Landscape Painting - The Best Way to Learn

This video is NOT a tutorial...more of a talk, with a little painting illustration along the way.
ARE YOU FEELING FRUSTRATED WITH YOUR LACK OF PROGRESS AS A WATERCOLOUR LANDSCAPE PAINTER?
Are you spending lots of money on expensive tutorial content, but the results don't match what was promised? Do you feel that you are not optimising your learning? Would you like to find a way of learning landscape painting that will help you to develop repeatable skills, enabling you to paint with intuition and creativity?
THIS MIGHT BE THE MOST IMPORTANT VIDEO FOR YOU TO WATCH!
Join me for this illustrated talk where I explore the extent to which the online explosion of tutorial content may be leading to confusion, hindering our ability to progress as individual painters with our own distinct vision and style. I return to some old-school thinking and show you three ideas that will help you to improve your learning:
1. Relax your reliance on 'follow-me' tutorials
2. Experience-based learning beats rules-based learning
3. Be patient and be realistic
This video has been made with my Patrons in mind, detailing the forthcoming curriculum that will be available exclusively on Patreon to promote an independent and sustainable approach to learning landscape painting, but it will be just as helpful to those of you who are continuing to follow my teaching through the KZbin channel.
YOU CAN FOLLOW MY WORK ON PATREON BY CLICKING ON THIS LINK:
www.patreon.com/oliverpyle
VIDEO TIME STAMPS
Intro - 00:00
1. Relax your reliance on 'follow-me' tutorials - 07:23
2. Experience-based learning beats rules-based learning - 17:20
Exercise 1 - 20:39
Exercise 2 - 27:12
3. Be patient and be realistic - 32:37
Outro - 35:48

[@TheRamblingRamReviews]

You're one of (if not THE) best teachers on KZbin by a significant margin Oliver. You're giving away such quality information for free. Thank you so much for your effort. :)

[@antoniocabrero]

Much agreed!

[@TheLiznz]

This is what I’ve been looking for. I don’t want to paint by numbers, I want to know how to see, how to develop techniques to get vision onto paper.

[@paulah317]

9 years into watercolor. I've followed several you tube tutorial artists over the years. About 3 years ago it dawned on me I needed to paint my own subjects and not rely on someone else's interpretation of their subject. It's been a blast doing my own thing and this coming spring/ summer I plan on plein air painting the landscape in my locality. Very excited to keep learning. Thank you for your insights and encouragement.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Exactly the right approach Paula and it would be great to see your results. I have a landscape painting forum here www.oliverpyle.com/forum. It's entirely free to sign up and my members really enjoy sharing their work and offering helpful hints and tips and positive encouragement on each others' work - beginners to more experience painters, all happy to share. Give it a go if you think that might help.

[@leojablonski2309]

I'm there now. Best of luck

[@gogokp9276]

My story is almost identical...9 years, not beliving in myself and then revelation.... I'am pretty confident today... also thanks to few videos of master Pyle....Greetings from Slovenia

[@gilesmcpherson8224]

I have watched and rewatched your instructional videos on colour and washes. Now when i go out into my landscapes I see much more than i ever did. I see the colour so differently. The tones and the shadows and colours as i didn't before in relation to the limited palate and how to translate what i see and feel onto paper. Thank you so much for making these, for connecting all the dots, for explaining it all so clearly and saving me a fortune in paint.

[@redge9158]

This is a tremendously helpful post! I recognize myself in relentlessly watching tutorials, but not improving except when following an admired artist working on a subject I have no real connection to. Turns out I admire many styles and approaches. I want to find my own. Your advice is so timely, but requires the follower (me🤪)be ready to hear it. I've been at the beginner stage since starting in 2020. I didn't want to take time to swatch paints - wanted to jump in painting a masterpiece. I thought since I knew yellow & blue makes green I wouldn't benefit from the exercises. That was counterproductive and immature (I'm old). I'm not a professional and likely won't be, but I am improving and feeling happier with my works (obsession) by using your suggestions. Thank you so much for your generosity!

[@EdoHannema-Watercolour-Art]

Good to see so many in the comments see the light in what we try to preach on the forum. Its precise that, learn the techniques for your own work. We did this in the 90ties, because there was just only a book. and if we were lucky some series on tv a hour a week. So happy I began in that time, and not now. A lot of beginning artists are confused. And yes it takes 20 year to learn it well, and in my case even longer!

[@tashasgran]

At last, someone telling the truth. I’ve been painting sporadically for years but the older I get, the more I can’t use my own instincts. Very refreshing.

[@newtowatercolor]

Thank you so much for this video and the "stern" talking to 🙃. This is exactly the frustration I have been feeling lately - I couldn't fully express what I want to and I couldn't get unstuck myself. After watching your video, I have to very honestly admit to myself that my lack of patience is at fault. I just wanted to paint without doing all the work necessary before - the observing, the planning, the exercising, repeating... No wonder it never turns out the way I want it to. Creativity is a process that does not allow for shortcuts if I want to progress. Again, thank you so much for this video and all of your previous ones. You are an amazing instructor and I look forward to learning from you.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thank you - yes, it was somewhat of a sermon! You are quite right about the shortcuts - I wish I could tell everyone that there were a whole of bunch of them that would help them to progress quicker, but its simply not the case. But that's ok - there's much satisfaction in the practice and gradual development and I still find just as much enjoyment in doodling and practice as I do in making a finished painting.

[@tezoodle]

I've often thought that learning to paint with watercolour is like learning how to drive. You have to get the basics in place first: learn what all the pedals do and how to work them, get the feel for the steering, getting used to looking in the rear mirror and side mirrors - there's a lot to think about while you're on the road. But you dont really learn to drive until you've passed your test and are on the road on your own, without the driving instructor at your side. The more practice you do, the more confident you get 🥰

[@artdavisstudios]

Echoing what others have already said, "Exactly what I need right now". I've been so confused by bouncing around from different tutorials with different approaches. Interesting and fun but I've stalled out with my own technique and ability. Thank you so much for sharing all this with us.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

You're welcome Art.

[@efwhitedc]

Thank you. In mature years, I have realized that ‘instructive’ courses have led me down a dead-end alley, and that I needed to learn an understanding of how to create an effect and not learn rote copying someone else’s expertise. I think this will be good.

[@pennythedomelady]

Perfect timing for me. I swear you were speaking directly to me throughout this video. I've been feeling frustrated, just as you described, and I have come to many of the realizations you express. A guide through this process is exactly what I was hoping for. Sign me up!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks Penny

[@leojablonski2309]

What you put in, you get out.

[@tezoodle]

Another fantastic video Olly, and I found myself agreeing with everything you said. In the end, it all comes down to practice, and playing with colours and paper, until you get the result you're looking for. Learning some techniques and colour mixes is a good start, and the rest is your own observation. I started watercolour in March 2020, and I feel like I'm starting to get the hang of it 😄 and now I want to be more creative and express my own ideas/style etc. I've learned a lot from all of your videos, and I am so grateful to you for your time and expertise ... and Thom for putting the videos together x

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks Terri - yes, the practice element is often underrated, but so valuable. Thom really nailed it on this one - he's doing a great job.

[@robertmeyer7836]

Oliver, I'm watching this on YT. I'm also a pianist and always taught my students that being able to plaly a composition exactly as the composer intended is good - but, it's NOT music unless you play it as you hear/feel it. Until then, it's like a recording. My students were "problem students" who couldn't fit into the mold. That stands for any of the Arts. I believe I hear you saying that about painting. Don't be an imitator, be yourself. Thank you, again. Shenandoah

[@charmaineburden609]

I've learnt more from you than anyother artist thank you I'm 66 and enjoying it so much you make it so easy and I can't stop watching it I've just done the wall chart of all the colours so I get a better underof the watercolours I'm going to join your other sit I won't to.learn from you as I lost my father who lefts much photos that I won't to paint .but most of all I love seascape and and.lanescape I've even put it on Facebook telling people to join you Best artist I've seen for many years Plus you live Dorset and the painting you done of Lulworth cove is beautiful, and if I can learn from you to beable to paint such beautiful places And the enjoyment of knowledge from another artist

[@lulabelle33]

What a purposeful video. Great insight on artistic development. Practice and experiment-- astute conclusions. Great technique demos too

[@Tom_Agnetti]

I don’t Patreon too many folks and this is precisely what I need. Skills to help me apply what’s in my minds eye and what I see to my works. Looking forward to this journey.

[@consueloyoung2253]

Excellent video Oliver. I have to say, you had me chuckling a time or two. So much information, I found myself agreeing with you, I especially appreciated you saying “we are not learning answers, we are developing skills”. Thank you for being so honest and down to earth in your explanation of what you can offer, until the next one.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks Consuelo - pleased you found it helpful

[@kathsoulsby873]

Excellent video. This is just what I needed to hear…I bounce all over the place watching others paint and then stare at a blank sheet saying what now! I am so glad I joined your Patreon as what is planned for the future is exciting with what sounds like a lot of valuable content . Thanks Kath

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks Kath - yes, I'm really looking forward to bringing you all this content.

[@clorindecarron3333]

Me too!

[@noelnicholls3622]

An inspiring and encouraging video. I need to go back to the beginning of my watercolour journey, which I began last year, and spend more time practicing the individual elements of your teachings on uTube and not so much trying to make an end result painting. Also getting the strong Australian colours, which are so different to your beautiful soft English ones, is a colour mixing experience with which I am faced. This is an exciting and challenging journey to be on, especially when one is 81! Thank you Oliver.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Yes, and entirely different approach to colour mixing Noel - just play around on some spare sheets (needn't be expensive paper) to find the combinations that work for your subjects and make notes of the results.

[@lyndalbond8683]

@@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442 I have the same challenge - painting Australian colours - balancing whether too strong and therefore overwhelming. Of course I have many other challenges

[@mattwj77]

​@@lyndalbond8683 Perhaps you're already well aware, but you and Noel are fortunate to have many spectacular Australian watercolorists to pursue challenge with. Chan Dissanayake, Herman Pekel, Jane Blundell (color mixing genius), of course Zbukvic, among many others.

[@lyndalbond8683]

@@mattwj77 Thanks - I'll check these out. New to thinking about landscape painting

[@tomhoward8304]

Thank you for this discussion. You've been able to put words to what I've tried to communicate to my students for years.

[@sherlylaresma9742]

😊😅😢🎉

[@anthonyf3130]

By far your advice to beginners on landscape painting is the most candid and sincere one I have come across. Its true, there is no substitute for practice and patience. One needs to stay motivated especially when its watercolor which is a difficult medium. Thanks Oliver for this honest and sincere video.

[@charonsherrard9348]

Oliver, I've been trying to teach myself to draw and paint since the end of 2022. I watch loads of technichal painting videos including yours. I love your philosophy and I try to put to practice your techniques with my own pictures. Even my husband has commented on my improvement. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and talent ❤.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I loved this lecture! Early on I rarely did tutorials, but the few times I watched them I felt I wasn't learning how to paint I was learning how to copy. As soon as I started seeking meaning in what I was doing, everything changed. A big lesson for me was that I don't "need" expert technical skills to express myself (I thought I did at first). Yes, there will be people who judge you on technical skills, but there are far more people who will connect with your vision and emotion that you express! From a teacher point of view, I think it's challenging to share both sides equally, especially when most beginners think they need a major emphasis on the technical side. When you said 'I'm trying to get you to paint YOUR way' that totally resonated with me! I think a lot of people are afraid of that, because it's less hand holding and more autonomy and endless hours of practice and self exploration. Also, I laughed out loud at this 13:18 😂

[@caseystorm4999]

Your a star Olly. An honest and supportive dissection of the challenges many of us face in trying to become the best we can at watercolour. I value the way you have delivered this Olly too. I found you nearly 2 years ago and i only need one Master of the medium to guide me and that is you. I will get around to joining your Patreon as soon as i can. Take care and thankyou. From a cool, cloudy Goudhurst 🙂👍

[@robynleanna]

This advice resonated with me. I’m in that exact position where I can mimic tutorials, but struggle on my own. I want to paint what I see, but in my own style. Not follow someone else style. After watching you with the rigger painting trees, I spent an hour just painting branches. Filled two pages! Really got the feel for that brush. Practice, practice.

[@optimalperformanceconsulta5813]

Oliver points well raised as if you took the motor learning courses I so enjoyed at University. I’m a society where outcomes must seem immediate the symptoms include the use of rote learning. It’s time for kids and adults to return to experiential learning which becomes permanent learning in our neurons of the brain and muscles. Experiential learning takes longer but results in truly satisfying learning experiences and outcomes. I apply this to my own tennis game, fly fishing, and now painting. Let’s hear it for #slowLearning #experientialLearning Well done Oliver!

[@kathleenpotter8453]

You hit the nail on the head, Olly!!! I can paint great follow-along paintings, but get frustrated with my own attempts. I have been “copying” for about 6 years. I’m obsessed with watching videos on You Tube and have often thought that instead of sitting here watching a video, I just need to go paint. You certainly it do stand out from many of the online teachers, insisting that its more about mastering skills than producing a copied painting. I am going to swear off videos for a while and instead spend that time with my brushes and paint. Thank you so much for offering your honest opinion and how to become a better painter. I will still be watching your videos😜.

[@markup6394]

This exact problem is what I have with many watercolor books and their step-by-step guides: yes, my picture will look good, yes, I will be satisfied with my efforts, maybe even hang it on the wall. But it comes down to what I read in Mary White's book: (paraphrased) "So, you painted a nice picture, gorgeous! ... Where are the other ones?" - a valid question if you ask me. What I miss is the procedure before that. The hours and hours, the whole trial-and-failure process at which end the artist comes up with a genius method of depicting a scene just like that, in a way that it works. And yes, it required practice... Something I'm well aware of... and still dont practice as often as I should...

[@jackiepeacock769]

Gee, what a load of great advice. Honest, accurate and sincere. Time and practice, in everything you do, will develop your skills. Love your way....

[@mikeburton1955]

So much of what you say resonates with me Oliver. I totally agree with your thoughts on composition and making your paintings more purposeful through your own photos and experiences rather than those of others. I've been looking through my paintings and those I enjoy the most are those where I have actually been there and recorded my own reaction to the scene. I've also done a fair few paint along videos but they don't have the same attraction even though they may have a better composition than my own. See you on Patreon🖌️

[@isabelle.eugenie]

Bravo Olivier ! Simply merci... merci... Merci ! And thank You ! 🌈 (Hi from the lovely French lansdcapes ... too :)

[@dodiburnett9964]

Thank you Oliver. You have given us insight that we haven’t been able to grasp as yet. All becomes clear! Doug & Di, Australia

[@margaretbsmith8270]

Oh yes, I forgot to tell you I am 84 years young and still learning....

[@sherrym.2413]

Omg, I came to the conclusion recently that I've had way too much input and as a result i feel confused and out of touch with my own instincts for painting. I agree with everything you said in this video. You're an amazing teacher! Thank you, thank you!

[@sherryyawn8844]

Thank you! As a beginner I have begun to wonder if my desire to paint watercolor was well founded. I had taken 1 class and felt really good about my efforts at the time but have been discouraged by the work I have done on my own. Glad to know practice truly does make, maybe not perfect, but progress at least. This gives me some hope in persevering!

[@getuptogetdown918]

Thank you for having integrity.

[@berklia]

I really enjoyed watching this video & it really resonates with how I feel as a landscape watercolor artist - especially the important element of being 'obsessed' - quite spot on.

[@tinyfacemcgee9211]

Totally amazing video explaining exactly what I am going through! Learn the rules. Then forget them and experiment like a child😛

[@jdschneider5858]

Bravissimo! Finally! Someone is talking about the difference between making a pretty picture and painting!!

[@Silver-wm7es]

Probably the most important message on watercolor that I’ve ever viewed. This is what I needed to hear. I have artistic ability but I want my paintings to be my expression not an appropriation of others.hard earned style. Yes I have become confused by so many paint-with-me tutorials that I’ve done on KZbin as I just try to learn watercolors. Fantastic video - thank you!

[@maretta57]

So right on. I have to get past the fear experimenting. Thank you for being honest . 👍🏻

[@ThomiBMcIntyre]

This is excellent in so many ways. I am a classically trained painter, but I have just started watercolor - your channel has been my mainstay as you employ no gimmicky “techniques” and don’t make claims for ease and instant success. If you want to cross the line from hobbyist to artist, this discussion will help get you there.

[@marvinspates924]

wow, WOW, W O W!!!!!! You hit the nail on the head for sure in this video!!!! It explains why I have given up so many times on water color!!! I've been painting by number! Yes all my friend and family say I'm a great artist because of my beautiful paintings! But they are copied paintings!!! Ask me to go out and make a painting on my own and I don't have a clue on how to start!!!! I want to know more about the 3 "Cs" and the 4 "Ds" and how to apply them for myself!!!!!! What a Profound video!!! Thank you so much for your insight!!! I will be looking into your patreon!!!👍👍👍

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks Marvin, I'm pleased it resonated.

[@amandad3595]

just came across this, best advice ever. thank you. i have been trying to put the into words the difficulties i would have in teaching watercolor...i will just refer them to this video now...brilliant

[@christinemcnally4790]

Thank you so much for this and helping me to understand my frustration with learning watercolour. I have flitted between a couple of “follow along” courses online and couldn’t understand why I couldn’t paint my own landscapes/urban scenes like the ones I followed along with. The experience based learning is definitely what I want to focus on and understand what works for me and what colours work for me (my biggest problem was buying all the colours the artists I followed use but not really understanding what I liked or wanted to use). You have inspired me to just keep trying and learning for myself. Thank you so much Olly!

[@terrydevries914]

Hello from Modesto California. Wise words. I’m not disappointed- I’m looking forward to this. I’ve been painting about 10+ yrs. I want to paint my way and you addressed my concerns exactly. Thank you so much!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Really pleased to hear that Terry

[@LisaZoe86]

I think it's funny how some people want everything in an instant or as fast as possible (or impossible). I decided four years ago that I wanted to paint again. So I tried watercolours, acrylics and oils. Loved them all but wasn't sure where I was heading. One year ago I decided that I wanted to master watercolour painting. Actually, it wasn't completely rational but a feeling that I only wanted to paint with watercolours to get really good at it. I like artists who paint their whole lives and still feel like they are learning and developing while they have mastered the medium already. So I hope to be painting for many years, ideally I will love to do it for the rest of my life. And I hope to be relatively happy with my paintings soon. But I expect it to take many more years and many many more paintings of my own until I feel like I am no longer a beginner. And that's fine because otherwise it would be very boring soon, wouldn't it? If it was easy and quick it wouldn't be interesting for very long.

[@artdavisstudios]

Watched this a second time this morning. I love the concept that paint-along tutorials just teach you how to "illustrate landscape paintings". Subtle idea but that rings true to me. It is just getting good at copying something. Also I'm a retired classical music composer, and there is nothing like the paint-along tutorial in music. It would instantly be dismissed as a waste of time. Think of a "compose-along" tutorial with Beethoven for the Moonlight Sonata. That would be ridiculous. You would end up at best with a somewhat substandard version of the Moonlight Sonata. A big part of painting is "composing" the painting not just executing it.

[@jandaniel9133]

Such a helpful video. You could have been describing me exactly. Compleatly stuck watching so many artists and copying others! I have been stuck to a point that I have not even picked up a pencil or brush for a few months. Inspirational and on the button. Thank you so much.

[@sandking1219]

..."an illustrator of landscape painting." Spot on, incisive.

[@concerned6236]

Thank you so much for this video; it is so helpful to know that I am not 'stupid' but forever learning. You are so generous to give away all this knowledge. Thank you Mr. Pyle.

[@nancybrink3701]

This sounds great. Looking forward to it!

[@flufwix]

As an adult learning professional it is so refreshing to see you talk about experiential learning which allows you to learn information, experiment applying that knowledge over time therefore developing your own knowledge, skills and muscle memory which, in turns, becomes embedded in your long term memory. Video that say you can learn skills by simply watching a video or blindly mimicking are nonsense. Personally tree trunks and branches seem to come easily but skies, the tree foliage… challenging. I continue to experiment and practice, practice, practice while chanting silently “more water, more paint” Also I’m finally inspired to become a patreon for a KZbin content provider 😊

[@paul-oram]

Yep. I'm doing it. I'm outdoors every week and pretty obsessed. ;-)

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

That's the way to go Paul!

[@pammcreynolds]

Thank you so much for this video. Your approach is exactly what I need. One thing that keeps coming to me as I see all the videos here on KZbin is that I don't care about what they are painting. I found in my photography the things I care about photographing inevitably always come out as beautiful photographs, but if it is something I don't care about, it's not so good. I only photograph what I love now. I need to take the same approach to my painting. I am brand new to watercolors and thought I needed to learn from others, but I think it will be better if I just go out and do it. Today I have this photo of a butterfly I absolutely love. I am going to just paint it without thinking about any of the tutorials I have watched, but just do it and see how it comes out. Experience is truly the best teacher. Thank you for your encouraging words and stirring me to simply experiment, to practice using my brushes and paints. How refreshing to hear from someone who understands not everyone can get outdoors as they so long to do. I am limited due to being a caregiver to my husband who has FTD. We love to go camping and hiking and being outdoors, but as time goes, we find ourselves out less and less. I am fortunate to have many photos of our journeys for which I can use as inspiration. I am so appreciative of your encouragement. I feel blessed to have found your video today.

[@Sam34292]

So true. It explains my enjoyment of painting scenes around me. And how these paintings are among my best.

[@dianmoffatt9915]

I have learned more about watercolour painting from this video, than I have from months of paint with me tutorials

[@dulcieogilvie5786]

I agree. I am at the stage of confusion from watching lots of people painting. I think I know now that I have to get stuck in and do some stuff on my own…..and keep trying and learning from my own observations and mistakes……..

[@karindodge9814]

Thank you for your honesty and reality. Another artist said something so true to me that for every half hour or hour of videos you need to paint 3 hours. Stop watching and start painting yourself.

[@WedlerFineArt]

The most valuable parts of doing watercolours for me is the BEFORE and AFTER. BEFORE is the thinking, the planning, the analyzing, and the experimenting. AFTER is the reflection, the critique, and the resolve to repeat, be persistent and brave. Your video was refreshing and honest. I will replay this to cement your words into my brain.

[@suel4269]

Perfect timing for this ! I’ve been watching tutorials for 5 yrs and I feel ready to paint on my own . If it’s rubbish, oh well it’s only paper.😬

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Right! If we were worried about rubbish, we'd never paint anything - it's an important part of the process.

[@1msfit]

I am very excited about your upcoming course on Patreon. Everything you said here is so sensible. I have no interest in “paint-by-number” demos but rather, like you say, want to paint my own creations. I have only been at this for about a year and started just as you say-banging around on KZbin. I did pick up a lot of good information but decided I really needed an organized approach to learn the basics and therefore signed up for an online beginners course. So far, so good-it is helping and drives me to practice. I definitely want to get back on Patreon and take your course whenever you are ready to do it. You are an excellent teacher as well as a great inspiration. Thank you for all that you give to us.

[@melanierabbets4802]

Thank you Oliver, Thank you for sharing your gift so generously

[@ninaspalace]

This is just the type of tuition I am searching for. Thank you for it. I just love watercolour putting paint on to paper.

[@theman964]

no matter what i say i wont be able to say how grateful iam for your wisdom, your videos are one of the most interesting things in life to me, i appreciate it alot, thanks man.

[@the_watercolour_gardener635]

Some “tough love” and common sense. Really glad I have found your channel.

[@congiuz]

Thank you for not going a route of high clickrate short videos but taking topics in depth and not giving answers when they cannot be given . Your content is outstanding!

[@deeniefirebird]

Your videos are incredible, it is like a watercolour psychology course, which is exactly what I have needed. I began playing with watercolour in spring 2021 (at age 57), I struggled with the follow-me tutorials while my fellow beginners were churning out copies and even selling their work. I just wasn't getting it because it felt like paint-by-numbers or colouring-in, to me it was anything but art. Finally, this summer, I ditched the follow along tutorials and decided to paint from my heart. That is to say, I began to paint places I knew well; Long Meg, Castlerigg, Pennine moorland scenes. local trees. I'm still very much a beginner and I don't think I will ever be a particularly skilled artist but now I love what I'm doing and finally I seem to be making a little progress (at least I no longer hate my own artwork) because what I'm painting is entirely mine. I had not seen this video until today but it has completely confirmed to me that I am on the right track. Sorry for the long comment but I am so appreciative of your wonderful and unique way of teaching. Thank you, Olly, you are making a tremendous difference to those of us who want to learn to paint from our heart and soul rather than just churning out replicas of someone else's work. I hope you have a wonderful Yuletide and a very Happy 2024.

[@user-lg3oe8pf4s]

Thanks again Ollie for your honest and informative guidance.

[@elenarobertson5543]

Oh Olly, I just wana give you a big hug!!! You are so right about everything!! Thank you!!!!!!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

I feel hugged - thank you Elena!

[@elenarobertson5543]

@@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442 I just love you Olly! :) Have an amazing weekend!!!

[@TeriMcFarlan]

Oh my goodness! I finally woke up to the fact that I can paint so well when I am following a tutorial using the artist's paint colors, techniques and even sometimes their drawing! But that is NOT what I want for myself or for my future in watercolor, specifically landscape painting. I keep trying to figure out what MY style is, and it really is confusing signing up for and following so many different artists on youtube, Skillshare and Patreon. I am going to start using my own subjects, taking photos of flowers from my garden, going to places that I love and painting them. For example my childhood home is an old farmhouse, the church in our township is a beautiful old German church that I NEED to paint! Some places that are close to my heart such as Lake Michigan, Mackinac Island, the Smokey Mountains all offer beautiful buildings and landscapes that I could be painting! Thank You so much Oliver!!!!

[@paulineshelley4421]

I totally agree with everything you have said, Oliver. There’s too much of this emphasis on buying a package and copying style of learning, then expecting instant results. We can learn the facts and remember them for future reference, but nothing makes up for getting out there and just doing it. Also, there’s an impatience barrier to overcome. People want instant results and marketing companies know this and capitalise on it, sadly. I admire your honesty and openness. I’ve gained so much just by following your channel so I know what I need to do, therefore readjust my daily schedules and get out there and do it! Thank you so much.

[@grahamwelsh4258]

Excellent as usual. Thank you Oliver

[@grandmabarby]

Brilliant! Messing with watercolor for 6 years and finally learning basics that I missed from most "follow me" videos. Being afraid to practice has been my block. Lovely video. Thank you. Time is our friend.

[@rosine2]

Thank you Sir.. your videos help me very much. Today i had to find some words because i don't speak english perfectly so i learn your langage in the same time. Thank you Sir. 🪻

[@annafennell1273]

Oh. WOW. 5 minutes into this video and you have described, perfectly, why I want to do landscape paintings! I was inspired by a place that I fear will change one day so I wanted to capture it in watercolour. Your excellence as an instructor never fails to amaze me. Now, back to the video . . . What. A . Relief. I am newish (taking an in person class this weekend). I am so lucky the Instructor is on the same page as yourself; she does not believe in "follow along" videos and puts and emphasis on understanding what the combinations of paint, water and paper can do. From watching "follow along" videos I was getting myself caged in and stifling my creativity and, actually, afraid to experiment!. How free I feel now. I want to run out the door to my inspired landscape and start observing, painting, experimenting!. Thank you so much for this.

[@lindathaxton1994]

I sooo appreciate how you teach - I LOVE watercolor - it’s magic! What isn’t magic is learning how to paint w/it $& get results I like. Glad you remind me that - like every worthwhile thing I’ve learned - it takes skills that I can learn thru work & practice, practice, practice. Easy to forget & get impatient w/myself. Your lesson on hard & soft edges has been invaluable. I slowly being able to ingrain them in my toolbox! Thank you for all your lessons 🙏

[@robynfraser8085]

😊 Your video reminded me of what I used to say to my son when he was little - you have a brain, use it instead of using mine. Now I’ll get back to practicing trees. Thank you.

[@natachaumar5052]

Oh wow you were recommended because I'm trying to paint skies but this video has confirmed what I know deep down. I must try my own paintings. Figure it out. I'm so glad you said practice technique but also practice creativity. I want to paint even though I am told that I am not an artist I am a scientist. Painting is difficult but fun at the same time! I paint in my lunch hour 🙂. I started the 100 day project painting watercolour from one of my photos. Simplify, pick something and paint. I like skies and trying to mix the greys and lights .thank you for this video. No shortcut to keeping going and painting

[@bobbieherron6972]

Thank you-- this is beautifully articulated. I'm so grateful to have had a methodical introduction to watercolor decades ago. No online tutorials because the internet didn't exist yet! We studied watercolour composition (literally what the paints were made of), how they interacted, basic composition considerations, how to predict different paper behaviours, the lot. No rush at all, simply learn every element as you fall deeply in love with watercolour.

[@faithboudreau5904]

Moving from copying to creating is key. Practice, experiment, observe, adjust, repeat. Spot on advice.

[@MichelleMouldArtist]

Totally agree with your honest and helpful words. I started back in 2018 and am still learning. I love painting outside and don't expect a masterpiece just something that replaces a photo and is more personal. Of course I do sometimes surprise myself which is lovely. Thank you for great content.

[@lilybelle6495]

Everything you said makes perfect sense and is the reason I subscribed to your Patreon.

[@KBarone-f4s]

Watercolor is a medium I took a break from to try acrylics and unfortunately it’s unbelievable that that decision was not wise. Being older I found myself forgetting how critical the planning really is, so thank you for your amazing videos! You leave nothing out. I realized diving back into it that I had forgotten the timing of the wetness with the paper. The skills I had developed, I’ve forgotten a few. So, it’s refreshing to watch and listen to your videos! They are incredibly informative! It takes frequent use of the medium to really get it right.

[@DommieDarling1]

Thank you for this video Olly. I have just started (30y) on my journey with art and have found gold in your videos. I find now more than ever I walk around seeing the world differently. Shapes, colours, values, edges, I've found a childlike sense of wonder and fascination that I lost when the world started to feel a bit grey and bleak through the pandemic. Will spend my time focusing on techniques you have taught and playing with colours to try and find a palette that showcases our beautiful corner of the world (New Zealand). All the best and thank you again!

[@joycejohnson7017]

You are absolutely correct!! Thank you for addressing this because this is exactly my frustration and struggle after 2 years of doing tutorials. It’s hard to ride my bike without the training wheels!!! I need to explore more on my own and do plein air. You’re an amazing talent and thank you for inspiring me to experiment more on my own and learn who I am and what it is I love to paint! I’m not sure yet!!!

[@rhondacalabro867]

Nailed it! From a tutorial queen. Thanks for your honesty.

[@johncspine2787]

For me, progress and technical mastery are necessary..I was a professional musician so I know all about practicing, how to practice etc, (at least the horn) but at 60 years old, starting all over as a total beginner is really rough, especially realizing how much effort is required to achieve the level of mastery I want to have in order to make nice results. I find myself getting very frustrated with the many variables.. I would always tell students “it’s not my job to teach you how to play the horn..it’s my job to teach you how to teach yourself to play the horn…until you learn to develop an ‘impartial third ear’ and get yourself in the practice room, practice a lot, and learn to analyze what you’re doing, I can play it for you, tell you everything I know and it won’t be of any value until you do it yourself and then have questions about how to get better.” ” It’s not the “most talented” ppl who win auditions and get tenure and go on to have successful careers, it’s the ppl who learn to consistently solve their problems, because everyone will have problems at some point.

[@Hiley206]

I taught writing for 41 years., and I began each fall in both dread and anticipation. The dread was that I knew I would spend hour after classroom hour developing relationships with students as they developed the habits of mind for interpreting and writing about literature and hour after hour in my office giving feedback to their ideas, development, and expression. I taught them that we can think of these HABITS OF MIND as the muscle memories of skill and that these learned skills allow us to move into the complex, into the creative. I knew that at some point in the spring, students would hit their stride, much like practiced athletes meet theirs. As a swimmer, I loved the point during which I swam unconsciously with total abandon and love. One day a student slammed down her fist on the desk and proclaimed to me and the class that she finally understood what I was doing (my process): “you teach in a circular process all the white moving upward.” She was describing how I repeated the habits of mind of techniques for interpreting and writing about literature that become increasing more complex with practice and developing the skills and style. Bloom called the process a taxonomy of critical thinking. We can visualize the process as a series of intersecting circles on an upward slanting line. Art is mathematical while also paradoxically creative. Our brains take us to this place of creating once we have developed the habits of mind and are free to move into the unconscious. Art is discovery: great works of literature are predictable in their structure, but they flow in the shape of an hour glass, moving from the concrete beginning to a shift in the middle into the metaphorical. Think of the inert firecracker that when lit becomes something new, something other than it was. Robert Frost’s poem “Design” explores the question of design in nature, yet the question becomes art through the composition of the poem. The poem becomes a painting of “a dimpled spider fat and white/ holding up a moth/ Like a white piece of rigid satin cloth.” Frost creates a perfect symmetry of image, white to dark to pose the question, “If design govern a thing so small”? There is no one answer. Our brains explode in thought. We recognize both the beautiful and the terrible. Olie (and you about playing the horn) also talk about how developing habits of mind move the visual artist and the musician to a place of creativity, away from the mundane, away from the copy. Imitation is static and keeps us in the concrete,. I occasionally had my students write in the style of one writer or another, but the point was not to copy but to develop their own voices. I’m struggling with watercolor as everyone here! I appreciate how your and Ollie’s philosophies about learning how to paint watercolor and and how to play the horn have helped me.

[@rebanelson607]

"It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks." But teaching myself watercolor and keyboard at age 60+ is like having an old dog teaching new tricks to an old dog! Challenging but worth the effort. Tutorials like this one really help.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

A lot of truth here John. I've always considered the talent element of what I do to be minimal and that my results and successes (or lack of them sometimes) is a direct function of my commitment to learning, discovery and hard work, Very 'un-arty', I know.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

A very thoughtful perspective and contribution Sharon - thank you for sharing. I'm going to look up that poem.....

[@johncspine2787]

@@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442 I think artists of all stripes subconsciously bristle at the “compliment” of “oh..you’re sooooo talented!” because on a certain level it dismisses all the hard work it took to get to where you are, like you were simply gifted the abilities. I think it’s more logical to say there are sensitive people in the world, and those with less sensitivity. I worked with plenty of musicians that were as sensitive as a brick, and others that were sublime.

[@theartsypixie2771]

Another tip i had to learn was to set your piece aside for a month or two, then come back to it. You usually are more impressed by what you've created than right at the moment you create it.

[@berolinastrassmann]

So true! Critical thinking applies to learning art as well. Out thought process is what needs to grow and develop. Learning basic techniques is fine, but it is more the thinking behind the process that is valuable. Same thing happens with many "paint with the masters" expensive workshops. You are encouraged to paint like the tutor...and you have no space to develop your art. Well done for being the critical, discordant and encouraging voice. I look forward to following you on this path to improve my own experience of painting.

[@christineaumiller5961]

Thank you , thank you, thank you.

[@elkepaull-keller9039]

Thank you Oliver, these things needed to be said and I needed to hear them. I mind this in a kind way. Sometimes we need to hear things again, or hear someone saying what we know. I really appreciate your integrity. I look forward to more painting and feel I have the courage now to practice, and yes, enjoy the great outdoors in Australia. Cheers

[@GuatPat]

Thank you for your brave and honest observations. I really appreciate your perspective.

[@nancybrink3701]

Thank you Oliver! This was excellent. It is exactly where I am and what I've been feeling. I am self taught, only been painting for about three years. I have followed numerous tutorials which I have learned a lot from. However, I am standing in front of a closed door it seems. I'm not to keep following, but experiment on my own. Which I do and doing more of. When I go into my studio, it's, "well, shall I look at another tutorial?" and I always feel the answer is no. I am wanting to find my own voice and I feel the way you teach will help me do so. Every step I've taken has been so good, but now I feel I must take the leap. thank you

[@yvonnegeelen6571]

This is exactly what I am looking for you sound like you were talking about me I hope you are going to share them on KZbin to please …..

[@annettewaterbeek7697]

Awesome! As a creative myself with many hours behind the brush…if you are beginning your journey…Oliver ideas…will build authentic artists! Right online with my own ideas on the process.

[@anupamasj]

Thank you so much for this fantastic video. This is what separates you and makes you a wonderful teacher, you tell us what we need to hear, and not what we would like to. Looking forward to your Patreon content.

[@margaretbsmith8270]

Thank you for this program. I have experienced painting from follow-me tutorials and did so successfully, however when I tried a similar painting of my own - it was disappointing to say the least. On the positive side I have learned valuable experience regarding the water content in the paper versus the pigment strengths, which is important, and also a little on brushstrokes. However doing detailed botanicals is very different to the shapes one encounters in landscape. I have to loosen up. That's going to be fun and perseverance and a whole lot of observation.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

You are not on your own Margaret - I hear from so many experiencing this problem. Botanicals is entirely different, but don't think that detail has no place in landscape painting. The key is using it in a way that makes sense of your subject.

[@barbarahoglund7841]

Thank you I do have my own style I love listening to you

[@marykennedy2051]

What I've found useful is watching tutorials on a specific problem I foresee in a painting I want to do. I watch several artists' tips in the medium I plan on using and then I quickly practice incorporating them into my style. Maybe that sounds mad, but I have been very pleased with skills learned even by artists whose styles are nothing like mine.