Watercolour BASICS - Your First Washes

[@xuyuhua6278]

Thanks for sharing.It really helps for beginners.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

You're very welcome Xu - I'm pleased you found it helpful.

[@robertoortiz3501]

Man,you won't believe it,but I remembered you today... Used to read your blog years ago. Then,when I got home KZbin recommend me this video. How cool is that? Life is good.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

It's a very small, strange world, Roberto... thanks for the great comment!

[@robertoortiz3501]

@@peterwoolleyartist not a problem. Love your art. Keep it up! Subscribed.

[@harmonised8353]

Extreemly well executed, thank you for sharing your watercolour wash tips and techniques.

[@cristinacuenca4176]

Excellent tutorial. In fact, one of the best I've ever seen. Thank you for sharing.🤗

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thanks Christina - I'm pleased you enjoyed it!

[@juliabroadley8411]

I love your teaching style i will learn from you thankyou

[@katethacker9408]

Fabulous video … thank you 🙏

[@Sherlock2022]

I regard myself as being quite experienced with watercolour, but a revisit of the basics has helped me. I like your calm delivery, too.

[@jalsiddharth]

The example painting you chose to demonstrate the transparency characteristic was absolutely awesome! Thank you for sharing.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thanks Siddharth - I'm pleased you enjoyed that one - it was fun to paint!

[@thelmablake7045]

Loved your video, simple and concise for beginners……coming from an old art teacher in America.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thanks Thelma - I appreciate that - I'm pleased you enjoyed it!

[@leamichaelsen2437]

This was amazing. It makes me want to pick up a brush again. Please make more content like this for beginners! It’s a great help for someone like me.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

I'm pleased you enjoyed it, Lea, and anything that makes you want to pick up a brush again must be agood thing. You'll be pleased to know that there will be lots more like this to come, periodically... watch this space!

[@paulalotte1146]

Thank you for taking the time to help us beginners, Peter! This was very helpful.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

You're very welcome Paula - I'm pleased you found it helpful

[@linc8464]

Love these beginner videos, especially the encouragement that "water has a mind of its own!" Thank you, Peter.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

You're very welcome Lin - I'm pleased you're finding them helpful.

[@judithlarkin600]

Wow! You’ve made washes appear so easy but so effective! Thank you for sharing!

[@peterwoolleyartist]

You're very welcome Judith - thank you for the lovely comment!

[@grannieannie1371]

My first watercolours should be arriving today. Pretty excited.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Ooooh brilliant!!! - that is iexciting - get stuck in and enjoy, Annie!

[@petel1357]

Hi Peter, Just seen this recent video that you’ve made & I have to say it’s wonderful to be shown & reminded of the basics we all need as painters. Even though I’ve been painting for a hobby for a good number of years, it’s still a joy for me to watch the masters of watercolour & to observe some of the obvious techniques we all need to remember & hopefully to finish with a more pleasing end result. It’s an easy thing to slip away from the basics, but it’s good that by watching these tutorials - it helps us to keep on track. Thank you so much Peter. Regards. Pete

[@peterwoolleyartist]

I'm pleased you enjoyed it Pete L - a bit of a refresher never hurts (and can prevent us from falling into bad habits)... many thanks for a great comment!

[@Mike-bi8zg]

Probably some of the best watercolour tutorials on KZbin. Thanks for posting.😊

[@lisamiller99]

This video was fantastic! I'm brand new to painting but will be back again. Thank you.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

You're very welcome Lisa - I'm pleased you enjoyed it - thanks for the comment.

[@ranjanachand9306]

Beautifully explained

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thanks Ranjana- I'm pleased you enjoyed it.

[@NMranchhand]

Funny, as soon as you started to paint that castle in, dry, with that shade of blue, over the prior warm glowing wash, my mind lept in recognition saying, “Oh my! look it’s a Wooley,” as if I had just come across it in a gallery, forgetting entirely that I was watching the man himself. So powerful is the subconscious identification of one artist’s particular style! Love a good Wooley.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thanks NM - recognition is always appreciated!

[@stacyhannon4081]

Another beautiful video! Though I can no longer call myself a beginner, I could listen to you talk about any topic you see fit to talk about! Whilst I am told I have a Southern accent, I happen to think that Yours is the most beautiful! I could listen to you recite the large phone books for hours even! I’m already looking forward to the next video. Much love and Respect from North Carolina, Stacy

[@belindahall5220]

Beautiful painting, so well demonstrated, too! Thank you so much, more beginners tutorials welcome!!

[@pikachooholiday2444]

Great and informative video Peter. Always find them inspiring. Love your paintings...👍😊

[@sillycone4716]

Wonderful info! As a watercolor newbie I can't thank you enough!

[@rcook2567]

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE! Would you list, say the 12 basic colors YOU have in your palette? AND, in what order they should be positioned? THANK you so much! Enjoyed your video, and looking forward to more! from California, U.S.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Cadmium Yellow - Cadmium Red - Prussian Blue - French Ultramarine - Burnt Umber - Alizarin Crimson... in that order... but, really... position them how you like. I should also add Raw Sienna, Lemon Yellow and Paynes Grey to that list, as secondary, lesser-used colours. More vids to come... thank you for the comment!

[@charlesanderson32]

Wonderful Artist and Instructor. Simple to follow and understand. Thanks

[@lindawitherspoon446]

Wonderful video. Learned a lot.

[@targa9]

Thank you so much for amazing tips..very helpful indeed❤

[@peterwoolleyartist]

You're very welcome Sohail - I'm pleased you enjoyed it - thank you for the lovely comment.

[@venkisubbu1448]

excellent explanation in a simple way and beautiful attractive demonstration of painting works

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thanks Venki - I'm pleased you enjoyed it!

[@terrynaidu7717]

thanks for sharing Mr W! you make basic watercolour easy to understand

[@PARoth2011]

Wow, I always thought watercolor would be too complex for me to learn. I’m new at painting and making progress in acrylics (due to allergies to chemicals) and thought WC was out of reach..I loved this lesson and just subscribed!

[@peterwoolleyartist]

I'm pleased you enjoyed it and found it reassuring - many thanks for the subscribe!

[@ranjanachand9306]

Thanks for the helpful information and lovely paintings.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

You're very welcome Ranjana - Thanks for the comment.

[@markdonovan1540]

Excellent tips and a superb demonstration. I've been painting watercolours on and off for about 2 years, I still go too heavy with pigment so I'm not really making good use of the water effects. Mind you, I do like rich and intense colours. When people see my work they often say it looks like acrylic due to the thickness of paint. I have painted some more watery thin layers of watercolour, but more often I add extra colour. I haven't tried acrylics or oil yet, because I still love the process of working with watercolours despite it's difficulties and challenges of control. I've already got way too many brushes, paints and paper; so they have to be used! Subscribed.

[@judithmarsh188]

Ive been trying for years to get to grips with watercolour, I think I’m actually scared of it , and after watching the beginners videos I’m going to try again. Thank you!

[@peterwoolleyartist]

It's an understandable fear, but if you can train yourself to love the process and have a bit of fun with it (and not focus too much on the results at the start) - also to be pragmatic about the failures and persevere - then you'll start to grasp it, and hopefully enjoy it...

[@bffcp1]

Thank you so much for this video. Ive just been dabbling with painting past couple of months... awed by the colour blending achieved, and felt a bit doubtful if I'm ever going to be able to do that. You've thrown so much clarity on that process in a very simplified way, easy to understand. I'm going to make this a start point for my practice. I know there's may be years of practice ahead, but this gives me hope. Also loved your way of explaining things. Thank you so much. Hope to see more of your videos.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thanks for the lovely comments Lakshmi - good luck with your watercolour journey!

[@Diansik1]

Thank you! I love your style very much! I have bought your tutorial for beginners (I started with Trees in the Landscape). Sooo cool. And thank you for your slow explanation, as person with russian native language, this is really easy to understand.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thanks for that Diāna - I'm pleased you enjoyed the demonstration (and found it easy to understand), and that it inspired you to purchase the 'Trees in the Landscape'... enjoy!!

[@Linda-lu1ej]

Thanks for this clear and very thorough explanation of a variety of useful techniques, Peter. You’ve put all the good info together for a successful start. I have to keep practicing those washes and layers, mine often end up as mud. Also not be afraid to “waste paper” and enjoy the experimentation. Maybe you could throw in some subtitles where you went wet-in-wet vs allowed to dry thoroughly? It’s not always evident to me, and consequently my edges don’t behave. Thanks again for a terrific demonstration, and cheerful greeting, as always.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

You're welcome, Linda - I'm pleased you've found it to be helpful - thanks for the great comment!

[@pamkarnes5171]

You are a joy to watch

[@davidsmith812]

This was VERY helpful!! It is exactly what I had been needing and looking for. THANK you...I'll check out your other 'beginner' videos. Your videos are SO helpful, informative, and relaxing! Do you do the voice overs for some nature films?? I've seen some that sound like it's you. Just wondering. Again, thank you so much for your help. I have subscribed.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Not me I'm afraid... Thanks for the subscribe.

[@petrahalfmann7933]

True mastership makes it look easy (we know it is not) Love your castle picture Thank you

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thanks Petra - it all just takes practice... I'm pleased you liked the Castle.

[@AnaSnowWhite]

Your explanations are so great

[@gregabbott9035]

Pure Awesome! Thanks. Love your work!

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thanks for the lovely comment, Greg - I'm pleased you enjoyed it!

[@annesaur7025]

Thank you so much 👍👍

[@jillrobbins4488]

Thank you so much for your video! It was so clear and I really loved your demonstrations which brought everything to life. I also appreciated your naming of all the paint colors you used as you were painting.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thanks for the lovely comments Jill - I'm pleased you enjoyed it!

[@trainwithmarsward9939]

Brilliant. So helpful. Thank you Peter.

[@helenspedding-lowe5469]

What a great video, so well explained and so, so helpful! Thank you so much Peter xxx

[@peterwoolleyartist]

You're very welcome Helen - I'm pleased you enjoyed it.

[@helenspedding-lowe5469]

@@peterwoolleyartist I loved it xxx ❤

[@reneebanbury7066]

Great advice & visual learning! I just found you!

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thanks Renee - I'm pleased you enjoyed it... and welcome!

[@susancook1617]

Thank you Peter, this was brilliant.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thanks Susan - I'm pleased you enjoyed it.

[@cherigreen4471]

Just subscribed! Love this painting!

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thanks for the subscribe Cheri!

[@mariegamber]

Thank you for a wonderful tutorial.

[@lornamiles-baum7035]

As usual, loved it!

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thanks Lorna!

[@maggs131]

Been a fan and KZbin student for a number of years and still learning from you through these fantastic uploads. If I may be so bold I'd love to see you upload a visit to a cemetery this Halloween. My favorite holiday during my favorite season from my favorite watercolor artist. Whoops, just realized you did a cemetery already in a video about a year ago about cows and cairns lol

[@karenfox9982]

Great info...❤ Thankyou🙏🙏🙏

[@sharonmcmann-morelli4896]

enjoyed video very much! thanks

[@barbaramain6381]

Many sincere thanks !!

[@peterwoolleyartist]

You're very welcome Barbara - thank you for the comment!

[@mooshibe]

Such a great help! Thank you so much.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

You're very welcome Mooshibe - I'm pleased you found it helpful.

[@lovinganimals8145]

Wow amazing...

[@jeanietesta]

Absolutely 💯 informative thank you... make more videos 📹

[@mell5111]

Thanks!

[@elenakashpersky5658]

Thanks!!!

[@MarcelaVargasdelCarpio]

Thanks!!. I Will practicar!!

[@pravinp2005]

loved it

[@judymiller975]

First time you came up on my feed,and I instantly subscribed. I've got my paper, got my paints, but haven't unpacked them. Strange how the universe works! Beautiful paintings, can't wait to see more. Thanks and cheers from Australia.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Maybe it's time to get those paints upacked and start getting stuck in... Thanks for the great comment, Judy!

[@annblythe9459]

Peter, I loved this video and now know just the techniques to try on all my practice washes! Is the scratching out used mainly on Arches rough? I have recently purchased Arches for the first time and can really see the difference from my other papers!

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thanks Ann - I'm pleased you enjoyed it... scratching-out should be possible on any paper providing its robust enough. Arches will take anything you throw at it (and is my favourite paper)... in this demonstration, I used Saunders Waterford Rough, which is equally as tough. Thanks for the great comment!

[@rajpereira7280]

Nice to hear

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thanks for the comment Raj

[@Vajrapani108]

Absolutely great. But if it's not too much to ask, ive been wondering about the music you use in your videos. They are really great, and I can't get them out out of my head

[@peterwoolleyartist]

I don't mind you asking at all, Shubhansh... all the music featured in my demonstrations is produced in-house, at Woolley-Towers, by myself. Not great works of art, but it does the job... I'm pleased you like it.

[@Vajrapani108]

@@peterwoolleyartist it's wonderful. If you can, You should definitely upload them on KZbin

[@aleksandergumos8508]

Are cadmium yellows/reds truly transparent? (I was reading they are mayhaps semi-transparent). No matter😉 These examples are amazing! Yes, I did enjoyed Your demos, thank you🍀👋

[@peterwoolleyartist]

You're right, of course, Aleksander, both Cadmiums are listed as semi-transparent (or semi-opaque, if you prefer) - you can still water them right down and achieve a degree of transparency, though, and they mix well with other colours. The way to test the opacity of a colour is to paint it over black... if it completely disappears, it's transparent. I just use them because I've always used them (and I'm a bit of a dinosaur when it comes to colours). A great comment... thanks for that... and I'm pleased you enjoyed the demonstrations.

[@woodland1]

What paper do you recommend for the sunset washes? I tried it on Saunders Waterford 300 (Not) and I can't get the flowing consistency of the washes. The paper just siaks up the washes like a sponge.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

I like Saunders Waterford (200lbs Rough) and use it most of the time. It isn't to everyone's taste, however, as it is quite absorbent compared to some other papers. The way you describe it, though, there may be something more going on... how old is the paper? Old paper can 'go off', and if the sizing breaks down, then it can be like painting onto blotting paper. As for a recommendation; you should use the paper you feel the most comfortable with and suits you budget. If you're new to the medium, then my recommendation would be to try some different papers... Bockingford, for example... is competitively priced, but also very robust. I hope that helps... thank you for the comment!

[@mariapazaristeaguirre4491]

Amazing¡¡ please share the music of piano. I want to hear that again. Thanks

[@paulwoolley4957]

Makes me want to progress from pencil drawings👍

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Paul - great surname (maybe we're related)... you should do it!

[@paulwoolley4957]

I’m from a big family from Yorkshire, I have 6 brothers and 1 sister, David, Neil, Andrew, Peter, John and Robert, my sister is Gina. I know that the Woolley name is quite common in the UK as well as the USA. I’m going to try some of these water colour techniques and see how I get on.Thanks for putting them on you tube👍

[@sharonmcmann-morelli4896]

do you use less water and more pigment? trying to figure out how to do washes…

[@peterwoolleyartist]

It depends upon how light or dark you want your wash to be; adding water dilutes the mix and bulks it out, adding more pigment makes it thicker and darker. Washes take practice... it's a good idea to have a spare sheet of paper to hand to keep testing your mix out before applying it to the paper - and don't be afraid to keep re-mixing, and testing (you can't over-mix). Thanks for the comment Sharon - I hope this helps.

[@sharonmcmann-morelli4896]

@@peterwoolleyartist thanks very much, i guess like everything else it takes lots of practice. 👍🏼

[@Mr.S65]

I’ve seen stretching paper using an arsenal of devices such as staples and all. I have not given myself the pleasure of such… what you say on the video seems much simpler, is it ?

[@peterwoolleyartist]

I think it is... although some folks swear by the alternatives. Taping it down with gummed tape is quick and cheap, and works a treat. It's far easier (but more expensive) to just buy heavier paper, though. Thanks for the great comment Mr S.

[@mariapazaristeaguirre4491]

I mean the name of the music of the trailer PLEASEEE

[@pedro4lola640]

“Foreground chaos” 😂

[@sanjayjawale8962]

Wonderful Technik, water Color Paper Name Plese

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Saunders Waterford 200lbs Rough.

[@etoileblue]

🙏🏼

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thanks Sweta - Right back atchya...

[@monikab2222]

I feel forsed by myself to paint but I don't often enjoy my paintings- I feel disapointed and irritated. I hope I'll be able to learn something useful

[@Michael-lq5di]

This might be a bit much but you should get some use.