How to See Values in a Watercolor Seven Tips | Watercolour Painting Tip 52

[@bethw7]

The mirror trick is my favorite! Your winter scene with the colorful evergreens and snow is amazing. The needles actually glow green in the sunshine, like they are lit from within. You've captured the backlighting that isn't even in the original. Love these tips!

[@lorrainewatry_watercolors]

Yes, I use my bathroom mirror all the time to look at my paintings. There is a short wall that I can set my painting on and see it in the mirror. It really helps. Thanks for the kudos!

[@canadaverydry]

You are such a talented woman!

[@lorrainewatry_watercolors]

Thanks so much

[@ChristineBlackford]

Thank you for sharing your years of knowledge. Love these videos, I thought you'd stop at 50 but so glad you are making more. Thanks again! Another idea would be to turn your paint upside down and it will give a whole new view/perspective

[@lorrainewatry_watercolors]

Hi Christine, you are welcome! Some weeks it is hard to get a video done, but so far I am keeping up. Yes, upside down viewing is another good way to see your paintings values.

[@heelerjustheeler879]

The mirror idea was a revelation! I wonder if looking at it upside down might also work.

[@lorrainewatry_watercolors]

Yes, looking at your painting upside down also works.

[@ThatGirlTatianaH]

Thank you Lorraine very much for helpful tips 😊👍🏻

[@lorrainewatry_watercolors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@maninani6472]

Thank you so much for your helpful tips : ) I'm so happy that I find your youtube page : )

[@lorrainewatry_watercolors]

You are so welcome!

[@juliebergacker5680]

Yay! 👏👏👏👍👍👍. Thank you!

[@lorrainewatry_watercolors]

You are so welcome!

[@betsycooper6684]

I was given a red value finder for sketching but did not realize it wouldn’t work correctly with color values in painting. These were great lessons thank you. I while back I remember one you did on matching colors with paint chips, or magazine pictures ? That would be a good training for us to get the Right color which is so confusing whether it’s a true warm or a cooler warm. There is so much to learn !

[@lorrainewatry_watercolors]

You're very welcome! Yes, just playing with paint chips and trying to match colors can be good color training.

[@lindablalock1396]

Thank you for all these ideas. Would like to see a follow up on darkening a lighter wash already on the paper so that it correctly corresponds to a similar value in the painting. If that makes sense.

[@lorrainewatry_watercolors]

Hi Linda, That is a good video suggestion. I will add it to my list.

[@rebeccapage4411]

Great ideas! Thank you. I'm interested in learning how to "paint into a wash". I'm other words take a first wash and follow it instead of forcing it.

[@lorrainewatry_watercolors]

Hi Rebecca, can you try to explain "paint into a wash" more fully? I don't think I am quite understanding.

[@salliewhitney5889]

I’ve found that taking a photo of my piece will provide lots of immediate feedback. I don’t understand why I can see immediately what’s not working in a photo (as opposed to real life) but there’s definitely a difference in perception. That goes double when I gray scale the same photo. Another side effect of these techniques in my case turns out to be overworking. An issue for another day!

[@lorrainewatry_watercolors]

Sallie, part of the reason a small photo can help is that we are not seeing all the details, but the bigger pattern of lights and darks. Yes, overworking is a hard one, sometimes that can be reminding yourself to put the paint down and leave it and then come back later if it needs adjusting.

[@RATTE1606]

sometimes between, if the colorwork layer by layer should dry I take a look more from faraway to see better if there is something wrong , are there mistakes , need it less or more colors and so on ... another perspektive helps me to see my own unwanted mistakes. there is very much knowledge to construct a naturly lookinglike pikture right... where is my light in my artwork, then I know where must be more or less shadow´s in the right darker colors, what should be more in the foreground, or background etc... I like to to play with the colors and create a little bit a 3D effect, with some deepness so good as I can with some crazy awesome selferunning watercolorpigments and the result is very unique at the end in every case.

[@lorrainewatry_watercolors]

Thanks for the great comments on your process.

[@mariakellner5429]

They also appeared in colour in your life show with Susan Harrison-Tustain, you also appeared in CIYL

[@lorrainewatry_watercolors]

Yes, I have a CIYL show. I will have to check out Susans.

[@miriambaranov]

Hi! Not sure if this topic has already been covered. I would like to know what limited pallette you use. Especially for portrait as a subject. Thank you so much. Your videos are so helpful and informative. I uber appreciate it.

[@lorrainewatry_watercolors]

Hi Miriam, I have not done a video on the colors I use for portraits, yet. I will add it to my list. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@miriambaranov]

@@lorrainewatry_watercolors you the best looking forward :)))))

[@cherylberry1613]

I would love to know how to have the vibrant colors of a landscape without over painting and making it feel heavy and dark.

[@lorrainewatry_watercolors]

Hi Cheryl, I will add that to my video list. Thanks.

[@mariakellner5429]

I developed a product ,like the red and green that you show ,but In 12 colours, I have a web site if your interested ,great tips

[@lorrainewatry_watercolors]

Hi Maria, yes please share the website here and I will add it to the video description for anyone interested. Thanks!

[@barbararivera2380]

Instead of squinting (for us over 40s) just take of your glasses LOL!

[@lorrainewatry_watercolors]

Haha, I am right there with you Barbara! I have contacts, though, so it's easier to squint.