9 Minute Watercolor Tutorial for Absolute Beginners - Start Painting Today!

▶︎Free Video Lesson: 7 Secrets of Fresh, Powerful Painting www.learntopaintwatercolor.co...
When you start a new hobby or commit to taking a creative endeavor more seriously, you often experience some level of stress. There is so much to learn, so many choices to make, and sometimes other artists are hesitant to share their process. It can feel overwhelming.
In today’s video, I cover the basics of watercolor painting, including:
Information about supplies
Common watercolor processes
Pros and cons of taping your paper
Prioritizing value over color
The power of painting in large shapes
Until next time!
If you would like to purchase some of the brushes I feature in this video you can follow my Amazon Affiliate link: www.amazon.com/shop/m.white.art

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

▶︎Free Video Lesson: 7 Secrets of Fresh, Powerful Painting www.learntopaintwatercolor.com/7secrets

[@cosmicfxx]

BUT ... if you DON'T tape paper down, does it buckle?? And how do you avoid buckle when not taping paper down? You never clarified on that...

[@maremacd]

I followed the link, input my email address, but did not see beginner’s supplies list. Will that be emailed?

[@JohnvanGurp]

Super tutorial, thank you very much! My mother was a professional artist for 70+ years and mastered every medium she tried from oils to clay sculpture, to sketching to watercolors. Here I am retired and in my early 60s and I’m gonna start painting too.

[@guillermomartino4345]

Is there any way to see your mom’s work?

[@AnnapolisGirly]

My mom too. She began painting at 50 but never did much watercolor. Oils for her. I’m 63 and exploring!

[@bettfon3541]

DNA always help!!!

[@NINA10117]

@johnvanGurp Your post here was 11 months ago so how are you doing with your painting? I hope you are well and doing fine paintings. 🙂

[@JohnvanGurp]

@@NINA10117 Hi and wow thanks for checking in. I left my watercolour kit at my cottage and every time I'm there I do a little sketch and paint it in. It's a source of great enjoyment and meditation. Have a great rest of your day :-)

[@stephanieashworth6317]

White of the clouds 'left behind' is such a revelation!

[@d.martinez-rodriguez333]

I appreciate these "Cliff Notes" versions of your lessons.🎨🎨🎨

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Glad you like them!

[@jhanvee007]

I absolutely loved to paint as a kid but I left those days behind. I am trying again to reconnect with things I loved previously and your video is a boon to me. Thank you 🥺

[@NINA10117]

@hanvee007 Yay you! Do it! I'm doing the exact same thing. I worked 2 jobs most of my life. Now I'm retired and I dug out all my "Dream Boxes" meaning boxes full of things I bought on sale or clearance over the long years and put away until I found the time somewhere, somehow to get to painting, and writing, and playing music. Here and there along the way I managed enough time to squeeze in a few things but now I'n retired and going full bore. I did discover that picking it all back up from childhood was very different. I had to find a way to bring back that carefree, playful way of a child. In the beginning the adult critic in me was shouting all the time: "Don't make a mistake, that doesn't look right, you're too old for this nonsense, blah, blah, blah. So I broke everything down into bite sized pieces. Literally. I cut my watercolor and drawing papers into two inch by three inch pieces, I set up a little folding table with my watercolors and drawing pencils so that I was looking at it every time I sat down with my coffee. When I finished a little practice painting or drawing I cleaned up, got fresh clean water, washed the brushes, etc so that the next time I sat down it is right there ready to go. I found out later watching a video that those little paintings are actually a thing: they're called artists cards. Similar to baseball trading cards. Lol, who knew?

[@sharongates4699]

Wow! You covered not only every point a beginning watercolor student would need but also a wonderful refresher for the seasoned painter. I am a retired art teacher, having mastered & taught both watercolor and oils, but you, young man, make me want to teach again. Bravo!

[@KginVT]

Invaluable info in such a short time! I’ve been painting for years but I really needed to see this video because it simplifies everything. I tend to overwork, over think, over analyze, etc. So I will watch this again. THANK YOU! 😊

[@philippbaumann5549]

Same for me, I probably will watch this again so that it will settle in my 50 year old brain!

[@prophet7247]

Informing people to put the lightest values on first is probably one of the most helpful advice I've gotten from a watercolor tutorial. Great video!

[@sudharajesh2749]

Thanks so much for the effort you are taking in making these videos available. Your instructions are so clear and precise and valuable too. Thanks Matt.

[@ReinhildeLenaers]

I feel I can do anything after watching your video's. You are such an inspiration. Thank you, Matt!

[@donnacarraway9182]

Thank you! I agree with almost everything you said! Great info for everyone!!

[@julioginerdivenosa2446]

Wonderful! I am writing a novel in which the female protagonist is a girl who loves to paint, especially watercolours. Although I don't paint, your video has been a great help to me. Congratulations you're a true artist!

[@Nutslayer96]

That sounds so interesting! I’d love to read it

[@toffylikesgames]

Great video, all the important info in 9 minutes :) After practicing values, I found that I'm enjoying step 2 the most - adding darker values and establishing shapes. It's SO satisfying and it's really changing the way your art looks!

[@createwithwatercolor]

I think these 9 mins were very much informative in my day today. Enjoyed this video. This has got everything one need to know about watercolor painting and equally valuable for both beginners and experienced people. Thanks 🙏 for this

[@tonistrak345]

I started with the "learn as I do, improve with "formal" education, critique, and tutorials. This video has been the most helpful so far!

[@Andy_S.]

Большое спасибо! Всё ясно и понятно! Я - художник -керамист из Москвы, но хочу вспомнить молодость и вернуться к волшебному миру акварели, в которой я никогда НЕ был большим Мастером. Спасибо за чёткие, ясные инструкции! Ваши работы восхищают своей точной тональностью (tone), композиций и акварельным мастерством! Подписался!

[@chloelee9264]

So glad to have found your channel. I are selfless to be sharing all these great advice. I love your style of painting that's realistic and convey moods!

[@ulysees08]

Love that Matt. Thanks a bunch. Straight to the point simple points.

[@sanjivanigole9138]

You are generous and thoughtful to give so much valuable information in just nine minutes.. will watch it again and again. The glimpses of some of your paintings is something to look forward too. Thank you very much

[@ChantelleArts]

I always choose a palette based on how big the mixing tray is, sometimes they’re tiny! Great tips here 😊

[@justinwr092]

Such a great channel. I'm so glad I found watercolor. The whole community and culture is awesome. Can't wait for Watercolor Live in 2 weeks!

[@nathalieritz2817]

Hi Matthiew. Thank you so much for sharring your skills and technics of watercolor. You are amazing! God bless you

[@EstherGordoCaligrafia]

Wow. Going to essentials. Simplifying everything. Great advices. Thank you so much!

[@warrengarr3709]

Thank you for this valuable lesson that focuses in on each critical aspect of watercolor! Your approach is encouraging and clear.

[@vkmalini1]

You explained everything so well I such a short time! Thank you so much!

[@Gashinshoutan2009]

Great tips for water colours. Thank you for sharing.

[@cindywilliams8815]

I have learned so much from your videos. Clear and precise instructions. Thank you 😊!

[@marymathis9299]

You are excellent...in your painting and in your instruction! Thank you soooo very much! I am looking forward to following your lesson plan. I am not new to painting...in my mid 70s now but have been painting, crafting, and all sorts of creative things since my early school days. Guess that would make me a very experienced novice! 👍🏻 Appreciate the way you bring all the info down to essentials...lovely!!! Thanks again! Gonna see what else you have for us....❤❤❤

[@iwonawleklinska2017]

Thank you for sharing with us your knowledge as well as expirence in such simple and helpful way.

[@barandianati4673]

What a tutorial!you didn’t miss one single detail.thanks

[@susanleadbeater2028]

Thank You Matthew!

[@10mileroadie]

wicked awesome. thank you!

[@skee6706]

Absolutely love your teaching style. I have been rather intimidated with watercolr but you have showed me in very easy to understand terms what and how to start. Thank you

[@Dan-xx5jq]

Awesome instructions!!! Thank you!!!

[@Baobabaloo]

Very cool tip about watering the front and back! I'm gonna try that sometime! 🙂

[@annagray4208]

Great video again. Its so easy to forget these basics and very important stages. Your teaching is always so very easy to listen to and learn from. Thanks heaps.

[@deepakchandratre31]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="519">8:39</a> Thanks 🎉 Matthew. Very useful knowledge for a beginner like me. Well said that hard work and practise is important

[@avikr9006]

This my friend was bloody awesome. Thank you!

[@donnagoode6923]

Nice summary. I haven’t seen this type of video before. You are priceless.

[@lisanelson7394]

Excellent, concise recommendations - really appreciate your insights! You've provided essential concepts so clearly - really enjoy your channel.

[@divyenduraj5360]

Thank you Matthew, it's really helpful 🙏

[@jeanburgin160]

Great tutorial! Thank you for sharing. All the best to you.

[@velmaelizalde5582]

Unbelievably helpful! I am so excited to have stumbled to your site. You are an exceptional instructor! 🙌

[@Poupou1057]

Very clear and helpful, thank you!!

[@marthareynoso990]

Thank you so much for all the information 🤗♥️

[@anitaellison5658]

Wow! Wonderful video. Love your work too.😊

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Thank you!

[@user-ki7rz4ds3x]

Unbelievably helpful! I am so excited to have stumbled to your site. You are an exceptional instructor!

[@corlingrey]

im glad i saw this before i started. this tutorial a game changer

[@CINDYYEEAH]

Can’t believe this is free… thank you for this! It was so helpful ❤

[@carlitosangulo]

Thank you for this video!

[@user-oo5ry3tk5n]

Thank you so much for the advise your sharing. I'm newbe to Art world trying charcol, paint, and now trying watercolors. your video made it so easy to understand the process. TY and plz keep upnthe great video's for us.

[@user-rc9ju3qk7l]

Thank you! Very helpful...

[@user-tl6hj1wo6c]

I love the quality of your voice. Very easy listening. Great info for me as a beginner

[@penhaus]

This is so helpful. Thank you so much.

[@user-lo9xb7xg7e]

Wonderful video. Thank you

[@enochstudioalexia7984]

Thank you so much!

[@babsbab5746]

I’m so glad I found this video before starting watercolor-you’re a great instructor-thank you

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

You are so welcome!

[@stevendavis2122]

Great tutorial, thoroughly enjoyed watching 👍🏼

[@shirleykamala1797]

lovely class...thanks so much.Bless you.:)

[@mfv2024]

Great presentation. Useful information. Thank you.

[@heartcentredbeings6291]

Thank you 💛

[@sushmita5902]

I learn from your painting sir. Thank you so much . Mind blowing art

[@TrangHoang-tu7xq]

Thank you for very professional explanation

[@paulapobesamis418]

thanks man, very helpful

[@charlessapernakis8001]

very nice video. Thank you Matt😍

[@dedekurnia6163]

I m from Indonesia,thank you Matthew for your easycatching tutorial you have given

[@sweetmimi286]

Thank you very much! 🫶🏻

[@eisenesel]

Outstanding tutorial 👍🏻🙏🏻

[@ruthdallas6125]

Good summation of things that even if you know you sometimes forget to use.

[@BruinsVanguard]

I'm trading in my digital tablet for watercolor this year and I'm so excited that I found this channel! I really look forward to watching more of your lessons, thank you! :)

[@ziaw4217]

One of the best tutorials❤

[@usuarios.164]

Nice!!

[@stephanieashworth6317]

Thank you for beginning at the beginning!

[@BLWatercolorArt]

Great video, as always

[@user-ie8rl3xw8y]

الشرح كتير مفيد وحبيت الطريقه 🌷

[@eolden7749]

Great information

[@rookpoetry1322]

Amazing

[@SayHelloToOblivion]

I quickly learned why going with tube paint is better when I attempted my first painting. I wish I would have watched this video before I bought my palette of Winsor and Newton pan paints. The more color you want, the more water you need to add to get it out of the pan, which just dilutes it. You never win.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

So true.

[@johannagoldenberg3300]

You rock!

[@nasosvlachos63]

I want to thank you very much for the knowledge you share and, furthermore, to congratulate you for the way you do it. I have watched hundreds of videos of watercolor demos and instructions and I have to say that yours are the most efficient and helpful. You've done great job in listing the essentials and underlining them, making knowledge easier and less time consuming for everyone. You are a brilliant artist and a great teacher, although in every art we are all students and learning never stops, I think you will agree with this...

[@t.s.5206]

Matthew really is exceptional - his tone of voice and pace lets us process information better. So many talk to hear their own voices - Matthew communicates thoroughly and comprehensively without belaboring a subject. His eye contact with the viewer is so important, too, and helps bond with him. In just a handful of his videos I feel like I’ve learned tons of things no other online artist tutor has covered. Immense appreciation to this gifted teacher & watercolorist.

[@nasosvlachos63]

@@t.s.5206 Absolutely gifted teacher and watercolorist!

[@user-oc6oy7ng2p]

Terrific

[@craiggross9629]

FANTASTIC!

[@reyanshrana3158]

Thanks I That’s really useful for my school project

[@thecandyunicorn7728]

Thank you thank youu for this video. I won’t elaborate because I have to finish 15 watercolor paintings haha. But going back to basics is a vital part of learning ❤

[@mohandoctor1930]

Fanatic boss🎉

[@slnoupsoup481]

i feel lighter after watching this, how is it so good.

[@abhijeetdchawan]

Great Sir

[@lauracunneen7275]

thanks youi make it easy

[@user-yd5ye2bh8o]

Nice painting ❤❤

[@santanainspirartes]

Glad I found your channel

[@stefaniecolonius4780]

"The light that you need to leave behind" ❤

[@danielgasser1871]

Thank you, great introduction, just started with water color, and love the medium, but you need a good introduction. This is truly great, love your paintings, and felt inspired and found some new ideas.

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Glad it was helpful!

[@irishdepartmentofagriculture]

Very impressive for a 9 min intro . Thanks buddy.

[@trungtrantrong8140]

Loved your works !

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

Thanks a lot!

[@melindarobino2930]

I watched this with the sound off (everyone was sleeping), and I could still follow this well-presented tutorial).

[@pamelaspainting]

Valuable

[@girlsplayrok]

i love your vids so different

[@lizapixie626]

This is the best video ever

[@JordanHunter333]

First time viewer, new subscriber...what a wonderful video Matthew. I am so new to watercolor that I haven't done it yet! :) I'm at that exciting (for me, at least), research stage to learn as much as I can about all of the supplies before making my first investment. Your video has come near the end of that process and perfectly so. Brought this volume of new information down to essentials, and with it a sense of calm and "I can do this!"

[@learntopaintwatercolor]

So glad you enjoyed this! Best of luck in your painting!

[@barbarachristian8538]

I love the painting on the cover of this video with the sheep and cows in the field with the background mountains. Is there a tutorial of this painting? Thank you for all of your helpful tips!