Start With a Broom, Finish With a Needle by Helen Van Wyk

This lesson by Helen Van Wyk explains the differences between using a pencil and a brush, highlighting the versatility of the brush. It is designed to be an initial lesson for both students and a refresher for seasoned artists.
There are an abundance of concepts in this lesson, as in all of Helen's lessons, so please pay close attention to her commentary.
Brush vs. Pencil
Unlike a pencil, which creates lines, a brush can perform three distinct functions.
Planning the Composition
Helen stresses the importance of planning the layout to ensure elements like flowers and handles are properly placed.
Painting Strategy
The saying "Start with a broom and finish with a needle" means to begin with broad strokes and end with fine details.
Background First
Helen starts with the background using brownish tones, focusing only on this aspect to avoid multitasking.
Simpler Subjects for Beginners
Beginners should choose simple subjects to learn how to contrast tones and push one tone against another.
Painting Technique
Start from the middle and move outwards for better edge definition.
Personal Style
Helen encourages embracing mistakes as part of a personal style, noting how famous artists like Van Gogh and Rembrandt have recognizable styles.
Depth and Shadows
Using darker tones to create cast shadows adds depth and dimension to the painting.
Stage One Completion
Helen describes finishing the first stage with broad brushstrokes and stepping back to assess the work from a distance.
Adding Details
Helen adds handles, the spigot, and further develops the pot by lightening it, focusing on tone rather than color.
Proportion and Depth
Emphasizing the importance of proportion and depth in painting, Helen suggests starting with the back and move forward to create depth.
Brush Techniques
Helen advises using multiple brushes for different tasks. Don't use the same brush for everything.
Avoiding "kisses"
Don't let elements touch and confuse the drawing. Maintaining clear separations between elements as necessary to avoid kisses.
Shadows and Highlights
Helen accentuates shadows and highlights to create dimension, making objects appear more realistic. (remember or watch the 5 tone values lesson)
Poetic License
She explains the concept of poetic license, altering the composition for practical reasons or artistic effect.
Throughout, Helen Van Wyk emphasizes practical painting techniques while encouraging a relaxed approach to potential mistakes, underscoring the importance of developing one's own style.
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[ST: EN FR SP]

[@hilary729]

Thank you so much for uploading this. I have all her books but I just love to see her in her videos. What a brilliant teacher and such an engaging personality. ❤

[@HelenVanWyk]

Those books are definitely keepers. A bit of history; Helen's earliest books were hand-bound with a comb binding machine. It's great to hear you enjoy the video lessons. Thanks for your comment.

[@user-ib1xi7ut9b]

Bthankyou Helen you are wonderful

[@Toqueville2023]

Her videos really merit several visits because of the content she packs into each one. Often it takes several or more to capture the points...sometime very subtle..

[@HelenVanWyk]

Yes, there are comments similar to yours on other videos. Helen's commentary is incredibly informative and plentiful. Thank you for supporting the channel; it's greatly appreciated.

[@Toqueville2023]

The terms she describes things are very different, helpful..makes you think differently and that's valuable

[@HelenVanWyk]

Yes, alternate views can be eye-opening and challenge our assumptions. Thanks for watching.

[@john-nx4xn]

​​@@HelenVanWykbroom then needle. I always used just the needle. Was a nervous wreck the entire time. I bet she was one cool lady.😊

[@CraigsLister]

The picture-in-picture technique you guys are using is pretty cool. I don't think the original videos had this feature. But it gives me better insight to where she is going with her brush strokes. I hope you keep doing it.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Yes, as part of the remastering to improve audio and video, additional information is sometimes added to the lessons. This information is usually placed on the left side, as you noticed, but not always. Glad to hear you like the improvements. Thanks for your comment and continued support; it is greatly appreciated.

[@raksharky]

​@@HelenVanWyki noticed those additional information I didn't know that you added them while editing the videos. Thank you so much for your efforts, it's very appreciated, they help a lot

[@HelenVanWyk]

The goal is to enhance the learning experience by making the techniques and details as clear as possible. Thanks for your support and for noticing the effort put into the remastering process.

[@jgmlive]

Love this lesson! Lots of valuable information.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Great to hear you like this one. It was one of her very first lessons. Thanks.

[@2stansfield903]

It's lovely 😊

[@Mark-wx7vp]

Thanks for posting this video 😁

[@HelenVanWyk]

You're welcome and it's great you enjoyed the video. Thanks

[@willardtrafton2804]

...The King Of Cartoons says: "Let the Cartoons Begin !!!"

[@HelenVanWyk]

This seems like a reference from the Pee-wee Herman show and that you are excited to see Helen's video lessons. Hopefully you'll enjoy the content and find inspiration in her teaching techniques. Let the creativity begin. Thanks for the comment.

[@MoistCheeto]

pls post season 3

[@mellisugahelenae]

☕️🤎

[@59jaguar]

Good video but all of the commercials are too much to deal with .

[@davidc1878]

No ads for me... I subscribe to KZbin Premium. It is so great not getting all the interruptions, especially on longer videos.

[@john-nx4xn]

​@@davidc1878💯

[@john-nx4xn]

I was hesitant. But when I finally got utube premium I was so happy. I think I pay 12.99 a month. It may be more now. U'll not regret it! Give it a try. I bet you don't cancel it... ✌️ P.s. my son convinced me after he kept hearing me complain about "all the dang commercials!".😊