Easy Watercolor Painting for Beginners (step by step)

[@jing.sunnyday]

I am beginner and I followed step by step this video did 3 this painting the same evening, I am sooo happy with the results, you've made it very clear and easy to learn and understand the concept so I can apply them to any other paintings I do. And this gaven me a lot of confidence which is the most valuable take away here, to me! I appreciated it a lot! Thank you 💟 And my friends couldn't believe it was my first boat picture! 😄 I live on an island, sky sea and boats are what I wish to paint more.

[@bobfotoples6950]

Long time water color painter here, but away from it for the past 4 years. I enjoy seeing what I've missed. I've gotten away from true watercolor painting, trying to paint EXACTLY what's there, instead of letting the paint show me the way. (former student of Terry Madden)

[@swimgoddess-r1u]

Hi Bob I stopped painting also for 5 years because of chronic fatigue syndrome but I'm back also. Things change. I remember 20 years ago when painters more purists acting like a sin if you used some white .

[@marjo-riittareinikainen9740]

One of the bests qualities of You Tube is to fine out different perspectives and manners to do different things!

[@andrelloyd4010]

Turning a photo upside down instantly changes the mind from identifying observed objects to identifying shapes of size - value and placement ! Best wishes and happy painting 🙏

[@donnakelleher3707]

You are awesome. I am 72 years old and learning so much from you!

[@maryaltabev5275]

There’s always something new I pick up from your videos. Thank you!

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Glad you like them!

[@melissc9264]

You are such a calm and reassuring presence while I practice. I just love ya! Thanks Matthew!!

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Thank you so much! I appreciate that

[@Rebekkalaurel]

Hey Matthew, my sister and I did this tutorial yesterday together. We love to paint and learn new techniques. I primarily use gouache but love watercolor as well and this video helped me to become one step closer to confident. I loved how you talked about using the negative space to define the boat. I thought your technique for creating the soft pattern of the rippling waves in the water and sky was very effective, and made painting water less intimidating. I didn't think I could do a nautical scene but this video changed my mind. I subscribed and hope to do more videos soon.

[@unafemina]

I love the way you teach, so clear instructions! It makes it easy and enjoyable to follow you. Thank you for sharing your expertise!

[@ingridmatthews6627]

Just made this one this morning. It came out GREAT. Thanks!

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Great to hear!

[@teresamitchell-banks2286]

You are a terrific teacher. Thank you for your clear step by step instructions 🇨🇦

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Glad it was helpful! That's so kind of you.

[@jarredwebb6638]

Just the video I was looking for. I was thinking of painting a scene like this. Thank you for this clear and easy to follow video. I look forward to trying this out!!

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Great!

[@marymathis9299]

That was lovely, Matthew, thank you!!! Will start on that kind of scene, appreciate the help so much! ❤❤❤

[@VariscoLuca]

Fully agree. The sponge will also automatically balance the amount of water along the paper. Also add other MUST small tools: eyedropper and paper towel

[@nancycirelli8799]

Thank you for this tutorial. I live near the intercoastal of FL and there are many sailboats. I have been hesitant to paint them but this tutorial helped a lot. I did struggle some with the sail boat details in you painting because it was very difficult to see your drawing.

[@Readerrrr95]

I am so grateful for your videos🙏

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

So glad to hear that!

[@geetabhattacharya8956]

This lesson is simply mesmerising.. Thanks for teaching the power of less.

[@garystevens9885]

I just started watercolour painting about 3 weeks ago. This video is very helpful. Thanks Matthew.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Glad it was helpful!

[@valorycanfield2169]

I love how you teach. I was curious how the raw Siena would work, and it did! Love your angle on this wonderful medium!

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Glad to hear that, Valory!

[@JohnMonsterCanada]

And I love the results you get with rough paper. I’ve been using CP and it’s nice but I think I’ll move to rough to get those definitions due to the “valleys and mountains” in the paper

[@blu-rae864]

don’t never abbreviate colored pencils 💀

[@bevtay9978]

Thank you for sharing the planning behind the process. Didn't know painting was so demanding. Hope to watch more of your work!

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching, Bev!

[@Magic65750]

Love seeing the reference photo.

[@888ssss]

im a chronic overworker. a great lesson today.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Glad you liked it!

[@Summer12409]

Thank you for this amazing video! I am thrilled with the results. I have always wanted to learn how to paint with watercolour, and I think that this is an excellent first step!

[@VanTran-yp5ek]

Thank you so much for the detail tutorial!!!! I really appreciate it.

[@michaelgillespie1206]

I'm new to your channel and I subscribed, I want to learn more about watercolor painting, and from scrolling through your videos, this looks like a great place to learn.

[@beebee8018]

It is so easy to put your paper upside down… but not until someone points this put! 😅 Sometimes the obvious just does not pop up! Thank you Matthew. Enjoyed this tutorial.

[@Hughejazshole]

Thank you VERY much for sharing your talent! This is so great!

[@eeshaanchintamani9254]

Dude, three words YOU ARE AMAZING

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Thank you! I appreciate that.

[@jodyhazlett9752]

I enjoyed following along with this one! Thanks!

[@ArtistHabibPasha]

Mashaallah ❤ really lovely so beautiful drawing ⚘ like this artwork 👌 big like 👍

[@debjanimukherjee6295]

Thanks for your tips it I will try to follow and improve myself

[@Joanna-nr4jt]

Thank you for this, I will watch again and try to follow along! I love your artistic style (I’m especially drawn to your green based landscapes) and your nice clearly explained video presentation style (I spent ages looking for artists who fulfilled both) Do you have more beginners lessons? There are so many videos it’s hard to find easier ones to start with. My mum did lots of watercolour painting but she passed away very unexpectedly a couple of years ago. I so wish I had asked her to teach me. I kept her paints, brushes and paper but am finding it very hard to start when I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t think you group your lessons into playlists for level or type unless I’m looking in the wrong place? Thanks again, your pictures soothe me somehow.

[@shirleykwan5270]

Thank you so much for the tutorial, love your painting ❤

[@edelellingsen]

I just love your videos. Best whishes from Norway.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Thank you very much!

[@John-mr8hk]

You make it look so easy. Thank you Matthew I will keep practicing 👍

[@aeonsleo2]

Simple and effective, perfect for beginners

[@missviola3721]

This is so so so good and BEAUTIFUL. Thank you a lot for this helpful demo .

[@maryvernau9500]

Thank you for a great demo Mike!

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

You’re welcome!

[@paintnknitter]

Awesome painting! Thank you for your help. I ordered the sign painter brush on you link.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Glad you enjoyed the video! That brush is great.

[@MsVivian99]

Really appreciated this video lesson!

[@mariacollins7648]

Inspiring and easy to follow!

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Glad to hear that!

[@ankeshmbbs]

why i was not here before? i learnt some really amazing tips n techniques ; thanks ; u r a great teacher ❤️

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Thank you! Welcome!

[@AGcristal]

Thank you Matt !

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

You’re welcome!

[@chrismcmurdo2538]

Thanks Matthew! This is a nice scene for beginners. Any chance you could post the original picture for us to download?

[@barbaragemin5117]

I’m painting along - so far so good. When you say “ for the most part dry” Matthew, could you be more specific? . I just started the land mass when I realised it wasn’t dry and spreading. Panic. Just in time to stop. Whew, it turned out better than my usual. Thanks Matthew.

[@normamiller2316]

Excellent video. Thank you 😊

[@dougmoench9233]

Excellent tutorial! And a beautiful result. TFS!

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@leonmorgan1158]

Thanks for the tutorial.. it's a beautiful scene you painted..

[@HerrSommerjunge]

Thank you for this lesson, I enjoyed it a lot. I even tried to put the main mast into the boat ;-)

[@karlalolumna9453]

Now that was a beginner tutorial i need! Thank you very much. Subscribed. Do you habe more of these i wonder? :)

[@Ardguezpi]

Thank you for your lessons . I follow you from Spain and I find easy to do. At the moment only On theory, because I am a oil portrait student. But I will start soon with watercolour.

[@hirenbose8840]

You make it look so simple. Will try them. Thanks.

[@DrCarolFrancis]

Thanks Matthew for your example and helpful tips a long the way???

[@Countrysidewonderer]

U can also use a black fine line pen for the ropes

[@ТатьянаСмолич-ч1з]

Спасибо! I'm trying

[@ga88004]

Thank you so much

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

You're welcome!

[@dianatchamitchian8953]

i am new to the watercolor world .. I followed the tutorial, and I am happy with my results... Thank you for the very clear instructions. I still need to work on the color mixing till I can reach the correct tones that I want. A recurrent problem is that the middle of the paper always dries faster ... especially if it has lighter colors, like the water around the bout for example. The DAMP phase of the paper is so short that I don't get to take full advantage of it.

[@JohnMonsterCanada]

This was so timely, Matt. I’m doing a sailboat painting today but in turquoise/blueish tones today in #the100dayproject. Thank you (again 😊)

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Glad to hear that, John! Best of luck in your painting.

[@angs5332]

This was fun!

[@swimgoddess-r1u]

Matthew Karel here did you call that brush a sign writers brush? Very cool but never heard of it. I am so scared to put rigging lines in by brush I use black ink. Just feel I'll ruin it. Your painting came out lovely I would have tried light pink in sky inshead of raw Umber . Turning paper on side great tip. Thank you

[@Abdullah1999H]

Good work, thanx.😊

[@silverajookrishnan8995]

Thank you sir.

[@1Skymed]

Excellent.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Thanks!

[@sharmilachakraverty6439]

Fantastic tutorial. Do you soak your paper and shrink it before start painting? Does it not warp or buckle while painting a large area?

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

I just dampen it with a sponge on the front and back.

[@LauraGarza-c2i]

Lo ame! Gran video

[@susankolpack7044]

Very good instruction - thank you 🖌🖼

[@JaneMcmurray-o5s]

Matt, how do you keep your paper from curling after it dries after the early and middle washes and you are adding detail? Is it the paper you are using?

[@markdonovan1540]

This is an excellent demonstration tutorial with your clear and helpful tips and explanations. What was the small signwriters' dagger brush you used for the mast and rigging?

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Glad you liked it, Mark! It’s a cheap sign writers brush. I have an Amazon link in the bottom of the description if you want to it.

[@ABBAnMJ]

Thanks!

[@jawaharshetti2369]

Good information.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Thanks!

[@Sakura0000001]

You make it look so simple :D

[@intuitiveartandcooking5481]

Thank you , this was very insightful. Less is. Ore, you are right. Where do I get the brush?

[@christopher3104]

Every time I watch these videos I just feel like I’m not cut out for it. Practice makes perfect, I know but damn…it’s so frustrating. Nice video though, I love watching you paint!

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

I hear you. I've felt that way before too. Hang in there!

[@tongpomegatron]

Great lesson, some of the lingo can be a bit unsure but still good

[@tariqhasan602]

Very helpful

[@sujanmondal7277]

Excellent

[@yikes7607]

At 12:55, at that point is it only damp because of the water you carry on the brushes? Is it still wet on wet then? I'm asking because previously you said you let it all dry before continuing the work. And just another newbie question if you don't mind: if you re-wet the paper after it dried, would the colours from that first layer move again as if they were fresh, or would they have settled? I realise these are probably very basic questions x) Anyway thanks for the tutorial!

[@lynnadamson7773]

Thanks for the video, Matthew. What consistency paint do you use on the first wash?

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Glad you liked it! The first wash was the consistency of strong tea.

[@IcaroBenjamin]

Muuuito obrigado, aqui no brasil é raro achar videos de técnicas molhado sobre molhado.

[@romyv6532]

I painted it! I had a hard time with the water, because I don't have Raw Sienna or Lavender, and I couldn't get my brushstrokes like yours no matter how hard I tried. But overall it came out OK, although not as nice as yours of course.

[@raymondkemp758]

Good video and a good picture but where is the reflection of the bow of the boat ?

[@shannon2659]

Love this but I wish you would tell us what colors you’ll be using up front. As a beginner time is not on our side. Me having my colors ready ahead of time helps me to focus on your tutorial wo feeling pressured to get the colors (I may not even have) ready before the paint dries.

[@Emy-mo3ps]

You don't have to get the same color exactly Or you could buy a pallet with more colors

[@swimgoddess-r1u]

Most of colors he used were a few different colors. Just think warm colors or cooler colors. So many combos would look nice.

[@brookies1910]

Can we follow this tutorial for gouache as well?

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Give it a shot!

[@JaneMcmurray-o5s]

How do you keep your paper from curling since you don’t tape it down? I know you wet both sides but when the paper dries and you are in the later phase your painting you paper doesn’t curl. Is it the paper you are using?? Thanks

[@jubileej1629]

What do you wet your paper with

[@bananapudding5882]

Watercolor: instagram.com/p/CcSrvD3NvD1/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=

[@vext01]

OK. I just tried this and completely failed. Do you use a different brush for each colour so you don't have to keep cleaning and re-loading the brush? Do you worry about cross-contaminating the colours from their pans?

[@freizeitvideos5739]

How damp is the sponge, is it dripping, can you wring it out or is it just damp? How long does your paper hold the moisture, what if you have to rewet in between, how can you see that?

[@jaekn]

Awesome painting, however the mast has to extend down all the way. It looks like it starts on the canopy. Also, the mast and standing rigging must be perfectly straight

[@evahagemeyer9142]

What paper do you use? The one mentioned in your link?

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Yes! Saunders Waterford 140lb rough.

[@amidokathleenm.2772]

I really want to learn and try to paint like yours but I am lack of art materials 😞

[@smitag8959]

👍👍👍

[@justherehello]

1:47 is the paper wet by this time? Or damp?

[@beebee8018]

Drawing is the most important. If your drawing is not good, no matter how good your painting it will not look good. OK you can paint your picture without drawing, but you will have to be a good painter.

[@gloriaderteano9785]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@catherinele2260]

*looks at his painting* *looks at my painting* UHHHHHh

[@Skydiva69]

Well…kinda lost it at my boat. 😂

[@ericbroughton8468]

Go to edge hill university 14th rentation 22nDd July

[@abhilashreturns]

He looks like bald kreek craft