How to Plan Your Watercolor Washes

[@SilicaSpellmanPrime]

The return of the king 👑

[@monahli1597]

Well said! 😊

[@marcydrake9159]

YES!!! Let the learning recommence!! ❤🎉

[@marydee1579]

This is so brilliant! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Can’t stop….off to experiment….🙏🏻

[@mariettamalone8160]

Best watercolor tutorials on KZbin! Thank you!

[@debbymorris1426]

Excellent! Thank you for truly teaching us! On to video 2 for me.

[@gautambarua8260]

You set THE GOLD STANDARD for watercolour tutorials on KZbin.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

@@gautambarua8260 thank you!

[@marvinspates924]

Thank you so much, Olly!!! I don't normally comment, but this time, I just had to say something!!!!!!!! This is what I need from a good teacher!!!! Fantastic solid direction on how to achieve a good painting!!! All the things you just explained in this video are what I have struggled with to the point of giving up!!!! I'm going to try again because of you!!! I'm 70 years old, and I think this series will help me tremendously!!! I will give this exercise some practice!!! Thank you so much!!! I can draw very well but I can't paint!!!👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾🇺🇸

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Really appreciate the comment Marvin. Being able to draw is a huge help, keep up the practice and the painting will start to come together.

[@pamelapapp2188]

Oliver, you are a true teacher of watercolor

[@capslkctrldelete2055]

This is why I mainly go to your channel for tips with watercolors. I noticed that most of the tutorials on KZbin are specifically geared towards views and not for real artists trying to develop in this medium.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Yes, many are.

[@kellyluk73]

Thanks so much Oliver! You are both a great painter and fantastic teacher!

[@bobbieherron6972]

I loved your observation about watercolor entertainment vs. watercolor education. I recently taught a class with an educational approach (as I was taught in 1986), and several students seemed confused. "I've done a lot of classes on KZbin," they said, "and here in-person I thought I'd have a finished painting by the end of 2 hours!" My response: "You can take an in-person color-by-number watercolor class, or you can learn how to peek behind the curtain to understand the actual magic. Unfortunately for you, I only teach magic." They stayed and by the end of class they said, "Wow, there is so much to learn...but I love it." Yes!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

@@bobbieherron6972 Quite right Bobbie

[@juliechen8710]

Your channel is basically a series of watercolor masterclasses at this point. Thank you so much, Olly, for making these incredibly helpful materials accessible for all of us! Really can’t appreciate that enough!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thank you Julie - you're very welcome

[@mklarson2980]

This is exactly what I've needed. I've taken quite a few classes, but never had these techniques shown so clearly or explained so completely. Demonstrating the less experienced approach first was absolutely relatable and foundational to understanding the more experienced approach. I'm really looking forward to the rest of the series. Thank you!

[@davidgray5764]

I recommend getting a cup of tea, sitting in a comfortable chair and casting the video onto a good size TV. Excellent lesson, very enjoyable viewing and entertaining. Oh! and then rush off to find those water colour paint!

[@oljastevanovic]

The best tutor on watercolor medium on youtube . Thank you from Serbia :)

[@valerieferguson7616]

Thank you! As a newbie watercolor painter here, playing with it for about a year and wanting to learn more, I am overwhelmed(!) with the number of artists and videos on KZbin. Very few have really taught me anything. I‘be been looking for someone to follow who can really provide basic instruction and not just entertain with their talent. I know it is not just a color/paint in a picture, but what exactly do I DO to achieve all of it? I just watched this video and appreciated the illustration of “what not to do” first! I am excited to go and try this now and to learn from your other tutorials! So thankful that I found your channel. Thanks again for providing this.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks Valerie. I agree - there is far too much available content and it can be very confusing as each painter will (and should!) have a different technique. The key is to just find a couple that help to explain techniques that you can use in your own paintings as your experience grows.

[@dianawhite4577]

Very good tutorial! Among best on KZbin re watercolor! Thank you

[@RachelShadoan]

I am so stoked for the rigorous, analytic approach you’re taking here! It’s really helpful for me to have a framework like the one you’re teaching in this series

[@frenchgrama]

Thank you, THANK YOU for this video!!!! YES!! I find it next to impossible to find KZbin creators who teach techniques, offer explanations about what processes they'll be using and planning in the context of taking a painting from start to finish... Really, REALLY appreciate what you are doing here on this platform.👏👏👏

[@RossEdgin]

That may have been the most useful and helpful watercolor lesson I have ever seen. Thank you for sharing Olly. You have made a huge difference for me.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Pleased that it's helped Ross - thank you

[@nosdok74]

What I appreciate about your videos is not only your clear explanations, but above all your transparency about how you, as an established artist, still deal with some issues and how you tackle them. I find this transparency very motivating and I appreciate your honesty in this regard.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thank you - it's important to give an insight into the reality of being a painter. It's a constant - but hugely enjoyable - challenge.

[@karindodge9814]

Thank you so much, from a very analytical mind. It's easy to just say to "plan your washes " but seeing the comparison between methods is really teaching. ❤

[@MichelleBlackler]

Utterly brilliant, bless you for sharing your reverence for the process of an unforgiving medium. Your perspective has given me a pathway to the level of sophistication I want to achieve. Thank you to the edges.

[@moneycreatestaste]

So many videos on my feed are just based on what's satisfying to watch, marveling at talent and not explaining any of the techniques. When things are sped up you miss vital parts of the process. Thankyou so much for making content aimed at artists!

[@rubberstick2301]

One of the best lessons on youtube

[@caressegarcia]

You're right, there's a load of watercolor tutorials designed mainly to be entertaining... luckily I think yours are both highly instructional and also entertaining. I absolutely love your analytical and thorough approach to teaching, thank you so much!

[@jubobokk]

I appreciate how you also show the “inexperienced” version, it shows the attention area extra well! You got me as a subscriber!

[@1msfit]

Thank you so much for doing this series. Not all of us are able to attend actual live classes and are left to bouncing around in KZbin in an effort to pick up elementary bits of information. What I have felt necessary for myself is a continuous and integrated approach from beginning to end rather than a "tip" or "hack" picked up here and there. I have found a few good instructors, but a complete course is not widely available. I cannot wait to get my hands on your book. I have checked both Amazon and Powell's Books (Portland, Oregon), which is my favorite bookstore. They both show a release date of 1/30/25 so I have pre-ordered. Once again, thank you so much for taking the time and trouble of making these videos and for producing the book which is eagerly awaited by many!

[@muraliram8802]

Mr.Pyle, You are quite modest when you state that many videos are of entertainment value. This video is very informative about lost and found edges. I have seen many books and videos And I have not seen one as educate as that of yours. Your generosity must be acknowledged.

[@JosephSmith-nf3bc]

Ooft. The Analyser's analytical analysis. In Scotland we often say - 'some things are better "felt" than "telt". which applies much more to music and literature, but in watercolour painting the 'enth degree of analysis REALLY really helps 🙏

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

It's a good saying Joseph - and much truth in it.

[@kathsoulsby873]

As usual a wonderfully informative video..I so look forward to this new series as it will be fascinating to watch the painting unfold. I am sure I will learn so much from the process. Thanks..

[@marionsworld24]

Crikey.. So much fantastic information setting up this series. I'm excited to start learning from you. I can copy things, but struggle to make my own paintings any good.

[@StevenoftheWeald]

Absolutely fantastic as ever Olly. Held my attention start to finish. Very excited to follow you through this series and fabulous to see you back again. I’ve learnt so much from you in the last few years. All the best till next time. 👋🏻

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks Steven

[@luaarenal5471]

OMG YES. Learn how to paint, not how to perpetrate one painting. VERY pumped for this series, much appreciated Oli and much appreciated, Oli.

[@michellefederico4510]

I love this concept of a KZbin tutorial. The idea of learning techniques that will apply across several types of paintings and subject matter. I’m excited to see how this painting evolves and then apply these techniques to my own work.

[@evelearmont8545]

Brilliant !!! You have Nothing to be nervous about at all. The first in the series explained so much. I love it , thank you, Eve

[@TrudyMcCann-h3g]

Thank you so much Ollie, because it’s so helpful to get a sound understanding of these different techniques. I am devoted to watercolor and truly appreciate getting the lessons and understanding of how to go about these issues.. It’s so imperative to have these lessons in order to become a better watercolorist. Again, thanks.

[@Vikiwastestime]

Can't wait for the remainder of this series. I learned more from this single episode than I have before while watching HOURS of other watercolor channels. As you said, yes, they are entertaining but do not actually teach. Thank you so much!

[@marlenemaki163]

I’ve missed you! I’m so looking forward to this series. Thank you for caring about my watercolor journey.

[@lindamatthews8886]

That was just brilliant! Thank you!! I have seen countless videos where the presenter exhorts us to plan our painting and stresses the importance of planning, but then can't articulate what it means to plan. This is just what I need and I can't wait to watch the rest of the series (then on to the rest of your videos too!).

[@yvonnegeelen6571]

So exited …..jumping up and down this is exactly what I struggle with really appreciate this Thankyou

[@a.scheepers8923]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and skills. It is very much appreciated! I am 70 years of age and only now starting to learn Watercolours. I am looking forward to your teachings. Be blessed.

[@yvonnebramham2883]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Exactly what I needed as a relative newcomer to watercolour. Your approach is perfect, and with just one video, you've filled a big hole in the jigsaw puzzle of my understanding of watercolour. Can't wait to watch the rest of your videos and practice what I've learned. Brilliant teaching!

[@lenorebergstrom]

Good morning Oliver ! I would just like to express serious appreciation of what you have just said about the practise of watercolour painting, and being given the tent poles as it were. I have also scoured the internet, and totally agree that there is a great deal of information but very little actual teaching......until I came across your videos. In calligraphy, for instance, learning to do all the various 'hands' as it were, starts with mastering straight lines and circles.... in music, one has to practise scales etc. in drawing the human body, one has to know and draw anatomy..... so to me it makes a great deal of sense that these tools are necessary in watercolour painting. I am sooo glad to have found you! I have already ordered your book. Thank you, and really looking forward to it. Lenore Bergstrom

[@consueloyoung4484]

Welcome back Oliver, I have truly missed you and your wonderful method of teaching. I am happy to say that I still remember quite a bit of what you taught us in the past. So, very much looking forward to your lessons, I will certainly be here.🙏🏼♥️

[@GordonR-m1w]

Hi Oliver. I just wanted to thank you for your kind sharing of watercolour knowledge and to tell you that I really love watching your KZbin videos. I watch them over and over again. They are the best out there. I am really going to enjoy this new series. It is just what I need to advance my watercolour painting. There is no one out there like you on KZbin. Keep up the great work👍

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Very kind of you Gordon - thank you

[@cousinjesse4450]

Managing edges what a great approach and negative painting just brings a subject to life. I have been watercolor painting for about a year and half and must say this instruction is unlike any other. I can’t wait for the day I have that internal artist dialog asking myself the right questions when taking on a subject. I am not there yet but enjoying the journey.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Well done - you'll get there, and you're right that its a journey. Don't be distracted by all the 'paint like a pro in 6 months' advertisements - that's not how it works. Experimenting, practising etc will help you to develop the internal dialogue.

[@user-yb2og2pd3l]

Thank you! I've seen that done many times but nobody had taken the trouble to explain it so well. You're a wonderful teacher and a great painter. ¡Muchas gracias, maestro!

[@scottcassady8738]

Thank you for this series. I decided a couple of months ago - at the age of 53 - that I want to learn to paint. I've never done visual arts of any kind. Your teaching style and explanatory skills as evidenced in this single video have already helped me more than a dozen of the other videos combined that I have watched. Thank you for this!!!

[@kellyrutherford5885]

I paid close attention to your words. This was key to what I struggled with. I needed to hear the problem defined. I'm going to get back to planning instead of fearing. Thank you so much!

[@eveblewett7545]

Oliver. This particular lesson has come at the most perfect time for me. I have not painted for a number of years believe it or not I’ve been setting up my space and organising my pallet replenishing my brushes etc. Incredibly I clicked into my subscriptions , Oliver there you were starting your new series ‘planning your washes “ perfect thank you Oliver it was meant to be .

[@VariscoLuca]

If I could have ONLY ONE KZbin video to see, this is it!!!! Stellar teaching Olly. Looking forward to opening your book too as soon as it gets out checking every day for it :)

[@zmermaid3]

You have got to be the BEST watercolor instructor of all! Your careful and thoughtful explanations and demos are sooooo helpful. I’ve been painting in Watercolor for 5 years and starting to exhibit a lot…..AND have found your videos to be so significant in my learning process. Always grateful and anxiously anticipating the rest of this series. You are the BOMB!

[@loisgibbs7524]

Julie enjoyed all four videos. Thank you for sharing them. Your paintings are amazing.

[@MsVnewman]

I have always appreciated your work and your insightful teaching. I’m delighted to see you undertake a ‘gallery piece’. So often, instructors approach demos and finished pieces quite differently, and something gets lost in that translation. Only as we get more experienced do we see those subtleties, so thanks so much for the undertaking. I’m excited to follow.

[@julettespeek9633]

I just found your page a day or two ago and I’m so grateful! I completely relate to the creative vs logical and analytical aspects as I’ve found that to be my biggest nemesis in watercolour painting, to find the balance as I overthink completely. Thank you for your teachings… this is definitely going to help develop and improve my skill and technique

[@keithroy9217]

Thanks for sharing Olly. Gives me a different approach to try out. Really appreciate you taking the time to describe the definition of edges in practical terms of colour flows and contrasts and how to construct those. Looking forward to the follow up videos.

[@collintaylor5364]

No matter where you are with your painting it helps to be reminded of the basics, and there is always something new to learn. Looking forward to the the next episode!

[@vyviennewade4483]

What a wonderful lesson. Very well explained and demonstrated. I am looking forward to following along with these series. Thank you so much for being such a good and generous teacher.

[@senormoss]

Much appreciated. Thank you for creating these videos. Your genuine personality and clear explanations are true gems along this process of my watercolor journey

[@shmuelhirsh]

Oliver, I cannot thank you enough for this WONDERFUL art lesson! ~ You sir are an AMAZING art teacher! Everything flows so well, it all seems so well thought out ~ I thoroughly enjoyed each and every moment ~ You make art FUN! God bless ~

[@JeanTaylor-i6l]

47:31 Thank you, Ollie. I am looking forward to the next video sessions and hopefully put your advice into practice. A bit early I know, but have a wonderful Christmas 🎄

[@mikebutterworth73]

Once again a fantastic piece of instruction Ollie, I particularly like your 'analytical' approach to painting and also the examples of how Not to do a scene (usually the way I do it!) and how you feel it would be improved.

[@paulcook7536]

cheers Olly, love your paintings very good teaching of water colour techniques. I've been learning water colour from January this year, its very difficult medium to master, but with your teaching it makes it a little easier to do.thank you

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Delighted to hear that Paul

[@maggiedormer1208]

This is just what I need and has come at a very opportune time for me. I’ve been going to an in-person watercolour course which I’ve just pulled out of because it isn’t what I wanted. Just watching this video I can see this will be perfect. Can’t wait to practice this.

[@meadowmorph3291]

So very informative. Sometimes I want a hard edge or two, but Now I know how to avoid them. Another big technical revelation. Thank you.

[@teresamitchell-banks2286]

Thank you! I have all but given up watercolour because I don’t fully understand the medium. I need to understand what to do and the order of when to do it and why. I need the analysis you so masterfully teach. I need to be educated which itself entertains me. Thank you again for taking the time to actually teach us🇨🇦

[@lindyartforfun]

Thank you! Clearly explained, I have so much more to learn on my watercolour journey. I am very grateful for the opportunity to learn from you.

[@maryannsimmons6830]

Thank you so much for your clear demonstration. You are a fantastic watercolor teacher!

[@carolem.6758]

thanks Oliver; these are wonderful demonstrations; I'm taking notes ! Your experience shared here is so valuable and appreciated.

[@santiagoHollmann]

Hello, Olli. It's wonderful to have you back. I'm so grateful for your videos. Your explanations are so clear, and your paintings are simply exquisite. You're undoubtedly my favourite art teacher and painter. I've treasured your lessons in my mind and heart for years to come. Thank you again! With warm greetings from Argentina.

[@AlliListArt]

This is so what is needed on U tube....very well done Oliver for your complex teaching which was made so easy to follow and understand. I think the majority of youtubers r very good artists and their teaching methods could be good but they plug their Patrion memberships so much and just tell the very basics so as u join their patrion. I know we all have to make a living so can't blame them I guess, but I no longer subscribe and ring the bell notifications to these u tubers as I learn nothing new for me to improve. x Thank u so much for todays video, I have learnt so very much in your video that I will now take away and put into practice. I liked how u showed 'olly inexperienced and Olly experienced' it made me see my mistakes even clearer. x So looking forward to the future tutorial videos in your series....thank u again Oliver. Love Alli UK Suffolk XXX

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

The Patreon angle is an interesting one. I have my own Patreon page, but it's a supplement to my other work and supports my primary business of painting and selling my work through my galleries. For many it is their primary business, which is perfectly ok, but after a while, it can become a content production machine, and we just don't need to consume such an overwhelming quantity of instruction. People have become used to a diet of new tutorials every week, and it's just not necessary if we are to learn and study carefully. It is the continual practice of a few ideas, not the consumption of many, that will yield results.

[@AlliListArt]

@@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442 yes, u r so correct Oliver, quality over quantity and practice practice practice instead of so much watching x thank u 4 your reply as I am sure u r a very busy bee with all your ongoing projects x best wishes for your book too XXX

[@janetlynn3528]

Thank you so much for this. THIS is what I’m looking for so that I can improve and actually know how to plan it all out with confidence. Thank you so much.

[@oll43]

I've learnt more from this one video than I have from dozens of lesser ones. Thank you

[@Sophia2229]

You are the best! Your explanations are very clear and give me a lot of confidence in what I am doing. I have followed your KZbin for a while now and I really like your style.

[@EdmarMartins19570227]

Excelente explanação sobre técnicas de aquarelas. Linguagem simples, comunicativa e sempre atenciosa. Sou grato pela sua dedicação. Obrigado, Olly.

[@kathryncurry8728]

So excited for this series! I’m a realist watercolor painter & there are not a lot of videos on realistic landscapes, so I’m interested in learning your skills & techniques.

[@dianemcgregor6171]

Oh wow! You have just started this in the nick of time for me. This explains sooo much for me. I’m off to practice this over and over because you told us this before … and I completely forgot it. Thank you!!

[@alenaprentice4208]

This is brilliant! I only started painting this year and it's all the questions that are forming in my mind about how to tackle larger projects...layers and edges!!!! I am so looking forward to following this series through. Now to try those trees....thank you!!!!

[@rachaelwarrington25]

Thank you for addressing this issue. Entertainment vs. Skills for painting. Your videos have opened my mind to what I can and should learn about watercolor painting.

[@taheraakter4477]

After ages, Oyli ! Seeing you and hearing your psychological counselling (every time I paint, I am a beginner and lost), I kept listening and relating and postponed my first-hour office work 😊 to another hour. This is much more fulfilling than

[@MaryLutz-e2f]

Thank you so much Olli !! This very well structured lesson made me go back over some of my recent paintings - oh, they would have been so improved if I had known these techniques before today! I’m psyched to get to work trying to apply these tools😊

[@ianandmemusic]

So grateful thank you for making this world just a bit more paintable!

[@RonaBurt]

Thanks so much Oliver - your are very generous with your painting knowledge but what I appreciate the most is you advise which colors you have mixed as you use them - color harmony in paintings is to me one of the most important and pleasing aspects - I look forward to more of these videos in this series 😊

[@jameshenderson5385]

Hi Olly, love your lessons and this is why I watch your KZbin channel.

[@sandrabrown9567]

This was such a great demonstration and much needed by serious students. Thank you. I look forward to the future videos.

[@janicewood9228]

❤thank you for your time with explaining how to plan techniques and why. I just came across your videos tonight and will be following your tutorials, and saving them for future reviews as I paint.

[@LeonardLoy-u3q]

Ollie I just have to thank you !!! Your generosity of teaching from your heart !! Awesome!!!!

[@dianalandsberg6335]

Once again, you've encapsulated and distilled, techniques and skills that other teachers never quite break down as you do. Thank you so much for your generosity and effort you put into making these videos.

[@suzannemccallum2537]

So glad you are back. Will be following you avidly. Have not done much for a while so am hoping your new series will inspire and motivate me

[@danam4536]

so glad this popped up in my feed! i am a beginner and this is exactly the problem I am having. thank you so much!

[@llipton6956]

So excited for this series Olly! Really looking forward to your book coming out also!!

[@Tiffany-bk4kz]

Thank you so much for exercising such fortitude in your research of what's missing here, on YT. I've been looking for exactly this type of tutorial. I appreciate it so very much. Best, Tiffany

[@Swh8612]

Thank you so much helping us with our tent poles. I've never been taught this way. Usually just follow tutorials without completely understanding why certain steps are performed and the logic behind them.

[@barbarapowell9905]

I’ve seen this technique dozens and dozens of times but didn’t totally understand what I was watching until this video. Thank you very much.

[@melissal5633]

Thank you so very much for the mentorship from afar!! This is the exact type of content I have been seeking. When I have questions and cannot find the answers regarding a concept or technique or color theory I wind up scrolling through You Tube and maybe apply what I see in a tutorial to the concepts I learned in my Watercolor course in college. But I may wind up painting the same thing 10 times before I figure it out by trial and error. Seeing you provide educational tutorials and the content is free is fantastic. Cheers to you!

[@revrenzo1773]

I quite enjoy your teaching style. Your tutorials are definitely at a higher level than so many others I have viewed. Thank you and looking forward to more.

[@cindynolan8253]

Thank you so much Olly!!! This is exactly what I need. I'm painting every day and have improved by leaps and bounds.... so much so that I have leapt over some of these basic applications. I can't wait for the next lesson!

[@williger1]

What a wonderful and valuable lesson! Thanks Olly!

[@dragonflylover1211]

Being self taught I often feel like I'm feeling my way around in the dark. This is an invaluable lesson and I can't wait for the next! Thank you so much!!

[@helenkim8395]

What a great lesson I learned, thank you so much🙏 not many artists teach this, really appreciate ❤

[@anaandrealewis140]

Thank you Olly for taking your time to explain edges. Looking forward to the next video.

[@kristapedersen1828]

These are great videos! Exactly what I needed, as I’ve been doing everything at once and finding it intimidating with complicated scenes. Really enjoy your detailed thought process explanations. Thx so much!

[@julliettecarignan8563]

Welcome back and thanks so much. I look for watercolor instruction a lot on KZbin, and your videos have been some of the most helpful for learning the foundational techniques. Like the ones you did on water management (i.e., paint consistency or pigment-to-water ratios) and timing ideally explained a core aspect of watercolor that's essential to understand. This video is equally outstanding in explaining fundamental watercolor methods. Thank you! I'm excited about this series!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks Julliett - delighted that it's helping