Simple Watercolor Landscape Painting for Beginners - Step by Step Watercolor Tutorial

[@Bees123Knees]

Alison, I have watched *HUNDREDS* of watercolour tutorials on You Tube over the past year. If I was going to choose a winner it would be yours. I think you are the ONLY artist who actually demonstrates *EVERYTHING* -- from the pencil sketch to finished painting, including the colours you are using. I don't know if you're aware of this but everyone else's tutorials are lacking something. Either they skip forward a few steps and don't explain the transitions, or they don't tell you what pigments they are using, or they don't demonstrate the technique clearly, etc. If I ever learn to paint it will be because of your videos. So clearly demonstrated and explained every inch of the way, you're a natural born teacher, and I am very grateful for your excellent videos. *HUGE THANK YOU* from Canada!

[@AlisonFennell]

Well what a fab compliment Debra. I am flattered that you feel this video helps you that much. That's my aim as I know how technical watercolour can seem to beginners. I like to go slowly and explain everything. I don't see the point in rushing and skipping bits. Thanks for taking the time and trouble to post how you feel and I hope you'll come on in leaps and bounds - Alison

[@wakeupuk3860]

Could not agree more. Thanks to Alison have at last something on my wall after two years I am really proud of.

[@shitalkanitkar5995]

Omg that was the best tutorial I've followed. Before doing this watercolour used to scare me. You're genuinely a great artist and an excellent teacher.

[@AlisonFennell]

Yes! So happy to hear you had a breakthrough moment Shital - thank you and enjoy your painting - Alison - www.thepotteringartist.co.uk

[@wakeupuk3860]

Dear Alison - What an absolute treat to find an artist who 'really' wishes to pass on her skills instead of so many 'speed of light', annoying music, no in-depth explaination and just showing off that KZbin has so many of. As an ex senior teacher, a superb video that I learnt so much. Thank you very much, hope to find some more.

[@AlisonFennell]

Many thanks Dave - that's very kind. I do like to go slowly and explain the lot! As an ex-teacher you know that being prepared goes with the territory and I can't help myself but think in terms of small doable chunks! I used to teach reception - say no more. What do you like to paint most?

[@wakeupuk3860]

Arrrr !!..... you taught Reception that explains why you are so good, 'doable chunks'. I as a once 16 year very arrogant Secondary School IT Adviser who initially went in to show you guys how it was done, came out realizing it was the other way around. Also my first wife was an Infant School Teacher and one day for us to finally prove which was the toughest age group to teach, for me to swap a day with her Reception group, the result her boss requested at lunch time I stop and leave as I was so bad and on getting back to my 16 year old very tough Headbangers next day, if they could have my wife permanently - RESPECT :-) !! As you asked, I have now moved into Oils and wishing to learn from the masters as they once did, have done some fairly good copies of Van Gogh and Cezanne and amazingly (having been a draftsman) getting into using charcoal for the human figure, my old Private Tutoring room is now festoon with ladies bottoms LOL. Please to say (I think thanks to this video) I am not copying so much now but trying to do my own work (albeit photos from Google) and instead of throwing them in the bin, thinking they are not so bad after all. So do PLEASE continue with your tutorials on here, if I a very critical , inpatient and demanding person can learn from you, then you really MUST be bringing to a great number of people like me the enormous satisfaction and enjoyment of being able to paint. Have you though of going into turning it into a business, as with other comments, you would do very well. Thank you again. Dave

[@yvonnesims8765]

I so appreciate your in depth description of paint mixture, brush size and movement and dampness of paper! This is very helpful to relatively new watercolorists like myself. Thanks so much!

[@AlisonFennell]

I can't seem to help myself Yvonne:) It's what copmes naturally as I was a teacher for years - glad it helps you and thanks.

[@franciscojavieraguilarfern5345]

Espectacular!!!

[@AlisonFennell]

Muchas gracias Francisco!

[@AlainGuidettiWatercolor]

You have explained very well how to create a grassy ground, it is often difficult to make a homogeneous landscape realistic. The play of light and shadow is important, I finally learned some technique. Thank you!

[@AlisonFennell]

Thank you Alain - I'm glad you liked this and found it helpful for your painting:)

[@b.peterson6541]

Thanks for the tip on gradated wash - I usually see it done with straight water, but adding water to the color makes for more control and a better result. Also thanks for the tip on how much to wet the paper (ie no drips running down). I'm fairly new to watercolor and find thinness/thickness of paint to be the most challenging.

[@AlisonFennell]

Yes - that's how it's usually done so glad this helps you B - thanks

[@nalinidilipdesai5519]

a very lovely painting n easy to follow tutorial, thanks for sharing!

[@AlisonFennell]

Hi Nalini - thanks - glad you got something from it

[@marky711]

Some great tips on your brush and colour techniques, thanks for your generosity and time describing everything so well.

[@AlisonFennell]

My pleasure Mark - so glad it helped you :) More coming soon. Alison

[@anne-marieorssaud4617]

Superbe tutoriel qui ne peut que donner envie d 'essayer. Bravo pour ses explications .Tout apparait simple mais là est votre art.

[@AlisonFennell]

Merci mille fois pour vos mots gentils. Je 'es apprecie et j'espere que vous aimer peindre cette vue Anne-Marie.

[@arteaselpencil9360]

Very nice watercolor

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks a lot!

[@myraegli9974]

Excellent tutorial Alison...your "language" is very comprehensible...I loved the tutorial...it taught me so much. I was having so much trouble with understanding paper wetness, stroke control, washes. Your terminology is excellent, very explicit and effective. Thankyou

[@marsbeads]

Great instruction. Thank you.

[@AlisonFennell]

thanks

[@brodouglasop]

Reminds me of where I grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, USA. Thank you!

[@AlisonFennell]

That's lovely - thanks Douglas

[@lindacolgan6412]

What a wonderful video thank you your a wonderful teacher can not wait to watch more. Please have more. what are th brushes using the round and flates hard to hear.but enjoyed a lot.

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks Linda - the brushes are simply watercolor rounds and flats in various sizes from 0, 3, 6 and flats half inch and one and a half inch roughly.

[@Donna_G]

I really like how you build your painting with the different layers. Your trees are great!

[@AlisonFennell]

That's great to hear Donna thanks.

[@patchoulitwentyseven970]

Fabulous! Informative and paced perfectly for beginning watercolourists. Could you please tell me what palette you are using? I am struggling to find one with a decent sized work in area - they only seem to be available in America.

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks Patchouli - that' sso nice. The palette is a Frank Webb from the USA - brilliant they are. John Pike in the UK is similar but there are ridges between wells and mixing area.

[@patchoulitwentyseven970]

Thank you, Alison. I'll have a look for these. The next task is to start replacing my paints with 'vegan' paints - so, no ox gall , no sepia, carmine etc. Fortunately, they do exist - QoR is looking good so far.

[@AlisonFennell]

Yes - there are lots of vegan art materials - Fabriano artisticos paper is vegan.

[@tinatornambe1119]

Such a wonderful instructional video, I really enjoy your work. Thank you!

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks Tina

[@AlisonFennell]

Smashing Tina - Thanks

[@lindamcneff79]

Another comprehensive lesson with beautiful results. I learn something new each time I watch you paint. As always, thanks for sharing. Love your videos!

[@AlisonFennell]

Hi Linda - glad you like this one and thanks for the compliment!

[@kevinlarkin8586]

Great tutorial for a novice like me thank you very much.

[@AlisonFennell]

Super - glad it helped Kevin - thanks

[@jandm2kids]

I'm new to watercolor and I really enjoyed this video. you explain things so perfectly!

[@AlisonFennell]

Glad to hear that Corey - thanks - what do you feel attracted to to paint?

[@אלמוגרות]

Great instruction as allways. Thank you very much

[@AlisonFennell]

Much appreciated.

[@JohnArnoldPhotography]

Alison - As a beginner, I have had this video in my "que" waiting for me to try it. After completing it last night, it was the best painting I have done, directly because of you and your excellent tutorial. Thank you again for taking the time to do this. When my wife saw my 10x14 I did, her comment was - "can you make a bigger one so we can hang it in our house" - :) So thank you again. One thing I did struggle with, which you seemed to not have a problem with, was keeping the paper wet enough through the process (I used Arches Cold Press). Part of the learning curve. Thank you from a big fan. John

[@AlisonFennell]

Wwo - what a kind comment John. I am delighted to hear thi shelped you. To keep the paper wet enough you must wet it thoroughly once - then retwet it again - just keep cocking your head to one side to see if there is still a shine on the paper. To wet a sheet 10x14 you could take up to 5 -7 minutes in wetting it and allowing a few minutes for the first wetting to soak in a bit (thus providing you with an underground reservoir of water) before topping up again to give you ample painting time. This is a constant theme in every class/workshop I teach. People simply do not use enough water and allow soaking in and rewetting. !!! :)

[@JohnArnoldPhotography]

Thank you Alison - makes perfect sense how you have described to wet your paper - never knew I should take that much time to wet it, now I see why it was always drying out!!!

[@AlisonFennell]

Yes - I am constantly nagging my Friday class students about wetting more than they think they need. Especially if you are using cotton rag (the best) it takes tonnes of water and gives you loads of painting time then.

[@myasmin]

Best video ....I have seen till date.Thank you so much

[@AlisonFennell]

That's a lovely compliment - thanks so much Manjuman. What helped you most about it?

[@maryalgar8779]

Your instruction is so great. Perhaps in another video, could you tell us about your palette choice and how you decide where to place your various colours in the palette. Does this palette have a lid? Do you have to prepare it in any way (like use a scrubber on it so mixes don't bead). I know some people swear by porcelain palettes, but they must be heavy -- I like that you can easily pick yours up. Do you have any favourite brushes etc.? Please keep making your tutorials because so you a superb teacher!

[@AlisonFennell]

I will try to remember Mary - in some of my videos I have mentioned the name Frank Webb and where I got it online - Cheap Joes art stuff so I don't say it on every video you know. I arrange my colours according to the colour wheel that you can find anywhere online - my fave brushes are rounds and flats - keep it simple I don't buy gimmick brushes that professional artists push - no need if you ask me:) Hope that helps x

[@angelirreal1752]

Wonderful painting and so well explained. This helps me a great deal because it demystifies wet on wet techniques that I read about. and could not get results when I tried them... something was missing. You break down the paper water cycle nicely. It is very nice to see you take the time to explain and let us see how paper goes through its stages and let the wc does what it does. I appreciate you showing the difference of wet, moist, damp and dry applications of wc. Congratulations on this video . I am a subscriber now - I am happy I found your videos Thanks,

[@AlisonFennell]

That's my aim Angel - to really break it down and even state the tiniest things as there are so many variables with watercolour - a drop too much water can ruin it - as can too dry a brush - it's very fine. I hope you'll enjoy your painting alone more each time you acquire a skill - more video scoming soon = thanks

[@angelirreal1752]

Alison Fennell I forgot to mention that it is nice that you show the state of the paper to the camera so we can clearly see what you are doing at every stage and the time you wait to apply paint without editing or cutting the video. What brand paper do you use and size of brush are you using are important things to mention when your video starts. Looking forward to more of your videos. Thankyou,

[@AlisonFennell]

OK Angel - will make sure I do that and so glad you are getting the info you want:)

[@nancymoodyart]

Love love love your tutorials! What color is the sky wash? Thank you.

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks Nancy - it is weak French Ultramarine Blue and a speck of Winsor Violet - both Winsor & Newton professional tube colours.

[@christymccarthy9357]

Thanks for the vid Alison. Very helpful and great tips, What size did you paint this on?

[@AlisonFennell]

Hi Christy - thank you! This was quite small actually - about 10x7 inches. I am going to do a larger on enext when when I do a demo to a local art society so wish me luck!

[@christymccarthy9357]

You don't need luck, you have the talent! Thanks for the reply and looking forward to your next painting demo.

[@jcb0818]

Gorgeous

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks very much.

[@bahar5899]

Hi Alison, great work. thanks for teaching us. I was wondering where did you get your set box for the paints.

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks Bahar - glad you find this useful. I bought my Frank Webb Palette here - www.cheapjoes.com/frank-webb-watercolor-palette.html

[@bahar5899]

Thanks I'm learning from you and always follow you ❤️

[@AlisonFennell]

That's great to hear Bahar - have fun

[@blacksun67]

Thank you so much Alison, watching your tutorial in real time has been the key for me to understand watercolour process. . I didn't think it was this time-consuming and patience requiring! now I know most of my frustration came from expecting quick results working in a "sketchy" way... Just one question: is a cellulose paper like Canson Montval suited for these techniques, or is it better to go straight with a cotton one? I've started with winsor newton cotman serie, which I'm gradually substituting with shmincke horadam (demi-godets) Luca, self taught from Italy :)

[@AlisonFennell]

Hi Luca - that is great to hear you beneftted from this video and well done for teaching yourself! Yes I would go for cotton rag as soon as you can as Montval is woodpulp which is not as good! I hope you learn from my other videos as the weeks go by and - PS - my new magazine on art techniques and the art process for all creatives using 2D is out today - if you want to browse:) www.blurb.co.uk/b/9491165-issue-3-rooted-the-pottering-artist

[@blacksun67]

:) ♡♡

[@gandydancer9182]

Wonderful, Alison. I love the way you have created the misty effect in the valleys. A newbie WC dreamer here....now practicing before attempting this one. Thanks for a very nice presentation. ~ gy

[@AlisonFennell]

That's so appreciated Gandy. Yes - getting that mist was my main attraction initially so I am glad it looks good from where you are sitting:) How lovely to be new to watercolour - and yes - practise small elements of something first before putting yourself under pressure of a whole scene- play is the best way to learn. Let me know how you get on.

[@franciscaviani786]

Hi, I like your painting,as usual. Hope you found a new place. Fran

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks Franx

[@carolynday7445]

Fabulous ! Beautifully done!

[@AlisonFennell]

That's very kind Carolyn - thanks!

[@terrih.5910]

Alison, I was so excited to see you do another tutorial video! I got my palette, and it's just as you said it would be. The paint stays nice and spread out on the surface. I can't wait to try this landscape! Thank you for continuing to provide your tutorial videos! Also, do you have a patreon page?

[@AlisonFennell]

Hi Terri - that palette should really make life easier for you. Thanks for the thumbs up on this video - it's been a while as I've ben busy teaching. I hope you enjoy trying this.

[@silviasunesen7649]

Hi Alison thank you for this wonderful lesson. Your explanations once again are clear and precise. I have watched this one 3 times. The reference photo is beautiful and your interpretation is lovely. Is this a scene from Whales? You are an excellent teacher. Thank You

[@AlisonFennell]

This made my day Silvia - that' s great to hear how you feel about my tutorials. The scene is in the Austrian or Swiss alps I think. I loved the smooth greens and the fading tones!

[@orlywachtel]

Dear Alison, I've been following you for sometime now and i love it all! I'm a water-colorist but i have a different approach to it. That's way i love to watch how you work, your energy your fluidity, you keep true to the nature of water color and for me it's a great inspiration and joy. If you don't mind i would like to ask you two questions: Is the danger of having an area too wet is that the colors dry dull and its harder to manage? and second: Is there a way i can see your "real" art work online? Thank you so much. Your work is highly appreciated!

[@AlisonFennell]

That's a really lovely and kind message Orly - thanks! So glad you enjoy these. When the paper is too wet the pigment cannot sink in to the paper as well and just swims around on the surface. They may not dry duller but they will dry paler due to the excess water. My animal gallery is here - www.etsy.com/shop/eastwitching?ref=si_shop and to see a range of other types of media my blog is here - eastwitching.com/ I hope that helps - thanks - Alison

[@orlywachtel]

Thank you Alison for replying! I was looking for your answer... only find it today on my mail. going to watch the links you sent!

[@AlisonFennell]

Ah! glad you have it now :)

[@HollyVanHart]

👏 Thanks for sharing! 👏 😍

[@AlisonFennell]

No probs Holly:)

[@arlenemurphy804]

I am so glad i found you, Alison! your instruction is wonderful and your painting is beautiful. Loved the tissue paper trick. looking forward to seeing more of your amazing work! Thank you for sharing your talents with so many. Arlene from Philadelphia.

[@AlisonFennell]

Hi Arlene - lovely to read how you feel about this demo. It's my aim to show what I know so I hope you'll get input for your own work. Do you only paint in watercolor?

[@arlenemurphy804]

Alison Fennell ..yes I gave only tried watercolor, but love it

[@AlisonFennell]

I think it is the loveliest and best!

[@arlenemurphy804]

Alison Fennell----- I agree, Alison. And you can never duplicate it since the water pretty much dictates. I just lost my cat of 17 years and did a watercolor of him. Havs never done an aninal before. it turned out just beautiful and I cry when I look at it.

[@AlisonFennell]

Oh I am sorry to hear about your cat. Painting your best friend is a wonderful thing to do.

[@davidperreten5854]

Thank you Alison:) you help me a lot. David from Switzerland;)

[@AlisonFennell]

So glad David - thanks

[@kathbiddle-dutton7069]

👏👏 thank you once again ;)

[@geoffmitchell6515]

Are we aloud to have a go at this or is it copy right

[@AlisonFennell]

Hi Geoff - you can do it and as long as it does not go for sale online or in a shop that is fine. If you do it people normally sign it with their own name and then put"after Alison Fennell" as courtesy. This is standard practise.

[@geoffmitchell6515]

Alison Fennell awww Alison thank you very much but I'm not at the selling stage as of yet it's more just a hobby and something to take my mind off of driving a truck around the country. Ok thank you so much again if I do put any online I can assure you you will have full credit thanks

[@AlisonFennell]

Well good for you Geoff - a real contrast fo ryou then - my pleasure

[@geoffmitchell6515]

Alison Fennell thank you

[@brigittee.9343]

Thank you so much! 👍😘👍👏😘👏

[@nofaxgiven]

Hi Alison, thank you for another video. l have a tendency to over do my sketches, any suggestions on sketching, tend to go into detail too much and just cant imagine the image without detail and in result i cant paint over it? sometimes also dont understand what can you paint in watercolor and what not. i.e. goo.gl/photos/DCpc3yTy76t1u5hP8 close up trees with detail ? how do you go about such paintings?

[@AlisonFennell]

Very kind Stanislav - thanks. If you have a ref photo that should supplement your sketch and then you can leave out too much sketch detail. I rely on my ref photo for details and make the sketch simple. Personally I am not attracted to the type of image you send with the very detailed tree etc. It's all personal taste. I find painting tiny tiny details very boring and it's not my style of painting but that doesn't mean someone else wouldn't love it. I cannot advise you on how to paint subjects like this as I do not do them. I prefer subjects that allow me to use more general toned passages of colour with some accents/details at the end. Maybe if you look on KZbin at an artist who paints very detailed work they coul dadvise you better:) Hope that helps - Alison

[@alisonruth3947]

thank you

[@AlisonFennell]

Much appreciated Alison - I hope you will have a try of it.

[@sissonor]

you are a fantastic teacher :) i would give you 1000+ thumb-up if i could :)

[@AlisonFennell]

Well Pitti that has made my day - thanks! Are you a watercolour painter only?

[@sissonor]

I am getting back in touch with all sorts of art..but I focus on watercolor found an old horadam set my brother got maybe 24 years ago, so I started to get into watercolor I remember when he got it, my family was in a holiday and he needed paint for school the set was in a purple packaging and I was surprised it survived all the years funny is, that the price of the set doubled up, but the tubes got half the size, nowadays^^ keep on making videos :)

[@miriamfoerster1660]

💕

[@AlisonFennell]

Thanks for the heart Miriam! Happy New Year and HUGE apologies for the delay as I usually reply promptly!

[@cleascult]

Sound quality is not good

[@AlisonFennell]

Hi Latika - yes - I apologise for that. This is an old video. I was new to KZbin then. Now my videos will be better from this month as I have a better microphone and know how to use it:) I hope you will see the difference if you watch this latest videos on painting shades of red? Kind regards - Alison kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2LVeKmVhtaXpMU

[@franciscaviani786]

Hi, I like your pic. You mind if I did it and send you my pic? Your friend, Fran

[@AlisonFennell]

Of course Fran - what are you waiting for !:))