That link leads to a page asking for your email to sign up for a newsletter and such, but I'm concerned that it doesn't say anything on the page or the rest of the site how that information will be used, if it will be transferred to any other parties, and if the info will be deleted or not when you unsubscribe.
Inspirational. I remember a Michael Jordan quote (paraphrasing here) where he basically says, "I've failed again and again and again. That is why I'm a success."
Omg…I needed this pep talk. I had sucky materials years ago and gave up. I bought better supplies hoping that would help. It has but still wanted to give up and instead be satisfied admiring others work but I really do love the feeling of watercolor and mixing color and seeing what they do on paper once dried. Thank you again for taking a moment to give up a pep talk!
thanks Matthew, for the great advice. I will not give up painting, but sometimes the day job and life, gets very busy, and I dont make time to paint for a week or 2. Painting small, is great advice. Love your videos!
I was going to say this same thing. Sometimes it seems like I won't really paint much till I retire. Creative hobbies are relaxing, but mostly that happens only after one has some level of competency; at the beginning, even planning a painting can be stressful and TBH overwhelming to a brain that's wrung out from "the day job." Painting small is a good strategy, and also just painting watercolor doodles, mark-making, color mixing, etc. - covering a sheet with stuff without it being a scene or from a reference photo. I heard a tip: have a notebook that you can paste/tape cut-out bits of your exercises/warm-ups into and make notes (what you did, how it worked/didn't, paints and materials used, etc.). I liked that because even little things can build into a record of my journey to learn watercolor. Hoping to do some of that over the holidays!
Oh wow. I could not have watched this at a more appropriate time. I feel like you were talking directly to me. It’s like you were reading my mind. Seriously.
when I have made mistakes or end up with a dreadful outcome - before I really want to throw it away I pick it up and rinse it under a cold tap for 20 to 30 seconds and I often find a delightful and unexpected picture emerge - crazy I know bur it works for me ! Love your tips and will keep them as a close reminder.
Oh my goodness I have never been so motivated by a stack of papers!!!😄 I would never have imagined by the mastery you display that you could have such large pile of ones you are not happy with. So there is hope for me . 🤩 Thank you so much. ❤
One artist in Britain suggested to me it was better to start digging right in painting on larger sizes, rather than starting small. The reason? Better feel for washes on a larger surface area and a feel for using larger brushes. However, starting with a small size like 5 x 7 worked for me and I was able to frame several paintings. A few ended up as gifts to friends and family. The British artist, by the way, was always doing wet-on-dry paintings, so timing was less of a problem than wet-on-wet. I’ve tried this technique and it works too, but effort in planning and thinking is still required.
Many of Trevor Chamberlains paintings are 10x7 inches. I guess that gives him the control he needs when it comes to working mainly wet into wet. People always say to me, big paintings sell, people want big paintings, and I suppose they do. But moving from a small to big format takes time and confidence, at least for me.
I so needed rhis! Thank you! If I'm "good" at anything, it's failure; but I refuse to give up. My painting ability may never get to where I want it to be, but I love trying.
I'm a beginner and I bought a strathmore 12 sheet watercolor pad and told myself "I want to fill this thing with crappy paintings by the end of the summer" (I'm dividing each sheet in half and using both sides, so that's 48 crappy paintings). So far one or two of them have been non-crappy so it's going OK. Almost every failed painting teaches me something. Also, I am doing everyone a favor by posting some of my crappy ones to Instagram. I hope it makes people feel better.
Thank you for the reassurance. I've been playing in my swatch journal with a complete lack of inspiration. I've been thinking all these things. Thank you!
Thank you for your wonderful words of encouragement, Matt. When I "burn out", I paint peanut characters on little cards...they are so easy and people love them. Your stack of failures matches mine or may be even a little bigger....lol.
Yes I remember why I picked up my paint brushes. I appreciate your encouragement. We all need to remember perfect isn’t always going to happen. Thank you for the great reminder Mathew!
Yeah paint small - another thing that helps - use both sides of the paper. I took all my faliures and then used the other side of the paper - pressure instantly off - and guess what - I painted far more fluidly. And felt like i'd saved money as well!
Thank you Matthew. I have lots and lots of very successful paintings and sketches…but they are all small😂. And I really want to paint big! When i try to repaint a scene that worked well as a sketch to make a larger painting, they are never as successful. So you need to make the follow up video of how you get from small to larger!
I needed this today. I will always be an amateur. I came to this art very late. I can't paint everyday but I can paint small. I think it is time I stopped trying to copy other artists. Thank you so much.
I draw a picture 4 time to make it right. 2 times I kill the paper. The third time I was near by the end ,and then the paper let me down. But I started again, and it was better then bevor. I learned how to do it in the right way, that I don't damage the paper again and use the right medium for my background. It was a hard journey, but in the end I get the best result of all my experience. And buy the way it took me 4 months from the first sketch to the finish picture. But it was worth the hard way.
OMG!!!! You are reading my mind!!!! This lady the other day in her paint tutorial said I have this cat I drew and I realize it looks like a three-year-old drew it, so I’m waiting for her to put up her three year old painting because I’m looking at this gorgeous cat. That was the cat she was talking about!!!!! Then I looked down at my drawing because I haven’t been a drawer in my whole life, No lady, mine looks like a 3 year old drew it 🤬🤬 I have horrible handwriting and I love to play around with paints but I’m not really an artist. As in, someone would look at my art and say oh that’s amazing. I hurt my feelings I got really frustrated and I LEFT her video so thank you so much for this video I really appreciate it I think artist have been doing this for years shouldn’t talk shit about their work because someone as brand new like me, really feels gutted ❤❤ Thank you!!!!
I was in a new class today. What a disaster my painting was. Soooo bad. Fold in half garbage bad. 😢Embarrassing! So it’s a miracle I listened to your video. “ Everyone struggles.” Therefore, I have decided to order 11x7.5 paper. Paint often. Continue! Thank you! Margaret xoxoxo
Hello Mathew, I m Mani, from India. All your videos are very useful for me...And always you are addressing those problems I face while I paint with water colour...Thank you very much🙏❤️❤️❤️
Loved this video. I could truly feel the passion behind your words Matt and that they were coming from the heart. You are one of the most inspiring artists I have come across and I love following your journey and watch every video you release, as I feel that they are so valuable to other artists, beginners or more experienced. Watching YOU specifically gave me the push to jump back into watercolor painting, and I can't thank you enough for the the wisdom and content you share with the world. Big essay here, but just wanted to say thank you and tell you that I admire the absolutely stunning art that you create and you as an artist and teacher. Alright, I'm done now :)
Great video. Matthew! Thank you! One of the watercolor painters I truly love and appreciate is Doug Lew. In his book, Capturing Motion in Watercolor, he stated he often makes 7 or more paintings to get one he really likes. Other artists I have communicated with have told me they will do several "practice" paintings before they paint the final one - and all these painters are great (even masters) painters! Your advice is a great reminder that every artist experiences frustration, sometimes defeat, anger and low selr-esteem; but perserverance ALWAYS wins.
People keep asking me where do all the paintings I do go. I tell them they're going in a cardboard box. They're stacking up also. As I get more practice to do some great paintings in the future. This video was helpful to see your stack of paintings. Also I remind myself when I watch How to painting RUclips videos that those artists have painted similar paintings many times. Like following a recipe they are familiar with.
About that stack: crop the good part if you can; or paint on the backs; or use to experiment - with lifting, or glazing, or over painting areas in opaque colors for example; or incorporate mixed media- watercolor pencil; charcoal, ink, etc. Don’t throw it away until you’ve learned everything you can from a failed piece
That was FANTASTIC! Based on all the comments you got, looks like this was just what we all needed. Thanks for posting not only "how to paint," but also "why we love to paint." You're the best!
Matthew, there is nothing you ever say that isn’t true, but this beats it all! It’s like you spoke to me personally. The times I’ve done a 'trial' small painting that turns out well! The larger 'finished' one disappointing. It’s also true that there is less pressure on us, we’re more relaxed because “hey this is only a study”. I will bear in mind why I love painting. Like you, to see the magic on the page when those colours merge. Thank you, you’ve lifted my mood today.
Thank you so much for your advice!!! Hardly ANY artists talk about failure or the challenges with watercolour, everrrrrr. Your pile of failed artworks is bigger than mine and now I dont feel so bad about the huge crate of rejects in the study!! That really makes me realise that, hey its perfectly OK to fail ... a lot!!! I got so fed up a few weeks ago I was despairing that I hadn't produced anything decent in 2 years. So I've changed tack and now every artwork is an experiment. If it doesn't work I either bin it immediately or tear it up for scrap paper. I don't sit there staring at it wondering why it didn't work. I just move on as quickly as possible and plan the next one, rather than wallowing in self pity. Try, fail, fail forward is working for me 👍😊
Something that's important to me is: Set a goal for each painting. One definite goal that can be measured. Like, I'm going to work on realistic greens, "leave more sky holes in close trees" - a solid goal that can be measured and evaluated when the painting is complete. I often paint 5x7 = perfect to make greeting cards. Buy envelopes at the hobby shop. Thanks for your encouraging video and WOW at that stack of unsatisfactory paintings you showed.
This is a brilliant positive pep talk that really inspires. Thank you! I recently spoke to an amazing artist who’s work astounds me and she was feeling like everything she did was terrible or not working. I stood there silently, but mouth hanging open inside. “Wow”, I thought … I am not alone and it is OK! I love your suggestions and realized it is what I do when discouraged too. I paint small! Or just play with the paint and the water going back to finding that place that hooked me into this wonderful medium. Your stack of “ failures “, let’s call them practice sheets as less painful 😂 is impressive. I bet they are not as bad as YOU judge them to be, but in the end YOU must be happy with the result. I need to get more paper out and make more mistakes! 😂 thanks for these great suggestions. I think a small sign in my studio will remind me…paint small, remember WHY you use watercolour and keep showing up! ❤
Thank you, Matthew! I was getting very frustrated with my progress. I went back to a smaller format and I completed a painting in 90 minutes. It's not great but it's the best painting that I have done in weeks.
▶︎Free Video Lesson: 7 Secrets of Fresh, Powerful Painting www.learntopaintwatercolor.com/7secrets
That link leads to a page asking for your email to sign up for a newsletter and such, but I'm concerned that it doesn't say anything on the page or the rest of the site how that information will be used, if it will be transferred to any other parties, and if the info will be deleted or not when you unsubscribe.
Inspirational. I remember a Michael Jordan quote (paraphrasing here) where he basically says, "I've failed again and again and again. That is why I'm a success."
Omg…I needed this pep talk. I had sucky materials years ago and gave up. I bought better supplies hoping that would help. It has but still wanted to give up and instead be satisfied admiring others work but I really do love the feeling of watercolor and mixing color and seeing what they do on paper once dried. Thank you again for taking a moment to give up a pep talk!
So glad it was helpful for you!
Great pep talk! I hear you about going small it takes the stress away. Thanks again
thanks Matthew, for the great advice. I will not give up painting, but sometimes the day job and life, gets very busy, and I dont make time to paint for a week or 2. Painting small, is great advice. Love your videos!
I've been there Lisa. That's hard. Hang in there!
I was going to say this same thing. Sometimes it seems like I won't really paint much till I retire. Creative hobbies are relaxing, but mostly that happens only after one has some level of competency; at the beginning, even planning a painting can be stressful and TBH overwhelming to a brain that's wrung out from "the day job." Painting small is a good strategy, and also just painting watercolor doodles, mark-making, color mixing, etc. - covering a sheet with stuff without it being a scene or from a reference photo. I heard a tip: have a notebook that you can paste/tape cut-out bits of your exercises/warm-ups into and make notes (what you did, how it worked/didn't, paints and materials used, etc.). I liked that because even little things can build into a record of my journey to learn watercolor. Hoping to do some of that over the holidays!
I know everything you said very well! And yet... I needed to hear it again. Thanks Matthew.
You're very welcome!
Oh wow. I could not have watched this at a more appropriate time. I feel like you were talking directly to me. It’s like you were reading my mind. Seriously.
So glad this was helpful!
This is good advice not just for watercolor painting, but also for life in general.
What a brilliant vdo !! Thanku Matt for this powerful reminder ! You don’t know how much this helps !!
I was not thinking of giving up ...But I am still Way....inspired by this video of yours.....Thank you..sandhy kale
So glad to hear that!
You're a calming influence and a wonderful teacher Matthew. Cheers again from Australia mate 👍 👌
when I have made mistakes or end up with a dreadful outcome - before I really want to throw it away I pick it up and rinse it under a cold tap for 20 to 30 seconds and I often find a delightful and unexpected picture emerge - crazy I know bur it works for me ! Love your tips and will keep them as a close reminder.
Oh my goodness I have never been so motivated by a stack of papers!!!😄 I would never have imagined by the mastery you display that you could have such large pile of ones you are not happy with. So there is hope for me . 🤩 Thank you so much. ❤
Artists need encouragement. Thank u.
Thanks for sharing the stack you don't like. I forget failure is necessary.
One artist in Britain suggested to me it was better to start digging right in painting on larger sizes, rather than starting small. The reason? Better feel for washes on a larger surface area and a feel for using larger brushes. However, starting with a small size like 5 x 7 worked for me and I was able to frame several paintings. A few ended up as gifts to friends and family. The British artist, by the way, was always doing wet-on-dry paintings, so timing was less of a problem than wet-on-wet. I’ve tried this technique and it works too, but effort in planning and thinking is still required.
Many of Trevor Chamberlains paintings are 10x7 inches. I guess that gives him the control he needs when it comes to working mainly wet into wet. People always say to me, big paintings sell, people want big paintings, and I suppose they do. But moving from a small to big format takes time and confidence, at least for me.
Helpful? Crucial!
I so needed rhis! Thank you!
If I'm "good" at anything, it's failure; but I refuse to give up. My painting ability may never get to where I want it to be, but I love trying.
Thank you, I have been thinking maybe I should give up. You're right we can't give up because we love painting.
You inspire me. Thank you master! 🙏
I didn’t realise that I needed to listen to advice concerning the non painting part of the process. Truly welcome and appreciated Mathew. 🙏🏻
I am touched by your encouraging words so that it made me cry. 🙂 I really needed them. Thank you Matt❣ I will start with small paintings.
Awww Glad to help!
I'm a beginner and I bought a strathmore 12 sheet watercolor pad and told myself "I want to fill this thing with crappy paintings by the end of the summer" (I'm dividing each sheet in half and using both sides, so that's 48 crappy paintings). So far one or two of them have been non-crappy so it's going OK. Almost every failed painting teaches me something.
Also, I am doing everyone a favor by posting some of my crappy ones to Instagram. I hope it makes people feel better.
Thank you for the reassurance. I've been playing in my swatch journal with a complete lack of inspiration. I've been thinking all these things. Thank you!
You are so welcome!
I do the same, postcard size paintings just to chill a bit. Sometimes then I use them as background work for larger ones
This is such a great lesson... just think, when you look at your photos in your feed... I find only 1 out of 10 are "ok" . Just keep practicing.
That is an impressive stack of paintings that you have made! Before I give up, I still have to achieve that too 😊 Thanks for the encouragement
You're welcome!
Thank you for your wonderful words of encouragement, Matt. When I "burn out", I paint peanut characters on little cards...they are so easy and people love them. Your stack of failures matches mine or may be even a little bigger....lol.
Thanks for the encouaging words.
You are so welcome!
You mentioned staying away from social media. I post all of mine, complete with my complaints where necessary.
Practical approach to learn water colour.Thanks a lot.
Yes I remember why I picked up my paint brushes. I appreciate your encouragement. We all need to remember perfect isn’t always going to happen. Thank you for the great reminder Mathew!
That's right. You're welcome!
Yeah paint small - another thing that helps - use both sides of the paper. I took all my faliures and then used the other side of the paper - pressure instantly off - and guess what - I painted far more fluidly. And felt like i'd saved money as well!
Thank you Matthew. I have lots and lots of very successful paintings and sketches…but they are all small😂. And I really want to paint big! When i try to repaint a scene that worked well as a sketch to make a larger painting, they are never as successful. So you need to make the follow up video of how you get from small to larger!
I needed this today. I will always be an amateur. I came to this art very late. I can't paint everyday but I can paint small. I think it is time I stopped trying to copy other artists. Thank you so much.
Excellent advice, Matthew. Thank you!
Merci beaucoup, Matthew pour vos précieux conseils!
Thanks! Very up-lifting!
You're so welcome!
Thank you so much! I haven't painted for 3 weeks because I was so frustrated. This is just the encouragement I needed.
So glad to help!
I draw a picture 4 time to make it right.
2 times I kill the paper.
The third time I was near by the end ,and then the paper let me down.
But I started again, and it was better then bevor.
I learned how to do it in the right way, that I don't damage the paper again and use the right medium for my background.
It was a hard journey, but in the end I get the best result of all my experience.
And buy the way it took me 4 months from the first sketch to the finish picture.
But it was worth the hard way.
OMG!!!! You are reading my mind!!!! This lady the other day in her paint tutorial said I have this cat I drew and I realize it looks like a three-year-old drew it, so I’m waiting for her to put up her three year old painting because I’m looking at this gorgeous cat. That was the cat she was talking about!!!!! Then I looked down at my drawing because I haven’t been a drawer in my whole life, No lady, mine looks like a 3 year old drew it 🤬🤬 I have horrible handwriting and I love to play around with paints but I’m not really an artist. As in, someone would look at my art and say oh that’s amazing. I hurt my feelings I got really frustrated and I LEFT her video so thank you so much for this video I really appreciate it I think artist have been doing this for years shouldn’t talk shit about their work because someone as brand new like me, really feels gutted ❤❤ Thank you!!!!
I was in a new class today. What a disaster my painting was. Soooo bad. Fold in half garbage bad. 😢Embarrassing!
So it’s a miracle I listened to your video. “ Everyone struggles.”
Therefore, I have decided to order 11x7.5 paper. Paint often. Continue! Thank you! Margaret xoxoxo
We've all been there. Keep going!
reckon there should be a watercolour bloopers Chanel
Thanks Matt I needed that. Was thinking of putting my watercolors away but you convinced me to keep trying. Thanks so very much!
Keep going!
Thanks Matthew for this inspiring video and for sharing your tips to successful watercolor painting.
My pleasure!
This is awesome! Thanks Matthew 😀
Hello Mathew, I m Mani, from India. All your videos are very useful for me...And always you are addressing those problems I face while I paint with water colour...Thank you very much🙏❤️❤️❤️
Glad to hear that!
Loved this video. I could truly feel the passion behind your words Matt and that they were coming from the heart. You are one of the most inspiring artists I have come across and I love following your journey and watch every video you release, as I feel that they are so valuable to other artists, beginners or more experienced. Watching YOU specifically gave me the push to jump back into watercolor painting, and I can't thank you enough for the the wisdom and content you share with the world. Big essay here, but just wanted to say thank you and tell you that I admire the absolutely stunning art that you create and you as an artist and teacher. Alright, I'm done now :)
This made my day. Thanks so much!
Very inspirational thoughts and encouragement! Thank you
Great video. Matthew! Thank you! One of the watercolor painters I truly love and appreciate is Doug Lew. In his book, Capturing Motion in Watercolor, he stated he often makes 7 or more paintings to get one he really likes. Other artists I have communicated with have told me they will do several "practice" paintings before they paint the final one - and all these painters are great (even masters) painters! Your advice is a great reminder that every artist experiences frustration, sometimes defeat, anger and low selr-esteem; but perserverance ALWAYS wins.
Those small watercolours are absolutely amazing. Sigh.
I SO needed this today! You're such a terrific encourager!
So glad to hear that!
Thank you so much. I needed some encouragement today🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Beautiful and inspiring video! Thank you :)
Thank you…I so needed to hear these valuable points ❤
People keep asking me where do all the paintings I do go. I tell them they're going in a cardboard box. They're stacking up also. As I get more practice to do some great paintings in the future. This video was helpful to see your stack of paintings. Also I remind myself when I watch How to painting RUclips videos that those artists have painted similar paintings many times. Like following a recipe they are familiar with.
About that stack: crop the good part if you can; or paint on the backs; or use to experiment - with lifting, or glazing, or over painting areas in opaque colors for example; or incorporate mixed media- watercolor pencil; charcoal, ink, etc. Don’t throw it away until you’ve learned everything you can from a failed piece
A heartfelt Thank You!
Nice piece of advice👍
Glad it was helpful!
Hey, thank you!
You bet!
very helpful and encouraging. Thank you
Thanks so much!!! So true and I needed to hear it
Thank you! ☺️
You’re welcome 😊
Matthew...thank you for addressing me !...I wrote to you that I have this frustration with watercolor...it is really helpful 🙏
So glad to hear that!
Thank you so much. Best advice I needed
Thank you just what i needed today
That was FANTASTIC! Based on all the comments you got, looks like this was just what we all needed. Thanks for posting not only "how to paint," but also "why we love to paint." You're the best!
Matthew, there is nothing you ever say that isn’t true, but this beats it all! It’s like you spoke to me personally. The times I’ve done a 'trial' small painting that turns out well! The larger 'finished' one disappointing. It’s also true that there is less pressure on us, we’re more relaxed because “hey this is only a study”. I will bear in mind why I love painting. Like you, to see the magic on the page when those colours merge. Thank you, you’ve lifted my mood today.
Thank you so much for your advice!!! Hardly ANY artists talk about failure or the challenges with watercolour, everrrrrr.
Your pile of failed artworks is bigger than mine and now I dont feel so bad about the huge crate of rejects in the study!! That really makes me realise that, hey its perfectly OK to fail ... a lot!!!
I got so fed up a few weeks ago I was despairing that I hadn't produced anything decent in 2 years. So I've changed tack and now every artwork is an experiment. If it doesn't work I either bin it immediately or tear it up for scrap paper. I don't sit there staring at it wondering why it didn't work. I just move on as quickly as possible and plan the next one, rather than wallowing in self pity. Try, fail, fail forward is working for me 👍😊
Muchas gracias Matty, esta clase fue excelente! Gracias realmente!
Something that's important to me is: Set a goal for each painting. One definite goal that can be measured. Like, I'm going to work on realistic greens, "leave more sky holes in close trees" - a solid goal that can be measured and evaluated when the painting is complete. I often paint 5x7 = perfect to make greeting cards. Buy envelopes at the hobby shop. Thanks for your encouraging video and WOW at that stack of unsatisfactory paintings you showed.
This is a brilliant positive pep talk that really inspires. Thank you! I recently spoke to an amazing artist who’s work astounds me and she was feeling like everything she did was terrible or not working. I stood there silently, but mouth hanging open inside. “Wow”, I thought … I am not alone and it is OK! I love your suggestions and realized it is what I do when discouraged too. I paint small! Or just play with the paint and the water going back to finding that place that hooked me into this wonderful medium. Your stack of “ failures “, let’s call them practice sheets as less painful 😂 is impressive. I bet they are not as bad as YOU judge them to be, but in the end YOU must be happy with the result. I need to get more paper out and make more mistakes! 😂 thanks for these great suggestions. I think a small sign in my studio will remind me…paint small, remember WHY you use watercolour and keep showing up! ❤
Thank you for putting my struggles and insecurities into perspective. I feel so encouraged now! Painting isn't your only gift.
this video is really helpful for us😊
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you mister :)
Thank you 🙏💛
Thank you, Matthew! I was getting very frustrated with my progress. I went back to a smaller format and I completed a painting in 90 minutes. It's not great but it's the best painting that I have done in weeks.
I needed that! Thank you
Thank you ❤
Thank you!!!
🎨 Thanks for this.
Thanks 👍
thank you.
I was just about to throw all my paint supplies on the floor and light them on fire, but then I watched this video. Thanks man.
No!! Keep going!
I dig it. Yes, I do. But, I cannot help but point out that that stack of "failures" is hundreds of dollars in painting supplies!
This was very motivating 👍 How about this? If you are struggling with watercolor, start oil painting... Lol 😄
Yes I almost given up...😢
❤
i gave up painting because i live in a studio apartment for last 15 years. no point.
your opening is wrong, i found painting is super easy
Thank you!
You're welcome!
Thanks 👍
Thank you!!
You're welcome!
Thank you!