Various Ways to Create Wet in Wet Watercolor Washes

Wet in wet washes are one of the signature looks of the watercolor medium and they can be created in a number of ways for various interesting effects. We'll look at several of them in this video.
***Affiliate Links***
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for Looking)
My Amazon Store of Favorite Products:
www.amazon.com/shop/mindofwatercolor
Arches 140lb Cold Press Paper - amzn.to/2vNSnmU
Mission Gold Watercolors - amzn.to/2OB4FpG
Silver Brush Black Velvet 1" Flat - amzn.to/2w8GGa4
Silver Brush Black Velvet #10 Round - amzn.to/2MwdJPn
Trigger Spray Bottle (similar)- amzn.to/2OCZ2HE
Pump Spray Bottle (similar) - amzn.to/2wbPN9F
Eye Dropper Bottle (similar) - amzn.to/2PejKi4
Paint Syringe - amzn.to/2BsVG8H
Small Dropper Bottle - amzn.to/2nHVcSj
Mini Mister - amzn.to/2nKmYgY
Sponsored by Viewers Like YOU!
I don't actively solicit merchandise or brand sponsorships like many KZbinrs do. I instead made a decision to ask if some of my viewers would become my sponsors. If you would like to be a Minder Patron, I would be honored. You would be taking a tangible role in making this content possible. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. patreon.com/mindofwatercolor
___
Popular Uploads
kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4K4m3WBaa-ffsU
Watercolor Basics
kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooq7ZKSslriXbJY
Product Reviews
kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnrMlqmAqLR_qZo
Paint With Me
kzbin.info/www/bejne/npm8YYGil7lpj5o
Other Playlists
kzbin.infoplaylists
Subscribe:
kzbin.info_widget?p=mindofwatercolor
Show Theme Music
www.pond5.com/stock-music/21713110/fun-corporate-ukelele-logo-1.html?ref=smitchelldesign

[@gorway7]

This is something you really have to play around with and experiment. The biggest thing I struggle to get my head around is trying to remember how the different pigments react with one another (I have the memory of a gnat) so I keep a swatch book of my experiments and jot "notes to self" by them. It amazes me how you can get pairs of colour that behave so differently from others, like one colour infusing into and dominating the other, just blending to make another colour or the real weird, when one colour appears to push back the other colour. Dropping burnt sienna into ultramarine always amazes me, you get this halo where the blue just appears to vanish due to the transparent neutral it creates, you gotta love it.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Great comment, thanks Peter!

[@bitemefox9102]

The more I watch this channel the more I realize this medium is WAY more complicated that I ever dreamed!!!

[@mindofwatercolor]

And yet, at the same time it can be so simple. Not every technique or look has to be used every time. Some watercolorists for example rarely use wet in wet techniques. Or some use only that and only one type. Your path can be a simple one.

[@Kyomiibrown]

Bitemefox Watercolour offers such a great platform for fun-filled learning quite unlike any other medium IMHO. Once we embrace the diversity of watercolour, only then can we realise that we have the control to create a complicated piece as simple as we want it to be and visa versa.

[@Sunny-pr1qw]

yeah, I used to think I was pretty good, not great, but wow it takes a lot to get good!

[@theodorebraxton4509]

dont know if anyone gives a damn but in less than 15 minutes I hacked my friends Instagram account using InstaPlekt. Find it on google if you wanna try it

[@LearnerChess]

This set of video instruction is a real blessing. Thanks.

[@SandyWong-wf5ln]

This is the most useful demo I've have seen on wet in wet, thanks

[@rockingguitar2050]

Steve , Thanks for your demos! I am an acrylic artist an just begging to learn water colors , it is a different world, I'm back in kindergarten at 67yr! I just found your site and I have a lot to watch & Learn, thanks again Rich

[@jolovesnailart]

Thank you for demonstrating these wet on wet techniques 🙏 I am just starting to learn to paint with watercolor and I am really struggling with this. This helps very much 🙏

[@meggraham7564]

A really fun exercise to do. I have a Japanese brand Kuretake and it is resin, honey-based. With a bit more research have discovered it doesn't behave quite like western w/c. This exercise is teaching me a lot about the type of w/c I have got. Having fun doing galaxies.

[@Cati.Colours]

I can't thank you enough for everything I've learned with your videos, you're the best!

[@jilliancrawford7577]

I actually appreciate you not using clean water in these demonstrations because it's just muddy enough to see in the video but light enough for your to get a good enough result for these examples and convey the information appropriately.

[@maryriley6163]

Fascinating! I never realized all these effects. After years of tight colored pencil drawing, this is the breath of fresh air I need. Thank you.

[@happymv5350]

Hi Steve - The wet/wet applications is what makes watercolor so magical for me. I so enjoy allowing the paint to react to various water applications and creating a piece from that point. Thank you for this great lesson....

[@galedar1537]

Steve, I learn so much from your videos. You have a wonderful sense of humor and great teaching style. Thank you so much for sharing your gift with us!

[@Donna_G]

Wet in wet is my favorite technique. I've used nearly all of the applications you demonstrated on my art journey.

[@otodidact6134]

The washes techniques were very informative, I especially liked that salt look around 8min and I favored that last one near the end of the video. Learned a bunch, thank you!

[@lindasmith8625]

Another very informative video. Steve, you never fail to teach worthwhile techniques, approaches, products, etc. Thanks for sharing your expertise!

[@alyxskyler]

Your little edits like with the shirt are so fun and cute! Thanks for all the content you provide!

[@kathyn3978]

I love these unstructured videos, Steve. Thanks for all the usual great tips. Now I need to go play with some watercolors and make a fun mess. Oh yeah....love your t-shirts too.

[@essietangle9931]

Way to go Steve start off with a laugh or some new t/shirts. I have to admit to getting out my Inktober shirt but it was just too hot. Thanks for the Friday review, this is what makes watercolor so much fun.

[@batya7]

I'm glad you suggest playing with the media, Steve. I love the blooms, edges, and surprises where color meets color. I've heard some teachers saying those results are poor technique while you are saying the contrary. Fun!

[@rhayes7005]

Best video EVER, Steve! Watercolor blossoms are sooo difficult to explain, and you have done the best job I have ever seen. Bravo!

[@JamesPliny]

Interesting comment by Bitemefox. I know people say WC is a difficult medium, but I tell them that if you learn just a few easy- to- learn techniques it can be mastered. Even 5th grade children I have taught learn how to use watercolors in an hour or two. As always, what I like about Steve's presentation is that he never assumes we know what he knows when he does various techniques and procedures to get where he is going with a piece.

[@RinasAMaker]

This was a great video! I didn't know that some colors actually move differently (slower/faster) because of their pigment. I do have some colors that irritate me for not wanting to really bloom out. That would be a good video too, discussing how some pigments may be slower or faster to move. The look and dimension you get with washes are always so fun because you never know how it will turn out and no two are ever the same. Thanks for sharing the info! Very much appreciated! :)

[@lindsayjayne2169]

Another amazingly wonderful video, thankyou Steve!!✨

[@michaelannfitzgerald8742]

Thank you so much for sharing this one. I think I kinda like the blooming, they remind me of trees and clouds. Great t shirts! I especially love the Bob Ross one😍 lol. Thank you! 😊👍

[@alexthe1cat]

Terrific educational video on wet on wet washes. Thank you, per usual, Steve!2

[@peterkimberley4311]

You have given me hours of pleasure and I have learnt a tremendous amount .Thank you . I have been trying to loosen up and I am having great fun trying you techniques but not very successful .

[@jentai7536]

You are the greatest, Steve!

[@susananncherrysetter3902]

This IS why I Love Watercolor! TFS!

[@karenjohnson6487]

Thanks for the video. I liked the pulling technique to create lost and found edges. Painting color into water made the technique an ah ha moment. Looking forward to next Friday. 👍🏻

[@joycesnodgrass7068]

Thank you! Great "warm-up" idea.

[@paulapost8004]

Another great video! Thank you! Keep reminding myself how important these basics are if I want to keep improving my painting.

[@donnalieblick8478]

Thank you for sharing your talent and gifts.

[@heather173]

What a great video for a beginner to stumble upon. Thank you so much.

[@belindahall5220]

Love this!! So very helpful!! Thank you so much! I look forward to seeing the scripture at the end as well!

[@nancyrolfe3033]

Thank you once again! I'm excited to experiment..I've fallen in love with how paint moves with the water. i.e. charges. I wasn't aware different pigments spread at different amounts..THAT information helped me! I can "swatch" colors doing this and have a guide...Nancy

[@amjPeace]

I had been binge watching your awesome videos when you mentioned your beginner playlist, so here I am to gratefully learn the basics. It's humbling to learn that I've been way too wet and overworking. (Not that I ever had any complaints mwahaha!)

[@jhufendick]

I feel like when you do these types of demos I see stuff like looking at the clouds. I need to just go play and you are inspiring me to try things. Thanks!

[@annewright8184]

I've learned so much from your very informative videos and have been passing along tips to my grandchildren as they enjoy painting with watercolors! Many thanks to you, Steve!!!

[@karennaturallyartby]

Thanks a bunch! I needed that.

[@isisyanqi]

Your lessons are everything I need for learning watercolors!!!

[@mvswaaij]

Thank you Steve for all these very valuable lessons. great teacher you are !

[@jendeleonart]

This is probably the best and most informative video on wet/wet I’ve seen! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Just subscribed and looking forward to learning more from you.

[@kendradavey6080]

It was actually really helpful when the water wasn't completely clean and clear on the clear washes. Made it easier to see on camera and judge just how much water you're putting on there. Great tutorial.

[@kimlivengood5916]

Thanks for sharing the great tips. Love the t-shirts. Have a great evening.

[@yvonnewhitehouse]

Brill! So helpful thank you.

[@lulugregory3246]

I love wet on wet.. excited.. want to go paint now lol

[@renateschmidt1204]

Thank you for this informativ and inspiring Video!

[@KarenElaine]

Love your channel, clear tutorials and sense of humor! You’ve inspired me to improve my channel, thank you. 😀

[@else-britjarl9721]

Love your demo 's. 👌💕

[@mariegamber]

Thank you for a wonderful tutorial.

[@vilvile]

Very helpful tutorials. Thank you.

[@brianparnell2256]

Great lesson Steve. Some very interesting effects there.

[@ullaireneeriksen7473]

Learned a lot! Great video, as always!

[@CouzCat]

Fascinating. I don't recall how I found your channel but I'm very glad I did. I started in paper crafting then stumbled upon mixed media which drew me into water colour. The use of water mists & droplets in crafts tends to be more extreme than I like. The effects you showed here with sprays especially are far more subtle. Less expensive papers like Canson XL & smooth papers are more prevalent in the craft world since cards are ephemeral & it's far easier to stamp. But yes, I love Arches, it does amazing things. Very much a newbie but it is fun to play!

[@annemorgan2928]

Thanks. Steve. Great videos.

[@annemorgan2928]

Excellent video. I learned a lot. Thank you.

[@dorothyminor7581]

I’ve been water coloring for a couple of years now. With some good and some bad results. So I’ve decided to watch ALL of your videos and practice practice practice. Things really make sense now! Thanks so much Steve! I value and respect what you do for all of us.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Great to hear!

[@ashlyrz252]

Water in a fineliner bottle...... Even when I didn't think I was going to learn anything and was just watching bc, well, STEVE! 😂 You go and blow my mind! I can't thank you enough for what you do! ♥️ You brought me through my beginner watercolor journey! If I had a question, I could always find the answer here. 😊

[@azzuparis]

I love your intro!! Thanks for this very interesting video, Steve 😊

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Steve, I am always amazed at how much I learn from every one of your videos. You da man!!!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks Steve. Glad to hear it! Thanks for stopping by!

[@Jana2WorldsArt]

This was super helpful thanks!

[@lucillefemine2339]

So many great ideas. Thanks :)

[@sheilarae51]

❤You are such a great teacher!

[@pamelathompson9890]

I have watched alot of your videos, don't always comment because I watch it on TV. But anyways, I just love your style of painting, have learned alot from you but still needing to learn. I find watercolor is hard too, but I am not going to give up trying. Thanks for sharing!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Definitely keep at it. Watercolor is one of those mediums that is mysterious at first but with perseverance, will click eventually.

[@pamelathompson9890]

Thank you, your comment means alot.

[@DrawingWithFire]

Great video Steve! 😁 Love the t-shirts. How dare Reese complain... just because he isn't showing any skin. Lol 😆 A lot of great info in this video. Last week, I did the spontaneous painting. Let just say I got great colors for mud! 😂 Well going to try it again. I hope you are staying cool & doing well. Take care my friend! 🤗

[@mindofwatercolor]

LOL! oh well, Reese is a whiner. What can I say. Glad you tried the spontaneous painting. Don't worry, we've all created a little mud. Part of the learning process. Keep after it! Thanks Val!

[@joangagne1903]

Great video! I’m a beginner and I love your videos, I learn so much!

[@didierleprince6106]

Very interesting tips. Merci beaucoup. 😊

[@teretrigo24]

very useful! thank you,

[@popeyedodson]

great video for a beginner!

[@kathrynsloan4694]

Love the shirts. Loved your video

[@reginacasto3179]

Great idea 💡

[@Megzamani]

Thank you for doing these. I am just beginning to paint again. I survived the sticker price shock but I am needing to get a basic set of colors. I have decided to get the 5ml tubes as that's plenty of paint for now.

[@TTomJohn]

Thanks again. 🖒🖒 Trying to meld my mind with the water's mind. A little thing I like to call, Steve's Carolina Mind Meld. 😁 Merry Christmas!

[@denaheck1506]

Think your shirt trick is fantastic use of video, would never know how to do that magic. Fun fun

[@annekirstennrholm1377]

Thanks a lot! 🤗

[@wanttolearnreidy4469]

Thanks for this Steve, as usual, so many very interesting ideas and tips with heaps of helpful and inspiring info. I hope that I can incorporate some on my next painting. I have so much trouble trying to create interesting backgrounds. Cheers form Down Under.

[@jaspermartin7444]

Neato, thank you!

[@pjlewisful]

very cool!!!!

[@cassiescreations9828]

O wow, the famous Leonardo da Vinci Darth Vader - I hear it's worth millions. Just kidding, of course. I love the video. I just love that effect with the water splatter "making" the foliage (a most perfect example of the mind of watercolor) and I love those "tendrils" when you used the oiler tip. They look like human or animal nerves. Fun stuff. Like someone else stated, "We are just big kids".

[@camille6346]

Thanks for this really great teaching video. A great demonstration of what I did not understand, and was not taught, in all the many previous classes I have attended. Looking forward to getting back again to my "kitchen-table painting! You are the best!

[@PattisArtInnaVan]

That purple blue color is called Mission Gold? That's a gorgeous color! Thought it would be more like Aussie Red Gold!

[@mindofwatercolor]

No, Mission Gold is the brand.

[@PattisArtInnaVan]

@@mindofwatercolor got it! Still loving the color!

[@brentboyer79]

Another great Star Wars shirt!! (I have the Bob Ross tee.)

[@susinok]

I want that DaVinci Vader shirt!

[@elflordsjourneys]

Kids love to make messes and we're just big Kids right? I like to put paint in the spray bottles and spray the paper for backgrounds.Also have been playing with rain-x,alcohol dropped into wet paint.😀

[@shirleyschapler8055]

Elf Lords Journeys )9

[@renmuffett]

Steve, I would love to see you do a demo of this exact same subject ( wet into wet washes) with some of your other brands, say, M Graham watercolor? It would be great to see. You always put a little joy in my day and thanks. You are very appreciated.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks Renee!

[@chrissie4452]

I love your intro 😊

[@watercolorarttirthashankar2094]

Very nice as always... #watercolourarttirthashankardas

[@SwizZLe333]

This is a great find, considering my largest brush that I have right now is a 16 round...kinda tricky getting a consistent flat wash with it or gradient wash...so until I get a bigger brush or mop..I'll be experimenting doing some backgrounds or even lights via these methods

[@sharonmcmann-morelli4896]

do you think the mop brush is as good as the 2” flat or should i have both?

[@poulkonrad5310]

Hi Steve. Please show us how to paint reflections and transparency in glass

[@brianashmorestudio]

Backwashes, even in someone else’s video, give me anxiety. Thanks, Steve! Can we get nails on a chalkboard in the next one? 😂 Kind of continuing from FB... as great as digital can be, I doubt digital will ever be able to produce all the manageable but wildly unpredictable wet in wet techniques of watercolor you’ve demonstrated here. One of the reasons watercolor is my favorite medium by a WIDE margin. Great video. 👍

[@mindofwatercolor]

LOL! Blooms can be taxing for sure, especially when you want to keep painting but the drying phase is in that danger zone. And yes, completely agree about digital. No app I've ever tried has been able to come close to recreating the physical characteristics of WC. None. A few can simulate a similar look but the feel of painting it digitally is completely different.

[@carolebentley5697]

Fun!

[@abby-fichtner]

Beautiful! What was that first mission gold color you put down? It looked like both blue and violet together?

[@jean.marion]

Thank you SO much for putting the links to the water bottles. I couldn't find any that weren't a fine mist. Just FYI - The 3rd and 5th links are no longer valid...

[@lorrieg4498]

I'm looking at this for the second time and I'm certain I'll look at it a few more times because there are so many ways to approach using watercolor, and it also depends on how I find it useful in different applications. I look at other tutorial videos now and then, but mostly prefer Steve's laid back approach, laid back but with so much expertise. I have even become more tolerant of Reese and I can see why one might have an imaginary friend in the art studio given that producing art is such a solitary endeavor. L. Graves

[@mindofwatercolor]

😂

[@NefliteArts]

cool shirts :D

[@nancyrolfe3033]

Love the scriptures!! I couldn't get Alistair Begg, Faith for Life this morning so I thought I'd watch painting video..Isn't God good!!! I have a meditation

[@michelfloquet8129]

C.EST DOMMAGE JE COMPENDS RIEN MAIS VOS COURS CA ME PLAIS BIEN

[@richardlumpkin4607]

Great primer on wet on wet and watching watercolor’s mind come alive. I just love the spontaneity and creativity of how pigment swims around in water. You can predict what it might do based on what you know but it still has this wonderful way of surprising you. If you let it or in my case if it’s your only choice. I haven’t mastered the taming part yet.😏 You’ve inspired me yet again. It’s a rainy Saturday morning. Im finally back home. I’m going to watch your last video again and dust off my paints and paper and spend the afternoon watching paint move. Should be fun. Were you using paint straight out of the tube for your demo? Have a great weekend!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks Richard. Well put about the "mind" aspect. This paint came off my Mission Gold palette.

[@richardlumpkin4607]

The Mind of Watercolor I guess my question is do you let the paint on your pallet dry or is it still sticky? Sorry for so many questions. The consistency of the paint seems to make a difference. Or better put, the amount of pigment in the water seems to make a difference.

[@joegriffin5851]

Excellent and very helpful. Thanks. You mentioned that some pigments move faster than others. Something I've also been struggling with. Do you have a 'speed' table of pigments showing the relative speed of movement of each? I've never found one over the past year of looking.

[@mindofwatercolor]

No, its too inexact a thing. Brands, pigment loads, binders can all affect it. In my opinion the differences don't matter enough to the results of my painting and I suppose thats true for most watercolorists or you would even see some extensive homemade tests.

[@joegriffin5851]

Thanks anyway. Experience is what counts.

[@lavonnecarrick2238]

You don’t have eyes anyway (to Rese) LOL 🤩🤩