Painting With a Loose Technique

'Loosening Up' is a term we often hear in the world of watercolour and landscape painting. What exactly does it mean? How do we develop this technique? Is it really the case that it's the only 'proper' way to paint landscapes in watercolour? Follow me as I paint the same countryside scene loosely, and then in a more controlled way.

[@donnacarraway9182]

It’s really great to see you back in the KZbin world!! You teach in a way that no one else does! I love your explanations and demonstrations both. This side by side one is awesome!! Thank you so very much!

[@kathleenbarnett1084]

I'm so happy to have found your tutorials. I've been paintings watercolor for a couple years, self-taught through u-tube tutorials. Yours are by far the best I've seen. Please keep making tutorials!

[@DahHar117]

Love your videos and your paintings. Every time you say one paints how they feel about the subject I always think you paint how you feel. Period. That is why some people always use muted colors and some people always use brilliant colors. They paint themselves and their likes and dislikes into the subject. They see the subject through the lens of who they are . . . their very being, their soul.

[@jillf.g.mitchell4881]

What an incredible teacher! This is the second tutorial by you that I've watched (first one was on brushstrokes) and I already have learned SO much! You have put your approaches to a painting, techniques, and thought-processes into perspective (no pun intended!) in a brilliant way. Your art is magnificent too. Thank you, Oliver.

[@edithtsacle5257]

We are so happy to have found you! You are a fabulous teacher, just fabulous! We can't wait to watch more of your wonderful videos that address all of the challenges that especially beginners face in such a relaxed and understandable way. Thank you!

[@Zenon-fg4dw]

As someone who is just starting out his journey into watercolors, I can't tell you how grateful I am to have a resource like this for the information as well as for inspiration. I truly appreciate the effort you put into your videos to explain things from large to small to give a holistic view of the multi-faced painting process. Videos like this absolutely indispensable for an aspiring artist. Thank you!!!

[@WediEre6654]

Thanks Oliver for these useful lessons. You clearly demonstrated the difference b/n loose and tight paintings. You made nice paintings with a limited palette as well. Hope to see more.

[@letajones8556]

So much wonderful information..it made such a difference to see both styles at the same time...I had never seen that before...but when I first saw your paintings, it was love at first sight...the same peace that I feel in the country, at the ocean, and in the quaint towns was all in your work ! This video is treasure to me ☺

[@lornak5111]

Thank you for being generous with your time and expertise. Your tutorials are the most helpful. I don’t usually post comments but it’s great that you have come out of your summer hibernation. Looking forward to the next tutorial.

[@Barbara-ex3ge]

I’ve been hoping you would make another tutorial as I think you are an inspiration. As someone quite new to painting landscapes in watercolour I do feel more comfortable with a tighter style but after watching your very enjoyable and interesting video I’m going to ‘give it a go’. Thank you for your generosity in sharing so many tips and your gentle reassurance

[@keithwootton2168]

Thank you Oliver for your latest video,long overdue.I have done a few paintings in your style and are in frames at home.Really like your trains which combine loose and controlled techniques.

[@Mattyburnham]

Thanks you for taking the time to do these tutorials, they are so so helpful! Brilliant paintings and brilliant teaching!

[@adriennesaracen6525]

Thank you so much for another wonderful tutorial. There is a rare depth to your analysis and I find it immensely helpful. Hope you find time to post more videos.

[@stevethomas277]

Great to see your back. Can’t wait to watch. Love the style of your presentations.

[@Mr11334]

This has been the best explanation and visual on how to paint loosely. I have been trying for years, and this really helped me to better understand what I need to do and learn. Thank you so much!

[@joegriffin5851]

Thanks for another great tutorial. So much to reflect upon. And the teaser for the next video describes me to a tee. So looking forward to that also.

[@joannabatherson6783]

Thanks for all the tips and techniques especially for the comparison of the loose and rigid techniques of this composition! The loose painting really was nice and painterly!

[@shitalkanitkar5995]

What a wonderful teacher you are! Learnt so much from your videos. Hoping you make more of the paint along

[@antoniocabrero]

Oliver, you are still the best instructor for those of us just starting out! You tackle all the most important questions and concepts related to watercolor like no other! I look forward to your next video! Cheers!

[@justmejhbmed9778]

Thanks so much for your tutorials. I have done watercolour paintings for many years. You explain what you are doing, and WHY. I have appreciated you slow’ish explanations, with no distracting background music (as with some other artists on KZbin) it’s a real pleasure to relax and take on board your techniques. I have become far more confident in developing a more ‘free style’ and, how to paint a variety of trees especially, since watching many of your tutorials. I look forward to seeing more. Thank you.

[@tonihyler8506]

Thank you, Oliver. You are a wealth of information on watercolor painting! This was extremely helpful for me.

[@tezoodle]

Much food for thought here Olly, and thank you for showing us both of these techniques. I can see how a more defined style may be necessary for the focal point, like the dry stone wall on your larger finished painting that you showed us looking towards Kimmeridge - that is a fabulous painting btw! And I can see how a looser approach is great for dealing with backgrounds and skies where they may not be the focal point. You just have to judge for yourself where each approach may, or may not, be appropriate for the different parts of your painting. All I know is that with your paintings, I feel as though I can breathe and look about as the Viewer. If I can achieve that peace and serenity in my own work, I'd be really happy! Thank you for showing us your amazing skills 👏😀

[@michaelmcewan432]

Watched a few off your videos now, you are a fantastic teacher, you put it over well and easy to understand, and a great painter

[@crishbrin]

I’m so glad I ‘found’ you on KZbin! Such an amazing resource!!! THANKS

[@damienkearns3654]

Love your videos, found your account yesterday. Keep them coming please. Very hard to find someone so competent that's easy to listen to that I learn so much from. Thank you 🙏

[@helenlittle3075]

Such a fascinating, informative and inspiring video, thank you! Your closing thoughts really struck a chord with me, and I can't wait for your next video - thank you!

[@lisabennett5078]

Thank you, this was a very important comparison. I'm new to this and plan to get better at the loose style, I'm adding tools to my painterly toolbelt all the time. Thank you for your patience and explanations.

[@irmareitz701]

This is overwhelming! When the paint starts flowing I start to panic! If I can just achieve the sky, I’ll be happy. Thank you so much for giving so much of your time and expertise. Much appreciated. 🦋

[@janesanchez213]

Absolutely beautiful instruction Oliver. I can even feel the weather , hear the insects , and smell the fields in your truly loose painting. Your sharing your experience of being in that place. Thank you so much for your thoughtful expression and love for nature. I will practice your techniques ASAP.

[@ianparkinson6870]

Once again a really excellent and helpful tutorial. Really inspiring and can't wait for the next one . Thanks so much!

[@betsyoglesartist]

Absolutely wonderful lesson, Oliver. Your explanations are so very helpful.

[@lindaknox9908]

Excellent comparison of loose vs tight techniques. I learned a great deal from this video and I appreciate your teaching style. Thanks very much.

[@alfonsoportugal6754]

This brilliant video should be counted as one the most helpful videos for amateur watercolorists, like me, who paint just for fun and once a week. It helps us to ease our techniques and achieve better results. Thank you Oliver!!

[@artsymargo]

Thank you so much for your tutelage, Olly. Even though you often teach to beginners, the style is elevated ... more subtlety and sophistication than most other YT instructors. I'm gravitating toward a gentler color palette rather than the "vibrant" colors so highly touted by others. Your methods and color choices are helping me move closer to the style I want to paint.

[@dobbo99a]

Thank you Oliver, I am at the beginning of my journey into watercolour painting and I found your guidance and your tutorials very helpful and informative. You are very talented. I look forward to your next videos!

[@carlsjoquist4299]

great advice yet again, Oliver, super skills, great demonstration, thanks again!

[@user-qu9pp4qy2k]

Thank you so much for your channel . I love the way you give the information! After three years of searching myself in painting I can say I finally found it here. I love nature and landscapes

[@karenhealy1260]

Thank you Oliver, in my opinion, you are by far the best instructor out there !

[@tobyberkovits7536]

Thank you Oliver! Your tutorials are amazing!

[@nbcclaytor]

Excellent tutorial ….I keep trying to loosen up and when I do, I love the results. Thanks for all your videos!!

[@theresaavery4670]

Love your gentle teaching style. So much good information and reminders.

[@watercolorhomie146]

That's a great way of looking at it... even better way of explaining it.. thank you so much friend!

[@christinepianowski3989]

You have such a light lovely touch while painting. Love your technique

[@brianparnell2256]

Masterclass. Always a pleasure to see you produce a new video, the content is always instructive. Bring on the next one.

[@karolfrench5816]

Delighted to enjoy and learn from your tutorials. Please keep guiding and inspiring us to develop our expressions in paint

[@marilynmcglynn4836]

I love your paintings and your instruction is so understandable for this beginner. Thank you.

[@paulprice6059]

Thank you so much Oliver an absolutely wonderful demonstration. To see the two styles next to each other gives a much clearer explanation than words alone ever could.

[@susanwilson1276]

I love your loose way of painting landscapes, I have learned so much from your videos and use a lot of your tips to my advantage...I love your style of teaching, giving demonstrations and showing in detail the difference in painting styles, and I'm definitely impressed with the looser style and how it gives the suggestions to the viewer....

[@GuisellaDominguez]

Oliver you are impressive! I just became your fan. Hope I get notified on you next lesson. Please keep teaching the way you do, its very refreshing and it clicks in a make sense way. So many questions answered to us the beginners.

[@mariapla2427]

Good to see you back¡ Your work is so amazing and it is a pleasure how you explain every step. Thanks so much¡

[@soniadepaoli5840]

Ah Oliver, just when I think concepts cannot be better explained - You do it again , and they are ! such a comprehensive journey. Many thanks ! Your tutorials are priceless.Besides the technical aspects you demonstrate so beautifully, what resonated with me the most was the emotional aspect to loose painting, Finding our own way to convey what we see and feel in the outdoors. the serenity ,the joy and the spontaneity of expression. I truly hope I can get there eventually, no matter how long that takes. Your paintings are like music and poetry combined.

[@terrycasey51]

So well explained! I loved your final words of advice. thanks so much!

[@nancycipolla2365]

Looking forward to more of your lovely paintings!

[@shannlakho4805]

Looking forward to more videos and tutorials from you Olly! You are the BEST on KZbin! Thank you. Shanna

[@blueponyfarm1962]

These tutorials are so helpful and this side-by-side of two methods is particularly useful to someone like me who always gets projects muddled by faffing with too many details.

[@artdavisstudios]

Third time I've watched this tutorial. Inspiring and energizing. I love the way you connect the artistic aspects of painting to the mechanics of putting the paint on the paper. Just excellent.

[@waiyeetoll1929]

Thank you so much for making all this tutorial. I've been trying to paint using watercolor, and now I know how to start!

[@miriamreshetov1043]

Thank you so much, Oliver, for this great tutorial!

[@Neb2117]

Fabulous tutorial for a beginner like me. The thought of combining loose and tight techniques. Understanding the difficulty involved, planning ahead, and controlling the wash. The importance of the need for both practice and patients. I’m already seeing gradual improvement which is exciting and very encouraging. Your skills of painting and teaching are of equal rarity. Thank you.

[@joanneferguson9297]

Thank you for this demonstration. It clears a lot of confusion regarding loose painting.

[@andystacey4760]

Beautifully rendered and explained as usual Oliver, I feel a little more motivated watching this tutorial.

[@davidsmith812]

I loved the comparison of both methods. The final projects (side by side) were very helpful. I'm trying to get more loose. I enjoy your work and this video was very helpful! THANK you!!

[@yipyip2020yip]

Wonderful paintings~ Thanks for your demonstrations and explanations for both style paintings.

[@janetcatmull268]

This is the best demonstration of tight vs. loose styles of watercolor painting. Showing us both styles is brilliant.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thank you - Delighted it helped Janet

[@Mamaosa63]

First time seeing your tutorial. I like it very much. I always be a beginner learner. I’ll try your loose watercolor technique. Thank you for sharing. Marie in CA

[@susanlatham224]

Love your tutorials, I’m learning so much. Thank you

[@shaileshbhatt7097]

Hi Oliver, You are an amazing teacher, not many people will open their heart ( skills tool chest ) out in open to teach others. What I enjoyed most was to hear how you think, how you approach the subject and how that translates to your application/technique and the final work. Thanks again, Shailesh

[@barbaramain6381]

I have watched your tutorial with huge interest!, Thank you sincerely for this, I’ve learned heaps!

[@letajones8556]

So....glad you're addressing this issue....I so agree. Well, I better get back to watching your video! 😃 Thank you

[@EdithMcClelland]

Thank you, Oliver ~ another informative demo. They are both lovely paintings, but I definitely prefer the wet-into-wet technique. Watercolour is such an exciting medium!

[@natlisan]

Great video Oliver! It really showcases the advantages and disadvantages of both techniques of painting. Personally I implement both in my process, I typically start loose then I tighten & refine in progressive layers.

[@vee35233]

Thank you for this very interesting and helpful demonstration. To see how you paint both techniques is a revelation...... Your loose painting is very lovely; to me it feels more like a 'controlled loose' landscape. But I still prefer the 'tighter' version. Maybe because I can not do loose! Superb demo - thanks again - and good to see you back on YT!

[@isabelabaeza3832]

Thanks you for your energy and always useful techniques.

[@Greenyarden]

Great treatment of the medium and its clarity, thanks for your videos!

[@soosangles]

I really enjoyed this Oliver. Thanks so much - interesting to see the different results, loose and tight. Thanks - Sue from Sydney

[@lizzyanne314]

Thank you so much. It was a great lesson. You are helping me in so many ways with my painting.

[@timk.1395]

I am really impressed with your videos. You are a great teacher!

[@marciaquintela5012]

Hello Oliver! I love the way you teach, so well explained and a lots of informations, thank you very much! Greetings from Rio!

[@marthahowle993]

Love your tutorials....it helps so much with my knowledge of watercolors

[@kathleenpotter8453]

This was such a helpful tutorial. Seeing you do both versions was so informative for me. I think I need to make better use of water to paint ratio to keep things wet and flowing. Seeing both versions made that so clear to me! Thank you!

[@dianneharris6430]

Wonderful tutorial ! I learnt so much. You have a great teaching style and you are obviously a great water colourist

[@saravasura1076]

Very helpful to see both techniques side by side. I tend to paint more controlled and want to be more lose. Thanks!

[@dorisfisher4595]

Thank you so much for all the great instructions.

[@EdoHannema-Watercolour-Art]

Loved it Oliver! It is a very good demo to see how differences are made. And you are so right painting loose is a difficult thing to do!

[@ftmmethod]

really appreciate your video. I am learning watercolor by myself. You and your video definitely give me a huge help. Thanks very much.

[@raylinemcalister]

I draw n paint with acrylics.some 35 yrs.now but not much with watercolors.. I've never found anyone to keep my interest long enough to learn.That has all change since watching n listening to you the last 2 daysI can't even tell you how much I'm learning from you n how grateful I am for I'm still just watching n listening.I Will be ready to start soon .I'm excited to find my own style as I grow.You are a wonderful teacher, Thankyou Oliver!

[@teacher5628]

Enjoying your teaching. My cat loves watching you, too.

[@MrPeterjba]

I love watching you paint, but you make it look so easy!!! Grrrr

[@faribaj.4619]

Thank you so much. You helped me one step closer to how to start to paint. Thank you for valuable information.

[@annevanderwoude9319]

Very useful thank you very much. I’m glad I found you on KZbin

[@stratshadow]

Many thanks for the video.....As always it was a great demo. I'm striving to paint just a little looser at times and what you showed here really makes sense to me. It is really nice to watch another video from you!.......Take care!

[@danthomas6587]

When I was taught how to stretch paper years ago I used packaging tape also. It really does make an almost "drum tight" surface on which to work. I enjoyed your demo. Subbed.

[@maureenmueller7867]

Really informative. Your style choice of colour so readily and comfortably taught. Many Thanks

[@robc9706]

Terrific video Oliver ... good to see you back.

[@stephaniecorbett5356]

I love your tutorials, thank you so much.

[@sadiaawanartist]

Very well guided by you. I mostly paint in water colors. And I use these techniques.

[@wildatheartvwi7098]

Thank you for this tutorial, I enjoyed the learning and 2 great pictures but love the free paining Andrea UK

[@janleitch]

Very good. Love these techniques. Thank you.

[@predragdjokic3761]

Finally a new video Oliver please make more it is amazing all the videos are extremely helpful,very entertaining and brilliant content.Make more in the future please.All the best to you sir Pyle.

[@christinamoxon]

@@EdoHannema-Watercolour-Art I think the original poster was just trying to offer their enthusiasm and encouragement, which is hard to convey in simple text. You're right; making videos is very time consuming - especially videos of quality teaching which also requires a lot of planning - I am sure Oliver will be pleased to know that people are keen to see him do more. It will make the effort he already puts in more worthwhile. Take care and have a great day.

[@christinamoxon]

@@EdoHannema-Watercolour-Art A shame that the simple phrase "make more in the future please," would block you. I'm sure Oliver won't have a problem with it. To me, it simply seems positive, hopeful and bit excited.

[@Jazzwayze]

@@EdoHannema-Watercolour-Art @Edo Hannema Everything is relative really Edo. I enjoy your channel too, as well as Oliver's work. I fancied having a channel of my own, but having never had any formal art training, I don't think I am qualified to set up to teach. This is despite having painted; one way or another, since childhood, and seriously so since the 1960s. The part of Oliver's videos I enjoy is the quiet, informed way in which he goes about things. He also finally convinced me of the worth of a tonal/value study. I am doing more of those than actual paintings !!! I can wait Oliver, so just take your time. The quality is assured! John in Brummagem.

[@wakeupuk3860]

Without doubt the most comprehensive, detailed and best explained difference between a more illustration type WC as oppose a far looser style. Doing both at the same time, an excellent idea, is so obvious, but no one else has done it. You also don't do which really annoys me, when artists speed up the painting, talk rubbish for the sake of it, annoying music all the time, really well lit, in focus and we can see your mixing and brush technique at the same time. As an ex teacher (from industry) I really liked your summing up, where you went through all the thought processes going on in your head, and you are 'choosing' techniques learnt over many years to leading to students saying it looks so easy. I always start out being calm, have every thing at hand but when I finish my desk looks like a bomb has hit it. I am at a point trying to decide my own personal style and this has really helped me in making my mind up of using quite good line, ink and wash skills due to being a draughtsman when a young man as oppose the looser style. Recently have been able to create skies, shadows for trees, foliage and walls by suggestion as oppose doing as you so rightly say 'painting with numbers. Will certainly watch this one again, there is so much you show us.

[@martiwalsh2069]

Thank you for helping me see why sometimes my work looks stiff or lifeless. Watercolor has so very many facets to learn it will be a delight to work with for years to come. I typically quit when the challenge is gone. No danger of that here! "I think I may have forgotten one or two leaves..." Ha!