Oil Painting: Technique for Realistic Drapery Folds with Helen Van Wyk

[@CraigsLister]

Informative video. Your explanation of light and shadow on folds is clear, helpful and I hope I can replicate. I found the tips on creating depth and dimension with brush strokes useful. Thanks for sharing. BTW, looks like one of those cheap 3" bristle brushes is used to make that pattern on the drapes. Looks easy, I've got to try that.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Helen does make painting look easy, and she encourages experimenting and trying things out. If something doesn't work, just wipe it out and start again. So when you say, "I've got to try that," it's exactly what Helen would have wanted to hear you say. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and supporting the channel.

[@benjamingolen1399]

I enjoyed Miss Van Wyk's painting demonstration for many years, It's good to watch her again.

[@HelenVanWyk]

That's great. Helen's lessons are always a treat. Glad you found them.

[@rogerdestre9980]

Of all the many videos and instructions I have watched on how to create realistic looking folds, Helen's is by far the best. The way she simplifies the art of painting to a level of immediate comprehension is extreamly rare. Bob Ross was a great, and enthusiastic teacher who also had the knack of simplifying what appeared complicated. This is not to compare them as artist, but as teachers. Helen has that same gift. Encouraging and interesting at all times, with a high dose of charm.

[@Cua-tanet]

I agree. As well, Bob Ross was a great artist, and I, as a fine artist myself, don't understand why he is taken less seriously than artists like Basquiat or Hirst, for example.

[@melianna999]

I was waiting for that lessons. Drapery and folds . Helen explains this in excellent way.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Yes, this is a popular lesson. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for posting.

[@AngieBaray]

She makes it look so simple!!

[@danganne9170]

Wonderful

[@HelenVanWyk]

Thank you. Lots more of Helen's lessons to be posted.

[@DivaJan]

You know, her painting of the drapes looks better than the model of the drapes, and in 25 minutes. So amazing. I watch these videos over and over and seem to hear or see something new each time.

[@HelenVanWyk]

You're right, Helen's work is impressive. It's amazing how she can surpass the realism of the model in such a short amount of time. Her lessons are definitely worth revisiting - there's always something new to discover in her technique.

[@africo9104]

She demonstrates the white drapery at the beginning of this video in her book : The Colour mixing The Van Wyk Way. The other book well worth getting is the: Helen Van Wyks Favourite Colour Recpies. Both books have very clear instructions.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Thanks for that info... helpful...

[@ruthbosveld449]

I think this is one of Helen's best lessons. Fantastic. Thank you for uploading.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Glad to hear you liked this lesson and yes, so far this month, this lesson is #2 in popularity with #1 being the lesson on the dimensional realism. Thanks for posting. It's appreciated.

[@daniellorena6267]

She was a Master!

[@marypartridge5154]

Just the best and I just love this lady

[@HelenVanWyk]

And some say the painting of the drapes looks better than the model of the drapes! Enjoy the other videos but now I see you are! (via your other comments). Thanks for the comments. Keep it up.

[@Mark-wx7vp]

Thanks a bunch ! 😁

[@ΔέσποιναιναΧερουβείμ]

Thankyou Helen you are the best

[@lizzieatherfold2293]

Such an amazing teacher

[@rudolphbissessar1308]

Just great

[@mjrewerts]

Excellent ❤

[@HelenVanWyk]

Thank you...Cheers

[@janetwatkins1316]

You amaze me. So gifted.

[@vanniekerkjohannes5568]

Brilliant! 👌💕

[@HelenVanWyk]

Glad you liked it... thanks

[@germanagolzi6456]

E' sempre un gran piacere🤗

[@HelenVanWyk]

Grazie per il commento e il supporto. è apprezzato.

[@raksharky]

Thank you again for the sharing

[@HelenVanWyk]

Thanks for posting and supporting the channel. Hope you're enjoying the lessons.

[@raksharky]

@@HelenVanWykyes very much. I seldom make comments on KZbin. I'm very grateful for this videos

[@craft-o-matic399]

Is it just me, or can draperies actually be sexy? Yes, I think they can be sexy, and Helen does an amazing job of making this happen on canvas! Wonderful! Lisa

[@HelenVanWyk]

Agree. The drapery lesson is pretty cool. The 25 minute demo painting looks better than the model. Thanks for posting and supporting the channel.

[@melianna999]

[@cmritchie04]

What was the purpose of the stick? Should I do the same? ...as always very relaxing to watch

[@HelenVanWyk]

The stick is called a mahlstick. Watch the short with the image of "What is that stick Helen is holding?" with title "What is an artist mahlstick?" for a brief explanation.

[@valeriebassett8632]

If you have Elegant Abundance with the lobster please share. It was posted a few years back and then removed. It's a really good example of underpainting technique. Thanks for sharing. I hope al these videos can remain onine.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Thank you for your interest in that lesson. There is significant value in it and we are always exploring ways to enhance content. Your feedback helps us understand what is needed. Stay tuned for more lessons, and thank you for your suggestion and support.

[@bushmummy]

Loved the video....I always feel sad watching Helen knowing she was battling cancer at the same time ...have you got the one on foreshortening?

[@HelenVanWyk]

The foreshortening lesson is available at: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y33HZ5emfM5-fZY

[@craft-o-matic399]

I didn't get a notification for this!!! Lisa

[@HelenVanWyk]

This lesson was live-streamed so maybe notifications are different for this type. I'm just not sure. Hopefully it was just a temporary glitch.

[@mellisugahelenae]

😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@Pit.Gutzmann]

I guess she never painted weddings, because "you can't kiss on canvas"...

[@HelenVanWyk]

Good insight. Great observation. Thanks for the comment.

[@keytones9280]

A quick internet search told me that this lovely lady passed away in 1994 at the age of 64. Makes me sad:(

[@HelenVanWyk]

Yes, much too young. Helen's passing was a great loss to the art world. Her passion for teaching and her dedication to sharing her knowledge continues to inspire many. We're glad her lessons still bring joy and guidance to so many artists. Thank you for your thoughtful comment. It is appreciated.

[@artplussk_222]

Jesus Crist 16.13. Am i alone to have this feeling? Very nice and useful demo.

[@artplussk_222]

Thank you. At 16 minutes 13 second around i felt like seeing Jesus in semi abstract form in the ongoing painting. The top of the vase representing nostrils n below mustache mouth, dark brown beard etc. Above the vase creamy nose bridge. I think it's just a happy accident for me.

[@artplussk_222]

I even felt like seeing teeth in shightly open mouth. Thank you for sharing this beautiful video with nice info.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Good to hear you had a positive experience. Enjoy the lessons!

[@artplussk_222]

@@HelenVanWyk Thank you very much.

[@michaelkatz2004]

I love your videos. I’ve just started playing with Gouache( I’ve never tried oils) after a few years of painting with watercolors. I’m wondering if these techniques you are demonstrating would apply to Gouache as well?

[@HelenVanWyk]

Thanks for posting and sharing your experiences. Helen Van Wyk, whose techniques you're watching, passed away in 1994, so a direct answer from her is not possible. However, her timeless lessons continue to inspire artists across various mediums. While many of the basic principles she taught could likely be adapted for gouache, keep in mind that differences such as drying time and the nature of water-based mediums may require some experimentation.