OPAQUE WATERCOLOURS - Are They The Real Villains?

[@liqinzhu]

I’ve watched many watercolor tutorials and this is the first time the artist talks about how brush size and technique affect color vibrancy and transparency. I am finally having some ideas what my problems might be. Thank you!

[@jeffreyhill4574]

What a fabulously helpful lesson. I am a more accomplished photographer than a watercolor painter. And it is so common for people to say “That’s a pretty photo. What kind of camera did you use to take that picture?” And of course, pretty much any camera can take a beautiful picture in the hands of somebody who knows how to use it. As human beings we seem to want to purchase our way out of every single, creative or technical difficulty we encounter. Always looking for a different paint, a more expensive brush, etc., something we can BUY that will make the difference. Your generous lesson to us here is a very powerful reminder that there is no substitute for knowledge, experience, technique, and practice. There are no shortcuts nor secret products that stand between us and our best results. More often than not, WE are problem. Thank you for sharing your knowledge so succinctly, and with great humor! I laughed out loud.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Fantastic teaching on opacity and transparency!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Much appreciated Jenna - thank you.

[@celinem8456]

I continue to be amazed… and grateful… by your generosity: such great advice and no holding back secret techniques 😉. With regards to this video, I would suggest that we tend to be too greedy, not wanting to « waste » paint and paper…. That really backfires on us, doesn’t it?! Thank you and must close by telling you how much I admire your work - it glows, it transports, it’s fabulous!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks Celine - and of course that is an issue: materials are expensive and I always appreciate why there may be some caution with the amount of paint used.

[@artsymargo]

I have yet to see a better, more understandable, explanation and demonstration of over-working. Thank you! Your examples of these techniques are very helpful for avoiding the problems. I'm finding your tutaledge unique in its thoroughness and honesty.

[@susancarlson5283]

We always hear that we need to use the largest brush possible, but yours is the only video I’ve seen that has really shown why. Thank you so much for this.

[@mnap1595]

When people say that, I think there's an assumption people aren't scrubbing their paper to death regardless of brush size, and instead loading up with the appropriate amount of water for the area. I think the problem is exacerbated by people coming over from things like water brushes or markers, which seems to be a growing trend. I've never seen so much scrubbing of paper in my life, except when testing a paper's durability. 😅

[@StuartwasDrinkell]

Thanks Oliver, finally someone has definitively explained opacity v transparency... I am going to paint with good technique and not worry abour it so much anymore.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Go for it Stu - technique trumps theory any day of the week.

[@StuartwasDrinkell]

@@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442 Success! I've been using plenty of pigment and water on dry paper and drawing the water bead anywhere i want it to go leaving crisp gaps and all sorts, I'm finally in control 😁. Your tips have made an imeasurable improvement to my technique. Very much appreciated,. Once again, a big thank you Oliver.

[@grahamrowland969]

Ollie, what you intended to convey has worked beautifully. I last touched watercolour 40 years ago. You alone on KZbin have given me back an enthusiasm and need to return to painting, bless you.

[@AlpayBeler]

This has been singularly one of the most eye-opening tutorials I've watched on the use of watercolours (opaque or transparent) and its relationship to application of brush and pigment saturation. Thank you, Oliver, for this great, clearly explained tutorial.

[@sinydedeugd6989]

My watercolor painting knowledge is getting better and better as I watch your videos. You have so much patience in explaining various issues clearly. I appreciate all the effort and time you put into the KZbin videos. And your work is absolutely stunning! Thank you very much Oliver!🤩

[@cnavato1]

Having just taken up watercolour painting Oliver after 30 years away from the brush, its so clear that your guidance is next level. Thank you for the generosity and humility that lies behind these demonstrations. Your work and instruction is stunning.

[@suelee5751]

Thank you so much Oliver. The way you explained this is so clear. And for me, the best bit about this film was actually showing us how it can go wrong and why. There’s many tutorials available and the focus, understandably, is on how to paint well. Your film is evidence that sometimes the ‘how not do it’ is a learning point that is best demonstrated!

[@1TimothyFourTen]

had no idea until today when I watched your video that French Ultramarine is an opaque color. Wow!

[@rohinirsundar]

OMG! These are all the mistakes I seem to be making! What a brilliant tutorial for watercolour beginners. Very thankful to have come across your channel.

[@verabilling]

Thank you, so good!!! I also think paintings look dull, no matter what pigments, when there is no or too little dynamic with light...

[@koolkutz7]

As a novice watercolour painter that was very helpful thanks Oliver. My takeaway is that I must work on my technique rather than blaming 'bad' paints. I remember Bob Ross saying that it's all too easy to become a 'mud mixer' when we get carried away slapping on paint with due care and attention.

[@ThomiBMcIntyre]

As a lifelong oil painter with lots of scrubbing skills you have shown me what my main problem is with watercolor. No more scrubbing! Thank you!

[@iranewhitehouse3953]

At last a real teacher. Some people just can’t teach it’s a gift. And on top of this a left hander thought I was on my own. I feel so comfortable watching.

[@charliejackson5096]

I am glad to see that you are left handed it's so rare that I see that. It is easier for me to learn from you.

[@teripittman]

Just have to say, as a knitter, that is a beautiful vest! Kept trying to chart out the pattern :)

[@Skagglavar]

Thanks again Oliver. Simple, straightforward, clever, and dissecting out the obvious from the obscure. It's a rare skill. It's amazing how many of the questions we have can be answered by simply picking up a brush and paint and playing. The results on paper in front of us will always trump hearsay, pop wisdom, and technical data sheets.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Quite right Karl - watercolour and much of art in general doesn't lend itself well to theorising.

[@Iwanttodrawachicken]

Thank you for this. Best watercolour video on youtube. It's been difficult learning to paint from youtubers telling us to never ever....blablabla, when I'm looking at the works of the old masters and they often use these techniques that are now forbidden. It's like we've forgotten how to use watercolour in favour of some strict dogma parroting without actually trying these things for ourselves.

[@dogwhiskers8]

Thank you so much Oliver. So pleased whenever I see a new tutorial from you.

[@terrilikens4975]

This was such an eye-opener. The most helpful and original watercolor advice I have come across!

[@megfauls6476]

I distinctly remember a quote from you: "Use more paint." Great advice, and another great video/tutorial. Thank you!

[@megfauls6476]

p.s. I will say this - as a relative novice, large brushes are a bit more intimidating than smaller ones. Maybe I think my mistakes will be smaller - haha!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Yes and yes!

[@andrecardon2141]

Thank you soo much to learn us to use petit gris and water medium instead on'' gratter'' le papier. I'm gratefull

[@VinodhiniDinesh]

Sir just loved the way you explain , how colours which are transparent or opaque does not matter it our painting tectnique that matters a lot. Just wonderful soul you are. Thank you for sharing this tutorial with us.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏.you teach in way that it struck in my brain .😍

[@cecileegeorgeson_artist]

Thankyou…just to let you know your artful teaching is still helping novice lovers of Water colour 🌸👌🙏

[@alexharbron]

Thank you Oliver, for taking the time to make this video and sharing your knowledge with us. It is refreshing to have a talented artist speaking from qualified, first-hand experience, rather than interpreting textbooks and hand-me-down misinformation. This particular video was a revelation to me.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Excellent Alex - that's very kind of you.

[@kathyhoward176]

Wow! Thanks for sharing so much that I have never heard other watercolor instructors even mention. I have a feeling that I will need to come back to many of these videos again since there is so much information to absorb. It is good to know that it is the application and not the paint making muddy dull colors. Actually, I rather like the neutral colors that come with mixing the leftover paint on my palette. I have a small palette and sometimes just push and rinse the leftover paint to one side to use for shadows later. It is quite sufficient for value studies or practicing brush strokes if nothing else. I hate to throw paint away, though I sure loose enough when wiping my brushes.

[@domi4396]

Would love a tutorial on skies ☀️❤️

[@susanwood4770]

This has been so helpful. Thank you. The fewer strokes with the brush the better no matter the colour, I get from this

[@markhessler5374]

Other pigment properties can be relevant, too! Relatively opaque yellow ochre for example does tend to make muddy palette mixes for me, but it makes a great first wash because 1) it's non-staining, easily wiped off or lifted out if the initial shapes aren't right, and 2) it's sedentary, it barely moves and can be charged into nicely with very little risk of a back run. Yours is my home channel for encouragement and instruction, I'm grateful, thank you.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks Mark - indeed, there are plenty of other things to consider, and I love Yellow Ochre - it's been on my palette ever since I started painting and it has never been absent. A must-have pigment for landscape painting as far as I'm concerned.

[@nessapainter]

I've long thought that watercolor painting should be compared to golf. The fewer strokes with the right equipment (in this case a large brush with enough wet paint) works best. This is a wonderful basic and thoroughly helpful lesson. Thank you !!

[@tezoodle]

👌👏👏👏👏👏 when one of my tutors said, "use confident brush strokes", I think that only addressed half of the issue, and this video addresses the other half, which is far more quantifiable - use a bigger brush and stop scrubbing the paint on! Loved your explanation about "opaque" v "transparent" paints, this makes so much sense. Oh, and ps, I love Cad Red and Ultramarine Blue mixed, it's a fantastic colour! Thank you Olly for your generous and transparent (!) explanation about these colours and how to apply them. 👍😀

[@andrecardon2141]

Thank you for taking Time,papers and pigment to show us. Your concern on explaining why transparent watercolor can been used with opaque is magnificent.

[@1966rapunzel]

I can only echo the other comments this video is SUPERB. A revelation, demonstrated beautifully!

[@andrecardon2141]

I agree french ultramarine and cadmium red can be very opaque or could be a little transparent, it depends on how we used the medium. I 'm gratefull to this learning. Thank you to share your powerfull mind on sensitive matter

[@sandywilt9449]

Omg love the way you did this ! The light bulb in my head just came on ! Brushes big brush! I have none but will shortly thank you thank you

[@rezadjali3414]

The best instructor on the internet. I am planning a visit to UK and I will try to see his work if I can.

[@pammcreynolds]

Thank you for your teaching on this. I've had issues with my few paintings and now I know part of the reason why.

[@WediEre6654]

Oliver you finally demystified the confusion of opaque vs transparent colours and what makes muddiness. I can’t tell you my frustration over these issues with huge piles of practice paper to understand this. Very clear demonstration. Thank you very much and looking forward to see yet another demo. GBU

[@kitsutherland6445]

Thanks so much for explaining and showing how a decent brush loaded with wet colour is what good, explorative, pleasurable watercolour painting is largely all about. I have always wondered what why some of my work is good while some of it is just plain awful. It takes time to develop good technique but it helps if you know what direction one is supposed to be taking! Thanks for all your encouraging comments too.

[@peterlittle6651]

Thanks for this Olly, hope all is well there...

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

It is very much in the eye of the beholder, and while the general principles of composition are there for good reason there is plenty of room for a range of different approaches.

[@ericlang7408]

Thank you so much for this course, it really was enlightening for me. I am glad I reproduced the exercises you suggested, it really help to appreciate the effect of not using enough paint and water, or using a brush too small. I feel I now have to relearn the way I paint, but it is definitely worth it. Please keep on posting great lessons like this it is extremely useful. And perhaps, every now and then, add a tutorial for a full painting, so that we can put in practice your wonderful lessons 😇

[@elsagarciavega4333]

Really, really, really interesting and helpfull. Thank you so much, for spend your time teaching with generous an friendly explanation. You are making eassy to improve my painting . Thank you from the heart.

[@robinrichardson8787]

I have wondered about how opaque and transparent colours should be approached and not really understanding how these properties may affect my painting. This video is an excellent explanation and really demonstrates how overworking produces muddy effects. An excellent explanation thank you.

[@toddbridges7713]

Love the side by side demonstrations!!!!! As a beginner, it is super instructional seeing clear examples of brush and paint choices. Thank you again!!!

[@chrissieoppedisano3659]

This lesson was absolutely ILLUMINATING! (no pun intended). I can't wait to try this. I think you hit the nail on the head for some of my struggles, especially when I am trying to paint water! Thanks so much! You are amazing!

[@lindyashford7744]

Great tutorial I had practically given up on watercolour as I was soooo frustrated by things moving around and no one had ever even hinted at this as the possible source of my dustisfaction. Not working alongside others mean I have not benefited from peer suggestion I have been on my own with gorgeous paints and unsatisfactory results.tbh watercolour became very inhibiting to the point of not wanting to even experiment. So many thanks this video feels like a gift.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

You're welcome Lindy - pleased it helped

[@elleeo1495]

Thank you so much for this enlightening tutorial! I have a better idea, now, as to why I struggle so much.

[@andrecardon2141]

The more I see your videos the more I understood what it means transparency of watercolor

[@faridahmcatamney3601]

Thank you Oliver, yes what you said I totally got caught in the ride about pigments and opacity etc. that lost the joy in Just Get It On. Thanks again for your insights.

[@pamelathomas2033]

Where have you been all my life? Thank you!!💕

[@LisaGrant_CA]

Thank you Oliver, this is very clear visual example of how the paint work! ❤

[@patriciaweatherley951]

Oliver I have learnt more about watercolour painting today, just watching the first 3 tutorials, than watching a series of others. Thank you so much for eliminating many questions, and badly executed technique! Pat, Australia.

[@shitalkanitkar5995]

I'm jealous! Of those just starting out and finding your on point tutorials. Where were you a decade back! 🤗

[@susanwilson1276]

What fantastic advice! I've been making that mistake of not enough water and paint, no more of that...thanks Oliver...

[@clorindecarron3263]

Good evening: On the Daler Rowney site : Raw sienna= PBr7 transparent and Yellow Ochre PY42 demi transparent. Aquafine watercolour. I I take advantage of my holidays to watch all your basic tutorials again. A real pleasure and above all very very useful. Thank you so much.

[@artdavisstudios]

Just wow. I thought I had watched all your videos. Somehow I missed this one. This is so helpful. I have been very confused about the whole subject and tend to get caught up in the details. This puts a whole new light on it (pun intended). I have Postit notes on my wall in my studio with "Use More Paint" and "Don't Scrub" and my paintings already look a great deal better. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and taking the time to put together these videos.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks Art - you're welcome. Keep up the good work

[@sharonsunshine2532]

So glad I found your channel. A treasure for sure. Thank you!

[@pennythedomelady]

Your instruction is so spot on and exactly addresses the issues I see in my own paintings. I'm not finding any other instructor online who deals with these apparently common watercolor mistakes. Although my subject matter and style is very different from yours, I find myself learning much that can only improve my paintings. Thank you for that!

[@RooSpee]

Love the comparison of fish and chips…. Of course too much salt could spoil the dish and less of it could make it tasteless 😂 ….. like the thicker paint stroke on the permanent ink showing the opacity of the transparent paint…. Enjoyed the demo with a cup of transparent espresso… thanks🙏

[@geoffreycheeseman5248]

Full marks for this tutorial, an excellent explanation in how to avoid 'mud'

[@socratesthecabdriver]

You just made me want to find your Naples yellow video for the sky they looked nice what you showed us much appreciated

[@letajones8556]

Amazing video!!!! You are so clever and creative!!! Those " naughty opaque " pigments! 🤣 Thanks, Oliver! Your friend from Texas 🤠

[@tmikeporter]

Holbein has a line of paints that contain China White, and those are more in the opaque category no matter how they are applied. If used carefully, they can be quite useful. I enjoyed this demo very much. A tongue in cheek presentation in a way of how "opaque" pigments are not really "opaque" as some may claim. But a valuable lesson in HOW to apply paint mixtures with a brush for the desired effect. Trevor Waugh has also shown me how he uses China White from time to time with a light touch for a desired effect. Very, very helpful presentation.

[@tonihyler8506]

This is extremely helpful information. No other artist that I have listened to has ever pointed out the difference s you have explained in this video. Extremely helpful information, Oliver, and answers some questions I have had in my mind when painting. Thank you, once again!

[@cristinamedrano9127]

You are a very good teacher Oliver. I'm learning a lot from your videos. Best regards from Mexico.

[@zmermaid3]

I just can’t express enough my appreciation for your wonderful practical teaching. Thank YOU so much!

[@gilbertdecraecker1329]

A verry clear explanation even for foreigners.Thank you sir, i will keep this in mind.

[@poppyburns3807]

Another great tutorial. So clear and understandable. You are a wonderful teacher. Thanks.

[@shorezamani4617]

You are wonderful,,,, you explain very well every arguments,,, please do it more!!!!!👏👏

[@jcsallen3]

You are such a great teacher!!! Thank you for helping me.

[@firechick561]

Wow....So GLAD you explained this and DEMONSTRATED it to us! You are right, I've always heard some paints /colors are opaque which means they're not that great. Thank you for this eye-opening tutorial! : )

[@richardwheaton1881]

thank you, great advice to a beginner like me. I always tend to go for a smaller brush but that is in the past. thanks

[@lyndalbond8683]

A real eye opener. I have just tried the exercises with a larger brush and then the one I usually use. So much more paint and colour with the larger one and still feel in control

[@peterdeeduffield9018]

Found this to be the most informative basic exercise I have seen regarding transparency in watercolour painting. Thank you for your time and trouble.

[@walker2837]

Very helpful. I'm new to water color and will start using bigger brushes right away. Thank you.

[@FabienFeub777]

You have the best watercolour channel, thank you for sharing all these great tutorials and explanations

[@buttonbub]

I have not heard this being explained so well before thank you 🎨👍

[@suel4269]

I’m learning so much from you! All beginners need this information.

[@TheGoodFruitMelancholy]

Fabulous video-thank you! One thing to add is for portraiture-if I don’t use absolutely transparent blues-I WILL ABSOLUTELY wind up with blue to purple beards on all my women to whom I am merely attempting to apply shadows -🤰🏻😂 This is why I went to fully transparent paints, at this juncture, for facial attributes! I still use my opaques and semi’s in other areas! Thank you!!!

[@mairidughlas7424]

Oliver, your teaching method is absolutely amazing. Thank you for explaining why paintings become muddy and that it has nothing to do with opaque colours. Now to put opaque colours back onto my palette and begin to paint with confidence.

[@jozahfa]

excellent explanations! thank you!

[@davidsmith812]

VERY helpful. I need to get a bigger brush, use more paint/water, and to stop scrubbing!! Thank you!

[@shirleymccarthy3634]

What a great explanation of transparent versus opaque watercolours. You have cleared up my concern about staying away from opaque colours. I love the subjects you tackle in your videos - real questions, concerns and mistakes that painters come across while learning. Thank you so much.

[@colettec307]

Some of the very best entertainment is right here on KZbin - your presentation was hilarious and I learned a lot. Who could ask for more?

[@texasannie]

Oh my.....Great demonstration. Note to self....bigger brush more water and paint AND quit stroking the paper......Thank you

[@caseystorm4999]

Absolutely spot on Olly - excellent video as always. Loved your analogies with fish n chips/salt structure at end - brilliantly true. Currently unwell in hospital in London so your video brightened my day. Until next time thankyou for all you do. Best wishes Casey

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks Casey - and get well soon!

[@sky-frequency]

I've just recently come across your wonderful and helpful videos. I really appreciate your advice and teaching. It's funny though with this one, as, while I see what you mean with your second example of the house image going very muddy on the rhs sample, but the first example of trees was tricky as I liked both of your paintings. The one you said was awful reminded me of a Corot landscape. I have much to learn and thank you for your generosity.

[@jameslbaker9138]

Thank you so much for your insights and knowledge. Very helpful. Greatly appreciated.

[@pamelabozzi239]

Thanks for this enlightening video. I also found the one on "loose painting" very spot on with where I am in my painting journey. A full on class with interaction would be grand for the future. Pam from Maryland

[@along9971]

Great video well explained, one thing to consider when mixing colors experiment with different shades, some paints have small amounts of other colors so when they're mixed they don't make vibrantly, they're muddy

[@bobsprecher1802]

Excellent as usual! I watch all of your videos. I am learning so much from you. This is the first time I have really understood the difference between opaque and transparent - especially in the context of brush size and technique. I use most of the same colors that you use but I just don’t understand them and their properties like you do. I’m so glad I watched this! Bless you. You are a great teacher.

[@claudiahemmings2080]

Perfect timing - I had a truly horrific muddy building-shadow disaster yesterday and ruined a decent painting. This is exactly the advice I've been looking for to avoid repeating the problem. Thanks so much!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Sorry the painting didn't work out (but that happens to all of us!) Good to know that the video helps though Claudia - your next painting will be a winner!

[@damanaza46]

Many thanks! Just today I looked at the finished dull work and thought, well, what's the matter? And, as a gift for reflection, your wonderful lesson! Thanks again!

[@workforcemillionaire7210]

"Its not about the bike." I get it. It's about me. I'm still a new painter and developing techniques, thank you for so much sensible instruction. I will play with my paints and brushes.

[@shaileshbhatt7097]

1) Awesome video; very clear explanation. 2) on top of above, opaque and muddy colors are necessary in some part of the painting for other parts to shine

[@vandemonian5412]

30:30 Olley nailing it down - i learned heaps from this - tnx so much