2. Watercolour Equipment - An Introduction for Beginners

[@adrianmorley3577]

Thank you Oliver. In the middle of last year at age 77 and on a limited budget I started to try my hand at water colour painting. While there are lots of tutorials of pictures being painted I found your instruction and advise the most help. I can keep going back over them. Thanks very much.

[@victoriah6665]

I am a new subscriber and also new to watercolor painting and I was overthinking all the products and name brand high end items out there. I find Oliver’s work and instructions very helpful. I am looking forward to following all his videos and hope to gain knowledge about this art form. I am a total beginner with no classroom education but in watching his videos and another KZbinr paintcrush with Kristi I am able to enjoy the learning process and have fun at the same time. I hope your painting is going well 😊

[@tinman1943]

Just to reinforce a point others have made: I've been watching watercolor KZbins and even taken several in-person classes for 2 years now, and you're the first one who's ever discussed loading the brush! Also, I understand your advice about expensive paper: I bought some expensive paper and paints but have been afraid to "waste" it just "practicing". But after all, even the "expensive" stuff is just paper--my friends doing acrylics and oils spend a fortune on canvas! Even with "expensive" materials and tools, watercolors is the cheapest hobby I've ever tried. Since I found your channel, I've been doing more "practicing" and I'm surprising myself that things are starting to look more like I intended. Thank you Oliver for great tutorials. BTW, I'm an 80 yo living in USA, but had a chance to spend a week in Sussex many years ago--beautiful country.

[@mirelairinapetre6503]

He's maybe the first for you,but not the only one.Still,his lessons are fun to watch even for advanced painters.I just discovered him,in 2024 and I can say for sure,that he is one of the best.

[@sandrasmith538]

I am a 75 yr old beginner. I've watched tutorials until I'm dizzy. I keep yelling HOW, HOW do I load the brush, HOW much water to begin, etc. Others never actually showed the palette or what they were doing on it. You simply showed us how. Thank you. Now on to mixing. I'm sure you will help. And more practice with enthusiasm.

[@robertohilariolopezgaray9383]

Your explanations about watercolor are really good but you also have another great quality is that the English in which you express yourself is very understandable for someone with a low level of the language. Among the many videos I watch in English, it is possibly one of the ones I understand best.

[@jcsallen3]

In all the classes I've taken over the years, I have NEVER been told hold to get paint on the brush!!! I love you teaching me! Thank you!!!!!!!

[@EdoHannema-Watercolour-Art]

Although I have way to many brushes. But also old sables I just keep them for their belly and not their point anymore. But you have to have regular friends you can depend on. When you see Fletcher Watson paint with his old pals the Old Squirrel that is bend and crooked, but does exactly what he wants with trees and washes. I chose myself always 3 or 4 brushes and pigments I want to make the watercolour with. And just deal with them. it makes your work like it is. Painting is also a handwriting thing! 20 years or more ago I was next to a lady in a art shop that asked for a brush that could paint rose petals. The salesman smiled a bit and said ,they all can! But it is you that have to steer them in the right positions!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Good advice Edo - and I like that rose petal story. Very true!

[@inglishhomeandgarden8386]

After watching several different ones, this is THE BEST watercolour channel I have come across!

[@kerravonsen2810]

One of the wonderful things about your tutorials is that you not only demonstrate the correct technique, but you demonstrate wrong ways and explain why they don't work. This gives us a deeper understanding of the technique, and points towards ways of fixing things when they go wrong. This is invaluable! Thank you.

[@franceswalls699]

Now I know what I have been doing wrong - loading my brush! Thank you (70 y o Aussie) taken up watercolour for fun and relaxation !

[@vickimack7932]

I’m not sure if you read these comments but I just want to thank you for sharing your gift with us!!! Loading the brush and giving examples of what happens when loading incorrectly was a big light bulb moment for me. No one has ever taught that like you just did. I think well it’s common sense but it’s not in watercolor. Blessings in your art journey and again thank you. 🙏

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

From tine to time, i do! I don’t always get time to respond now, sadly. But thank you so much for your kind words - I’m delighted you found it helpful.

[@graemejwsmith]

OMG - that paint loading tip at the end - what a freaking difference that just made for me. Like others have said - no one ever really discusses it. But it is so fundamental. Worth a lesson "0" in its own right - ahead of lesson 1!

[@donnacarraway9182]

Thank you so much! I have never heard anyone else ever talk about loading the brush! You have a remarkable sense about how to teach!! Thank you again and again!!

[@garypuckettmuse]

Mr. Pyle, your advice about paper is absolutely liberating! We've all been told here and there that if one doesn't use the highest quality paper one is somehow wasting their time and won't be able to learn on the lower quality paper. Aside from the expense of rag paper, using it can make one feel as if they must be careful not to waste or that there is some expectation that they do the paper justice -- it's been very intimidating to me anyway. So thank you -- I feel very freed right now! Also I love your work, in particular your use of specific color pallets to create cohesive pictures which convey specific atmosphere as well as very effectively conveying mood to the viewer. Thank you for all!

[@joannecordelia]

Thank you. I am an artist of everything 😏 I have taught children and myself many things. Now I want to actually take time to paint for myself. I’ve watched many on Instagram but these KZbin videos have really helped me. I’m happy with your quality of work. Thank you. I’m mainly American but also lived in England for 3+ years. I have my Dads equipment from England in the ‘60’s. That’s a starter for me! I’ll keep watching. 👍

[@chrispolette8443]

Oh my goodness! You are such a good teacher! Thank you!

[@KaeptnFlunder]

I have watched two of your videos and they are immediatley in the top 3 of all the watercolour-tutorials I've seen over the years. You are very motivating and structured and helpful! Thank you!

[@ezzmay2000]

I’m new to watercolour but just wanted to pop by and say thanks for this content. I’m learning so much 😊

[@tesshiva]

The exercise you gave has been amazing for me! I am becoming so much more aware of the subtleties of dilution, instead of sloshing water around and going over- or under-. I am enjoying your tutorials so very much. Many Thanks for helping me to learn at my own pace.

[@helanna9843]

I thought your advice was excellent and practical. I wish I had seen your video when I started painting. I still consider myself a beginner and one thing I have found is that I do best when I have a springy brush. I have a couple of expensive, soft brushes that make water control very difficult, for me.

[@aliourensepr1688]

Those little things nobody tells you, make the difference to me...thanks for your time!

[@kieulannguyen1193]

Thank you so much. I am a beginner and found your video is helpful for me to get started. ❤❤❤

[@gr8fng]

Thank you this is an excellent video for newbies like myself 👌

[@markgraham8276]

Hello Oliver. I came to art late in life and needing something to help distract me from chronic pain, I tried watercolour and wow am I hooked. I've watched many of your videos and really appreciate the detail you go into, and how much you give to help people. Thank you so much, your videos have really helped me develop my skills.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Fantastic Mark - and thank you. Sorry to hear about the pain, but hope that you're able to manage that ok. The challenge of watercolour can be very addictive - there's always something new to learn and achieve, knowing that we sometimes end up getting beaten by it.....but that's the fun of it!

[@belindahall5220]

Thank you Thank you!!! And not that I'm a complete beginner, but working with tube paints, dried into pallette wells, I never quite got the water to paint ratio right. This simple but important exercise helps SO much!!! You are a gifted and perceptive teacher Ollie!:) And your paintings are so lovely!!

[@nicholaspuchetti2557]

So helpful Oliver... thank you again... you have simplified the needed equipment. You are a wonderful teacher. Thank you again....Nick

[@allanpennington]

Am I first to comment? I must be the only one up and out of bed in the antipodes. Great videos! I’m always excited each time the notification bell tells me a new one arrives.

[@TonyBiggins-q2g]

This is a gem of a tutorial, thank you so much! I first watched it 6 months ago at the start of my watercolour journey, now after several months of dabbling I've watched it again and realise there is so much I didn't take in the first time. It's packed with good information and advice. Thanks again.

[@wendyizod923]

I’m just going though your introduction videos again to refresh all the information again, so very useful, thank you.

[@denny2403]

Oliver, just came upon your U-Tube site and cannot stop listening to your tutorials. You are, by far, the best I have ever encountered. I have been painting for a few years now and wish I had come upon your teachings earlier. I am sure I will listen to them all. Thank you so much. Montana, USA. P.S. Just spent a week in the Cotswolds. Wonderful scenery.

[@ladyinblack3398]

MT USA here too

[@kathryns3715]

Excellent, informative tutorial. Thank you so much 🙂

[@jackieconnell7183]

brilliant, as a beginner i am loading my brush wrong, Fantastic beginner information cheers

[@WthrLdy]

On Paper Quality - YES YES YES - I had a watercolor paper notebook, set aside for notes, color samples, and doodles. I kept it handy next to the sofa for moment of sketch inspiration. I think the paper was a cheap, 'low quality', 90 pound paper. One night I did a quick 20 minute doodle (5x7 inches) of one of my hens. That silly thing was accepted into an exclusive art show, at an exclusive museum, and sold for more than I could have ever imaged in the first hour of the show. Use a stick, use a finger, use whatever you need to use to get your talent on the paper and get it out there to enjoy. Supplies don't create on their own crammed in a drawer.

[@Wunderhof]

Thank you for this brilliant and absolutely unpretentious introduction. All beginners should watch this!

[@Zinginaround1]

Thank you, you explain and demonstrate so well!

[@HenryYokel]

One of the best beginner videos for watercolor I’ve seen! Bravo! 43:12

[@dreamalamb4259]

So glad you went over loading your brush. Yep, I was straight from the pan to the paper. 😊. Now I will place water in the mixing tray, then the pan, then the paper. ❤

[@carolehayes5418]

Thank You so much . I have wasted so much paint simply because I didn't understand how to apply the paint to the brush. Very basic, but neglected by other teachers. I look forward to viewing the next video for beginners.

[@asunsol]

This has been so helpful! I realise now I was lacking this basic techniques and they are fundamental to have a good grasp on Watercolour so THANK YOU 🙏 😊

[@asunsol]

You are a magnificent teacher 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@jimkargol7878]

I'm relatively new to watercolor painting and am finding my way. I'm so very grateful I came upon your channel. You're an excellent teacher. Thank you for what you do.

[@suemciver636]

Wow. Another great video full of information for beginners and even for those who have been painting for a while but need a little refresher. Thank you Oliver for sharing your talent and knowledge with us.

[@daksta50]

Thanks Ollie, an excellent and down to earth explanation and demonstration for me, an absolute beginner. A new subscriber.

[@corallall]

The most exemplary tutorial that I have seen, sir! Thanks so much!!!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks Adrian

[@OB1974]

This was so helpful. I appreciate the way you present this material for someone like me that is just learning. Thank you.

[@bithiasherman]

Oliver you seem to be in my head. Every time you give a lecture it seems to be the very thing that I am desiring to learn. As a beginner I struggle with many of the things that you discuss. But the clarity with which you teach and the application then that I can apply is so phenomenally helpful. I'm not saying that I paint as beautiful as you do, no way, however, your explanation of how the colors work and blend together is so incredibly helpful. Now, I need to get busy and keep working on my color charts. It is through this that I have a better understanding and will be able to paint with greater fluidity.

[@firechick561]

I really appreciate your explaining about the difference in the quality of grades & why using lower quality will not hinder you, especially in the beginning. I was very confused & knew I couldn't afford 100% cotton for practice. I use different weights of coldpress w/undefined content & it's fine for learning all the elements of watercolor. And thank you for showing a blend of cellulose & cotton can work too if you know how to get the results you desire. AND your explanation of the advantage of using the primary colors in warm, cool & neutrals shows the best way to learn color mixing. Looking at your work clearly shows why color mixing provides a signature result - it makes all the difference in the world. TY 💖

[@pilarpaduadiaz7710]

Muchísimas gracias, estoy encantada de haber conocido tu canal😻😻

[@silvertree2189]

You're right about cotton or pulp paper.....doesn't mean your painting of a boat will be more accurate. People can tend to blame their supplies when the painting doesn't turn out. Practice.....and not pricy paper/supplies will make you a better painter. Your videos are so educational and enjoyable!

[@PaintIt4Ward]

It’s two years later, but I have to push back against this take. Paper is extremely important. You need good quality paper or you will be fighting against the watercolor and wondering what the hell you were doing wrong

[@CarolKettelkamp]

I’m so glad I found this series of tutorials! What a great way for the beginner to get their feet-and the palette-wet with watercolor! Expert advice that is easy to follow makes it all seem so doable. Thank you! I’m excited to get started!

[@jmellingb]

Thanks for the permission to buy more affordable paper. The cost of 100% cotton has kept me from practicing and stalled my progress.

[@kerriclarke9366]

Loading the brush exercise showed exactly what I have been doing wrong! Fantastic beginner information that I wish I had in the very beginning. Watching all the tutorials (free and paid) have missed this very important step - even missed in the few face-to-face lessons I had prior to covid.

[@shellyparker8960]

A thousand thank yous for this video! Thank you for taking the time. One of the best into to watercolor videos I've watched! I appreciate your teaching.

[@brianparnell2256]

Having painted for many years this video isn’t aimed at me as such but your presentation is always of interest, informative and enjoyable. Thanks.

[@swiitchy511]

The painting behind you during this wonderful presentation brought me to literal tears; thank you. Liked and subbed!

[@edbiggs7168]

Thanks, Olly. Your posts are always so thorough.

[@texasannie]

Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and artistic ability. I am recently retired and finally having the time to do something I have always wanted to do. You are an excellent teacher. Love your videos. Regards, Mary Ann from Texas

[@carolyndignam3592]

Hello Oliver, I’m new to your channel, and I must say from the very beginning of listening to you, every word was true in reference to myself! I want to try water color painting, I’m an amateur artist, but thoroughly enjoy all of the types of media. I’ve been very nervous and intimidated by attempting watercolor painting. I went out and bought an expensive book of watercolor paper and you were so correct when you said, “ you will not want to ruin a page so you won’t use it” well mine is still in the glass box you spoke of LOL. I’m going out and going to do exactly what you suggested, buy a medium price and a medium grade cold pressed book and I’m going to dive in head first! Thank you so very much for your advice and time explaining all of your thoughts and information. I cannot begin to tell you how excited you have made me about trying water colors! You have a devoted watcher of your channel! Your honesty and being so genuine is refreshing and welcoming. Thank you Carolyn

[@BruceWhitmore]

Like the focus on technical first steps!

[@Linda-kh6rl]

I thank God that there or honestly artists that tell it that there or cheaper materials to paint with. I have painted with all meds .an iam 78 an still paint an have want first place in my art work.I enjoy you so much you or so telaxing❤

[@TheArghnono]

Thank you, Olly, for another excellent video. I did not know I was supposed to wet my palette before adding paint to it - I knew there was something wrong with how my colours spread on the paper but yours is the first video to ever mention this. I am very thankful! Wishing you all the best.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

thank you, and all the best to you too. have a go with that technique and after a little experimentation you'll start to find a consistency that gives you the right reference point for mixing stronger or more dillute washes

[@ruthmoore3470]

Your technique for setting up the colour on the palette was the best tip, thank you.

[@DarrellWingerak]

I really appreciate your comments about expensive paper. I was gifted 2 blocks of Arches that have never seen light of day. I also made the mistake of creating too big of a pallet and it nearly handcuffed me.

[@tiffanie7139]

Wow! You have no idea how much the brush loading and paint consistency helped. I have been looking for someone to explain this. I’m just learning and knew I was doing something wrong but couldn’t figure it out until now. I just realized that my problem is that I keep going back into the water thinking my brush needs to be loaded but then it ends up washing out my color. I also think this is where the pans come in handy when learning vs the tubes. Thank you!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Pleased it helped Tiffanie

[@TheEtonline1]

Olly, thanks much, you are the first person offering watercolor lesson that told me to put water in the palette then get paint. Seems so silly now that I couldn't figure out that simple thing. Really enjoy your other lessons. Think I may finally make some headway.

[@corallall]

Yeeah, agreed!!!😊

[@leesatucker3830]

So helpful! Thank you!!! I appreciate the help with brushes;

[@lindaconover4328]

This has been wonderful. These are the little things that many painters skim over but are the foundations of good technique, thank you!

[@mrrambolini9711]

Superb advice - crystal clear and well delivered!

[@Insights_stories]

I read some books and did some practice. After watching your three videos today, I have a deeper understanding. Very lucky to have a teacher like you, enjoy the creative process, play with watercolor and respect it. Learning your attitude and character is not only helpful for painting, also for life.🌱

[@oksanakulkovets5692]

That true. Getting familiar with results of different touches of paper important to feel free and confident.

[@tamardaniel2115]

I love your videos Mr. Pyle!! I remember in elementary school in art class having watercolor time and being so frustrated about why my paint wasnt as pigmented as I would have liked. Now I look back on learning about Georgia O'Keeffe and understand the artistry, your work is absolutely phenomenal. I think how blessed I was to have that time. Thank you so much for explaining and making these videos! I will give the techniques a go and just doodle and enjoy my time mixing colors, loading my brush and trying different techniques on my paper ^.^ I'm looking forward to your next videos, they are greatly appreciated! Many blessings to you and yours ❤

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thank you Tamar - most kind. Have fun with the doodling, it's really helpful

[@tamardaniel2115]

@@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442 thank you for the instructions!! I understand what you mean by loading the brush, I used to think that the more paint I put on the brush the more likely it would drip on the paper and make mistakes. But I learned that the brush can hold the paint for quite a while it's remarkable and there are absolutely no drops! Also, the sound of the brush across the paper is quite therapeutic 😌

[@toddbridges8834]

Great advice… clear and encouraging. Thanks!!!!!!!

[@elizabethlittleton8013]

So encouraged by your saying the inexpensive paper is ok!

[@Kat31hay]

So love the way this beginners course is going. I wish I had it before I did my Intro course and dropped several hundred dollars on stuff I didn't need or use. Thank you for keeping practicality in mind for our hobbies small bank books. We're ready for more!

[@fsll1575]

I liked your comment about quality level needed when one start in watercolour or any other mediums (I experimented in acrylic and oil as well) Those student grade do provide a good "feeling" of the medium and practice ground at a reasonable price before jumping in artist grade with some more serious artwork. Also thank you for the loading brush technic, first time I hear about it in all those youtube video I watched so far.

[@jandaniel9133]

Refreshing no nonsense approach. Quite liberating. Thank you.

[@carolray3637]

Excellent video, as you do, Olly - I truly wish I had access to your content when I was starting out. Cheers, from British Columbia, Canada

[@caseystorm4999]

Excellent, well paced, honest, confidence building installment with all of the expert advice you need as a beginner to start your watercolour journey. Im always learning from you Olly and immensely grateful. Thankyou. Best wishes Casey

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

You're very welcome Casey - and thank you.

[@shorezamani4617]

You are the best, nobody explain so perfect as you do,,, thanks,

[@dianemurphy5307]

Thanks so much! As a beginner I found the guidance about loading my brush especially helpful. Hopefully this will help prevent some of the problems I've had that you described so well.

[@JoPattyn]

Hi Oliver, I have started aquarel painting just recently - so I'm not specialist - but experimented with different different brushes, paper and techniques. I found the quality and type of paper one of the most important factors. I have setup an experiment to help understand that: I wet a large stroke of the paper and then painted a fine straight line every minute as the paper is drying. It takes a longer time for cellulose paper to start absorbing the water then for coton paper. For painting wet on wet it is very important to wait some longer to start mixing the second color than with coton paper. You can also 'measure' the time before the sharp lines will stop bleeding out. This experiment is was very helpfull to understand the timing of painting the different layers for a specific paper. I will also repeat the experiment as soon we have some hotter weather, it certainly will affect the timing. Best regards and thanks for all your teaching. Jo

[@AprilSanPedro]

I wish I knew your channel before I started. I really love your generousity in giving insights. More so your practices. I i enjoy the mixing video by the way. Very helpful. Thank you so much and looking forward to more videos 😊.

[@kanabapuka]

Thanks, mixing a medium colour technique was so insightful.

[@nationalheritagenaturepark6651]

Thanks, Oliver for a wonderfully delivered chat from which my favorite takeaway is... Practice, becoming familiar with my kit and what I am capable of achieving whilst having fun... You lifted my spirits today. Have a great week ahead. Kind regards Keith.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks Keith - the same to you too.

[@TheLittleEconomist]

Loading my brush has been on my mind lately. I realised the brush had been too wet. I too had been making the mistake you mention - not quite so much water though. Really glad you explained this as I’ve been thinking it was the paper. I’d been using some really cheap stuff and switched to my nice milford block. Off for a play.

[@sharonbroadrick5341]

I have just discovered your videos Oliver today! I've watched several and have learned so many helpful ideas. Thank you.

[@trevordavies9229]

Excellent video Olly. I always watch videos by you, whatever level they're aimed at, I usually learn something. This time it was adding water to the palette first, have never seen this suggested before. Thank you.

[@MKANDRESTINPEACE]

awesome tutorial and dowsn to earth technique over equipment 👏👏👌👌

[@vanessadionne1248]

I loved this video, thank you for your patience and passion!

[@sarahgray2733]

Thank you, it is brilliant that you mention things other tutorials seem to think too trivial - the information about loading the brush and that size really does matter is invaluable to a nervous beginner.

[@summerrosebooks]

Your teaching is inspiring and fun! You are generous to share and it is really appreciated. Covid lockdown has been my start point here in New Zealand.

[@stevec-b6214]

Great stuff Oliver, in the same theory, i bought a cook book when i left home that even explained how to boil an egg! it helps amazingly to start with fundamentals, and build on a solid footing.

[@gabischmidt2753]

Hi Ollie, I discovered your incredibly educational channel and subscribed straight away:). You explain everything so wonderfully. I have bought many colours in tubes from Daniel Smith. Also I have Daler Rowney watercolour box and the brushes. As a beginner , your videos and explanations are unique. You are the best teacher here on KZbin!!! I am happy to found you and will start with the exercises. On holiday this year in Falmouth I bought several sizes of The Langton paper. I am glad you said that it is also a good paper. Many people only recommend the expensive Arches paper. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with everyone. Btw. your paintings are incredible. Thank you:))

[@tezoodle]

I can't thank you enough for your videos Olly! I always learn so much from watching you paint, how you mix colour, the consistencies that you use, how you use your brushes - it's so so so so sooooo helpful! I will try that exercise at the end, it's looks like one that will yield a lot of results, and some unexpected colour mixes too. Thank you 👍😀

[@moirastevenson4567]

You are a fantastic tutor! Thank you. So much. The detailed information and advice is the best I’ve ever had 😊

[@MsTataBu]

I use the plastic lid of an egg carton as mixing area. It works good!

[@Linda-kh6rl]

Oliver you take your time at explaining artwork.AMEN FOR ARTISTS LIKE YOU❤

[@mizninepatch]

Great video Olly, thanks for all the work you put into it.

[@marraleepeters2808]

Just beginnng watercolor and this video is so helpful!! I look forward to following you and learning all the wonderful techniques to watercolor

[@mikeburton1955]

Thank you for your very helpful information and the interesting way you present it. Much appreciated.

[@dannajolie]

I highly recommend the Daler-Rowney products. The Aquafine range is of excellent quality, from paints, brushes, to masking fluid, etc. The Artist watercolour paints are superbe, a joy to use, the colours are rich and gorgeous (too bad they are hard to find outside the UK). The Langton Prestige is a wonderful paper. So you can't go wrong with them.

[@jaitasarkar9722]

GOD BLESS YOU AND THANK YOU.....

[@charlotte5877]

Unfortunately, daler rowney brushes still hard to find in my country. Thank you for the great lesson! Really love how you explain things, very easy to remember