Choosing Good Art Instruction Sources & Art Book Inspiration

[@mm28226]

Mary Lou Miller - This is by far the very best watercolor program anywhere. I watch a few every day - many I've watched multiple times.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Mary Lou Miller Wow, what a kind comment. Thanks so much!

[@franciscogomes4416]

You are one of the best out there! No easy path, but the true path

[@triciashelton8482]

I start almost every morning watching an art video for inspiration. (I’m retired, and love to play with watercolors!). I can’t tell you how many mornings I’ve had coffee with you - always excellent videos! This was exceptional, just a great presentation! Keep them coming, and a sincere thank you for all you do!

[@mindofwatercolor]

My pleasure!

[@macer-music]

To begin this is my 29 video of your 29 Watercolor Painting Basics. I've seen other videos from you because i love your style of landscapes! I was moved from your words at the end of video 28 and this one?! Only made me more sure of what i said before! Skill building...collecting techniques...solid sources...look up..reach higher!!! I'm without words! THANK YOU!

[@janshamer5321]

Your sharing was like a walk down memory lane. Some of your favorites are also mine and are just so beautiful and inspiring. Just makes you want to draw, practice, try new things and forget everything else that has to be done. Thankyou so much for sharing and have a wonderful day.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Jan Shamer Indeed it does! :-)

[@janenewman6601]

Thank you so much for the video narrative on books. You described exactly how I was feeling Overwhelmed and forgetting the pure joy of discovering and learning each gem.

[@kelleymonaghan8897]

I decided to go back to the beginning of your videos to learn everything I can. You are an excellent and encouraging teacher. This one video, though, is a gem, and I am so glad to find it. For a beginner, it infuses heart, courage, and desire into a process that seems bewildering at times. Thank you!

[@dt8382]

I purchased the complete watercolorists essential notebook. It is without a doubt the best instructional book now in my library. Thanks for mentioning it.

[@SusanHarrisonTustain]

Hi Steve, I have just found your videos. They are excellent! Thank you for your recommendation of my book and how my painting methods and techniques can be used for any subject, surface and texture. Yes - like you - I love to share all the breakthroughs that made all the difference to my career as a painter in both watercolor and oil. But most of all I love to share the reason WHY my methods work and HOW they work. This then brings a whole new awareness to understanding painting - and gives a solid base of logic that artists can build on. It is all about understanding. There is much I could write - but this is not the place for that. I just wanted to say how your valuable and practical guidance open new windows for artists enabling them to find their wings and reach their full potential. Thank you. Susan Harrison-Tustain

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Susan Harrison-Tustain hi Susan! So honored you found me and took the time to comment. I'm a huge fan. Thanks so much for the vote of confidence. It means a lot.

[@architectwmf]

Lovely approach to watercolour - love it

[@Kitchensurprise]

Thank you...I always struggle to figure out my style...I love Norman Rockwell...yet I love realistic landscape and birds ...and on and on...

[@jinxmas]

You have had some of the best instructors/teachers in your early years. Not just teachers and professors, but your parents. They have encouraged your creative freedom that has allowed you to be artistically open minded and always challenging yourself to explore different mediums. They are your original teachers. :) Good people in my opinion!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Very true!

[@susanhepburn6040]

I am so happy that Ann Blockley got a mention. She is absolutely my favourite watercolour artist. I experience a deep, visceral reaction to her work. She lived not too far away from me and I was able to go to a big solo exhibition she held a couple of years ago and it was just breathtaking. I have her books and DVDs, all of which I can highly recommend. Thank you very much for sharing this video with us. Best wishes from the UK.

[@marjikarlgaard1231]

Just discovered (to my delight!) your KZbin MOW videos. I love that you include illustrated children's books in your high level samples. One of the joys of raising my children was enjoying the lush and wonderful worlds depicted in the books we read together. At one time I joked that being a children's librarian would be a way to stay in touch with that artful imagination. But recently watercolor drew me in and I really love that so many illustrators left me with the joy of painting to explore on my own. I had taken a design rendering class a few years back and found that the discipline of 'seeing' light and dark gave me a new way of observing. I hope the joy of color and values will be what I find in watercolor. Thanks for always encouraging 'messing around with paints and brushes' as a path to making the art unfold.

[@mindofwatercolor]

☺️👍

[@MichaelRpdx]

Tremendous video. The narrative and visuals are complementary. You don't fall into the KZbin cliche trap of "my ... I like [no reason given] ... me ... me ... me" The examples and favorites are wide ranging. Thank you.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Michael Rasmussen thanks for that! Means a lot!

[@vaughnemett4545]

This was inspirational, Steve. And what a relief to hear you describe the carnival hype and visual overload we face as we try to improve. It is so easy to begin thinking like the character in your story, that so many of these skills are beyond my reach. But your quiet assurance and encouragement to look for the gems is also one of those gems. I'm going to come back to it every few weeks. Like your paintings, it is peaceful, thoughtful, skillful, and inspired. Thanks.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Very kind and encouraging Vaughn. Thank you!

[@vaughnemett4545]

Have you posted your narrative for this video, Steve? I would like to print it and hang it in my "studio."

[@mindofwatercolor]

I have a text file somewhere, I'll send it to you if I can find it.

[@kingtigerbooks1162]

Read a thousand books and live a thousand lives. My 3 favorite art books are: - Works of Wonder by Michael Whelan - Icon by Frank Frazetta - Great Fighter Jets of the Galaxy 1 by Tim Gibson

[@mwippa18]

thankyou so much for taking the time to make this video. i agree so much with what u said about buying the high books. if we just buy books at our level we wont move beyond that. we will never improve. so we have to reach higher. to me ur videos are high! and i love being inspired to reach for what u can do

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Melissa Vella Very kind, thanks. Means a lot!

[@cdorothy444]

What a thoughtful narrative! so good that I replayed it

[@maryalgar8779]

Very much liked your video. Was nice to sit back and relax & watch and listen. You are creative in so many ways. Thanks for sharing Steve.

[@charlesm3035]

Just finished your 28 videos on Watercolor Painting Basics. Thank you for the inspiration and tutorials for developing skills. I am just starting on this journey and have found - and will continue to - your videos a very good motivator. Thank you.

[@margaretlowe2976]

have just started my journey into art and yes taking up all the tutorials l can get but your words of inspiration have had the most profound effect

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Margaret Lowe Glad to hear it!

[@karenfriend2711]

Hi there, I’m a newbie but am loving your videos. Thank you for being so uplifting in your teaching!

[@bluemoon5766]

This was so poetic it was instantly calming

[@snirav]

This is one of the best review video on youtube :). Very poetic. It reminds me of Dr.Seuss book "Oh the places you'll go"

[@mindofwatercolor]

Cool, thanks!

[@roseryan1542]

Yeaaaaah! Another video. I admit I was momentarily disappointed when I looked at how short it is, but when you got into the subject matter, I knew you were speaking to me. I have tons of art books, some of the ones you showed, and it's overwhelming. Then I realized since I put art on the back burner, I hadn't given these books the proper consideration they deserved. Now I can look at them with new eyes and see them as inspiration, not unattainable goals. Thanks a lot for giving your time, however long that it. You seem to know what is needed, even when I don't know what I need. lol. You've truly been a big help in getting me started again; even my drawing, which I'm doing daily now, has improved a lot.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Rose Ryan Thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed it. I appreciate every viewer's watch time.

[@suzysholar5151]

What a delightful way to share! I really enjoyed hearing you read your essay. I have been watching and following you for years, but this video, with the essay narrative was different and delightful!

[@cathymartin8778]

Pretty insightful! You make me think and are my bedtime unwind.

[@CinnamonCari]

This was very helpful. I bought a couple of exercise books and those are fine, with pretty art, but they put easy paintings that I replicated quickly and to ones that required overwhelmingly advanced skills. Your video gave me an idea of how to pick the book that fits my needs. Thanks.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+CinnamonCari Good to hear. Thanks for watching.

[@bombshellbeth1]

This is my favorite inspirational art message by far. Thank You for taking the time to encourage us all.

[@mgm219]

Sound common sense, beautifully put. Thanks Steve

[@josephstanski5180]

Just the best - as always Steve.

[@dochayesnm]

Thank you for each of your inspiring and encouraging videos!

[@celestebuckway5436]

Very engaging, I enjoyed this very much. You are a multi-gifted man.

[@lynnscott2995]

Thanks so much for the book recommendations. I've wasted a lot of money on ones that weren.t much help. Love your videos they are so practical and helpful and encouraging. Keep recording and I'll keep watching and practicing.

[@Ms1lonewolf]

Ya I hear what your saying about the dimensions and thank you for your response. I'm bad on trying to get the dimensions correct. Like the face of a cat. How far apart should the ears be and from the top of the head to the bottom of the chin then from one side of face to the other side of face. Things like that. I guess I just need to draw it over and over again to get the just of it. Same for trees with out leaf's. I need to watch your video on tree's to give me the idea. Thanks again. The cartoonish part of the cat was the look of the face of the cat. The eyes and the chin it was lopsided and the whiskers. Everyone loved the drawing except me. Lol

[@chocolateeyes21]

The works showcased in your collections of books just blew me away! Especially the one of artist Stephen Scott Young. I am always fascinated by skin tones (getting them right). Again, amazing. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+chocolateeyes21 you're welcome. Inspiration is a huge part of my art life. I'd be nowhere without it.

[@joannamiller1191]

I'm Joanna Amateur artist, beginner at watercolor I like (aspire to) painting portraits. I'm a teacher trying to learn how to be an artist, and you're an artist who has learned how to teach! I hope I'm as successful as you!

[@Sunandshine1234]

Beautiful , thank you for sharing and your narration, completely struck home today and perfectly received , thank you .🙏

[@mariakellner2221]

The artist that has me inspired most is Susan Harrison Tustain i have her book and dvds ,once when i decided how i wanted to paint which is realism ,the rest come easy,great presentation Steve.

[@mariakellner2221]

of course practice is paramount.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Maria Kellner She is pretty amazing. Thanks for watching.

[@tracyphoenix8]

Thank you so much for all your instructional videos and valuable insights. I love watching them and learning so much. In "Splash Retrospective: 20 years...", (2.22min),you flipped through a page showing a painting of white cranes flying across a backdrop of trees and splashes of blotches,... I love the look. How do you create that background of splotches, wash, and trees? I would love to see that technique created/taught in one of your videos. I love that kind of look. It's so ethereal. One of the reasons why I want to learn watercolor is to create textures like that.

[@jax1871]

Thank you so much for this! You have a beautiful way with words!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thank you!

[@dianneblake]

I just found your channel. Watercolor or not, this is great advice - especially the practice part. The more I practice the more inspired I become. I love your theater. Thank you for sharing.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Dianne Blake Thanks for the comments. Sharing is what I love! :-)

[@TheSgyro]

Woah! 😮 my watercolor mind just got blown away! Loved the theatrics😁👌

[@hafiz2664]

I really enjoy watching your videos and i believe there's only so much of technique to share about watercolor. If it isn't too much to ask, if you have time, i'd like to see more live paintings of various subjects. That way we all get to see real world applications of these watercolor techniques. Might even pick up a thing or two not covered in the basics. Controlling the paint, creating a nice gradation, etc are something that i think is hard to explain singlehandedly but can be easily understood from hands on examples. Other than that, great work and thanks for taking the time out to share your knowledge with us.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Habeas Corpses Yep, I agree, and its coming. Those type episodes take much longer to make. As a full time designer/illustrator I don't always have that kind of time but its something I'm aiming for more of so stay tuned. Eventually I hope to be doing this KZbin gig full time.

[@amicamiabella]

"... and eventually as you build a solid set of skills and techniques your unique artistic style and passion will find you. You won't have to go looking for it." I like that! Thank you for this well made video. I enjoyed it very much. I'm always torn between the idea to search for good books and teachers who instruct me or finding it all out by myself!

[@mindofwatercolor]

A little of both is usually good.

[@anngorgone6478]

Hello Steve: I love your videos. I have been painting with watercolor for several years now after I retired. But drawing is always difficult. Thank you.

[@bartholoclumpdink7246]

Thank you Steve, love your channel. Could we see a video of your "normal work day" show us some of your other work and the things you get up to. It would be nice to be introduced to some of your family members too.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Hmm sounds like a good idea!

[@elizabethharris4319]

Thank you for the video. You inspire me to try really hard to hone my very new hobby. I will miss your videos each week but nothing in life can be forced it becomes obvious to those who look to you for inspiration and tutorledge. I look forward to your next video very much.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Elizabeth Harris I will still aim for one each week if I have time. But sometimes its a couple weeks. So far I have not gone more than three. I can be a lazy feller on occasion if I don't push myself. But...I'm here for the long haul and thats what counts I guess.

[@malinschuberterlandsson7192]

Wow. This was so poetic! I thought I had seen all of your videos, but not this one. ☺️👌💕

[@dianeandbrad529]

This is so beautifully written and "illustrated" through the use of the book choices. I have actually been struggling to find a style I want to mimic but this is a good reminder to focus on skill building and using those skills flexibly. Thanks 😀

[@j.p.regalado]

Steve, I have been binging on your videos. :D Thank you SO much. Your passion for the medium shows through. Love the tone, honest presentation, how to's and had to comment on this one in particular because of the sources of inspiration. I'll add your KZbin channel as another "book" to my inspirational collection. Be well, blessings to you, and thanks again for your hard work and dedication to teaching and sharing your knowledge.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks J.P., very kind!

[@SelfSealingStemBolt]

Love this! Thank you!

[@soonmoon8285]

I really liked the narrative!!!!

[@MomiTheMax]

I most recently added 'The Complete Watercolorist's Essential Notebook' by Gordon Mackenzie to my artbook collection. It is honestly my favorite, it really changed my perspective on watercolor painting. Really good all around instruction and theory.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Cool! I agree.

[@macgurrl]

You spoke so well when describing it all like a carney. That is how I feel sometimes, you took the words right out f my mouth. By the way I love your sense of humour and videos.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+macgurrl Thanks!

[@lizbethy3214]

You should write a book 📖. This was wonderful, you need to do more of this, exploring your multimedia multi talents!

[@victoriabatin144]

Thank you! So inspiring!!

[@janshamer5321]

Thankyou for sharing your passion and knowledge with us. I have and definitely love some of the books that you shared with us. I have missed having the time to visit with you on Utube. but sometimes life just takes over for a while and we have to travel the rough path for a while. Again thankyou so much and have a great day.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Glad to have you tune in again!

[@bombshellbeth1]

I really really enjoyed this quick video. Reminds me to Just Paint and let expectations go :) thanks !

[@FadedRoseStoriesFairyTales]

I just found you. I love your narrative style. New fan. Delightful youtube channel. excellent tutorials.

[@louisemullins9971]

This was a very inspiring video! I watched it quite a few times because I loved the message in it. Since I have been struggling with exactly what you said about being able to paint like that. This was a much needed message, thank you!

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Louise Mullins Cool! Glad it was an inspiration.

[@mussoletart8485]

I know this wasn't the point, but I'm really inspired to draw some carnival scenes now :). Thank you for the idea :). (Also, that's a great metaphor.)

[@cathyjoerger4676]

Just came across this video today (2018!) and I LOVE it . . . just a little inspirational talk that is coming at a VERY good time for me. I have been totally bogged down with books and different styles and techniques and subjects - just so confused I have been feeling like I'm spinning my wheels. This lecture really helps me to settle down and find a starting point . . . what's that saying about how information presents itself when you're ready?? . . .or something like that. Thanks for being out there Steve!

[@bri2uty]

This was very inspirational and those books are beautiful!

[@mindofwatercolor]

+bri2uty Thanks!

[@draynalds]

Thanks for all the videos. I think they are all well done and informative. Here are my favorite books, Powerful watercolor landscapes by Catherine Gill and Tom Hoffman"s watercolor book. Thanks again and just make them when you can.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+David Raynalds Thanks, and thanks for the book input!

[@karenpearson2239]

I think what you do is great THANKS

[@smgonyoapache]

Another very helpful video. You are an inspiration. I have done more painting and drawing since I started watching your videos.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Susie G. And thats inspiring for me. Thanks for watching!

[@wanttolearnreidy4469]

Thanks for suggesting "Drawing landscapes in pencil" by Ferdinand Petrie. It just arrived and only cost $ 14.95 AUD and FREE postage. It is a hard cove, with a dust cover and in excellent condition. I just love his drawing style. I hope that it will assist my TONE/ VALUE issues...... Thanks Steve.

[@iBeitaCR]

Just when I thought you couldn't get more awesome... You come out with this amazingly helpful video. This is gold! Thank you so much for this video!! I'm happy to see some familiar titles from my own watercolor library in this video ;) but I'll have to add some more :D! Thanks again!!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Aww thanks, very kind!

[@blankpagecreations3935]

Another book you didn't listed but which I highly recommend to everyone is Drawing on the right side of the brain by Betty Edwards. It is a bit theoretical but in a nutshell it teaches you to draw what you see and not what you think you see. That book and the world around me and I was set. :)

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Blank Page Creations Yes! Good book. I've mentioned it in a few comments. These books were all mainly about watercolor.

[@sandrafarrell6798]

Great analogy. Great lesson -focus on one small technique no not get into the weeds trying to do it all. I think it was easier to focus before we had so many great sources of information and all got digital attention deficit syndrome.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Sandra Farrell Yes, exactly! Thanks.

[@patsmith8236]

Unless we look at the exceptional works we will look to ordinary and accept it as great. Only by looking to the great can we learn what our own good might be.I enjoyed this video and feel fortunate that some of the books I have spent time with.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Pat Smith Yes! I talked to a young art student and was aghast at her response when I showed her one of these books. She said, "oh I can't look at this stuff it depresses me too much." Wow! I guess its part of the myth that artists are just born with the ability to paint so well. So untrue.

[@joancc]

Great Video! Loved the narrative and blown away by the works of art....! Thanks for the videos:-)

[@tillygirl56]

Inspiration...Ahhhh! Thank you so much, you always get us thinking and trying new things. Don't have to produce quantity, just quality, which you always do. We will be here waiting. :-)

[@mindofwatercolor]

+tillygirl56 Thanks for the encouragement.

[@deanpearson3050]

Nice - I appreciate the effort and results. Thanks!

[@mindofwatercolor]

+dean pearson Thanks for watching!

[@karendurston2528]

Excellent point about finding techniques and principles that can be applied in different situations. It's not just about the art but the teaching. I've enjoyed workshops from Stephen Quiller and John Salminen (both former public school teachers I believe). Being able to teach, especially to people at a different skill level, is a very different ability than being an artist. More recently I was disappointed in a workshop with a good artist who was of more of a "Watch me" type.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Karen Durston Yes, way too many are of the "watch me" type. It's valid to do but sometimes more is needed. I'm just not a fan of formula teaching, in other words "how to paint a ????". Then a student is lost when they try to paint a different subject. Learning proportion, perspective, contour, technique, value and color, you can draw and paint anything.

[@rachbontube]

I loved everything about this video! Thank you!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Cool! Thanks!

[@jimpowell1802]

Steve, My 11th grade art teacher gave me a fairly bad grade on a still life watercolor. I thought I did a decent job for a first time painting. Needless to say, it really spurred me in a different direction in my art. I now am trying to relearn the medium. Your videos have inspired me to create without worrying about criticism. I was 16 then and now I'm 53. I don't sell my work, I enjoy the challenges of learning on my own and watching every video and reading every watercolor book I can find. My advice to everyone is to go ahead and try it. Work the painting until you get it right in your own eyes. Don't be afraid to ask someone to look at it who can be objective. I just finished one just like that. My next project has a steam locomotive as the focus. Steve, any advice on keeping the train looking vibrant instead of flat? May the Lord bless you and keep you. Jim

[@sophieha7616]

Jim Powell and

[@soulsisterssurvivorssister8463]

We must have had the same art teacher...

[@letajones8556]

Check out Oliver Pyle's steam locomotive paintings!

[@encouraginghope7657]

You are really great, and I learn a lot from you! THANK YOU!

[@mindofwatercolor]

+encouraginghope Glad to hear it, thanks!

[@terryohehir2241]

Thank you Steve

[@rhondamagee7459]

wow Steve what amazing books! gotta check out the Wizard of Oz! Thank you :)

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Rhonda Magee Charles Santore is amazing. I don't think I've seen him illustrate a children's book in a while. The Wizard of Oz can be had for really cheap these days. Great source of inspiration!

[@rhondamagee7459]

I saw that, but right now...gonna have to wait, and bookmarked for next month...I'm broke as a joke, no kidding :(

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Rhonda Magee Been there, many times. :-)

[@jprheamfa]

Great video, thank you!

[@soniabuenoaffonso8144]

Specialy like! Good for inpiration.

[@chardeplate4652]

I liked this...I was wondering if the Splash books have step by step instructions. I wanted to order one but thought a 'reviewer on one site said they told more about the artist and not instructions on painting. Thanks

[@teresaohehir6285]

♌️♏️Steve, saw you revue Billy Showell's book .I saw video of Billies,my goodness she is heaven to watch, and such a lovely lady

[@TheSentinel3000]

Great video! I can't help but wonder which specific artists (current or from history) have inspired you the most in starting to paint in watercolor and, currently, keep you inspired. Might be a fun video topic. Enjoying your channel very much... just found it, today.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+TheSentinel3000 Andrew Wyeth, Stephen Scott Young, Karl Marens, and Morten Solberg just to name a few. Yeah it might make a decent video at that.

[@TheSentinel3000]

+The Mind of Watercolor Thank you. Wyeth is a favorite of mine, as well. I had to look up the other three but I can see why they'd be influences. Beautiful work.

[@katzsteel]

I’m really inspired by Sterling Edwards techniques and paintings along with you of course. What are your thoughts about him?

[@JeffLafferty]

another great video man, nice work

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Jeff Lafferty Thanks Jeff, appreciate you coming by to take a look!

[@capbin146]

Thanks! Thought provoking one and glad to read your in for the long haul. Saw this new one and thought great what's Steve been up to. Crawford

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Big C Thanks for looking to see! :-)

[@Ms1lonewolf]

Ya I think everyone has to find their own style of painting. I've tried to take a picture then draw that picture then paint it and that works out well for me sometimes because sometimes my painting or drawing turns out a little cartoonist looking? I don't know why?

[@mindofwatercolor]

A cartoony look is usually due to scale distortion, something appearing too large or too small compared to something else. Children for example draw this way in the extreme, like maybe a family standing beside their house but the family compared to the house would be about 10 feet tall and the house looks like an over simplified toy house. Get the scale right and the cartooniness goes away.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+char deplate No, there is no step by step instruction. Splash books are inspirational annuals collecting works by some of the best watercolorists. In their descriptions they will sometimes give a couple tips but they are pretty vague.

[@elsagrace3893]

Very nice essay!

[@mindofwatercolor]

👍

[@dazyawhina]

So I really want good instructional watercolor books but I'm extremely limited in my town. And these books definitely need to be looked through before buying but I can only buy online. It's so difficult 😩

[@sreddy5845]

You write very well...you should try writing too & I love your videos

[@charleneappel7120]

Fantastic.

[@BornAgainFarmGirl]

Very philosophical 😎

[@mindofwatercolor]

👍🤓

[@leojablonski2309]

Personally appreciated this...

[@mindofwatercolor]

@ Judith A Rowland - I would point you to the HandPrint site for their review - www.handprint.com/HP/WCL/pigmt2.html#davinci . I think they do pretty detailed reviews although a bit more on the technical side that the "real world" usage side, but still you'll get a good idea of their quality. From what I know about DaVinci they are a very reputable brand. I have a couple tubes. Though I primarily use M. Graham and Qor now I have used them a bit in the past and have no negatives to report. I would not be afraid of them.

[@QuillGordon]

Thanks, man.