Controlling the Wash

[@2LittleSticks]

Decades ago I saw a snippet of a video on PBS explaining washes. In search of that snippet I’ve taken many classes and never found a teacher that explained washes as clearly and completely as you do. (Not even close.) I’m so relieved to have stumbled on to your channel. I’m also psyched to have found a teacher who explains and demonstrates in real time. It takes a lot of time and effort to record, edit and post videos. Thank you so much!

[@elizabethplotnick6587]

So true!

[@monahli1597]

Yes, exactly!

[@amyguerriero2294]

Thanks girl use it up soon under my j

[@mirelairinapetre6503]

I agree! Oliver is unique in teaching! He has the joy to share his knowledges and this is gold ! ❤❤

[@yvonnevo5246]

When you show what not to do and what to do in your same demo, it gives us a better understanding of our mistakes. You are an artist and a true teacher! Thank you very much for your generous help!

[@MalgorzataCempel]

Thank you very much,I Love it,❤

[@BoutiqueSheShe]

Exacley what I needed to know. Three years into watercolor and finally, a sensible and clear explanation for overcoming " the problem with washes." You made it so simple to understand with guidelines for "how" to practice. Much appreciated!

[@tradingpostfarms]

Spot on! I've been incorporating these naturally developed techniques for a while, but I've never come across a tutorial with these incredibly useful intermediate technical applications, and practice drills.

[@dereknordstrom1128]

Excellent

[@Lilac128]

I hope everyone watches until the very end. What Oliver shows and demonstrates are very important, but what he says at the end is also very very valuable to be reminded of, as we can get carried away in attempting to control the wash. Watercolour is such an amazing medium and Oliver is a great teacher to show us how to understand it better. Thanks so much for your work into your videos!

[@clareclemens4849]

I love the way you want to share the mysteries of watercolour painting in a open, honest way. It is wonderful! Thanks Oliver

[@mikedevlin2048]

A really excellent tutorial once again… Oliver, you are by far the best teacher of watercolour I have found on KZbin… thank you 👌🏻

[@jillianpayne8710]

Oliver Pyle I find your videos so well presented, you have integrity, we are not paying you for these most instructive and informative lessons, such a refreshing change you are sincerely helping us to learn and not trying to give us half the information then hoping we will pay for the other half. I am 83 love my watercolour and longing to learn but just sadly cannot afford to contribute. Thank you for your integrity. love your just so instructive videos. An enormous thank you.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks Jillian. Watercolour tutorials and courses can indeed be rather expensive and many are unable to afford them. Also, unfortunately, I receive many emails from those that have paid for them and found that they have not been worth the expense (of course, that's not always the case as there are many excellent tutors out there.) My father was a maths teacher and always gave his knowledge and time freely - he was kind and generous and I feel that perhaps the best way of honouring his example and memory is to try to do the same. I think that at some stage I will introduce some paid content, but it won't be to replace the content and programs that I am going to be building up on the channel in this or coming years.

[@jennifersullivan2718]

Oh for the love! Finally an excellent wash demonstration! I guess many other artists save their painting secrets, yet you allow your viewers to actually learn and understand the process so well. Thank you, Oliver. I've subscribed and plan to learn everything you're willing to teach.

[@hashsand]

Same, me, too!

[@cristinatort8280]

Hallelujah!!!! Finally an extremely clear explanation!!!!🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 I am enjoying your videos very much, and I do appreciate to have found you, Oliver. Blessings from Spain.

[@johnloveys6855]

My watercolour painting has improved by watching you explain , thank you .

[@himanigarg519]

Amazing teacher with politeness, thanks for the lovely video

[@JamieRhodes77]

I’ve been taking watercolor classes off and on for 3 years and no one has explained washes as good as this. Thank you - from one leftie to another.

[@susanlynn9285]

Lefties are the smartest painters

[@passinthru4328]

@@susanlynn9285 You're right, of course.

[@annemorgan2928]

Oh Oliver, that is the best video on washes ever. For a professional watercolourist, you have a great talent to teach watercolour as well. Most professionals can go only so far but you are able to break it down into sections that are discrete and digestible. I am struggling with washes now and trying to glean anything from various videos. You have tackled it straight on and probably prevented a number of people from giving up or becoming very frustrated. Thank you. I look forward to going through all your videos. 🇨🇦

[@MdSTherapeuticcoaching]

You already know this, but I feel the need to repeat what others say: you are the best teacher, the most pleasent , and an amazing artist. Thank you very much.

[@beckyhofer4328]

This is so fundamental, yet something I missed along my learning curve. I've seen 3 of your videos and I am soaking up your teaching like a sponge! THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!. Genius is taking the complicated and making it seem simple; well-done.

[@susanbroy2267]

Thanks!

[@philcaffrey]

Definitely not too dry and technical Olly - this was absolutely fabulous. Please keep them coming.

[@rosannebloompereira536]

I wish that I had discovered your channel when I first started painting with watercolours. Thank you so much for taking the time to explain and demonstrate these important concepts.

[@brianparnell2256]

Nice to see the basics explained and demonstrated simply.

[@kenkremahesh3764]

Beginnerr watercolor artists will experience nothing but terrible frustration and bitter disappointments if they do not understand the concepts so beautifully discussed in this video by Oliver Pyle. There are many wonderful watercolor artists and teachers on KZbin and on various websites, but no one comes close the him when it comes to teaching watercolor painting on line. Thank you Mr.Pyle, for being so generous with your time and for sharing your wonderful talent with the rest of us.

[@tinyfacemcgee9211]

Oliver I love your teaching and your paintings and please do more full demo paintings for us so we can really learn how to pre plan and segment out the parts so we don’t have to paint it all at once. I can do the little demos but then have problems combining them all into one!

[@dianeconstantine8551]

I've been baffled by washes! Thank you for explaining the factors that influence the outcome; the wetness, the concentration, and the timing! Now I can't wait to get my paints onto the pages I've cut for practice! Well done!

[@darlenemeaderriggs5995]

I’m a fairly new subscriber and I wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your tutorials. I sometimes get frustrated watching tutorials because the artists tend to talk more than they show. And while I understand that there has to be a balance of verbal instruction with physical example, you seem to have struck the perfect “sweet spot” with articulation and demonstration of the “how to”. Thank you for your generosity and pleasant delivery. I love our little online visits.

[@jessiemontgomery5838]

Every time I watch one of your vids, I learn something - thank you.

[@theresaavery4670]

Thanks for breaking this frustrating basic element down and making it so much clearer! So much to consider. I will plan to.watch this a couple more times. Love how you welcomed the spider😊

[@PondersEndModelRailway]

I've watched hundreds of hours of video, yes people talk and show cauliflowers, but this is the best video of explaining watercolour, thank you

[@donaldcoder4510]

At last I have enjoyed a tutorial that very patiently explains the fundamental technique of watercolor. I changed to oil, but now feel I should try watercolor again. You are a great instructor.

[@1122wife]

Hands down the best video on water control. Excellent.

[@HelenHenderson-jy6kg]

Brilliant! I wish that I had discovered Oliver’s lessons years ago. It would have prevented so many cauliflowers and weird puddles! Thank you so much. ❤

[@wakeupuk3860]

"Hope that was not too dry and technical"... WOW !! LOL, I only wish that the many WC tutorials that I have watched over the last three years were even just 10% 'dry and technical' as yours are. As others have mentioned here and as an ex Teacher (from industry) and even a Teacher Trainer - I just can't fault this tutorial from your inset (ie intro), teaching points clearly explained with detailed examples (nothing, speeded up, no waffle and no annoying background music) to your summary. Have just done these four examples and then laid a wash and did two washes which at 1min and 15 second intervals brushed in some more paint and observed the spreads and cauliflowers. Your example of the blue and pink washes and the effect of having a much stronger concentrated mix was (which I should have known, having taught Science) causing it to spread into the less concentrated one, was one of those "Arrrrrrr, Oh I see now" which all good teachers aim for with students and with your tutorials you have loads of.

[@pammcreynolds]

I am so thrilled to have found your videos! No-one that I have seen has taught anything about washes and how to do them. I watched your video on using more paint and again, have not had anyone explain how to do this. I was painting scrubby. Thank you for all you are teaching. I can't wait to try my next painting.

[@LeslieNikulka]

Brilliant demo and video on washes. Such an important topic. Thank you for sharing, Oliver. ☺

[@CayGjertson]

This is exactly what I was looking for, someone who can explain strategies to practice which will help me know what watercolor will do. I am looking forward to practicing these exercises! Thank you.

[@ladybird169]

This is awesome, thank you sir very much for detail explanation and demonstration, for not ruining the video with "background" music keeping it distraction free, and for your pleasant voice. The combination is remarkably rare and very precious to me.

[@mandyrobins6063]

Thank you Olly for such an enlightening tutorial. It really is the first time I've come across someone who explains "why" rather than just "how". Once you understand why, you can replicate it for yourself. Simply following along with a tutorial which demonstrates just the "how", you'll never get success with your own work. That is why is I have always struggled to end up with a composition of my own which I am satisfied with. Until now! So thank you very much! If you ever consider holding a work shop (whenever that may be possible), please count me in!

[@1000Zebedee]

Lovely oration and it was very nice to see how you focussed on the 'why' within the context and also showed examples of how it can go pear-shaped. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge.

[@masikamouse]

Thank you so much.i am fond of watercollor. i am 73 years old and started doing watercolor only 3years ago.your videos specially this one helped me a lot.thank you so so much.

[@joedlafferty]

This is by far the most helpful and informative video I've seen. As a very experienced photographer beginning to learn watercolour this is superb. You are an excellent teacher and communicator. Thanks Olly!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thx Joe - photography to painting is a good pathway to take. Many transferable skills there

[@Tincanart_25]

My mind is blown from this video - not as much from the teaching - but because I think I finally understand British humor. This is it, right? The dry, sardonic delivery, the inability to tell if it’s a joke right away leaving you to wonder if the person is a boring or a comedic genius, the unassuming wit. I’m laughing my little Californian booty off over here. Incidentally, the techniques taught here are fantastic and helpful.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

You've got it Kristin!.....it's as subtle as a well painted watercolour!

[@janetalbot6529]

Your the only artist that inspires me to see the value in doing these exercises. Thank you

[@johannamovassat8293]

This was wonderful and makes so much sense! You’re a marvelous instructor and very kind to make sure the little spider was allowed to participate. I think I’m beginning to better understand the relationship between paper, water, paint, and the brush. Just need to practice as you suggest. I’m eager to see the next video you describe here! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and talent with us.

[@trinidiana]

Love your channel, look forward to more videos, your paintings are beautiful. And you just cant beat you lovely English accent! Easy on the ears.

[@KatrineKirk1967]

Thank you ever so much for making these videos available. I am learning so much more than my art teachers in school were ever able to impart.

[@loucoshaw]

The effects you showed us with the "cottages" exercise can be discovered on our own through experimentation, but it can take forever to figure out WHY those effects occurred, especially when more than one factor is involved (ie. wetness of paper & concentration of pigment). I need to understand WHY I do something, and WHY something happens, in order to learn. I feel I've just watched a masterclass on controlling washes. I only discovered your channel a few days ago, and I plan to be back every day to learn and practise your techniques. Thank you so much!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thank you - much appreciated

[@annafennell1273]

Mystery. Solved! I was on the edge of understanding what I was doing wrong but you have described it so well! Thank you so much! I have been struggling to understand paint consistency, paper wetness and what happens with both! I will definitely be practicing these exercises! What a relief to finally understand! Many, many thanks!

[@trinidiana]

You welcoming the spider is the best thing ever!

[@mikebutterworth73]

Oh my days what a great video explaining why I have been struggling to control paint and water on the page, keep the technical stuff going its fascinating to understand why and when explained its all common sense.

[@maryvernau9500]

Genius!!! OMG! Thank you so much for your explanation. Yes, it is fundamental, but I now understand what my problem is! May the Universe bless you! I’ve taken many classes and never had this explained so well, so completely!

[@HeelhookHustler]

That was super useful. A very accessible style, and demonstrating the error alongside the correct technique gave me a better insight. Thank you.

[@lindaf1274]

Thank you Oliver for your wonderful explanation of the wetness of water. All jokes aside I think your video was the best explanation of the control of water and paint concentration I have seen. Also love your calm speaking tone. It seems like you are patiently taking to a class of novices, but without any hint of condescension. This is one time I can actually thank youtube for a suggestion. Looking forward to your next video and will definitely look at the earlier videos too.

[@wakeupuk3860]

Linda, as an ex Teacher Trainer (from industry) I could not agree with you more "you are patiently talking to a class of novices, but without any hint of condescension" is for someone as Oliver who has reached a very high level of skill, where it becomes second nature, instinctive and obvious for most people they forget what it was like when they started - is an incredibly hard thing to do and the guy has my absolute admiration.

[@heatherivall8763]

Thankyou! I recently returned to watercolour painting and have forgotten so much. It’s frustrating! You just taught me so much! Thank you!!!

[@watercolornewbies]

Thank you! Super helpful video - especially the demonstration of being able to put two colours of the same consistency together.

[@lizday8140]

Everyone shows us what to do; but not often, what not to do. You are a dear and your paintings are beautiful. Thank you, and thanks to the little spider for making things so quaint. Reminds me of one of my favorite Charlie and Lola cartoons with a wee spider friend taking up residence in their bathroom.

[@lizday8140]

@@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442 My daughter and I loved the animated cartoons. You can see one of my favorites, the Picnic one here kzbin.info/www/bejne/oV69aKWloraYntk It is a joy to rewatch, even as she is now graduating from High School this year. Takes me back. Thanks, again!

[@tezoodle]

Absolutely brilliant Olly, thank you so much. You have connected a few more dots in my understanding of watercolours and washes, pigment v water. I am inhaling your videos - you are an excellent tutor. Thank you 👏😃

[@dianequinn1500]

Another excellent exposition and demonstration. So glad to have discovered your channel. Thank you.

[@tamardaniel2115]

My heart felt the truth of this during the entire instruction!! I pray for the understanding as I practice with this knowledge. Thank you so much!! What beauty!! I love the technical details and your example with the exercises is phenomenal 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿🙏🏿💜 timing is everything in life your explanation and wisdom so fruitful for all aspects of life

[@willettejackson979]

Excellent guidance going to put in the practice timing and observation first before I complete this large painting. We're on track. Thanks Oliver 😊

[@monalisamackey783]

Thank you so much, Oliver, for your wonderful tutorials which are so detailed and clear and provided in real time 😊. I appreciate them so much because I know it must take you a lot of time to make them and I can see that you enjoy sharing your knowledge and teaching aspiring watercolorists. Wishing you a safe and wonderful day and I look forward to more video tutorials as and when you have time.

[@tanyataylor9911]

Thanks Oliver this was an excellent tutorial. I have watched a number of your tutorials and practiced the basics. Great Fun!!

[@samznbful]

As an Australian delegate for the International Brush Union, I wanted to commend you on your egalitarianism attitude, particularly in supporting older brushes. Have also learnt a lot! Thank you, these tutorials are wonderful 😊

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Couldn't be without them Sam!

[@debbieabruzzini7004]

Thank you for taking time to share your knowledge with those of us just starting out with watercolour. Your love of what you do, is clear.

[@gr8fng]

Wow so much technical skill & experience evident throughout this video ... and the value of practice, practice, practice 👌

[@mrcohiba1662]

12:00. 👏👏👏 Ok the penny dropped. The paper doesn’t care if Im using blue or pink. The color difference only matter to us. The paper only considers the consistency of the paint. Whether its one color or another is irrelevant! Olly you’re a genius.

[@wendyizod923]

Thank you for such an informative video I’ve learnt so much about the technical way in which water and paint react. I love your teaching style as you make it so clear. Now for plenty of practice

[@margaretpepper5304]

Thanks so much. I so struggle with watercolour work and your very clear demonstrations verbally and practically will help enormously - can’t wait to try those exercises. Thank you

[@clareclemens4849]

Your videos are such a gift. Thanks for sharing, it has helped me immensely

[@marus_skin]

Thank you so much for your lessons and knowledge! They are priceless. Very clear! Thank you very much! I'm a fan of yours.

[@2040nina]

Thank you for your offers in the various Watercolor painting technical skills. I am learning a lot from these series. And practicing as you suggested. In fact, I watched each video several times. Slowly, my painting is improving.

[@theresaavery4670]

On yes, and I am also left handed and completely understand your struggles. So many smudges!!!!

[@annejackiw188]

Every time I watch one of your videos my there is improvement in my understanding of medium and technique.and of course improvement in my paintings. Thank you Oliver

[@susanwilson1276]

Thanks for showing in such detail how paint 'acts', I've made this mistake many times, placing wet paint onto damp paper and ruined everything! Learning all of the time from your videos...😊

[@isabelfernandes9449]

Thank you so much for your patience to do that important video about the technique of controlling the wash in watercolour. Very helfull to a beginner like me ! 👍

[@dora_di]

This is such a great lesson, so clearly explained. Thank you so much for your generosity 🙏🏼

[@lisamarshall4142]

You are an amazing teacher. Thankyou so much for sharing your incredible talent.😊

[@janesanchez213]

My Mom was a wonderful artist. She painted mostly in oils and a little bit of acrylic as well. She absolutely loved watercolor paintings though and we had a few in our home. She admired the work and said that realistic watercolors paintings required special techniques and were just too difficult to work with. Ive bee dabbling with watercolors now since 2020. I’ve encountered every problem you have up to now described on your videos, but in some cases have worked through a few of of these problems with trial and error. Now I feel even more encouraged. Thank you so much Oliver 😊👏

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Your Mom was right Jane - watercolour is difficult, but the effort committed to practicing it is rewarded. Keep it up.

[@pamelastroud]

Excellent video! I've seen a few different videos now on washes, but I haven't seen one that demonstrated how paint consistency affects colors running together when you paint them side by side. This helped me understand what's been happening in my own paintings and why I've been getting so frustrated. There's so much to think about when painting and I need to be more mindful of the consistency of paint that I'm putting down and when. Thank you!

[@lindaspeed7200]

You are just what I've been looking for. I've learned a lot watching you today. Thank you!

[@kathystaudenmayer2277]

Excellent video! I've had many chaotic nightmare landscapes! This was a great help, especially understanding how important paint concentration is.

[@PaulDavis-ul5js]

Another great and really interesting video. Thank you Oliver

[@kerriclarke9366]

So helpful. I sort of knew what you explained but didn't really know the nuances and techniques to get the effects I want. Ready to practice more with this info. 😊

[@liuyuenhe8487]

You are a wonderful teacher, thank you so much!

[@janamp4789]

Well that's taught me quite a lot, so thank you and looking forward to seeing some more videos 😁

[@poppyburns3807]

Great exercises. Thank you. Just wonderful.

[@danielleplouffe2979]

This was so interesting and so clear and thanks to your explanations and demonstrations I have just received and worked with Arches rough paper and it makes all the difference. Now I can create nice washes. I was ready to give up but it was my paper that wasn’t absorbing the water.

[@Marimhage]

Great tutorial ! Watching and doing the exercises was very interesting and will be a great help for painting better tree raws.

[@rebanelson607]

So much depends on the way the paper retains moisture. Cheap paper dries very quickly! Excellent tutorial - thanks!

[@kathsoulsby873]

Just came across your videos and they are exactly what I have been looking for…good tutorials and many useful tips. Thanks..

[@gamescommutti7256]

Great explanation of the physics of osmosis , I like it and will suggest this video to our students of medicine.😄

[@xuyang1981]

Thank you so much Olly, really enjoyed your video and very helpful! Have a wonderful day x

[@lorraineclark3517]

Excellent demo! It's all about water control whether if it the paper, brush or paint dilution. Giving a more focus of this primary technique has been more helpful than the countless instrumental videos I have purchased and viewed. Thanks!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks Lorraine - that's very kind of you.

[@joddiew]

Thank you for all the videos! I just started watercolour painting and got whelmed with information everywhere but most are not answers to problems I have. I also like the fact that you don't believe the most expensive supplies are the best but what you learn to get used to. I am looking forward to your new videos!!

[@sassy6292]

Chaos is descending…I got such a kick out of that! So true though. That was an actual ah ha moment. I have had this happen and it never occurred to me that dryer paint was sopping up the moisture of the new wet brush.

[@damienk5011]

Just recently found Ur videos and am so glad because l can't get out to classes to learn,so intend to watch all and practice, as a private lesson! Thanks from this G'ma!Regards, J.I.M.K, Mrs.

[@normaneames5901]

Again, a very helpful video. Clearly explained and can't wait to try out.

[@trixiemarie3690]

THANK YOU for putting the fun and possibility back into watercolor!

[@zahrasamadi7617]

Thank you for having published this video. It seems simple as you said but I'm just learning these techniques after having a hand in watercolor for a couple of years. Great explanation, good quality video, understandable examples of do's and don'ts, and thank you so much!

[@soniadepaoli5840]

I just found your channel and I am so thankful. This tutorial video was invaluable ! Thank you so much Oliver for sharing this . I have learned so much ,I am fairly new to watercolor and absolutely adore it for its unpredictability - its alive. Learning to control where required is amazing. Now at least some of the intuitive questions are answered . explanations and demonstrations ( including brush size, timing etc) so good ! Can't wait to try your landscape painting to incorporate what I have learned.You are an Absolutely Brilliant Teacher - I am enjoying your lightheartedness as well :) !

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks for the kind comments Sonia - it really is wonderful medium and the combination of fun and frustration keeps it interesting!

[@joannabatherson6783]

Thank you for an excellent tutorial! I just found you on UTUBE and finding so many techniques that you present in an outstanding way!

[@marilenafourli5990]

I love the vocabulary that sresses upon being aware, allow, make decisions, that encourages the interaction and the personal involvement, of course side by side to the articulate technical information and the reminder that it is about beauty and having it all wrapped up in a content feeling. Thank you very much for this material.

[@alanl56305]

Ditto to '2LittleSticks' in saying how clear Oliver explains the wash problems/water to medium and dryness paper and water. Really enjoy his style of painting as well...

[@angelalescard5695]

I’m falling in love with your tutorials. Thank you for sharing your expertise