How to Paint Rain, painting the symptoms of rain rather than painting rainfall.

Welcome back to Watercolor Theory, or in this case, Slow Travel Painter, as we continue our exploration in Vietnam. This week's photo is courtesy of Pexels, Azraq Al-Rezoan, and I must say, it (the photo) closely resembles a value study. This week, we're delving into "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly." Let's begin with...
The Good: Painting Rain. In this video, I demonstrate how to capture a rainy day, not merely by painting streaky lines at a slight angle, but by employing techniques of atmospheric perspective, contrast, and reflection. With a little help from props like an umbrella, we convey the essence of a rainy day.
The Bad: Abstraction versus Expectation. In this segment, I'll discuss how abstraction is context-dependent. In the case of this painting, there are areas, such as the storefronts on the left and the interior of the rickshaw, where I struggled with abstraction due to my efforts to make sense of the scene. I'll showcase instances where abstraction flows naturally, such as in grassy fields or distant buildings.
The Ugly: Embrace Imperfection. If a painting looks unappealing, persist. What's to lose? Conversely, if a painting appears satisfactory, step back and revisit it another day. I experimented with four versions of this painting; while the first and last resonate with me the most, the second is stylistic, and the third resembles the photograph from afar but lacks appeal up close.
As of this video's release, I have three more paintings of this subject to share, each with its unique approach. One leans towards abstraction, another faithfully represents the photo, and the third offers a distinct perspective. While I'm uncertain if they'll feature in a single video, stay tuned for updates. Additionally, I'll provide a sneak peek at what currently occupies my easel: a water lily picker in her boat.
Watercolour Philosophy.
“Much Dogma, in Watercolour there is.” - Yoda
“You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.” - Bruce Lee
“There's a force in the universe that makes things happen. And all you have to do is get in touch with it, stop thinking, let things happen, and be the ball.” -Ty Webb Caddyshack

[@JT8njr]

Thanks for joining me on the channel today. I truly appreciate your support, both viewers and subscribers alike. To build an even stronger community, I thought it'd be great to open things up for a **watercolour Q&A session** right here in the comments!
**Chances are, some of you have questions that haven't popped up yet.** Maybe you're curious about the perfect brush for a specific technique, or perhaps you're facing a specific watercolour challenge and need a helping hand. Whatever it is, don't hesitate to fire away!
**To get the conversation flowing, here are a few starter ideas:**
* "What's your go-to brush for [specific technique]?"
* "Been battling with [watercolour challenge]. Any tips, fellas?"
* "Let's see those travel kits! Show us what you pack for painting on the go."
**Remember, no question is off-limits.** Let's create a supportive space where we can all learn and share our passion for watercolours. So grab your favourite paints, settle in, and let's get chatting! The more you participate, the richer our artistic journey becomes.

[@Sam48772]

As usual I liked your tips that are about creation rather than the technique itself. For me, a mentor or two are as essential as my favourite brushes (which are NEEF brand, btw). Thanks again!