How to paint Watercolor Glazes - Painting in layers for more control in watercolor painting

[@Taka_Takata]

What a breath of fresh air: classy, smart, gifted... Well-filmed skillful technique, and precious, structured, thoughtful tips and advice. Better than step-by-step tutorials which, by essence, are lacking. Your videos (watched two so far) are so information-rich that I first listen once then watch again with the sound off. You asked for suggestions (all watercolor): monochrome! Quick, loose sketches! Fabriano Artistico Hot Press!

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Taka, Thanks for the enthused and generous feedback! I will take your suggestions to heart - they've been added to the list. Thanks for stopping by!

[@MelandFwo]

You're not only enjoyable to watch, but I've learned more from you than most other teachers. It's not just the technique, but the fact that you remind us to relax and not let ego get in the way. Thank you for taking the stress out of learning and reminding us that it's ok to not be good right off the bat.

[@bdelpesco]

Hi +MelandFwo - thanks for your kind feedback. I'm glad the advise was useful for you. I think there will always be stress in watercolor painting if we're expecting perfection, but maybe we'll experience less of it if we focus on little steps forward, and enjoying the magic in those wandering pigments. :) Here's to deep breathing and open-minded learning. 👍

[@micheleshapiro5225]

Belinda I listen so closely to your excellent explanations and advice. It removes a lot of my pressure

[@bdelpesco]

Art-making should be void of all pressure, so I'm glad the tutorials are helpful in that regard. It's just pigments and paper with a little water, and the worse case scenario (a failed painting) leads to more practice and that means more painting. Anytime we get to paint more is a good thing. :)

[@lindas.martin2806]

It is nice to see a mature artist giving a clear demonstration with specific steps and links, thank you!

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Linda, Thanks so much for the kind feedback. Drop in anytime - I'm always open to suggestions and/or questions. :)

[@sovereigns1grace]

I've been watching watercolor videos for about a year. I'm surprised I hadn't seen this one until now. Love your philosophies and ... some of the things you said were exactly what I needed to hear today! Awesome painting. It was educational to watch your process. Thank you for posting!! Much love

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks for the nice feedback, and I wish you much success and a deep satisfaction for your process as a painter. :)

[@FuriedHearts]

I really really love how you talk about art

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks for telling me, Stephen! Happy painting to you...🙂

[@Candeekissez]

Just amazing. You lay down a wash, do some negative painting and an image appears. I can't wait for the day when I can paint like this. It's like magic. TYFS

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks for such a kind comment, Candeekissez! Keep painting. Your love of the medium will carry you through this adventure.

[@margaretrollins8503]

I learned a lot about technique in this demo, and I found your thinking on learning particularly helpful. The painting is beautiful.

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Margaret, Thank you very much for taking the time to let me know the video was helpful. And I'm glad you liked the painting too. Welcome to my channel, and heartfelt wishes for successful painting adventures to you.

[@carenblabagno3036]

I watch a lot of watercolor videos on UTube, and by far yours are the best! Your detail in explanation are so thorough and the quotes you add for inspiration to paint as the masters are encouraging. Thank you!

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Caren, Thanks for the enthused feedback! May we continue to encourage each other! :) Happy painting!

[@clarestrange5816]

I love how you make beautiful paintings of ordinary scenes. The speeded up video with voice over is great too, we don't need to watch every brush stroke being laid down to understand technique. I've started to paint after about 50 years and never did watercolors but I'm enthusiastic after learning from you.

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Clare, and welcome back to art-making! I'm familiar with a long hiatus from creativity, and I'm excited for you! If you have any questions about the tutorials on this channel, don't be afraid to leave them in the comments and I'll get back to you right away. You might find this helpful too: www.sixtipstopaintmore.com/ Happy painting!

[@susanscott4588]

I love your teaching style, painting technique and philosophy. This video is my introduction to your online course. Looking forward to more. Thank you.

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks, Susan! Are you posting your work anywhere?

[@susanscott4588]

Belinda Del Pesco Thank you for asking. No, I have not posted. It will be a while before I have the confidence to post. Painting is a personal joy in my down time and any pressure would be counterproductive, but I do love to learn. Appreciate, Susan

[@bdelpesco]

Understood - completely. I wish you hours and hours of happy painting, marveling at the characteristics of pigments in water. :)

[@marilynthuss7561]

Great video....learned from your techniques, but also learned to think a new way about the time and effort I put in to a painting. Love the idea of thinking about it as a time to explore and enjoy and learn, rather than trying to produce a masterpiece. This will be my approach now, and I bet I will actually be happier with the art I produce. Also, it helps to be reminded that practice is so crucial to our development as creatives. Thanks Belinda....you are a natural teacher!

[@bdelpesco]

Hi there, +Marilyn Thuss - I'm glad the idea of exploration and practice resonated with you too. I wish someone had said it to me sooner. I might have avoided years of white knuckled paint brush gripping & angst! Here's to learning about our paints, rather than producing with them. :) Thanks for your kind words.

[@francoisederocher]

I have had that little book for 15 years and it is a very good friend of mine! I followed your suggestion about using pencils, and it worked really well. They gave interest and definition to a landscape that was too bland and soft. I even used the white pencil to correct a mistake in perspective that was driving me bananas. So….I am a new convert to mixed media, and no longer a purist. Hurrah!!!

[@bdelpesco]

Good for you, +Francoise de Rocher ! Here's to making art that works for us, and brings joy and a sense of accomplishment, and shedding all restrictions that hamper inspiration!

[@angelicaaguirre8405]

Your teaching on color history is fascinating and I would like to hear more about it. I'm a frustrated watercolors beginer and I find it is because of my lack of knowledge on the subject.. Thanks to your tutorials like this one I have renew interest on the hobby.

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Angelica, Thanks for the feedback on the color video. I plan to make more of them, as soon as I procure some overhead camera equipment to save viewers from the tilted-head view cramping. :) In the meantime, be encouraged, and don't stop painting. Even if you don't have the knowledge yet, your practice with the medium - minus expectation of making a masterpiece - will improve your skills. Just keep painting - even if it's only doodling. :)

[@path-finder1]

Simply a master artist at work... I'm inspired... And what a joy to watch and listen to you... Keep going! Shredder or keeper... Your on your way...

[@bdelpesco]

Hah-hah-hah! Thanks for the kind words and the generous encouragement... I'm so glad you liked the video. To Shred, or Not to Shred, that is the question, eh? It's a weekly discussion over here. Have a great art-making season!

[@sonnybeach1953]

Dang, I love the way you used that "lift-off" technique for making hilights. It really brought out that pipework!

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Jerry, Thanks for the compliment. Have you tried lifting watercolor for high lights?

[@CarolPan]

This is the second video of yours that I watch and loved it! I love seeing the layers of glazing you use and it seems like the answer to my problem of painting "too tight" . I also appreciate the references you list as well as the quotes....So glad I found you!

[@bdelpesco]

Hi +Carol Nunley Pan - Thanks so much for the feedback, and I hope the video is helpful in your watercolor experiments. Happy painting!

[@phyllisbrochu7867]

This is the kind of watercolor instructions I've been looking for, and needed. Thank you.

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks, Phyllis. I'm so glad you found this video helpful. :)

[@rachaelfleming8453]

A really detailed helpful video with lots of useful information for a beginner, thank you.

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks for the feedback, Rachael! I'm glad you found the details useful!

[@veryberry39]

This is the sort of painting I would love to have framed and on my wall. It looks so cool and refreshing in that room!

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks for the compliment, +veryberry39 Happy painting to you!

[@elizabethhepola9625]

I appreciate the thoroughness, professionalism & generosity with which you've created this video. Aside from the things I learned, I especially enjoyed the brief "cat intrusion" too cute!

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Elizabeth, Thanks so much for your kind comment. I'm glad you found the details useful. And the subject of the cat intrusion is, at this very moment, pawing my hand/head-butting my arm, trying to type you a thank you message. :)

[@bethyoung978]

Exactly what I was looking for an activity where u learn by painting something worthy of my time! Thank you!!!

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Beth, I'm so glad it was helpful! :)

[@pdavis7537]

Such an interesting painting! I did not know that you did watercolor painting. I have watched a lot of your printing videos. I really appreciate your treatment of layering washes. Thank you for increasing my knowledge!

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks so much, P! I appreciate your feedback, and the time to watch these tutorials. I hope they're helpful.

[@SlothFlorist]

I keep returning to this video because I find your work so calming and beautiful. Your color choices are gorgeous! And I learn something new every time. I just shared my first piece with colored pencils, but I look forward to learning more about watercolors. Thank you.

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Sloth Florist - I'm so glad the demo was useful for you, and I look forward to seeing what you've created with this tips and tricks! Keep those brushes moving! :)

[@janetcatmull268]

Hi Scout and Belinda! Beautiful demo, Belinda. Gorgeous painting, too.

[@dmcdaniel2009]

AWESOME TEACHING ! I learned so much ! Thank you!!!

[@bdelpesco]

Thank YOU for letting me know the details were helpful! Happy painting!

[@susanmillsart4469]

I am absolutely loving your videos, the information you give is brilliant and your art is so inspirational. I am particularly enjoying all the watercolour tips and advice. To someone who is trying to learn, your videos are the best I have found. Thank you!

[@bdelpesco]

Sue Mills wow! Thanks for this festive shot of encouragement! I’m so glad the tutorials and demos “speak” to you! I very much appreciate your feedback - and I hope the inspiration lasts through a whole month of painting and experimenting! 💐

[@suemills8834]

Thank you Belinda, I ordered some new tube paints, I only had a small travel pan set before. I can't wait to use them.

[@bdelpesco]

@@suemills8834 Oh good, sue! I hope you have so much fun experimenting with them! Happy painting for hours and hours! Belinda

[@DebbieJonesdkjartoriginals]

Great Demo - really learned a lot from your dialogue while you were painting - thank you so much for sharing. The painting is so lovely - I love the softness and the calm feel the painting makes one feel.

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks, +Debbie Jones - I'm glad you found it helpful and I hope your brushes are moving! :)

[@leewarren492]

Loved this video. I'm at the stage of learning where I really want to understand glazing. This inspired me even more.

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Lee, Thanks for the great feedback, and congrats on your active search for and mastery of glazing in watercolor. It's a wonderful way of getting a bit more control over this medium, and the choice of colors in the process can lead to stunning results. Happy painting to you!

[@cathyolague9408]

Absolutely blown away!!! Gorgeous

[@bdelpesco]

Wow, thank you, sweet friend! And since when do you have a YT channel? How fun! What're you planning to post here? I just subscribed!

[@lauralu4175]

I love this demonstration. The finished painting is beautiful!! Thank you so much.

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks for the compliments! :) Happy painting!

[@maryalgar8779]

Your approach is intriguing. Your use of colour (working from a black and white photo) is wonderful. I need to learn to see through similar eyes and experiment with colour rather than just what I see. Will be following you further to learn more.

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Mary, Thanks for visiting and leaving feedback. I'm glad the approach here inspired thoughts towards a little experimentation in your studio. I hope your adventures are fruitful & you stop by again soon.

[@gildejesus3714]

you a truly artist. Thanks for the demonstration.

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks for the kind words, Gilberto.

[@sammg3799]

I greatly enjoyed and found helpful your analysis and thoughts of your painting processes in this video. Thank you for sharing.

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks for the feedback, Sam! :)

[@deborahcooper5171]

So enjoyed your video. I’m going to try the Bristol paper. I very much agree to not make our art work too precious. I once found freedom by cutting up several canvasses that were just not working My husband thought I’d gone crazy lol. Since then I feel a greater freedom to experiment and have fun. Thank you for sharing your talents

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Deborah! Yes, cutting up older work can be so liberating! A friend of mine has a bonfire for herself and fellow artists to burn their older paintings out in the yard after a barbecue every few years, and I think it’s wonderful that she does it with other artist friends. The conversation about avoiding preciousness, and focusing on the acquisition of skill and muscle memory rather than the pursuit of accolades must be wonderful at such an event. Happy painting to you. I hope the Bristol is fun!

[@richardkersting1375]

Very solid and useful information on the layered method...Thanks!

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Richard - I'm glad to be useful. Thanks for the nice note. Good luck with your watercolors!

[@diamondlil2952]

This is my first time seeing your work, and I'll have to say that I'm greatly impressed!!

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks for the compliments!

[@kerih1785]

I am so pleased I found your channel. Thank you

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Keri! I’m glad to have your feedback, and I wish you hours of fun exploring paint, paper and brushes!

[@debracarty170]

I loved this painting and watching the process. I would love to see a waterfall painting, water is, admittedly, my nemesis when it comes to painting and I need ss many ideas as I can get! Thank you for reading, I'll be eagerly awaiting.

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Debra, thanks for your kind compliments. Painting waterfalls is definitely a challenge - especially in watercolor, but you’ll learn a lot by analyzing artists in history who mastered the effects of water without noodling it to death. 😆 Take a look at landscape paintings in watercolor at museum websites where you can often zoom in.

[@jelketa]

Beautiful painting, I love this technique Belinda, you are a great artist. Thanks.

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks for your compliments, +Jelka Striseo - Here's hoping you'll Paint something soon!

[@mariadunn902]

I found this very useful and will endeavour to enjoy my mistakes and success equally!

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Maria! Thanks for the feedback - I'm glad you found the video useful! I wish you clarity and compulsive creativity all year long!

[@jeaninelittle6540]

I am so glad I stumbled across your video. The lovely image you paint in this video is what caught my eye. You chose great colors for this image. I also found your technique extremely relaxing to watch. You make it look easy and I know it is not. I'm off to go check out another one of your videos. Thank you so much for sharing you talents with us. Very much appreciated as I am a beginner at watercolor.....I've dabbled quite a bit but .....I do a lot of abstracts with both acrylics and watercolor so I want to push myself to learn/try more realistic images. I'm currently taking a drawing class to help with that realism. Thx again.

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Jeanine, Welcome and thanks so much for your nice note! I hope you find some encouragement, as well as tips and tricks here, and if you have any questions, I'll do my best to find answers for you. Happy painting!

[@LearntoPaintwithScarlett]

Beautiful, beautiful beautiful! I love your style and your thought and quotes and even your voice is very soothing. This was a pleasure to watch and very inspiring indeed! Thanks for sharing! Scarlett

[@bdelpesco]

Hello, hello, +Learn to Paint with Scarlett ! Thanks so much for your lovely feedback! I appreciate your taking the time. Happy painting (& teaching) to you!

[@haneent9102]

I agree with your approach when it comes to learning how to art.

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks for your visit, and keep painting! 🙂

[@roxiecastro8764]

Thanks!

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Roxie! You’re welcome! 🤓

[@joshlynn7014]

Beautiful, you’re a great planner!

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Joshlynn, thank you!

[@sallyday8182]

Hello! Just found you and absolutely love your paintings. Thank you!

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks for the compliments, and welcome, Sally! Happy painting!

[@nacerber1035]

Very nice painting. I've really enjoyed. From Algeria.

[@bdelpesco]

Thank you for the compliment, Nacer. :)

[@DanielleMack]

I need to try the paint lifting technique. I'm working on a watercolor and it got pretty muddy but I plan to keep practicing because I normally use acrylic paint. It's hard not to overwork it. Love watching you paint and the quote you spoke about. Thanks for sharing your process!

[@bdelpesco]

Hi +Danielle Mack - the jump from acrylic to watercolor is a big one, but it's worth it. There are lessons in using each media that apply to the other. Avoiding mud and overworking watercolors is like a right of passage; everyone has to go through it, so I hope you keep at it. Be sure to buffer your library with a few good reference books about color mixing in watercolor that will help on your journey. Thanks for stopping by! :)

[@robbiej2070]

Thanks - love the work and commentary

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks for the great feedback, Robin!

[@nerueru5756]

Wow. I love your commentary. Learnt about a new paper and process. 😊

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks for visiting, Kazu. Let us know what you think about the plate bristol if you try it!

[@williamjenkins2990]

At last someone who can really paint in watercolours! Look forward to all of your videos. Could you fit in doing clouds by layers - I suspect your technique would increase the depth of form. Well done - do keep up the good work thank you.

[@bdelpesco]

Hi William, Thanks for such a glowing compliment! I will add Clouds to the list of videos in my planning book. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Happy painting!

[@baltimorepoet3175]

wow! beautiful painting. I really feel like I learned a lot

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks, Kaleena! :)

[@paula6642]

Just love it. Thank you!

[@aswanson42]

Hi, I just found you. I love the real time video! I'm just beginning (no art background, hoarding expensive supplies I'm afraid to use, etc). I've learned more just from this first video of yours than from dozens of speeded-up videos. They leave out so much that must seem obvious to experienced painters, but have become huge, unanswered questions for me ("Layering, why not just go dark to start with?" "Okay, I'm squinting. What at? Why? What next?" "I hate it! I can't do this! Keep going, toss and start over, or go back to knitting socks?") Please note, I've been beginning watercolors for 40 years. I have tubes of paint that are old enough to have grandchildren. Please don't speed up! Thanks.

[@bdelpesco]

Hi there aswanson42! Thanks for the nice feedback, and the story of your watercolor grandchildren! :) I think you have very good company in that exact description. #artsupplyhoarding Here is a little primer on the importance of squinting: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppLFdaN6aNmpgcUm39s You can watch the whole video to get the gist, but that's it in a nutshell, demonstrated. Does it make a little more sense? :)

[@tanyaratti]

hello I just read your comment above and used to feel the same. I used to not want to use my paints. I dont want to waste the expensive paper or the paint. I now paint every day. its about starting and doing a little often rather than trying to make a masterpiece every time. start with bits of a full painting - maybe a credit card size window x 4 on an A5. Do a page of thumbnails on grasses, skys, shrubs, trees - try different colour combinations. this is far less stressful and really fun. If you mess one up, no loss, jsut turn the page and start another. then when you feel confident, put some of your thumbnails into a full painting. and jsut do one section at a time. the background, the hills, the trees, the foreground grasses etc.... I draw a picture every night while watching tele. its a small little sketchbook and im filling it and gradually getting better at drawing and seeing . Good luck with it :)

[@bdelpesco]

Good suggestions, Tanya - thanks for weighing in with encouraging words. :)

[@donnaeturner]

Thank you! So beautiful!

[@bdelpesco]

Thank you too! I hope you have fun with your watercolors soon!

[@seiraloyard]

hi Belinda, I'm taking up watercolor classes and I'm really having a hard time doing glazes and detailed work, love your videos! *subscribed* :)

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks for the note, Wemy! And welcome to the subscription crew! Happy painting!

[@mariakellner2221]

Great demo interesting subject,i feel the same as you about the art,i also have the book.

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks, +Maria Kellner ! Happy painting!

[@mizhayward987]

Hi - have just subscribed to your channel - beautiful painting and wonderfully informative video - thank you! :)

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Michelle, Thanks for the compliments, and welcome!

[@GrandJan46]

Thank you so much for this lesson. I like the way you use your colors. I am very very new to painting watercolor, painting in general and I will certainly watch more of your videos. PS... you have such a soft voice, maybe you could turn your volume up louder as I couldn't go any higher on my mac pro. Thanks again.

[@bdelpesco]

Hi +Janet Allen - Thanks for visiting. I hope you find some tips here, and I would also recommend Steve Mitchell's channel - The World of Watercolor. I'm sorry you couldn't hear the video better. Be sure that both your computer volume *and* the video volume are turned up. The video volume is explained at the bottom of this blog post: bit.ly/1W3dKsZ

[@GrandJan46]

I have seen all of Steve's videos and currently taking his class through Strathmore. He's awesome but so different from your style. I like both very much. I wish you could be my person to person teacher, hands on as it were. I like the realistic values to your paintings.

[@jazmindelpais]

You answer a lot of questions I have, thank you !!!!!

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Elena! I'm glad you found the tutorial useful! Thanks for visiting!

[@capbin146]

Great painting. Very detailed information about products. I'm not good at glazes usually lift more than put down. Liked the electron microscopy. Over the shoulder view would be nice. Mind of watercolor showed his studio in a tube video. It's not easy. Did the cat leave red footprints? Good luck to you.

[@bdelpesco]

Hi +Big C - no kitty footprints this time, but I'm familiar with wiping watercolor off little paws. Thanks for the compliments. If you're lifting on glazes, be sure your brush is at a steep angle, with a light touch, and a single stroke. I know it's not easy. :) I love Steve's videos at Mind of Watercolor, and I'll set up an over the shoulder/head camera rig soon. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@Fentry00]

your pieces are gorgeous!!

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks, +Fentry Bogger !!!!

[@maryt2887]

I loved this video! I've been painting mostly loosely, wet on wet, and wanted to see how the glazing process works. One suggestion is to film so that the viewer can see the painting top side up. I had to turn my laptop on end so I could watch your brush strokes moving in the correct direction. Thanks!

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Mary T - Thanks for your feedback. I'm saving $ for a video rig to shoot overhead video, so it's in the works. But I'm glad you found a work-around in the meantime. Happy painting!

[@hannastocksick9686]

Love it! Will definitely try it! Could you please post the reference picture? Pretty please! Thanks!

[@bdelpesco]

Hi +Hanna Stocksick - thanks for the compliments. Email me, and I'll send you the reference photo. bdelpesco at mac dot com

[@janicebleasdale7140]

I enjoyed your video! Thank you!

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks for the feedback, Janice!

[@celiab3701]

I LOVE your videos, so helpful!

[@BarbaraDin]

I loved the video and your perspective on how to approach painting. Although... it's so hard to do! (not to be constantly judging yourself in the process). I think, like art making, that too goes away with practice. Thank you for taking the time to make this. I too appreciate the wonderful opportunity that the internet gives us to connect with kindred spirits in every part of the world. If you're interested, I have a channel with some videos. I love sharing, so I hope you find something interesting there, too.

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks for the nice compliment, +Barbara Din. Here's hoping we all dive deep into our practice, so we can lock the doubts and judging out of the studio. I'll check out your channel - happy art making!

[@cherylpeckham8088]

lol, my cat Charlie helps me a lot as well...I have many a paintings with cat prints..gives it some class. love your videos. I love painting wet...thanks

[@bdelpesco]

Hi +Cheryl Peckham - Maybe your Charlie and my Scout can start a new club; Art Studio Cat Antics. :) Thanks for the compliments!

[@colleenjones5721]

I love this video and your artwork is amazing. I confess, I find it a little intimidating. I know that I need to be more patient and perhaps, change my approach. In the mean time, I will be watching as your videos are hypnotic (in a very good way).

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks, Colleen, I hope the intimidation was a passing minute, and you're ready to roll up your sleeves and dive in. Painting is fun, if we replace the sheetrock wall of expectations with a sheer scarf in the wind on a clothesline. Lighten the grip on your brush, breath deep, and play with the color. You've got this. :)

[@daisy3690]

where did you start in the beginning? drawing as a child? art classes? If it was classes, which were first? I like your subtle style and treatment of tranquil impressions. They always come to me as singular scenes of the many little things that end up being one's compilation of life. I appreciate you for generously sharing. Thank you. Be well. Bye

[@bdelpesco]

Hi +daisy3690 - Thanks for sharing your kind observations. Tranquil scenes are definitely a favorite. :) They say "Paint what you love." I've been a doodler since 1st grade, and I took an art class in high school & studio arts (painting & drawing) as electives in college. I think the first college-level art class I took was figure drawing. We worked on life sized sheets of rolled kraft paper with vine charcoal - great fun. Do you paint & draw?

[@TerriKash-NEO]

Really instructional and very helpful to me. Thank you for sharing your techniques. :-) I must admit that paper choices are the biggest dilemma for me right now. I like a hot press paper for the smooth surface, Everyone raves about Arches, but in my hands I seem to muck it up regularly. Newbie to watercolor, so I am buying new papers till I find a paper that likes me :-)

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Terri, Thanks for stopping by - I'm glad it was helpful. Paper can be a frustrating prospect - especially if you create a lovely drawing and then the paint misbehaves because your paper selection ran amuck. I have been there. You might find my 3 page Watercolor Paper primer helpful - you can download it here: bit.ly/WCPaper101 And perhaps consider buying WC paper sample packs to explore before committing. :)

[@xpetra82]

you are so sweet and helpful thanks you so much!

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Chrisanthy - Thank *you* for the very kind comment!

[@xpetra82]

:)

[@camurria5990]

That's amazing

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks, +Viviana breezy !

[@jacquelinedufrain8771]

Where can I find the reference photo? I loved watching your video and itching to try.

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks for the feedback, Jacqueline! I don’t have the reference photo any more, but you’re welcome to visit the blog post for this tutorial to download the finished painting so you can print it in black and white and use that as a jumping off point. www.belindadelpesco.com/watercolor-sunday-soak.html/

[@Blissfulthings]

I love glazing it can really show depth and luminosity of your paint. In joy your channel .is there another way to film over your head to see your point of view? I kept tying to turn my head to see..lol it was funny when I realized what I was doing 😉

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Blissfulthings, Thanks for your compliments. I'm working on an overhead camera rig, so you won't have to tilt so much in future videos. Coming soon. :)

[@Blissfulthings]

it was funny after I realized what I was doing! Heather

[@bdelpesco]

You aren't alone in that request - read here: www.patreon.com/bdelpesco :)

[@staygrateful3512]

Thank you for this 💕✨ I love your perspective on art , 😌 from where is the quote you spoke of ? Very inspiring 💓

[@bdelpesco]

Hi @staygrateful! Thanks for the nice comment. The quote is from a book by the artist Juliette Aristides, called Classical Painting Atelier - there's a link to it in the Show More section under the video window. Happy Painting!

[@monsoongirlnyc]

This is lovely, thank you. One question, it looks like you took a sheet off the pad to begin with, so I wondered if the watery washes produced any cockling of the paper? Or is taping down enough for this type of paper? Thanks!

[@bdelpesco]

Shymala - Thanks for the compliment! I did tape it down to a sheet of foam core, and there was no rippling in the paper. But to be fair, my glazing washes were applied thin and transparent. There wasn’t any pooled water or flooded pigments, so if you work wetter than this, you may consider stapling the paper rather than taping.

[@monsoongirlnyc]

Belinda, thank you. I'm looking to experiment with this gradual glazing technique, so thin and transparent works!

[@bdelpesco]

Shymala, Good, I'm glad you're going to give it a try. Your paper will have a big affect on glazing, so try a few swatch experiments before diving into a fully realized painting. Tape samples of your watercolor papers on a sheet of something sturdy, and lay some sheer glazes on each of the papers. If you find buckling, pilling or de-saturated color, you can eliminate those samples from your glazing adventures. Mostly, have fun. :)

[@monsoongirlnyc]

Belinda, yes, thank you. I'm running that experiment now. It's great fun :)

[@jeannecurran5374]

Excellent video! techniques and philosophy! how about using Yupo? ever tried it?

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Jeanne! Thanks for the great feedback! Yes, I love yupo. Here's an example of a watercolor on yupo: bit.ly/2rzWUYT Do you use it too?

[@lorijones9579]

My cat does that. Little ultramarine blue footie prints across the floor? Been there.

[@bdelpesco]

+Lori Jones Yes, and I think they really enjoy the art-studio mischief! Such satisfaction on their little faces.

[@David-ue6gk]

Truly beautiful work. May I ask, how much time did it take to complete this watercolor? I wonder if you knew this subject personally or if all you had to go on was the black and white reference photo. Thank you.

[@bdelpesco]

Hi David, thanks for the compliments. The video clip of the painting process - before it was edited down - was 4.5 hours. And the scene is new to me in the last 5 months, but I do know it personally, and happily. :)

[@David-ue6gk]

+Belinda Del Pesco It is so interesting to me, because I feel your knowing of that scene in the atmosphere, the interplay of light and shadow you conveyed; it comes through in bucketfuls vs. an unfeeling paint-by-numbers approach. Thank you again for your lovely video.

[@BibleStudyPastor]

Good job. Thank you. Your commentary is helpful to see what you're doing. Is the plate Bristol you used in this video 100% cotton, or pH neutral cellulose?

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks, +Ralph F. Wilson! I believe the Borden & Riley is PH Neutral cellulose, but its new to me, so I'll have to confirm that. I prefer Strathmore series 500 plate finish bristol, which is 100% cotton, and to my experience, far better for lifting pigment. What's your preferred paper?

[@nelli.7622]

Cat also wanted to draw!))🤗🖌

[@bdelpesco]

Yes, he wants to be involved in *everything*!

[@debracarty170]

Another thought, when I started watercolor, I, like alot of beginners went out and bought so many tubes of paint. What did that do? Totally confused me! Now, I'm going to create my limited pallet, only problem is, I love so many colors. I want to use a warm and cool of each primary and add some choice colors that I love, totalling 18 colors. Any suggestions on how to narrow down my choices?

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Debra, I love color too, so I’ve never worked with a limited palette. I swing towards the opposite approach; I squeeze a bit of every tube I have into a palette with the most wells I can find, and then Paint A Lot from that palette. My inclinations towards colors reveal themselves over time by which colors I use up first, and that’s an editing process. I’ve removed-replaced several colors I rarely used this way.

[@GSA_Drums]

Hallo Belinda, great video and amazing art. What is the tray you're using as a mixing palette? Oh and I subscribed ;)

[@GSA_Drums]

Oh.. I should read the descriptions before I post. Greetings from Germany :D

[@bdelpesco]

Hi +Recipricateable - you found the descriptions! Good job. And thanks for the compliments and the subscription. :) Tschüss!

[@Hagar_le_Horrible]

That was inspirational

[@bdelpesco]

Paul, Thank you for that. I appreciate your compliment, and I’m hopeful that the inspiration leads to Good things!

[@ArkkyAnindita]

beautiful!

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks, +Arkky Anindita !

[@squadiodatamj5998]

I hope I didn't miss this info somewhere here.....but....did you start this piece without a sketch or any mark at all on your paper? I come away from this video with that impression, and I read the comments to see if I was the only one amazed by this. You inspire such bravery! mj

[@bdelpesco]

Hi +SquadioDataMJ - I'll hand that credit back to you... I think I say in the first minute of the video - as I'm taping down the paper - that I have a light sketch on the paper to start with. I'm an ardent draw-it-first kind of gal. :) Direct painting is okay for my sketchbooks, but most of the time, I draw first.

[@KMoWearableArt]

You've helped to demystify watercolors! BTW, why do they give children watercolors in grade school and lightweight paper and no instruction? I bet that alone has deterred a lot of budding watercolor artists. :-)

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Traveler! Thanks for that vote of confidence! I agree with your observation about lightweight paper, crappy brushes and NO tips and tricks for school kids. Early success = Sticking with things! (Even for us grownups)

[@Bees123Knees]

So beautiful! But I'm worried about using Alizarin Crimson. I keep hearing that it eventually fades away to nothing. Also I just bought a tube of Aureolin and then I hear that it always turns brown. Yikes!

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Debra, Thanks for your compliments. You can use Permanent Alizarin or Alizarin Hue instead to get close to the same color, but less fugitive. Most of those colors are still fugitive though, so proceed with caution if that bothers you. And don't display your paintings in the direct sunlight. :)

[@Bees123Knees]

Oh, good advice. I love the colour of Alizarin so I'm happy to know there are more permanent options. So many questions and so much to learn. I appreciate your beautiful talent and valuable advice so much. Right now I'm feeling I should take about a year to learn all about colour and light before I'm allowed to pick up a brush... but maybe I'm just stalling, afraid to just jump in and start painting. Anyway, again... thank you so much.

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Debra, Listen to your little voice; get your hands on your brushes, and build your relationship with pigments and papers and subjects and washes and glazes, etc. You can't learn to play piano by listening. And you won't learn to paint by reading. Choose a palette of colors, and practice mark-making, washes, wet-in-wet, drybrush.... Don't paint *things* yet - just shapes and passages. Play. Pretend you're eight years old, and nurture your fascination with how each pigment dances differently in water on your paper. Every color and manufacturer's recipe varies. Start with a courtship and work your way up to a committed relationship through direct interaction, and a commitment to experiment.

[@Bees123Knees]

Oh, thank you for saying that. It is so great to hear that I shouldn't worry about painting anything right now because I've been doing exactly what you suggest... practicing washes, gradated washes, brush strokes, glazing, etc. I actually parked my car for the winter and stocked up on paper and watercolours and literally have spent the entire winter fooling around with them. This is the first time in my life that I'm sorry winter's over cause I loved every minute of it. My problem is, I've recently tried Arches cold press. The difference it made was night and day which is a bit of a problem because it feels like I'm just wasting my time now using the cheaper papers... BUT I can't afford Arches very often, lol!!! My solution has been to cut it down to smaller pieces and practice on that. I have been worrying that I should be able to paint something by now so it's great to hear from a real artist that it's okay to just play. I am completely blown away by the way different pigments mix, exactly as you say. Sometimes I'm just watching them with my mouth open! Today Quin. Gold looked like actual gold, it was so sparkling and was granulating with Prussian Blue it was kind of hypnotizing. They are so beautiful! And reading your message has meant a lot to me. It's good to have permission, you know what I mean? THANK YOU! i will take your words to heart.

[@leewarren492]

Are there other resources that you can suggest to learn this technique?

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Lee, Yes, I think the book Painting the Things You Love by Adele Earnshaw is an excellent resource - not just about glazing, but also studio habits, photo use and palette/color choices. Do you already have it?

[@leewarren492]

No, but I'll check it out. Thank you.

[@bdelpesco]

It's a great book, and if I think of any others that describe glazing, I'll leave them here for you. Let me know what you think!

[@leewarren492]

This is so typical. I went ti Amazon to check out the book and I'd already ordered it a couple of weeks ago from a used site. It hasn't arrived and I'd forgotten the name.

[@bdelpesco]

Hah! That's great! You were already collecting resources on glazing before we even talked about it! Has it come in yet?

[@Maywyn]

Thank you for another great video. The sound volume is low on this one with 100% volume.

[@bdelpesco]

Hi +Maywyn Studio - thanks for the feedback. On the volume issue, are you watching it on a desktop or a mobile device? I've tested it on a desktop system, an ipad and an iphone so far...

[@Maywyn]

Laptop Windows 10. Video starts out at a good volume, then goes quieter. I'll use head phones.

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks for the reply, +Maywyn Studio - I'll be sure to speak louder next time. :) Check your youtube volume (the little speaker icon at the bottom left of the video screen) too. Good luck with the headphones!

[@nancynau3082]

Thank you - great11

[@vippysidhu9025]

Wow

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks, Vipinder!

[@bdelpesco]

Hey there +Celia B! Thanks for the love!

[@RosssRoyce]

Very nice video, thank you for generous effort of sharing! You are wonderful artist! I think what will let your wonderfulness show more is to let go of the detailed representation of tiny machinery and details. These turn our works into drawings or illustrations, unavoidably, because of the appearance of contours. This work in this video, for example, will make fantastic book cover illustration. But maybe this end result was your purpose and you didn't look for "painterly" looking picture? Anyhow, this comment is free from any negativity about your wonderful skill and sensibility, just looking onto choices :D best to you!

[@bdelpesco]

Thanks for your nice note, +hallobaaaby ! I'm glad you liked the overall painting, and I appreciate your feedback on noodling the details. I like loose and painterly styles as well as tight, illustrative renderings, so maybe I'll pitch my tent in both camps. :) Best to you too, and I hope you visit again.

[@RosssRoyce]

Yes for sure, i am subscribed :D Have magical creative spring :))

[@snrdmnd]

Excellent work but can i suggest that you try to record with the camera behind you as i spent the whole video with my head tilted trying to watch you work. Thanks :)

[@bdelpesco]

Hey Drexil, Thanks for the feedback! You'll be happy to know you're not alone in that request! Read this: www.patreon.com/bdelpesco

[@maggs131]

Whenever I hear "glaze" I think of pottery. Can't we just call them layers lol. Great video thanks so much =)

[@bdelpesco]

Hi maggs131, yeah, I know: glazes in pottery, glazed donuts, glazed window panes, glazed sugar snap peas, etc. :) The list is long and there's lots of food in it. Have a great week.

[@marybatich8834]

Lovely rendering...Unfortunately, I could barely hear what was being said. I had the sound turned all the way up on my computer...

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Mary, I'm sorry you had audio problems. Be sure to check both video volume settings: the one on your computer, *and* the controls on the video. You can see a diagram to find the video window volume adjustment icon in this blog post: bit.ly/1WWmbXA

[@marybatich8834]

HI, Belinda, thanks... have done that but still cannot get good audio. Tried another computer and same issue. The audio is great when you are introducing yourself and the subject but fades after that. I will give earphones a try next time. Hope I can resolve it I loved the demo.

[@maryannhuber7619]

The video is great but the audio is almost non-existent.

[@bdelpesco]

Hi Mary, I'm sorry you had audio problems. Be sure to check *both* video volume settings: the one on your computer, and the controls on the video. You can see a diagram to find the video window volume adjustment icon in this blog post: bit.ly/1WWmbXA I hope that helps!

[@Candeekissez]

I agree, both my computer and volume controls are on high and I can barely hear this tutorial.