How to paint a spontaneous Autumn Woodland scene in Watercolour

A step-by -step guide on how to paint a spontaneous Autumn Woodland scene in Watercolour by professional artist Paul Clark
Free downloadable drawing templates available from website.
Website:
www.artbypaulclark.co.uk
For a full range of watercolour tutorials visit my channel -
KZbin Channel link:
/ @artbypaulclark
Facebook:
/ theblackdotshirtco
Autumn video: sadeeqhassas @ via Pixabay

[@robinboyle5786]

I've been an artist my whole long life but never used watercolors until recently. I'm amazed at how much I've learned with these videos. The hints have saved me countless hours of mucking about. I inherited dozens of the best brushes and tubes of paint when my husband, a professional artist, died. He also left about 30 large sheets of Arches heavy cold pressed paper. But I'm starting to panic, what happens when I use it all up? It's so expensive! Yikes! Thank you for hours of instruction and humor.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Hi Robin - thanks for that - wow 30 sheets of Arches!!! - you'll need a security company to protect your house!!! - Glad to help with the learning too!!

[@elizabethnovitsky1545]

Paul, you are an inspiration. I have watched so many artists on you tube. They each have something i liked. your videos seem to have it all. i love your style of painting. Your instructional skills are on point. The best part of the whole package is your sense of humor and and sly wit. What a joy to watch. I can’t get enough. Truly can’t wait to start painting again. Am waiting for my studio to be built. Keep it up. Thanks.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Wow, thank you Elizabeth!! - good luck with the new studio!

[@tenderrose2836]

This video shows another reason to love painting with watercolor. It's fun to see how it all comes together! Magical! Thank you for another great lesson!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much 😀

[@danielaliliana7586]

This paintings are made with "salt " Thank you very much...Beautiful , Paul Clark ...😊 💖

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you too!

[@sandylosacco2194]

Lovely, It is cold & snowy here. I think I will try & turn it into a winter scene. Thanks for all your great demos!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Have fun Sandy!

[@jeannegow2144]

Love autumn colours! Thank you for all your tutorials!!!!🎨🖌️

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks for watching!

[@andy_Acuarelas]

Muchas gracias Paul, siempre veo tus vídeos y aprendo mucho practicando con tu metodología. Muchas gracias!!!

[@raymondhodgkinson6770]

Love the 'rainbow effect' in the first one. Well Done!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@dianemccabe9907]

That was the most incredible thing I have ever seen!!! Amazing! Loved watching it all come together, my kind of painting! Can’t wait to “Give it a GO”!

[@sheelkhirbat9857]

LOVE IT ! You're a wonderful teacher!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much Sheel!

[@bulbul78samkhan71]

Very beautiful, your's every painting inspire to me, today I made a painting to seeing your's painting but I could not better ☹️.I hope whenever I show to you my painting.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much as always for your lovely comments 😀

[@sunainaupadhyay9995]

Just wow art superb combo of hues. Never known if it wouldn't be u sir❤️

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

So nice of you - cheers

[@magdakrupa9495]

Absolutely beautiful and inspiring. And no drawing needed :-) Thank you.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Yup, good not to draw sometimes - just loosen up!

[@marlenemclean5621]

Pure genius Paul! I dipped into a few other painter’s videos when looking for a way to learn watercolour during the pandemic, and yours are so much more enjoyable and informative to watch. The music and your sense of humour are like the icing on a cake. I’m afraid I’m hooked! 🥰🙂

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Delighted other that Marlene!!! - keep in touch!

[@mariateresanegreiros6328]

Very beautiful!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@janebyrne-panzarella9499]

Such fun! I can't wait to get to my studio. thanks

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Have fun! - my pleasure Jane

[@norlidaghazali1350]

Tq for the brushes effects on grasses. U look handsome in between the long grasses. Ha ha

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

😊 thank you

[@aniecap4865]

Gorgeous😍

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you! 😊

[@magdakrupa9495]

Hi Paul, congratulations on reaching 5,000 subs! And I hope the next ones show up faster - you deserve at least a million ❤️.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks so much Magda! - yup, really chuffed, woke up this morning to see I'd reached 5K! - take care!

[@nanwright2366]

A fun exercise!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

many thanks

[@LesStupétés]

Thanks for Sharing your knowledge, I add your video in my playlist tutorial that it brings you New Friends. :)

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Awesome thank you!

[@ljutikmelnik8050]

Vero artista!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Grazie mille Ljutik! molto gentile!

[@백합-q5q]

👍👍👍

[@rosagiannatempo314]

Grazie Paul 😊

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Grazie too!

[@rosagiannatempo314]

@@ArtbyPaulClark Paul, I have a big desire…painting a lavender fields, because I love this flower and their beautiful colours. I have tried many times to paint them, failing always. I would like to watch one of your tutorial on this theme, reproducing their violet vibrancy with a fresh and brilliant greenery. It is possible? This theme is in your painting future tutorials? Thank you , Rosa.

[@halinapalygiewicz4637]

Amazing

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@halinapalygiewicz4637]

Your lessons are super@@ArtbyPaulClark

[@joecool8005]

So. The painting you wouldn't hang on your wall would be in a frame of gold with diamond glass if I did it 😀 Great lessons as always

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

lol!!!!! - thanks as always Joe! 😀

[@shelbyprice7081]

What type of spray coating do you use to keep the pastels from smudging after the painting is finished?

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Hiya - have a look at the end of this video and all will be explained! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYHVaKWwqtt4ack

[@birjeeshussain6106]

Hi Paul you did to premix the colours. Can I ask you how watery or thick the mix is?

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Hi Birjees! - I always try to add more water than paint - so it's about a 60/40 ratio.

[@birjeeshussain6106]

@@ArtbyPaulClark thank you for the reply Paul

[@michaelmorrison8442]

what is your process for deciding your colours for each painting?

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Hi Michael - I think most of it is just instinctive and experience.

[@manonrheault5900]

Thank you verry much To share great pleasure To learn whith you🥰if you give some real time tutoriel i am interested please let me now thank you again

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you, I will

[@aoi8597]

1:28

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Cheers!

[@vaughnigami2588]

Beautiful! This reminds me of Steve Mitchell's "spontaneous paintings". If you haven't already, I would check out his channel, "The Mind of Watercolor". Love how you added the salt effect and backruns, magic scalpel, and splattering👍

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks for that Vaughnigami - I'll check him out! 👍👍👍

[@sunainaupadhyay9995]

Paul clark sir is far ahead in mixing colours and simplicity at its best manner. I find myself in great spirit whenever I see his tutorials.❤️❤️

[@mendyhand3895]

Yes!

[@tinafreeman184]

I absolutely love watching these tutorials, and, as I may have said on other KZbin videos & FB, I can’t wait to get going and paint along, so I hope you don’t think me too rude when I say that I keep getting distracted by the WHITE DUCK WEARING ORANGE GOGGLES in the sky whilst watching this one 🦆 🥽🥴🤪🤩 I am truly amazed at how you can turn a loads of paint splodges into something so beautifully natural and real (barring the duck in the sky 😎) Hope you can forgive my cheek 😇🙏🙏🙏

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Lol!! that's hilarious Tina, love the way people see different things in paintings! - all the best!

[@Sandip_Lenka]

Takeaway from this video : painting on an early stage, when everything is wet can be very different from when everything dries, that's the beauty of the watercolor medium . Reworking and finding interesting patterns that can be utilised. I liked the fact that you have used all the techniques that you have previously described in your videos.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks as always Sandip!

[@MrHamayoon]

I simply believe; while watching your video, are enjoyable and fascinating me too. so excited and amazed. I'll keep on learnig and sharing your obsesssion for watercolour. I'm grateful for having your video on youtube channel。。。

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks so much and delighted to help.

[@jennyferrier3220]

Great Paul, love it. Is your board flat or on a slight tilt? Did you stretch paper beforehand? Like the colour swatch info. We are just going into winter in N.Z. Gluewine time

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Hi Jenny - always Gluewine time! - I have my board at a slight angle of about 15 degrees

[@tombarrettart]

what ratio of water to pigment do you recommend? I have some old W&N pan colors from a set I bought years ago. If I mix on the fly, I seem to do OK, but trying to premix for this exercise proved to be too watery. Enjoy the videos!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Hi Tom - it really does vary from wash to wash, but in general normally slightly more water than paint

[@hichamlaaberi996]

Paul The Wizard, God Bless you, sir🤠

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you too!

[@nsh4615]

최고의 작가십니다👍👍👍👍👍

[@moninabarreras1453]

This technique si very free, beatiful and subtle. I love it. Autumn si magical.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much!

[@mendyhand3895]

You and Steve Mitchell need to meet. For real. Awesome! 👍🙏🏻🖌

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

That would be cool! - he's great!

[@mariabohun6785]

Autumn becomes you, Sir Paul.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Very kind Maria!

[@juanluisdelgadodelaflor8810]

Me gusta el otoño y la primavera, el invierno lo detesto, aunque tiene su atractivo, este ejercicio es maravilloso maestro.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Muito obrigado, fico feliz que tenha gostado

[@thokchomjayshree8089]

In my part of world, the trees are always green and so the fall colours always fascinate me. What a lovely tutorial.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks as always Thokchom!

[@markbodle5145]

Loved the 1st one Paul. Your intro reminded me: "What do you call a man under a pile of leaves? ....................Russell" Love your style mate.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Lol!! - Cheers Mark!

[@deborahbarbaccia6813]

Hi Paul, this double tutorial was great. I love seeing a picture emerge. I'm glad you show your colors too . Did you use watered down tube paint for these? Or liquid water color paint? I'm going to give this a GO!! 🙂💕

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Many thanks and just watered down tube paint.

[@deborahbarbaccia6813]

@@ArtbyPaulClark ok ty😃

[@christinesharps5545]

A brilliant tutorial ! Thank you Paul.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@mijiyoon5575]

Beautiful & full of *tips* as usual ... luv the piano score w/ painting #2 ...I'll be trying some of these *tips* Thank You *Paul Clark*

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Have fun Miji!

[@GoalMachine]

Sir facing problems.. I don't get your video notification..

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Not sure why, have you subscribed?

[@GoalMachine]

Yes. But Still.. Not get notifications !!

[@paulalister80]

Wow love these watched twice already! Love seeing pictures like these as I don’t get to see autumn were I live as our hills are covered in evergreens and pohutukawa which will be flowering soon so we will have hills of red which I love. Your work is so lovely I could see myself on a boat looking at your first picture the second you’ve reached the shore and drinking in nature at it best. I know you said you won’t be hanging the picture how about making it into a card and writing a note to friends or family? Just a thought I’ve been doing this making small pictures then sticking them to cards and sending hello and stuff to family they are loving this. Thank you for a great tutorial now I just need to get in and do a little painting later today.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks so much Paula - you create a lovely image with your words - I was in that boat! - thanks for the card idea too!

[@joannabatherson6783]

Liked both paintings very much; it looks like fun BUT PLEASE DON’T ever stop talking! Your expressions are so brilliant while instructing which makes your videos so great! Thanks, your videos make my day! Makes me want to paint instead of dusting!! 👩🏻‍🎨🎨

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much!

[@karenlaube4464]

Hi Paul, Thanks for all you do! I have an Alexa playlist called 'painting' and would love to add some of your music. Do you mind sharing the names of some of the songs? Thanks again, you're awesome!

[@garycoathup5822]

Lovely pictures again! I especially like this subject as I think it plays to the strengths of watercolour. One small question: when you scrape the water area to get the sparkling effect, how wet/dry should the paint be?

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks Gary and the paint need to be totally dry for scratching!

[@walterpierluissi1379]

Yes Autumn is actually mi favorite time of the Year.... When I was living in Georgia US, I use to ride through the Smokie Mountains just to see and experience Autumn First hand... I never been so close to the Creator since those days... Now I live in Indianapolis Indiana, and Autumn is amazing also, but nothing like the Smokies.....

[@kavitalamba1608]

Another beautiful painting. Thank you Paul. I can’t wait for Thursday’s to see what you come up with 😊 I have a question please. Do you put any varnish or protective layer over your water colours to protect the paint ?

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks so much Kavita - I don't usually spray fixer at the end - usually in a frame, if it's any good! - or in a draw between lining paper.

[@kavitalamba1608]

@@ArtbyPaulClark thank you so much. I am sure all your paintings go in a frame. You are very humble ❤️

[@francisconoh1101]

I have been waiting for this. Thanks Paul. ^.^

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Hope you enjoyed it Francisco!!

[@howardmolton9171]

Very nice. I'll give these a try.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Great stuff Howard - go for it!

[@simpleshoes]

I’ve only just discovered you, and I’m really enjoying your teaching style. Thank you for such great content! I’ve subscribed 🙂 Edit: I should say more correctly I discovered you two years ago when I bought your book, but only now found you here!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Welcome aboard and glad you've joined us Simpleshoes!!!! ..... oh and thanks for buying my book!

[@jennyforeman4844]

I’m binge watching your tutorials. Fabulous Thankyou Paul 👏

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Awesome, thank you Jenny!

[@paulapauna7129]

Une merveille! Merci beaucoup, ms. Paul!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Merci beaucoup, aussi!

[@cindyculbertson5886]

What brand of Paynes Gray do you use? I use a Winsor Newton Paynes gray that is much bluer than yours.

[@christinefalconer8886]

Golly this is gorgeous. Definitely going to give it a go. You are so inspiring 😊. Love the colours, very autumnal. The effects you have reproduced are magical.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks so much 😊

[@stevebassett8561]

Great painting Paul. Love the colors and how a 'splodge' can suddenly be trees around a lake. Fab!!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Many thanks Steve - always appreciated!

[@amandas7096]

Hi Paul, will you be making a technique video on how to use the scalpel knife and the rigger brush to draw branches?? Love your book, it arrived and I have been practising on various paintings, i have painted 10x versions of your abstract flowers, using watercolor and also in Indian inks!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

delighted you are enjoying my book! - yup, I will be doing another video on trees and will go into more detail - have you seen vol.1? - kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5i5ZoOrq9-de5Y

[@melbillmc]

I like how you’ve introduced the colours here

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Many thanks!

[@andreawatson8426]

I love the way you paint and teach! I was going through a fallow period when I discovered your inspiring videos. I picked up my paintbrushes for the first time in months and had a go at No.1. I was delighted with the process, and the result isn't bad either. Thanks, Paul, for the boost I needed.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Great to hear Andrea ... happy to help!

[@christaunnasch932]

You made me cry. Sure Magic. Thank you!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you enjoyed it Christa!!!!

[@FlorenceZhouFineArt]

Marvellous technique! Thank you Master Paul for sharing with us, really inspiring!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gilessmedley619]

So much more creatively satisfying than the tired old sky, mountain, trees and lake formula - thank you.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you enjoyed it Giles - thanks

[@rajendrakumargautam1722]

I like your painting

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

many thanks Rajendra!

[@mikelkirby2791]

Paul (if I can call you by your first name), I really enjoy your tutorials. You obviously have talent and skills, And you share them with us on our "artistic journeys". Your "step-by-step" explanations have opened me up to new possibilities. Granted, my attempts are not quite as appealing as yours, but I am learning and having fun. Thanks.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Wow, thank you! - delighted to help!

[@larrypritchett3909]

Ah! Autumn most beautiful time of the year. Great lesson! Thanks Paul. Keep it up.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks, will do Larry!

[@patriciabarrington5306]

The scalpel scares me to death 😂. The painting is beautiful!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

scares me too Patricia - I've only got 3 fingers! 😂.

[@Mistical1982]

I tried the first one and was pleasantly surprised! The salt technique didn't work for some reason, however. Maybe it was the mixed media board I used to paint on? I'm in awe of your work.... thank you for sharing!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks for sharing!

[@chrissiebury5339]

Gradually getting through your videos and thoroughly enjoying them. Just watched this with tea and toast in bed! I’m getting back to painting gradually and have vowed not to give up this time! Thank you.

[@DrCarolFrancis]

Such useful, beautiful and doable instructions. Thx Soo much

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad it was helpful!

[@caroltrenda1719]

I love your tutorials Mr. Paul Clark!!!! You are the best and love your humor!!! Where do you get all your video ideas?!!! They are the Best!!! Happy Fall! Thank you again!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you like them!

[@karinlease3544]

So facile! Even though the video was sped up (is that how it's said?) I could still tell what your different stages of development were and I actually learned and got inspired! Usually when these art videos are sped up, I can't tell what's going on. So thank you, good job and great result!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you liked it!

[@anetajohnson8446]

Pail, i really enjoyed this video! T his techique was used by Nita Engle, an American watercolor artist, who used it for illustrations, and private paintings. T hank you for your Tutorial ,big you tube thumbs up!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@bettemolgard9710]

I loved this tutorial, but I'm struggling with making my splatters like yours. Mine go all over the table. How do you keep them in one place? Do you saturate your brush with water? My splatters are all circular instead of the lovely long splats you make. HELP!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Just practice Bette!

[@clairesmith1964]

Your amazing paul..I've learnt a lot from you...now to put it into practice!...thank you so much for taking time to teach your skills..

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

My pleasure!

[@missrebeccadance]

Amazing! 🖌🎨

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@sds9418]

OOOOH I Love ! I'm found of !! Sprickles, droplets and drops of champagne ! Yessss

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Great to hear!!!! 😊

[@timgrant2290]

Brilliant and thanks for some super bright colours. It's funny to me as I've got cataracts which are making me feel like Monet. Just wish I could paint that good!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You’re welcome 😊 lol! - you can do it Tim!

[@karenfox9982]

So beautiful🤩

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ikumiau1491]

Thank you very much for your sharing. I really love your teaching. So I try to follow your teaching to dry. But applying salt is not successful because I can't draw as fast as you. If the colour get dried, can I spray water again and apply table salt to remove the colour?

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Yes, as long as the paint hasn't totally dried.

[@janacoufalova6660]

Excellent !!!! I like it very much. I will try it soon. THANKS 🥰😍🤩

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are welcome 😊

[@mylenecote8574]

thank you for this improvised tutorial !!! I'm going to have fun trying to reproduce the same effects☺️ I live in Quebec and the fall colors are starting to show up !!!!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You can do it!

[@jillmorris2849]

loved it Paul! I plan to try this in my beginner watercolor class in October! I love, love your videos!! You are great painter/teacher!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much 😀

[@tenderrose2836]

Question please Paul? My painting came out nice except for one area where I used Alizarin Crimson. It is too bright. Is there any way that I can tone it down? Thank you for taking the time to help me.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Yes, absolutely, just mix in a tiny about of Blue - Cobalt or ultramarine will do.

[@janten6554]

I never tire watching your videos Paul. Just watching you paint makes my day already.thanks a. Lot! Still tryin to figure out how I can buy your brushes... 😊😊😊😊

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks Jan 👍

[@silverajookrishnan8995]

Its amazing. can learn ,beautiful technic in your water colour painting.thanks brother.👌

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@scootmcgoot570]

Are you using liquid paint or pans? I have pans and i cannot seem to lift off paint for highlights. Any tips for me? Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

I use tubes and mix in a palette with lots of water!

[@BarbaraGilbertdesigner]

Thank you, Paul, you are so inspirational. I have been dabbling in spontaneous water color painting and I love it. I made up my mind I would have lots of failures and I do, but it doesn't matter because each time I paint one I learn something and I enjoy the process. Please keep the great videos coming!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Couldn't agree more! - the person who doesn't make mistakes, doesn't make anything! - it's all about learning and we never stop! - many thanks for comments!!

[@sharonrose160]

Thanks for making watercolor fun, again. Scouring tutorials for fall colors and finally found you (again) . Now I need hot mulled wine for the capper.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Have fun Sharon!

[@lingrace2603]

Hi, Paul, I wonder why you added the bright color branches at the final stage? Are they reflection of the sunshine or just bright trees like white birch?

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Just bright trees and to add a little detail.

[@melaniebaynes2730]

Love this Paul! You really do make it look SO easy and effortless! Thanks for a superb demonstration!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks so much Melanie! 😊

[@geets3371]

Your tutorials are so inspiring and I love them! But not your sense of humour 😂😂 but. Who cares?

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Exactly!!

[@masja1790]

At first I was like "what IS this madness" 😂 But I should have known by now, that Paul never fails to impress. Love the end result so much. 💖

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you enjoyed it!... thanks!

[@ruthkennedy7528]

Just learning and I borrowed your book from the library. A great resource and lovely to see the watercolor pictures come to life in the videos.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Hope you enjoy it!