ADVANCED WATERCOLOR TUTORIAL - A difficult interior scene?

An interior scene can be difficult to paint - lighting coming from different directions, complex objects and shapes, perspective and subtle value changes. This is a fairly advanced watercolor demonstration using the inside of the mill at the Watermill in Posara, Tuscany as the subject.
Got questions? Please type those in as comments, and I will be happy to answer them!
At the start of this video, I show my source photograph for the painting. If you want to keep referring to this during the video, then copy the URL of the video into another browser Tab or Window on your device. Run the video again, but of course pause it at the start where I show the source photo. In Chrome, you can also right-click on the tab and select ‘Duplicate’.
Would you like to paint scenes like this? If you join up at my Patreon site, in return for a small donation or pledge, I will give you a personal critique based on the regular projects I set with extra tips just for you! For more information, please go to
/ timwilmot
In this demo I will be covering...
1) Choice of Subject. What makes a good watercolor subject. How to simplify the scene.
2) Materials I use such as the paper. I will also cover the paints I use and the palette, plus how I hold the different brushes for different techniques.
3) Doing the outline sketch as the first step.
4) Doing the first wash
5) Going in with the darks to get values working for you
6) Watch out for my debrief at the end
More information on watercolour demos, painting workshops, lessons and recent paintings by Tim Wilmot can be found at:
www.timwilmot.com/
The paper I use and recommend is Saunders Waterford.

[@patirving705]

Thank you for this amazing painting and most especially for your detailed dialogue about your process. I learned so, so much! Thank you, Tim, for sharing your knowledge with us!!!

[@TimWilmot]

Thanks Oat and glad it helped

[@giulianacordella4466]

I like it.Armonious colours.Good picture.Thanks a lot

[@TimWilmot]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@mreinstein48]

Absolutely beautiful! I love this kind of original subject! Not always trees and mountains!

[@TimWilmot]

Yes, makes a change. I need to start visiting old barns now...

[@ola_bandola]

Only 4:20 into the tutorial and I can already tell this is going to be awesome! Thank you for going through how to ”break down the scene”. Shapea, warm/cool, pespective and other points of interest. For me, being an amateur painter, complex scenes are very daunting due to all the details. This helps so much!

[@TimWilmot]

Thank you very much Ola and glad it helped you

[@engelinasimmons4686]

Love your subject. Your amazing use of warm and cool, light to dark, use of brush strokes and everything else. You give me such inspiration to go on and beyond. I thank you so very much. 🇦🇺

[@TimWilmot]

Thanks Engelina

[@engleharddinglefester4285]

Started out looking like there was no way it was going to look like anything other than a mess but holy cow it morphed into something quite beautiful.

[@TimWilmot]

That's the normal way it goes.....

[@eileengoldenberg270]

There are no “mistakes”! This is a great piece. Love the small dry brush marks that pick up the details..well done I get too literal about floor lines. Good to think about that broken line idea..

[@TimWilmot]

Thank you Eileen

[@gabd.5299]

This is amazing. It is a simple interior scene. Looking at the photo there is nothing too interesting going on. Watching the completed painting however... So much interesting things, the colors the shapes, the mood. My imagination starts to wander. These are the best type of paintings, they truly gives you something more. Thank you for this!

[@TimWilmot]

Thank you Gab and glad you liked it

[@eunicederenne6098]

Wow!! Love the colors!

[@TimWilmot]

Thanks Eunice

[@andrelloyd4010]

A lovely tutorial with clear explanatory dialog regarding process and effective execution. Thank you for producing and kindly sharing the moments Tim. 🙏

[@TimWilmot]

You're very welcome!

[@ethicsexistentialism4191]

Thanks so much Tim. Beautiful painting, great tutorial :)

[@TimWilmot]

Thanks Mary

[@isoples]

Small brush strokes, numerous small important signs for the definition of the painting to give the viewer an impression of completeness. Looking with interest and joy at your paintings from the first tutorial, if I'm not mistaken I think you have changed the way, the style, to finish the works. A great artist in evolution, I think. Thank you, thank you for the wealth you give us.

[@TimWilmot]

Hi Riccardo. I agree and slowly changing my techniques

[@vishveshtikekar9071]

Yes ! definitely this is a defrant view & challenging to paint . 👍👍

[@TimWilmot]

I agree

[@Lisapizza789]

I love “advanced”! Very helpful! Thank you!!

[@TimWilmot]

Well only that some real beginners may not be familiar with some of the techniques and/or a challenging subject to paint

[@Rayshader]

wow, simply brilliant! love the sense of looseness tied in by the cohesive tones!

[@TimWilmot]

Thank you Ray

[@1fredricka]

magnificent. You have outdone yourself!

[@TimWilmot]

Thanks Fredricka

[@terrylavis4792]

Brilliant, thank you for a fantastic tutorial and a beautiful painting.

[@TimWilmot]

Thanks Terry

[@bruceosborne1892]

Really enjoyed watching this one, Great painting. Thanks.

[@TimWilmot]

Thanks Bruce

[@lizday8140]

I do so adore this one. I have watched it twice tonight. I held my breath when you added the beams, but each one...beautifully done.

[@TimWilmot]

Thank you so much!

[@amybatniji8067]

This is absolutely amazing! Love all the details in this painting! Bravo 👏

[@TimWilmot]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Drumaier]

At the middle of the video i thought "oh well, he can't always get away with his process". I was about to leave, depressed, but i went to the end to check how bad it really turned up but no bro...ended amazing. I think there is a big lesson right there even if this tutorial is about the whole process in detail. That hidden lesson connects perfectly with what Joseph Zbukvic says "you must have faith that you will make it work". Anyhow, thanks for the video Tim 👍.

[@TimWilmot]

Yes EXACTLY. Have a bit of faith. The way watercolor works is it looks bad before it looks better. Thank you!

[@alaindezii4445]

Lovely work, thank you!

[@TimWilmot]

Many thanks!

[@dorothyburke4486]

I brill look forward to watching more Thankyou.

[@TimWilmot]

Thanks Dorothy

[@bardotte5757]

Amazing how you can make an utter mess look amazing. 🎨🖌

[@TimWilmot]

Paint the 'ordinary'

[@pjs3514]

Wow!!!!! Enjoyed the journey!!!!

[@TimWilmot]

Thank you

[@dorothyburke4486]

Fabulous, spellbinding. Thankyou

[@TimWilmot]

Thanks Dorothy

[@JohnSalmon]

Brilliant. Thanks Tim.

[@TimWilmot]

Thanks John!

[@StephenMarkTurner]

Terrific demo. Thanks!

[@TimWilmot]

Thanks Stephen

[@myutub090571]

That's a great first wash technique... Soft/hard edges, nice detail👍

[@TimWilmot]

Thanks Jonathan. Edges make all the difference

[@z.z.1205]

Fantastic Job.

[@TimWilmot]

Thank you ZZ

[@joesurfer9754]

That is an awesome painting!

[@TimWilmot]

Thanks Joe

[@maxinejarrett7077]

Wow! That was exhilarating trying to keep up with you. I'm a beginner but I just came across you and decided to join in as you were painting. You work is amazing. Thank you so much for sharing-I learnt a thing or two.

[@TimWilmot]

Welcome aboard! You'll have to join my Patreon club for monthly projects!

[@maxinejarrett7077]

@@TimWilmot What happen there?

[@BelantaraMedia]

Great painting. 👍

[@TimWilmot]

Thank you very much!

[@marshallwright3360]

Tim, that would be great. I am subscribed and am seriously considering your next paint along. You’ve touched upon shadows a lot. I know the magic of B Sienna & UM but you do so much more. Cool shadows there, warmer ones there, a touch of blue or yellow. Looking forward to learning more about how you mix them.

[@TimWilmot]

Thanks for watching Marshall. If you fancy a go yourself, why not consider being a Patron via my Patreon site. For a small pledge I set regular painting projects and you get a video critique back from me in return. More info at www.patreon.com/timwilmot . Thanks again.

[@claudebernardin1096]

Superb Sir!!! Enjoyed it much!!!

[@TimWilmot]

Thank you Claude

[@robertohilariolopezgaray9383]

In my opinion Probably one of your best work in watercolour

[@TimWilmot]

Thanks Roberto

[@EdoHannema-Watercolour-Art]

Stunning Demo Tim!! And it is great to see a advanced tutorial!

[@TimWilmot]

Thanks Edo - we will have to do a colab

[@EdoHannema-Watercolour-Art]

@@TimWilmot that would be fun . Have a good weekend Tim.

[@sphynx3902]

Amazing!😀

[@TimWilmot]

Thanks Ankan

[@ricktherecorder4416]

Wonderfully instructive: thank you. "Know when to stop" - I thought you had decided not to paint the incongruous solar panel inverter behind the door, but it crept in right at the end!

[@TimWilmot]

So that's what it is! A great mixture then of old and new!

[@riturajborah6573]

Whoa man. if i tried this, it would go right into to the dustbin! Great job!

[@TimWilmot]

Give it a go

[@dougg1075]

Beautiful

[@TimWilmot]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@marianaeksteen4437]

Thank you for a very informative training video.As a new Watercolourist and still a bit apprehensive with the wet on wet technique, I found your dialogue very detailed and informative. Thank you Tim you push me out of my little box. Greetings from sunny South Africa- where it’s very dry and art materials very expensive 😏

[@TimWilmot]

Hello and thanks for watching

[@katya8171]

This video is lovely and extremely helpful, thank you so much for the valuable lesson in your methods. I only wish it weren't interrupted by an ad literally every minute, but it's worth the watch even so.

[@TimWilmot]

Great suggestion!

[@marshallwright3360]

Hi Tim. Love you’re tutorials! Thanks for posting them. Do you think you could describe the colors you’re mixing as you do them? It would be so helpful.

[@TimWilmot]

I will remember on next video. Don't forget to subscribe. I might do a video just on mixing!

[@trinidadtogna4085]

Magnifique!

[@TimWilmot]

Merci

[@CarlosFerreira-kaiko]

One of your best works. As another used commented, you seems to have a different but elegant style from your previous watercolours

[@TimWilmot]

Yes, maybe different subject = changes in techniques

[@evco34]

Magnifique. Merci beaucoup:)

[@TimWilmot]

de rien

[@user-ps7yw2xq5r]

Good afternoon ! Tim! Прекрасный сюжет!

[@TimWilmot]

Thank you!

[@MrJairo3259]

Fantastic

[@TimWilmot]

Thanks Francisco!

[@janetcatmull268]

Love watching you paint. I appreciate the instruction especially for experienced painters. Thanks for intro to Russell Flint. His work is amazing. BTW I like the concept of using Neutral Tint but my brand seems too violet for my taste. Do you have a good brand to recommend?

[@TimWilmot]

Daniel Smith. Thanks Janet

[@marioalejandro7549]

bravo!!

[@TimWilmot]

Thanks Mario

[@raulugalde1333]

Gracias maestro! Wao! on this moment is a dream aimed that level to think acuarelas wey!!! So, to moch work and study on...🐗

[@TimWilmot]

Thank you Raul

[@philippeblondeaux5566]

Thanks Tim, great painting, lots of very useful comments. Allow me a question, when the paper started drying, you did not use a spray bottle to keep it slightly damp, would that have been an option?

[@TimWilmot]

Yes that would have been an option to use and keep using while the paper is damp

[@devingray2636]

I admire your loose touch. I look forward to when I can let go of the minute detail. I've watched a lot of your videos (including: tips to paint loosely) and I love how they all start off as a big colourful mess and eventuate into a very clear image, even as loose as they are. I'm a huge fan of interior scenes, so this one takes the cake for me! I just really want to know how you are picking and choosing the right colours as you're applying your initial wash...?! Even if I pre plan where my blobs of colour will be, a previous colour somewhere else has already dried and I've missed the opportunity for them to blend. Any advice? Thanks very much for taking the time to share these demonstrations! Inspiring...

[@TimWilmot]

Glad you liked this one Devin

[@samuso86]

One of the best I've seen from you! So much interest and depth. Thanks for introducing us to Russel Flint too!

[@TimWilmot]

Yes a great artist

[@piporomero48]

Thank you, excelent work, please what kind and number of brushes did you use?. Tnanks again. Rafael

[@TimWilmot]

Raphael Mop 6 and Jackson Mop 10

[@brucemckenziefraser139]

Hi, Tim! I love this video. Can you tell me more precisely what size Raphael mop brush you used for most of the painting, certainly during the first half an hour or so? Thank you 👍

[@TimWilmot]

6

[@brucemckenziefraser139]

@@TimWilmot, thanks for the info 👍

[@josephineherrera8508]

Great job, Tim! What size and brand of small brush did you use? I keep looking for a good small brush, but nothing seems to work for me.

[@TimWilmot]

I think it is a flaxline, but similar to the escodas

[@josephineherrera8508]

Tim Wilmot thank you. I never heard of that brand in the US.

[@pereriksson7015]

Such a beautiful painting and a great tutorial, However I find the painting much more pleasing to the eye before you put in all the sharp spots and lines at the end. The brickwork floor is not at all just squares as you put in. Around 52 minutes in to the video it looks the best. Then it becomes to spotty in my opinion. But who am I to say, I really love your videos and watch them a lot. Thank you for making them

[@TimWilmot]

Thank you Per. I know what you mean

[@ARTYCOATY]

Great art! very beautiful. I draw a drawing. I look forward to working with you.

[@TimWilmot]

Thank you Hagru

[@carolratcliff]

What type of finish does your watercolor paper have? I like how you work the whole scene first.

[@TimWilmot]

Not sure but maybe here it will tell you on the manufacturer site www.stcuthbertsmill.com/st-cuthberts-mill-paper/saunders-waterford-watercolour/#prettyPhoto

[@carolratcliff]

Maybe I used the wrong term. I meant hot press, cold press or rough.

[@adolfodelgado9361]

It is possible to reproduce with exact colors, to control the beige in different tones

[@TimWilmot]

Yes I agree

[@NineEyedOracle]

Did anyone catch what paints he's using? I watched but never heard him mention the brand unless I missed it

[@TimWilmot]

It is Winsor and Newton and Daniel Smith

[@NineEyedOracle]

@@TimWilmot thanks so much, tim!! I have those paints :D very exciting!

[@user-ps7yw2xq5r]

Good afternoon ! Tim! Could you still show the watercolor with the interior? Thank you !

[@TimWilmot]

On my website I think

[@1Thedairy]

I love this style but I find it hard to get through the ‘messy stage’ and believe it’s all going to turn out to be wonderful in the end. I fear I will lose some essential white paper and I can feel the knot in my stomach tighten before I put paint brush to paper.

[@TimWilmot]

I understand. Keep trying

[@fatyip7172]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@TimWilmot]

Thank you

[@eileengoldenberg270]

Woman made..

[@TimWilmot]

Thank you

[@_wh0draws_]

I can make this painting very beautifully than you

[@_wh0draws_]

😜😜😜😼😼

[@TimWilmot]

Thank you