Painting My Way Out of a Creative Block with Lunar Black | Watercolour Mountain Demonstration

Creative blocks and how I deal with them - watch me paint an (almost) monochrome watercolour mountain scene and share my thoughts on what to do to get creatively unstuck.
Materials used:
PAINTS:
Lunar Black (Daniel Smith)
Lunar Earth (Daniel Smith)
Zinc White Gouache (Winsor&Newton)
PAPER:
Baohong "Master's Choice" 100% cotton 300 gsm cold press 23 x 31 cm (9 x 12 in) block
BRUSHES:
DaVinci Casaneo Long Mop 490 Size 2
DaVinci Casaneo Flat 5898 Size 8
Neef Hake 30mm
Black Silver by Dynasty Rigger Size 4
Panart Global 1102 Round Size 0
OTHER MATERIALS:
ceramic palette (www.etsy.com/a...)
tissues
cotton buds
hand towel
spray water bottle
squeeze dropper
**My website: anastasiamily....
**My Instagram: @AnastasiaMilyArt
MUSIC:
"Calm Music" by RelaxingTime at Pixabay.com

[@lorenzodelgado685]

Beautiful painting. So free and not over worked.

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you so much

[@patriciahubbard5832]

Yes, I'm in a painting funk, too, and your messages are inspirational and motivational for me. When you finish this painting, I'll get back to work, too.

[@AnastasiaMily]

I am so glad to hear this video is helping you to get through your creative block... Thank you for watching!

[@michellesis73]

I love your process….I took so many screenshots, I didn’t want to miss a thing. I don’t paint watercolors yet….but so want to start! My mom was artistic and played with watercolors a bit. She would have been very inspired by ALL your works! She loved mountains, and especially trees….she doodled trees when talking with friends on the phone…I’d find them everywhere! 🥲 We lost mom in 2012 and I still miss her so. But seeing your work and watching you paint makes me think of her and smile….she feels so near 😇 thank you so much for sharing your talents! 🙏🙏🙏

[@AnastasiaMily]

Oh Michelle, thank you for this - I am so touched by your words. I am so glad my videos make you feel close to your mum ✨ Watercolours have some kind of a magical quality to them... So much emotion. I hope you start painting in watercolour soon - have fun on that beautiful journey!

[@Gerald-HampshireUK]

Another wonderful creation Anastasia. I do agree that DS Lunar Black is quite magical when it's made to heavily granulate. I have also recently used it to great effect.

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you so much! It is such a fun colour to play with!

[@Sglinert]

This was wonderful. First, because the end result is beautiful. And second, because I like to paint this way and always feel guilty that I set no goals and just let the paint tell me what it wants to be. Thank you!

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you so much! It is so freeing to paint this way... I often read and hear that you have to have a plan when it comes to painting a watercolour piece but I actually prefer not to have a plan and let the first loose wash set the tone for the painting. It's like magic!

[@tamzart7974]

The emotional beauty that you create Anastasia is so special and is a reflection of you. The vibe from this piece is so exquisite and you have captured that moment in time of the beauty that nature has, with a intuitive connection. That is what makes your art so special, the intuitive artistic connection you have for nature and I absolutely love that. Thankyou so much for being here and sharing your awesomeness, I am so grateful I found you. Namaste, Love and Light dear one. 🤗🐨🦘

[@AnastasiaMily]

Always appreciate your beautiful comments and insights! Nature has always been my biggest source inspiration so your words truly mean a lot 😊 Thank YOU for being here and watching my videos.

[@unpetitfil]

It’s so wonderfull. Thank you so much. Faby

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you for watching and for your kind words 😊

[@raulalonso-aued5905]

Serendipity at work! This is what I needed today to get me out of a creative slump! Thank you.

[@AnastasiaMily]

So happy to hear that! Hope you are out of that slump, and that the creative juices are now flowing freely! Thank you for watching!

[@PattisArtInnaVan]

What a stunning way to paint yourself out of that depressing creative block. So few artists share what they do to break the block and I thank you for explaining your process for doing so.

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you, and I am glad you find this relatable. Creative blocks are such a big part of being an artist, and the only way to deal with them is to smash through them 😁

[@PattisArtInnaVan]

@@AnastasiaMily Agree!

[@TranquilTiger74]

I absolutely love your channel. Thank you for this, as I've been stuck for so long. Just beautiful 💚

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you for your kind words and for being here. So glad to know you find this video helpful. Hope you get unstuck in your creative process in no time! ✨

[@Danimalofthedesert]

What a perfect time. My creative juices aren't flowing and I feel this is what the art doctor prescribed. Thank you. 😊

[@AnastasiaMily]

So glad you find this helpful 😊 Hope those creative juices get flowing in no time!

[@juliehopkins5784]

I love your work, but this is extra special. Thank you for sharing. 😍

[@AnastasiaMily]

Oh thank you so much Julie

[@ChantelleArts]

I love the accents of colour in this piece, it’s gorgeous ❤

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you for watching and for your kind words

[@Milzoom]

Hardly couple of days back started following your channel and just ❤ it... Your technique is so Unique and me as a beginner in water color painting gets stunned 😊. I am glad that I found your channel and god bless you. 🙏🏻

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you for being here! So glad you are enjoying my videos 😊 How wonderful you have started your watercolour journey - enjoy. Watercolours are magic ✨

[@cindylabare960]

Fun to watch the use of only two paint colors! Love the texture! Stunning!

[@AnastasiaMily]

It is a very fun way to paint! Thank you so much 😊

[@JustSaying-d2y]

Wow. You make it look soooo easy. It’s beautiful

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you! Things do get easier the more I paint…

[@frankvivian2098]

Love this artistic philosophy. I am inspired to do it more. Thanks

[@AnastasiaMily]

So happy my words have resonated with you ✨ Happy painting!

[@alinserea4179]

Love 💞, the amount of information ,💝.of this video 💯,.,💖Interesting tutorial ,💞 Thanks for the beautiful video you share with us., Thanks for sharing,❤💖,.,

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you for such a beautiful comment, I really appreciate it!

[@kimranson4775]

Thank you for sharing your process. I too have been stuck for awhile and trying to just enjoy creating.

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you for watching Hope you get unstuck soon... I find comfort in knowing that it is so very common to be stuck like this, and that I am not alone!

[@scotthosler7242]

Just incredible! Stunning as ever. I have about 6-8 other watercolor artists I follow and subscribe to. Your style, approach, music, textual notes, and techniques are the most impressive to me.

[@AnastasiaMily]

Your words truly mean a lot - thank you for such amazing feedback Scott. I am so glad the way I create my videos resonates with you 😊

[@dhags5]

Thank you for your time! Beautiful to watch! I am learning a lot from watching and doing yor techniques! :0)

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you so much! So glad you find my videos useful

[@evelynea1481]

Thank you so much for that beautiful demonstration. All your comments during the process are so inspiring and helpful.

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you for watching and for your kind words Evelyn

[@pambirch778]

This is SO beautiful. I LOVE how you paint mountains!

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you so much 😊 There is so much inspiration in the mountains!

[@narayanstar7787]

Thank you so much for this video. Just what I need to get me motivated again. I love the freedom you express here. Not overly instructional .

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you for watching! I am so glad this video has resonated with you, and that you feel motivated to create again ✨ Happy painting!

[@InestoIris]

Absolutely stunning!

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@dianeruggles8680]

Love to watch you paint!! It really relaxes me!! Gorgeous painting!! ❤️ Perhaps I'll dream of painting like this!! 😊

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you for your kind words 😊 So glad you find my painting process relaxing!

[@catepearce2138]

Love this, love your play with monochrome and granulation. Its so emotive. We all need to play more, thank you for sharing.

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you so much 😊 You are very right, we all need more play and joy in our creative process ✨

[@busterholmes4934]

Awesome! The best way painting rocky landscapes.

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you! It was a lot of fun for sure

[@annevickers3307]

Wow! That was an inspiration. Thank you.

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you so much! Glad you find it inspiring

[@candisclaiborn9943]

I loved this, and it's just what I needed to see right now - thank you! This is one of my favorites of your paintings!

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you so much for watching and for your kind words! Glad this video has resonated with you

[@abidescripts]

I just found your channel via Instagram. I love it! Thank you

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you for being here

[@francoisedevost2132]

Thank you - Beautiful!

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you for your kind words

[@terrymalone8693]

Absolutely stunning! You use colors and paint that I haven't heard of. I use Windsor and Newton professional paint. It seems like something new pops up every year. My brushes are many different ones collected over time, but my go to and most used are Aqua Elite by Princeton. I'm sure your familiar with them. Paper I prefer is Arches, 140lb cold pressed. I don't have a computer so I catch you on my phone. The mountain scene is very spiritual to me. Thank you!

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you for watching and for your kind words! I had a very long break from painting, and when I returned to it a few years ago, I was blown away by all the colours that were available. I used to use Winsor&Newton only but then I discovered Daniel Smith and Schmincke Horadam, and many other manufacturers of paint… And I love playing with all the colours now, they are such incredible fun. So many creative possibilities! I have never tried Princeton Aqua Elites… I have a few Neptune ones as I prefer soft and floppy brushes, but I’d like to get an Aqua Elite too and see what it can do. Wishing you a peaceful and creative weekend.

[@colorsmith659]

I have enough brushes... but that long mop...okay, okay, I'll buy it. Seriously, I need that thing. 😁 And thanks for your painting. It sounds so easy: Just play with the paint, let it flow. But often it's quite hard to do. 🤐

[@AnastasiaMily]

Oh I know how hard it is not to add more brushes to the ever growing collection 😁 I love that long mop! I am sure you'll have a lot of fun painting with it. Thank you for watching!

[@suresh.karthikeyan]

Bedazzlingly beautiful 👌👌👌

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you so much!

[@juudithakala9463]

Anastasia, I found you through Etchr Studio and love your videos! I'm binge-watching them all!! Your style and how you begin teaching with the background work that takes place before you actually paint is so helpful. I am in love with the process! DaVinci Casaneo's quills are lovely! I can also recommend Jackson's Icon Quill brushes! Kiitos, for your generosity of spirit and for sharing this creative block experience and how you work through it. Happy painting!

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you for being here and for your kind words! So glad you like my videos and the process 😊 I'll go and look up the Jackson's Icon quills, so exciting to learn about other materials from different people! Happy painting!

[@tanyaperrin8844]

Beautiful.

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you!

[@katharinebirkett1016]

That's exquisite!

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you so much

[@turnerschmidt]

Thank you for this inspiring gift to all of us aspiring artists ... As usual, you paint in a magical way

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you for watching and for your kind words

[@lanabaker4327]

Stunning! Thanks for sharing! ❤

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you for watching

[@mariaguarnieri746]

Thank you so much Anastasia. I've been stuck for weeks and now I will try this practice if yours. I'm sure to succeed if I just play. Beautiful mountain😊

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you for watching Maria! Enjoy the process of playing with your paints, and I hope you get unstuck soon ✨

[@usmanriaz9966]

Very beautiful

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you so much!

[@merrilynnowlan8907]

Great video ..really like this

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you so much 😊

[@ElleVancouver]

Lol, that's exactly what I say when I am having one of times when nothing turns out...I need a win!

[@AnastasiaMily]

Those wins feel so good!

[@loisbrennan3967]

This is so true, the only paintings I’ve done that I really think work are those where I’m just experimenting with one or two paints to see how they play! It’s a bit frustrating because I can never produce anything any good when I try to do something specific?😅

[@AnastasiaMily]

Yes!! Whenever I try to paint a particular scene I always struggle!

[@patriciahubbard5832]

Yes, I noticed that needlepoint brush when I first found your website. But I can't find one anywhere. I dont think the one you use is available anymore.

[@AnastasiaMily]

I know these are hard to find, but I recently spotted Dynasty reservoir brushes on Jackson's Art website, and their shape looks pretty much the same! www.jacksonsart.com/en-au/dynasty-faux-squirrel-8-reservoir-liner

[@patriciahubbard5832]

@@AnastasiaMily Thank you. I will definitely check it out.

[@flo5378]

Bonjour Encore magnifique !🤩🤩🤩 Quel est le pinceau pointu au bout avec lequel vous faite les petits sapins ? Merci ❤😊

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you so much 😊 That brush is called a Needle Point brush, or it can also be called a reservoir brush. I love using it for trees.

[@francoforleo4971]

💕🎨💕

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you!

[@zaboueccrochetybreizh481]

Nice 'small win"...

[@AnastasiaMily]

Thank you!

[@andrewbrimmer1797]

I have trouble matching brush size with what i want to achieve

[@AnastasiaMily]

Hope you find a brush that works for you.

[@andrewbrimmer1797]

17:07 What brush are you starting with

[@AnastasiaMily]

I started this scene with DaVinci Casaneo Long Mop 490 Size 2 - it is a long and floppy brush that creates expressive brushstrokes, and it is one of my favourite painting tools.

[@sierrahjmartinez6703]

Ughh mine looks like a kids art project.

[@AnastasiaMily]

Hope you still had a lot of fun painting!