Painting Light Foliage Over Dark Backgrounds in Watercolor

Painting intricate foliage detail over a dark background is a frequent challenge for the transparent landscape watercolor painter. In this video we look at three common methods for dealing with that challenge.
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[@boopbooperson1654]

Thank God for you c: I can't afford art school so this is really helping me improve when I get confused about my watercolor stuff

[@catherinelevison3310]

Wow...this..was..so..helpful...and exactly what I needed. I dabbled in watercolor many years ago and now I have the time to really learn. Even as a beginner I immediately fell into the purists camp because I wanted to not break rules. To find out that you are okay with a gelly-roll white pen is so freeing to me because you are very experienced with watercolor. Everything I’ve watched you demonstrate or paint has yielded the best results imaginable. Thank you.

[@helendeboerArt]

Just as a suggestion. I use an ink quill for my masking. I have several tip sizes. They work very well and when dry, the masking comes off quite easily. Love your videos. Thank you.

[@Lobstrique]

the illustration was great! i love how you did all three ways on one sheet, you really see the differences in the effect

[@redbeard365]

You have the best watercolor series on the Internet.

[@elsagrace3893]

I love watching your vids. I like the peace, humor, enthusiasm, pleasant mood and practical info. It's a nice place to be. 😊

[@mindofwatercolor]

Very kind thanks!

[@gretchenmack-pq4fo]

Thanks again for this great tutorial! I have recently went back to drawing/painting, watercolors. Gave it up yrs ago to raise a family, and work. I am practicing a lot and one of the watercolor artists I follow, Paul Clark, has spoken highly of your work and tutorials, really grateful for all of you who share your work, expertise and experience in all the videos. All the videos have really helped me regain confidence to continue on with my art. Thank you! Gretchen Dubois, WY

[@xxBlueCinnamonxx]

How do you not have more subscribers? Your videos are amazing, they're very educational, funny, and heartwarming all at the same time. Keep up the good work! 👍

[@susandavia6290]

Another truly great video lesson... I can't tell you ... can't even begin to measure .... how much I've learned from you. Thank you so much Steve.

[@Inkdraft]

One purist says to another purist: We've always lived in mud huts and we're not going to start living in brick and mortar now and no one else can either. LOL. Lovely video. You should feed your buddy there a little more, he's looking a little peckish. I always wanted to get that light over dark technique and thanks to you it will be much more fun now. I've subscribed.

[@mindofwatercolor]

LOL!

[@morvenskinner845]

I loved the simplicity of this painting , done so quickly too.

[@dougmkeller9898]

Your samples are soo great, thanks for showing all the detail Thanks Steve, !

[@labtrainer09]

P.S. You didn't mention it, but this subject (light over dark) is absolutely critical for those of us who like to ATTEMPT (I'm still trying!) to capture rough seas and, especially, surf. I'm starting with the negative-space approach for the "white water" that's involved, but it's a tough row to hoe. I just received my first order of gouache and masking fluid!

[@cynthiakeith8760]

Thanks so much for this tutorial... having the 3 technique styles completed side by side has been very enlightening! Much appreciated.

[@maryannelooney6214]

I love the tutorial. I find myself to enjoy negative painting best. I can let my right brain go free. It so relaxing and the end result can be a rewarding growth. Thank you for the great tutorial.

[@kcald9891]

This is exactly what's been stumping me with watercolor, thank you so much!

[@debbiedickerson3578]

I’ve painted my light area then put masking fluid over it, then dark. Looks great. Love your work. Watch you often.

[@JamieDiamondHelms]

Thank you so much for sharing your gift with me. I'm learning a lot from your videos and it's most appreciated!

[@gailgassen8670]

Your so fun to watch! Your also full of so much great knowledge! Thank you

[@fly9lngolf]

Hi Steve. Just a note of Thanks. Your videos have helped me revive my watercolor painting after a 20 year hiatus. My favorite painter is fellow Wisconsinite Charles Peterson. We have several of his prints. I love his Memories Collection paintings illustrating his ghosting technique. Thanks again.

[@nancyrolfe3033]

Once again, I've learned so much! Thank you:) I taught Math next to Art teacher. He only taught one way and I had trouble getting shapes I wanted...He was great man and I appreciate his help. But....it's nice to have ways to "fix" areas. I'm trying different options...Very much appreciated

[@michaelannfitzgerald8742]

Love all your tips and tricks. When the gel pens start skipping you can get them flowing again by scribbling a bit on the palm of your hand also. I am loving your channel. Thank you so much :)

[@christinetempleton7657]

Thanks, that was fun and FULL of good advice and tips. Loved it.

[@maryanharrell5642]

Thanks so much, Steve for this video. This is a subject I have been searching for help on for some time, as I do use dark backgrounds with light foliage and foregrounds quite a bit. Well done. I will try the ink, too. It looks great.

[@Rockymtnbloom]

this is great information, and the whole discussion while you paint is helpful! thank you!

[@micarson4524]

You continue to be major awesome!!!!! Thanks so so so so much for sharing your wisdom and humor. You inspire me in so many ways!

[@reneelogan2947]

thank you for sharing your art and techniques..very inspiring.

[@lonnekevinken4387]

this is one of the most helpful videos i have ever watched, thankyou so much! This is something I really struggled with, but I'm going to try these techniques and see how if goes now!

[@1969hippiechick]

Thank you so much! I was just staring at some light green foliage in front of a dark green background and agonizing over how I was going to do it.

[@debrapeterson3981]

You are awesome. Love your style and teaching methods. Thanks!

[@richardkeller3852]

Very informative, as usual. I like the way you always say, this is the way I do it, some people do this or that, and if anyone has a different way that works, let me know.

[@zhinekelsang3768]

incredibly clear and very helpful. Thank you!

[@melindastroup1844]

Thank you so much for this video! It's exactly what I needed. Have struggled with this for a while.

[@katrinagerdes3119]

Something different to try and I think it will be fun. Thanks so much.

[@Rubbereyes]

Lots of great ideas & information. Thanks.

[@obtainingmercycroft]

This was incredibly helpful. Thank you so much!

[@ecksdog]

Excellent tutorial. Thanks.

[@thirtyfiftystudio2241]

Thank you for all the great information. It really helps in my watercolor learning process.

[@lenwenzel7440]

Nice illustration of a common problem for new artists. I'm just returning to painting after years off due to aging eyesight. After cataract treatment my eyes are doing well enough to paint. It was a helpful video for me,thanks Steve. I will look for that opaque white ink!

[@tomrichardson1951]

Great video! Very helpful!

[@gillyslikejillysart7458]

Great info as always Steve! Thank you! Very helpful!

[@CP-jr2hj]

Another recently learned Very Helpful Tip I came across across is to use a white oil pastel over areas you want to keep as white, eg, dots of light in plant's foliage, but will want to glaze etc quite a few times. The waxy coating of the pastel keeps the area dry too. This guy is quite a master of the art, so to speak. I find his videos so very organised, and professional...all the facts in labelled segments...ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS.

[@judytitta4271]

Thanks. I found the listing. Love these videos! Keep them coming.

[@bonyasobaka4136]

Thanks for the lessons, it's adorable💟💟💟💟

[@CoxJoxSox]

Beautiful demo as always

[@allysmootwinters8613]

Just what I needed! Loved it.

[@labtrainer09]

This was REALLY helpful. Thanks not only for another excellent, immediately useful tutorial, but also for your innate talent for teaching. Direct experience has shown me that good teachers are born, not made. Clearly-at least to me-you were meant to share your skill, knowledge, and instincts with others, and that's a gift.

[@essietangle9931]

Thank you! This was VERY helpful!

[@BigBlueSky123]

A really useful video! Thank you so much!

[@rebeccapage4411]

Thank you! Nice seeing the different methods side by side. Drawing on a damp paper towel helps the gelly roll when it starts skipping.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Rebecca Page nice tip thanks!

[@robinmontana6837]

Rebecca Page ii

[@deborahsteele4349]

Love love love your tutorial s THANK YOU ❤️

[@azzuparis]

Hi Steve, thank you so much for this helpful video. The second method is the easiest but with the first we can learn how to control and use the brushes so it is a nice challenge :)

[@arlenemurphy804]

Thank you Steve. great info!

[@belindahall5220]

Extremely helpful Steve!! Thank you:)

[@sonyaeckers8297]

I love your tutorials! Thank you

[@colleeningham7335]

Helpful as always. Thank you.

[@nidhiyadav6794]

You videos are so good … thank you !!

[@fishingalot247]

Thank you for uploading these helpful videos. :)

[@annacount3682]

Enjoyable and enlightening! I was particularly intrigued with the tools you use for masking. I use a G-nib on a dip pen for fine lines, but have never been able to figure out how to do all the little bit of, for instance, Queen Anne’s lace. I think your “messy pen” might be perfect! Thanks for the thoughtful presentation!

[@beverleyconlin9934]

thank you your video is crystal clear....Merry Christmas from Canada

[@heloisabeatrizteixeiradasi7063]

Great class! Thank you.

[@ianjackson5834]

some great technique , thanks for that

[@nadineb348]

Thanx so much for creating theses videos. I wish I could subscribe one million times

[@lilliemae36]

Thank you for this. Always like to learn something new...to me. Been around for a long time and am amazed at how much I don't know! I'm enjoying being brave and loose with the washes. Thank you. Maxine

[@doreenprice2722]

great video many thanks

[@jaspermartin7444]

Second time watch for me, very helpful, thank you! There's just so much to know and oftentimes the most important lessons need repetition in order to really get it. Heck, I'll probably even come back a third time! :D

[@_LUNARVAEZ]

thank you for this video, it is very helpful.

[@nknana3]

Great tips! Thanks!

[@annevanderwoude9319]

I like the paintings and the bible text thank you

[@isalawton6239]

Thanks again for the great demo. I can see the difference in all three samples. I have masking fluid, but have been afraid to use it. You inspired me to do so.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Sure, give it a go. What do have to lose. Cut your paper in some small mini paintings and do some experiments.

[@2lmdi]

Thank you! Very good demo for me. As an oil painter whose mind has not yet switch from dark-to-light, I'm constantly experimenting with way to add lights at the end. Right now, I'm doing that with liquid paper that matches.. Arches paper colors specifically... and think its second to frisket for me ... well right not... its an ongoing challenge. Thanks again.

[@jaspermartin7444]

Second time watching. :-) You give such a thorough explanation, extremely helpful, thank you so much!

[@sharronarturi1690]

Great guide through watercolors with detailed tips. I have viewed your You Tube VIDEOS THANKS !

[@pablomiezavarela8358]

Very interesting thanks. From Barcelona Spain.

[@Preservestlandry]

Roll the pen tip between your fingers to warm it up and get it flowing. Thanks for the tutorial!

[@vivilev8031]

Thank you really helpful!

[@elflordsjourneys]

Thanks for the tips,I'll give them a try,you're my favorite watercolor guy on utube.😀 and I see your a believer too☝

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes, I am indeed. Thanks for watching!

[@randicommand2453]

What I do when my white pen stops drawing is do a couple of little circles on the flesh mound between my thumb and the back of my hand. It really works fast, and leaves lovely little scribbles on my hand! 😉

[@rachelagent5027]

Randi Command x

[@teaartist6455]

Thanks, this is quite helpful for someone like me who's utterly inexperienced when it comes to shrubbery. If you dislike the skipping maybe try white indian ink with a dip pen. It's what I use if I ever feel the need to add any highlights/other white spots.

[@DrawingWithFire]

Great video Steve! 😆🖒

[@HanieBCreations]

I use the Jelly Roll white as well. I also use other Jelly Roll colors when painting abstract. Haven't tried the Uni-ball. I added those to my wish list on Amazon. Thank you for sharing so much information ! HanieB.

[@judyptak7118]

Great. Thanks.

[@OldLady-um9kt]

Very interesting video. Thank you. Hugs!

[@shiyamazaheed8355]

What an inspiring and educational post. Beautiful artwork always looks forward to your post which is a meaningful and educational purpose to me. I would be very grateful if you could post a video on how to paint grapes in watercolor Thank you.

[@PlacesWeveBeen]

Masking fluid is probably my favorite of three (and the only one I already tried), but I'm going to be trying the other to just to compare results.

[@JustMeYouSee]

If I could only watch 1 channel it would be yours! I have learned so much. Thank you! 😊

[@mindofwatercolor]

So nice of you

[@Blissfulthings]

very interesting, I have two of those colour shapers and they work great,a ruling pen is nice too and not hard to clean and good for inking as well!

[@suebrozowsky8449]

Blissfulthings c

[@thatguyTushar]

"h-white". haha. A fun tutorial, learned a lot. Thanks

[@smitchell1002]

From another S(Sharon).Mitchell 😊 Another great video. I keep learning. Thank you so much. FYI, just went to order Kuretake white ink on Amazon. Shipping is free but has long delivery date. Delivery anywhere from mid to end of September. Shipping is direct from Japan to US so dates vary.

[@mirafeather7844]

So helpful!! :)

[@DeborahZajac]

A good t-shirt slogan for a photographer too. :)

[@beesareLameWasps]

I havent considered painting right over gel pens or gouache or any highlights... I've always leaned towards purist because I've mostly used wc for plein air. I recently started using Neocolour II's, so thats been fun, but I will definitely try some opaque white. Thanks!

[@OnlineCollegeofArtandDesign]

amazing!

[@redkizzer]

gosh.. talented...

[@Sunflower-rx8rf]

I tried using masking fluid. I dumped half the jar all. over. everything. It was an amazingly Giant mess...🤣 yup, it ruined everything. Since then I have bought every type of white ink to try & find the perfect flat matte. Thank you for sharing the Kuretake ink. Thank you for showing the 3 techniques, & the types of alternatives to get around the tricky spots. Before I go grab some of that ink, have you ever played with the old school typewriter fluid “White out” for this exercise? If so, did it accept glaze? Just trying to be cost effective. Thank you for your wisdom, experience, & simple teaching technique. You are by far, hands down, the most comprehensive instructor I’ve found on Watercolor painting. Thank you.

[@suzijorgensen6545]

Love gellirole pens

[@pedrocarloslaufferneto4189]

hi...pedro do brasil... nice to see the indication of the gel pens...for the white details...for example, clear windows in dark glass...using the Uni Boll Signo...when it clogs at the tip, I rub it in my hand or I lick the tip...saliva is good for the gel....hehehehe

[@bhairavisharma]

Nice

[@helenbugsynelson]

on the bottom example there is a skull right in the middle of the sky at the treetops. the nose of the skull also looks like a person with a wrap on. I see tons of opportunity to exploit those shapes as image in image. I used to do tole painting and using liquid mask was one of my favorite techniques. I masked off picket fences, gates, lattice, as well as faces, but they were not my strong suit. I'm just learning how to do watercolor, because of the portability. So what I'm saying is keep your little examples there. You can use them on greeting cards.

[@Ieat2much]

I have decided I want to live without masking fluid. My introduction to art was through DeeDee and her philosophy resonates with how I want my style to be. Avoid fiddly at all costs. Hopefully One day my landscapes will look half or even quarter of how beautiful yours look. I am trying to avoid mixed as much as I can but then I like making things difficult for myself😛