How to Paint a Large Impressionistic Watercolour

I demonstrate how to tackle a large watercolour with a dramatic sky in a loose, flowing style.
The paper is Fabriano Artistico size 29" x 21"
Here is the video of me finding the spot and doing the sketch
• The Most Beautiful Pla...
Here is the video of my usual watercolour plein air equipment
• My Watercolour Brushes...
If you have enjoyed my channel and would like to support it, 'buy me a coffee' is the perfect way to do so! All money donated goes back into making new videos and adventures in our van. Many thanks.
www.buymeacoffee.com/jamespotter
I use Winsor and Newton artists quality watercolour paints.The colours are (L-R)
Raw Umber, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, Ultra Marine Blue, Cobalt Blue, Cerulean Blue, Cadmium Yellow Pale, Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red, Veridian, Hooker's Green, Permanent Alizarin Crimson, Cobalt Violet, White, Ivory Black
Winsor and Newton Artists Quality Paints 14ml Tubes
Raw Umber amzn.to/3RbTsOp
Burnt Sienna
Burnt Umber amzn.to/4a80GeP
Ultra Marine Blue
Cobalt Blue amzn.to/47IwSEh
Cerulean Blue amzn.to/3RuYS8A
Cadmium Yellow Pale amzn.to/41d0IxW
Yellow Ochre amzn.to/4a22mqx
Raw Sienna amzn.to/47Z5Bh3
Cadmium Red amzn.to/4a5Gn1P
Viridean
Hooker's Green
Alizarin Crimson amzn.to/46Ny2x1
Cobalt Violet amzn.to/3Tkbfp8
Chinese White amzn.to/485cBZi
Mars Black amzn.to/4a81mAT
Prints of all my paintings done on my channel are available from my website
Contact me if you're interested in buying an original
www.jamespotterart.co.uk
/ jamespotterpaintings
www.buymeacoffee.com/jamespotter
www.buymeacoffee.com/jamespotter

[@dorimikszta6463]

Tanya did a FANTASTIC JOB with the camera!

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Dori, I agree, Tanya does a marvellous job! Best wishes, James

[@iainmiller798]

24 years ago on my first trip to Skye we had a day off from the Cullins and climbed here at Neist Point. The drama of the place will never leave me and it is expertly captured in this magnificent painting. Now riddled with arthritic fingers and wrists the climbing has taken a back seat and made way for painting. This Neist Point video has been rushing back to the board, thank you James & Tanya your work and partnership is inspiring

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Ian, I’m glad that the memories of Neist point came back to you! It really is a wonderful place. Sorry to hear about your arthritis, hopefully your painting will replace your climbing passion. I hope your painting goes well. Thanks for watching, James

[@wendycombs2949]

you are so courageous! no fear. beautiful subject matter. i do like the camera movement, good idea. thank you again for letting us watch you create in watercolor.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Thank you, Wendy I’m glad you enjoyed the painting. It was a wonderful subject to paint. Thanks for watching. Best wishes James

[@suzetteball3744]

Really enjoyed that demonstration James, great watercolour painting- thank you

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Suzette, Great that you enjoyed the demonstration and that do you like the painting. It was a wonderful spot. Best wishes, James

[@PhyllisGeorgic]

This is a very good tutorial. You are really a good artist and a fantastic teacher. Thanks for the inspiration ❤

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Phyllis, Glad you enjoyed the tutorial and thank you for the compliment! I hope you found some good tips. Best wishes, James

[@helgalange6588]

That's amazing and a good explain for painting rocks which I always struggle with...thank you

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Helga, Glad you enjoyed the video. Rocks are tricky, but they’re so wonderful to include in paintings, they give such interesting shapes. I think the best way to deal with them is simply, try not to overdo them Thanks for watching, Best wishes, James

[@PublishedWriter]

I learn so much from just watching how you apply your paints/colors. It’’s so freeing. And yes, Tanya did a great job with the hand held. Thank you Tanya.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Glad you enjoyed the video. I think watching someone else paint is such a useful thing and I hope it’s helped you in your own painting. Best wishes, James

[@baileythompson7040]

I love the impressionist feel to your paintings and the way you make the light sparkle. thank you for sharing your work.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Bailey, I think you’ve summed up what impressionist painting should be. It’s all about sparkle. Best wishes, James

[@sandycols4870]

I love this...the steep cliff, the ocean waves, the clouds, the lighthouse... it's a beautiful painting.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Thanks, Sandy, glad you enjoyed it. I’m definitely going back there one day. I hope all is well with you. Best wishes, James

[@kathyleveck267]

Beautiful!

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Thank you, Kathy, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching. Best wishes, James

[@trevordavies9229]

The camera work was excellent, much better, and the painting, breathtaking, as usual. Well done both.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Trevor, Glad you enjoyed Tanya’s videography, she’s getting really good at that! It was a wonderful place to paint. Best wishes, James

[@partialartsblackbelt8384]

Love it!

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Glad you enjoyed it! Lots more to come. Best wishes, James

[@CoyBlumson]

I am a newby at watercolour but I am loving it. Thank you for sharing & some tips. I can only dream to improve slightly but I am running out of time at 72. Thank you James.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Coy, Always good to hear from a New watercolourist. It’s never too late to paint. There’s a great deal of fun and enthusiasm with watercolour painting. Keeps you young! Best wishes, James

[@clairebradbury11]

You've captured the drama of the place brilliantly. Rocky sea lines are the best. Thanks to both of you for all your hard work. It must take a lot effort to do these videos and I am very appreciative, as I'm sure are many others. Looking forward to more adventures in your van.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Claire,, Glad you enjoyed the painting so much, it was an incredible scene. Lots more adventures to come in our campervan. Thanks for watching. Best wishes, James

[@lacamasprairie5749]

Tanya is a sweetie to help you out ☺️

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

I completely agree with you! Tanya is great😊

[@roberthoward3723]

James you have excelled yourself yet again, this is an incredible painting love the tone values and the careful approach and deliberate placing of the strokes which I think is enlivened more by your wife’s control of the video. Life has been put into the work. Thanks for this - so inspirational.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Robert, Glad you enjoyed the painting. It really is an amazing place. I will be going back there Thanks for watching, James

[@michaelsigler5820]

Shes doing great job. I like that camera moving to the correct angle was much better than stationary. Great job!

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Michael, Tanya really does a great job. I couldn’t do it without her! Glad you like the camera movements. Best wishes, James

[@GrandmaMuggy]

Wonderful painting. Loved watching this come to life. Tanya did a great job filming it. Can’t wait to see the next adventure!

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Joanne, It really was a wonderful scene to paint. I do like a seascape. Glad you enjoyed it and appreciated Tanya skills. Best wishes, James

[@jemmirza2721]

The effects of watercolour are so beautiful.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Jem , They really are! I think that’s what makes Watercolour painting so exciting. Best wishes, James

[@maryrichinick7287]

This is a lovely painting! Tanya did a great job with the handheld camera, too.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Mary, glad you like the painting. Tanya’s videography really captured the whole process. Thanks for watching. Best wishes, James

[@alisonwickett3156]

Great painting, you've captured the headland stretching out into the sea and the light on the horizon Tanya was brilliant Also I did very much like the oil painting behind you in the introduction Thank you both I love watching these videos and get all the tips etc

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Alison, Glad you enjoyed the painting. It was a wonderful place full of drama. The painting behind was of Saint Abbs Harbour which is east of Edinburgh. It’s one of my favourite paintings and hanging in my bedroom. Hope your painting is going well. Best wishes, James

[@malcolmtaylor1821]

Very nice James, the way watercolors should be, pure and simple👍💯🤩

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Malcolm, Glad you enjoyed the painting. I agree with you Watercolour is best done simply Thanks for watching. Best wishes, James

[@noelnicholls3622]

Well done Tanya with the handheld camera, expert already. Amazing to watch this large painting unfold after seeing your video and feeling the very cold weather and wind you experienced “at the edge of the world”. Thankyou.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Noel, It really did feel like the edge of the world! An amazing place Glad you enjoyed Tanya’s camera work. Best wishes, James

[@Pattymelt415]

LOVE❤

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Patty, glad you enjoyed it. Best wishes, James

[@sueanderson7386]

Great to watch how you paint the vast seascape. So inspiring. I was out painting a seascape today and was fascinated how the light changed the colours of sea and sky from north, east and south.🎨🖌️

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Sue, Glad you enjoyed the painting. I think the sea is one of the best subjects you can do. I think it’s the colour in the movement that’s so interesting. Hope your painting turned out well, I’d be interested to see it Best wishes, James

[@oll43]

Great painting and great camera work. I was at Neist Point last November when it was very wild and windy. Your painting really captures the drama of the cliffs and the sea in such conditions. I have painted the receding line of cliffs to the left of the actual point and now I'm inspired to tackle point itself. Thank you both for your excellent channel.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Glad you enjoyed the painting and camera work. As you know, Niest point is fantastic. I’d be interested to see your finished painting when you’ve done it Thanks for watching. Best wishes, James

[@neuker99]

I like the variation of colors that you use throughout the painting. The sky is really dynamic. Great video work Tanya! Good advice on keeping going when things don't go very well, I'm inspired to get out and paint now!

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Norm, Glad you liked the variation and colour, it’s really important thing to consider. I look forward to hearing how your outdoor painting went. Best wishes, James

[@suekeeling3960]

Really enjoyed watching ,thankyou.Your lessons are memorable and your confident brush marks make an impression. Tanya,you have a very steady hand😊.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Sue, Glad you enjoyed watching the video. It really was a wonderful place, well worth a big painting. Hope your painting is going well. Best wishes, James

[@mikepreston6048]

Brilliant, both the painting and the video. Keep going, can’t wait for the next instalment. Thanks

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Mike, Tanya does a great job of the video.! It’s always an interesting challenge doing the videography. Lots more videos to come! Best wishes, James

[@andreaneale3774]

Great work, love the cliff work

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Andrea, Glad you enjoyed the painting, the cliffs were amazing. Thanks for watching. Best wishes, James

[@paulineshelley4421]

Hi James and Tanya, thank you for filming this beautiful painting. It has been very exciting to see how you handled the size of it whilst trying to narrate your thoughts. I can’t be easy to work both sides of your brain at the same time! The filming was really good, I thought and yes I agree that having the camera on a tripod doesn’t really give the viewer the same experience. It’s very easy to watch these videos and completely forget the effort taken in the filming! I love the looseness of your painting style, from the under mixing in the palette to the mixing on the paper. It’s very exciting to watch and rather scary to do. I will definitely visit Neist point next time we visit Skye. 😊

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Pauline, Glad you enjoyed the painting so much. It is fun doing such a big painting, a bit more stressful perhaps but always an interesting challenge. Glad you enjoyed the handheld. I think it always helps to give it a more varied view. Glad you’re going to have a trip there on your next visit to Skye, it really was an amazing place. I hope your painting is going well. Best wishes, James

[@jordibertran]

I love your watercolour style. I really enjoy your videos. I would like to see a still life painting (specially how you approach the background) and also an urban theme.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Jordi, Glad you’re enjoying the videos and the painting style. Urban scenes are really interesting challenge for this style of Watercolour. . I do like pure watercolour style for buildings and not a pen and ink method which does make it a bit more complicated. I will do one in a few weeks time as well as the still life. I hope your painting is going well. Best wishes, James

[@jordibertran]

@@JamesPotterAboutArt Hi James. Thank you for answering. I enjoy your videos and will stay tuned.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

@@jordibertran I hope you keep on enjoying my videos as much as this one. Thanks, James

[@judylangmuir3600]

Fabulous to watch again!!

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Judy, Glad you enjoyed the second watch. I hope it’s helped. Best wishes, James

[@53justjude]

Thank you, this was an amazing video, and the camera work great, I felt like I was standing right there with you, well done camera lady😂😂😅

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Judy, Glad you enjoyed the video so much. I’m very lucky to have Tanya recording it so well. Best wishes, James

[@Georgeolddrones]

Do a great job, Tanya. It’s making is Art work Look brilliant.👍😂 the old man in Stoke

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Thanks, George, Tanya will be very pleased to hear her videography is appreciated. Best wishes, James

[@Michal_Kuras]

very nice painting, i like the lighting in it, sun reflections on a water, clouds and the warmth of the grass on the cliffs. Hope its not the last of the paintings from this location, it deserves a series :D

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Michal, It really was an amazing place, I will be going back there. I did a small oil painting of it yesterday, which I’m really pleased with, when I frame it, I’ll show it on KZbin. Best wishes, James

[@Michal_Kuras]

@@JamesPotterAboutArt nice, i'll definitly see it.

[@DarciBarker-lu8gi]

Love it!! Great video!

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Darci, Glad you enjoyed the video so much. Thanks for watching, James

[@nmd1211]

Very nice!

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Glad you enjoyed it! It’s always a challenge painting a big picture. Best wishes, James

[@kalaysia77]

...a big one is rather intimidating but you made it lovely.... I bought the WN mop but have not used it yet....my paintings a smaller.....😅 I liked Tanya with the new camera ..... helpful to see all the bits....

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

It’s always a challenge painting a large picture, especially in Watercolour. Glad that you’ve bought the Windsor and Newton brush, I do like it. I’m looking forward to hearing what you think of it. Glad you like Tanya’s videography. Best wishes, Jane

[@o8rufus]

❤❤❤

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Glad you enjoyed it. Best wishes, James

[@martyncozens5654]

Hope you don't mind me drivelling on abit. For me this is the best vidio yet, the large sheet of paper really helped the vidio as Tania could zoom into areas you were working on so the brush strokes could be seen in more detail. Also the luminosity (not sure if thats the right word) of the layered washes could really be seen to great effect. Like you I was wondering how the sky was going to work when you put in the dark wash in, but it looked great. Off piestcamera work was great to, thanks Tania.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Martyn, Always great to hear from you! Glad you enjoyed this video so much. There’s something about painting a big picture which is so exciting and nerve racking. Going back into the clouds with a darker tone was really worth it, the painting wouldn’t have been as good without it Glad you enjoyed Tanya’s camera work. Best wishes, James

[@user-xr8nr4mg3h]

Excellent painting, how brave to go back into the sky, but well worth it. Do you think the work would have been any different had you had the opportunity to paint it plein air ? As regards the actual video, I enjoyed the hand held camera as it was interesting to see the close up shots as you worked. Well done to you both, your channel is a delight.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi William, Glad you enjoyed the painting, there’s always a risk in going back into a wash but sometimes it has to be done. There are differences in painting in the studio. The biggest one is colour when you standing in front of the scene the colours are real and accurate, but when you paint in the studio There’s always error in what you see on the screen. Glad you enjoyed the handheld videography! Best wishes, James

[@ArmbrusterCompany]

Wonderful painting demo. What do you do to flatten the water-warped paper when you mount and frame your painting? When painting, I am also using a hinged, framing board to hold the paper edges down to a larger board. I am not “stretching” my paper. When my picture dries, the paper has a wavy surface from the wetting and drying. Thank you, Bob

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Bob, Glad you like the painting. Like you, I don’t prestretch the paper. I find that when the picture is framed it’s sits between backing board mount board and glass, so that flattens the picture out enough for me. What paper are you using? Best wishes, James

[@ArmbrusterCompany]

@@JamesPotterAboutArt James, I'm using natural, 140 lb cold press by Arches but have mixed feelings about the water-warped paper that I am getting when finished. I am trying Bockingford's 250 lb cold press to see if the painting dries more flat. I really like the hinged, framing board method to hold the paper instead of tape. I would get tape on everything but where it needed to go, making a mess. Enjoy your day, Bob P.S. Tanya's camera work is terrific. I also liked the wide shots showing you in your studio setting.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

⁠@@ArmbrusterCompany The 250 LB Bockingford paper will definitely lie flat, or maybe have a go at Fabriano Artistico paper. It is a very convenient way of holding the paper with the other benefit of having a standard size, which makes it easier for framing. James

[@joykruczay]

Painting on a full sheet can be quite daunting, and you did a superlative job. I am such a literalist, and would love to grasp the idea of "less is more" in my paintings. You are capturing the essence of the scene, and the white bits added for sparkle really add to the overall effect. This is use of watercolor in the way that best demonstrates the beauty of the medium. Noting that black can be added is refreshing in a way, as so many avoid it like the plague. Tony Couch felt that it could be used in moderation appropriately. When you mentioned Sargent, it made me think of the video on him that I should re-watch on "Great Art Explained", www.youtube.com/@GreatArtExplained, here on YT. Likely you know about this channel, as it is thrilling to see so many subscribers and those who had no knowledge of art enjoy the content.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Joy, I’m pleased you enjoyed the full sheet of Watercolour. There certainly is a sense of excitement when I start one. I’m glad you are thinking about the less is more approach. It does almost feel counterintuitive, however I feel it’s the best way to capture the subject in Watercolour. It also has the other benefit of being much more fun to do! I believe they’re black is useful colour but very unloved, I think it’s best use is in clouds I have seen the great art explained And very much enjoyed, particularly the Sargent videos. Hopefully you can get more into the simple approach and I look forward to hearing how it goes. Best wishes, James

[@victoriaharris6091]

Can you please tell us which brushes you are using as you use them?

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Victoria Yes, that’s fine. I always mean to but then I sometimes become lost in my painting and forget to say. I’ll get into the habit of doing it every time I change brush! Best wishes, James

[@dianepetersen2961]

Lovely... you do not mix your colors that is cool.?

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Diane, Glad you like the painting. I tend not to mix the colours too much as I like the variation of colour. And it’s a fun way to paint. Best wishes, James

[@Acer-kz2eb]

Aloha & Brav0! feeling a bit sea sic. camera odd angles~movements. 3rd.gen artist/fishermen family.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Glad you enjoyed the painting. There were one or two moments where the video was it was wobbly. Hopefully better next time.😊