Every other video I see talks about keeping the wash fresh and they demonstrate some way they apply the wash but this is the first I’ve seen that explains why then demonstrates the difference between the muddy causes and the results. Always worth the few minutes to watch.
This is one of the best (if not the best) explanation on how to avoid mud in watercolor. Many thanks for sharing your knowledge in a very didactic way.
Thanks a lot, Dianne !! Overmixing was actually causing my paints to go muddy. I never knew that this small difference in mixing style can make such a huge difference. Thanks again.
I hope you don't mind if I give beginners a little more input. It seems to me that mixing 2 warm colors or 2 opaque colors can potentially cause mud. A warm color with a cool color usually won't cause mud or 2 transparent colors usually won't. Also paint on either very wet or very dry paper. Glazing is wonderful but glaze when paper is very very dry. Also one of the main reasons mud occurs for beginners is CHEAP paints (that we learn with). These can cause mud easily because of the fillers. I found this out the hard way - some of them simply do not mix well, some might. Buy artist grade, if possible, even if it is just three primary colors and mix your own colors (you will be amazed at the difference). Wet into wet washes can result in mud especially if 3 or more colors are used together - grays, browns and greens need little stirring, as our instructor stated, for best results. If these colors are allowed to run together during wet washes, you will probably see mud. If you are reading this and I've given anyone the wrong information, please correct my statements.
Thanks for your input. All of this is true, and add to it that over-mixing can dull any color mixture, no matter whether it's transparent, opaque or a mixture of the two.
Absolutely but you demonstrated that so well in your video that I did not want to "step on your toes," so to speak. Great video by the way, your demonstration is great. I have seen many people mix watercolor violently, like they're beating eggs for an omelet.
Very nice remarks from our wonderful instructor Diane as well as Cassie's Creations. If I may add from my many years of making mud, nothing is worse than painting wet over semi-dry - i.e. when the wash has just lost its sparkle and gone flat. That is when you will be wading in mud. At least that has been my experience.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I'm not a water color artist because I never learned to paint that way. I use acrylics. Because so many talented artists share their expertise, and I have my favorites, I've been able to pick up a paint brush and enjoy seeing some results from my efforts.
At first i thought this was not "mud" as a colorist would define it, but i do see your point, the less mixing, the fresher the painting. As someone interested in color theory, i define "mud" as the result of mixing either a) too many opaque colors together or b) adding the compliment to a color to create a ‘greyed’ or ‘neutralized’ version, this is needed at times of course, but too much of it can look muddy. Basically, i agree with your conclusion about water color, the less mixing and stroking, the better. Watercolor is so good at ‘self blending’ why do it any other way ?
Thanks for your comment. Perhaps I should have clarified that this tip was a technical tip rather than a color theory tip. The dispersion of pigment particles on paper is one thing that gives a well done watercolor its crispness. When over mixed, the particles become too homogeneous, loosing some of that fresh sparkle we find a masterfully done watercolor painting.
Every other video I see talks about keeping the wash fresh and they demonstrate some way they apply the wash but this is the first I’ve seen that explains why then demonstrates the difference between the muddy causes and the results.
Always worth the few minutes to watch.
Thanks for watching, Jeff.
This is the best and only video I’ve seen on what happens to the particles when you over mix them. Thank you!
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
I love all your watercolor tips. Please do more. Thank you!!!!!!
Thank you! Will do!
This is one of the best (if not the best) explanation on how to avoid mud in watercolor. Many thanks for sharing your knowledge in a very didactic way.
My pleasure.
Thanks a lot, Dianne !! Overmixing was actually causing my paints to go muddy. I never knew that this small difference in mixing style can make such a huge difference. Thanks again.
It's a small technical adjustment that can make a world of difference in the result.
Thank you, great tip. I actually like use mud. And your example of mud is as beautiful as "non mud."
What most folks call mud can be beautiful if given the role of color.
Useful advice Mrs.Mize!
Glad it was helpful!
excellent observations and something to consciously practice.
Thank you.
😊
Thank you for this eye opener.
My pleasure.
I hope you don't mind if I give beginners a little more input. It seems to me that mixing 2 warm colors or 2 opaque colors can potentially cause mud. A warm color with a cool color usually won't cause mud or 2 transparent colors usually won't. Also paint on either very wet or very dry paper. Glazing is wonderful but glaze when paper is very very dry. Also one of the main reasons mud occurs for beginners is CHEAP paints (that we learn with). These can cause mud easily because of the fillers. I found this out the hard way - some of them simply do not mix well, some might. Buy artist grade, if possible, even if it is just three primary colors and mix your own colors (you will be amazed at the difference). Wet into wet washes can result in mud especially if 3 or more colors are used together - grays, browns and greens need little stirring, as our instructor stated, for best results. If these colors are allowed to run together during wet washes, you will probably see mud. If you are reading this and I've given anyone the wrong information, please correct my statements.
Thanks for your input. All of this is true, and add to it that over-mixing can dull any color mixture, no matter whether it's transparent, opaque or a mixture of the two.
Absolutely but you demonstrated that so well in your video that I did not want to "step on your toes," so to speak. Great video by the way, your demonstration is great. I have seen many people mix watercolor violently, like they're beating eggs for an omelet.
Very nice remarks from our wonderful instructor Diane as well as Cassie's Creations. If I may add from my many years of making mud, nothing is worse than painting wet over semi-dry - i.e. when the wash has just lost its sparkle and gone flat. That is when you will be wading in mud. At least that has been my experience.
very helpful, can’t Wait to try!
Have fun with it Barbara.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I'm not a water color artist because I never learned to paint that way. I use acrylics.
Because so many talented artists share their expertise, and I have my favorites, I've been able to pick up a paint brush and enjoy seeing some results from my efforts.
For me, one of the joys of being an artist and teacher is the sharing.
I like your clear and coincidental ~ Beautiul COLOR ~
Thanks for all you comments. Glad you're enjoying these Tips.
I just found your channel and love watching you and your wonderful tips! I am a beginner and need all the help I can get. Thank you
Welcome aboard, Pam. Enjoy the journey.
This is an extremely valuable tip! Thank You! :)
My pleasure.
Thank you, I always learn something from you.
Thanks, that's good to hear.
Very helpful, Dianne!
😇
Really great tips. Thanks!
My pleasure.
Very helpful and very new for me, thank you!
My pleasure.
At first i thought this was not "mud" as a colorist would define it, but i do see your point, the less mixing, the fresher the painting. As someone interested in color theory, i define "mud" as the result of mixing either a) too many opaque colors together or b) adding the compliment to a color to create a ‘greyed’ or ‘neutralized’ version, this is needed at times of course, but too much of it can look muddy.
Basically, i agree with your conclusion about water color, the less mixing and stroking, the better. Watercolor is so good at ‘self blending’ why do it any other way ?
Thanks for your comment. Perhaps I should have clarified that this tip was a technical tip rather than a color theory tip. The dispersion of pigment particles on paper is one thing that gives a well done watercolor its crispness. When over mixed, the particles become too homogeneous, loosing some of that fresh sparkle we find a masterfully done watercolor painting.
Very helpful! Thanks!
My pleasure.
Always useful Thank you!
My pleasure.
Got my answer thank you so much you explained it masterly 👏👏👍🎨🙏🌎👩🎨 I did over mix and over stroke . 😏i
😊
Thank you for this great tip. Now I know, that I mix the wrong way.... pleas share, what kind of brush do you use here?
I'm using the Rosemary Series 274.
Thanks