How to Start Your Watercolor Painting (Four Steps)

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

▶︎Free Video Lesson: 8 Ways to Avoid Overworking Your Watercolor Painting www.learntopaintwatercolor.com/opt-in

[@SheilaghRiordan]

"Illusion of detail" is such an important concept. Thank you for this super helpful video.

[@arthurkoopmanswatercolors]

In addition to a value study, I also do a color study and some experimenting with different mixtures to see what best fits the subject I'm going to paint. I'd rather figure out the colors beforehand, instead of trying to find the right mixture while I'm in the middle of a wash. This video is a great summation of the basic steps to take. Why is it that often these little sketches look more alive than the final painting? :D

[@1msfit]

This is the second time I have watched this video, and I took notes this time. Your style of teaching is so easy to follow-straight to the point, concise, and with visual examples. You are able to pack an incredible amount of information into a short video. I am very new to watercolor and have never done any other painting previously so your videos are extremely valuable to me. You asked about what your viewers do to prepare for a painting. I just cannot remember everything necessary, so I have taken to jotting down in the proper order all the things I need to do. It’s impossible to do a painting in one day. After interruptions and delays of one sort or another, these notes act as a checklist so that nothing is forgotten. Thank you for sharing your expertise. Your generosity is very much appreciated.

[@diy_naga]

So easy that u av watched it twice 🤡

[@lindseywildsmith2814]

Really enjoyed the clarity and the importance of a plan

[@PuffPets]

Omgosh THANK YOU❤❤❤

[@Moizees311]

Thank you Matthew, you are extremely helpful, not to mention knowledgeable. 🙂

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Thank you! I appreciate that.

[@elizabethmorgan2513]

Holy Moly, this is WONDERFUL! Thank you so much for these tips. New follower TODAY! You are a great teacher and encourager. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Welcome, Elizabeth! Thanks for the kind words.

[@stacyg8847]

I jump right in and am often disappointed with the results. I took notes here. I have done some value studies and will post my notes as a reminder to take the time to prep before I jump. Thank you for sharing. Peace.

[@camillewilliams7254]

I primarily make coloring books..lots of outlines and line work. I love watercolor also & am learning so much. Thank you.

[@pp1291]

Hello Matthew, Your vidio is very nice and helps me. I am also an artist (not full time) and do it acrylics and watercolor. Today I would like to share a tip on the buckling of the paper. You can go to home stuff selling shop and ask for a sillicon mat. Take 2x2 feet. Now wet that mat and back side of the paper and you can see that side stiks to it nicely and firmly. Now you can wet it from from front side using wet on wet technique. Once painting is done leave it horizontal position and let it dry naturally.. you can take it out easily after that. It worked good for me.. Thanks and have a good day !! Parag.... (I don't give comments generally... first time I am sharing this... not sure whether other know it...thought of putting here).....

[@sharonrose160]

The four steps are right on. They are coming to me at just the right time, when I could receive them. This is water color, not paint by number, I like to remind myself before I start a painting.

[@davelawday6609]

Thank you so much Mathew...your the best watercolor teacher I've ever come across.. kind regards Dave 😁👍👍👍👍👍

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

That’s so kind of you. Thank you!

[@rebaxt]

This is great, thank you very much. Probably the one single video I’d recommend to any watercolor painter - and not just beginners. Well structured, clearly explained and with great examples. And nice to hear mention Andy Evansen. Amazing artist and first time I saw this ‘methodic’ approach to value studies.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Thank you! I really appreciate that.

[@karenroberts7366]

Greatly appreciate your pace of speaking. Yes, I said that. You don't speak too slow or fast, and you pause. The pause allows me to catch up with you. I also appreciate how you begin with an overview, break down the detail topics, and finish with a review. Those are all simple presentation recommendations, but so many people either speak way too fast with more words than necessary, others are too vague.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

So glad to hear that. Thanks!

[@DL-by8el]

So many talk way too fast...

[@kevinnoel9024]

Matthew as one who follows you, I am beginning to grasp a lot of areas in my art progression which held me back for years, and thanks to you for paying attention to edges, colour , composition, wet into wet techniques, shadows, what needs details or not, value study which is like kryptonite to a lot of us artist in the making. Thanks, Matthew

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Great to hear! Thanks for sharing that.

[@annej.morgan1346]

I like how you cut to the chase on how to do watercolor. Some artists paint in sections, some use the first wash only , like wet on wet. It gets complicated at the end. Matt, you have a process, and follow it. Thanks for clarifying!! Can't wait to try again!

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Thank you so much!

[@andrelloyd4010]

Turning a photo upside down removes the mind from identifying with objects to identifying shapes of size - value and placement ! A powerful and empowering strategy. Best wishes & happy painting 🙏

[@gracielacastro2974]

thank you Matthew i'm trying not to give up every day and your videos help me very much. Muchas gracias!!!!!

[@audreydugan9668]

Thankyou, I am trying watercolors again, I have tried them several times with resulting muddy art that if I can actually say the words it would be: I hate them. But I love watercolors and I realize it is in how I paint, I simply don't understand the steps to follow........ I paint watercolor like I do Oil. I believe this channel is going to help me a lot. These four steps are greeat. And also the Value Studies!!! I am going to do those today

[@AstomiArt]

Thank you ,Matthew! You change my mind about the value.At first i just thought the value as a burden i have to consider, now I just realize that value is the magic to make my paint work! That helps a lot ,your lesson is wonderful!

[@anubhatia3899]

Thank you! Very useful tips! I can’t wait to work on a new painting with these tips in mind!

[@lynnhuntington3498]

I often end up doing the same painting over and over. While much of what you say, I have heard over and over your delivery was the one I guess I needed. I am in the midst of planning using those steps plus a color study. Thanks

[@user-qj9fx2gr7h]

You are a great artist and a wonderful teacher Matthew. I have learnt a lot from you. Thank you so much for your dedication. 🙏💙xxx

[@holly_kay5570]

I'm enjoying the simplicity and clarity of the way you teach!

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Thank you! I appreciate that.

[@nasreenazam]

Thanks Matthew for your help.

[@dianamajchrzak5855]

I did my first value study and was surprised how helpful it was. It was also a good way to check the colors I chose and make sure they play together well. Your lessons are working for me and my painting friends. 😊. Thank you.

[@privatename8228]

An excellent video! I am a total beginner so I really appreciated that you clearly explained each term that you were using. Subscribed.

[@pk3679]

This video is wonderful. I have watched it several times and like others I took some notes this time around. This will give me a great checklist to use when painting since I don't have a dedicated studio space. Now I can come back more easily and pick up the process where I left off. Thank you for the clear guidance and suggestions. I am now going to take my time planning my paintings and hopefully improve my outcomes. I have also started to make a packet for each of my paintings that include the reference photo, any crops and value studies and also the colors and mixes used so I can refer back to this information in the future.

[@suresh.karthikeyan]

Sage advice🙏🙏🙏

[@alleynanci]

Thanks! I’ve been trying to figure this out and here it is!

[@garyb8528]

Thanks so much Matt. I hadn’t painted in watercolor for about 23 years. I was okay with oils and acrylic, but the watercolors were a snag. I took a course in wc and got some paintings that were, in my mind, acceptable. I started back with wc a month or so ago and have been hooked ever since. I am so grateful that I found your KZbin channel. It is slowly changing my methods and techniques. I wish I could subscribe to your online courses, but due to health, I cannot afford to do so as yet. I love your work and am painting an average of 1 1/2 works a day. I can see some progress and am working hard to loosen up and stop overworking. I look forward to every video. Again, thanks so much for sharing and teaching your talent

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Thanks for the kind words, Gary. Keep working at it and I wish you all the best!

[@mona4761]

This is one of the more important art lessons I've got. Thank you.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Glad it was helpful!

[@noeliaklenk3128]

Thank you Matt

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

My pleasure!

[@joangagne1903]

I’m so glad I found you. This is the first I’ve watched of your videos and will check out the others. I’ve been painting with watercolour now for two years. I’ve never had a lesson but I have watched a lot of u-tube and learnt a lot. You said and demonstrated it all in this one video, thank you👍

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

you're very welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@LisasDistraction]

I have saved this video to watch again and again because it was so impactful! Thank you for this! I knew I needed to start with my lightest colors first, and I knew I could use some darks to help with shading before adding my details, but I had no idea the steps I needed to follow. This will definitely be a game changer for me. By the way, I've been painting for 5 years, but only watercolor for 2 months and I am completely hooked. Never thought I'd make the switch.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

That’s great! Glad you are enjoying my videos and watercolor!

[@dougmoench9233]

I’m the jump in type of painter. And it shows. When I do the planning as you suggest, that shows as well. In better paintings. Great advice, well done vid. Thanks for sharing this.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Glad you found it helpful, Doug. Thanks for watching!

[@louisemccormack5629]

Brilliant!

[@annevanderwoude9319]

I like your plan that’s what I needed thank you so much.

[@Mirrka2009]

Such a freat lesson! Thank you!

[@kellydanson2121]

Thanks for the hint. It's hard not to just jump right in. This is a great reminder to slow down and figure it out! Thanks Matt!

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

You’re very welcome!

[@medhakarve9958]

Thank you for the very clear explanation of how to think about your painting. I was one who would dive in and get frustrated. I am now going to be more methodical in approaching my watercolor.

[@abhishek8681]

Amazing , thank you so much for this valuable lesson

[@dhirajshetty483]

I appreciate the way you recap your video … it’s so important & yet so overlooked Great video ! Thank you

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Glad it was helpful!

[@erichayward2235]

Thanks so much for your clear and concise lecture. So enjoyable to listen to a calm voice in this loud world. Very helpful indeed.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Thank you. That’s so kind of you!

[@1Skymed]

As always Matt, a clear, concise, logical approach to painting. Very informative and a REALLY useful process to follow.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Glad to hear, Steve! Thanks.

[@therollingjonicle]

Super cool! Vielen Dank!

[@stevejefferson3250]

Will follow your method. Thanks man

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

You're welcome!

[@riskzerobeatz]

The best watercolor painting tutorial 😉

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Thank you so much!

[@mitchellart1]

Everything you said is key and a smaller color sketch also helps me.

[@petevanhemert88]

Thank you Matt , I have just begun my deep dive into WC. Admittedly, I have a long way to go, but this weeks results are better than last weeks, and your videos have helped tremendously.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

So glad to hear that! Keep going!

[@jessokendrick6227]

VERY insightful! Thank you !🖌

[@user-cm9jc7io8g]

I love your videos! They have been really helpful to me!

[@Lindaw1811]

You are SUCH a great teacher! Thank you.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Thank you! I appreciate that.

[@alatsaf]

Iam nodding my head while watching. Thank you.

[@cat-ic3wt]

Thank you so much for your lessons can you please uploading refrence photo so i can draw it with you

[@arma6934]

Your paintings are amazing my friend.

[@annevanderwoude9319]

I think you just help me a lot I didn’t start my painting yet but it makes a lot of sense to have a plan thank you.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

I'm so glad to hear that!

[@plowisonutube]

Bravo! Great advice.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SB4205]

Thank you very much. Your lessons are really helping me getting out of those troubles I was facing. I very much like the way you teach. This is so easy to understand and remember. ❤️

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

So glad to hear that!

[@jawaharshetti2369]

Good information, about w. C. Painting.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Thanks for watching!

[@lkcrump9503]

You make so much sense, now i need to use some self discipline and put these techniques to practice. Thank you!

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

You got this!

[@barry1578]

That is excellent, "actionable," concrete advice. Great video.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheJudeJane]

Thank you very much!😊

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

You're welcome 😊

[@morgenmachen2400]

I really appreciate how clear and concise this video is. For those of us that are more or less new and haven't gotten down a process that works every time, this is very helpful. In fact, in adding it to a playlist so I can come back to it if I find myself stuck. I didn't begin watercolour using the impressionist style I'm learning now, and I didn't start studying landscapes until maybe six months ago and your channel has helped propel my progress. Thank you. Also, very nice painting, with the hillside and sheep. Great colour harmony and the colour choices and composition convey a sense of peace and tranquillity very effectively. Just beautiful.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

I’m so glad to hear that my videos have been helpful to you! Thank you for the kind words. Best of luck in your painting!

[@deborahfredette7499]

I am new to water color painting and have found your videos invaluable, especially this one. Thanks so much for simplifying the process.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Glad it was helpful!

[@judylarkin1978]

Thank you so much for your breakdown of the process. I struggle with the different values when doing a painting, especially a detailed street scene. I will use your technique and I pray that it makes my decision process easier! Thanks so much!

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

You’re welcome! Hope it is helpful for you!

[@ArtistJiban]

thank you so much sir😉😊

[@gadamis]

Thank you Matthew. Your videos are giving me plenty of tasks to improve my skills.

[@jhkennedy8968]

Excellent advice

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Glad it was helpful!

[@claragarate7489]

This guy is a very good one. I am from the Basque Country and usually speak in Basque and Spanish. Because of that, I'd like to have the subtitles in Spanish. Thanks a lot

[@rosacoelho6944]

This vídeo is really, really important, thank you!!!!!! 🙏

[@dougg1075]

Glad I found ya. This is great. Thanks

[@mikelastmanstanding6078]

Very nice tutorial! Thanks

[@marymathis9299]

Great stuff, Matthew...as usual, concise, to the point and well thought out...love your videos!!! Appreciate you so much! ❤❤❤

[@gailgordon1788]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. I've been struggling so much and your explanation helped me understand how to improve my watercolor painting.

[@bpacarro8419]

Thanks for reminding me and reinforcing the steps in my process. Yes, Andy Evansen value study step helps in my planning. Recently I started doing “notan” thumbnails to find large shapes and balance before the value study. (I read about “notan” in Mitchell Albala’s latest book “The Landscape Painter’s Workbook”). Thanks for your videos and sharing your information, instructions, and insight regarding the mystery of watercolor. Aloha from Honolulu 🤙🏼

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

That’s great. So glad you’re enjoying the content! I’ve got to get to Hawaii one day.

[@alinanaeem6003]

So well explained..Thank you 😌

[@ElaineDlln]

Thank you, Matthew. You are a great teacher

[@marycaloiaro7253]

Thank you for your commentary on the four steps and guidelines for a great painting. I watched your Puerto Rico beach demo and it was fantastic and I learned a lot. I appreciate people like you who take the time to help people like me who are learning so thank you.

[@ElhaMmHosseInzadeH]

Thank you🙏

[@ferdopiano7372]

Thank you for your time to explain these steps.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

My pleasure!

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

Andy technique is togh for beginners...your technique suits me as beginner

[@virginiacannon8376]

thank you. This is the second video I watch of yours. Both quite helpful.

[@trishmitchell2440]

Matthew thanks so much for this video. I'm just getting into watercolor and looking forward to trying these steps on my next painting.

[@MathinusG]

Thanks Mathew, I've not painted in a long time. This gives me new direction to get going. I've been overworking or procrastinating.

[@kathyswearingen1509]

Just found you! So helpful thank you

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Welcome! I'm glad to hear that.

[@lisafroment856]

Matthew, thank you for your time and expert teaching skills in the watercolor medium!! I’ve learned so much with your teaching style

[@hArtyTruffle]

Thanks. This simplifies things 👍🏼

[@maryburns2336]

Great instruction Mathew. one of the classes i had always wanted to take during my undergrad was Watercolor Painting. in fact i dont believe it was even offered where i went. anyway, just glad to get a bit of instruction on Water colour : )!

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lindahyles1331]

I’m a new fan of your videos and I’ve learned sooooo much ! Your explanation is nice and easy to follow… I love how you simplify things. I will definitely try and think about all you have said to do now. Thank you

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Welcome Linda! So glad to hear you are enjoying my videos. Much more to come.

[@saraht4973]

Great video,really like the reminder to do a big shape value study thanks for sharing this.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Your'e welcome! Glad you liked it.

[@nicolasasiain6308]

Thank you very much for your important advice.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

You are very welcome! Glad you liked it.

[@JesusIsKing96]

Excellent instructions. Thankyou.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

You're welcome! Glad you liked it.

[@TanyaNarayan]

Thank you so much for sharing such valuable tips.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

You are so welcome!

[@EVA-cf7em]

thank you so much.very helpful.

[@danskiwatercolour]

I have been painting for a few years and now, watching your videos i see where i am goimg wrong. I am self taught and that's the problem :D I managed to create some ok paintings but majority is ending up in the bin.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Nothing wrong with being self taught. Sometimes we just need a little guidance to open things up for us. Keep going!

[@rubywestmoreland7485]

Tyvm

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

You're welcome!

[@DL-by8el]

Ah I just bought a bunch of paints from goodwill and I will try this. I wanted to see more beautiful sheep.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Have fun!

[@synthiaannstan]

Thank you for your thoughtful and informative videos. 🤗

[@rebanelson607]

Excellent! Just subscribed.