Large Plein Air Watercolour of the West Coast of Beautiful, Sunny Scotland

This is my first KZbin video with me painting a large watercolour in probably the best day of the year.
This is Achmelvich Beach in the Assynt peninsular, Sutherland.
If you have enjoyed my channel and would like to support it, 'buy me a coffee' is the perfect way to do so! All money donated goes back into making new videos and adventures in our van. Many thanks.
www.buymeacoff...
Prints of all my paintings done on my channel are available from my website
Contact me if you're interested in buying an original
www.jamespotte...
/ jamespotterpaintings
www.buymeacoff...

[@JPinBrooklyn]

Love the looseness of your technique, very inspiring!

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Thanks very much I’m glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully you can give it a go! Best wishes, James

[@baileythompson7040]

Gorgeous painting and effective instruction and filming too. Thank you for the demonstration.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

My pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@susancook1617]

Lovely location and a great painting, thank you James 😊

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Susan It’s still one of my favourite places in Scotland, it’s quite north and isolated but well worth a trip. Best wishes, James

[@mell5111]

I really like that you show the actual reference from time to time. Many artists forget to show you what theyre looking at

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Thanks for that. Glad you enjoyed it

[@purpleplump6650]

A wonderful place to stop and paint. A beautiful vibrant painting!

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

It was a very memorable painting, beautiful place and weather. All changed now with the arrival of autumn. Thanks James

[@mrjudders1]

````Undeterred by a big sheet of white paper, a vast landscape and a camera, you just confidently picked a large wash brush and showed how to paint in watercolour, Bravo James! I look forward to seeing more of your dashing plein air painting demos on You Tube

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

I really appreciate your inspirational comment. I hope you continue to enjoy my travels. Many thanks James

[@markdonovan1540]

Hi James, I'm a relative newbie hobhyist watercolour painter here, I'm looking forward to watching you paint watercolour paintings of landscapes in particular, although I like paintings of historic buildings, towns and villages too. It's helpful to understand your approach and process to creating the painting. I've never painted on paper that big before, A3 is the largest paper I've ever used. Your explanation of brish choices was particularly useful to learn. I have subscribed to quite a lot of watercolour channels on KZbin over the last 4 years and now yours too! I can immediately see that you will have success with this format. You share many insights in just this one video, which is very much appreciated. Your easy going manner of explaining how and why you make various decisions about the painting process is what I find so helpful and it's so inspiring to see this wonderful painting evolve at a steady and calm pace. Wishing you all the best on your KZbin art creator journey.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Thank you very much for your kind words. It’s a great encouragement for me. I hope my videos will inspire you to do a large painting. I’m posting a palette review next. I hope that will give you more insight.

[@rachelturgeon114]

Beautiful, love your channel. Thank you.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Rachel, Thank you for your lovely comment. Very kind of you to say. Best wishes, James

[@awatercolourist]

I love your brush strokes and the manner in which you paint 😊. Thank you for sharing this!

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Thanks for your comment. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@ladym6738]

Pencil at end, perfect finish. And yes to the boat. Thanks for vid.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

I’m glad you agree with my wife! She was right!!!

[@ladym6738]

Yelp, agree - its a wife-thing. haha@@JamesPotterAboutArt

[@eugenerim]

Hi James! It seems that the spirit of impressionism still lives, and the coast of Scotland is his homeland. Thank you! 👋🙏✍🥀🌿🌄🌅🌞🌈🖌🖌✏

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

I really appreciate that comment. You’re right Scotland is the perfect place!! Thanks James

[@veronicagreen6180]

Thank you, beautiful painting,amazing landscape.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Many thanks. Lots more to come!

[@kathyschick5023]

Well done video. Can’t believe it’s your first!

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Kathy, Tanya and I both enjoyed making this video so much, that we kept on going. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks James

[@VEHarris100]

Really enjoyed watching!

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Thanks for watching. Lots more to come. I hope you enjoy them

[@antheablackmore5838]

Look forward to following your outdoor adventures! Thank you

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Lots more adventures to come, hope you enjoy them 😊

[@Marleensingt]

That is so beautifull! Especially When you look at the picture Form further away you recognize in which awesome way you Made the Rocks and the green parts Look so realistic! I am learning how to paint water color landscapes at the Moment and im looking forward to more videos From you!

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Thank you for your kind words. When you start watercolour it does take a while to understand it. Just hang in there and it will get better!!! Best wishes James

[@needle.thread.watercolor-jloh]

Thank you for the demonstration. Very lovely surroundings. Yes, composition is difficult for me also. Will subscribe to watch more of your work be created.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Glad you enjoyed the scenery, composition is a problem but Scotland makes that easier 😊

[@mariabennett463]

Excellent. Look forward to more videos. So talented

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Maria Thank you so much for your comment. Lots more videos to come. James

[@davidgow986]

Fabulous paintings and the filming is fantastic

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Really pleased you enjoyed it! Tanya is very good at her first filming.

[@itssoxdelicious]

This is one of the most beautiful Plein Air paintings I've ever seen! What colors did you use here please?

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi. Glad you glad you like the painting, it was a fun trip. I use a very limited pallet so probably about 14 colours, they’re all listed in my Palette review a few videos after this one. Thanks for your comment James

[@itssoxdelicious]

I will definitely watch that. Thank you for your reply, James.@@JamesPotterAboutArt

[@shonawoods17]

Stunning - looking forward to following your channel.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Thanks. Lots more to come, hopefully you’ll enjoy them as much as this one.😊

[@jennytellier631]

Love this! Can’t wait for more, really appreciate your loose and playful style. Sub :)

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Glad you loved it. It is great fun. Lots more to come. Thanks James

[@trishbrown3285]

I'm curious to see how you store and protect your paintings in your RV while you travel, especially these larger sizes. Well done, enjoyed watching this.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Trish. Glad you enjoyed the video! I have a top bunk space in my campervan where it lies flat in a portfolio case, so nice and safe. 😅 Just about to upload my next video. I hope you enjoy it. Thanks James

[@paulperry8614]

Love your van James almost as much as your painting. Have you had it a long time? I am thinking of getting one it looks like great fun.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Paul We bought it in January. We’re really pleased with it. We had a motorhome before this. The best thing about it is that it’s a high top, so can always easily stand. Thanks

[@paulperry8614]

@@JamesPotterAboutArt thanks James my thoughts as well. I have had motor homes in the past and now have a caravan but love the ability to take off at a moments notice with a van. I eagerly await more of you videos your beautiful paintings of wonderful landscapes.

[@markisee]

Like your style James - what weight of paper are you using looks a good weight ... and does the cardboard edging hold down the paper ok without wrinkling too much - your system seems great?

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Mark glad you like it. I’m use 140lb paper. The hardboard top goes over the paper and is held on by clips. It can wrinkle a little bit but not enough to concern me at all. I have my set up review coming up later this week, which I hope will help. Thanks James

[@thomasardito5489]

Love your painting and your video! You have inspired me to go bigger with my plein air watercolor. I have subscribed to your channel and will look forward to your videos! FYI the audio was quite faint at times. Thank you!

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Thomas Very happy to hear that you enjoyed the video and happy that you’re going to try a bigger painting. We had a technical problem with the sound as the receiver came loose, so my voice was only recorded through the camera, you live and learn 😊 Lots more videos to come. Thanks, James

[@debbieabruzzini7004]

Scotland is beautiful! It's interesting to learn why water is turquous! What color(s) did you use to paint your sand? Will look forward to more videos.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Debbie, Scotland really is great, always lots to paint! I use raw sienna and yellow ochre with a little ultramarine blue to cool it down a bit. There’s lots of turquoise seas here, it’s almost like the Caribbean apart from the sun and heat! 😊 Thanks James

[@sadiaawanartist]

,,Your composition is very good. And you selected this very nice landscape. Hope you will upload more work like this.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Thanks Sadia. Lots more to come. Hope you keep watching!

[@sianbinnie4896]

Hi James from sunny Australia. I have just gathered my plein air materials and hope to start some outdoor painting as the weather improves during spring here. Loved watching your process, you explain the steps so well. Looking forward to seeing more from your channel. Have a blessed day.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

⁠​⁠@@sianbinnie4896 Hi , good to hear from you. Very happy to hear that you’re about to go and paint outdoors. The most difficult part is getting out the house. Good luck

[@AdamSingle]

Thank you for this video, I haven't watched it all yet, but I'd love to know more about that easel set up. Specifically the board and frame you have there. Does it hold the paper flat enough? I notice you didn't tape the edges, just a few clips. Has the paper been stretched at all?

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Adam. I find that this set up holds the paper very firmly. The paper does cockle up a bit but goes flat when dry. I never stretch the paper. I’ve just filmed a complete review of my setup which will appear on KZbin in a couple of weeks. I hope you enjoy that and get some ideas. Thanks James

[@AdamSingle]

@@JamesPotterAboutArt wonderful. Thank you for the reply. I look forward to the equipment video. And thank you for this one also, it was very enjoyable and informative

[@miafarone68]

Hello James and Tania. Thanks for your lovely video with a great view! Can you please tell me how you made your portable easel? It's really different from others I've seen. I'd also love to see a list of your materials. Thanks! Mia

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Thanks Mia for noticing my easel and materials. I will be doing a video about it all in the future 😊

[@miafarone68]

Can't wait to see it! 😊

[@awatercolourist]

22:28 Why did you add pencil marks after painting?

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi. I find that adding a few pencil marks helps describe an object better. It also marks the end of the painting for me and makes me stop adding more paint.

[@awatercolourist]

@@JamesPotterAboutArt Never heard that one before 😂. But it’s a nice new idea, I might try it one day. Thanks you for your videos, I enjoy watching them 😊.

[@roberthoward3723]

Just come across you will be pleased to see the end result

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Robert. I’ll be posting the picture on my Instagram soon. I’ll give a picture of the finished painting on all future videos. Thanks James

[@eaupoetique]

I’m so glad KZbin recommended this today! What a beautiful visit to Scotland you’ve shared with us! The painting and commentary were really wonderful to see & listen to, & I have to give praise to the wonderful woman behind the camera! It’s no easy feat to keep the camera still, & to give such a bounty of views so that we feel like we’re experiencing the scene with you! You captured everything so beautifully, it was such a treat! Thankyou for a little slice of heaven!

[@eaupoetique]

Also, that palette looks amazing! Can you let us know what brand it is, Thankyou

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

So pleased that you enjoyed our first video and thanks for your kind comments, which were really wonderful to read especially for our very early days of KZbin. 😊

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

@@eaupoetique I’m glad you noticed the palette, you’re quite right it is amazing! It’s a handmade pallet by the little brass box company. I will do a video on it in the near future. 😊

[@eaupoetique]

I thought it might be a brass palette! It looks Amazing!

[@jadar6141]

i hope you will see my reply to the person who 'suggested' some changes..as i don't agree with the suggestions.

[@mayporter5299]

Wonderful watercolor, James! Can't wait to see more of your travels and painting on the road!

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Thanks for your kind words. Lots more adventures to come.

[@alicepottter]

Impressive!

[@Galbereth]

That is just how I'd love to paint. I cannot. But I shall try to learn from you how to loosen up and paint like this. Thank you , James it was so relaxing and fun to watch you paint your impression of this absolutely beautiful Scottish landscape. Love, Mel in Devon 🍰 🌻

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Galbereth, Scotland is a wonderful place to paint. I’m glad you’re interested in loosening up your Watercolour painting. Losing some of the detail means that you can paint a scene outdoors in one session and still have a nice painting at the end. Lots more videos to come and I hope you enjoy them. Best wishes, James

[@wendycombs2949]

Marvelous painting and technique …without your sunglasses. Thank you for inviting us to watch.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Wendy, Glad you enjoyed the technique I use. It’s a very attacking method, which I find a lot of fun. Best wishes, James

[@KaironLamey2014]

For some reason I thought you were gonna wingardiun Leviosa me

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Kairon, I’ll leave that to my son, Harry!

[@sbialka3591]

This has been so interesting. You give me hope that I can get beyond the “ugly” phase of my paintings.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi, Glad you found the video interesting. It was a wonderful day. One of the most important things in Watercolour is hope. It will get better. Best wishes, James

[@zoeymontoya5379]

Lovely! I enjoy the video very much and I look forward to watching more. Any tips for a brand new plein air painter?

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Zoe, Glad you enjoyed the video and that you’re inspired to start Watercolour painting, it’s an amazing thing to do! The biggest tip I can give you is to keep it simple. Watercolour paint doesn’t like to be pushed around too much, so simple washes are the first thing to learn to do Hope this helps Best wishes, James

[@traceygodwin2081]

I really enjoyed watching this video and I was wondering if you would be painting on any of the many islands scotland is known for and also would you be painting in any of the Scottish towns

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Tracey I’m happy you enjoyed the video. Yes, I will be travelling to the islands and doing some townscapes. Do you have any places in mind! Thanks James

[@giespel68]

Wait.. what? Sunshine in Scotland?! Love your work, by the way 👍

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Can you believe it! Autumn now. Thanks for your comment

[@cesaraugustoalarcon7129]

Mas videos saludos aca en 🇨🇴👍

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Glad you enjoyed my first one, lots more videos to come 😊

[@picturepainter]

I use a bit of white paint here and there in my own watercolours. I don't really understand why some people think it's "wrong" to do this. If white is made in the factory and sold in the art shops, it might as well be used. I've also heard of watercolourists who frown on the use of masking fluid.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

I agree with you. White is very useful. If John Singer Sargent uses it, so can I. Thanks for your comment

[@stellaball7289]

Great first video. Love your impressionist style. Shame we lost some sound in parts. I'll look forward to the next kne.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Great that you enjoyed it. We did have a little sound problem at the end of the video. I hope you enjoy the future videos. Thanks James

[@essietangle9931]

Thank you for the video. Looks like you are enjoying one of my favorite Raphael brushes, toward the end.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Glad you enjoyed the video and like you I do enjoy using the Raphael brush. The largest I have is a no.14, I would love a no.16 but they are they expensive. Maybe one day… 😊

[@watercolourmark]

Nice to see a new watercolour channel. And a refreshing change of style. The usual is pen and watercolour urban sketch or the modern wash layer, connected mids then darks. But you are very painterly, you work that watercolour like gouache, i like it. I get the feeling you have worked a lot in oils from your style? I think your easel setup deserves a video. And I'd like you know about you and your background. And your paints need a mention. But more painting please. I know you will find your feet, but a little feedback on your videography, It is a little bit too dynamic for my taste and becomes disjointed. I think many seek a mediative video when watching painting. It is why timelapse with music works. But you don't need that. Maybe think about a 3 static camera setup, one on painting, one on scene amd one on you. Then you can just paint with a simple edit. But as you have an excellent camera person you could probably have two cameras. One on painting, and one on you that occasionally switches to scene. I think that would be more relaxing to watch, shoot and paint with less distraction. Just a minor point, and trying to be helpful. But this is excellent for a 1st video on your new channel. Be proud of this content. You got a sub off me, looking forward to more.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Many thanks for your very generous comments which I read with great interest. You’re right. I am an oil painter as well and you’re very observant to notice that my oil techniques go into my watercolour techniques; so well done for that! Tanya and I will be appreciative of your videography tips, and we will certainly take some of your suggestions forward into our future videos 😊

[@jadar6141]

i don't think you should take all those 'suggestions' as some of us prefer hearing you talk or just the sounds of the locations..and no music. Also, the 'dynamic' videography was just fine with me.

[@paulperry8614]

Nice style of presentation Tanya’s filming excellent, “ if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”.

[@heydougphotography6112]

Looks great and what a beautiful place to paint. Would like to have seen the finished piece full screen.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Scotland is beautiful, especially when the sun shines 😊 I’m still out on a painting trip at the moment, but when I get home, I will photograph all the paintings and add a still at the end of each video

[@THEMAYQUEEN1]

Wow sooo lovely. I have dreamed of doing the same thing. Travelling with a campervan and painting everywhere. I look forward to your seeing your adventures 😁

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Thanks😊 Glad you’re enjoying the channel, there is a lot of adventure going out painting plein air. Hopefully your campervan dream will come true soon!

[@THEMAYQUEEN1]

@@JamesPotterAboutArt thank you 😁 now the weather here in Australia is getting better I will venture out for sure. Yes love your channel 👍

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

We’re the opposite, the weather is only going to get worse. I’m looking forward to painting in a blizzard 😮. Enjoy your painting summer!!!

[@THEMAYQUEEN1]

@@JamesPotterAboutArt I will for sure 👍

[@paulinemccabe6664]

Lovely work beautiful landscape.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Glad you enjoyed it !!

[@suzannemarshall7458]

Love your vivid colorful style. Loved the tour of the site you chose.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Suzanne, glad you liked it. Scotlands a beautiful place. Thanks James

[@clairebradbury11]

Great place and wonderful pic. Thank you!

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Claire. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks James

[@Oscaro9928]

Really beautiful!! A few questions, what was the size of the paper? Was it a cold press? And the colors in your palette…thanks and looking forward to more videos.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi. Yes, the paper is cold pressed, (NOT paper). It’s full imperial size. I’m just about to post a new video all about my palette and the colours I use. Thanks

[@Oscaro9928]

@@JamesPotterAboutArt I had to look up imperial size... for anyone else wondering it's 22" x 30".

[@stephenlaw9565]

Well done, I look forward to your next video.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

The next video is all about my palette. I hope you enjoy!!

[@awatercolourist]

James Potter? Didn’t He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named kill you?

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

He did try it on. However you just can’t put a Potter down!

[@awatercolourist]

@@JamesPotterAboutArt Good one! I like it 😂😂.

[@lindazupancic3422]

I've just found you, last week, starting with your portraits. I love how you teach, easy to follow and watching how the portraits come alive, one layer at a time. How they get come alive. Love your painting style, I've learned so much. love Scotland so much, visited the Highlands in 2016. Much appreciation from BC Canada. Keep on videoing, kudos to your wife's camera skills. 👍🏻

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Linda, Glad you’ve found me and that you’re enjoying my videos. Scotland is a beautiful place and now weather is getting better. We hope to get out into the Highlands. Hopefully you can remember some of the places we’re going to visit! Tanya says, thanks for the appreciation of her videography. Best wishes, James

[@lindazupancic3422]

My heart skipped a beat when you did your equipment setup in front of Eilean Donan castle. We were there in late April, I had set my historical fiction story at this castle, so I was imaging my characters as we toured through it. Another fun point for us, we were doing some Geo-cashe hunting in Scotland, and up the hill behind the castle in the pasture, we found a Geo-cache, and a had a spectacular view of the castle. You could paint up there 😉. April was a weather cool month to visit, but it was the time we had. We enjoyed the daffodils everywhere. Let us know if you are ever heading to Vancouver, we are only 2 hours away, in the mountains.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Linda, It’s always nice, seeing your place that you like so much! It is such a beautiful place, we spent the night on a road looking down on the castle, which was amazing. I’m sure there was a lot of inspiration for your writing on your trip! If we ever come your way, will certainly let you know! Thanks for watching. Best wishes, James

[@lindazupancic3422]

@@JamesPotterAboutArtI didn't write in Scotland, we just explored the places I had already written about. Took many photos and enjoyed everything, even tried Haggis 😊

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Nothing like a proper haggis!!