Ron Ranson Lesson 3 Demos

[@BrianIsbell-si2zz]

I taught watercolor painting in my public school art classes to seventh grade students using a library of Ron Ransom videotapes, using only 2" hake brushes, 1" flat brushes, and rigger brushes. Our paints included only a pair of warm and cool reds, blues, and yellows. Ron's books and videos conveyed the essence of watercolor like no other teacher could. My goal was for middle school students to be able to relate to watercolor artists, to recognize watercolor paintings, and to feel competent with a simple array of art brushes, paper, and paints. I will never forget Ron Ransom's mastery of virgin washes punctuated with calligraphic details.

[@johncfullerartist9863]

I was very fortunate to get to know Ron at his home near Lidney in the UK It was he that introduced me to loose impressionist watercolour A wonderful man with a fabulous sense of humour I traveled to Lipsi with him in the Greek Islands in 2004 and had a great 10 days painting in his and Darlis company A sad passing will always remember him with great affection

[@tmikeporter]

Darlis just passed away in December. Yes, you have good memories as do i.

[@tmikeporter]

For any of you who have watched this or will soon, please know that Ron Ranson passed away on December 9th. He was in a care facility near his home in Oregon. I spoke to his wife Darlis and she asked me to notify using the social media accounts. He was just over a month shy of turning 92. A great advocate of watercolor, popular teacher and prolific author, and a fine English gentleman who loved his wife dearly.

[@horrorfan24]

Very sad news. If you are able please give my sympathy to his family. He really inspired me to paint and his work was so inspirational.

[@rtracey308]

I am very saddened to hear this. As a Ron Ranson watercolor painter, I own him my artist passion. I do wish I was able to meet him, but I have the books and DVDs, and they will speak to me always... RIP sir, you will be greatly missed

[@angelicag2042]

I was saddened to hear of Mr. Ranson's passing from your contact with Dave Usher, Mike. I have several of his books and (try) to paint with his brand of hakes. I offer my sincere condolences to his family and my respect and admiration for this wonderful artist and gentleman.

[@mateoclemente6751]

Mike, do you know if there will be an obituary published? I am very sad to have never met him.

[@tmikeporter]

I don't know yet. There has been talk of a memorial service. Keep watching the Facebook page of Ron Ranson Watercolors for updates.

[@judwatkins9478]

This video is the equivalent of years of watercolor lessons. I can't express my thanks enough.

[@tmikeporter]

Jud Watkins You are most welcome. I feel priviledged to be able to share this and to have Ron as a friend here in Oregon. Keep the brush wet, Jud.

[@rtracey308]

Still at it at 90. I am very happy to say, I have taken to Ron's teaching via books, DVD, brushes and imagination... I salute you Mike for a wonderful short film. Very inspirational, very moving.

[@downtownpearl33]

Magic! RIP old man you left us a lot of treasures. Thank you!

[@catherineflahr6160]

Wow, I never met the man till this morning in a video, and just now read of his death 1 year ago and that brought tears to my eyes! I suppose just reading others' comments gave me the sense of knowing how treasured a person he was. Thank you for sharing all comments, and thank you Darlis, for sharing this news through social media! I am a Canadian and Ron's teachings are a treasure to me.

[@stephendavidrathburn8952]

Ron came to Montana to teach a class when he was maybe in his early eighties. I was watching one of his DVDs tonight for some much needed encouragement and thought I would look to see if he was still with us. I found this vidio and it brought tears of joy to my eyes. What a wonderful gift to have Ron as a good friend. What a beautiful person he is and what treasures he has given all of us who have had the pleasure of being taught by him. Please give him regards and love from us Montana Artists.

[@tmikeporter]

Hi Stephen, sorry for the delayed acknowledgment of your kind comments. Today my wife and I were able to attend his 90th birthday party with his family. He is still a real gentleman.

[@chp763]

Stephen David Rathburn he is dead...and non one can bring him back..

[@stephendavidrathburn8952]

Sanguil GeorArt don't quite understand how you are just now responding to my comments that I made over three years ago but I'm sorry to hear of his passing! When I made my original comment, he was still living and I was Happy to hear that. Now that he has passed, I am also convinced that he will live again. Check out Mathew 5:28,29. He was a great artist and truly loved what he was doing. I look forward to meeting him again. Acts 24:15, Psalm 37:29.

[@chp763]

I am sorry for my comment..i wast too upset...i was crying..when i heard the news..that my favourite artist and friend past way.. He will live through his art and in our hearts..and again sorry

[@mateoclemente6751]

I agree with you Sanguil. Ron lives in so many artists and aspirants that wield the unruly hake. I grieved when he passed as if it were my favorite rock star passing. I owe every bit of my watercolour experience to his instruction and enthusiasm.

[@FreeSpokenOne]

How fortunate you were with him and learning from his years of skill. I loved watching this and appreciate you having shared it with us. He seems a kindhearted gentle soul and his style is an amazing inspiration. Now he paints his journey into the afterlife and I imagine it is absolutely beautiful.

[@kentsoderstrom8378]

Thanks for sharing this video! Loved all his books. He has been such a good teacher with his inspirational touch. Sad he is gone.

[@Tugboat-R-Us]

Wow, apart of me wanted to say, wait….how did he do that….but then I remember, it’s Ron Ranson. Just love how beautiful and just freeing his artwork is. ❤❤❤

[@clodeambollet1258]

Ron Ranson ..I these fabulous hakebrush and for years I train .. following your lessons !! You get a great light! well done! and thank you for this for this wonderful gift!

[@tmikeporter]

Clode, today my wife and I attended Ron's 90th birthday party with his family. And, yes, he has been told many times "thank you" for his gift to us all.

[@ranjanachand9306]

Lovely demos, thanks for sharing.. Very Sad to hear of his demise.. May God bless his soul...

[@TxonPomes]

Thank you for share this gift!. I was three times with him in England and he was my teacher who inspirated me to begin to paint watercolors!

[@MY-ce2qt]

Ron is one of the nicest people I've ever known. I throughly enjoyed his workshop when he came to the Seattle area few years ago. Thank you Ron for this video. It refreshed my memories of the classes I took from you.

[@bardotte5757]

Thank you for showing. No matter how many professional artists have tried to describe how to achieve “scraping out a tree and other marks”, not until I have watched Ron Ranson show how to do, have I learnt the correct way and have learnt to do this correctly At Last! 😊 Sorry to learn Ron is no longer with us, but how wonderful he was able to do what he loved right to the end. Thank you Ron Ranson your skills will live on. 🌹

[@mehrotrab2]

Thank you for sharing theses demonstration from a genius!

[@MegaMesozoic]

Many thanks for this wonderful film - I didn't know Ron Ranson had died. As far as I knew he was still living in the Wye valley in the UK! Just glad that he achieved what he had always wanted and was such a talented and generous artist!

[@davidclark9469]

I have some of his books ... 2nd hand ! What a pleasure to watch the master.

[@dharmaofdog7676]

Mr Ranson your Art & Spirit live on! thanks to these Videos', your Inspiration will continue to serve Generations to come. Master of the Hake, I will always think of you each time I use one.

[@BarbaraGilbertdesigner]

This is the first time I have seen this video and all I can say is wow! He demonstrates a beautiful gentle touch and moves color so effortlessly. Thank you for sharing this.

[@tmikeporter]

Glad you liked it. And I'm so glad that on that day I asked Ron if I could film him and he agreed. So many have enjoyed it over these years.

[@endofsamba]

You can truly tell by his confience with the brush that Ron Ranson was a master.

[@crystalheart9]

I'm enjoying these videos by Ron Ranson so much. I remember as a kid my mom had one of his watercolor books she treasured it. It wasn't easy to get good instruction books back then like it is today. He seems like a wonderful teacher. Say hello from me in Ohio usa.

[@tmikeporter]

crystalheart9 Thanks for your very nice comments. Ron takes great satisfaction in knowing how his books and methods encouraged painters the world over.

[@Zenon-fg4dw]

Thank you for posting this video. Mr. Ranson lives on with the legacy of his art and talent.

[@NYtalk60]

Thank you so much for sharing. I heard about this in a Joe Menza video as I was searching for Mr. Ranson's loose style of painting. Your thoughtful narration and explanations were very helpful. And your respect and humbleness made it a touching tribute to Mr. Ranson.

[@tmikeporter]

He was a fine English gentleman, artist and author. I was fortunate to have known him.

[@lynn_thinks]

Thank you, Mike, for introducing us to Ron and for sharing your time with him. This is a lovely and instructive series of demonstrations.

[@tmikeporter]

Most welcome. So many have enjoyed this. I'm so glad I took the time to capture this. Ron was very gracious to allow me to do it years ago. A treasure really. His DVD's are worth owning as well.

[@canerods]

A true master making it look so easy as each stroke and color is carefully applied with artistry. Just simply wonderful! Thanks for this.

[@tmikeporter]

+canerods most welcome. I'm going to see Ron this coming week. He's 91 now and quite frail.

[@nancyrolfe3033]

My prayers for his family and friends who love him....He was a genius of watercolors! His kind, generous and talented spirit will live on thru the many he taugh..influenced by his painting method and especially the impact of his gentle spirit... true gentleman My condolences, Nancy

[@kingskid4770]

I was fortunate to have attended one of Ron's workshops in 1999. A wonderful instructor and true gentleman! Our group had a surprise anniversary party for Ron and Darlis. They loved it! I have many of Ron's videos and books (one of which he signed for me). When I'm near the end of a painting and tempted to "fiddle" with it, I can hear Ron's voice saying, "Don't fiddle with it!"

[@tmikeporter]

I'll tell Darlis as I'm due to call her and check in which I do every month or so. What's your name? Was the party in England at Clanna Gardens? What year was that? She will be delighted that you posted here. You can also respond to my email at [e-mail]

[@maryreed7519]

Wow! What a privilege to see a master at work.

[@tmikeporter]

Most welcome. I have another coming of a British artist, Steve Hall.

[@beebee8018]

I recently had the blessing of buying a bundle of 5 of Rons books. I have learnt more about how watercolour through his advise than any course. The books are out of print now so I feel very lucky as my watercolour skills have vastly improved since following Rons advise and the books are a joy to read. Ron wrote that his books are completely different to other art books out there that all say the same old things about how to watercolour and the reader comes away learning very little and not improving their skills. So his approach to explain the ‘secrets’ of how to watercolour are that you have to ‘Read’ his explanations rather than the usual ‘follow this lovely study’ which he says is basically copying how that particular artist works, when you should be learning the skills yourself. Wonderful man so logical. Thank you Ron Ranson. My deepest condolences to your family, you are a great loss but you are still Teaching and the best out there! 🌷🎨🖌 Edit: Forgot to mention…I also bought the Ron Ranson Hake brushes and love them.

[@tmikeporter]

Nice to hear. Yes, he made major contributions to watercolor by his way of teaching. It gave people the confidence to "give it a go".

[@beebee8018]

@@tmikeporter Yes: My confidence has grown now that I have learnt the ‘real’ skills to watercolour and have had to paint ‘my way’ not copy someone else. It has been a real eye opener because I got so confused trying to teach myself how to paint by following all these different artists ways that I did become ‘blocked’ and wanted to know why I was not getting my own style. As I read Rons books I get out my brushes and paint box painting what Ron advises which is much more affective rather than copying a set of photos and within hours ‘I had it’ and feel like I have come out of shut box! 🙂 for now I can paint what I want and feel freer instead of frustration. You were very blessed to have known Ron and sit by him as he painted. 🌷🎨🖌

[@CLOUDSINTHEKITCHEN]

Just stunning. What a contribution to the art world xxx RIP

[@helihobbit]

Hi, my name is John Moriarty and I would like to propose a toast of sincere appreciation to Ron Ranson and your good self for this totally wonderful offering to all of us wannabees, why even have a feeling that I will absorb some of this magic into my own work (a newbie really)

[@tmikeporter]

helihobbit John, you are most welcome. Ron is quite the gentleman and now over 90. My wife and I had lunch with Ron and his wife Darlis last Friday. Most enjoyable. I am fortunate to have made a friend like him. Keep painting. Ron will tell you that it takes time, effort and skill development. He was inspired by certain painters and kept at it until his style developed.

[@michaelcody3829]

What an amazing artist he was, thanks for sharing this mate,greetings from Australia 🇦🇺.

[@catherineflahr6160]

Well, Stephen David Rathburn, I just happened upon Ron Ranson's video this morning, October 9, 2018. I am sincerely loving the simplicity he puts into the process of his paintings. I should be packing up my belongings as my house just sold and I need to move on, but I am mesmerized; I guess that means I am supposed to put the packing off for the moment. Thank you Ron, for teaching me to simplify, simplify, simplify; so much easier than struggle, like you said, no need to paint every leaf, so-to-speak!

[@CarlottaART]

Beautiful paintings from a very talented artist and teacher.

[@MrJocky82]

Absolutely phenomenal artist. Brilliant video.

[@taunusspatz]

Thanks for sharing these three demos - I really enjoy them. Next time you see Ron Ranson please send him my best regards - his book "Skies in watercolour" inspired me 10 years ago to start watercolour painting. It still is the top pick in my shelf. Learning bit by bit is most rewarding and offers a whole new world... Happy painting, Thomas

[@tmikeporter]

+taunus spatz Yes, his book on skies is also one of my favorites.

[@zoweegeewhiz]

I’m just now, 2018, watching. He will be around in our memories.

[@tmikeporter]

And good memories, indeed, to keep around. He will always be an inspiration to me. His love of watercolor was infectious.

[@monicalima88]

I greatly appreciated the three watercolor lessons. Thank you so much.

[@tmikeporter]

Monica Maria Cavalcante Lima You are most welcome, Monica. Happy to share them. I pass on comments such as these to Ron and he enjoys reading them.

[@monicalima88]

Good morning Mike Porter !!! God Morning Ron !! You can not imagine how much I appreciate your answer. I feel honored ... I would like to say how delighted I was in watching the lightness with which this famous watercolor painter still performs his paintings. I am taking the first steps at this enchanting world of mixtures of colors in water. Despite the distance, I'm from Brazil, it was like being right next participating in this precious and beautiful, resourcefulness in the art of painting. I want to send to this noble and talented painter all my respect and affection. A strong and warm embrace.

[@tmikeporter]

Monica, allow me to recommend a few painters to you that you can look at on the WWW. Trevor Waugh. Jem Bowden. Steve Hall. David Taylor. All excellent artists who paint in a more impressionistic style.

[@monicalima88]

Thank you Mr. Mike !!! I will watch the painters recommended by you. They must be really wonderful. I already beginning Saturday a course of watercolor painting. It will be necessary to acquire more detailed informations. Thank you for your kind response. Recommendations to all these brilliant painters from a Brazilian who greatly admires the art in watercolor. Honestly.

[@joseeanne7220]

You are my legend! Thanks for all.Best regards from Corsica,so far.........

[@suel4269]

Thankyou for posting this!

[@tmikeporter]

Most welcome. Ron became a dear friend. I was fortunate to have known him in his final years. He was an important watercolor teacher who gave many the encouragement to "give it a go".

[@PaulLewey]

Beautiful video and a Beautiful Artist. Thank you.

[@thedarkspleen]

lucky you mike....have followed ron forever. wonderful.

[@danthomas6587]

Wonderful demo. Ron was a truly gifted painter.

[@patriciah3235]

He had at his age a remarkably light hand and control. What a wonderful sensitivity to nuances of color.

[@angelicag2042]

Thank you and Mr. Ranson for this video! Serendipitous that I found your channel with this tremendous opportunity to watch such a wonderful gentleman and artist.

[@tmikeporter]

You are most welcome, Angelica. Today my wife and I celebrated his 90th birthday with his family. And, yes, he's quite the gentleman. Check out my other short video done with Steve Hall, also a notable artist and author.

[@keithpayne4143]

Lovely to see a watercolour legend in action 👍 thanks very much for uploading.

[@tmikeporter]

Sorry for the delayed acknowledgment, Keith. The "legend" had his 90th birthday today and my wife and I were fortunate to attend with his family.

[@meghead2338]

Wonderful how he teases shapes out with the hake brush. Thank you for

[@Stu_Yorkie]

This must have been a fantastic time for you, priceless moments. Thanks for sharing

[@meghead2338]

Amazing how he teases shapes out with a hake brush! I have one perhaps in Tahoe, so will get it out, but it was quite stiff years ago. Thank you very much for recording this and please pass on my best wishes.

[@javedsultan4830]

Ron Ranson is the creator of his own style of watercolour painting.. awesome artist

[@graydonrogers5453]

THE GENTLEMAN ASTOUNDS AND AMAZES AND AT 88 STILL HAS THE FIRE.

[@mateoclemente6751]

If any are Ron Ranson aspirants who are interested in connecting with other Ransonites, I have started a Facebook group called "Ron Ranson Disciples (Fast and Loose, Big Brush Watercolours)". We would welcome new members.

[@AAAizkk]

So wonderful to see this and be reminded. I took a workshop with him many years ago. Think he's still using the SAME brush in this video! I was sorry to read your comment below that he's frail and is no longer painting. Hope his wonderful wife is well. No one artist has influenced me as much as Ron has.

[@tmikeporter]

I'll be seeing Ron and Darlis in the next week and will pass along your comments, Lisa. Yes, he has influenced many around the world. Keep the brush wet!

[@tomhohn5234]

I took three workshops with Ron in the 2000's. Glad to see he's still going strong. Paint on, Ron.

[@tmikeporter]

Tom, this video was done over 3 yrs ago now and Ron is much more frail. No longer doing workshops and also not any painting. I see him about every 3-4 mos. Wonderful gentleman, still.

[@rajpereira7280]

Lovely touch. Wish you the best. Nice.

[@Hazartist]

Mike, please continue to display Mr. Ranson's techniques so that we who learn them can pass them along. Thank you.

[@tmikeporter]

I will be leaving this up indefinitely and you are most welcome. Ron was a dear friend of mine. I already miss having him to talk to.

[@lahijadelmangas1]

Soy autodidacta y, lo poco que se, lo he aprendido de Ron Ranson. Compré sus libros y, ahora en estos vídeos, he sentido la emoción de verle pintar en vivo. Ójala pueda hacerle llegar a él la inspiración que ha sido y es para mí su obra tan viva y sugerente. Sus atmósferas me cautivaron desde la primera vez que vi sus acuarelas. Muchísimas gracias, Mike Porter por este regalo. Jamás pensé llegar a estar tan cerca de Ron. Desde España, un abrazo para ambos.

[@javedsultan4830]

El ha fallecido tristemente

[@joygill7494]

Gods Bless, RIP beautiful artist

[@nancyrolfe3033]

Mr. Porter, thank you for sharing.

[@tmikeporter]

Most welcome. Glad to see that folks still are encouraged by Ron's methods.

[@sylviacostello2887]

i started to paint because this talented man i have book of his had it years.great to see him at work thankyou so much

[@tmikeporter]

+Sylvia Costello Most welcome Sylvia. I am fortunate indeed to have discovered that he lives near me in Oregon. My wife and I have become good friends of he and Darlis, his wife. She is from Oregon originally, so they moved here from the UK over 10 years ago to be closer to her family. I will be paying him a visit on Wednesday. He's quite frail now and is beginning to suffer from dementia, but he is ever the gentleman.

[@sylviacostello2887]

im from uk but live ireland.so to hear he is suffering this way god bless him.your family his very lucky to be friends with this man.im sure he feels lucky to have you around too.best of luck to you all xxx

[@StayfDraws]

Thanks for sharing Ron!

[@vharrald]

Thank you Mike for bringing us along with you on your journey to visit mister watercolor himself, Ron (do it all with a hake, for heaven's sake) Ranson.

[@tmikeporter]

Most welcome. I was fortunate to know such an influence on watercolor.

[@TTomJohn]

🖒🖒 Thank you for documenting a genius at work.

[@AleR2G]

That's really great, thanks for sharing!

[@karenkrosnick8725]

Wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing Ron's techniques. Karen

[@tmikeporter]

Most welcome, Karen.

[@louismarrec8812]

Watercolor painter of Brittany where to buy brushes (hake) of Ron Ranson. Thank you

[@tmikeporter]

Louis Marrec Sorry for the tardy reply. I know that Ken Bromley art supplies in the UK sell hakes, so check out their website. I'm in the US so I am not familiar with where to buy art supplies in France.

[@louismarrec8812]

Mike Porter Okay Mike, thanks for responding to my request. Kind regards.

[@tmikeporter]

I am pretty confident that ProArte in the UK still sells his signature brushes. Any hake will do, however, if you'd like to try using this brush. In the US, Cheap Joe's sells them.

[@lucimaria-x3b]

¡Que hermoso! El artista vive en su obra. Gracias por el video.

[@karenfox9982]

RIP..sir..you have left a legacy...🙏....thankyou

[@davelester1985]

Sad to hear of his passing. He was amazing with that hake brush.

[@baylillybabe]

Just incredible, found this thanks to DaveUsher who mentioned it, I too adore Seago, his BeachFishing painting is so simple, his pencil marks are there, the paper is so textured, I ask when, why, and how, every time I look at it. And JohnLaFarge his Andromeda, painted in 1868? I'd like to know his palette, thank you Mr.Porter for this, and to Mr.Ranson, thank you Sir.

[@xxrobodave]

I don't know how he did it! Amazing. I (novice) try this and as soon as my colours hit wet paper it's bloom city and looks hideous. How zero green was created in the sky is a mystery.

[@StevenCronin]

Wonderful Mike

[@connieostroha8423]

Beautiful!

[@christinelandale]

Cant believe I missed his classes. Found out too late but treasure his tips on painting. He's a one-off..impossible to "imitate". I notice there are references to his wife, Darlis. In his book , she is Audrey?

[@tonegundersen4391]

Thank you Mike, it just looked as if he was using a smaller hake on most of the examplea.

[@bardotte5757]

I love the way Ron shows how to mix that purple sky and shows that “We must remember, Watercolour Dries Lighter, so not be afraid to paint dark! “ It will be much lighter dry than when wet.

[@kbd2076]

mike, many thanks for Ron Ranson tutorials. . I follow Edo Hannema on FB he mentioned Ron ... I Google & here I am 👍 ... struggling want a be artist !! current watercolor class study of clouds/sky, of which I always mess up!!! .. always great to see the greats at work. what wonderful memories for you , big smiles all around. 😆 BTW did you mention he yellow color? it seemed so strong & then once he's done it's not .. masterful. .

[@tmikeporter]

+Kathyn Biddle-Dutton Hi Kathyn, yes it is special for me to know such an artist and author as Ron Ranson. He's quite frail now at 91 and no longer paints, but he has many stories and is a pleasure to be with...always the English gentleman.

[@roberthead3930]

Thank you!

[@mateoclemente6751]

He uses the Ron Ranson Large Hake from Pro Art. He is also using raw sienna here and not yellow ochre. In several of his books he mentions his dislike for yellow ochre and uses raw sienna mixed with burnt umber or with lemon yellow for a range of ochres. Also, in his books he greatly praises the Cotman line of watercolors.

[@tmikeporter]

Ron will tell you that Cotman is just fine as a watercolor paint brand for a new painter to learn on, but he certainly recognizes the difference of an artist grade paint. He used Cheap Joe's paints at the end of his workshop career which are made by DaVinci; and Ron was teaching workshops at Cheap Joe's so he was given those paints freely by the company.

[@nelidafelizia8395]

Gracias por compartir tan valiosas demostraciones. Adhiero a tu página. ¿Cómo puedo ver actualizaciones de este maravilloso artista si no tengo Facebook? Mis saludos desde Buenos Aires - ARGENTINA

[@ThinkerThunker]

That song, the acoustic guitar at the end, please, what is it? I've heard it in a movie or two, but never thought much about it until today. Maybe it was hearing it in concert with such a lovely painting, happening right before our very eyes. Very inspirational, thank you for sharing it. Mr Ranson is a master with a light touch.

[@59Dbarry]

It's Vivaldi's Guitar Concerto in D.

[@classicartfoundation639]

That clumsy old brush looks hopeless but the outcome is so delicate

[@anartistpatty8912]

Thank you so much for your video. I love Ron's painting very much. How old was he when he painted those.

[@tmikeporter]

About 85, I'm thinking. He was almost 90 when he died. He still had his wits about him in this video and knew how to stress and demonstrate the principles he'd espoused in his workshops and books. Quite a guy. Lucky me to have known him as I did.

[@carolinafernandezoro733]

EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!!!

[@TheWindGinProject]

This is inspirational. I was watching Dave Usher paint a demo and he mentioned your channel. Thanks for uploading this! Nice choice for background music also.

[@tmikeporter]

***** Most welcome. It's an English air done by a little known guitarist I met in Colorado many years ago.

[@BrucePenny]

Mike Porter I had to pause to write this. I'll start with admiration for your recording and particularly your friendship with Mr Ranson. A huge thank you for sharing! However.....the added music is driving me to distraction. It's very nice and all that but I'd rather it wasn't there at all. Sorry.

[@tmikeporter]

understand, Bruce...some like it, some don't; if I was to redo the video I'd reduce the volume way down or just use it on the title pages.

[@BrucePenny]

Maybe it's me. When I went to a major fireworks display years ago and they played 70 and 80's hits over an old "tannoy" system augmented with announcements for people to go to the such-and-such stand/tent. The next year they did the same. I didn't want that. I wanted to hear the whoosh of the rocket, the oohs and aahs of my fellow watchers and the crackles of the bonfire. I never went again. I can't stand canned laughter either on television comedies. You have the sounds of Mr Ransom's brush on the paper, his breathing, the background sounds and echoes, they make the magic for me but then I am an odd fish.

[@tmikeporter]

I don't know of an "odd fish"...but I did receive some helpful communication from a Bruce Penny...

[@LeonaFraser1]

beautiful vignette

[@tommybluenote2385]

Thank you for the video Mike! I have several of Ron's DVDs and books where he says he used Bockingford paper. I have some Bockingford Aquarelle 140lb paper, but can't seem to get the same results as Ron. Do you know which type of Bockingford paper he used?

[@mateoclemente6751]

I found the same problem. I have had luck with the 14x11 Strathmore Windpower watercolor pad. 15 pages for about 13.99. Michaels always sends out 40% off one item coupons so that's how I get them affordable. I tried the series 400 Strathmore and it did not perform like the paper Ron worked on in his dvd's. At this point, I am about 10 pads in on Windpower and the seem to behave like I want them.

[@HConsueloMorosC]

Thanks for share, I've a video workshop, also some brushes..I love his style. Regards from caracas, venezuela

[@tmikeporter]

Most welcome.

[@rtracey308]

thanks Mike, I am looking into both books....rt

[@jakematlet7148]

Thank you, Mike, for sharing this gem. Could you remember the title of the book(s) Ron is refering to during the demos (appearing at the left side of the drawing table at 19:10 min.). Kind regards.

[@tmikeporter]

Jake Matlet At first I thought it was his book Ranson on Skies (which I recommend by the way), but now after viewing the video again, I think it is a different book. I filmed this 2 yrs ago and just cannot recall that detail, sorry. His referral during this last demo was actually another painting positioned above the book. Watch this last demo again and you'll see a shot of it. He was showing me how to reproduce that painting, or rather, its effects. I don't think the book was a part of the exercise.

[@rtracey308]

question, what was the blue book that was next to Ron as he painted. I noticed on a page there were 3 paintings on it. Was that a Ron Ranson book?

[@tmikeporter]

+rick tracey As I recall it was a book, his authorship, on either Seago or Wesson. I recommend both books if you like the English landscape tradition. Also Steve Hall has done two books on Wesson which are quite good. This was filmed three years ago now, so I cannot be absolutely sure of the book from from rematching the video my guess is most likely.

[@tomhohn5234]

Mr. Porter, thanks for the update Please tell and Darlis I said hello.

[@juliannesdelmar3190]

'Never use two strokes where you could use one.' ~ I will remember that.

[@l1u1c1k]

The purity of it

[@gizimama]

I regret the loss of professor. Sincere condolences.

[@tmikeporter]

If you are using Facebook you can go to the Ron Ranson Watercolors page and leave a comment. His widow, Darlis, reads them all.

[@danisbell4542]

I am not on Facebook, but I would like Darlis to know that many decades ago, I found Ron's early books and followed along as he made videos. As a middle school art teacher, I bought classroom sets of hakes, 1" flat brushes, and rigger brushes and white plastic 'butcher tray'' palettes. I taught watercolor painting using Ron Ranson's approach to all of my seventh grade art classes for most of the 32 years that I taught. Students learned the magic of watercolor approached like golf, where the fewest strokes wins! Here on your demo he shares the same pure and simple, fast and loose, big brush transparent watercolor I have always loved. I would like Darlis to know Ron's approach was what captivated generations of students who now understand, appreciate, and remember watercolor painting.

[@sooart5333]

awesome!

[@victorita2582]

Someone knows what type of hake brush he uses to? Thanks.

[@tmikeporter]

Sorry for the delayed reply as I just read your comment. You can buy Ron's signature hake brushes from Cheap Joe's or ProArte.

[@marklaw7185]

It looks like a right mess then it dissolves into beauty

[@tonegundersen4391]

What size hake is he using here?

[@tmikeporter]

+Tone Gundersen As I recall, it was the large size hake. Unless he is painting on small paper, he favored the larger brush.