The MOST AMAZING Watercolour Effects

In this week's early upload video, I demonstrate one of the most amazing techniques.
Made popular by the fantastic watercolour painter, Nicolas Lopez, this special effect is so satisfying when it works.
Thousands of layers of granulation and texture, which pretty much paints itself.
Join me now to see how it's done !!
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[@lorijones9579]

I also dissolve a good amount of salt in hot water, then let it cool and paint with it. Even a non-granulating paint will do tricks with saltwater.

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Interesting. Thanks for the idea

[@Valentina-Steinway]

I do that too 😂😂😂!!!

[@rachelrichman5960]

Oh my I have thought to use water straight out the sea but forgot. Thanks for the reminder!

[@ARTwithMarina]

​@ChrisStephenArt have you tried this with granulation medium? I wonder if Lori's mix is similar to how that is manufactured

[@ChrisStephenArt]

I haven’t, but it sounds like a good idea.

[@saltpony]

Can you please do more of these granulation demos? I just love watching them.

[@ChrisStephenArt]

I’m glad you liked it, I’m sure I will do more in the future

[@SherryHill-k5y]

Loved this. Just beautiful.❤

[@busterholmes4934]

Wow, like a vintage blackandwhite photography 🖤🤍

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks very much

[@topchic7475]

Great technique. I love this mild abstract landscape style of painting. Thanks for sharing.

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks so much

[@LauraIsabelGonzalezArt]

This is the most "trust the process" piece I've ever seen! Wow! Absolutely beautiful results!

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Absolutely, you never really know what the final outcome will be !!

[@GM-yn9nc]

This will definitely require me to practice more patience!!!

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Absolutely, it requires both !!

[@lindaanthony5527]

Thank you for being a left handed painter😊

[@ChrisStephenArt]

You’re welcome !!

[@abigailmiller6983]

I am as well! ❤

[@SherryHill-k5y]

​@ChrisStephenArtA lot of famous past arists were left handed.❤

[@TD-rd9to]

It makes a difference!!!

[@TD-rd9to]

It makes a difference!!!

[@mell5111]

Thank you! I saw a Lopez video and have been experimenting to get the effect. You came at the right time! You explained it so well😊

[@ChrisStephenArt]

You’re welcome. I have been intrigued by the effects he achieves for a while now, it’s also great fun to do

[@StellaAnamCara]

Lopez didn’t invent the technique (contrary to his purported claims of being groundbreaker for his techniques) there is another artist who did it 50 years before, a woman Nita Engle was using the techniques Lopez uses. She probably wasn’t the first artist to develop them, either. Looking back in books my mom had, from the 70’s a ton of painting techniques and different types of crafts and art using different mediums and materials and methods we see today on RUclips or TikTok by artists claiming to have "invented them" or to being "innovators" in their work, are simply mining pre-internet resources for inspiration. As for Engle, some of her works have been uploaded on RUclips and you’ll find videos of her painting here, if they’re available still (since the platform did a major overhaul at the beginning of the 2010’s, some things are now archived and no longer available, sadly.

[@StellaAnamCara]

@ChrisStephenArt Lopez didn’t invent the technique (contrary to his purported claims of being groundbreaker for his techniques) there is another artist who did it 50 years before, a woman Nita Engle was using the techniques Lopez uses. She probably wasn’t the first artist to develop them, either. Looking back in books my mom had, from the 70’s a ton of painting techniques and different types of crafts and art using different mediums and materials and methods we see today on RUclips or TikTok by artists claiming to have "invented them" or to being "innovators" in their work, are simply mining pre-internet resources for inspiration. As for Engle, some of her works have been uploaded on RUclips and you’ll find videos of her painting here, if they’re available still (since the platform did a major overhaul at the beginning of the 2010’s, some things are now archived and no longer available, sadly).

[@chantalm7110]

Wonderful work and what a result well done !

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks very much

[@SuperReyand]

I love how you explained it. Nice result as well!

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks very much

[@vonniesaunders4939]

Wow Christopher, this is absolutely amazing, it looks like a flipping photograph!!! The finished result is a beautiful representation ….. I love it!!! 😍 You are a very talented young man!!! Thank you for sharing this!!! Lotsa luv Vonnie.x 💖

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks very much Vonnie, I’m glad you liked it

[@lisamessina5952]

I love this effect! I am going to try it with Lunar Blue and Transparent Brown Oxide or Red Oxide. I have those on hand. I will put Lunar Black on my list.

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Great ! Let me know how it goes

[@alinkozanoglu837]

Thank you for the video, Christopher. I love granulating pigments too. Nicholas Lopez uses dark pigments in painting, Yesim Gozukara who is based in Australia uses granulating pigments very extensively in her paintings. She uses different colours very successfully depending on her subject. She doesn't have a RUclips channel, however she has some videos on RUclips, Thank you again and compliments of the season 😊

[@ChrisStephenArt]

You’re welcome, I’m glad you liked the video. Thanks for mentioning Yesim Gozukara, I hadn’t heard of her before, she is great !! I hope you have a wonderful festive season

[@terraloft]

A favored way to "watch paint dry"... Parasympathetic effects and a lovely image!

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Haha! Thanks very much

[@carlabernecoli2071]

Stupendo.thankyou

[@ChrisStephenArt]

You’re welcome, thanks for watching

[@andreagriffiths3512]

I’m going to watch it fully later. If I try now I know I’ll fall asleep and miss the lot. ❤

[@ChrisStephenArt]

It’s definitely better when you are fully awake !!

[@maria-giulianalatini1724]

❤I just love this. The 3 dimensiality emerged as the paint moved, and banks of the river actually revealed themselves. It cracked me up that only watercolorists would appreciate the beauty of your "swatches" 😂

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks very much. Yes, the swatches are probably the best bit !! 😂

[@maria-giulianalatini1724]

​@ChrisStephenArtno no! The painting is absolutely bomb. I cannot wait to try this out tomorrow as soon as I can carve out some time

[@mar8851]

Co za technika ! Rewelacja! Dziękuję za pokaz❤

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks so much, I’m glad you liked it

[@wendyharris8026]

Thank you. Amazing result 🎉

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks so much

[@dariogiovannignecco]

Incredibile l‘ho dovuto guardare 2 volte… fantastico effetto… mi sono iscritto immediatamente

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks so much

[@Schatzie301]

Incredible. When you started I could never have envisioned the result. Just beautiful!

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thank you so much

[@feltthefluff]

That is just beautiful! Thank you for sharing this.

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks very much

[@MariaSanchez-i3b]

Wow, it’s positively beautiful.

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thank you so much

[@CouldntKarenLess]

Oh so beautiful!

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks so much

[@steph_est_24]

Incredible ! i love that !

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks Steph

[@vivii794]

Absolutely Beautiful!

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks very much

[@warpedweft9004]

love the effect and love that it doesn't require more expensive mediums to achieve.

[@ChrisStephenArt]

It is an interesting effect, the Lunar black paint is relatively expensive, but that’s all you need.

[@jude1515]

Beautiful! Can’t wait to try this technique.

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks very much. Good luck !!

[@alyn927]

Gorgeous thankyou

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks so much

[@Linda-qq5mg]

Thank you for sharing your painting. It turned out great!

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks so much, I’m glad you liked it

[@bobymox]

Amazing efect with just water!!👍

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks very much

[@gagglesc5631]

Wow, that's so effective! I think I'll practice this technique myself to see what I can come up with. Thanks for the tutorial 😊👍

[@ChrisStephenArt]

You’re welcome, I’m glad you like it. It’s a great technique, especially for a slightly abstract look.

[@debbiem6860]

Thank you for sharing !!

[@ChrisStephenArt]

You’re welcome, thank you for watching

[@edwigepetit7774]

Ouah super démo avec ces pigments .. patience et magie de l’eau parfaitement maîtrisées et fun bravo merci Christopher

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Merci Edwige ! I’m glad you liked it

[@liaclark2393]

brilliant , 🎨thank you Christopher , happy painting

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks Lia, 😊

[@fatoomgierdien110]

Very nice❤
Thank You

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks very much

[@Watercolour_Workshop]

This is great, and a lovely landscape at the end. Will definitely give this a try 🙂👍🏻

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks very much

[@SvetikPro]

Thank you for sharing your process! It’s so clear.
Beautiful work!

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks so much for watching

[@MaryCseplo]

fascinating and very beautiful. thanks!

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks so much

[@patriciamuskevitsch8359]

Beautiful!

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks so much

[@brenda9635]

This is fabulous thanks 😊

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks Brenda

[@carolpenn1155]

I have watched Lopez several times but you have made his technique achievable by explaining each stage. Great! I shall give. It a go. Many thanks.

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks very much, I’m glad you got something from the video

[@bernadettetibazi7893]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@ChrisStephenArt]

You’re welcome, thanks very much for watching

[@yunzers]

So fun. Thanks so much!

[@ChrisStephenArt]

You’re welcome. Thank you for watching

[@celiafoster6798]

Very nice effects. I'm going to give this a try.❤

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks very much. Good luck !!

[@Truthfully7]

Brilliant thanks for sharing ❤❤❤

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks so much

[@CC30869]

Bravo this is fantastic. Almost looks like a photograph. Can't wait to try this technique. Thank you for sharing.

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thank you

[@CatherineSori]

This was fascinating and very informative! Thank you for sharing!

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks so much, I’m glad you liked it

[@faithevans2659]

This is utterly stunning!!!

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thank you

[@valeriapeddis5216]

Meraviglioso❤ grazie per la demo 🙏🙏

[@ChrisStephenArt]

You’re welcome. Thank you for watching

[@loracampbell5205]

Lovely, and loved your patience. That’s very hard for me.

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks very much

[@lindaladd4596]

Amazing results! Thank you for sharing!

[@ChrisStephenArt]

You’re welcome! Thank you for watching

[@nanw-lp7lc]

love this! Thanks!!!

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks so much

[@socorropelayo4059]

Good job thank you to show this watercolor technique❤

[@ChrisStephenArt]

You’re welcome. Thank you for watching

[@Abramsvibe]

Love it! 🌟

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks so much

[@annielegrange9416]

Most unusual. Awesome

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks Annie

[@kathyklarfeld2971]

So unexpected and beautiful.

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks so much

[@SaraVasura]

Beautiful. Looking forward to trying this.

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks very much. Good luck with your painting

[@juliechamberlain6703]

That was amazing

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks very much

[@MsVivian99]

Wow ,now this is new ! Thankyou. Very effective !! :)

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks so much, I’m glad you liked it

[@paulinegee4083]

Absolutely fantastic thank.you

[@ChrisStephenArt]

You’re welcome!

[@LesleyARoberts]

I love granulating paints, Rosa do some lovely ones and much cheaper than DS. I love the carbon red one. Beautiful painting.

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks for the tip Lesley, I’ll check them out

[@AnneWilkynson]

Really awesome work, love this piece ❤

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks very much

[@kyurizu2960]

Amazing!

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thank you

[@aesea57804]

What an impressive demo. Thank you for such a careful explanation, especially about the time it needs. Such simple colors but what an incredible effect.

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks so much, I’m glad you liked it

[@lyndakowalke8858]

Oh that looks wonderful - its so effective, really nice! Thanks so much for sharing it👍🏼.

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thank you so much

[@Mellie_H]

What a beautiful painting! Thank you for sharing this technique. I'll definitely be trying this!

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks so much, I’m glad you liked it

[@elainelogan2023]

love the technique

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks very much

[@nancyodom6406]

Gorgeous!, thank you. 😊

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks Nancy

[@lesliev7874]

Thanks for sharing this very unique technique.

[@ChrisStephenArt]

You’re welcome!

[@maggieshontz3501]

Hey there Chris. I loved this, and appreciate step by step instructions. As it happens, I have both of these colors on hand! I’ll give it a go directly after Christmas. 🎄

[@ChrisStephenArt]

That sounds good Maggie. Merry Christmas

[@tkhlduvhmb42ltk]

i really like this effect

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thank you

[@reynradioandart]

Fantastic Chris. And you certainly know how to inspire others to have a go and try some of your ideas. 👍🏻

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks Dave

[@annickd3986]

C'est magnifique Christopher ! Quelle magie ! On voit le relief se dessiner peu à peu...j’adore ! 😊❤

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Merci Annick 😊

[@Marceylayne777]

Very cool technique, really captured my imagination. Liked it so much I subscribed today!

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Great, thanks so much

[@ifonlyseethrumyeyes8957]

Wow fabulous! Thank you for the lesson

[@ChrisStephenArt]

You’re welcome!

[@jacklynwilliam3862]

Thanks! I'm going to try this technique.

[@ChrisStephenArt]

You’re welcome! Good luck

[@debbiemarchant3261]

Beautiful 🖤

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks Debbie

[@V.callly]

Gimmicks are fun. Nice trick.

[@ChrisStephenArt]

It is nice to learn these techniques and fully understand what each pigment can do.

[@dogslovesalldogs]

The Ultramarine and Lunar Black swatch took me back to the 1984 Ride the Lightning album cover for Metallica. I enjoy Lunar Black.

[@ChrisStephenArt]

It’s a nice paint to experiment with, lots of possibilities

[@ClaudieMongrolle]

c'est super j'aime beaucoup merci

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks very much, I’m glad you liked it

[@RampantRoses]

I certainly will be testing this for some watercolour ocean scenery! Thank you for showing us this technique! Lunar Black is one of my favourite paints to work with 🖤

[@RampantRoses]

also thank you for sharing Nicholas Lopez as well, I hadn't heard of him until this video. Beautiful work! From both of you lol

[@ChrisStephenArt]

You’re welcome. I hope your painting goes well !!

[@dominiquedarras3093]

Merci pour cette demo

[@ChrisStephenArt]

You’re welcome, thank you for watching

[@tylerwalks1]

Wonderful!

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks so much

[@judyyoussef6573]

That’s so interesting!

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks Judy. Lunar black is a very interesting pigment, there isn’t really anything that behaves quite like it

[@delphine7519]

Thanks for another interesting demo. Great inspiration.

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks Delphine

[@elimperiocontrapaca]

Excelente trabajo

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thank you

[@alidaesparragoza6848]

Thanks from Margarita Island.Venezuela

[@ChrisStephenArt]

You’re welcome! Thank you for watching

[@inmaalkimia7706]

Lo voy a practicar . Me ha gustado mucho . Gracias

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks very much

[@croenan]

Very cool. Gonna try it out

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks so much

[@gillianburcher4508]

OMG how amazing. I can't wait for my luna black to arrive. Thank you Christopher for sharing this experimental process!

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks very much

[@dees3179]

Thanks for emphasising to take time. I’m terrible for getting impatient.

[@ChrisStephenArt]

You’re welcome. This technique, more than most, requires patience

[@prathapadur688]

real magic,,,,,,,,

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks so much

[@charofheart37]

Thanks for sharing this technique. I haven't seen this one much. Didn't think I would like granulated, but this type of painting would make it worth it 🤔! Take care 🤗❤️👍🏽💯

[@ChrisStephenArt]

You’re welcome. The effect certainly isn’t for everyone, but I think it can be quite useful when used sparingly. Also, it’s good to understand the materials available

[@charofheart37]

​@ChrisStephenArt ☺️🌸✌️

[@arlenemurphy804]

Lovely. Really need patience. Merry Christmas Chris

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks Arlene, Merry Christmas to you too

[@holy_mother_of_craft]

This is stunning! And a real practice of patience 😂 Amazing, I need to try even if it fails 😁

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks very much. Yes, do try it, it takes a bit of practice.

[@patrickhoy2475]

A great technique using the attributes of granulating watercolur pigments.
Rose Dingwall

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Thanks so much

[@PHANTASM-369]

I do this with Indigo and Phalto Blue then drop some yellow onto towards the end 😊

[@ChrisStephenArt]

That sounds great !!

[@Kyle-wb7wx]

Beautiful! Thanks for the tips.

[@ChrisStephenArt]

You’re welcome, thank you for watching

[@cmaranatha9890]

I saw Nicholas' video last week and loved the technique. I look forward to trying it soon.

[@ChrisStephenArt]

Give it a try, it’s great fun