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video. As a novice, tips from experienced watercolorists are so helpful!

@davidhooper9769 5 жыл бұрын

Fantastic, just love the direction I am going in with your teaching, a big thank you . 👏👏👏👏👍🇨🇦

@olegraymare1943 8 жыл бұрын

"Both Sides Now" written by Joni Mitchell. Most recognized recording by Judy Collins, circa 1967. And another informative video from the dynamic duo - Steve and Reese!

@mindofwatercolor 8 жыл бұрын

+Alice Fink You're not the first but your answer is most complete. Haha, thanks!

@DavidSamuelBl10 6 жыл бұрын

I 💘 the way you animated watercolor painting those beautiful skies, & different clouds, sir.

@carolhoule8410 4 жыл бұрын

The one you say didn't turn out looks like iceberg pieces or floes floating the water. Oh and I like Judy Collins version of Both Sides Now.

@tanyaratti 6 жыл бұрын

The lower right one looks like an ocean scene with a big wave crashing over the rocks in foreground. I really like it. Especially with the sky above it from top right study. 😀

@BethBArtz 8 жыл бұрын

I loved these studies, and just watching how you try different things. Your caution about trying to produce just finished pieces was good for me to hear. Thanks!

@mindofwatercolor 8 жыл бұрын

+Beth B Artz 👍

@DineseBeckert 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! The clouds have been off the charts here in Florida this year. They keep screaming for me to paint them! I bought the tools and now I am studying all I can before I get into it. I subscribed, and hope you are still making magic! Thank you!

@jaspermartin7444 6 жыл бұрын

You're an excellent teacher, thank you. :-) Have been feeling way too intimidated by all the ways to screw up expensive paper, and you made me feel a whole lot better.

@janinenewton5821 8 жыл бұрын

I totally agree with your end comment: whether painting, drawing, sewing, cooking or anything, we learn alot from trying and not getting it as we expected (polite way of saying mistakes - hee hee).

@mindofwatercolor 8 жыл бұрын

+Janine Newton 👍

@grannieannie40 7 жыл бұрын

I am new to all this & have been looking at clouds & wondering how to paint them so I am loving this series. ❤️

@juliemoore5391 5 жыл бұрын

Pretty skies! I like the one you added trees to. Thank you I struggle with clouds.

@Saginaw72 6 жыл бұрын

So very instructive and encouraging. I'm trying to learn to just be free and accept mistakes. Thanks for the video.

@teresaclymer-flora4794 7 жыл бұрын

I love how watercolor is like magic~beautiful

@raglande 5 жыл бұрын

Even though you had "the most trouble" with the bottom right, I think that is the one that turned out the most real-looking, and it's my favorite! Thanks for this upload. I've spent several years away from my painting practice and am trying to get back into it, so videos like this help me with inspiration. Keep up the great work.

@mb-kw8mj 5 жыл бұрын

I appreciate your videos! I'm learning and they are the best explanations I've found. Thanks!

@pokey3010 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome info and techniques!! Thank you

@diana828100 6 жыл бұрын

Send in the clowns :::: I saw Judy Collins play live last summer on Cape Cod with my 81-year-old mother and of course set there and wept because she sang this song :::: Thank you for encouraging us beginners and I guess everyone else to give ourselves permission to do things like studies because that something that I feel I am always trying to do with my art I’m always trying to learn and I always feel like I learned from my mistakes - watercolors new to me colored pencils or not so I kind of have a feel for persistent so to speak because I don’t know if you are familiar with colored pencil art but the time it takes ... Even if I am lowly colonist ::: The amount of information I have gleaned from my colored pencil work I think is very helpful with watercolors and I appreciate everything you do Steve and these types of things or things I feel like I can do.

@NYtalk60 4 жыл бұрын

I loved your cloud study and the instructions you share!

@bushrarehman 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the beautiful studies and making us smile in the start of every video❤️🙏

@renee5608 8 жыл бұрын

Steve, I love your videos so much. I appreciated the end of the video when you told us to give ourselves permission to be free, to be expressive and to make mistakes openly - that we'll learn and progress much faster that way. That whole little monologue really hit home with me! Thank you so much for your wisdom and insight. :)

@mindofwatercolor 8 жыл бұрын

+Renee My pleasure!

@timothymasters3491 7 жыл бұрын

Stunning, thank you.

@whitelotus1960 7 жыл бұрын

Just started watercolor painting and for some reason I was 'cloud challenged.' Well, I took your advice of trial and error and I finally found what works for me! Yeah! Thank you!

@loveandlife4222 5 жыл бұрын

So interesting! I learned a lot! The last one reminds me of the ocean with frothing water hitting against the rocks (before you softened them out). Thank you for sharing your expertise with all of us! And yes, I’m an oldie and knew the cloud lyrics too! 😁👍

@winniekeedy2340 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. I am using your small studies in my classes and they work very well. Love your videos.

@ashrienart3363 2 жыл бұрын

I don't feel so bad now knowing that I made the same mistakes as you did. Thank you for showing them on video, it's really helpful 💖

@SharonNolfi 8 жыл бұрын

My favorite song in high school! Joni Mitchell will always have a special place in my heart. And Steve, this was a great video. Thanks for all.

@mindofwatercolor 8 жыл бұрын

+Sharon Nolfi 👍

@yvonnewhitehouse 5 жыл бұрын

Wow this is so helpful. After using oil and acryllic i find watercolor very hard and this gives me great confidence to jump in and practise. Thank you

@PamelaGoodman-56 8 жыл бұрын

Love the song, Both Sides Now..recognized it right away. That gives away my age, LOL. Thanks for the video!

@mindofwatercolor 8 жыл бұрын

+Pamela Goodman 👍

@maryriley6163 5 жыл бұрын

I can't think of the name of that song, but I could hum a few bars. It's an oldie but a goodie for old folks like me. Lovely skies. That 's one of the things I really want to accomplish. I love a moody, dark sky. Those blotted clouds are a great idea . Thank you for this demonstration. You are painting as I write this. I'm astounded with every one of them!

@juliemontoya5476 8 жыл бұрын

As always great pointers Steve! Love the spontaneous effects. Thank you!

@mindofwatercolor 8 жыл бұрын

+Julie Montoya Thanks!

@sherleylinden1077 8 жыл бұрын

Love all four of them. Thanks for sharing.

@mindofwatercolor 8 жыл бұрын

+Sherley Linden 👍

@annewright8184 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! Love this! I so enjoy your lessons!!!

@jessicatorrant3562 5 жыл бұрын

Aw I love that you started with a Joni quote! I already loved your videos but this just took it over and beyond!

@daisymarlo2413 2 жыл бұрын

Love this !!!

@elena.5509 8 жыл бұрын

*Both Sides Now* - What a beautiful song. Great video! I made a couple sky studies a couple weeks ago. They are fun. And now I have even more knowledge to try out. Thank you for it and all your other videos.

@marinadossantos7822 7 жыл бұрын

HI Steve, beautiful work! Very good advise on making studies and allowing ourselves to make mistakes.... I love sky's, so this video hit me strongly....difficult to say which one of the 4 is my favorite.....like i said i love sky's!!!