Sketchbook Painting Outdoors - My Process

[@marcobucci]

My colours (from left to right, top to bottom), as seen at 0:55 - Mauve, May Green, Sap Green, Raw Umber, Burnt Sienna Deep, Van Dyk Brown, Vermillion, Perinone Orange, Cadmium Yellow Light, Lemon Yellow, Neutral Tint, Pthalo Blue (Green Shade), Opera, Cobalt Turquoise Light, Alizarin Crimson, Permanent Karmin, Viridian, Ultramarine Violet, Cobalt Green/Turquoise, Ultramarine Blue Deep, Cobalt Blue. Gouache is Titanium White. Brands are Winsor & Newton, Horadam, Daniel Smith, HWC.

[@CeresIsABetterPlanetThanPluto]

So I noticed your palette has a couple of fugitive pigments (opera, alizarin crimson)--a lot of watercolor people get really, hyper focused on lightfastness (they also get all up in arms about gouache, but Turner and Sargent obviously disagree with them, and it's hard to disagree with Turner and Sargent on watercolors. ). Do you not care because this is a sketchbook? Or because most of your work is digital? Or is this your full-time palette? Is lightfastness just something the internet made into a cult and "look how brilliant opera is" therefore YOLO? (Love your videos BTW, your videos are beginner friendly but I also feel like full of principles and insights that I'll hopefully, grow into. Like Andrew Loomis. Not just what you did, but why. )

[@marcobucci]

Hey Stephanie, thanks! I'm the least worrisome watercolor artist in the world. I will paint with coffee if I've run out of Burnt Sienna. I'm more interested in the actual moment of sketching - building up my visual library, skills, experience - rather than the longevity of my paintings. I do think that high quality materials are worth it (eg. I only buy professional grade paint), but when it comes to using a few fugitive colours, I haven't found any reason to worry. Not yet, anyway. Maybe in 10 years I'll open up this sketch and it'll be faded to a ghostly white, haha. But I do have 10-year-old watercolour sketches that still seem to have all their colour. Maybe that's 'cause they live in a dark sketchbook, and the light doesn't have much of a chance to get in there and fade them. I also photograph my better work, so I at least will have a record of it that way, should bad things happen. As for my palette: it's always changing. Actually, 'Opera' only made it onto the palette last month! I just peruse the art store and see what catches my eye. Sometimes it's seasonal - like that May Green, which I added last summer. I do have some absolute staples, though: Cobalt & Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Sienna Deep, Vermillion, Cad Yellow, I couldn't do without those. After that, like you said - YOLO. I think I *would* think about lightfastness if, like, the Queen of England hired me to paint something for Buckingham Palace :)

[@EricSareyka]

Thank you for sharing your workflow on urban sketching, and the ideas you publish. But, "Horadam" is no brand, it's a name of special kind of watercolor. The brand is Schmincke. They have Horadam and Akademie. ;)

[@benjaminfranz156]

Hey so where do you get your water colors?

[@andrejjjj2008]

You can just use wacom gloves - at least for me it really helps to keep my arm a little bit warmer and don't hinder the drawing/painting itself. And on the left hand just wear some normal glove. Aaand if it really cold, you can just wear several of them, coz they are so thin!

[@SpiriTracE]

"It's an expression of the subject, not a literal copy of it." This spoke to me. I've been slacking with outdoor sketching. Standing while drawing was a big difficulty that I tried practicing. But I think keeping that quote in mind may be enough to forget all of that and go for it again. Maybe start nature journaling.

[@classicartfoundation639]

Absolutely, otherwise the detail can do your head in

[@deletedjkcndsnsdnkcj]

“I’m letting them bleed, i don’t care” sounds terrifying out of context

[@sophiechandler955]

😆

[@Rodutchi]

Hahah

[@creativohugo]

"if you're interested in looking cool, I don't recommend doing this" knowing that even an artist with such an incredible ability like you can feel a bit self conscious sometimes gives me confidence, I will remember this the next time I try to paint outside, thanks for all your videos Marco!

[@marcobucci]

Thanks! Feeling self conscious while painting in public is definitely something I had to get over. Just keep on going out there, and let everyone else deal with you, instead of you dealing with them :)

[@shadesofgray5476]

@@marcobucci That's a great piece of advice for public painting.

[@candiigurl7893]

"Its the expression of an object not an exact copy of it." This is really spoke to me on a deep level. Perfectionism and exact-ism are my 2 greatest problems when I do any kind of art.

[@TiffanysFineArt]

candiigurl7893 I know exactly how you feel! I have such a hard time not picking up my liner and painting every little detail.

[@colorfulskies6477]

it is a pretty impressionistic way of going at it but after all it's in the freedom of expression and mind

[@roberthead3930]

Beautiful! I subscribed the moment this was finished. Take aways: conte crayon touches. Guache as a thickening agent. Spatter when it feels overly tight! Thank you! 👍👍👍

[@KienanLafferty]

That. was. AWESOME!! More like this plz

[@marcobucci]

Thanks a lot, Kienan!

[@Tex6073]

Was NOT expecting to see you in the comments Mr Lafferty my god

[@maryking8798]

Great demo. Love this.

[@joediamond7988]

Tex6073 Same!

[@miblert3717]

Where can I download the brushes you used here?

[@marcobucci]

When that comment popped as a notification just now, I sighed. Then I noticed which video you were commenting on, and I laughed. Nice work.

[@joediamond7988]

So can we have the brushes????

[@jayPi07]

I gotta say, your video, the editing, the demo, your sense of humour, everything is just on point! You are an amazing artist and I feel so grateful for every tips that you share. Thanks for boosting my confidence considerably

[@rodrigofalco]

This video changed my life! haha I've been working with watercolor for a while and just started gouache practice, and watching your process made me learn so much. Thanks for sharing!

[@maickcamilo2399]

Rodrigo Falco adoro seus desenhos!!

[@clairescribner4102]

I love how clear you are about what you’re doing and why. This is my first time on your channel and I’ll be back.

[@UntitledTitle33]

Drawing detailed is my flaw, I focuse too much on the little things that my painting ends up nothing like what I intended to draw. Thank you for ur tips!!

[@destroyer102794]

maybe it'd be cool to hyper focus on a couple of random items throughout, like something on the left, something on the right etc. but then more abstract on the surrounding peices and heck maybe even on your focus. Really force someone to drink in the whole painting that way I'd imagine. Might be a fun compromise for what you're used to, and what you'd like to do different :)

[@mozaalhamadi6478]

Me too!!!

[@Noirjk]

Details are not a flaw, details without an underlying structure can be. If your fundementals are strong even if you add detail to the edge of the sky where nobody should look, it can be cohesive since composition is also a fundemental. You can build detail after you've set the values, composition, focal point and what you want to achieve. You just have to make sure that your painting is more than just details.

[@adamjnotthecongressmanschi7026]

"every power line needs a friend" --Not really Bob Ross

[@MrMjp58]

I really like the style of presentation here. A direct and friendly approach is always welcome.

[@boredofeducation-sb6kr]

Wow the clearest expression of thought process in the painting process. Thank you for breaking it down!

[@pateldivy6464]

Loved the concept of breaking a painting into small,medium and big shapes. Makes capturing a scene so easy.

[@Tajiri1986]

After a long day of working hard in my job you are the best thing to see when i come home, thank you for existing sir.

[@marcobucci]

That's awesome - thanks!

[@a-carvalho8751]

"If you're interested in looking cool, I don't really reccomend doing this." Seeing that every abstract shape has a purpose shows me the genius behind the brushes. It's cool enough to me.

[@cloudsofsunset7323]

I am not a water medium artist nor interested in painting in streets but honestly tips like: "The image is not my boss" and painting what helps the composition. These type of tips are valuable to me right now. Btw turns out really cool!

[@TiffanysFineArt]

cloudsofsunset I’m not a water medium person either. I do oils. but the way he explained what matters in the frame, that ever detail doesn’t have to be in there... all GREAT tips! What medium do you paint in?

[@Elderscroller]

I love love love your tutorial videos. There are many out there, but some fall flat and don´t manage to do anything with the viewer. And there are some, that manage to just connect with the viewer and really open their eyes. Yours are definitely one of those, so keep ´em coming!

[@marcobucci]

Thanks a lot

[@crazydragy4233]

Gosh, I adore your style! You just have such warm and fun energy throughout the whole video, It's really nice!

[@unchilgisam]

You make it look so simple and easy! Even though you look careless and like "here goes nothing" when you paint, the end result speaks volumes on how much knowledge and skills you've gained over years of painting. I tried copying a lot of your drawings and even followed you step by step multiple times but it's going to take a while before I understand what you're doing. Thank you so much for taking the time in creating these videos and breaking down the principles as well as your thoughts while painting.

[@marcobucci]

Thanks. Yes, I failed miserably at this for many years and have improved over long periods of time (I started doing this in 2001.) If I can find some of my old paintings, I think in the future I'll make a video of my own art progression.

[@sprinkletragedy]

I was in a serious art funk today but watching this perked me up immediately. Love how it is edited and seeing your progress! I'm a big fan. :)

[@marcobucci]

Awesome!

[@digitalsketchguy]

I love those tiny sketches of yours. They have such a spontaneous & jewel like quality. I went to a John Constable exhibition many years ago and much preferred all his colour sketches to the finished works.

[@marcobucci]

Thanks. And I'm with you. Almost without fail I prefer a good artist's sketches to their finished work. Just an inimitable energy that comes with a sketch.

[@ellesbelles9816]

I am an ancient, old lady, hobby artist. Lol Just found your videos. LOVE them!!! Thank you for the tips, instruction, and perspective!!! Didn’t know about cutting the paper I love into sketch pad shapes and having them bound. Great idea. Thank you!!!

[@rakamukherjee9070]

It amazes me not just how good at art you are but how entertaining your videos are? You really know how to make a KZbin video!

[@marcobucci]

Thanks a lot!

[@ArtistGoneWild]

There’s so much information and he talks so fast it’s hard not to feel inspired and overwhelmed all at the same time! New sub

[@DebNicolaisenArtist]

I love how much information you pack into these videos!

[@markdonovan1540]

Wow, what an eye-opener to simplify and focus a key shapes and values. Great video. The biggest takeaway for me has been your statement: "the subject is not the boss! A much needed bombshell, thank you Marco. Subscribed!

[@justinpunio9723]

Thank Marco, I've learnt loads from this channel and your Sketchbook painting videos!

[@tessellatiaartilery8197]

My favorite comment: "the subject is not my boss!" I love it. 💕 This is my new mantra, and yes, while not looking cool with paint in the street. Thank you for this excellent and invigorating tutorial. Your art skill is so inspiring too.😊

[@ivon_reborn]

I really enjoyed this video, your process, and how you went about everything. It gives me confidence that I too can do this... and express myself... What I loved is that I don't need to make an identical copy... but an expression of my art. Love it!

[@marcobucci]

Great to hear!

[@markdonovan1540]

Love it, such a freestyle technique. I'm only a beginner, but seeing this helps me see how scenes can be captured without getting swamped by too many details

[@daleshawn1910]

Thank you so much for being so generous with the information you share. These are the very best videos I have come across. I’m so grateful.

[@armeetindergill]

This video is a quintessential lesson in watercolor drawing. Loved it

[@annesaffer629]

Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood! Fun video! I don’t use watercolor because it’s s too difficult! I always end up with a mud colored painting. So I enjoyed watching someone who can handle it and get great results. Love the use of gouache and conte crayons!

[@mrevan8646]

I like how you said your sketchbook is like a journal and that you'll always have a record of this day. This is why I bring more sketchbooks than necessary when I travel. Take a picture and it's just a picture. Everyone sees it the same. Draw or paint it, and it's tells- maybe better than with words in some ways- exactly how you felt and how you saw the world that day.

[@marcobucci]

That's totally it :)

[@mrevan8646]

Thanks for the channel. Thanks for giving us something to learn.

[@rapidak87]

I'm going to Vietnam for one month and I actually never did watercolours like this way and this video helps me to feel confident that I can handle it ;) Thanks a lot! PS: I knew you from before but now I can really appreciate your videos

[@momekh]

What a wonderful painting, and absolutely brilliant commentary. Great production of the video. You have disciplined your creativity well dear stranger. Looking forward to more of what you have to offer.

[@gardener5857]

You are very talented, and a natural teacher. I wish you success with all your endeavors.

[@ajithar1998]

Ok but this is like, magic?!? I've ALWAYS had trouble with just loose expression vs copying the subject, and this just makes it look so fun and effortless!

[@marcobucci]

Thanks! I've logged years of failures and less-than-satisfying paintings before now. The real secret to this is practice, failure, and experience, which all need lots of time. Solid training in the fundamentals of art helps a ton, too. I just hope this video can inspire people to get out there and get that process going for themselves :)

[@ajithar1998]

Oh, it definitely inspires, and I shall, thanks!:)

[@cassiejean4308]

This is super cool and well explained! I was almost going to give up painting plein air in cities but this has inspired me to give it another go

[@TiffanysFineArt]

Cassie Jean I know what you mean. I never thought I could do a plein air study of a city but he really encourages you. Now I wanna try. :D

[@nancysmithson138]

You paint so confidently. Enjoyed watching.

[@914peru]

one of the best watercolor tutorials It realty takes guts to paint outdoors

[@leashh5311]

I love how you’re nonchalant about the watercolor bleeding. It’s definitely a medium that requires a ton of control, but also full freedom. Your video allowed me to see that I need to stop nit picking everything. I always seem to get discouraged when my colors bleed. Especially when the mixture ends up looking muddy. Great work!

[@davidannett3322]

if anyone is curious, the bag is the Trespass "Strapper" shoulder bag

[@lemonyapples]

I love how you took charge of your painting and video! love the bright upbeat music, your way of explaining things!

[@Rogn1]

Dude, I just found your channel last night and subscribed instantly. I am not an artist, but have always wanted to be, however, I'm lazy. I do enjoy art and your's speaks to me. I love it and look forward to more.

[@tanitam.7838]

Love the effort you put into your paintings and your videos. They're full of soul and heart, love it very much.

[@marcobucci]

Thanks a lot :)

[@DarkoSubotin]

Your videos have changed the way I look at color. My art became much better thanks to your videos :) Keep them coming!

[@blahblahagewlaij]

Your videos never fail to inspire me to paint. The way you teach and explain the topics always eases my insecurities about my own art. Thank you!

[@monpetitchouxpastry]

I really really appreciate you sharing your process! I’m just beginning with water colour so I’ve felt so lost. But you do a wonderful job explaining what you’re doing and why, to really help others decide on how to compose a painting. Thank you so so much

[@gary7466]

Well, there you go--a great, simple working set up and the process explained in action. This is just an outstanding video from which anyone trying to break through in sketching outdoors can learn so much. Thank you, John!

[@yardsalepicasso9413]

Nice! Love the painting. Love the cat. Cannot decide between oil and water color for plein air type stuff. New to painting after years as a photographer.

[@MultiSanchez14]

Watching you paint is so inspiring! Your commentary is engaging, and I am absolutely in love with your style!

[@parrishriddle7945]

Fantastic lil video. It was very enjoyable and it teaches your process very well. Thank you for posting your work. Made me smile!

[@ironcockroach]

Oh Marco Bucci, thank you for this knowledge, you gave me in this and other videos about watercolor painting.

[@aviaja2008]

Love your little outdoor sketch ... I also use mix-media like watercolor, gouache, pastels, ink and colored pencils, it is fun to see what I can do. Looking forward to your next video.

[@Emiaa999]

Goodness, this is so good! I love that you explain the work process as you paint, it helps me to understand what you're doing better! Amazing painting!

[@Siberwar]

The cat is the most important part of the process. ps: it was fun watching, I want more.

[@oouziii4679]

I sketch in red too you are right but i only use it because it makes a more appealing looking sketch as aposed to other colors just incase someone comes and looks over my shoulder lol, i like your explanation of the composition, iv never taking any art school so that was quite insightful, what the subject has to offer you... Thats cool

[@batterysandwich5348]

It’s hard to find art videos that are useful for learning but now that I’ve found your channel I don’t have to look anymore! Very useful and educational, can’t wait to test out what I’ve learnt

[@maskedartist1455]

imo you looked pretty cool standing there like a BOSS, keep going man, your doing great with these kind of paintings

[@kashaanmehmood389]

What fun it is to watch you paint! I respect how much effort you put into your videos and I am glad I have learned a few things by just watching your videos :)

[@TheStarhorse1]

Thank you so much for making this. Very helpful. And thanks for commenting below about the vodka. I’ve been out painting this winter, and I had trouble with ice forming on the painting as I was laying the paint down. I can’t wait to try the vodka thing now. Thanks for the tip!

[@marcobucci]

one shot for you; one shot for the painting ;)

[@Alsyoutubeaccount]

Thank you so much, you have no idea how much I wanted a video like this after I was amazed by the beauty of these paintings in your sketchbook tour.

[@SofiaPereira]

Marco I really enjoyed your take on this, I miss painting plen air and your awesome painting motivated me to go back at it. I'm all about your idea of representing a subject but not literally copying it, and that's what makes art so thrilling - is that we can express everything the way we feel like!

[@barbaragemin5117]

Hello Marco! I enjoyed your fast thumbnail sketches very much. It takes a lot of courage and competence to be so 'slapdash', but inspiring. Will try this summer. Thank you. I've been watercolour painting for years and have watched endless tutorials, which help enormously. I'm aiming to be more impressionist.

[@maggi_tael]

WAAAAA you said like, the complete opposite of what I have ever heard about watercolour, AND I LOVE IT !! It turned out so expressive wthhhh This is just so inspiring, thanks a LOT

[@maggi_tael]

It's been 3 years and I still haven't gotten out to paint from life, wth

[@moderndayjames]

Love your videos my friend

[@dissonanceparadiddle]

The whimsical beauty the colors added compared to the source is so pretty🤩

[@s977382]

I think this is the best art video I’ve ever watched! Thanks to the references to some of your other videos...must watch now

[@soumaisumnerd]

Best birthday gift ever.... Love your paintings , You are a huge inspiration and your book is amazing!

[@marcobucci]

Thanks a lot, and happy birthday!

[@miqf914]

If I wasn't already subscribed to your channel, I would be after this video. I love how you impart so much confidence and make me feel less scared about approaching my art. The painting is not the boss; I am! :P

[@dexteralinea]

the energy is soooo good omg

[@sparklesparklerainbow]

I loved seeing how you go about your watercolor paintings! Would love to see more, because I think everybody can learn the practical side of painting this way, from your video! Thanks for sharing, hope you will do this again ^^ And what better time to do so than in spring/summer ❤️

[@marcobucci]

Thanks! I'm planning another one like this soon :)

[@sparklesparklerainbow]

Marco Bucci Yaaay!!! That’s great! Looking forward to that 😁 Thanks a lot!

[@rm.makes.me.smile_]

That up close shot of the painting made my jaw drop. My perspective of painting changed at once. I've been so caught up lately in thinking "can anyone even tell what this is" but as you said, putting the most detail in the thing that interested you initially, and then expressing the image not exactly copying it was eye opening. I feel super inspired 💓

[@destroyer102794]

Dammit... I just started painting about a month or two ago and started off with some acrylic, I've really been enjoying myself but after this video I might have to give watercolor painting a go as well! Thanks for all the pointers, your painting turned out awesome!

[@ruthilano4737]

Awesome! I love your work, man. I'm an artist that discovered your videos a while back, bought your audiobook, and subscribed. You never fail to inspire me, and I'll always look forward to your next vid!

[@rumblef1sh]

I find your commentary and your understanding of painting very interesting. I shall be watching more of your videos :)

[@Doubleoreviews]

That was fun to watch. I learned a bit and feel inspired for my next sketch outing. Now I'll go order a portable water container I like the idea of it having a clip.

[@marwincolinayo6929]

Wow, dude this is awesome! Painting while standing, holding your tools with 1 hand, and yet you still manage to do it!

[@erinrothenbaum9218]

I am so disappointed I didn't find this sooner! This guy is an absolute god, and I think this is going to help me a lot!

[@RobotsintheShed45]

Seeing you actually paint really shows the reasoning behind some of your violent digital brushstrokes, loved the spatter moment!

[@RinCho880203]

I feel like I see magic here. I don't even know how this came to be. lol You just rock. I probably can't finish that kind of work in a day and yet after I finish mine will still look nothing compared to yours. You're super cool.

[@marcobucci]

Thanks! You know, if I spent a day on a piece like this, I too would probably lose the magic that a quick sketch has. There's just something about painting small and fast.

[@RinCho880203]

@@marcobucci I should probably start having the same attitude. Rather than working on something for too long only to end up losing the creativity I have at the moment, I should start on something small and easy and shouldn't be too hard on myself to put on every small detail on what I'm working on. :) You're really great. I can't believe I learned something small yet significant after randomly just dropping by. And it's amazing you actually replied. I'm very honored. Thanks! I'll continue to watch your videos and cheer you on from the other side of the world!

[@sylviahowell7802]

Thank you! This was such an enjoyable video. Your wife did a great job with the video process, and you DID look cool standing on the street sketching. LOVED THIS!

[@MeowMeowKapow]

congrats on over 100k now, past Marco Bucci! Remember when you were hype here for 50k? I'm at just over 2k subs right now and when you said "I remember when there were zero" is exactly my perspective, too. Congrats on your youtube success! I love your humorous editing and commentary, but I also greatly appreciate your painting advice. Like the portion in the beginning where you just broke down the scene and evaluated what parts were important to you-that's a GREAT way of thinking of all pieces, but especially quick plein air ones. I am glad the mighty algorithm deemed it so that I was to stumble over your channel today and I'm excited to watch more from you! Rang that bell, baybeeeee.

[@Kagome932]

You're so dedicated! I often don't have the mental fortitude to go outside for anything in the winter, haha. But you're definitely making me wish for some spring!

[@AnimalLover101195]

I really loved how you explained everything!

[@ganjazz]

This is the best video I've seen here on youtube. I love how you explain every detail of how you think. I appreciate this so much!

[@rubidotrinh549]

Thank you so much Marco! I love your humor and passion in what you do. You gave me power in pursuing this path. It is a good day when I see a new video from you on KZbin homepage. And Mishu is super sweet!

[@wilsonfinklergeraldo3797]

congratulations , beautiful drawn. It's so nice see and hear about the process of drawing

[@JJ-dj6qw]

What a beautiful painting! Thank you for editing lovely videos for fans!

[@loisbrown7215]

i've been so hesitant to keep texture, but i think after seeing this painting, i'll experiment a bit more with rough edges over smooth. thanks!

[@TiffanysFineArt]

Lois Brown I’ve been hesitant too! He has definitely proven me wrong. :D

[@MC.CG3DArt]

Marco thank you, You are the more ispiring artist that I know.

[@isnpms]

Man, you are fantastic. What a wonderful video, in all aspects. Congrats.

[@amadhia]

Thank you and your wife both for braving the cold and making this video! I can't say enough how wonderful and helpful it was to watch you paint! Thank you again so very much for taking the time to make such professional productions, and for going way out of your way to help those who are bustin' our tails to become better artists too!

[@Ebutuoy333]

First vid of yours I've seen. Very well painted and explained. Really good vid production too. Bravo!

[@octaviordz9160]

so cool! love your way to talk about paint with fun

[@jessewestlund5159]

Beautiful! I'm just getting into sketching and I love the way you describe concepts as you go along. If I ever decide to pick up water colors, I will mark you down as an inspiration!

[@Visualico123]

Did I mentioned that tour editing is lit. Pure bliss to watch your videos.