Why Does Watercolor Seem To Be So Hard - Vlog

[@cherigavin8230]

I am just starting out in watercolor (in my late 50s) having never done art in my life and am really, really enjoying it. I am currently taking my 2nd adult ed watercolor class at the local community college. However, your videos are absolutely invaluable to me! Neither of the teachers I have had so far have really explained the basics. This video is the perfect example. It is very helpful just to have the 5 different levels of dampness explained. Thank you so much for every one of your videos. After I finish the Basics series, I hope to watch all of them.

[@telenaeldridge3737]

OMG! Your PBJ break cracked me up. I enjoy your videos so much because your fun personality comes through.

[@cindymccann3753]

Today I was so down about painting with watercolor. You lifted me back up with this video. Thanks.

[@melissaamyx2196]

Love, love, love this video! And all of these reasons are why I love watercolor so much. I love a medium with a "mind of its own". I equate it with my horses, take that "mind" and develop a partnership that is beautiful!

[@TheSgyro]

Was feeling kinda down after getting a mean discouraging reply after asking someone some advice (basically said i should stop painting) 😄.. This video helped with taking the feelings out and looking at it more realistically.. Thanks Steve

[@mindofwatercolor]

Sorry to hear that. Why on earth would ANYONE tell you to stop painting. Glad I could encourage you. No one can take the brush out of your hand but you. Keep going and remember to have fun!

[@nattyw495]

Art is subjective, what one thinks is not right another person finds intriguing and interesting and gets drawn into the creative peace...

[@magic3tom1]

This is one of the best, if not the best overview and way to understand watercolor painting that I have ever heard!! Thank you Steve!

[@condorreades2148]

Even already knowing everything you said, I need the reminders. So thank you. And thank you for inspiration and the reminders to do studies. Just back from the farmer’s market where I got tomatoes, strawberries, yellow squash, radishes - all for watercolor studies!!!! Yes, I’ll eat them too. But the selection was entirely for watercolor!

[@hoganbumper2]

Is it ok to say:"I love you" for understanding beginners like me so well.. ? Keep on teaching, I'm all ears and practice. Thank you!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Sure, I get it! and thanks, glad to be of help.

[@mariagarcia4721]

There´s very few artists online as generous and honest as you. You´ve described some of the most important difficulties a beginner might face when trying to paint with watercolours. I wonder whether you could make a video showing how to solve them... Thank you, Steve your videos are great!

[@deborahlevy2106]

This is a great video. It is most helpful in giving me understanding of adding layers gradually. It's the understanding of leaving the white areas if they are highlights that I found most helpful.

[@JSheetzArtwork]

I prefer watercolor for the following reasons 1- Low cost of paint 2- Convenience 3- Washable/doesnt stain like other types of paints 4- No need for mediums 5- Easy on brushes 6- No need for paint thinner 7- No need for expensive canvas 8- Portability 9- Abstract painting 10- "glow" effect 11- If you mess up you wont regret throwing the painting away due to low cost of supplies :) 12- Dry time

[@mindofwatercolor]

I completely agree!

[@tipzersol]

I find it’s not low cost at all

[@teejayhobbyartist1974]

The price of water color are almost the same with oil paint and water color paper are so expensive too

[@novafernando9131]

where on earth do you buy your supplies from ? I have to part with a kidney everytime I want to buy a block of arches locally

[@RATTE1606]

Each watercolor painting is unique. :) I like water-soluble wonderful colors more than other artistic media because I find it very exciting and interesting to observe all these watercolor effects and control the chaos. Water-based paints are easy to use even for beginners. I have added cold pink, cyan and lemon yellow to my small limited 12-color watercolor palette from Jaxon and have fun experimenting with these wonderful colors, colorful inks & liquids, watercolor pencils, some water, various brushes and my glass dip pen. this pretty glass thing is really amazingly useful for very fine lines and a bit of color to be placed on point.

[@earlrobinson4489]

All very good advice Steve, get's you thinking again about the understanding of watercolour you need to keep in the back of your mind with every painting.. Thanks Earl, Australia

[@libbyfuntera8497]

Thank you Steve-wonderful sound advice (and great video). Your love of watercolour reminds us -don’t give up!

[@EveDove77]

Steve, I knew I liked you very much before; not only for being a master of watercolor, BUT also that you love PB & Jelly! You are totally cool!! Most of all, this is a great topic for beginners; someone like me. Thanks so much and keep up the great videos. Have a great day and God bless you.

[@andymandyandsheba4571]

i used to be a control freak but i started water color painting now i just go with the flow

[@abbystevens5693]

Andy & amandas art dogs & V logs I agree. I used to be an extreem perfectionist and after finishing my art classes as teen I picked acrylic as I was to of an perfectionist and thought it was to extreem to succeed in Wc...but as adult I picked up the WC again hoping that the need for letting go while painting with watercolor might help me loose up in my day to day stuff. I learned that it worked way past my thoughts about what it might be able to achieve and actually enjoyed the medium way more then as teen...and became may favorite. I now prefer Wc. and am not a perfectionist anymore in art or my daily life.

[@sandylosacco2194]

I took a class 20 years ago& fell in love,I still learn, still do classes,workshops,ect.Thanks for all your videos!

[@kellywilson2147]

Extremely helpful video, Steve! I feel like you've given me the pep talk that I need to finally let go and try something that's free and transparent. You are always a pleasure to watch and learn from!

[@Gtrive]

Steve!

[@joanmcechron8958]

Your lessons are so very thoughtful and informative and positive. Thanks again.

[@hangingoutwithronwalters4505]

Thank you Steve for sharing your years of experience with us who are just starting in watercolors.

[@SharonNolfi]

Great video, Steve. You really summarized the critical points in just 11 minutes. Your description of the 5 wetness levels of paper was especially helpful to me. I finally understand what the "danger zone" is!

[@waynel2162]

Hi, Steve. I think you've nailed it. When I began my watercolor journey a few years back, just about everyone I knew said the same thing: "Why do you want to paint with that? Acrylic/Oil is sooo much EASIER? to paint with!." - and that just about drove me nuts. It only made me more curious about the 'mysterious' medium of watercolor. I've found [ with the aid of some wonderful people - yourself included ] that once you accept that you can only ever have limited control over the medium, and it will teach you what is and is not possible - then it suddenly becomes the most 'alive' medium there is. This 'AHA' moment is when it really happens and sets you free to explore it in full. Great vlog as well, Steve, and a great choice of topic.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Well said Wayne! I think watercolor has more of those AHA! moments than just about any other medium.

[@marilynambler876]

Thanks for making and sharing your videos. I really enjoy your way of teaching and being a kindred spirit. Thanks for just being real. I so enjoy this as well as learning more about watercolor. You’re awesome 👏🏻 😎

[@barbrajoan2554]

Good video Steve. You covered most things that perplex beginners and I might say even reminded some of us old timers. I appreciated it. Thanks

[@sharonweeks3508]

Wow thank you. You just answered all my problems. Now it is really time to do some serious thinking. Onward I go.

[@jacklynrinde8562]

I totally agree with Steve. I never wanted to start painting with watercolors because I was afraid of it at first. But after gaining some courage and frequently experimenting with the medium, (and watching other artists use it), I've learned how its nature works and ways you can best use it. Its become my favorite medium to use in my art now surprisingly :) You just have to experiment and learn from it yourself and don't be afraid of failure. If you do make a mistake, ask yourself why it happened and how to avoid it nextime. You will learn and grow from constantly doing that :)

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yep, good points!

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

I went back to see some of your first videos to see how to solve some problems I was having with the fluidity & consistency of the paint on the paper. Thanks for sharing this wonderful informational video of why watercolor is so hard/challenging. You made hungry so I’m going to go get a PB&J now. 😁

[@mindofwatercolor]

😂

[@dafisheye]

Thank you. I am an adult beginner and appreciate your tips and admire your beautiful and stunning work. I’m using a Hobonichi planner for my paper and learning off the internet😊 Thanks again!

[@lindawilliams747]

I find your videos sweet, encouraging, and informative. And reassuring. Thanks.

[@patriziacathey605]

Steve,I agree with everything you've said and still, knowing all this,I love this medium so much!!!! It reminds me of learning to drive a car...how will I ever be able to remember everything I need to do plus remember how to get where I'm going? It seemed overwhelming and impossible but I finally figured it all out. I'm putting in the practice with watercolor hoping to arrive at my destination soon!!!Thanks for all you give to help us get there! ROLL TIDE!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Good analogy and Roll Tide!

[@lugenedelozier6753]

I am a retired teacher, and I have to say that you are a really great teacher!! Thank you so much!

[@anndelise9493]

I love these kinds of posts. Thank you for helping us (me) learn more.

[@annehughes2527]

I've been painting in acrylics for 5 yrs plus and decided to use watercolors. wow so different and I have to look and do things so differently and I thank you so much for your youtube lessons they have helped me understand so much. Im still struggling a bit but love watercolours lots Thank you

[@sundaysunshine2925]

LOL. Always enjoy your humor as well as the great info

[@fishisnotfishfish2267]

Love how you go about explaining and teaching this, pretty good stuff. If I ever get have way decent with watercolor, I'm blaming you XD thank you for making these videos

[@ajtommie1]

This has a lot of good information that I kind of knew, but I like that you broke it down specifically. I've only been watercoloring for about a year, and don't really know how to plan. I watch KZbin videos, but I guess you guys have already done the hard work of planning. I can see that the practice and playing helps to make the planning easier. Thanks, Steve!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes, definitely practice and experience can often make the "planning" second nature. Mostly its just keeping in mind where your values are going since you can't paint over something to make it lighter. If you darken your values gradually you have the most control.

[@corpowpow]

Omg, I am a new subscriber and I am hella laughing all the time and yet I’m still learning. Teaching at its best!

[@davidblood9882]

Thank you for your immensely helpful videos. Don’t let the “troll” critics discourage you or influence you teaching style.

[@ArchitecturalAesthetics2046]

very informative. I remember how I hated watercolor (and myself) when I first made the transition from guache, but after reading books by watercolorists like Thomas Schaller, and watching videos made by watercolorists (especially your beginner wash series,) it's beginning to grow on me.

[@happygardener9491]

I just love you and your sense of humor!!!

[@NightAndDay247]

Steve, you are a hoot!! You’re one of my favorite KZbinrs!

[@karenowen7854]

Love the way you teach with humor (attention getting). From a changed way of thinking !

[@SparrowErin10]

Great tips! I’m currently working on a commission that is the largest I’ve done yet and I’ve been doing all these things! The biggest thing that has helped me has been doing tests. The only reason it’s coming out as well as it is is that I have a plan. I’ve painted it before so I know where the paint goes, how light to start, and how far to build it up. I’m working carefully and slowly and loving what’s happening.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Bravo! Good for you!

[@OldLady-um9kt]

Great video. Love the way you made this one. I love the magic of watercolor. You inspire and make it even more interesting. You have a long way to your mailbox like I did when I lived in Alabama years ago. I love the variety of trees in Alabama and the South. Sadly I wasn't doing much artwork when I lived there. Yes, my biggest problem with watercoloring is leaving white spaces. My mind still thinks I have to paint the whole surface to be "finished". Thank you Steve for the video. Hugs!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks Connie. I consider myself an Alabamian. I grew up there. Very similar climate and topography here in upstate SC. Going past the point of no return in values is probably THE most common watercolor problem. You're aware of it though and thats the half the battle.

[@batya7]

You have such a nice way of getting across your ideas. Thanks.

[@richvid]

Great advice Steve. Thanks for your inspiring and very humorous videos. I will approach a painting now with much more thought. Protect the whites is now embedded in my mind! So is that sandwich...I'm off for some chow :-)

[@sandybeebe9149]

I agree white is a product of the back ground unlike opaque acrylic with exceptions depending on how they are utilized .So we tend to use the back ground as our light ..It can be frustrating to go from acrylic opaque to watercolor transparent ...

[@PositivelyNice]

Your description of the five stages sounds so much like lipstick! There is the gloss, the shiny lipstick, the semi-shine lipstick, the matte lipstick, and the stain dry lipstick.

[@kimleon-guerrero9980]

Very wise advice Steve especially for those just starting out. One of the reasons I was drawn to watercolor many moons ago was the fact you mentioned of not being able to force it. I used to be a perfectionist, this trait was very disabling as I had a tendency to overwork everything and I would end up frustrated and disappointed. Watercolor has taught me and continues to teach me to GO WITH THE FLOW. Watercolor is a wonderful teacher and I it's humble student. Thanks for the video Steve, my favorite part was the pb&j scene. You my friend are quite a character and always give me a good laugh. 😂 💞💫f

[@mindofwatercolor]

Well said Kim!. WC is a great tool for showing us how to let go in using any medium.

[@tdelphia1]

Another wonderful video Steve, but my brain almost stopped at the beginning with the shots of you walking outside in SHORTS to check the mail - we had our first (and very early for us) snow last weekend, about the time you were strolling around lol.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yeah this was actually recorded in late Sept. I just held off editing and posting because of my InkTober content. Its definitely a bit cooler now but I did wear shorts and shortsleeves well into October. Mild autumn so far even for us in SC.

[@fidgetbones]

50 years ago I did Art at School. Although I passed the exam, I now know that we weren't actually taught how to do it. Apart from some shading in pencil, and how to stretch (cheap) paper on a board so that it didn't crinkle, it was more or less.. there is the paint, there is something to paint, get on with it. I am really enjoying your videos. i have learnt more from you in two weeks, than I did in 5 years at school.

[@Rosemarie04921]

Terrific video. Again,miso helpful to put a name to some of what I see going on when I paint....the good and the bad! Thank you!

[@andysargent5821]

Great video Steve. I will be recommending that some of the beginners at my Art Club watch this.

[@annechumbley7284]

You rock, another brill video, thank you x

[@BirdsOnPowerLines]

Thanks Steve! I'm learning all the time...and strategizing. Watercolor, to me, is a strategy game. Since I'm a newbie, before I try to paint something I'm really focused on, I imagine how to do it - often when I am trying to sleep. LOL. Then I get up early, and give it a go. :-) But I've also tried to do a '5 minutes or less' painting where I force myself to stop playing these games in my head. :-) That's how I learned to do trees and bushes in the background - using only blue and yellow - after watching you do that. And then the trees with the fan brush - watched your video - and gave myself 5 minutes to sketch some out. :-) Thanks!!!! You are such a help!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Great learning ideas. Thanks for the comment!

[@richardkeller3852]

Good advice is always good advice. This must be back to basics day. I just saw a Cheap Joe's video about drawing, drawing, draw everyday. ;) Everyone is on the same page.

[@EggeBogge]

Thank you for this video! I love watercolor even though it makes me crazy and hating myself

[@AlphaGeekgirl]

Practically everything that everyone else has commented here, I say... "Hear, hear!.. me too!" This video came at just the right time for me. You said quite a few things that I need to bash into my brain, so I'm going to put a reminder in my calendar every other month to come back and watch this again ;)

[@MDCampbell]

"Protect the whites" of the paper. For me, the video could end right there, but then you brought up so many other areas. In my youth, I avoided watercolor in favor of gouache. Imagine my surprise when I learned it _is_ gouache! A great discussion topic that, surprisingly, made me hungry. That's never happened with one of your videos, before. lol! Funny how most artists have passion for one medium, but an avoidance for others. As an illustrator, I avoid markers. Not sure why, I just don't like them. I spent years doing technical product mockups/comps using markers, that I can't imagine creating "art" with them. Anyhow, terrific video! I love that you used the word paradigm, love the Panther footballs (sorry, Pats fan, here!), and I especially love the cameos of Crow and Tom Servo. Made my day! Thanks, Steve!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Hahaha! Thanks Mark. Mediums have a way of adopting us don't they? Sort of like Harry Potter's wand choosing him. I do love gouache and hope to eventually do some videos but WC just grabbed me decades ago and never let go. And I'm right there with you on markers. They are an uncomfortable medium for me and since most aren't archival I've left them alone. So...are you saying, "sorry you're a Pats" fan or "you're a sorry Pats fan". Could be taken either way LOL! jk... Glad to know I'm not the only MST3K fan out there. I have fond Sat. memories of me and family watching it right after Bob Ross. 😃

[@MDCampbell]

MST3K has been a constant in my home since it first aired. I love the Joel era, but the Mike era most definitely has some great times! Have you seen the reboot? I'm sorry to say (as a Pats fan who is sorry that everyone else in the league despises them! lol!), I didn't gravitate to the new MST3K. I tried, i really tried. But, it just seemed a bit forced. Maybe I'll revisit. And you are SO right about the Harry Potter analogy! ha! With airbrushing, gouache was my medium of choice (well, ink too), because I just loved the opaque layering ability and that I could paint on top without much compromise. As for markers, I'm going to tackle them one day. One day. :)

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes, agree completely on MST3K. Joel was the best. I also could not get into the reboot. Feeling forced is the perfect description. There are some great marker artists out there. Have you seen Gee Massam's channel? You might enjoy it. He is pretty comfortable with markers and I've turned to his videos for ideas on how to use watercolor markers (though I still hesitate to dive in). kzbin.info

[@MDCampbell]

Thanks Steve. I have seen his videos (he did a robot face that was really great!) and they're pretty fantastic! One of my first jobs was a technical illustrator doing marker comps for electronic gadgets. It was good work, but I never enjoyed the markers. And maybe that's what it is. I just don't enjoy them. Oh, and I'm not sure if I commented on your editing of this current video, but it was terrific, btw! Especially that high angle shot. Nicely done! As for markers, I'll go back into them at some point. Maybe. hehe! ;)

[@kimleon-guerrero9980]

M.D. Campbell I think it must have been the peanut butter and jelly sandwich that sparked your hunger. Lol

[@kellyro77]

I think the things that most people find intimidating about watercolors are the traits that I enjoy the most. I love the unpredictability it can have and it forces me to quite literally "go with he flow". I tend to paint more intuitively, although I usually reference an image or several images for my paintings - but my paintings rarely come out to look like the image I'm referencing... which is fine with me. It's super fun. I suppose if you're really striving toward hyper-realistic paintings, I could see how it could get frustrating - but it can all be learned through lots and lots of practice.

[@mindofwatercolor]

I completely agree!

[@theresewallner9027]

I love your videos Steve! You always give such great advice! And are funny to boot🤣

[@shanameans4919]

Your advice is so useful! I am a beginner watercolorist.

[@FreeSpokenOne]

Purchased a set of scrubber brushes by Creative Mark and can see it will take a delicate touch not to damage paper with them, might come in handy sometime. I've watched a man rinse his entire painting as a solution to not liking the outcome of his work and to my amazement, the final work turned out fine, but it probably depends on the work being done. That PB&J sandwich brought back memories of bringing them to our school cultural food exchange where they went over great! They are as American as apple pie but I cannot find Kern's strawberry jam anymore and in our house, it was Kern's and Skippy or nothing! Kudos to another Mystery Science Theater fan... knew you were a great guy, but a classic sci-fi fan too? Mind blown! Have quite a nice collection of those old movies and love them.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks! Here's to great traditions like PB&J and cheesy sci-fi movies!

[@sandrajones3455]

Lol....I'm so glad I found you, I'm learning so much. Thank you.

[@gillyslikejillysart7458]

Very helpful Steve! Especially the stages of wc!

[@lindamclean8809]

Thanks so much for such great advice.

[@pstutor1]

great video. So much solid info. Thanks again!!

[@nanwool]

Thanks for this great informative video. Enjoy your sense of humor in them too!

[@iartistdotme]

Waiting till it dries is super hard to do.I see others drop a little color into a wet area that lets it blend and move and is so beautiful - I don't have a clue when this stage is since all I get is yuk. Will try practicing on better paper, will try not using so much water, will keep practicing. Just you talking about all this helps keep me going as if one day it will look fresh and beautiful. Ever an optimist, I'll keep watching and practicing.

[@DebbieGermany]

Hi! Great question that we have all had to work out! He addresses the different wetness stages starting right before 9:00, but he doesn’t exactly answer your specific question. The phase you are looking for is one of the “ sheen” phases, which means that you don’t see actual puddles of water on the surface of the paper, but you do see different amount of shininess as it dries. Drop in your second color during this sheen, and before it gets so dry that you cannot really see any shine on the paper, but you can tell that it is still damp. As Steve said, you will have to try several times to get it right. Experimentation is the name of the game. Another tip is that, if you try repeatedly, and still do not get the beautiful mingling of colors, it could be due to the colors you are trying to mingle. Try mingling colors that lean toward each other on the color wheel (like a red that has some blue in it with a blue that has some red in it). Also, some more affordable paints do not mingle well, but do not give up on your first paint set until you have really tried to make it work! Some papers also don’t take well to mingling, so if all this does not work, try a different paper. Sometimes you can get sample packs of paper from online sources to find what works for you! Just do not give yo. Keep experimenting and trying, and remember to have fun in the process. Best wishes to you.

[@DebbieGermany]

Basic Watercolor techniques 3 - Wet in wet washes, on this channel addresses you question. You can actually see how wet his paper is when he drops the second color in. Good luck!

[@iartistdotme]

Thank you so much for your detailed reply. I will certainly keep trying since I really want to learn how to make beautifully colored sky. It helps to know others have this knowledge and can share it so it keeps me going that one day I will, also. I've had had cataracts removed from my left eye yesterday and already see that I was seeing double before and colors are now more clean and lighter. My right eye gets done next week and then maybe I will be able to do much better when practicing. I didn't realize how much I wasn't seeing which does help when painting LOL. Thank you again for your help.

[@angelicamartacahyaningtyas9083]

In high school, I prefer oil than watercolor because of those difficulties. Oil paint just sit as you wish. It's so easy to cover a mistake in oil painting. But then, I adore the transparency of watercolor, and I hate those dirty oily things that is difficult to clean, so I learn watercolor again.

[@YelidaHierroArt]

I'm still at the control freak stage since I'm coming from a background of detailed graphite drawings so It's hard to just let the paint go where it wants but it's the reason I decided to switch to watercolors because I want to learn to do just that and be more free lol

[@watercolour..artist]

I, too, am a control freak, and find it very hard to let go, manage the colours' flow, when and while the paper is wet. It's v.difficult to understand the play of colors in various stages of wet, puddle, damp, etc.

[@YelidaHierroArt]

I've been practicing and getting better, it's hard to explain but the more you practice, those things start becoming instinct :P so keep it up!!

[@watercolour..artist]

Absolutely true, need to practice more, till it becomes an instinct....Thank you for your guidance...All the Best on your watercolor journey...

[@christinetempleton7657]

Yelida Hierro Control freaks should be great at w/C. There are lots of rules to learn...control freaks should like rules. You have to learn to be free within the rules.

[@Juhani139]

Same here! :D And it is helping. When I draw in other mediums now, I experiment more (because in the back of my mind i remember what watercolour does) and my drawing is looser.

[@naomiobrien9594]

Super informative...i knew that hot press was smooth and cold press was textured but i didnt know the reasons for wanting to use each... Thank you...i enjoy your videos a lot :)

[@KEMGRenwick]

Haha... you are the most entertaining painting video creator I watch. Makes learning more fun for sure. PS I'm referring to the PB&J portion of this video, of course!!

[@mindofwatercolor]

😄

[@PamelaGoodman-56]

Great information, and LOVE your Mystery Science Theater 3K shirt!

[@mindofwatercolor]

😄

[@YumiTab]

Hi Steve, very nice video :D ! One thing that really helped me regarding fluidity is understanding that water always moves from the wetter area to the drier one. So with matte damp paper, you often get backruns cause your brush is wetter than the paper, so the water flows away from the brush into the paper, and pushes the pigments doing so. Understanding that helped a lot cause then you can adjust the "wetness" of your brush and all is good :D.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes, very true. I've mentioned the wet to dry flow in a couple other videos but it bears repeating. The biggest problem beginners have with matte damp paper is that they forget its wet at all and therein lies the danger! The unexpected result is that a wash pushes back pigment instead of flowing over or into it (creating a back run). Most beginners end up being completely surprised by blooms and back runs. Painting on matte damp paper can create an absolute mess for several reasons. Best just to avoid painting on it entirely unless you know exactly what you're doing.

[@DrawingWithFire]

Great video Steve! 😁 I love it. I have to mention when you having your pb & j it was like we entered a time machine & saw little Steve enjoying his snack. 😆 It was awesome! I am definitely working to learn what works best with my relationship with watercolors. All of these were great points. The watercolors do have a mind of their own... I'm just trying to learn how to be a mind reader. 😉 I hope you are doing well my friend. Take care! 🤗

[@mindofwatercolor]

Hah! Little Steve. Well sometimes I remember that little guy. I think I was more partial to grilled cheese in those days. 😄 Thanks Val! You're gonna do great with watercolor. Glad the video was helpful!

[@elsa_draws_stuff]

I approve of your Mystery Science Theater 3000 T-shirt.

[@hobibibihoseobi5933]

This is fun! I enjoyed the pep talk a lot.

[@philiplockwood255]

Ha ha ha,.. You are so humorous Steve, it's always a Joy to watch you. Your explanations are exemplary, concise and packed full of experience. What just sprung to mind was you picking your teeth after taking a bite from your sandwich,.. ha ha ha. It's always Great to see a fun personality shine through,.. Well Done You!!! : ). Many blessings to you, True Blue.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks! 😁

[@selmaglunn950]

Philip Lockwoo

[@Sunandshine1234]

Excellent lesson , thank you !

[@Aquarellina]

I actually thought about making a video similar to this and I think you said most of the things I was thinking about too. It really all comes down to planning, and being a good painter inside your head. Anytime I overwork an illustration, try to correct or do too many layers, lift paint ...it starts to look less like watercolour and more like mixed media. And I always considered using white pen or gouache on top cheating, because you're supposed to use the white of the paper and plan. But watercolour is very hard even when you plan very well, because it can sometimes dry sooner than you think - I find it gives you more work time for blends and gradients if you work in a colder room.

[@mindofwatercolor]

I know the feeling. I always try too hard to rescue some thing thats gone bad. But if it comes out not too bad, its ok if it looks like mixed media. Still a great learning experience.

[@bertabl]

Thanks ! You have pointed out clearly most of the areas where I have troubles and how to avoid them. Backruns are a big problem of mine, I guess I am too impatient to wait for it to dry. It would be awesome if you could actually demonstrate the five stages of wetness, but I guess I should just go a try on my own.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yeah it translates better if you just experiment with them. Not to clear on video I've found.

[@cory.doras69]

Love your channel and your MST3K shirt!!!!

[@andrewsherratt9041]

Great advice ! Loving the MST3 shirt .😊

[@LilCraftyNook]

This was priceless!! I love your home and land area-perfect for an artist! Note to self-don’t try to eat PB&J while doing a vlog! 😄 You said it “We paint with watercolor the way it LETS us” OMG!!?? A million thank you’s! 🙌🏻

[@Via_Von]

Terrific video - thanks Steve!

[@lduplago]

Very helpful advice to a beginner like myself...Thank you.

[@richardlumpkin4607]

It’s that darn light to dark thing that gets me every time and the planning. With acrylics I just paint. With watercolor it is a thinking process. I must plan, I must think and that’s a part of the creative process. Think about your art and then let it be spontaneous. Challenging!

[@mindofwatercolor]

It comes in time and planning becomes second nature with barely a thought. You plan with acrylic too but you're just familiar with it and it doesn't feel like planning. Watercolor is more like drawing with graphite pencil than painting. Pencil doesn't usually feel all that difficult. Start thinking like you do when pencil drawing. You add and deepen value and leave the whites and light values. The only difference is that acrylics, oils and gouache are more forgiving because you can cover it up

[@richardlumpkin4607]

The Mind of Watercolor The second half of my comment was more affirmation than complaint. I need to think more by putting into practice more so that I can allow the process to become more creative for me. Great analogy with the graphite. I never thought of it that way. Thanks Steve!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Sure, I understand. We have to state to ourselves the troubles in order to defeat them. If we didn't think the medium worth while we wouldn't bother. Thank you Richard.

[@gee355Art]

Great video 😀 I did lol when you were eating your sandwich... I think leaving highlights white is probably the skill I’m still learning the most but it’s so much fun! Watercolour is a great medium and there is so much you can do with it... you have to be a little fearless... still learning... 😄

[@mindofwatercolor]

A little fearless is so right my friend. Its a great mindset to consider that we're still learning. I sometimes think that the more I learn the more I still need to learn. Thanks for stopping by Gee!

[@JennyLynne77]

Your videos always make my day! 🖌❤

[@nancydb8213]

Yes, helpful, especially explaining the stages of wetness. I think this is where I crash.

[@debaccetta3982]

Thank you so much...this was so helpful! Have you written an instructional book? If you haven’t you should...if you have I need the title to buy it!! Thanks again for the info. 😊 Debra

[@mindofwatercolor]

I have not but thanks for your interest!

[@Symbolicliving]

Thank you for the great insights! I love watching your videos.

[@BacalaoBrad]

Great video , thanks for posting

[@CarolBittencourt]

The place you live is beautiful and so inspiring. You are a lucky man. This video is very good, I almost feel like I was a student in your class. :)

[@JodiSones]

I maybe have a different head set when I do watercolors. Years ago I used to sew clothing professionally. Most people didn't like putting zippers in garments because they thought they were too difficult. I decided early on that I wasn't going to let zippers get to me and have never had any problem putting them in. I apply that same mind set to watercolor. I decided early on that I wasn't going to let it get to me and wasn't going to "fight" what it does, and it has never been much of a challenge for me to master.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thats the way it goes sometimes. Its actually my story too except that 40 years ago I watched a demo by my first ever watercolor teacher and the whole process just clicked. I hadn't done too much oil painting at the time so that may have been a plus.

[@CarolinaForbesatonehookatatime]

Brilliant teaching and soooo entertaining : )

[@LauraRossflyswatter]

I was an art major and used to use oil and acrylic. Definitely more forgiving.

[@MEStephKJV]

Thank you for this. I was talking to a friend recently about the idea that watercolor is "so hard." I need to share this with her. Because I've never painted with oils, and very little with acrylics, I don't feel the pressure as much I guess. Plus one of the things I particularly like about watercolor is that I have to let go and not control it excessively. :-) I don't do well with things where I think I have to work with absolute control. It's too exhausting. Of course, I haven't made a big mistake on a very important painting yet, so I may feel differently when that happens. :-)

[@MEStephKJV]

P.S. I enjoy your humor. :-) My husband and I still both like PBJ once in awhile.