47 How to wake up that sleeping unfinished painting? | Food for artists

Check out my weekly updated podcast Art in the making on spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7EosDVV...
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00:00 - Opening Gallery Annee Haarlem
01:04 - Painting houseportrait in watercolor
07:58 - Finishing Amsterdam cityscape
08:32 - Going to my studio
11:18 - Signing and sending books
12:02 - Working on Marching Band III painting
18:52 - Chat about waking up that sleeping unfinished painting
22:35 - Continuing Marching Band III painting
38:00 - Trying Lascaux UV Protect on watercolor, gouache and pastel
41:57 - Starting Marching Band IV painting
47:46 - Thank you see you next week

[@lisarnful]

The dark values and greys make those small pops of color sing! Phenomenal

[@jameslewis8219]

This guy proves that the art of static painting and kinetic filmmaking are not far apart at all. ; )

[@Briburger]

Watching this, you're the second artist I've seen inverted the painting.

[@FevkaladeSohbetler]

Thank You so much - You are a jewel in this strange world. It's great that you share with us the imperfect moments in your work, the things that don't work. The videos you create here are a gold mine for many professionals. In the age of social media where competition is at the forefront, it is very valuable to be able to watch the sincere conversation of an individual who produces like us in his studio. Live long and prosper 🖖

[@TitusMeeuws]

Thank you so much !

[@lauriefinelli7007]

What you did with the final touches of soft pastels made your marching band a true fanfare. To watch your whole process was true joy. What a unique idea you had creating this fanfare series. I feel like I’m there on the street and caught up in the excitement. I can hear their marching and music. The painting is alive

[@judithmalan1502]

And, Yes, it is an Adventure! Exciting to see the spontaneity develop... THANK YOU... Time does cease!

[@adelinedenis5019]

Thank you for this very good time to look this video again. And i appreciate a lot, because it is so rare ,to have a long moment.. to enter it slowly with so nice music and variety of images, to pause and appreciate all the aspect of the journey,The action and the contemplation and patience. Most of the time we see in you tube short and quick and one shot work. You make a very nice difference and i keep it for the end of the day like a reward.have a very nice week.

[@user-xd1ep5vl2o]

Het is een van de geneugten van het leven om tijd vrij te maken van ons drukke leven en uw kunstwereld binnen te gaan. Er ontstaat magie als je water en verf mengt en op papier legt. Bedankt voor je video's.

[@ninner196]

Dear Titus I really enjoy how your fanfare paintings are coming along. The variety of tones is very nice. The white house commission I would find all too inviting to play with the shadows against the house in maybe a way that might be a bit much😅. So many artists that I know keep up with the change of seasons but I don’t always paint accordingly. The bird painting that I did is framed now, I usually don’t frame paintings for sale but I couldn’t resist and it might work out for an idea I have for a couples evening this next year of an exhibit with framed and un framed art but as a relaxing walk through with maybe wine tasting and a friend who makes great little food bites to promote her business also. I don’t have time to write music as you do but I could re interpret some music and put it on a thumb drive. I always think that it is enjoyable to hear pleasant music in the background and it could be an enjoyable evening. Most places in my area that say that they promote artists also take 30% of the sales which is outrageous since they don’t set up. For those who would like to promote their work most communities rent places or a couple of rooms with windows and great lighting and with good advertising ,it could work out nicely without worrying about pleasing someone else’s pocketbook and it isn’t in the rain at a fair. I just thought I would throw out that idea and friends could get together to cover the rental and maybe split up the times for a couple of groups with reservations and a small fee at the door with the objective being future business. When you mentioned about how sometimes the a painting that is left the longest might be the one feared the most is true to my experience as well. It is usually because I have ideas running through my head and I have to leave it aside and look at it once in awhile whilst painting something else. Some of my impressionistic work has been that way more than my usual approach. I hope to improve in so many areas and increase my turnout time better. There’s always the risk that it could affect it adversely too. Anyways we all made it to the weekend and I hope that you, your family and fellow subscribers have a wonderful one. Thank you!😊

[@Debz.Wright_Art]

I love our Saturday mornings together. Watching your videos has become a routine. I often draw and paint whilst watching. ❤

[@johannah3175]

Thank you for telling us about that problem with "waiting paintings in a corner of the studio". I have some of them too. The "conversation" with them is a hot discussion. ;))

[@ninner196]

😂true!

[@davidstout402]

Hello Titus, seasonal greetings from Tucson, AZ, USA. Another very soothing and relaxing video ... with a lot of interest. Watching you warm your hands ... it appears that your loft has no central heating. I also noticed that at one point you placed the palm of your hand on the unfinished painting and closed your eyes for a few seconds ... almost like you were communing with the painting. Very interesting to see you rotate the painting and let the paint run ... I never imagined this ... and how you use a mirror to obtain a different perspective on the work. All fascinating aspects of your process. I was especially impressed with your placement of numerous very small colored pastel marks ... some barely visible ... tiny reflections of light. I look forward to more ... always enjoyable and interesting.

[@heyheysteven]

Titus, thanks for continuing our conversation from last week. More good thoughts! I am drawn to your mentioning of 'conversation' between the artist and the artwork. Conversations between good friends come and go, don't they? Sometimes if I am thinking of an old friend who I want to talk to again, I am hesitant to rekindle the conversation with them out of fear and doubts (Will they respond? Do they even want to talk to me? What will we talk about? Where will the conversation end up?). These fears and doubts surface because I am thinking of how to resume the conversation of the past, rather than keep an open mind for how it moves forward. All it takes is to reach out to them and the old conversation will pick up and start once more. Reach out and put the paint to the paper. Will it pick up exactly where we both left of previously? Likely not, but it will form its own path-- a new path starting from the old one. And the conversation will continue. Looking forward to your larger marching band paintings. -Steven

[@sandrawolters9606]

Thank you for offering clarity in your work. Now I understand why I struggle. God Bless you.

[@copyrightshouldart]

I really find it exciting that you are working with such big paintings. I don't know why, but I find that really awesome and captivating. Keep up the good work, and do keep warm as you seemed pretty cold in this video. Winter can be brutal for artists.

[@michaelmcewan432]

Absolutely love listening and watching you paint,gives me something to look forward to every week, cheers me up so much, and inspiring ❤️

[@PsychologyAcademia]

Great advice. Never thought why i had fear of touching a painting near the end. Scared to ruin it. I was looking at the finishing line too early. Should just take the next step. Your videos are so tranquil. Thankyou❤

[@dono1606]

Titus - wonderful work & well done channel. I’m from Houston, Tx and I thank you for sharing! God Bless!

[@grahamwelsh4258]

I have been struggling with one particular oil painting of Sydney Harbour from a park near me for 2 years but have now moved to the next step to work on it. I have been painting other works in watercolours and find that medium fascinating. Thank you for your work and comments.

[@donnabuttons1]

A treat, as always. I love the length of your videos. Thank you Titus 🤗

[@gailcheck8611]

Titus, it is so fascinating and exciting to be able to observe you developing this Marching Band series. I certainly feel your fascination and excitement. As always, I look forward to what comes next!

[@garthly]

I have fear to start, and then at a certain point fear to continue! Good to hear your thoughts.

[@BarbrajoanOriginals]

I so enjoyed you taking us on the trip to your studio. It was beautiful light, and the shops, the streets so interesting. I’m a watercolor artist living in Florida. 🌴

[@yolanda.c1]

Lovely work, thoughts, music. I am always inspired by your observations, bravery, and discovery.

[@marko8605]

Wow. That’s a trick I’ll never forget. Turning the work. Thanks.

[@lilliann3705]

Many watercolor artists in the States have been eliminating the mat and glass and spraying the painting with acrylic varnish in Matte and gloss finish. For me, matte finish is nice and enhances the colors so that it almost looks like an oil painting. I don’t think you would probably like the effect, but perhaps another “test” would be interesting to do. I really like your use of soft pastel for highlight accents; it looks really good. Thank you for your videos.

[@ninner196]

Some do this as a way to enjoy wc without the glass. I have done work that way and have the artwork connect in separate pieces with a space. It is a great idea especially if one uses more lightfast wc and the protection is very sufficient. It can create a modern look or just something different. I don’t do the majority of my work that way but some of it I do and I have never had any problems with it. As you stated , it is important to use an archival clear varnish spray, I prefer matte myself. I also use Dorland’s soft wax and rub it in on the surface. It isn’t noticeable at all and I tested it with the worst food staining attempts and it just wiped off. I attach the paper ( preferably the thicker kind) with heavy acrylic gesso over a prepared wood board that has either been painted or stained, which helps the acid from affecting the paper, the gesso becomes the barrier. I do check the painted side because gesso has water in it and can reactivate the wc through the paper and that is why I prefer the thicker kind. Have fun with it! It makes great moveable murals. Btw pastel can be preserved also if it’s multi media and colored pencil with wc.😊

[@amertalibtawfeeq5725]

I follow some other painters on KZbin, and they always recommend pre-design the painting via scathing it many times with pencil and sometimes digitally on a computer before starting the project on canvas or paper, I think their style eradicates the spontaneity of painting, in this video you did the opposite, that what I prefer too, painting without pre-paling spontaneously.

[@ninner196]

He does have quite the collection of larger “thumbnails “. In this episode he showed the one of the white house and the other side was also used. Computers are quite in use these days and have their place also. I don’t know if I will get used to doing art on it though 😊

[@marildetesilva1410]

Titus Meeuws, a maestro of inspiring and creatively renewing Art, Wow!!!.unique🇧🇷

[@marildetesilva1410]

Thanksyou

[@evechabot]

This feeling of fear is very shared. I'm always afraid of brush stroke too much. When I paint with egg tempera, prepare the panel with linen canvas and traditional gesso, takes so much time before the first brush stroke, I especially don't want the last brush stroke to create a "bad paint".

[@mbbellon6623]

Thank You Titus for another amazing video. Love the sharing of light and your travels. The large watercolor paintings are inspiring me to push that conversations with those paintings against the wall. Enjoy your weekend with your wonderful family. Refreshing to see.

[@georginadinneen2031]

Enjoyed very much this revisit to the very interesting band painting - for the subject and also the construction! I was a bit worried about the sousaphone as most are metallic and highly reflective - but now realise it was a white one!

[@grahamwelsh4258]

Fascinating to see you working in watercolours with pastel highlights. I have made a number of small watercolours combined with oil pastel for effects.

[@tonebxluv]

Beautiful sights, it seems like every corner you turn makes for a great painting subject. Thanks for sharing 👍🏼

[@gshep3151]

I have framed many watercolors without glass in fact many watercolorists are doing it now, you spray it first like what you got then brush acrylic varnish on it. I like to mount it to a board first such as birch plywood or gator board. Some artist just brush the acrylic varnish on without the spray. They say as long as it's good and dry, use a soft brush in it will be ok.

[@basbrom]

Geweldige serie van de fanfare. Alles klopt, kleuren en compositie! Super👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@watercolornewbies]

Thank you for your comments about unfinished paintings. So helpful.

[@TitusMeeuws]

My pleasure!

[@zoyadonovska9233]

Кога започва уикендът⁉️Моят вече е започнал щом съм в твоето ателие и те слушам и гледам. Релаксът ми е гарантиран. Повече от час приятни , спокойни, красиви минути, които аз не усетих кога минаха. Начало с прекрасното одухотворено личице на сина ти. Погледах света от прозорчето на ателието ти, внимателно следих талантливата ти ръка, мислено се разходих сред духовата музика на площада в картината ти, чух писъка на чайката, скрих се от дъжда при теб, научих нови неща. Толкова ми бе приятно. Дълго мога да разказвам защо. Но ще ти благодаря в очакване на нов сеанс и истинска наслада, скъпи Titus😘👥🙏🏽

[@artistwatercolor]

I look forward to your videos every time, your philosophy is close to me. Unfortunately, subtitles are not always included. Creative success!

[@iranewhitehouse3953]

The hunt for satisfaction!

[@svenfigenschou7345]

"And it just waits there" ha ha ha - yes, it sure does. And it keeps reminding one of the unfinished business 😂

[@bluemonqi]

You have a lovely son, how special to go to your exhibition together, he filmed you very well. Biking in our country is so nice with such lovely light, the beauty of the water and trees, the smell of cowpoop and wet grass, love it. When it freezes the smell disappears, the air becomes crisp and fresh, even the sounds changes. Love the start of the forth fanfare, more color and movement of the water, in this size it becomes a true exercise to lift it up and turn it, wonder how you do that with even a bigger paper. Maybe a lighter material to tape it on, can't wait to see. Love the third fanfare painting as well, mostly the red transparent ears of the big figure and the tuba, its almost abstract. And yes, that scary feeling to start or restart a painting... This week i was working on two versions of a portrait, one is already dismissed because it's to overworked. The second one it took me three days to have a good sketch and another three days not daring to start painting. The fear of loosing this sketch, of making mistakes.. Today i went to the opening of an exhibition as well, and a lady had a speech, she said expression is the solution for depression and i think that's very true. The proces of making art is a journey through emotions, it helps to overcome fear, to change.. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and work, have a nice weekend, groetjes, Monique

[@joannegagnon-marihart]

Thank you for the bicycle ride

[@sandradonofrio413]

When you started adding pastel I became anxious but you did reveal your plan. I am very interested in your test results. I live in a small college town with a good music program. Every December we are treated to A TUBA CHRISTMAS. This is an established group but anyone with a tuba, or that type of instrument, may join in for the performance. It is quite the moment. They conclude with a medley of Christmas tunes and the audience enthusiastically sings along. The town chorus!

[@thevegas8454]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and art with us

[@TitusMeeuws]

My pleasure!

[@tanyatodorova2505]

Thank you for your videos!

[@peteradshead6566]

Thanks for the look at your cycle ride to work and the tour of your studio building Titus. Although I am often the first to complain about over zealous health & safety officials I find myself looking out for a fire extinguisher in your studio. More important now that you have lit the fire to keep warm and you always use matches when you make your tea. A fire would be disastrous for your business and heart breaking, us channel subscribers would be more than a little upset too. As for unfinished paintings on the shelf I am twice guilty. Take care, Peter.

[@reneerikolsen9694]

Another fantastic video with your thoughtful comments intermixed with the painting process. Those initial monochrome sketches are quite interesting. That house portrait - spot on. The bicycle trip looks inspiring. The Marching Band is really challenging you - which are great. The new one looks very promising. Cannot wait to see how it develops. And the next ones of the Band.

[@matthewswitzer1448]

I also liked the monochrome painting, I guess a tonal painting that were ment to be tossed aside. I liked them so much, I ordered liquid charcoal from Amazon. Lol.

[@user-hh3iv7dn2l]

Mesmerizing

[@janetames5180]

I use SpectraFix Degas Spray Fixative on my watercolors. It is non toxic. I also mount my pieces to cradled board with gel medium and finish with a few coats of cold wax medium. Something to consider, I hope the non toxic fixative is available to you. I enjoy your videos - thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.

[@ninner196]

I use the same fixative for pastels especially the final fixative. The owner is super kind. I did not attain the desired results with the pastel fixative on wc verses using a strong protective UV archival matte varnish, nor with wax without compromising the entire look of the watercolor painting. It works nicely for pastels if I add pastels in my watercolor paintings I do selectively use it on the pastel but not on the wc . I am familiar with the glass like barrier that is under the same brand, not sure if it’s on the open market or just on the site and was involved in testing it. I don’t have to use hardly any Spectrafix final fixative when I use Pastelmat, just a mist of the final fixative. The colored pencil fixative is definitely just for colored pencils but if careful it can be applied quickly with a brush in mixed media areas. Then if one wants to varnish it, it really needs to sit at least 2 or 3 days before that. Coincidentally if the colored pencil fixative doesn’t remove that waxy coating which is the binder , the Spectrafix does get rid of it in just colored pencil on hp paper. I just use oms in a waterbrush because I don’t use my pencils that way as much anymore. I use Grafix double sided drafting film, not Duralar or typically Pastelmat from Clairfontaine. Everyone has their own preferences and that is what is really great about art. We all learn more and although this channel isn’t about tutorials, we all still learn from each other. Happy painting and have a lovely weekend!😊

[@TitusMeeuws]

Thank you very much Jane, good to know there are more solutions for protecting. I will check this out. Titus

[@iwantmy10dollars]

😂… have you been in my Livingroom watching me as I was trying to learn watercolor? It usually starts with a painting that already felt like it was over my head. Then, because I never finish it in one go, it get sets aside. Then it turns into a cat and mouse game as I look at it each day … I’ll wait until it feels right I have too much anxiety about this. One day turns into a week then 2 as my anxiety grows because now the worst sin of all is to waste beautiful watercolor paper. I don’t think waiting so long is good idea. I like your idea of ‘just make the next move’ rather then WTH am I supposed to do with this NOW 😅

[@InfinitaGioiaPatCHesall]

Very interesting test👍

[@rosinelenoane779]

Dear Titus, could you tell us in an other video what are your thoughts on the concept of overwork ? "Don’t overwork!" is an advice of many watercolor artists. Does it make sense to you ? I am happy that my little mug support your creations :)

[@paintparkspaws]

Hi. I’m not Titus but I’ve had that drummed into my head by watercolor artists who are “purists,” members of Transparent Watercolor Societies where paintings submitted for exhibits and juried art shows are required to be pure transparent (no Gouache or Acrylic or anything opaque even white ink) added, not even the new watercolors that add white (example Buff Titanium). And it’s true, the transparent quality of watercolor paint on white paper can be lost with too many layers upon layers. I personally don’t have a problem with building a watercolor painting using a variety of non-oil based materials, gouache, pastel, pencil, pen. Not a fan of any acrylics myself but whatever works to fulfill an artists vision ought to be just fine and accepted. Unless a work is being juried by a transparent watercolor society.

[@rosinelenoane779]

@@paintparkspaws Thank you Christine for your answer ! I know the dictatorship of purists and I understand their quest. But I would be very interested by Titus’ thoughts on transparency and opacity, texture, contrasts, contre-jour, dazzle and atmospheres.

[@paintparkspaws]

@@rosinelenoane779 Thanks Rosinelenoane I’m also interested to hear from Titus about this also. I confess, the purists get my back up :)

[@TitusMeeuws]

Hi Rosine, that's an interesting question. You will hear me on this in the next video this friday. Thanks for the comment! Titus

[@rosinelenoane779]

@@TitusMeeuws Can't wait 😊

[@MsSarah32503]

I just cannot keep my mouth shut a moment longer. I'm at 23.05. The paint flicking is driving me nuts! I taught elementary art through secondary school art for many years. When young children flicked they were experimenting with the medium to see what it could do. I discouraged my secondary students from doing it. They tended to over use it. When I see it on your marching band paintings it looks more like frustration than an artistic choice. Yes it does evoke movement of the band and confetti. I just think sometimes less is more. That's all.. And maybe if I pipe down and watch the rest of the video it will resolve its self. In Peace, Sarah

[@nancyorchard8867]

Videos #46 and 47 have just been exquisite! Loved your thoughts on art at the end of 46…and the scenery during your bike ride on #47 is just mesmerizing. Do you ever do landscapes? That road with the windmill in the distance is divine! I’m not seeing where to order your book…

[@TitusMeeuws]

Thanks Nancy! Yes, I love to do landscapes but living in the city means painting cityscapes for me :) If you want to receive a copy of my book, please send me a message through the contactpage of my website, here you go: www.titusmeeuws.com/contact/ Thank you!

[@claudialaurendeau2865]

Thank U

[@YTparadise]

What I found out thru the years is that when you are not sure how you are going to finish something, you can always find what you can do next and after that you are two to find the other next thing, you and the painting. Thank you for your videos. What is? Have a good weekend in your language?

[@TitusMeeuws]

Thank you! Have a good weekend in Dutch will be: Fijn weekend

[@farrokhnadimi8625]

Hi Titus, I'm one of your subscribers and have been watching your videos while you're working on meaningful and an interesting subjects, and I'l like to say that there are only handful of artists I've chosen to follow that are interests me both in characters and their work and your are one of them! I'm painting in oil presently and thinking to go back to paint in watercolour, and I'd like to know the kind of paper you are using, what are the largest size they're coming in please? Thanks.

[@TitusMeeuws]

Thank you! The paper I'm using is Arches 680 gms. All the best, Titus

[@evelyne7071]

Nice

[@canonik55-19]

❤

[@ML-no1uy]

You could try plexi instead of glass. I have framed large lithographs with museum grade uv resistant plexiglass. I think the results were good.

[@TitusMeeuws]

Thank you!

[@Belugia]

I appreciate your art. You certainly have a lot of news, but I would be happy with a picture from you... Please write to me if you can also make a work for abroad? With the theme .... outside the Netherlands... I would be honored. Let the brushes obey! PS: I like to paint while watching your videos... :) Hello from Slovakia...

[@yan-eva56]

Alors vous arrachez tout doucement une des plumes de l'oiseau.. Et. ( vous écrivez ) votre nom dans un coin du tableau.✨

[@user-xd1ep5vl2o]

Can anyone inform me of where I may buy the book "Buiten Spelen" ? Galleries and shops don`t all post to the uk unfortunately. I enjoy reading all the comments on here.

[@TitusMeeuws]

Hi, please send me a message through the contactpage of my website, here you go: www.titusmeeuws.com/contact/ Thank you!

[@philipdawson7132]

Loved the video and your son looks like he did a great job, so well done to him too. Love the variations of the band paintings almost like music variations. Your studio has very nice natural light coming in, but do yo notice a change in your colour choices when the light changes from bright sunshine to grey stormy light and winter darkness coming, or do you have daylight lightbulbs to light your workspace? Again a great video.

[@studiorosenforsintl.3434]

virtuoos.

[@janhannah9444]

I absolutely love your videos BUT it would also be nice to have choices with some which are 15/20 minutes long too. I hate missing out but is too much of a watch for me x

[@alphiesnowbear]

You may have been born in the wrong century. :)