How to Paint a Spontaneous Watercolor Landscape - "Accidental Painting"

Here's how I paint a completely spontaneous, impromptu painting - a random painting with no forethought or plan. Just splash down some paint and see what emerges. I call them accidental paintings. It works best with landscape forms and is a great way to practice various techniques when you don't know what to paint.
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[@hughemrich9466]

Michael....I am 77 .have been doing watercolor(only) for over 50 years, am self taught..a loose term, there are so many good books....I am a loner so i just never could get much into the group thing...I don't think I have ever replied to someone.....so....I am compelled to tell you how much i appreciate you and your style.Being a christian I enjoy your easy ,non preachey, manner of sharing your faith..A good teacher inspires confidence and a sense of I can do this...you do this in aces...This little impromptu painting and encouraging others to do it, helps to overcome one of a painters biggest obstacles. Even before we start to school, we are taught to use symbols when we wright or draws opposed to what we see...stick figures.little christmas trees, block houses and so forth. The vast majority of children drawing books show how to make circles and squares into chickens and cows. I think this becomes so part of us that it takes effort to overcome...I have been very blessed to still ,after 57 years ,to be married to my high school sweat heart and we have home schooled 6. I have never stooped being amazed at just how creative kids can be.The bible tells us to become like little children....good advice ,I think for an aspiring artist.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks for the kind words Hugh. We homeschooled our 5 too. Glad to have you aboard!

[@LauradB65]

After having seen your spontaneous painting during these years I eventually gave it a try, and WOW triple WOW! it’s so freeing letting your imagination go following the colours and the shapes and doing splatters. It’s a game changer for a self taught painter with no visual imagination like me. Thanks 🙏 😊

[@susann.291]

EMBRACE FAILURE....I am writing it on several sticky notes to place on the mirror, dashboard of my car, etc. Thank you for assisting me in snapping out of that "This is going to be hanging on a wall at the MOMA after I sell it for $Billions," which is why I have more unfinished paintings, than finished. GET OVER YOURSELF SUSAN AND EMBRACE FAILURE! Thank you so much!

[@n8vtxn935]

Thanks! Very enjoyable to watch and inspirational too. By the way... at the 3:47 time stamp, a dragon or lizard emerged from the trees! He hung out for a while, until 6:23ish when he started to grow branches and became one with the trees.

[@TheGypsygirl809]

Absolutely beautiful!!! I’ll give it a try this is the second video of yours I’ve watched. I need to let go & dive in.. I have to believe I can still learn to do new things even at 73. Thank you i feel encouraged.

[@telenaeldridge3737]

Thank you so much for the message about allowing yourself to fail. I have just started to play around with watercolors at the age of 55 and I am trying to embrace their unpredictability. I think watercolors are a tremendous metaphor for life.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Very true!

[@whiteoakgoldenretrievers4446]

I forgot how much I love these spontaneous paintings. They do help me tremendously start painting!

[@susanweekley6152]

Spontaneous Progress. 40 seconds in I could visualize your landscape. Thank you for demonstrating the process.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Susan Weekley You're welcome. Yes, halfway through or less I usually start to see ideas emerge and I start steering the painting in those directions.

[@mindofwatercolor]

@ Michael - Oh sure you do! You have nothing to loose. Thats what I mean by giving yourself permission to fail. If you must come away with a great painting then you'll generate fear and frustration. If your goal is to learn how a technique works, you'll be successful. Eventually those learned techniques WILL turn out paintings you're proud of.

[@mgm219]

The Mind of Watercolor Thanks Steve, that's a great way to look at it. I will give this a try.

[@veryberry39]

That's always been my fear, and the reason why I--and most other people, I'm sure--stop making art altogether. When I was a kid, I made these 4 "life-size" drawings of the Beatles and stuck them on my wall, and I thought they were the neatest things ever. I tried to do it again just a few years later, and was so self-conscious about how bad my drawing was that I just gave up. It's hard to keep in mind that practice is the only way to get better (which is strange to me, because the same goes for writing, and I've never had problems cranking out stories for myself!). Anyway, my point in all this is to say thank you for the video AND the advice! My unofficial resolution for the year is to practice, and I will be repeating this lime a mantra every time my brain says "Oh no, you're terrible at this, you'd better just stick to what you're good at."

[@julianaleo631]

Maybe if you need help...take a class. You don't have to go it alone, when you are learning. There are many avenues to try - find a social group that does painting, your local library may offer classes, or go to an Artist themselves...instead of KZbin - who can work with you One on One. Painting may not be your forte' like your writing, but you may have to sacrifice Ego to learn. We can't all be an Artist, or writer, or whatever...without some kind of Teaching and Learning. You will waste a lot of time doing Nothing...for what - Fear? Consider this - What you do TODAY is important - because you are exchanging a Day of Life for IT...whatever that might be. Don't waste your precious Life worrying about What IF's.

[@suzannejohnson3335]

facebook has a closed water color group where if asked, other artists help beginning artists

[@briangude8555]

The Mind of Watercolor ii

[@mindofwatercolor]

@ susan n. - Yep, failure is the best teacher I know. Most experienced artists just call them "studies" LOL!

[@Klacto1]

Steve! I have been away from watercolor for the reasons you mentioned in this video. Mine excuse specifically being a perfectionist My classes have been cancelled at the college due to the covid so I do not have immediate feedback. I did take 2 levels of water classes for FREE here in the city college and received A's in both.....but I have not abandoned my artwork focusing on clayboard art with micro pens. In other words little hand movement and little FEAR. (smile). I will try and revive my talent thanks to your knowledge and teaching me that I do not have to succeed in successful results every time. 70 year old retired school teacher here.

[@vaughnigami2588]

Love the music!

[@sandyzando.7854]

Love this....I call the style intuitive painting...you are not thinking about it, just doing it!! You are the best!!

[@beatrixpotter3468]

Love how you just do it. Not too much talky talky. Thanks. Great!

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Beatrix Potter 😀

[@iabaly]

ahhhh....watching you is generating much pleasure and love of watercolor painting....I am jus a beginner., 2 weeks now..but the more I'm watching you the more I am falling in love...with this way of painting! Some years ago, I was painting with oil, reproduction stuff, no creativity..But Watercolor?! omg...it will make my creativity alive! Thank you so much!

[@sheelkhirbat9857]

Magical fingers!

[@MarleyPeifer]

Permission to fail is such an important concept! Thanks for sharing that.

[@soniazawacki5459]

You make this look soooo easy! I couldn't imagine what you were going to do with this when you had the first layer of paint down. WOW. It's magical! thanks for sharing your talents with us.

[@alejandrogonzalezlopez5883]

Fan and rigger brushes are unique in their character, a must have ace under a watercolorist sleeve indeed! -A

[@mindofwatercolor]

@ Sierra - Yes! Indeed it is!

[@wulfseig1864]

Wow, seven years ago? Watching in 2022. Was awesome, still awesome. TFS.❤

[@miriam9230]

You are totally right ! Love this thinking

[@linfrye]

Absolutely fabulous!!!! When I do my own 'spontaneous' paintings, I call them 'Splash and Splatter' --- and do a lot of negative painting to turn them into flowers --- great fun, imaginative, a good way to stretch ...... Love how you turned this one into a fabulous work!

[@mindofwatercolor]

linfrye Great idea and thanks!

[@deborahpopovich5010]

Thank you for your encouragement to us newbies!

[@bonnieolendorf70]

Loved watching the brush work in this video!!

[@KathleenBrown-is6yo]

Love your creativity! Love your permission to be free & let the water paint it. Love your humor!!

[@kathiecranston1577]

I do know that practice & experience play a big part in the "success" of paintings as well!

[@juliepay3639]

Thank you for sharing the fact that you may not end up with a complete picture but we will have learned..

[@doreenaitken5308]

i love doing this at the start of many paints. it definitely loosens me up

[@puneeth1443]

thank you so much for those words man 😃 it's all about practice and patience. art is fun !

[@mindofwatercolor]

👍

[@shaziarafat1200]

Brilliant piece !! Loved the outcome . Its controlled chaos . When i try , its just chaos 😂

[@cowbellpeaceprize]

Isn't this just magnificent. The whole process.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Mario Addis Thanks!

[@lynnemartin2291]

This is by far the most wonderful exercise to create the beauty of watercoloring. I watch it often to get inspired and admire your gift.

[@marlenejones6266]

My last painting was a total failure. It was to be two books stacked with a cup on top. On the side was a shape...hard to see what it was actually...some sort of container in brown wood with a handle atop. I dont know if it was a coffee grinder or what. That's what took my success. That form. That brown piece of wood. So it is in my small bedroom studio area. Waiting to be used on the backside to practice techniques. What I did well with this painting was my background. I very much liked it. My first background too thanks steve....but the music overpowered your voice many times during the video

[@maurafisher7050]

Absolutely beautiful

[@debravance5108]

This is helping me a lot! A newer watercolor person - this exercise is getting me out of "my head" and allowing me to / forcing me to just try stuff. Great tip.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Glad it was help!

[@osnatizhak3819]

SO BEAUTIFUL

[@plcole8955]

You inspired me to get over my fear of failure. A fun exercise and a great way to practice different techniques. Perfect way to spend a morning inside when it's 10 degrees outside!

[@mindofwatercolor]

+PL Cole Haha! Yeah I bet. I'm sitting by the wood stove myself even though its only 34º in SC.

[@kathiecranston1577]

I do not believe that one has to fail to learn! I can learn from people who already know, like you. I don't expect all my paintings to turn out great but I also don't want to be unhappy with them & feel like they were a fail & should be in the trash. LOL I'm a problem solver & will change a painting into something that I didn't intend for it to be at the beginning. Right!?! I'm sure you don't remember me from previous comments; I know you have hundreds! But I am "new again" to WC after about 15yrs, 65, retired with cancer & COPD & rather slow at painting. LOL Internet & smartphone are fairly new to me. The ART videos are such a blessing to me; teaching me & helping me to be productive when I can't paint because of shaking &, or just not being up to it. You are a hero of mine Steve! With the career you've had & all that you do, I want you to know what a blessing you are & continue to be 😇 Thank you & GOD bless you❣

[@mindofwatercolor]

Very kind thanks Kathie. Just to clarify. I'm not saying you "have to fail". I'm saying embrace failure as your best teacher. I don't look at it as failure anymore as much as discovery. Failure is simply something not turning out the way you hoped. Discovery is turning it around and realizing what you learned in the process.

[@kathiecranston1577]

@@mindofwatercolor I get that. I DO learn from my successes too; much more I think. But I've never taken things for granted at all, like a lot of people do. I did some of "your" spontaneous splashes on two 5"×7" pieces a couple weeks ago. Got beautiful colors mixed trying to kind of mimic your quin. colors. But there they sit -lol- cause I can't see anything in them YET. And thank you for getting back to me! I KNOW you've got to be a crazy busy man! 😁 I pray the LORD continues to bless your life Steve❣

[@hemlockprimaryschool5890]

So this is how my daughter and I have been approaching watercolor. I just recently realized I should be starting with a plan, a sketch, or anything at all. 😳 It helps that I just view it as paper, paint and a relaxing project. Thank you for your educational and humorous videos.

[@Bassmanwcm]

I love stopping the video at, lets say, 3:00. Then I ask myself, "If I was painting this, how would I feel?" Would I feel like it is going south very quickly and discard it, or would I pursue further...We are our own worst critics. I did a drawing the other day and almost threw it away if it were not for my son convincing me to save it...I looked at it 2 days later and am so glad I didn't throw it away. It is one of my more expressive sketches....This is one reason why I love that you produce these videos, it gives credence to the pursuit!!!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks and yes, sleep on it and take another look. Good input!

[@jazielcampos4500]

Perfection has a name. I don't need to tell you... Those branches are great.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks so much!

[@jerryaubill163]

It is absolutely beautiful. I'm going to try this.. Amazing how the end results look so beautiful starting out with some loose splashes and marks. Thanks so much for these awesome videos. Brilliant!

[@angelhelp]

Permission to fail -- what a liberating concept!

[@mindofwatercolor]

+angelhelp 😊

[@1957DLT]

That was just plain fun! I have been wanting spring to hurry the heck up, so I have cherry and apple blossoms on my mind lately. Don't know if that's how it will turn out, but using those colors as my base sure did lift my mood.

[@anthonykoeslag]

I keep coming back to your spontaneous pictures, they really are lovely

[@jokesterk5302]

This turned out to be a little treasure!

[@biamakani3548]

Wow! Wasn't expecting that outcome!! I guess that is the fun part about this technique. Gotta give it a try.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Bia Makani Neither was I. You're right, that is the fun part. You just don't know what you have until you're done. It develops like a Polaroid and calls for certain things to be defined as you paint.

[@sherilynmedin7061]

Wowzers Beautiful. I'm jumping in and trying it. Thank you for the inspiration😊

[@mipajaro1]

The mind of watercolor, now I do not feel so bad. I have done so many bad painting. Been doing it for aboutthree months. I love color and your art work came out beautiful. So I will kerp it up. I like the splatter, the spray, the straw, all if it. Fun, fun. Thanks Mary Soto

[@mindofwatercolor]

Mary Soto Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@mindofwatercolor]

@ lee - Thank you very much!

[@dennijones2]

Great, now I am addicted to this "playing". I think it is a great way to loosen up and get more interesting color for novices like me. thanks

[@mindofwatercolor]

Denni Jones Play = fun! Thanks for watching!

[@kathyphifer7546]

Beautiful surprise!

[@deeholler1]

You are unbelievable... How you can splash some color on........and it turns into that beautiful painting. wow.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+dee smily Thanks, very kind!

[@susanreinersuedahl]

Love. Love. Love the music!

[@AmandaMG6]

This makes me happy ... even when I’m a super grouch. Thx ☺️

[@katriter1]

it is ok to fail. Feels good. THanks.

[@lulugregory3246]

Oh wow I love that fan brush!

[@elenapimenova1508]

Мне нравится его палитра! 😁👍 Лоток под заливное🤓

[@pjlewisful]

fantastic ... what fun!

[@Woohchaiell]

You are immensely talented.

[@karabishopart4153]

So encouraging and I love the bit about not being afraid of failure. Thanks for all your brilliant teaching and your informal fun manner.

[@hearinglove]

Love the music and the encouragement about giving yourself permission to fail and make a mess while learning to get techniques that will sometimes and more often as you practice produce amazing accidents like God painted through my hands!

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Rhythm Withinhim thanks! Welcome to the liberated 😃!

[@ChasingTadpoles]

Love love love your spontaneous painting. In awe of your talent. Keep them coming. Love how you are spreading the gospel also! Maranatha!!

[@teresacassidy7482]

Fear of failure has been big in my book, thanks for the encouragement! The Bible verse helped tremendously, keep those coming!

[@davidcoplan]

Thank you so much for sharing your talents. You have a wonderful manner in your presentations that makes it easy and fun to watch. David

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

I really like the suggestion of spontaneous creative painting to practice techniques, learn how to go with what the watercolors are doing & be accepting of failures and the outcomes of the process. Thanks for sharing this video and keeping us inspired and motivated to continue with watercolor painting regardless of what level painter/artist we are.

[@TheBarry33]

Just started painting 2 months ago. Having a lot of success with realistic painting because that's what I see. My paintings are more photographic as a result. But your "impromptu" style is a great way for me to approach a painterly style, which is what I'd like. So thanks for this video. I'll let you know how it turns out. Barry in Montreal

[@patzplaze]

Oh. My. God. That's so very beautiful.

[@lindafravel4636]

So much fun!

[@thewordisahammer6634]

Beautiful. Inspirational.

[@MedaHalmaciu]

I am fascinated by your unique style of painting tree groupings. Although I am more inclined to do botanical illustration I have lately been inspired to paint the surrounding landscapes and paint on location. I'm really bad at it but this 'embrace the failure' attitude really helps. Thanks for all the inspiration. I love watching your videos.

[@bsizzle89]

OMG! Watching that was amazing. About halfway through i was like "wait...this is just a wet piece of paper with random colors." And then BAM as soon as you started putting in the branches i saw where you were going with it. Great job!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks!

[@blancheelaineanderson9892]

Just beautiful!

[@delila351]

OH wow.........In my mind, this is what watercolor is all about. I am very new and very tense.........I appeciate you talking about failing as I do that....a lot :). I will try this. I want to try this...thanks!!!!

[@anniewait6079]

When I saw your Video, you told me exactly (at least to a Right Brained Artist) what to do....Actually the misty look of the Smoke Tree was made by you abt 2/3 way thru video..I'm ready now, because I hv seen painted what has been in my minds eye, for many years. THANK YOU!!!!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Annie Wai Glad it was a help. Yep, "smoke tree" is a good descriptor.

[@mushiArt]

Ooo. How much fun is THAT! Love watching you work that magic. It will be fun to try! Thank you.

[@vee35233]

This is quite amazing! Even for a newbie --- would love to try this. Thanks for a superb demo.

[@gloriacarlson6322]

you are simply genius m'friend!!!!!! what a blessing you are to me... to inspire... God bless you beyond measure! love your talent... and just love you!!! thank you for sharing so much with countless watercolor warriors!

[@danakolpin1289]

Wow I was amazed at what you can do with a sponetaneous painting. i will definitely be trying this technique when I start my painting. Dana

[@artzology]

Oh I like how that came out! Can't wait for a studio tour! ~ Deb

[@mindofwatercolor]

artzology Thanks!

[@Amenari]

Thanks for the tutorial! Needed something to break me of my habit of painting too tightly....love the concept of allowing yourself to fail!

[@carolynfricke9319]

This was so much fun!

[@jennietomlin9310]

You do a great job of saving those wonderful serendipities! I call what you are doing serendipitous paintingj!! Love it!

[@StevenVentimiglia]

Awesome piece for such a casual approach. The tapping of one brush onto the base of another to get a splatter effect was something I never really considered, always resorting to a flick or toothbrush. Very cool.

[@jasonmullins4826]

Thanks for the words of encouragement and sound advice. I got so frustrated with my art not getting anywhere that I literally walked away from drawing/painting for over a year. But now I am committed to being the best that I can be and enjoying the process along the way. And I am grateful I have found your channel. Thank you sir and hopefully you can keep making great videos!

[@remistaom]

So sad I have only found this channel yesterday... amazing!!!! Your encouraging words changed my mind!

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Orlando Miranda Thanks!

[@bobbysuejabat8119]

Love the music!! And my goodness that so pretty!!

[@ml09baker8]

Wow. I could watch your 'Happy Accidents' all day❤️

[@courtneylowery9067]

Wonderful video! Thank you for the great example of how to let art flow from you without forcing it.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Courtney Richie And with watercolor, it quite literally does "flow"! Thanks!

[@BeezeeCohen]

The finished piece is stunning! Love all your techniques. I have tried them all...with mixed success and failure. LOL! Your tutorials are inspiring. Thanks!

[@mindofwatercolor]

+B Cohen 👍

[@surmadas]

You are a magician!

[@lasvistasatitlan]

WOW! Just amazing!

[@barblair]

Nice music -- help relaxation! This really addresses one of my hangups -- wanting a frame-able result.

[@thedhamma7969]

Enjoy watching ur video not only ur paintings but also u r funny sometime. 😂

[@philmendez4771]

You are one awesome artist! Thank you for being on You Tube! Phil Mendez

[@mindofwatercolor]

Phil Mendez Thanks and you're welcome.

[@charlottemcinnis1069]

Thank you for your time and videos. I love to watch someone paint

[@mindofwatercolor]

Charlotte McInnis You're very welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@berniehayes286]

Thankyou so much for all your information about water colour,used it for years but now l am really enjoying my self thanks to you

[@Senghe]

I really must give this a go. I've got all my materials bought, done some colour mixing/swatches and hit the "nothing so terrifying as a blank page" point. I keep repeating to myself "it's supposed to be fun, not terrifying" as I decided to take up watercolours to relieve stress.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Senghe LOL! Go for it! No fear!

[@carlycharlesworth1497]

I LOOOOVE this. You are so relaxed when you paint ...and i like your use of the colours you chose to put together...i really like the colours you chose for this painting. Also, I ADORE the piece of music you chose too. Being irish it resonates with me and reminds me of River Dance which I witnessed live. You are a wonderful artist.