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.
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
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.
I love your method of instruction, and I have learned so much from you. Always look forward to your new posts. I enjoy using the Posca fine line, white paint pen. Thank you so much for your suggestions. I will try them out.
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.
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! 👍
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 :)
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.
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
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
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! 😉
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 :)
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!
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
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!
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.
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 🎨☘️🌹
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Great video as always, Steve. :) I am a big defender of traditional, pure watercolour of the likes of James Fletcher Watson and Edward Wesson. I am a fan of masking fluid myself, but I wouldn't discount or look down on other methods either. I especially recommend the coloured masking fluid from the German company Schmincke, which is in blue, or from the French company Sennelier, which is a greenish colour. I like the coloured version because you can see exactly where you have applied the masking fluid. Both companies also make a wonderful masking fluid pen, which you can use to get really fine lines, perfect for creating the likes of detailed grasses. I am not sure whether you have them in the Unites States, but both masking fluids from Schmincke and Sennelier are widely available here in Austria and in Europe generally.
There is also a company called Molotow that makes a refillable masking marker pen. I have used the finer point one (it's not very fine, so you might want to stick to an applicator), but it's pretty easy to use and you can use it "on site." I think you can get it through US art suppliers and perhaps Amazon.
If you tint the white gouache with the base color, in this case yellow, to match the color and use to paint the very small details, or use pen to draw it on
on the bottom example there is a skull right in the middle of the sky at the treetops. the nose of the skull also looks like a person with a wrap on. I see tons of opportunity to exploit those shapes as image in image. I used to do tole painting and using liquid mask was one of my favorite techniques. I masked off picket fences, gates, lattice, as well as faces, but they were not my strong suit. I'm just learning how to do watercolor, because of the portability. So what I'm saying is keep your little examples there. You can use them on greeting cards.
Great video! I got mad at Alvaro Castagnet when i saw a video in which a person assisting to his workshop asked about masking fluid and he said "naaahhh, never, is an amateurish thing". Generally speaking i like him and the advice he gives but that seemed wrong since for certain styles and/or situations masking fluid can be just the best answer to achieve something. Maybe he was saying that in the context of the teaching of the style he paints (mostly loose, using abstractions and not detailing anything too much or at all), and he found redundant to specify that his "nahh" was related to that style and not that masking fluid is a "nahh" for every style. Anyways! great video.
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
I love watching your vids. I like the peace, humor, enthusiasm, pleasant mood and practical info. It's a nice place to be. 😊
Very kind thanks!
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.
thank you your video is crystal clear....Merry Christmas from Canada
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
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.
I love your method of instruction, and I have learned so much from you. Always look forward to your new posts. I enjoy using the Posca fine line, white paint pen. Thank you so much for your suggestions. I will try them out.
You have the best watercolor series on the Internet.
Lots of great ideas & information. Thanks.
the illustration was great! i love how you did all three ways on one sheet, you really see the differences in the effect
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.
LOL!
Great video! Very helpful!
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.
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! 👍
Thank you! Nice seeing the different methods side by side. Drawing on a damp paper towel helps the gelly roll when it starts skipping.
+Rebecca Page nice tip thanks!
Rebecca Page ii
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.
You videos are so good … thank you !!
I’ve painted my light area then put masking fluid over it, then dark. Looks great. Love your work. Watch you often.
Thanx so much for creating theses videos. I wish I could subscribe one million times
I loved the simplicity of this painting , done so quickly too.
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!
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.
This is exactly what's been stumping me with watercolor, thank you so much!
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.
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.
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!
If I could only watch 1 channel it would be yours! I have learned so much. Thank you! 😊
So nice of you
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.
Thank you so much for sharing your gift with me. I'm learning a lot from your videos and it's most appreciated!
great video many thanks
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.
Thank you so much for this video! It's exactly what I needed. Have struggled with this for a while.
Thanks so much for this tutorial... having the 3 technique styles completed side by side has been very enlightening! Much appreciated.
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!
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.
Just what I needed! Loved it.
I like the paintings and the bible text thank you
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!
Your samples are soo great, thanks for showing all the detail Thanks Steve, !
Roll the pen tip between your fingers to warm it up and get it flowing. Thanks for the tutorial!
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 :)
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.
Sure, give it a go. What do have to lose. Cut your paper in some small mini paintings and do some experiments.
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
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
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! 😉
Randi Command x
Excellent tutorial. Thanks.
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 :)
You are awesome. Love your style and teaching methods. Thanks!
Thanks. I found the listing. Love these videos! Keep them coming.
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!
Beautiful demo as always
Something different to try and I think it will be fun. Thanks so much.
This was incredibly helpful. Thank you so much!
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
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!
incredibly clear and very helpful. Thank you!
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.
+ishkiia Paige thanks, happy that your great grandfather inspired you to help keep this medium alive.
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 🎨☘️🌹
Your so fun to watch! Your also full of so much great knowledge! Thank you
"h-white". haha.
A fun tutorial, learned a lot. Thanks
Very interesting thanks. From Barcelona Spain.
Love love love your tutorial s THANK YOU ❤️
A good t-shirt slogan for a photographer too. :)
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.
Thanks for the lessons, it's adorable💟💟💟💟
Thanks, that was fun and FULL of good advice and tips. Loved it.
thank you for sharing your art and techniques..very inspiring.
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.
Thank you for all the great information. It really helps in my watercolor learning process.
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.
Extremely helpful Steve!! Thank you:)
Great guide through watercolors with detailed tips. I have viewed your You Tube VIDEOS THANKS !
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!
Blissfulthings c
this is great information, and the whole discussion while you paint is helpful! thank you!
A really useful video! Thank you so much!
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.
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
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.
I love your tutorials! Thank you
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.
Very helpful, thank you! I was also looking for a method to paint water and waves without always using masking fluid.
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☝
Yes, I am indeed. Thanks for watching!
Thank you! This was VERY helpful!
Great info as always Steve! Thank you! Very helpful!
Great video as always, Steve. :)
I am a big defender of traditional, pure watercolour of the likes of James Fletcher Watson and Edward Wesson. I am a fan of masking fluid myself, but I wouldn't discount or look down on other methods either. I especially recommend the coloured masking fluid from the German company Schmincke, which is in blue, or from the French company Sennelier, which is a greenish colour. I like the coloured version because you can see exactly where you have applied the masking fluid.
Both companies also make a wonderful masking fluid pen, which you can use to get really fine lines, perfect for creating the likes of detailed grasses. I am not sure whether you have them in the Unites States, but both masking fluids from Schmincke and Sennelier are widely available here in Austria and in Europe generally.
They are available from US mail order art suppliers I believe. Thanks for the recommendation.
There is also a company called Molotow that makes a refillable masking marker pen. I have used the finer point one (it's not very fine, so you might want to stick to an applicator), but it's pretty easy to use and you can use it "on site." I think you can get it through US art suppliers and perhaps Amazon.
The Mind of Watercolor v
Helpful as always. Thank you.
Thank you Steve. great info!
Second time watching. :-) You give such a thorough explanation, extremely helpful, thank you so much!
some great technique , thanks for that
Great class! Thank you.
Try an ivory POSCA pen. They are great. Similar to gel pen, but not stark cold white, and they are reliable. I got mine at Blick.
thank you for this video, it is very helpful.
Great tips! Thanks!
Very interesting video. Thank you. Hugs!
If you tint the white gouache with the base color, in this case yellow, to match the color and use to paint the very small details, or use pen to draw it on
Thank you really helpful!
on the bottom example there is a skull right in the middle of the sky at the treetops. the nose of the skull also looks like a person with a wrap on. I see tons of opportunity to exploit those shapes as image in image. I used to do tole painting and using liquid mask was one of my favorite techniques. I masked off picket fences, gates, lattice, as well as faces, but they were not my strong suit. I'm just learning how to do watercolor, because of the portability. So what I'm saying is keep your little examples there. You can use them on greeting cards.
Great video Steve! 😆🖒
gosh.. talented...
I always have issues with the Gelly Roll, but the Signo pens are great!
Danara Salter c
Great video! I got mad at Alvaro Castagnet when i saw a video in which a person assisting to his workshop asked about masking fluid and he said "naaahhh, never, is an amateurish thing". Generally speaking i like him and the advice he gives but that seemed wrong since for certain styles and/or situations masking fluid can be just the best answer to achieve something. Maybe he was saying that in the context of the teaching of the style he paints (mostly loose, using abstractions and not detailing anything too much or at all), and he found redundant to specify that his "nahh" was related to that style and not that masking fluid is a "nahh" for every style. Anyways! great video.
Alvaro is a colorful character and a bit in awe of himself unfortunately,.