How to Avoid Overworking a Watercolor Painting - Vlog

[@brillyintt]

Today I have learned that I have mastered the classic overworked grainy pilly technique....I knew I was good but never realized the exceptional high quality of my “classic” achievements!!! Thank you! I love how you present your information.

[@eileenmason5492]

You're a great teacher. I tend to overwork all of my paintings so watching this video has helped me.

[@maryriley6163]

Huzzah! Huzzah! Thank you Steve for telling us ways to avoid overworking a picture. With this information I now see the problems I have been creating for myself. Especially that "too much added water" part, and my repeated effort at corrections that kept turning out like trying to improve the taste of burnt cookies with a frosting of canned cat food. This is great information for everyone starting out. Now I can stop banging my head on the table and either make a proper correction on a dry field or just start fresh.

[@keepmovin3]

Ok, that's a hilariously perfect description. I'm gonna copy and share that. thanks!

[@condorreades2148]

Huge help. I am a chronic overworker in watercolor in part because I started painting with acrylic which is a completely different form of watermedia.

[@VanmeterFL]

ALL your videos are helpful! Jane Blundell calls it "fiddling". Breaking the habit of taking your brush back up into your wash when you see a speck that doesn't look perfect was tough. Learning to plan and prepare to do a large wash around an intricate sketch takes a lot of practice. Even smarter if you can compose your painting to have breaks in the background so your washes are a manageable size.

[@Noname-sj1oo]

All these are about me. It took me quite a lot of time to get rid of overworking as I'm self taught. Your channel really helps a lot to understand watercolor better.

[@RachelKimAdams]

I had to laugh SO hard especially when you did cause #3 demo. I put my full empathy in that moment because you were talking about me. I mean not just #3, actually all of them were ME. Haha.. You are easily the best teacher I've ever seen on KZbin👍 Thanks Teacher. God bless.

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Oh gosh I needed to watch this one way at the beginning of my painting journey. Been painting for 3 years now and never knew what overworked meant in watercolor painting. 🤦🏻‍♀️ I have done apparently a lot of overworking on my artwork. 😂 But I have also been using a pulp paper instead of a 100 % cotton paper all that time as well. I just switched about a couple weeks ago to Hahnemuhle Watercolor paper after watching your video of the best watercolor papers for painting. Thanks for explaining this in such detail & with examples for me to understand. Having a much easier time with painting since the switch. Hope you’re having a wonderful day!

[@thereseprogar4479]

Earlier this week I tried to paint a landscape, and I think I managed to make every mistake you talked about in your video. Thanks for helping me to see what I do wrong and helping me to control my tendency to work wet areas.

[@violethorsewoman]

I finally finished a ninth rendition of a painting I'm doing as a gift for my Mother In Law. I experienced every single example of over working. I especially had to learn that impatience is bad news in water color. It took a few times to resist the impulse. Unplanned details. This was largely because my composition was imaged and even though sketched I struggled to get it right...hence at least four trial angles. But I learned not to add detailsespecially when my painting wasn't fully dry. Those were my most consistent problems. How perfect that this vlog is here now to give words to my efforts to have a finished piece that was finally frame worthy. I have been learning so much from your instructions. Thank You.

[@Rosemarie04921]

Your videos/demos are so newbie friendly! I've been painting for about 18 months and have experienced a lot of what you showed here and though I am progressing away from overpainting, these gentle, detailed reminders are invaluable. I am self taught except for my Steve Mitchell sessions 😊

[@donallen3729]

It's Jane Allen, but this really helped me. I'm was used to pen & ink. I like the complicated strike work. Recently (3-4 months) trying watercolor. Made all of the overworking mistakes Dave was explaining. Almost quit the medium. Really appreciate the help & encouragement.

[@karenowen7854]

Athought I didn't watch this til half way through Janurary, it was great to see how an average American home looks around Christmas, cozy and homey with lots of wood touches. Your home is great ! Learned more about charging in, not smooth, using non cotton paper, all those bad things to stay away from but it's just poor brush & water management ; all good to know about problem solving. Thanks for all the great info.

[@mchris1020]

Hit the nail on the head with all of these points.

[@JackieL7474]

I got the point for sure on example number three. I was laughing so hard because that's what I've done.....wrong color, change that, too much water, change that, lift that color out, scrub that paper, and on and on. I have learned so much with your videos! And I just looked at one of my trees I just finished yesterday and now I can see the overworking I did!

[@mindofwatercolor]

We've all done it! 😆

[@gwenanderson1914]

I never liked working in watercolour but you have given me an entirely new perspective and I’m truly enjoying myself. Thank you!

[@sarahconroy3634]

One of the most useful lectures this year for me. Thank you. Mary from Toronto.

[@marje387]

Thank you for the video. It helps tremendously, I can see where I’ve gone wrong in some of my paintings, they just don’t look quite right and I didn’t know why. Your words of painting wisdom have been invaluable to me, I’ve learned so much since I found your videos on KZbin. Being impatient and painting into damp areas is one of my biggest overworking mistakes, also adding unplanned details. But I guess its about lack of experience and needing to develop that artistic eye, and so developing the right skills. With every video you post, I learn a little more, thanks again. Have a wonderful Christmas and NewYear with your family. Best wishes from East Yorkshire, England .

[@thelmasimpson7352]

Your watercolour tips and advice are very helpful. As a beginner in landscape painting I am guilty of all of the above and end up with a flat dul painting. Thank you again for all your very generous time.😊

[@Aydeet2]

Thank you...thank you...thank you, Steve. Now I understand why some of my paintings didn't look the way I intended. Have to say that I had a really good laugh as you described the incorrect side of your examples..that was me! lol Thank you and now I will attempt to slow down, let things dry more, and follow all of your tips.

[@kathyn3978]

Wow I’m guilty of all of those and not just once. But I’m enjoying learning along the way. Thanks for the great tips, Steve. Your home should be in a magazine...it’s even more beautiful with all the decorations.

[@sigridedwards420]

Excellent video and very much needed, I just did my very first picture and I can now see all my mistakes and where I over worked my painting, your excellent video and encouragement is greatly appreciated, thank you.

[@whysvert]

I'm admittedly overworking my pieces and very much learning and improving along the way. Thank you very much for your videos! Extremely helpful

[@mimim102]

Thanks so much for the free classes ♥ I know it must be exhausting at some point uploading all these videos but you really help people like me who can't spend money on classes, so thanks for that!

[@mimim102]

PS: I have adblock Disabled if you need money

[@susanjaneritter]

THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER INSIGHTFUL VIDEO, WHERE WHAT YOU SAY HAS "MEAT" TO IT, IS STATED SUCCINCTLY, AND IS ILLUSTRATED BEAUTIFULLY. A MOST BLESSED AND MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

[@kathys7283]

Yep!! Exactly what I was looking for!!!! Thank you!!!

[@brendacollinsdeeks7268]

This was so helpful in identifying the source of my technique problems so that I can work on them. I’m absolutely over brushing as the first thing to focus on. Thanks so much for sharing your expertise!

[@marykhavelka8875]

Overworked -- been there, done that! Your videos are so engaging and helpful. Always happy when I see a new video of yours....Wishing you a Merry Christmas and btw...love your beautiful decorations!!!

[@wendyle2143]

I keep rewatching your lessons when I need motivation... thank you a lot!

[@haileyparlette8083]

What a great intro! I absolutely love the beautiful traditional decorations you put out. It looks magical and the tree is gorgeous!!!

[@nancybailey8398]

❤️❤️❤️ YOUR BAMA SHIRT!! Thanks for all of your videos!

[@pathayes6084]

Thanks for posting this video. I really have to remind myself to walk away and come back to the painting to see if it really needs to add more or try to correct what you have done.

[@pilasumana4410]

Good, very good tips to avoid mistakes! I'm learning more!

[@salliewhitney3133]

I'm not sure whether I got this tip from you. If so I apologize in advance. I got much better with the hard edges and back runs when I deliberately set out to create them in practice. As in, okay I'm gonna create a backrun. What do I need to do. I got a couple "aha" moments with that approach. As in uh-huh, that's how that works. I am going to put some time into what you showed here. Working in the danger zone and then doing the same exact thing again except letting the layers dry completely. Who knows. Maybe the lesson will sink in and Ill be able to avoid the "quick fix" that never, ever is a quick fix. Happy New Year to you and thank you for the work you share.

[@elenaga5143]

Thank you so much. Really helpful. I'm having a lot of difficulty with these issues, especially when working wet on wet. Funny, isn't it, that watercolor seems so close to spontaneity and freedom and however it requieres so much thinking and planning!!

[@Vic101able]

Yes, this was helpful. I really enjoyed seeing how you guys, decorated your house for Christmas. I been watch a lot of Christmas movies on TV and l just have to say it, you guys have the best decorated house of all the houses l saw in all these movies hands down and your wife did a fantastic job with video of it.

[@mela1404]

Thank you, I really appreciate your vidoes, they answer so many of my questions, I think you're a great teacher

[@orcamum]

Your videos are INVALUABLE! Thank you so much!

[@yodasapien7234]

Great stuff Steve thanks for the insight, I’ll have to put it into my practice.

[@ashleyvanart5979]

This is so helpful. Thank you for your videos.

[@Linda-qq5mg]

Thank you for the video. Your explanations were easy to understand and very helpful! The introduction was wonderful and the decorations are lovely! May you and your family have a blessed Christmas!

[@geraldeneirisgussin5929]

Really liked your Christmas decorations. Thank you for the overworking explanation.

[@diconlon4948]

This is really helpful, being impatient is my biggest problem. Oh Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@swtpomleaf]

This is so great! I have been doing this and not even realizing it! Thanks for another great lesson!

[@susanhamilton1822]

Lovely decorations Steve. I have an owl like yours. You just showed all of the mistakes I made when I started last year. I'm glad to say I have learned. I used to flood the water on, not wait and wonder why I had hard edges everywhere. lol No more. All the best of the season to you and yours.

[@flooklh]

Thanks for this informative video. All so true. Watercolour has its own mind, and if not overworked can lead to some stunning effects, like with your "spontaneous paintings". I love those. Please paint some more of them.

[@irinaa3825]

Started using the tips from the video and immediately saw great improvement, thank you for a very detailed explanation

[@paula6642]

I looove your videos! Thanks for this one, i use to overworking my work when I'm anxious.

[@TheTeachaway]

Thank you, Steve. I watch all of your videos. You are a master.

[@mayrarichards4977]

Thank you so much for sharing all of your experience and knowledge with us. I send you many blessings, peace and love. All of your videos have helped me so much and this one is no exception.

[@ZarahMcIntosh]

SO FESTIVE!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Very helpful video. Thank you, Steve.

[@myffanwy2]

Thanks so much, Steve, for all your videos. I can't believe how much I've learned from you! You rock, Steve meister!

[@nsavar5864]

By the time you read this: Happy 4th of July! I'll reinforce what others say about your vids: they are perfectly newbie-friendly (great for me). Rather than admonishing with, "Don't do this...." you say, "If you are a beginner, just paint and be aware...." I want to thank you for all the hard work you do to produce these YT vids. They are a gift. Happiness. --nina.

[@SharonNolfi]

Very helpful video and great Christmas decorations. Thanks, Steve.

[@popesuavecitoxii2379]

Excellent video! I've been using watercolors for a few years now and I was never clear on this subject. Thank you!

[@hannahcrumley3103]

🎨 Thank you so much for the wealth of information you have put here on you tube! I feel like I found a gold mine when I found your channel!😉👍🏼 I have painted with oil & acrylic for many years but just began watercolor a couple of months ago.... it’s a whole new ball game! Watercolor makes me feel like such a beginner. Frustrating at times but so exciting when I follow the “rules”! I have learned quickly that I can’t just paint over mistakes (like I have with oils & acrylics) so I need to plan ahead and think before I paint.... and save those white spaces! I appreciate you & your work! Adding extra detail is my biggest downfall- I have a hard time putting the brush down and calling a painting done! 🎨

[@kevinheller1145]

Thanks again Steve...Wishing you and yours a most Blessed Christmas Season and a New Year filled with Love, Health, Prosperity, & Peace!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Merry Christmas Kevin!

[@susinok]

My most recent landscape definitely had some overworked and over corrected areas. Plus an unplanned detail, pretty much exactly like your example.

[@lori7168]

Hi Steve! this video really helped me I knew what I was painting didn't look quite right but I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong. I'm a beginner and this was so useful!! Love your videos.

[@TrueLoveX1027]

You have yet to post a video on KZbin that I didn't learn something. I so appreciate you sharing your time, knowledge, techniques, pitfalls...ALL that you share. And...I LOVE your Christmas tree!! XX

[@katak5462]

Wow such a great tips, thank you.

[@colleeningham7335]

Thanks again, your videos are always helpful. I have trouble keeping colours clean and transparent when they are darker. Your video was a big help.

[@dianeo]

Beautiful job on the Christmas decorating! Thanks for the info on overworking a painting. Something I have to be more mindful of.

[@shirleyandrews1152]

Thank you for your thorough explanations.

[@johnharkness6304]

Love the Christmas touch 💚 Just subscribed, I've taken the watercolours out again after a long break, bought a couple of new tubes, here goes....

[@maryanharrell5642]

Thanks, Steve, for another great video. I really needed this one, because I was not sure about some of these, and now I think I understand a lot more. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[@joyceb3961]

Thanks Steve.... Great video and wonderful to see your Christmas decorations🎄☺️. Thanks for all that you do! Merry Christmas

[@astridgarcia888]

So helpful video !!!! Thank you very much. Wish you a merry Christmas and happy New Year !

[@vespa4jen]

Oh my gosh! I tried to do a “drip” landscape like your video, and what a mess! I did every single thing you said beginners do that are mistakes. Ha! I’m going to try it again keeping THIS video in mind.

[@terryohehir2241]

Thank you Steve

[@azbz1z2z75]

Merry Christmas. You are my favorite Water colorist

[@ericawang6970]

thank you for sharing, it is really helpful for me. Have a wonderful holiday

[@JulieBarneson]

Thank you so much. This was very helpful. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

[@maryalgar8779]

Thanks Steve. Nice summary of things to watch out for. Your Christmas decor looks beautiful. Have a wonderful Christmas.

[@walker449d]

This was my problem today! Thanks, very helpful.

[@dianebishopdesigns]

Your Christmas decorations look so lovely and festive. Thank you for the helpful video, it can be hard sometimes to not try and fix mistakes over and over again.

[@essietangle9931]

Very helpful, filled with (ah so..) moments. Among so many examples you also covered the question from the last video. Who knows, after I watch it several times and practice, I will remember the different examples and be able to use them effectively. thanks and Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@marykayparker4144]

one of my BIGGEST problems. Thanks Steve!

[@glenisepearson7407]

Thank you, a really informative video. Merry Christmas to you and your family from the UK.

[@MARTJE2222]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@syriacartist3490]

Thanks a lot... I was searching for this valuable information which helped me understand the mistakes i did 👍🏻

[@pilidiaz7856]

Great explanation, Steve. Happy holidays!

[@EveBolt]

Highwaaaaaaayy tooooo the *Danger Zone!* I couldn't help it, haha! Oh man, the too many colors example made me laugh so much. That poor swatch. Great instructive video Steve, thank you so much for sharing! And your Christmas decorations are really beautiful! :)

[@lizkb5473]

Thank you Steve, that was very helpful, I will use that information. I have that same snowbaby ornament. Happy Holidays.

[@warmyellowshade]

Great video Steve, I often get caught up in mistake number two... its the impatience that gets me >_< It's really helpful to break all the possible problems down and give them a name. Thanks again!

[@ashleynicole9036]

I needed tgis video. Its like you read my mind. Hope you have an amazing Christmas!!!!!

[@lindahall6924]

Excellent demonstrations of what to not do. I am guilty of this, I will stop.

[@flatlandah52]

found your channel recently and it's sooo helpful. This one is spot on for me. Thanks.

[@eileenmason5492]

This my problem! Thank you!

[@gloriawachel917]

great information - thanks

[@dawnymock]

Very helpful, Merry Christmas to you and your family! 🎄⛄️

[@alejandrogonzalezlopez5883]

OMG what a great video! Love the jazz intro. I've noticed that sometimes overworking comes from trying to "paint details" rather than "hints" and let the water do the work for us. I've tried to paint trunks, branches and leaves instead of blotches of tree mazes, and booooy did the first ones looked overworked! Thumbnail made me think you were going to talk about hiperrealism in WC. -A

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes, you are correct. I addressed mainly the medium uses here but too much detail or overstating a subject certainly qualifies.

[@soniabuenoaffonso8144]

Like so so so much the “samba” in the oppening. 😍😍😍 its up to my home. Tks production team! Steve, your vds are incredible good, I have been learn more and more in each one. Tks a lot!

[@belindahall5220]

This was VERY helpful, LOL, I think you've been looking over my shoulder;). Anyway, also have to commend your closing comment about comparing techniques, not progress... excellent points!! Thank you for sharing your insights.

[@robbartlett4668]

Excellent learning experience for me! Thank you! Merry Christmas!, Roll Tide!

[@JackieL7474]

And, Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[@EarthVoiceOnline]

Helpful video, thanks!

[@sharonriley4297]

Thank you so much for all your videos, you are teaching me so much. I have invested in books on the subject. But until I came across your videos I always felt overwhelmed .You show me how without making me feel dumb. I'm an old bird starting on something I have always wanted to do but never thought I could. You sir make me think I can, and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. P.S. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks.☺️

[@mindofwatercolor]

My pleasure!

[@cloudsan8775]

Thank you 👍👍👍

[@LeaGalTan]

Thanks. Very helpful!