How to Paint in Watercolour | How to capture a bright and breezy day

📚 My book, Seasons and Reflections, is available as an eBook and a re-released hardback from Amazon or at a discounted rate through my website: www.andrewpitt... where there are also links to other videos and painting resources.
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In this video, I demonstrate how to paint on location on a very windy July morning. Filmed in real-time, the aim of this video is to show how painting in a simple, direct way can help capture a bright and breezy day on the Suffolk marshes.
If there's a particular topic or subject you'd be interested in hearing more about or seeing me paint, please do drop a comment below.
For more information, or to see more of my videos or online courses, please visit my website: andrewpitt.co.uk

[@MrMjp58]

Your methods and general approach are honest and without artifice. The results are fresh and spontaneous and give off a feeling of being in the outdoors.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Many thanks indeed. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@caseystorm4999]

I really enjoy it when you paint outside and take us with you Andrew. You inspire me.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Many thanks. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@irmareitz701]

I just love the easy way you paint and so appreciate you explaining the process. A great lesson. Thank you.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks

[@garypuckettmuse]

Beautiful painting and you really underscore the advantages of being on location. Very inspiring. Thank you.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for your kind comments, they are much appreciated. There are more videos demonstrations, painted in the studio and outside, on my website, www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@paulah317]

How blessed is the man who has a wife with a good eye and gentle heart! I learned a lot from your instruction, thank you so much!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Glad you liked the video. Thanks. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@ngulzatung6820]

I never get bored watching you paint. Thank you so much!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for your interest. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@jeffirick9034]

I find your philosophizing as informative as your mastery of color mixing. Like not painting anything twice until you've painted everything once.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for your kind comment. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@nicoelgreeko]

Plein-air painting seems so peaceful and satisfying!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Satisfying but not always peaceful. Thanks for getting in touch

[@joycegilley6601]

What a beautiful sky, bright and so light! Such a pretty outdoor painting! I enjoy watching you so very much. You are very inspirational!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thank you very much.

[@drmilimiliy9343]

Thank you Andrew. I really appreciate how you painted the sky. You dont use tricks or swoop your brushes about. The result is so fresh and unique. Very inspirational.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Glad it was helpful. Yes, keep things simple. I don’t go in for tricks or fancy techniques. Thanks. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@alanjordan5276]

Hello Andrew This is a really lovely painting. Another of your masterpieces producing a fresh vibrant watercolour picture. Well done Andrew

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks Alan. Best wishes.

[@matthewlamourieii716]

Lovely work, Mr. Pitt! Thank you, as always, for sharing! Your videos never fail to send me itching for my own watercolors.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Glad you like them!

[@garygreen1782]

Fabulous skill and inspiration on how to handle watercolour. Great stuff Andrew! I have gained so much from watching your videos!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks. Very kind. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@marycunningham5050]

I really enjoyed this demo! Always learn a lot from your videos. Thanks so much!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Many thanks for getting in touch.

[@22triggy]

Hi Andrew, just took up painting at 53 and you have given me a lot of inspiration and confidence. Thank you for sharing your gift.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch and good luck with your new hobby. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@mariettawarkentin2799]

A plein aire masterpiece!❤️🎨

[@SM-Artist]

You are right Marietta 😉👋

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thank you. Very kind. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@AndrewPittArtist]

That’s very generous. Thank you.

[@michaelduxbury3525]

I'm sure you've heard it before but you do make it look so easy. Absolutely stunning and the location, you live in a beautiful part of the country. Thank you for sharing.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@joycegilley]

Lovely painting! Watching you is such an inspiration to me! Beautiful painting! Nobody makes such a beautiful sky as you do! Bravo!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Wow, thank you. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@hilbeavan]

Fabulous - love watching the painting come to life.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks very much.

[@paulineshelley4421]

That was inspirational! I don’t know how you managed to control your board and brushstrokes so well. It always useful to have someone tell you when to stop! 😄. The end result was lovely.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Many thanks for getting in touch. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@zerogoldfish201]

It’s awesome how lively and interesting the scene looks in your painting. Great picture. Thanks for showing us.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thank you. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@andrewfield]

It’s incredible to watch the painting come to life in real time, and also see how you handle painting in the field. Just the mixing of the paint and loading of the brush is a master class in and of itself!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thank you very much. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@johnchapin7707]

So inspiring, once again! Thank you so much for sharing - both visually and verbally. I really appreciate the running commentary!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Many thanks for getting in touch. Much appreciated. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@gerrychauveau2925]

Love it 👍

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks.

[@radiantjw1]

Ty for this video. I love it when artists are willing to share their process with others. We all gain from that I think.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch. There are more videos on my website, www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@judylarkin1978]

This painting is so fresh and alive! It’s a great representation of not only the scene, but the emotion of the day and place. You are truly a master. Thank you for sharing with us!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thank you very much. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@colin6285]

Besides a first-class painting your ongoing commentary on the process is superb. Cannot wait to view more live demonstrations.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Many thanks. Visit www.andrewpitt.co.uk see more videos.

[@marjikarlgaard1231]

Please thank your assistant for the excellent video coverage on this windy (good for clothes drying) day. :-D I have watched a number of your videos and find them all so instructive and also calming with your voice describing the colors, strokes and decisions as you paint. Keep them coming and thank you!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Many thanks for your kind comments. My wife does the filming. Our son edits the film. We are all amateurs at film making. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@youtubehatesus2651]

I love your videos. I don't paint, but I love to watch.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch.

[@ThomiBMcIntyre]

Thank you. Good solid painting techniques are so much better than gimmicky “effects”.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Glad you like them. Thanks. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@jamesdeckman6796]

The broad horizontal strokes are really nice. Too often I start out in one direction, but reflexly reverse and paint over what I just painted. I need to watch this video multiple times. Thank you for sooo many tips and lessons combine in one video.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@paulperry8614]

Beautiful , captured the atmosphere, light and fresh the very essence of watercolour painting .thanks for posting.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Many thanks.

[@dschmid8845]

Greetings from Canada. I enjoyed watching this video. What I like about this demonstration is that Andrew clearly shows the brush technique and proper glazing after the first wash. It’s also a great plein air demonstration. The lovely scene reminds me of a somewhat similar scene in western Manitoba by Sandy Lake near Riding Mountain National Park. There are many ponds and small lakes in that area. There is still an old grain elevator standing, and two Ukrainian churches at Sandy Lake. I hoped to try plein air this summer, but last year’s drought has been replaced by much rain and thunderstorms, and billions of mosquitoes. Painting plein air in Canada can be a challenge.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks a lot. Happy painting in Canada.

[@donnaweintraub8769]

Thank you Mr. Pitt , most enjoyable.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for getting in touch. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@colin6285]

Andrew your superb water colour paintings make an ordinary scene look twice as good on paper. Excellent video demonstration and clear sound commentary.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Many thanks. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@ladym6738]

This is one of my favorites. Just lovely. Thank you.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Many thanks. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@warrengarr3709]

What a refreshing and inspiring video! Your clear and thorough explanations of the principles that you demonstrate are so very helpful to a learner like me. And the painting itself is very beautiful🎨 ! Thank you. Linda G.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Many thanks. Glad you found the video helpful. There are many more on my website, www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@jimbobbluegrass]

Thank you for your dedication to the medium and thoughtful explanations.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Many thanks for your kind comment. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@janninedaniel1691]

Thank you, what a beautiful scene you captured.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Many thanks. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@brumtaffy]

That was a wonderful demonstration, thank you so much Andrew! I'm still rather scared about trying to paint outside. I must get over myself and get out there. Thank you for your excellent watercolour tuition

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Many thanks for your kind comments. Thinking about painting outside makes it seem harder than it really is, so have a go. You might be pleasantly surprised. Good luck.

[@berylrose3213]

Excellent, I really enjoyed watching you paint this on the hottest day this year! Very relaxing

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thank you very much. Keep cool. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@SM-Artist]

Beautiful painting And view is beautiful too Thank you for sharing 👋💕

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thank you. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@ebele4233]

nicely explained ,demonstrated

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@malcolmwilson7972]

Andrew, just catching up on your stunning exercises! You are inspiring me to 'loosen up' which ain't that easy - for me anyway - although am trying to make the time. Refreshing that you aren't pushing a 'must use my special brushes etc' agenda. Please keep posting these lessons. Regards, from a cack handed student!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch. Alas, there are no special brushes, or anything else for that matter. I always tell students I have never solved a painting problem by throwing money at it. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@pamelasusanne22]

So gorgeous!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thank you. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@francinetjones1814]

You are amazing, Andrew. By the way, your wife was right. Gorgeous painting.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Many thanks for your generous comments. My wife is always right! www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@esling77]

This made my day. Good to see you.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks. Very kind. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@jonathancoller6188]

Really nice demonstration, Mr. Pitt!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Many thanks. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@malcolmmarcus2242]

Terrific stuff! Just subscribed to your KZbin channel but have been watching your videos for quite some time.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for your encouragement. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@edyh456]

Me encanta tu pintura, bella

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thank you. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@jamesackerman869]

very nice

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@blindhopeDiana]

"Explain" the clump of green as foliage! I loved that! Don't have to paint every leaf!!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Exactly. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@voliabrandaolaveneremachad7849]

Beautiful!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thank you. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@Rachel-art-and-design]

So lovely. Hope you and your family are doing okay with the heat wave other there. Take care.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Many thanks. All OK here, thank you. Very hot but we are fortunate to live near the coast where there is a cooling breeze.

[@JaredCullum]

Wonderful demo- beautiful work

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@eduardosuarez4239]

Hermosas acuarelas, eres excelente maestro..... México......🇲🇽.....

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thank you. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@RooSpee]

The way you talk through your painting process is so useful to follow your thought process during the exercise. I usually include a bird or two that belongs in that environment in my work and may be I can’t call it a landscape painting…. I wonder what your thought process will be if the main subject in the landscape is a bird? I am just curious to know…. I would like to work on my next painting with your basic instructions of painting every thing once before repainting anything in that piece…. Also keep the colours fresh and be quite loose in my brush strokes… but am wondering what I would do with bird…. I know it is big ask for free lesson… just some words of advice will be much appreciated. Thank you Mr. Pitt.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Hi, Thanks for your kind comments. I think I might be able to help, but would you mind contacting me by email please, so that I can write more and send you some attachments. Thank you. My email address is [e-mail]

[@juanalonsobarrio145]

Estupendo. Saludos desdeCantabria. 🇪🇸

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thank you. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@reyyan3815]

ı love it so much. thnx 4 shareing

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@christianejehanneravallec]

Merci beaucoup ! Superbe !

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Merci beaucoup - www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@vincefenton]

Thank you for another wonderfully informative and masterful lesson. If you ever have a moment or two, could you at some point say a little about how you actually make those Perspex frames please? Again, many thanks and I hope you all have a joyful Easter.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Many thanks for your support and encouragement. I’ll do my best to give more details about my drawing board in a future video. It was actually quite easy to make. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@vincefenton]

@@AndrewPittArtist That’s so very kind of you Andrew, thank you in advance - God bless you and yours…. and by the way, I can thoroughly recommend your book!

[@RobertHopkinsArt]

Excellent work, Andrew! I should be ready to get out there in the next month; for the first time. :) I painted to your last video (lighthouse) and the 11 x 14 came out well. Moving up to 16 x 20 next. Thanks again!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks. Enjoy your painting.

[@MARIAdianeMARIE]

new subscriber here :) thank you Andrew for sharing your process and demonstrating in real time. very helpful!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch. To see more videos visit www.andrewpitt.co.uk or go to my KZbin channel.

[@Outandaboutwithpoggy]

Very nice Andrew;

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks. Very kind.

[@frankporter960]

Every painting I have seen you paint has been a Hugh learning experience for me.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for your kind comments. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@vaishalifatkare375]

nice

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@simonpateman4438]

Hi Andrew, thanks again for another great video, really lovely painting there. I’m looking for a good sturdy bag for painting outdoors and wondered what the bag is that you use! All the best.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch. My rucksack came from Orvis shop.

[@hazelloughran6306]

Hi Andrew, i have just discovered you on KZbin and am captured by your watercolour painting. Your methods of explaining and simplifying are so interesting and inspiring, makes me want to rush off and have a go! Can i ask do you ever stretch your paper? Thank you Hazel

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Many thanks for getting in touch and your kind remarks. No, I never stretch my paper. I don’t think it’s necessary if your paper is 140 lb or heavier. I like to keep things as simple and straightforward as possible. There is a video on my website which covers all my painting equipment and materials. Just scroll through the videos. www.andrewpitt.co.uk Good luck.

[@danthomas6587]

Beautiful job. thx for uploading. I'm learning tons watching you paint...I'd to know where did you buy the Chinese made brush you used in this video?

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in contact. My Chinese brushes are just ordinary Chinese calligraphy brushes. I can’t remember where they initially came from. I have had them a long time. Some where a gift from a Hong Kong student who came on several of my courses. The brushes are not difficult to find in the UK. Try Jackson’s Art Store in London. The company has a comprehensive website.

[@donnacarraway9182]

Thank you for this tutorial! I’m fairly new but I tried it once and it was a complete fail, but that’s how we learn isn’t it? Plus I should turn off the phone while painting because even looking at a text can be too long away from the painting! I like that you call out the colors as you paint! I would say that knowing which colors to choose or mix is my current stumbling block. Thank you!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in contact. In case you didn’t know there are more videos on my website, www.andrewpitt.co.uk and my KZbin channel which you might find helpful. Good luck.

[@creativecolours2022]

I'm impressed by the way you've managed to control your colour washes and get so fresh and bright results in such a windy and sunny day. The water evaporates almost instantly under such conditions. What is the paper that you 've used Mr Pitt?

[@ludmilazhuravliova3069]

Mr. Pitt had mentioned it in the beginning of the video - Arches 140 pounds, rough.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch. Arches, 140 lb Rough paper. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@creativecolours2022]

@@ludmilazhuravliova3069 I'm sorry but I din't notice it because I was watching the video very late at night and I kept the volume on the speakers really low.

[@creativecolours2022]

@@AndrewPittArtist Thank you very much for the answer. I have to apologize as another viewer told me that you've said it at some point on the video but I was watching your video very late at night and I didn't hear it.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

@@creativecolours2022 Don’t worry. Thanks.

[@charlynnegibson2893]

Hi Andrew. I've just recently discovered your channel and I'm enjoying learning from your videos. I notice that you use paint that you've squeezed out ready to use. My query is, what do you do with any paint that doesn't get used? It must surely go hard. I'm asking because I would love to not have to keep squeezing out bits of paint, but I'm conscious of not wasting any. Thanks

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for your kind comments. As regards my paint: I don’t squeeze too much as it is important to have fresh paint. Also I know I can squeeze out more when needed but there is no way to put the surplus back in the tube. I have to say I don’t really have a problem with left over paint going hard - the secret is to paint regularly and often. The paint in my palette seems to stay soft for many days. Sorry I can’t say anything more helpful. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@charlynnegibson2893]

@AndrewPittArtist no don't be sorry, I will try what you have said. By the way I also love your calm peaceful approach. A little bit of stillness in a hectic world.

[@noellaq8056]

Hello Andrew, thank you for this lovely and inspiring demonstration. Would you mind sharing what palette (metal) you are using and where it can be purchased from online? Thank you and Greetings from the USA.

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch. If you scroll through the videos on my website, www.andrewpitt.co.uk or my KZbin channel you will find a video which covers all my painting equipment, including details of my palette. Thanks for your interest.

[@jessekramer3777]

An equipment question. Can you tell me about the backpack you use and the painting board/ paper carrier you use….thanks, Jesse

[@AndrewPittArtist]

I bought my backpack from Orvis many years ago. I’m not sure whether they still make them, but there are lots of similar bags on the market. My drawing board/paper carriers are homemade from green canvas type material. Sorry I can’t be more helpful.

[@jessekramer3777]

@@AndrewPittArtist Very helpful, thank you

[@cheryldodd-marko9787]

🕊🇺🇲💕

[@Banniesartistry]

Do you recommend doing value or color studies before painting?

[@AndrewPittArtist]

I recommend both, but confess I don’t do either, except mentally. I just get on with painting and sort the tones(values) out in my head

[@Banniesartistry]

@@AndrewPittArtist I noticed when I do a lot of studies beforehand I tend to get bored when it comes to the actual painting which may be noticeable in the finished piece…

[@AndrewPittArtist]

@@Banniesartistry Exactly, me too. Just go straight in to keep the painting fresh and keep yourself interested.

[@alfhorlock9307]

thank you Andrew is that Blythburgh ?

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thanks for getting in touch. Yes, it is Blythburgh Church from across the mudflats at low tide.

[@rochesterpubliclibrary3965]

I'd love to know what that brush is!

[@AndrewPittArtist]

I use a variety of brushes, all natural hair, and many are ordinary Chinese calligraphy brushes. There is a video on my website which covers all my Painting Equipment and Materials - just scroll through the videos. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@leonormantilla847]

Hay suscripción a estos videos en espanol?

[@AndrewPittArtist]

Thank you. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@sacredrose5477]

How did you stick down your paper to the board

[@AndrewPittArtist]

If you go to my website, www.andrewpitt.co.uk and scroll through the videos you will find a free-to-watch video which describes all my painting equipment.

[@johndustyrhodes7811]

Hi sorry to bother you but we’re did you get your pallet please many thank john

[@AndrewPittArtist]

I’m afraid this palette is very old and they are no longer made. In fact I have never met anyone with a palette like this for nearly 50 years. Sorry. www.andrewpitt.co.uk

[@nitinsatpute3219]

How much price for sell this kind of painting