Using Minimal Studies for Watercolor Experimentation and Practice

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Using Minimal Studies for Watercolor Experimentation and Practice

Рет қаралды 43,226

Күн бұрын

Minimal studies built around a specific idea are a great way to experiment with watercolor techniques and supplies. I'll show you how I create simple exercises that are quick and productive when I want to explore techniques.
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Пікірлер: 103

@melissabridge5687 3 жыл бұрын

I don't comment that often. But I feel compelled to tell you, I have learned soooooo much from you. I took art classes in highschool and never felt good enough. I took up watercolor when I turned 48. I am now 54. You were the first art teacher I found on youtube. I am forever grateful for the fire you have lit in me!

@mariatony40 3 жыл бұрын

Same here! Thank you for all of it, Steve.

@pr4360 3 жыл бұрын

Same, Steve kept me interested with watercolour for years, even during periods of not touching any paint

@leanneland 3 жыл бұрын

Same! I'm on year 22 of being a graphic designer, but always thought I couldn't draw (until 4 years ago). This is one of the first channels I found when I didn't even understand or realize if art was an option for me, or if I could even do it, I just knew I had a passion and interest in it. But I got drawn in and studied all the earlier videos so intently. I always learn so much here and you've been instrumental in helping me down that road. Thanks Steve! 😊

@annsowers4591 3 жыл бұрын

I am 62 and have never seen myself as artistic, but Steve has given me hope. I love landscapes and love the easy way he teaches. I really enjoy his patreon too. If I never make my masterpiece I believe I will still create something my son will be happy to have one day.

@deetee-uk 3 жыл бұрын

I'm 64 and doen some watercolour in the past..but not very good. I'm looking forward to learning lots from Steve's channel and getting better.

@shawnas464 3 жыл бұрын

Oh my GOSH! I’m so glad I found you!

@BornAgainFarmGirl 3 жыл бұрын

Oh I thrive on these studies , my mind and aspirations often make things far too complicated 😕.

@jcneedles388 3 жыл бұрын

I like that you reinforce being a beginner is good. Play with it.

@tinahanks7145 7 ай бұрын

I juat happened upon this experimental video. I dabble in watercolor. It's soo challenging. Watching this has inspired me to just experiment and play. I have subscribed and look forward to more inspiration! Thank you

@shashasyedd8858 2 жыл бұрын

These are great exercises in experimenting with what watercolors can do and finding my own marks & style. Tq so much for sharing.

@joycesnodgrass7068 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so very much for sharing your talent with us KZfaq followers!

@ranchjp Жыл бұрын

As with any watercolor, start with light tone, then gradually add darks, frequently with dryer paints. I'm still working on this approach to develop technical and "seeing" skills

@plove523 3 жыл бұрын

An economy of brushstroke, great quote!

@mydemon 3 жыл бұрын

Saturday night upload! So lucky! Thank you Steve!

@melissaamyx2196 3 жыл бұрын

Oh I love this! I need to do these practices more instead of always trying to do a complete painting. You've inspired me to JUST play and enjoy watching the paint flow...

@tinahanks7145 7 ай бұрын

Same👍

@karenturner-cf7vq Жыл бұрын

I will be doing your examples. Not done this before. They are nice.

@brigitteitg 3 жыл бұрын

I love doing these studies, they’re so intuitive and almost like meditation - thanks for the fresh reminder, I really have to go back to them! My husband uses one of my last ones as his zoom background and gets a lot of compliments 😊

@kathiecranston1577 3 жыл бұрын

My daughter had a mask made with one of my little paintings on in! How flattered I am 😁

@patraspante 3 жыл бұрын

I’d been practicing washes, a lot. Feeling like I haven’t produced anything of value. Went back to a portrait I had worked on and suddenly my wash study kicked in. I felt it helped me improve a good deal. Saturday night, and thank you Steve

@kyststudio-epicartadventure 3 жыл бұрын

I hope you publish that sketchbook!

@barbaralee3425 2 жыл бұрын

This was amazing, loved this, thanks so much!

@barbaragemin5117 3 жыл бұрын

This was probably one of the most useful exercises I’ve done so far Steve. Stress free, no planning, no 'what shall I paint' worry, just see what watercolour does. Thanks very much, there’s a lot to learn from these simple sketches.

@kymberlydawn1445 Жыл бұрын

You are truly awesome. I have been watching your videos for years now and I feel like I know you personally.

@jenniferhill4872 Жыл бұрын

You are AWESOME!

@colleenmcchesney1482 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing this. Thanks for reminding me to keep loose, play & enjoy painting without having to focus on a whole complex painting. I forget it is okay to do these kind of studies and practices.

@annietong378 3 жыл бұрын

Love them.

@dogwhiskers8 3 жыл бұрын

Love this. Thanks 👍

@hidilley 3 жыл бұрын

This is such a fantastic idea, can't wait to try it for myself! I loved all of those!

@elenamigaldi7404 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@freddiemoretti8456 3 жыл бұрын

As a new hobby potter I am looking forward to trying for the first time painting on bisque ware along the lines of water colours to see how they will blend. Thanks for sharing!

@mishrakeshi 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much Teacher, to remind us of semplicity! So funny and useful. Have a good Sunday with family!

@annierodenberg2327 2 жыл бұрын

I am struggling with this technique. Mine are overdone blobs....however, I have the want to, to success. Thanks for sharing interesting watercolor.

@HeelhookHustler 3 жыл бұрын

Just tried this. 5 colour ways, 1 was abysmal, 1 unworkable, 1 only mildly workable, but 2 worked out pretty well. Not your standard by a long stretch, but very good by mine. Thanks again :-)

@Elizabeth-tb5oh Жыл бұрын

This was incredibly helpful as I was repeatedly trying to create a swampy floor bed and this technique is just what will work!! Excited to try it anyway. Very helpful post. Thanks so much!!

@robertcochran7103 3 жыл бұрын

It is a real treat to watch this video. I'm learning the value of the detail studies.

@cassiescreations9828 3 жыл бұрын

I saw the fourth as a cow with blue mountains behind it - before you put the dark marks on it's ear! 😊 The sixth one is definitely coral - add some colorful fish - it's a waterscape instead of a landscape. Tah dah, problem solved! 😜

@plants53 3 жыл бұрын

Steve, just LOVE watching your videos, they are so relaxing and give so much information. Thank you.

@GirlPaintsArt 3 жыл бұрын

It’s sort of like intuitive painting. I enjoyed this so much!🤗🥰

@christineanderson3193 2 жыл бұрын

This was so helpful. Thank you. I can’t wait to try some.

@joycejohnson7017 3 жыл бұрын

So appreciate and enjoy your tutorials and lessons. I’ve learned so much over this last year! I just listened to your etchr interview 7 months ago, and loved everything you said. You did Your own thing and you are helping so many learn to paint watercolors and to enjoy it and be creative. By the way I got over my “ugly paintings” story and just kept on. Dropped The stories, pressure and overthinking about having to do big paintings!! Found urban sketching, line and wash to be my thing. my Sketchbooks are full of things I love.

@DSmith-pc9jn 3 жыл бұрын

This is such a good idea. I have been stumped lately and frustrated. I have a beach picture with lots of big rocks and I will paint little groupings. Thanks for helping me get over my block.

@kathiecranston1577 3 жыл бұрын

Re-reading what I wrote, I see that I've left a lot of information out because I know how busy you must be. LOL I just hope I make sense at all. As far as thinking I've wasted my gift: although I do have 2 degrees in ART, worked 3rd shift on the Skilled Unit of a 'nursing home' as a Certified Nurse Assistant for the last 12 years that I worked; before I was diagnosed 3 years ago with metastatic lung cancer & COPD. Really the only ART I've done in years, would be a couple of small pieces for the county fair here each year; a color pencil & maybe a crayon piece. I've only come back to wc this past summer, after 15 years. Being out of practice makes it difficult to get the results I want, so that makes it hard to want to practice, & then it circles around 😬 Now I feel like I've spit out way more than I should've. And I know I've told you most of this before. Where as I used to talk about having "couch days," now it's more like how much "couch time" I have every day I'm afraid. I was always a very 'busy' person, so this makes me kinda sad. I know you empathize

@robertcochran7103 3 жыл бұрын

Keep practicing, Kathie! Keep practicing! All the best to you.

@kathiecranston1577 3 жыл бұрын

@@robertcochran7103 ~Thank you Robert 😊 Most of my days are "couch days" now. I finally have a "studio" made of of my 2nd bedroom, so that's a darned shame I say. But I decided that if I can paint outside, I surely can paint on the couch. So I have been painting, at least a little, every day now; sometimes at night. I've gone on hospice. And sometimes I think the only reason I'm still here on earth is because I want to PAINT more! LOL Really. My cats kinda need me too. Ha ha ha. I do know that I am so very loved by quite a few people here also. I am considerably blessed for sure! Thanks again, & GOD bless you Dear! 😊

@catherinebond7474 3 жыл бұрын

I like the very first one. Reminds me of a old stump with plants growing up through and around it. Thanks for some ideas for practice.

@robfielding100 3 жыл бұрын

I loved this! In 3 of these I briefly saw squirrels ... perhaps because they were outside my front window on my bird feeder

@simpsonken178 3 жыл бұрын

I have seen your videos on spontaneous watercolour and finally gave it a try .. wOW this is such great. Fun and a good way for me to loosen up before more serious painting . Thank you so much.

@ranchjp 2 жыл бұрын

I also note that you hold the brush, for the initial washes, pretty far out to be looser in your marks

@mindofwatercolor 2 жыл бұрын

Yes.

@ElenaE_ 3 жыл бұрын

So beautiful

@jenniefrench1338 3 жыл бұрын

I totally agree that studies are important and can spark ideas. I don’t know if you still do “modern media” or mixed with colored pencils but recently, due to my disgust of Gamsol headaches was able to develop a real self contained brush that holds 125 neutral thins. I had a Caran’de ache waterbrush with the medium fibrous pointy nib and filled it. There was no leakage. Since I work over and with wc I don’t want the medium to effect the look of the other. So I have tried this with 6 artist grade colored pencils over watercolor with no adverse effects. A little goes a long way and I can blend the oil/wax base right over it, clean it on a paper towel and put it in my to go bag. Mineral spirits sneak out of their containers and this blender makes smooth transitions. I would love to try Zest it but it isn’t sold in the US at the moment but the 125 neutral thin works great and with control. Well that’s what I have picked up on and as you know, I love to mix my media and it doesn’t leak or leave a residue. The Caran ‘de ache waterbrushes are probably the most compact and self contained since they are like a syringe with a tiny hole and rely on a push button to dispense and that cleans the nib to. I totally can see plein aire colored pencils too. Take care Steve and thanks always for the spontaneous practice in watercolor, that is my first medium of choice.

@tracyvis2101 3 жыл бұрын

Love this! I'm brand new to watercolor and this is really helping me understand how to do parts of a scene without tackling a large landscape.

@cindyhorton6980 3 жыл бұрын

That was a great video for me!! Very inspiring! Thank you!❤️

@ranchjp 3 жыл бұрын

I love this as an approach. Start small. I start with a limited palette of three primaries. Got them all wet and allocated. But all I can paint is squares, clrcles - nothing nearly as interesting as you. By the time I get the first color down, its already dried. Using good DS/Graham paints, Arches cold press. There is a great amount of creativity that I need to develop. And I think that there are issues with wc in dry climates- even very wet washes dry very quickly. Very frustrating. But I'm working at it. Again, this is a great exercise and I've been doing of bit of this myself anyway - to learn the marks that different brushes make, etc.

@ranchjp 2 жыл бұрын

I resolved some of this by using one one color - say something with a different masstone and undertone like azo green and moonglow

@66chevelle_ss 3 жыл бұрын

L💖ved this! Can’t wait to try later!

@Meisuko 3 жыл бұрын

Great study tips. Thank you.

@nickcook4184 2 жыл бұрын

I just found you channel and wanted to say thanks. With all art forms I tend to slowly get more detailed and move away from abstraction which is often the opposite of what I want. My watercolor has been coming along nicely but again getting more detailed and realistic. THis exercise is really helping me loosen up. I just whipped up 6 smaller images and I'll give them some ink when I finish teaching my class today! Thanks again!

@moma-b 2 жыл бұрын

These tutorials are so useful and inspiring! Thank you for sharing!

@OkieSketcher1949 Жыл бұрын

I think I see another way to create subtle backgrounds that will highlight grasses, rocks, trees, etc. This system will definitely set up underwater landscapes as well. No more broad washes of limited colors across one’s paper. This technique will allow one to show more than one section of background. I can see one area of rocks versus a nearby area of trees or grasslands. Once in one can paint the foreground in finer detail. Thanks for this lesson. -OkieSketcher1949

@helenelanzieri8150 3 жыл бұрын

a true master...

@susanhepburn6040 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, Steve - I'm going to have a crack at this after lunch.

@Rockymtnbloom 3 жыл бұрын

great way to experiment with color combos

@admadmsuluboya4983 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the very valuable information ❤️

@lada7539 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve. I wish to see how you mix colors and upload the brushes.🌹🌹🌹

@AntaraArtCafe 3 жыл бұрын

It's an honor to watch your video sir. Thanks for sharing.

@MrSomeDonkus 3 жыл бұрын

I dont watch traditional painting videos often, but i always wish that there was a little camera that recorded the pallet. Ive never seen anyone do it, but i always wish it would become a norm. Heck! Even in when i watch digital stuff the person always has the recording software only zoomed in on the drawing area and i dont get to see the color picker. Very cool btw. Each little experiment really pleased my eyes. Edit: I really have to say that I loved the 2 in the upper right hand personally.

@meganilustra 3 жыл бұрын

Love your videos and your art !! :D

@SomayehKarami 3 жыл бұрын

I really enjoy your videos, they are helpful, I am new to watercolors and your videos really inspire me

@pr4360 3 жыл бұрын

I just got my first cat's tongue, these loook likeperfect studies to try it out!

@katepanthera7265 3 жыл бұрын

You mean "purr-fect"? Get it? Cat's tongue? Purr? Ok, I'll shut up now.

@edharper5029 3 жыл бұрын

Another great episode! Thank you.

@elymage 3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful and inspiring !

@lindah1591 3 жыл бұрын

Meditative. Playful.

@jillharper7456 3 жыл бұрын

Five looks like a critter! Lol

@redparrot53 3 жыл бұрын

I love these, I know the shapes aren't supposed to be anything particular but sometime if you can, could you show us how to paint a volcano, I have been obsessed since Hawaii and Iceland erupted!!

@starvingartistscollective 3 жыл бұрын

Lovely paintings and all your work!!! ....these types of landscapes are so accessible and freeing!! Have also been thinking lately about my favourite artists all over YT who focus on their Pateons and sideline their free subscribers, makes me sad. Not all subscribers can be Patreons but they 'make' the popularity of a channel and provide an avenue for potential Patreons to find incredible artists in the crowded YT universe. Maybe can't pay but can promote. Only one subscriber, but enjoy all your content!! TFS!!

@aleidadiaz2261 3 жыл бұрын

Love MST3000!

@kathiecranston1577 3 жыл бұрын

I wish I had the years of experience with landscapes that you have! You CAN just throw a little paint down & make it be something. 😆 I love it! I'm trying real hard to paint a bit as much as I can (think I told you I'm on hospice now). I hate the feeling that I've wasted a gift that the LORD gave me 🙄 GOD bless you Steve & thank you for your guidance. I want you to know that it means a lot to me❣ From Kathie in Lebanon,Tennessee 😁

@dorothyminor7581 3 жыл бұрын

My thoughts and prayers will be with you.

@mindofwatercolor 3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure. My advice is, don't look back or focus on regrets and bring those negatives into the medium. Enjoy the time God has given you going forward and just enjoy watercolor and the discovery. I'm glad I can help you in that journey.

@robertcochran7103 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Kathie! All the best to you. I saw your post above and responded to that also. Yes, please don't feel regrets; instead, focus on discovery and enjoying watercolor.

@MelanCholy2001 3 жыл бұрын

I was about to beg you to do a dark brown/red/ochre "dirt mountain" near the Dead Sea. I've used the lunar earth colors with some salt... I did the mountain last, like a dolt. 😂 Now I've got to do it over. (But that's okay; drives me nuts when I can't do something). Your #4 bleeding drawing looks really close to that "dirt mountain" texture.

@kimlindseyOH 2 жыл бұрын

Reviewing this great video again 'cause I've got some granulating paints coming & I want to try something like this with them. I'd be interested to see what you could do with that - minimal studies like these w/ granulating paints. (Maybe you have that already on Patreon? Reminding me that I really need to support you there. :-)

@mindofwatercolor 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the input. Good idea.

@ibrahimissaiaawad2888 3 жыл бұрын

I think it’s actually le dictionaire!😉

@mariatony40 3 жыл бұрын

What watercolour sketchbook did you use here? I do practices, mostly on loose pages, but it's cool to have them all together in a book. I find it hard to good one.

@kathiecranston1577 3 жыл бұрын

I got small wc sketchbooks for Mother's Day! (They are not cotton though & I think the paper has more sizing in it than it should, but hey...) for practice

@michellerichert8225 3 жыл бұрын

merci pour ces exercices très intéressants, quelles couleurs utilisez-vous ? Le résultat est beau !

@katepanthera7265 3 жыл бұрын

I'm just starting to do watercolor after decades of not having the time and being frustrated by my lack of talent. Back then, all that were available were books, and believe me, they are NO substitute for videos where you actually see what the artist is doing, and hearing instructions at the same time. Any-hoo, this time around, I just pick out pieces of other paintings that I like, and try to do just that much to see if I can do it. It's a lot easier and less stressful to just concentrate on one thing even if it's complex, than to try an entire painting. (Although I did do a full painting based on one of Peter Scheeler's pieces that came out fairly decent.) One question: I tend to get blooms when i try to charge one color into another in wet in wet style. Or else it looks good while it's still wet, and then dries with a bloom, which makes me nuts. Can you talk a little bit about how wet the paper needs to be and how much less dilute the color you're charging in needs to be in order to get a smooth movement of the charged color into the color already laid down? Like a percentage? Thanks for these videos, Steve. I really love them, and find them so useful and informative. Very appreciative of your time, effort, style, and talent. You're my favorite art instructor on KZfaq.

@jeanlotz9264 3 жыл бұрын

Watercolor doodles

@MadebyDawn23 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Steve, how you been? I did lightfast testing with some bargain friendly watercolour paints I own, found some surprising results. I have 7 of the Jackson's Artist Quality Watercolour Paints the Aureolin got significant alterations. Have you ever placed any of your paints in the window for 6-8 weeks?

@kathiecranston1577 3 жыл бұрын

Back car window is a good test ground!

@pattycyr8662 3 жыл бұрын

I love minimal studies - easier to control the brush and paint and at the same time learning a lot! Question: Often it's said that after you dip your brush with paint into water, that one should dab the brush once on a paper towel to regulate water. Is that really necessary? I've never done that and wonder if I should. Wouldn't it also depend on the amount of water that was in your brush and/or if you were doing dry or loose painting? Thanks.

@mindofwatercolor 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, you are correct. Great comment! Nowhere in watercolor is anything so absolute and precise 100% of the time. If I can say anything it would be "it all depends." As you said, in this case, it depends on the amount of water needed. I tell all beginning watercolorists, experiment all the time and learn to reproduce any level of value and wetness you need. That really can't be taught it needs to become part of the watercolorists collective experience. It gets easier in time. It's almost a feel. The degrees of brush wetness you can use seem almost infinite.

@pattycyr8662 3 жыл бұрын

@@mindofwatercolor Thanks very much