Watercolour Tip from PETER WOOLLEY: Cows and Cairns (and a bunch of ideas)

Where do your ideas for paintings mostly come from? Much of my own primary inspiration comes from things I see when I'm out walking. In this video I want take a look at some of the things I observed, and the paintings and sketches they inspired, on a recent trip out, and explore how the ideas they generated might develop on the paper...
Featuring extracts from no fewer than seven demonstrations directly related to the walk, many of which will be available as full projects in Peter's Online Student Service, with step-by-step guides, notes, and other resources. A Member subscription is only £9 per month; with that, you'll have instant access to these, and many more projects and tutorials. If you're looking for one-to-one tuition and personal guidance, then there are also student upgrade options available. Sign up for full access at www.peterwooll...
A full range of watercolour painting and pencil drawing tutorials for beginners is also available on DVD and Video on Demand. See the full range on offer at
peterwoolley.c...

[@theresaavery4670]

Thank you for these thoughts and ideas. Wish I lived in your neck of the woods, beautiful scenery and subject matter!!

[@peterwoolleyartist]

You're very welcome Theresa. Of course, it's all about inspiring you to seek out the beauty in your own local area, too. Thank you for comment.

[@sallyfinch540]

Your “tonal study” at 7:41 is one of the best that I’ve seen. Absolutely beautiful - very inspirational! I’m impressed.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thanks Sally - I'm pleased you enjoyed it. Tonal studies can be very liberating and fun to do.

[@rajpereira7280]

Lovely details and very attractive colour touch. Raj

[@malcolmwalters1799]

Wonderful Peter just wonderfull ! Please/please keep instructing to us mere mortals 😉 many thanks

[@peterwoolleyartist]

You got it Malcolm - many thanks for the comment!

[@warriorsoftruth9451]

You are doing every detail so so effortlessly!!!😊😊😊👌👌👌💐💐💐👍👍👍

[@peterwoolleyartist]

That's an impressive set of colourful icons Urbi - thank you so much for the lovely comment - I'm pleased you enjoyed it!

[@aeshna777]

You not only paint beautifuly, but you also talk with a true passion about it, so a person can feel encouraged to paint, regardless of advancement. Thank you!

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thank you for the lovely comments, Aeshna777 - I'm pleased you enjoyed it... and that you feel encouraged (mission accomplished!).

[@patricialeonard9622]

Your videos are great for reminding me to stop overthinking the process. I also love your style.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thanks Patricia - yep... keep it simple, and enjoy the process - thank you for the comment!

[@patriciakelly5451]

Thank you for this. You are so talented!

[@malcolmwalters1799]

We have something in common Peter ( wilf ball/West park Spondon ) , wilf ball was also my art teacher and an inspiration , guess he helped you learn to be the "inspirational" teacher you now are ! thanks for the water colour instruction videos etc.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Wilfred Ball was a huge influence in my artistic career. Like you, he taught me at school (Spondon Comprehensive, then), and left to become professional while I was still there. We then connected several years later, after I'd left school and started exhibiting myself, and he was always very supportive and helpful, always with very sage advice and on-the-nail guidance. It's been 20 years since he passed away, and he is very sorely missed even after all these years; his work lives on, though... I think he was the greatest watercolourist of his generation, and deserved much higher recognition than he received... but then, what do I know?... he was definitely an 'artist's artist' - I've never met another watercolour painter who hasn't been totally blown away by his technique... Thanks for the comment Malcolm!

[@malcolmwalters1799]

@@peterwoolleyartist Peter I'm still in Spondon , retired now , and trying.....! to watercolour paint with your guidance , thanks.👍

[@ficheye00]

Always impressed with your draftsmanship and negative painting. Thanks Peter. Stay well.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thanks for the positive comment Dennis - I'm pleased you enjoyed it

[@DavidSmith-lx3tz]

Wonderful ideas! Thank you.

[@paulinedavis2918]

Great instructions thankyou...I totally agree with you I often visualize future landscape Watercolor studies...whilst out on my local North Yorkshire walks ..such great inspiration out there.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Great inspiration indeed... we live in a beautiful corner of the world! Looking forward to being able to travel a little further afield, though. Thank you for great comment, Pauline!

[@abhyudayakansara1481]

Respect and love from India. Nice work with helpful tips. Thanks a lot.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

You're very welcome, Abhyudaya - I'm pleased you enjoyed it!

[@abhyudayakansara1481]

So nice of you! Thanks for replying my query. Love your work. My best and heartiest wishes for your work.

[@patytrico]

My ideas are a combination of something I see and how it seats in my mind landscape :) Thank you for your teachings :) Hugs from Uruguay.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thanks for your contribution Paty - I think a combination of reality and imagination works best - we should always allow our minds to wonder (it's part of what makes painting so much fun!) - I visited Uruguay last year - loved Montevideo!

[@johncitizen3361]

Some great tips, just found your channel and am really enjoying your style. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Welcome to the channel, John - I'm pleased you're enjoying the content - thanks for the comment!

[@jhfx4582]

You have such a relaxing voice that I almost nodded off , love the tip about removing my glasses I am going to give it a go as I am guilty of being a ' fiddler '. Your videos make everything seem so achievable with practce unlike other artists .

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thank JHfx - perhaps my videos should be recommended for insomnia... I'm pleased you enjoyed the video, and if it helps to inspire you (and stop you fiddling), then that's a bonus...

[@janicetio1219]

Great advice-thanks

[@jhimlybaruah5233]

Hi Peter finally you talk about your inspiration. Inspired !!

[@artofgould1945]

I love the idea of using how you remember a scene as a tool of forming a painting. I’m definitely going to try this during my next artistic adventure!

[@artofgould1945]

As for your tonal tip, I actually tried that in my most recent video. I added a hint of another colour (honestly, just a hint) to the main subject, and it made it absolutely pop in contrast. Was such a joy to paint when I wasn’t worried about making a wide range of colours work together

[@heatherjohnston5427]

Wonderful!!!!

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thanks Heather - I'm pleased you enjoyed it.

[@katherinebeattie2596]

Wonderful! Sharing with friends who don't even paint! Ha! It's so beautiful!

[@peterwoolleyartist]

I hope your friends enjoyed it too! Thanks for the comment and the share, Katherine.

[@argus1500]

Thank you for this wonderful tutorial!

[@peterwoolleyartist]

You're very welcome Argus1500 - thank you for the comment!

[@shandap3696]

I am so grateful for this demonstration and your words of wisdom. Now if only I can put some of it into my own art. Thank you very much!

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thanks Shanda - I'm pleased you enjoyed the demonstration. Even if only a tiny part of it is helpful to you, then it's been worth it.

[@Midgimoo99]

Beautiful as always, thank you Peter. I've watched a lot of your videos which are very inspirational. Watching your colours run & mingle and hearing the names of the paint colours is food for my soul. I've been a wanna be painter for a long time and it was my little herd of Jersey cows and their calves (sorry but the cows you painted were a beef breed🙂) that I once had, that got me started in photography as I wanted to capture their essence and one day paint them. That day hasn't come yet but I'm still clicking away adding to my reference files lol. One of our (NZ) most stunning native birds, the feisty Tui, has taken my fancy these past two years as they come to the trees in my yard, but the yearning to learn to paint in water colours is still alive and well. Again, thank you so much for sharing your skills & knowledge 👍

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thanks for the information re the cows - keep building up your reference library - one day you'll do it (don't leave it too long, though)...

[@Eirenmist]

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step." Regarding your watercolor journey, take that first step! Your journey can't begin without it. Bon voyage!

[@Midgimoo99]

peterwoolleyartist Thank you for the encouragement, Peter👍

[@Midgimoo99]

Eirenmist That is so true, Eirenmist. Thank you also for the encouragement🙂

[@kamenzik]

It is a holiday today. You know how to please. Thank you very much.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Happy Holiday Kemenzik! Thank you for the comment!

[@xfranczeskax]

Just finished hearing an old fanatsy audiobook. Could swear you must be the narrators brother. XD Nice hearing experience!

[@peterwoolleyartist]

No relative that I'm aware of F_.... It can be very relaxing having a book read to you, though...

[@carolinafernandezoro733]

You are awesome!!!!!!

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Awww!.... Thanks Carolina - I'm pleased you enjoyed it!

[@sarahbell4344]

Lovely. Thanks Peter

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thanks Sarah - I'm pleased you enjoyed it

[@brianparnell2256]

Thanks Peter, another interesting and informative video.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

I'm pleased you enjoyed it Brian - thanks for the comment

[@aradhanayadav2927]

Enjoyed a lot.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Mission accomplished! Thanks for the comment Aradhana

[@hlk01]

Smashing stuff. Thank you

[@peterwoolleyartist]

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

[@Cendrillon-5962]

Superbe! Merci beaucoup pour cette vidéo!

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Vous êtes les bienvenus - merci pour le commentaire

[@ShinyColors]

Wonderful share 😊 enjoyed it 😊 my best wishes to you 💐 stay safe stay connected my friend 😊

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thank you Rashmi - right back atycha - thank you for the comment!

[@xyjac8855]

So beautiful and useful! Thank you so much!

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Useful is good Xy jac! Thanks for the comment!

[@artistbypassion]

Awesme work Sir, Thank You for the Video

[@peterwoolleyartist]

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

[@satishpandurangan2803]

Awesome ! Thank you

[@peterwoolleyartist]

You're very welcome Satish - I'm pleased you enjoyed it!

[@arthurlopez5715]

Very good watercolor you master of the watercolor . I did on of you watercolor , I really like your mastery of green Cordially Arthur

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thank you Arthur - I like to keep my greens as simple as possible - your kind comments are very much appreciated.

[@xVentax]

It’s tonal values I struggle with. I understand tones when looking at monochrome, but it’s transferring that observation to colours that confounds me. Fantastic video btw - thanks for sharing. This is being saved for future reference.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

It's important not to mix tone and colour up... its easy to think tonally when you're only working in one colour, less easy when working in full technicolour (but even then, you should try and train yourself to be aware of the underlying values). If it's an issue, I would recommend turning your reference photo into a black and white image, just for reference... it'll all click into place eventually... Thank you for the comment!

[@xVentax]

peterwoolleyartist Thanks Peter, I’ll get there - one day it will just ’click’ and I’ll wonder why I was so confused. That’s what usually happens with me. 😂

[@johncspine2787]

You need good, polarized sunglasses in fly fishing to counteract the glare on the water. Muted greens and browns for waders and hats as surprisingly the fish can easily detect your bright hat should you wear one. Trout are economical, they float in the dead zones behind rocks and watch for what floats by in the current, gently rising and sipping off the bugs.. If you can drop your (dry) fly into that pocket and let it circle naturally with no drag you’ve a guaranteed strike..maybe. In tiny creeks it’s easier to use a short fixed 4-5 foot length, and sneak up from downstream, and gently place the fly right where you want it..often they won’t wait as you lower the fly, and leap up to grab it.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thanks for the fishing insight John - very enlightening!

[@alexsantana3430]

Gracias!!

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Eres muy bienvenido, Alex

[@triciashaw1973]

Such helpful suggestions and tips ... thank you! Just wondering if you remove any of your pencil lines during the process of painting?

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thanks Tricia, I'm pleased you enjoyed it - As far as removing pencil lines is concerned; sometimes I do, and sometimes I don't. If any lines feel particularly intrusive (usually in backgrounds that I want to keep looking as fresh and spontaneous as possible, or remnants from the initial drawing that were not used or worked to), then I'l erase them, otherwise I'm generally happy to leave them in and let them be an integral element of the finished painting... if that makes sense.

[@muireannin09]

Peter - what brand of burnt umber do you like? Best? Or overall especially for your Ultramain, burnt, umber, and raw Sienna?

[@peterwoolleyartist]

I'm not loyal to any brand of paints. Having said that, the majority of what you see in my videos is painted with the SAA Artist watercolour, although traditionally I started with, and still use, Winsor & Newton 'Professional'.

[@abhyudayakansara1481]

Which paper & colors you are using for these dmos.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

My paper is Saunders Waterford 200lbs Rough and the colours are a mixture of Winsor& Newton Professional and SAA Artist colours.

[@atrinka1]

I don't know if you said it but, did you paint all this plein air or did you use a photograph? I love walking around taking pictures, even when my husband is driving sometimes I scream STOP! and I take a sudden picture of something that catches my eye. Thanks for all the inspiration, I will check your website

[@peterwoolleyartist]

I didn't say it, but no... this was a 12-mile circular walk, which didn't leave much time for sketching, so all the paintings were worked up from photographs on this occasion.

[@dawnabbott3783]

Do you takes several angles of one scene and do just use a something like a cell phone or do you use something more professional and process the images on the computer...if that makes sense?

[@peterwoolleyartist]

@@dawnabbott3783 The camera I use varies. On my earlier video 'Looking for Subjects' (kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5CnnYepf6akm8k), all the location footage was shot on my phone because it was an idea that came to me while I was walking, and I hadn't planned for it. If I come across a scene that particularly interests me, then I'll take as many shots as I can from all angles, so that I have as much information as possible when I get back to the studio. Normally, if time permits, I will also make a quick pencil sketch.

[@oldmanandthesea7039]

I find the watercolor paper you used in the demos very fascinating. Mind sharing with us the detail info of it such as the manufacture, the weight and type(cold, hot or rough)? You are a very good watercolor painter coming from the old school with master painters like Turner, Constable, Cox and many more. Hat off to you.

[@peterwoolleyartist]

Thank you for the lovely comments - in answer to your questions regarding the paper - the painting is on Saunders Waterford 200lbs Rough - I hope that helps.

[@oldmanandthesea7039]

@@peterwoolleyartist Thank you for the info. I just ordered Saunders Waterford 12x9 blocks, one cold press and one rough. I like to try them out.