How to Paint Chinese Watercolor

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This is a short video on the process of using glad wrap or cling film to create an imagined Chinese style watercolour landscape. This is an exercise that my mentor Tony Smibert showed me many years ago and is in his book "Painting Landscapes from your Imagination". It is a fantastic process that you could apply to any subject and use with many things not just some glad wrap! You don't need to paint every bit of the plastic as you can see from the demonstration.
It reminds me of ink wash painting from Asia and of some paintings I saw many years ago in a gallery in Tokyo of charcoal on rice paper. They were beautiful abstract landscapes that are etched into my mind.
This painting was painted on to Rives BFK etching paper by Arches but could be painted onto any good quality paper
The brushes used were:
Silver Brush 5514S Alpine White Blender Brush, Pure Kolinsky Round Sable and a flat nylon. I could have used a fan brush to paint in some dry brush details.
The colours used were:
My favourite mix of cobalt blue and light red (Winsor and Newton) and some cerulean blue.
Hope you enjoy this demonstration
Cheers
Scott
My website where you can buy original artwork: www.scottswinson.com
Instagram: / scottswinson
Facebook: / scottswinsonartist
Tony Smibert’s Books for Sale:
Turners Apprentice: A Watercolour Masterclass: geni.us/TurnersApprentice
Painting Landscapes from your Imagination: geni.us/TrlbvxR
How to Paint Like Turner: geni.us/PaintLikeTurner
How Turner Painted: geni.us/HowTurnerPainted
My Three Most Popular Videos on KZbin:
Large Abstract Watercolour May 2020: • Large Abstract Waterco...
Freely Painted Abstract Landscape with No Plan: • Freely Painted Abstrac...
What to Know When Starting Watercolour (2020): • What to Know When Star...
Paints
Winsor and Newton Artist Quality Tubes:
Cobalt Blue amazon: geni.us/WinsorNewtonCobaltBlue
Yellow Ochre amazon: geni.us/YellowOchreTube
Light Red amazon: geni.us/LightRedTube
Winsor and Newton Cotman Tubes (student quality):
Cobalt Blue amazon: geni.us/cotmancobaltblue
Light Red amazon: geni.us/cotmanlightred
Yellow Ochre amazon: geni.us/cotmanyellowochre
Tape
3M Scotch Magic Tape amazon: geni.us/ScotchMagicTape19mm
3M Scotch Removable Tape amazon: geni.us/ScotchRemovableTape
Brushes
Round Sable - Size 12 round kolinsky sable from amazon: geni.us/SAAKolinskySable
Imitation sable - amazon: geni.us/EscodaRoundSable
Holbein Hake Brushes: geni.us/HolbeinHakeBrushes
Equivalent Hake Brushe 2” amazon: geni.us/WinsorNewtonHake
Nylon Flat Brush amazon: geni.us/NylonFlatBrush
Travel Brush set with covers amazon: geni.us/travelbrushset
Mixing Brushes and other effect brushes amazon: geni.us/HogBristleBrushes
If you just want two hogs bristle brushes then the best thing to do is to head to your local art supplies store and buy them there.
Watercolour Paper
Arches 300gsm medium cold pressed pad amazon: geni.us/ArchesPad
Arches 300gsm medium cold pressed block which is glued on the outside so you don’t have to stick it down on a board amazon: geni.us/ArchesWatercolourPaper
Rives BFK etching paper. Probably best to source this from your local store so you can look after the paper and not have it posted unless you are buying a large amount of paper and it will be looked after. There is nothing worse than getting hundreds of sheets all with a indent in them. Having said that you can actually source this paper from amazon:
geni.us/RivesBFK
Some people have been extremely happy with the state of the paper when it arrived (and some not!)
I love this paper it is soft and lights are lifted easily from it.
Equipment Used to Film Each Episode
Camera - Canon 6d mark II with 24-105 lens amazon: geni.us/Canon6dMarkII
Iphone 11: geni.us/iphone11pro256gb
Rode Video Mic Pro amazon: geni.us/RodeVidMicPro
I also use: Rode Wireless Go Mic: geni.us/rodewirelessmic
Aputure LED Lights from amazon: geni.us/apurtureH198light
Aputure LED Lights with stand from amazon: geni.us/aputureledlight
Mac Book Pro for editing: www.apple.com/
Friction arms
Manfrotto friction arm short one amazon: geni.us/ManfrottoMicroFriction
Manfrotto magic arm longer one so my camera can be closer to the page from my overhead rig amazon: geni.us/manfrottofrictionarm
Neewer Friction arms cheaper than manfrotto and good for lighter things like lights from amazon: geni.us/neewerfrictionarm

[@anissagraham8464]

Great technique! I’d love to see you do another type of landscape with it

[@bigooboczky5382]

You've allowed me to add a whole new chapter to my watercolor arsenal.

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Big O! Glad you liked it! It is a pretty cool technique! That I should use a bit more often! Cheers Scott

[@atlantic2233]

Scott, You are truly a creative inspiration! I've seen people use the cling wrap in the past but they've all placed the plastic onto the already applied paint. That provides an interesting but usually muted effect. I LOVE that you put the paint onto the plastic wrap THEN placed THAT onto your paper. What a game changer! When I saw your thumbnail of the painted mountain I was immediately intrigued wondering how you'd paint it. I loved the dark and light values/shadowing you achieved; thank you so much for sharing your talent and tips. You're remarkable.

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Dragon Fly! I'm really happy you liked the video and found it helpful and interesting. I have spend a lot of time up in the mountains in my life before children and it is amazing how a few random marks on a bit of plastic end up looking pretty cool! Good luck having a go doing it this way! I could have done a few other things too like painted in a dark moody sky last with the paper upside down and added some colour as well. Cheers Scott

[@artfundamentalsbyvikrantsh889]

Beautiful technic

[@alisonlyons4691]

Hi Scott, l loved this the first time l saw it, its still a joy to watch. I miss your videos. Hope you and family are well........Alioban

[@chrishayman1747]

I’ve learned 2 new things tonight . Another great use for plastic wrap and how to reclaim paint from those thirsty hake brushes. Thanks Scott

[@ScottSwinson]

It's always good to keep learning! Good luck having a go at this Chris! Cheers Scott

[@juansalazar6371]

I really like your art and I definitely have a thumbs up but what really stood out to me the most was when you said if you didn’t enjoy it press the thumbs down. How humble and brilliant you are. Thank you for your videos and sharing your wealth of knowledge and talent with us

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Juan! Thanks! Really pleased you liked it! Art is so subjective! I know not everyone will like it! Cheers Scott

[@carolinafernandezoro733]

Excellent!!!!!!!

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks Carolina! 👍

[@helenpreston5455]

Absolutely beautiful!!

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks Helen! Cheers Scott

[@ingridjonsson9458]

Wow, beautiful and how fun....😊 love it! Thank you for sharing 🙏🏻🌟✨

[@su3449]

Thanks Scott. Just learned a new technique for wrap. I love how It turned out. I will definitely try this and always appreciate your work.

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Su! Glad you have learnt something new! And I am growing as an artist just by experimenting and sharing with you all so it's a win win! Cheers Scott

[@owens711]

Amazing effect mate

[@ScottSwinson]

Could easily be Snowdonia in winter! Or of course many places in Scotland! Cheers Scott

[@stephenking7128]

Thanks Scott, what a new and effective way to use plastic wrap. Will have to give that a go. Love watching and learning from your videos. Stay well.

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Stephen! Yes it’s a pretty cool thing! Have fun! Stay well too! 👍👍

[@stonecreek7764]

Thats cool Scott! just seen this technique lifting the paint off the paper…… this is soo much better effect!! Thank you!! ❤️❤️👍👏👏

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Stone! No worries! It’s pretty cool! 👍

[@jaynedough130]

you could paint on your table and pull a print! the paint was beading very nicely. lovely work scott!

[@ScottSwinson]

Yes that would be interesting! I have done that with glass before then pulled a print! Pretty cool!

[@mariel1852]

Vos aquarelles sont vraiment originales et inspirées. Bravo.

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks Marie! glad you liked it! cheers scott

[@robertaustin6538]

Interesting and effective

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks Robert! Might be good to try with those beautiful mountains you paint! 👍👍

[@cathydale104]

Thanks Scott. Definitely going to give this a go. A different way of using clingfilm.

[@marialunatorres7581]

Me ha encantado está idea de usar el fil .yo la he usado de otro modo pero está me gusta más Muchas gracias

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Cathy! Yes have a try! It’s a lot of fun! 👍

[@suel4269]

Gorgeous technique!

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Sue! Yes! Good work having a go already! 👍

[@claudiehourcau6191]

Super la technique. Belle image. Bonne journée.

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks Claudia! Glad you liked it! 👍👍

[@eleniphotos]

Wow! Thanks Scott! A new way to use plastic wrap. Very cool!

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Helene! You are always welcome! Cheers Scott

[@andrecardon2141]

Thanks

[@ScottSwinson]

No worries! A cool technique! 👍👍

[@joshlynn7014]

Great!!!

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks! 👍🙏

[@pragya360]

I'll say that's the best use of plastic :D! Nifty trick. Will surely try it. Thanks so much.

[@ScottSwinson]

Pretty fun! Good luck! 👍

[@pragya360]

@@ScottSwinson Thank you so much. I just ran with it. Do you've facebook or insta account where I could tag you?

[@delphinewood7519]

It’s magical to watch your paintings take shape. So enjoyed learning a new technique. Keep posting!💙🌵

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Delphine! It is a pretty cool painting process shown to me by Tony Smibert. I will always keep posting! I love painting and although I don't have heaps of spare time it is what I love doing so not hard to get out to my studio and paint and share with you guys! Cheers Scott

[@LisaLisa-fq4th]

Definitely one of my favorites! Fantastic. Thank you for sharing

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Lisa! Pretty interesting marks hey?! 👍👍

[@wendywhybark7584]

The cling wrap we have in Canada is really thin and doesn't hold a crisp edge. I've tried parchment paper and aluminum foil to no avail. I'll keep trying. Thank you for your great tuition. I learn each time I watch. 💚

[@shwethasims6163]

For the past two days this was in my recommendations... I really liked it, but was intimidated by the detailing of the painting and did not open it.... Now I am really happy that I gave it a go... So beautiful 😍

[@ScottSwinson]

Yes! I’m glad you did! It’s actually pretty easy! 👍👍👍

[@carolpenn1155]

That’s amazing. Love your work.

[@jenfleming9412]

Excellent technique and demo Scott. Never seen it before. Thank you.

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Jen! It could go well with your beautiful abstract landscapes. Really amazing work! You really do have a natural talent for that style of painting! Cheers Scott

[@3158dave]

Love these techniques and hacks😊

[@viviennemagee617]

Lovely indeed.

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks Vivienne! Pretty cool technique! 👍

[@valentinagenova439]

So simple, so nice! Thank you 👍🥰

[@juliehopkins5784]

Terrific technique, thank you for sharing. 👍

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks Julie! good luck having a go!

[@taayeart7998]

Just found your channel! really appreciate your sharing some of advanced technique of watercolor. Thank you!

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Taaye! No worries! 👍👍

[@dinorocks4887]

well this just saved me oodles of time, i love it! do you focus on staining watercolors or one w more lift

[@cathykirwan2292]

Thank you so much! What a great technique!

[@ScottSwinson]

It's pretty cool! I have to thank Tony Smibert for showing me this! Cheers Scott

[@deborahshipley7940]

Used half a coconut shell to get a similar effect

[@ScottSwinson]

That sounds really cool! 👍👍👍

[@maggiefreeman6513]

Lovely. Thanks.

[@ScottSwinson]

No worries! 👍

[@Turkeeney]

Well aren't you just brilliant Scott! Every week I love the high highlight of your videos popping up on my screen. Always learn so much.

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Catherine! Always nice to be thought of as brilliant! lol I think lucky is often more accurate! I'm really glad you learn things and enjoy the videos! Cheers Scott

[@zannaevans2620]

Seriously Like!

[@ScottSwinson]

Yes a pretty cool technique! Cheers Scott

[@fritzifran]

What type of table are you working on Scott?

[@user-dy7ip6oe4d]

Великолепно! Fantastik! 👍🎨

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks Bepa! 👍👍

[@Liudmilia_MILA]

Вялікі дзякуй! 🌞🌷 Спасибо огромное!!!

[@fadisamman5546]

Thanks🎖️🎖️🎖️🎖️🎄🇦🇺

[@ScottSwinson]

No worries! 👍👍

[@shwethasims6163]

😍

[@ScottSwinson]

😀❤️

[@rameshtalegaonkar341]

Nicestil

[@ScottSwinson]

thanks Ramesh!