How to paint watercolor clouds and cliffs with wet into wet and scumbling

Paint this. Watercolor techniques of wet into wet and scumbling are key to creating a good watercolor painting. This how-to step by step painting video is great for watercolor beginners and novices alike. All of us have to start somewhere. My journey started over 30 years ago and after a successful career (I have sold over 1800 paintings) I am enjoying sharing with other eager artists what I have learned. In this video I clearly demonstrate 3 of the most important watercolor methods. If artists can develop these skills alone, their work will advance rapidly. I start off showing how I use a simple 3 x 5 pencil sketch to plan my painting of The Great White Throne in Zion National Park. Then jump into an easy wet into wet sky showing how to let the pigments blend on the paper instead of the palette. As the painting develops I will teach you about "blocking in" the first washes, then "scumbling" to create texture. While I work I share knowledge and tips about how YOU can reach higher levels of skill through "brush mileage" and practice. And of course I describe all the materials and tools I personally use from brushes and paints to palettes and paper. Thanks for watching. If you enjoy this painting please subscribe to my channel and share it with your friends.
Purchase DVDs: www.rolandlee....
FOLLOW ME
Instagram: / rolandleestudio
Facebook: / roland.lee.studio
Website: www.rolandlee.com (Sign up for my newsletter)
Blog: travelsketchboo...
MATERIALS I USE
1. Arches cold press 140 lb. Watercolor Paper
2. Eldajon Palette
3. Loew-Cornell and Princeton brushes
4. Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors

[@bettyjohnson665]

I'm a little late to the party, Mr. Lee. I'm delighted that I finally found you. Your work is beautiful and your subject matter is amazing. Thank you for a terrific demonstration.

[@attadudepc]

Not one brushstroke you make is wasted. Every brushstroke you put down is part of an eventual masterpiece

[@rolandleestudio]

What a kind comment. Thanks so much Paul

[@xTK421x]

Mr. Lee have you ever met Bob Ross (R.I.P. hero)? You may either be nemesis or you are in some eerie way Corsican twins. Two sides of the same coin. Wet on wet acrylics and water color meet as East meets West. Such great paint, I love Dan Smith Paint. A step above(and beyond) W&N Pro. As a noob to water color, but in no way to art, I have drifted my way to your vids of desert art and I can not stop. Keep em comin.

[@lesleyholmes6724]

Total awe. Your understanding of tonal values and colours is phenomenal.

[@rolandleestudio]

Thank you Lesley.

[@rolandllee]

Thank you Lesley. I have been painting watercolors for many years.

[@TravisHenson777]

“I say it’s mostly entertainment…” in reference to watching someone else doing the work as opposed to actually putting in the work ourselves- I like this thought. It might even be a bit voyeuristic… watching someone else do something we’d like to do… in order to get the instant gratification of it, instead of putting in the “100 paintings” ourselves. Great painting man

[@BobbyK-mt5dx]

MR LEE, You my friend is the person I've been looking for. The way you teach both talking and painting and taking your time surpasses others. Your story of your sons needing to paint 100 paintings before you give advice is so accurate. I've painted those and I'm glad now I find you because I now know what your talking about also it takes that time to know how to move paint. And what you paint , is exactly what I've wanted to end up painting all the time , so I'm excited to watch you. Thank you so much and yes I definitely want to watch every minute you paint that's how we learn and learn from the best.

[@JLB0880]

I’m about to paint nothing but cloud studies for the next month. Your explanation just clicked with me, and for the first time I’m able to paint something other than just a plain blue gradient for the sky.

[@patirving705]

Oh I was so so happy to see this come up. You are hope and love in such dark times

[@rolandleestudio]

I hope you enjoy watching it Pat. Keep on painting.

[@lindaensley3201]

Am thrilled to see every stroke and hear the thought process!!

[@rolandllee]

Thank you Linda. I appreciate your watching.

[@greekveteran2715]

I've discovered hundreds of watercolor artists in KZbin, but you're the best so far. Thanks for sharing all that knowledge! I don't have much experience with the medium, means this video was pure gold for me! Thanks again!!

[@Artsie2]

No worries, we would like to watch everything you do. The time is not important it’s the learning that is.

[@terayahm6873]

I love your layering technique. Very beautiful

[@rolandleestudio]

Thank you Tera

[@haleybrown2836]

Thoroughly enjoyed your demonstration. Having grown tired of endless credit card mountains, this hit the spot. Thank you. Beautiful art.

[@rolandleestudio]

Thanks Haley, glad you enjoyed it.

[@Studio8Worx]

The best tutorials Ive seen ..thnk u!

[@jillharper7456]

Wow. The big rock looks like two faces. Thanks love this video

[@adriennesaracen6525]

A wonderful tutorial, thank you so much.

[@adelamcgrew7135]

So great to see you again with a new video, and explaining so clear. Bravo!! You're an awesome, incredible, gifted artist and teacher. Hope you keep inspiring us with your bless talent.THANK YOU!!!

[@rolandleestudio]

Thanks Adela. I will keep making them as long as you keep watching them. Happy Painting.

[@rainbowfox1934]

Learning how to do a vibrant, useful underpainting is one of the main skills of a fine artist. I am still learning how to do it.

[@sharoncannon3358]

I appreciate and learn from ALL your tutorials Roland. I watch them over and over.

[@rolandleestudio]

Thanks Shari!

[@mariapeagler2667]

My husband and I had a 30th anniversary trip planned this year to the national parks of Utah, but we had to cancel due to coronavirus. I had planned on plein air painting every day. Instead, I get to watch your videos, be inspired, and paint from them. Thank you Roland.

[@rolandleestudio]

Maria, I'm so sorry you had to miss the trip. I love the National Parks. Thanks for watching.

[@maggiemac52]

This is amazing. I love it.

[@christinevalesano3262]

You are an exceptional teacher.

[@predragdjokic3761]

There are no words of thank you sir Roland for you compassion and a big heart to share you talent with us..I am so grateful sir that you talk about every single thing that is important and helping us understand more and improve our watercolor journey.God bless you sir Roland thank you so much sir for everything,you are really a phenomenal artist and a role model.

[@rolandleestudio]

thank you Predrag. May God bless you as well.

[@Artsie2]

You are amazing, and I love the way you teach. There could never be anybody better picture

[@patirving705]

...and so very glad to see you well :)

[@rolandleestudio]

Fat and healthy!

[@chrissieoppedisano3659]

Oh my~ AMAZING!!! You have truly inspired me to up my watercolor painting skills - Gorgeous is not even enough to describe your talent! Thank you SO much for teaching and sharing. I hope your programs will be available digitally if they aren't already!

[@travelrl]

Thank you Chrissie. Many of my videos are on KZbin.

[@lindagifford6975]

So happy to have found your videos. I am just a beginner watercolorist. My goal is to develop my skills to be able to paint the beautiful scenery of Zion National Park and you will be my guide! Thanks for your videos.

[@rolandleestudio]

You can do it! Zion is a beautiful place and watercolor works well to describe the amazing scenery. Keep on painting Linda.

[@johnporter9247]

Very helpful!

[@michelegirard]

Thank you. This is quality content. I can’t believe that you don’t have more subscribers. I just found your channel. 100 paintings. Yes sir!

[@rolandleestudio]

Thanks Michele. 100 paintings, go for it. You got this!

[@jerryaubill163]

I am so glad i found your video. I really like your style. And the scumbling. Your sky technique is incredible. Im new with watercolors, have decent brushes. I have Grumbacher #140 paper. Im looking for good paints. Can you point me in the right direction. Thank you!w

[@jbrunsj]

Wonderful! I learned a lot from your videos. Thank you so much for sharing your talent🙏🌟💖

[@fcastle13]

excellent tutorial.....glad I found you

[@travelrl]

I'm glad to know you found my videos. Keep on painting.

[@margaretrollins8386]

I just found you one video ago. I wish I had seen you months ago when I was just beginning to get into watercolor painting during the shutdown. Your deliberate process produces exquisite results. I’ll be watching your demos again. Your story with you sons is helpful. I just kept thinking if I had this or that I could do better. You say 100 paintings before the workshop or mentor, in order to have good questions. I gave up too soon. I need to pick up again. Thank you, Roland.

[@travelrl]

Margaret. Don't give up. Keep on painting.

[@jenniefrench1338]

Your skies are the best and have taught me the most beautiful way to do them. Thank you! Been missing your wonderful tutorials. I hope that you and your family are doing well. You really are one of the most talented not just painter but instructor all in one. And I can only think of about four or five top notch that can do both at the same time. I usually talk to myself out loud while painting and sometimes in 3rd person. Anyways I’m breaking in a new wc book I made 16 x 10(20 open) hard bound with Arches and I think I will continue to make my own. They become family keepsakes. Miss seeing you. Take care.

[@rolandleestudio]

Thanks Jennie. I encourage myself all the time as well!

[@doriscastillo80]

beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!

[@rolandleestudio]

I am glad you liked this one.

[@richardwoodrow2619]

Such a generous, inspiring tutorial. I'm new to watercolor and about to work from a photo of a diamond mind cliff in South Africa. It haunts me with all the colors that blend. Your painting clearly shows how to approach this and enjoy the layering of colors and using detail and shadows to create textures. Just a thrilling process. Thank you so much.

[@rolandleestudio]

Thank you for watching Richard. Good luck with your paintings!

[@tomeditz9192]

Thank you so much I have learned a lot by watching your videos. Especially the color🥰 palette!!!!

[@fiddlesticksgalore]

Beautiful! 😊

[@rolandleestudio]

Thank you!

[@robinsamuelson3626]

Amazing! Have you ever painted Smith Rock in Oregon? Or any other areas in Oregon?

[@pierremagrand123]

C’est tellement beau que je vous envie merci monsieur lee teodora

[@rolandllee]

Thank you!

[@barbaramurphy4453]

Just got back from Utah a week ago and can’t wait to start painting. Love, 💕 Love your paintings!!! 🤩

[@rolandleestudio]

Thank you Barbara. There is a lot to paint in Utah!

[@debbieborden7651]

Nice! Thank you. So much good information. Hoping to try this.

[@arijitdutta75]

Love this one! Your painting is definitely great but you drawing skill is too good. The way you drew those foreground plants was plain genius!! Thanks for uploading the video.

[@rolandleestudio]

I'm so glad you appreciate it.

[@sundaysunshine2925]

I have been a fan of your work since the early days of Art for the Parks. I was sad to see that competition end . Only recently I discovered your you tube videos. Thank you for posting these. I appreciate all the explanations and teaching techniques you offer.

[@rolandleestudio]

The Arts for the Parks goes back a long way. Thanks for re-discovering my work.

[@AnnaMiddleton]

Thanks for sharing these videos! You are an incredible artist and fantastic teacher. Your tips have taught me a lot. Being done with a painting is one of the hardest parts. Now I’ll hear you saying “stop fiddling!” when I can’t stop messing with a painting 😊

[@rolandleestudio]

I need someone to tell me "stop fiddling" too. Thanks for watching Anna

[@predragdjokic3761]

Thank you so much for sharing your art and talent with us sir.Beautiful absolutely beautiful landscape.

[@rolandleestudio]

Thank you so much Predrag.

[@jenniefrench1338]

Always enjoy your painting and wonderful tips. I couldn't even begin to explain how much I have learned by watching you. There are artists and then there are artists. I refer othets to your tutorials all the time on how to allow mixing on the paper and stop making tissue clouds. Thank you! Gorgeous! Ok I enjoyed my painting break. Back to work.

[@rolandleestudio]

Such a nice comment. Thank you for taking the time to let me know.

[@robinrandolph1951]

Thank you!! I love your tutorials. The scenery also resonates with me so I love that too. Thanks again!!

[@rolandleestudio]

Awesome! Thank you for watching.

[@antoniocabrero]

I have been looking all over for this style of landscape painting. It reminds me a lot to Albert Bierstadt kind of work but in water color! Thank you so much for sharing your talent with the world!

[@rolandleestudio]

Wow, what a nice compliment. Thank you so much.

[@traceywojtal9045]

Love watching you paint...you are truly talented! I always learn a new nugget of technique every time I watch. Thank you so much for sharing your videos. I am rather new to watercolors and hope you will one day do a short video on how you keep your paper wet for so long. Even when I use arches (watercolor block or pad), after pre-wetting a section ( like a sky area) my paper still dries fairly quick and I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong.

[@rolandleestudio]

Thanks Tracey. Yes, watercolor paper does dry much too quickly. But the more you paint, the better you will get. Happy painting.

[@lisawilson5079]

Love to watch painting

[@rolandleestudio]

Thank you Lisa

[@jbrunsj]

Thank you, best tutorial ever!

[@rolandleestudio]

Wow. Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@ginnysullivan5507]

A wonderful artist and so generous with your years of work. Thank you

[@rolandleestudio]

Thanks Ginny.

[@raynarout994]

Thank you for sharing.. Its really amazing how u changed the sky so quickly.. i tried to learn it but alas... it looks so simple when u do it.. but way more difficult when student like me try to do the same.. plz keep sharing ur work..

[@travelrl]

Thank you for watching and commenting

[@Izzy-mz7ww]

Love your style of painting, particularly your subject matter. If you happen to read this can you please share your main pallet of colors that you use for Mt Zion paintings. I have over 60 watercolor artist grade paints and narrowing down to 18 for my travel pallet has been rather difficult. I currently have split primary of warms and cools & w/Burnt Umber, Yellow Ochre, Quin Sienna, Lunar Blue, & Davy’s Gray. I simply cannot live w/out granulating colors. I’ll also go through the links and see if I can find you’re pallet, & hopefully watercolor books you’ve written 🤞🏽

[@travelrl]

Hello Izzy. All my materials are listed along with a photo of my palette and colors at: rolandlee.com/techniques/supplies/watercolor-workshop-supplies/ Thank you for watching.

[@Nancy-tr5fi]

I love your paintings. Glad I can save it as alot of your videos are CHILDREN Only videos. Do you prefer that classification? It means we can not comment or save. If I may ask why do you prefer that?

[@AK-hx5gj]

What Palette do you use? I like the deep mixing wells Thanks

[@rolandleestudio]

I use Eldajon palettes

[@rolandllee]

The palettes are made by Eldajon. You can get them online very cheap. from Dick Blick or Midhaels

[@AK-hx5gj]

Thanks. Also what brushes do you use for most of your painting. It makes a nice point and isn’t too small. Thanks

[@rolandleestudio]

@@AK-hx5gj In my vidos I am using a lot of Lowe Cornell's. But sadly they are not made anymore.

[@柯禮安G]

I just discovered this channel through a video of Jenna Rainey

[@bambirogers3943]

Can anyone tell me if his Eldajon pallets is a folding pallets and where to get one? All the one I see are just each side senate not hinged together. I’d like one that is hinged and folds into one pallets. Thanks

[@rolandleestudio]

Hi Bambi. No, they are two separate palettes laid side by side. I use both in the studio and usually only one when painting outdoors.

[@marieswann3204]

Roland someone is preventing me from subscribing. I use to get all your notifications but now I push all and it will not allow me to get them

[@sarahpotter6995]

There is a lot of background noise in your videos, that come and go. I am watching it on KZbin, could just be me, like your style, just a lot of other noise.

[@travelrl]

Thanks for watching Sarah. I appreciate your feedback and will try for better sound in the future.