How to paint in Line & Wash - a beginner's guide

[@marlenejones6266]

Paul I'm 71 years old. I'm just starting a journey into watercolor. I cant draw but I can trace. I havent been able to find what i love to do in watercolor. Until now. I love it I love it I do. This is what I want to do. Line and wash. It's perfect. Oh thanks so very much. Have you written a book? I'm a subbie now. I'm going to,watch today until I'm cross eyed. Your tip about finding a stick is brilliant. I'm so serious. As soon as I watched you put the lines on the paper and then wash it with paint I felt it..it was yes yes yes. I cannot wait to get my good Arches paper out and my paints. Nowmi need to order some good micron pens or markers, whatever they are. Hurrah I'm so happy

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Hi Marlene - what a lovely comment, thanks so much. At 71 it's a great time to start, the learning process is the best fun I think!!! and Pen & wash is a perfect way to start. Yes I have a book (link to my website, below) Keep in touch - new video every Wednesday! - www.artbypaulclark.co.uk

[@Vicky-fl7pv]

That's so inspirational... As they say, age is just a number. You can always fresh start things.. I am really happy for you.. have a great time painting..

[@mohamedabbas6577]

@Vicky are you ARMY?

[@Vicky-fl7pv]

@@mohamedabbas6577 yes💜

[@seaborncb]

@@Vicky-fl7pv Age IS a number, old is in your head

[@suehammond1066]

This is wonderful. When I first picked up a brush I did some line and wash birds just for fun and loved them, they were lively and colourful. But then I thought I needed to learn real watercolour painting, but I just didn't have the patience and made a mess of everything. After seeing this I'm realizing that the original line and wash drawings are probably just my thing, and is a legitimate method, so that's what I'll do. Just love it, and love this tutorial. Thanks Paul

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Great to hear Sue - happy to help!

[@patkraut8960]

Hi Paul, I’m 81 years young and I’m so glad I found your book, your KZbins and you Facebook group. I’m learning so much. I always thought one painted the picture and then put the lines in. Doing the lines and then putting the wash in is easier and makes more sense. Thank you. Thank you for all the giving you do. I can’t get out to classes so this is all fantastic.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are so welcome Pat!

[@valeriedumont8544]

I'm 80 and like you Pat, have just found line and wash. We are so lucky., to have found Mr. Paul Clark, he is great and also fun to listen to.

[@warrenthorp]

This is surely the best beginners guide to line and wash on the internet!

[@MysteryViv]

Your presentation was a joy to watch. It was professional, educational and just plain fun. I am inspired to find a stick.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@anick6265]

Thank you so much I am going to try it, your video is what I need to inspire me to start, I am french from Quebec, Canada….a fan of your talent!❣️🙏

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Wonderful! many thanks!

[@ScheherazOdd]

This reminds me of the meme that reads: This stick! I LOVE this stick! Seriously, though, I've been a pen and ink artist for years, and it never occurred to me to use a stick with my ink. I have got to try that!!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Give it a go Megan - it's great fun!

[@AdenEmmanuel]

I started drawing sir... Thank You for being my Guru(Teacher). ❤️❤️God Bless You.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad I can help Aden - keep it up! ❤️

[@luvurobert]

Thank you for the wonderful video! Love the stick humor as well!! We actually used this method in my high school art class once, which of course I completely forgot about, lol. It was many moons ago. Your work is beautiful and I'm subscribing!! 😉😊

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

That is awesome and a BIG welcome to the channel - cheers! 😊

[@hello.itemsekali2406]

I have no idea if non waterproof pen can be this charming when it meets wash. I used to wonder how to make this beautiful mess every time I saw this kind of illustration. I'm so excited to try this method, thank you, Paul! Your video is such a great source!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Hiya - so pleased I can help - many thanks!!!

[@Kittrashpanda]

I just stumbled on to your channel and this video. I haven't cried at art that I love or enjoy or inspires me for a long long time. Your rabbit made me happy. But. When you literally drew with a stick you showed what art really can be. Thank you for giving something I needed for a long long time.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Wonderful! thanks and welcome aboard!

[@dandelion1239]

I’ve found that I actually never knew my true niche!! The line & wash is definitely MY THING! It’s wonderful & the paintings I’ve done just really thrill me. I usually give away my works, but I’m keeping the first two for myself. I decided to just paint other ones for those who’ve asked for my paintings. Thank you VERY MUCH for your great instructions & for sharing your God-given talent with us.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are so welcome! - glad you found your thing!!!

[@dandelion1239]

@@ArtbyPaulClark BTW…your paintings are spectacular!! They are the ones people can look at for hours, finding something new each minute in all the details!!

[@suejarrad1770]

I love your teaching style. Your straight to the point, lots of info in a short amount of time. I loose interest if people waffle on to much. I am trying to teach myself to water colour, so pleased I've come across your tutorials. BRILLIANT 😄

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks so much Sue and a BIG welcome!

[@billmccaffrey1977]

Thank you for the video! In the past, I tended to focus more toward realism - moderate to extreme detail. (I'm an engineer by trade - go figure). In recent years I have learned to appreciate more of a loose style I really love your approach to line and wash. Finding a balance between form and color to please the eye. I let work overwhelm me for many years where my only art was a doodle on a cocktail napkin. I have started to sketch again as I am retired and have two beautiful granddaughters as practice subjects.

[@cherylthomas2459]

I love everything about this video. The instructions and the tips but mostly the humor. Thank you

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Skinnychelle48]

As a total beginner with a lotta supplies, I’ve been trying to discover my style. I’m always drawn to this type of sketching and watercoloring but I don’t know it had a name…I learn something new everyday!

[@buckskinization]

Right, now I’m off to to get some No. 12 sticks! 😂

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Great stuff - get a and full!!!

[@buckskinization]

@@ArtbyPaulClark - indeed I did! Just missing a trusty rigger stick, tho’ (- a blade of grass, perhaps?!) 😉😁

[@goldenbdogg4880]

Drawing has saved my life. I have been sketching/drawing for 8 months now and I just began to take an interest in line and wash and I can’t wait to start haha thank u for the video it means a lot

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Keep it up!

[@susancpotter4230]

Thank you for an excellent introduction to line wash! I love your play of light and shadows, like in the barn one.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are so welcome Susan! - thanks for the compliment!

[@nighthealerrn1695]

You’re my favorite teacher. I try to take your drawing and recreate them using digital art but, it’s not as beautiful as the real thing. I love how the paint bleeds into the water. It’s hard to recreate that in digital art. So, I bought some cheap watercolor colors to start with to practice strokes. I bought some cheap watercolor paper for now. I love line and wash. I have a hard time loosening up. It’s a great way to practice not needing to be perfect. Funny story: A guy my husband worked with, Michael always parked over the yellow line, taking up 2 spaces. One day Michael got to his deck and found a coloring book, crayons, and a note. The note said, “ This is for you to practice staying in the lines. Perhaps then you could take your practice and apply it to your parking skills.”😂

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

many thanks - lovely comment!

[@jackiestewart1256]

Such an easy to understand lesson. I am new to watercolor and was recommended to you by a friend, and I am thankful I was! I really enjoyed this lesson.

[@captaindrywall]

I just got your book in the mail. I seem to be severely lacking in some fundamentals so I guess I will start at the beginning of the book. Thanks for all your videos I would not know how much I dig line and wash without them.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@johnchapin9270]

I like to draw ,will try line and wash thanks Paul. Going to Ireland in couple of months on a tour sketch book with me.😊😊

[@CatherineHaggerty]

Brilliant. Love the stick method

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@cynthiakelly9621]

Dear Paul, I do believe that this will benefit my paintings alot. The moment I saw those paintings I knew that I would be trying it. Thank you

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Wonderful! - delighted to help!

[@jand3793]

I’m watching this after doing a few of my own efforts and actually it is more helpful for having done some already. You’re my favourite art you tuber!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Great to hear! - thanks so much!

[@JoanKentBible]

Thank you for this beautiful and encouraging demonstration. You are a blessing in these times.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are so welcome Joan (not that it's relevant, but my mum was 'Joan' ... and she was from Kent!! 🙂)

[@lalithanagarajan1055]

Very crisp, nice, useful video. I liked it very much when you narrowed down the essential materials. It reminds me of the saying,' Use what you have, Do what you can '. Thank you for sharing. Your line and wash paintings are superb. I will definitely try to do some line and wash by your inspiration.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

So nice of you - thanks!

[@elizabethmorgan2513]

I just bought your wonderful book and I LOVE it! Not only are you a fantastic talented artist, you are also an excellent teacher! I sincerely wish that you would write another book just about Line and Wash. Thanks for your videos. I am learning so many things . ❤

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much!

[@tartanplz]

As someone who loves watercolour but felt I haven't quite clicked, this definitely does! Stunning work, very informative and relaxing to watch. The reflection in the water on your last work in your previews at the end is stunning. Hope to somehow show you my line and wash attempts soon

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much Claire!

[@yungboogaloo]

Great video! Just turned 30 and still learning new things about art and this has helped a lot!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Great to hear!

[@work2gather]

First time seeing a video of yours... very encouraging to me... I had no idea Line and Wash was also known as Ink and Wash. :-) I love the style. I didn't study art officially and am just beginning to make it a senior project for whatever time is left to me. Glad I came across your video.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad it was helpful and a BIG welcome Deborah!

[@lornabrown6175]

I absolutely enjoy all your videos. You are so good at explaining and teaching. Wonderful. I’m so glad I found you.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much!

[@iadenicole931]

Just love your lessons. You are knowledgeable, engaging, and entertaining. And, of course, your work is excellent. Thanks for sharing your talent. God bless you.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you like them!

[@tezoodle]

Thank you Paul that was a great intro to line & wash. I've just started doing this, so your take on it is really helpful. *size 12 stick* 👍😂

[@ZER0--]

You jest about selling sticks, but I think it's plausible. As you said, give then numbers. Say they're from a special forest in Tibet and gathered by monks, or some other good PR. It's definitely better than some of these start ups and go fund me schemes. Also love this video. I have always just sketched, and now I want some colour. You said a lot of sensible encouraging things, especially about not caring about messing up a picture. And lastly your art work is tastic stuff. Love it. I'm off to learn how to paint a boat. Thanks.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Lol!!!! great comment and thanks so much!

[@juststartingover2735]

New subscriber and Im excited to be here! Love your techniques and sense of humor…😁. Thank you!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Yay! Thank you! ... and a BIG welcome!

[@ShatteredRippleBooks]

It looks really beautiful. I'm a beginner but I'd like to have a go at this.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You can do it!

[@gwenharrison6752]

What a marvellous help this video was... I feel like I have climbed a mountain and can see clearer.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks Gwen!

[@barbaramain6381]

Was recently thinking about trying pen and wash when .. voila ... dear Paul made up my mind for me! What a master, thank you!!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad it was helpful!

[@evapektas3832]

A big hello from Germany..I paint too. I Love your paintings and your demonstration on line and wash. You explained it very good. Painting is for me like breathing

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much and a hello to you in Germany!!

[@evapektas3832]

@@ArtbyPaulClark Hello back to you

[@tanyapavi]

Love your videos. They're clear, informative and so fun! I find myself chuckling in the middle of many of your videos. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and your humour. 😀

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are so welcome Tanya! 😀

[@stevendavis2122]

Great video Paul, it seems line and wash is a very forgiving technique, but the results always look brilliant.

[@KitsuneCool]

This was so incredibly helpful! And honestly I can’t believe I’m only just learning about the stick technique. 😂 I am definitely going stick hunting tomorrow!!

[@amandas7096]

Love this video, many thanks! i will try this new method, love the garden stick idea and the blurry lines.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are so welcome Amanda! - the stick route is great fun - and wonderful value for money!

[@harshakulkarni1432]

Great tips for beginners!! Love your energy & sense of humour while teaching 😊

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@coconutplanet2186]

What a lovely and informative video ... and I truly enjoyed watching you paint the sailboat. Thank you!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@STOVL93]

So clearly explained and enjoyable to watch! I can’t wait to try.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Hope you enjoy

[@darkweaver562]

You are so calm, charming, and pleasant. Thank you.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Wow, thank you!

[@deborahlucas2282]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is the best, clearest and most amusing explanation of line and wash I’ve encountered. I did one of St David’s Cathedral in Wales as a gift for hubby. It was ok and he was thrilled with it, but I know I could do so much better and you’ve inspired me to carry on. Oh, and I already have a “pet” stick as your fellow -KZbinr , the lovely Karen Rice, swears by them! Thanks again for your demos - much appreciated. X

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are so welcome and thanks for lovely comment!!

[@encouragement25]

I love your process you get straight to the lesson. Quick. Done great tips A rewarding video thanks

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

many thanks Carin!

[@emptythoughts3060]

I did my first line and wash today and unknowingly followed your preferred method. Basically had a sketch ready from a few days ago and wanted to test out the new watercolours. Was definitely very much amateurish, but so much fun. Looking forward to improving with the help of your videos!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Cheers!

[@9liveslisa]

Loved watching you paint. Thanks for sharing. I also love the stick idea. I'll have to try that too.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Hi Elizabeth - many thanks and definitely have a go with the stick - it's great fun and incredible value for money!

[@laurabravo7248]

Absolutely precious all your paintings !! And the "Line & Wash" technique that you use on them gives them a wonderful volume and highlight. I've always liked to draw as a hobby (colored pencils, especially) too much control ... 🙄 I'm looking fordward to trying this technique, it will surely give me more confidence. 💪 THANK YOU, Paul. 🙏

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are so welcome Laura!

[@lucretiaonutube]

I love the no. 12 stick ... this was great, thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Delighted to help Janice

[@caroledoerr6872]

Loved it, Paul.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Cheers Carol!

[@jyoticafernandes7059]

You explained really well. Gonna try this out 😊

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Hope you like it!

[@aureliojmnz2959]

So nice...great line and wash techniques

[@anettedouglasdotter]

Thank you so much for this wonderful tutorial!!! ❤😊

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are so welcome! ... thanks!

[@abbybishop7983]

Thanks - really loved the simplicity of this clear and entertaining video and keen to give it a go while in lockdown here in Sydney.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Delighted to help Abby!

[@hollydoherty3224]

Wowzers! I love your video! Just subscribed and can’t wait to see what’s up next. Your paintings are brilliant. Thank you!

[@ShanghaiChyna]

Really enjoyed this discovery, Paul Clark.....I enjoy this type of work. Thank you. Will be following your work.....and having a "go"...

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks and welcome

[@lauraeverly5130]

I’m so glad I found your channel😊

[@lukasstejskal5714]

Thanks for this amazing tutorial!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You're very welcome!

[@anastasiag5224]

Perfect tutorial!! Thank you. Exactly what I needed to start my first piece. So talented you are!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kalavathymoses1028]

I love your videos. Great learning each time. Thank you Paul

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Very welcome

[@Iloveflowers2024]

I love the way you demonstrate your techniques and present such nice and clear directions. Just lovely. Thank you so much. You have a new subscriber. 😊

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much! ... and a BIG welcome!

[@rebeccawong1]

Love love luuuuuve these … I have work to do today now 🙏🏻

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

BIG thanks!!! 😀

[@thokchomjayshree8089]

Beautiful technique and painting. Looks like I am going to binge watch all ur tutorials. Hope I can follow some of them

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks so much Thokchom 😊 go for it - can't beat a good binge watch session!!!

[@entissarsaad8252]

Simple and great explanation👍

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lemonade708]

Thanks for the video Paul, I never thought I could draw the outline first and paint over it, but the effect as you have shown is great! I shall remember that if i try line and wash again. Stay well!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are very welcome

[@lnrmodels]

Absolutely beautiful

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@avriltuohy5879]

Love this technique, been trying it for a while but your video has given me lots of great tips. Thank you x

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad it was helpful!

[@veryvarley6706]

Thanks for this. I am entirely self taught and only paint for personal enjoyment. I have always drawn out a watercolour and erased/lightened the pencil lines prior to painting. For some bizarre reason I had never thought of mixing a biro/pen with watercolour. Definitely something I plan on having a go at seeing as I have already 95% done it. I also have a tree in my garden and I am pretty sure that is where sticks live.

[@1MogJon]

Great lesson, thanks, Paul! Number 12 stick!!! - had me laughing!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you liked it!

[@AntiFaGoat]

Bookmark 4:00 Great tutorial! Reminds me a lot of some of my high school sketches when I was trying to imitate Claudia Nice's ink+watercolor sketches. I will be using the bookmark to demonstrate to my little art club tomorrow about how to blend colors. We are making hand turkeys for Thanksgiving but with a colorful spin.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks for sharing!

[@SuzyPowell]

Fantastic! Thank you for the video 😃

[@mikedevere]

Thank you. Very interesting tutorial with some really beautiful and judicious examples! Great video 👍

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you liked it!

[@StrangeArrangements]

A stick.... very interesting. Happy New Year!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Same to you!

[@bernadettehawman1500]

I loved this cant wait to go and find a stick , I'm thinking of changing to becoming a stick artist.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

I think you should - cheap on materials!!!

[@maryannegunter115]

Beautiful, all! Thank you 😊

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you too!

[@amandasymon4363]

Glad I have found you - thank you 👌

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Happy to help

[@patsymccown2766]

You’re genius at this!

[@nancywhite2014]

Interesting technique. Looking forward to getting a set of the patented Paul Clark drawing sticks. 😎🍷

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You and me both!

[@nurdanmorgan3059]

My favorite technic, thank you for the tips. Will wach again and again.

[@amexjam55]

Excellent demo, Sir. I will give a try. Thank you.

[@karenmenor1771]

That was a great tutorial! Thank you!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BulgarianTUTURIALS]

How amazing discovery I’ve found. Subscribed and loved the video! Greetings from Bulgaria.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Welcome aboard Toni from Bulgaria!!

[@kathleenramsey2966]

Thank you for the information or instructions they are so helpful.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are so welcome!

[@janten6554]

I love this Paul!!! Thanks a lot!!!!^_^..Just watching the video feels like touching the paint already...

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much 😀

[@sunainaupadhyay9995]

The boat is simply marvelous n true n real picture kind of. This style is so very exciting n tempting to do but I know very difficult n I wish I could see you doing this physically present by your side. But alas I m unfortunate one till now

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks as ever Sunaina!

[@conniemesce4093]

Great lesson, a lot of information.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@adriennelee1520]

I have a 4 6 8 and 10 size stick.. hahahaha.. I love all your goofy techniques.. learning so much.. got notice your book is on the way.. can't wait.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Awesome! Thank you Adrienne! - your also gonna need a no.12!!! 😊

[@barbiebrowny7003]

Marvelous I have absolutely enjoyed your video ❤️👍

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Many thanks

[@keithpymer5557]

Nice one Paul. Love the sticks lol

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks 👍

[@crk5657]

Such a pretty painting!!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ramonitalasanta5974]

I love your wit.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks a bunch!

[@sangeetaiyer9465]

Absolutely lovely line and wash! Boats and water...aah! And the seagulls :)

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@justwatch902]

I’m giving it a go! Thanks 🙏🏻

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Great - love it when people - give it a go!!!

[@ronnipaints6128]

#12 stick lol. I just now found your channel. I hope you'll be doing loads of boats and water work. Line and wash is one on my mediums. I love Gouache too.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Welcome aboard! - Yup, love boats and water too - so more coming soon. Stay in touch, new video every Wednesday.

[@ronnipaints6128]

@@ArtbyPaulClark See ya Wednesday 🥰

[@sabineleppanenart3014]

That made me laugh, too! #12 stick🤣. But I want to go out and find a few different sizes now.

[@izzyg8316]

Loved it! ❤️