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Learn from Watercolor Phenomenon Nicolas Lopez
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- Published on Mar 4, 2026
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In this masterclass, internationally acclaimed watercolor artist Nicolas Lopez reveals his atmospheric “black-to-light” method - a technique built on dynamic fluidity, pure pigments, and total harmony with the natural movement of water. Beginning with intense dark values and opening them with carefully controlled drops, he demonstrates how perspective, line, and texture emerge organically through gradual transitions.
Nicolas explains how to build depth, motion, and atmosphere using only water, gravity, and pigment density. Through layered exercises, he shows how different drop sizes shape the line, how soft and hard textures form the horizon, and why patience is essential when working wet-into-wet. Each step emphasizes timing, observation, and adapting the direction of the water to your composition.
This tutorial is ideal for artists seeking to understand fluid dynamics in watercolor, integrate photographic references into expressive work, and develop a deeper sensitivity to timing, value control, and natural movement. Lopez’s approach highlights the poetic balance between intention and spontaneity - a foundation for powerful, atmospheric watercolor painting.
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Damn, I love artists who openly share their magic. Thank you tons for sharing your tecnique. I'm so excited to play with this.
"Magic". It's a GIMMICK. and an ugly one at that...
That is pure genius! I have been painting with watercolor for 60+ years and have never seen anything like what you do here. You have inspired me deeply. Thank you. The work is exquisite. Thank you for sharing your technique with us.
Watercolors are my release from the riggers of the day. Relaxing, emotionally quiet and satisfying.
@ArizonawatercolorsAmen
@K@Kaye1960 I looked Nita Engle up. I recognized her style immediately. I own several of her books. 😬
In the first half of the video I didn't know what he was doing. But then the pure genius emerged and I recognized brilliance when I saw it.
@solarydays It's not what he did, but how he incorporated the technique into his artwork. He created very organic backgrounds for his art. This is very hard to do by hand. And if you don't understand that, then I suppose you think Jackson Pollock just did paint splatters.
@starbrand3726 no need for that
@sallymb6356 No need for what?
@solarydays Ok, one more time. It's not the technique that is genius, it's the results. The end product looked very organic and then the way he incorporated the end result into his art piece was the genius part. The watercolor reacting to water created results that looked like ocean, or lightning, branches, clouds, snow, rocks, etc. I really don't understand why my admiration seems to be disturbing you. And for the record there are other people in the comments who also appreciate what he did and how he did it.
@solarydays Make it look like you're attacking me? Well, for somebody who's supposedly not attacking me, you are doing a pretty good job of it. Again, not sure why my and only my appreciation comment for this technique is triggering you. Why are you expending so much energy only on my comment? Even if it were a kindergartener's scribble and I thought it was genius, isn't that my opinion? You can't take away someone's right to appreciate something and FORCE your opinion upon them because you don't appreciate it. You expressed your view already, now please go bother someone else who also thought the technique was genius (I definitely am not the only one, but seem to be your only target). And you have a great day, okay.
I am in awe! Never have I have seen this technique before! There’s something so freeing watching his process. Literally zero fear ❤
Amazing use of the natural flow of watercolor.
What a demonstration!
I waited for the boat to appear, then decided that perhaps a boat would not appear. Then, when all hope was lost, the boat appeared! I thought it was at the bottom of the ocean at first - an old wreck in marvelous condition 🤔 then realised it was alive and well and perfectly seaworthy.
I would LOVE to see an old wreck though, poor thing resting on the sands of time, with all sorts of things (either real or imagined) in the water above.
Thank you for this excellent demonstration.
We used this technique in the 70’s.
I see a huge tsunami wave about to overtake the boat. Awesome!
Like a proper ink blot test (rorschach)
Halfway through the video where he shows example that one looks like the texture of bone under microscope.. wow ❤❤❤❤❤
I love granulating paints SO much. You’ve just made them make sense! Thank you ❤
That must be incredible watercolor paper. Beautiful results. ❤
You have just blown my mind!😮
It really gives water - heaving, dynamic, ocean waves. What a lovely technique.
Wow what a stunning painting . The effects created are just so beautiful .
I've used this technique by accident years ago, also incorporating graphite sticks...
Wow this is incredible, I'm a digital artist but I loved to watch it. To me digital artist is more accessible for artists that can't afford quality materials, but I would love try this one day
It’s like watching a photograph develop! I see the energy of our earth
Love your demo and the details you shared. 😊
So interesting, magical, enchanting! Thank you for sharing!
Exciting technique...every painting is unique and reveals itself with time.
Aside from watching these mad skills I get to listen to that beautiful accent ❤️🔥
This is very similar to my watercolors that use this technique on moody dark stormy clouds
A picture of the whole thing behind the ship as massive waves you see during a storm in the middle of the ocean . Two ways converging about the swallow the ship. Wonderful
I can't count how many times I've said WOW out loud! Thank you so much for sharing this, it's so beautiful
Your style is unique and very interesting. I can see how your base can bring alive an image you may not have been expecting. It allows the creative essence to take over. Stunning work.
Love black n white and all the hues in-between.
This is the coolest thing I've seen in awhile! ❤
Thanks from Margarita Island.Venezuela
Try Alvaro Castagnet for an Artist that demonstrates an Explosive technique that takes him exactly to the Finish Point that he always envisaged!
It spoke to me. So much. We ARE nature. 🖤
Wow the end result is AWESOME. I admit I didn't expect it 😊
Absolutely brilliant...and truly altruistic
What an unconventional but beautiful way of drawing!
Shows what you can do with any paint, explore. It can take you far. Love this technique
It's a Magic,,,thanks a lot ,keep on with all the blessings and success.
Omg I really do like it. And I really love listening to him
Amazing work, thank you for sharing, you are very talented 🙏☺️🙏
Magnifique ! Merci pour cette démonstration étonnante!
thats total genius, that has heaps of potential there.
How inspiring. Water creates natural rhythms.
So lovely and inspiring. Cheers
i love his art im trying to do it with my mars black
Beautiful teaching, watching you breathing in the moment, being fully present, meditation is the gift that happens, as you emerse yourself, painting in the “language of water”. Thank you!
This was absolutely marvelous! Bravo!
I liked the originality, very interesting effects, super!
I believe I could actually feel new neurons and neuro pathways being created in my brain while watching this. My awareness has been shifted slightly in a direction I've never faced before. I feel like I'm standing on my cognitive edge witnessing the unfolding of a new but familiar universe as it comes into existence.
This artist's perspective elevates my mind. His words absorb like poetry to reveal insight that prose never could.
Thank you.
I want to sign up for free lessons so badly even though I'm barely a painter and am unprepared to actually participate.
What an incredible moment.
Thank you
This was wonderful, thank you! Thanks also for doing it in English so that I could understand.
I used to do watercolor, then my eyes gave me trouble. I see in this a way that I might be able to paint again. I’m grateful. God bless.
The little red bottle cap kept me sane... this is another level of art. 😮❤
While this is both beautiful and fascinating to watch, Mr Lopez is not the first to use such techniques. In the 80’s, a watercolor artist named Nita Engle used such techniques. Although long since passed away, Nita’s books and video tapes can still be found. There are a few of her sessions,in part, even on RUclips. Check her out. She was using these techniques 50 years ago!
Love her book.
omg I just looked her up. Insane! thanks for the tip!
@vanobe5853 yes! I hope to make some paintings and tutorials inspired respectfully by her.
Yes Nita Engle!
Where is the claim he is the first?
Brilliant! It practically paints itself as your imagination takes over. I will try this for sure!
This is absolutely the best technique video I’ve seen and the final effect is wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
This is the best gift in the year!
Thank you the Inperation!😊
The beauty of simplicity and patience using water's magical flow to create a natural look.
Control in angle of the canvas slope tp create the direcrional flow.
A simply gorgeous result Thank you for sharing the technique.
The gradual lift off of the dark pigment through patient spraying sequences is magical.
Rose Dingwall
what an ingenious technique !
Thank you so much for sharing this... I love the organic shapes.
Thank you. I do a similar technique with acrylic paint.
He lifts the light out of the darkness. The technique teaches a life philosophy, to fully encounter the deepest darkness first. The water cleanses the darkness from the surface, but the wounds of change are still evident. Character is defined from the experience of the imperfections built over time. Fascinating process to watch unfold.
Yes yes I totally agree I've not read a comment like yes very deep n interesting. It makes you look into the picture like the paint is dancing with the Brush. U know?
I love this technique, I will try to to this myself, thank you.
What a fantastic process. Who would have thought water could do that too? I will definitely try that. Love, love love thank you for showing ♥ Scribed! Beautiful painting.
This is just awesome!! I love it thank you for sharing this fun technique.
this is thinking out of the box
Thank you, what a great technique!
Fascinating technique thank you for sharing ❤beautiful paintings.
You can achieve great techniques with Daniel Smiths granulated water colour paints. This is a nice example!
Thank you so much for teaching us this beautiful technique :) Your work is outstanding, really.
I love his work! I would have signed up but do not like to agree to terms on the internet that the tech companies can use my info. It's too bad because I would have been involved with lots of different things but I'm tired of agreeing to give up all my info.
Spectacular! Thanks for sharing your technique and process.
Fascinating to watch.
Awesome thanks for sharing from south africa
Love this effect, well done! 🤩
Incredible technique..thank you
Beautiful. Thank you
Fantastic! Just wow!
Powerful work! I will give it a try too.
Beautiful
Wow.
Just WOW!! 🎉
It's diferente...good tecnic
Wow, amazing!!
Oh man! It's amazing and definitely I have to try this technic. Thank you for sharing it.
Wow! Amazing! You’ve inspired me to, thank you 🙏
Wow this is stunning work.
Brilliant! Genius! I'm obsessed. Thank you for sharing your technique. Sincerely. I'm looking forward to signing up for your course.
WOW! AMAZING! I WILL TRY THAT .THANK YOU.
One word, WOW!
Your technique gives amazing results. I wonder if you can tell us how to get this same effect on acrylic paintings. If you can help me please I would be very grateful.
That is incredible! I can actually feel the painting. Amazing! ❤
Incredible work, interesting process, very inspirational. Liked and subbed : )
Uwielbiam prace tego Artysty,wspaniałe🤩
WOW! Thank you.
Buy this man an easel.
This is inspirational. Thank you
Wow! Wow! Wow!
Impresionante, Nicolás.Muchad gracias por el vídeo.Saludos desde España
😊😊
Fantastic!
whow!!!Genial!!! Du hast eine sehr sichere Handführung.
Amazing wow!!!
Nice, beautiful
Wow love it!!!
Brilliant! Can't wait to try this technique. Thanks for sharing your talents ❤
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed it! ❤️
Incredible,!!