Merging Spontaneity with Planning in a Watercolor Landscape with Steve Mitchell | Lesson 4 of 4

Steve will show you how to aim for a fresh, spontaneous feel in all your work if you have a planned subject in mind already. We’ll take the concepts learned in the first 3 lessons and apply them to a subject that may be more realistic or specific. The final result will be a piece that merges the spontaneous characteristics of watercolor with controlled rendering.
SUPPLIES:
► Strathmore 500 Series Ready Cut Watercolor Paper, 8"x10", 100% cotton:
www.strathmore...
► MaimeriBlu Watercolor Paint: Dragon's Blood, Van Dyke Brown, Ultramarine, Permanent Violet Blue, Payne's Gray, Mars Brown
► Princeton Neptune & Aqua Elite Brushes:
princetonbrush...
INSTRUCTION SHEET:
strathmorearti...
WATCH THE OTHER VIDEOS IN THIS SERIES:
► Lesson 1: Intro to Spontaneous Watercolor Landscape Painting
• Intro to Spontaneous W...
► Lesson 2: Spontaneous Landscape Painting - Wet-on-Wet Method
• Spontaneous Watercolor...
► Lesson 3: Spontaneous Landscape Painting - Wet-on-Dry Method
• Spontaneous Watercolor...
See more from Steve: ‪@mindofwatercolor‬

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much Steve, I really really enjoyed watching and listening to you whilst you created this beautiful and idealistic landscape, I really feel I know this place. You are a total inspiration to me and many others watching you. Please stay safe and well too xxxx Mags ❤❤❤❤❤

[@gaylecewpie5012]

This Series is absolutely the most inspiring to me, I love it so much. Thank you Steve for working these wonderful spontaneous paintings out for us to see how we can improve our own paintings. And big thank you to Strathmore for sponsoring this wonderful series. You make an amazing team! 😍

[@snowpony001]

Thank you Steve Mitchell and Strathmore for this series. I feel like I learned so much from this. Steve has a fantastic way of clearly explaining and demonstrating ideas and techniques.

[@cabacou1945]

I’ll be watching and rewatching this, as an absolute beginner this inspires me to just keep going past initial “blunders “ to the painting that will reveal itself! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@18eleanor]

Me too! ☺️

[@gretayeadon]

Trying to paint watercolor landscapes was starting to feel like WORK. It’s FUN again. Thank you so much.

[@user-td1bh1bf3s]

I can't wait to have a go at this, looks really enjoyable.

[@Barbara-fy8cs]

I will be watching these classes over and over. I especially love the house and out buildings on the hill.

[@anab570]

I loved that part too.

[@CarinaEstrelaHamm]

Thank you, Steve, GREAT.

[@barbarafurey5618]

Thank you. Your instructions are very helpful, I like the pop up notes for technical terms. And 4 videos, showing techniques to a finished painting is much appreciated. I’m hooked on your channel.

[@paulinespicer1326]

Love the limited palette. Brilliant.

[@MsVivian99]

Loved these four videos! First time learning about spontaneous painting !,,very much appreciated :)

[@patriciahubbard5832]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I truly needed these lessons. You are a very patient painter! When I started about 18 months ago I just threw water and paint on the paper and called it done. I gradually transitioned away from THAT, and now your lessons have taken me to the next step. I know you said don't go back and try to "fix" paintings with detail, but that is exactly what I'm going to do today, tomorrow and Monday. I rarely throw paintings away, I've kept them thinking I could fix them when I learned more. So I'm giving it a try. I've subscribed and will visit you often.

[@thibautlucas688]

So beautiful and dreamy, love it

[@rmuller366]

Excellent series Steve! Thank you for explaining spontaneous painting from the way you see it. “Edges and contrast” boom, the light bulb turned on. I couldn’t see what you meant until you spoke about that being the first focus. NOW I see it. Thank you so much and God bless you! 💗Rita

[@dianedean9116]

I love the combo of some planned elements and some more spontaneous. When I try to do the entire thing spontaneous I run into trouble-this is great for someone with my skill set!

[@danyelhudon458]

Great tutorials thank you very much for the explanation during your processing! From Quebec in Canada! 😊

[@martinmathieson3418]

Very interesting videos Steve. I will certainly use your spontaneous techniques, very inspiring. Thank you!

[@bevsartsandcrafts715]

So lovely.i really like this way of painting and I’m going to try it. X

[@maryannegunter115]

I'm glad to see that you like the vignettes, as I do. Most everyone tapes off a border; to me, that limits the eyes view of the painting. Thank you for your video, can't wait to try this😊

[@jamesduncan578]

Loved this series, thank you and Strathmore for sharing your take on this style.

[@maryrichinick7287]

I really enjoyed watching this series. I tend to paint tighter than I'd like and I think I'll try introducing some spontaneous painting into my work. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge!

[@maryaltabev5275]

One of your best examples, at least for me Steve. Thanks again and again.

[@SUSANSPIVAK]

Thank you so much Steve Mitchel for this incredible learning experience

[@lesleyevangelides5935]

What a wonderful series ... learnt so much but so much to remember... love the earthy tones too ... thank you Steve and Strathmore

[@donnaridgway2558]

Great series, thank you so much!

[@katemcallister2403]

Thank you Strathmore and Steve Mitchell for this series of lessons. Steve, love your MOW channel on KZbin! Strathmore you picked a great instructor for this! Not every artist can teach!

[@larrymisiak915]

I have watched your work and learned from it for many years. I think I’ve learned most of what I know from you, and just a very few others, not more than a half dozen. As entertaining and friendly as you are, I always found your graphic arts precision intimidating. This series however has emphasized to me how much I know about watercolor. The spontaneous approach suits me, I think. It seems to emphasize the potential of watercolor for me, something I have never strayed from. It’s a realization about myself which is very satisfying, thanks to you. I have watched you and other painters and how they use brushes and which brushes they use. Your use of the Princeton brushes has convinced me to get some and paint with them. We all, at least I, have collected many brushes, many useful for a while, but never quite good enough. Thanks for being out there in front, giving us all the many tools for mindful watercolor painting. Larry Misiak

[@manjavalk4558]

I enjoyed your video and learned a lot. Thank you, very inspiring and I'am looking forward to start and try out myself.

[@gun-marienalsen3097]

Wonderful classes! Thank you!

[@DottieStanley]

Steve! I got to watch all 4 of these videos this morning. I so appreciate that you take time to share your skills online. These were very inspiring and help give me confidence to try all of these techniques soon. I can't wait to try all 4 of them.

[@deblynceeley9036]

Love all the videos thank you

[@sfalhady]

Wonderful experience watching you paint. Tq so much. You have inspired me...

[@barbaramilbradt2188]

This was great!! I use Strathmore paper, too. 300 and 500

[@theresaavery4670]

Thanks so much. I watched the who!e series and learned a lot. Started some abstract paintings earlier today and am excited to continue to ' go with the flow'.

[@Squiffy1313]

So cool. Steve, you are a great teacher.

[@dneel468]

What a gift two whole hours with Steve and my favorite way to paint! Loved it. Thank you both.

[@lashellelynnthompson5483]

What a gift this has been! I am watching it for my birthday. Thank you for this series

[@cathydale104]

This was a fabulous series. Thanks Steve. So much to take away from these demos.

[@MidStutsman]

I am beginning a painting that I envisioned with detailed elements, but I LOVE spontaneous painting and this video is just what I needed❣️Thank you, Steve 😊

[@ChantelleArts]

Those blooms are gorgeous ☺☺☺

[@santiagoHollmann]

Una serie de 4 videos espectaculares. Muchisimas gracias maestro 👏

[@radharcanna]

That’s one beautiful painting. Thanks Steve for this great series.

[@user-pr5yi5lz7z]

Im so grateful I found you. I just watched this series, and it was EXACTLY what I needed to watch and reflect on in my process and progress in my art. I'll be watching others and happily anticipating your new ones. Thank you for sharing your beautiful talent.😊

[@florencesimancas701]

I love all your spontaneous paintings. I have thrown out a few of my spontaneous paintings . (did not realize they were spontaneous paintings lol ) Thank you .

[@lfarnham6990]

These are so sensitively done. Very nice. Thank you.

[@DSmith-pc9jn]

Thanks again Steve. Love the method and the painting.

[@dianerademaker1896]

Thank you Steve and Strathmore! I love these lessons on spontaneous paintings and the painting in lesson 4 is so beautiful. I will be practicing this In the future.

[@earlenecampbell7368]

Thank you for the lessons. Anxious to experiment now that you have clarified the different techniques. I love the spontaneity aspect. You are an excellent teacher.

[@arlenemurphy804]

Beautiful Steve. Love your work and your instructions..

[@melindaavila498]

I really enjoyed this and learned how to make spontaneous landscape around the buildings slowly that is incorporated for a cohesive painting. thank you!

[@PattisArtInnaVan]

Loved this series Steve! Gave me so many ideas so thank you!

[@jimbuchanan9045]

This has been a wonderful study for me. Thank you for sharing it. - Sheryl from Texas

[@carriekorb46]

Excellent four part series-you really laid it out so nicely-thanks for sharing your expertise!

[@user-dx9hm7ii4f]

Thank you so very much! Your genius is showing!!

[@laurasanderson8639]

I’m learning to paint and you are fantastic as it makes so much sense to me, love it

[@vickyhamilton2039]

I love doing landscape painting! This is beautiful!

[@lynncondello6082]

Thanks so much

[@jillianpattinson2829]

Thanks Steve. These are fantastic demos. I'm looking forward to trying these methods. as a very untalented artist heaven knows what they will be like, but I keep on trying.I've watched lots but I think these are the best I've seen

[@janiceblough]

Fantastic series, with great instruction!

[@sibylla5]

Thank you for this wonderful series. I am so inspired!!

[@barbaraonisko7441]

Excellent series Steve…

[@suewalters3926]

Love these series.

[@paulettepaulsen2336]

Loved all four episodes !

[@user-qt9sb1gh9g]

Excellent series! Thank you so much!

[@lindaloiselle8251]

Thank you….i am loosening up ….😊…really enjoyed your series

[@LindaKing-nq6ut]

Very informative about spontaneous painting…especially like the way to incorporate it into a landscape…the landscape vignette idea is quite visually pleasing..thanks

[@annevickers3307]

Thank you so much! I loved all of these. They were very helpful.

[@Carem44]

I love this way of painting. Going to give it a try.

[@debbie7116]

This was a great series!

[@JedannaH]

Ma n, you are good x a billion.❤

[@ankevonjanuszkiewicz8458]

Thank you very much. Particular the detailing part made me laugh as I find myself doing exactly that

[@JedannaH]

You have an amazing talent, and showing us how you do it, is fabulous. Do you ever use gouache? Thank you so much for sharing your brain with us. ❤

[@jameswburke]

That's great - reminds me of the late John Blockley's landscapes.

[@carmium]

Mmm! I do like your rocky areas! 😊

[@22GmaRocky]

Beautiful work ♥️

[@karenmoss8810]

Great series!

[@robinwright4100]

Many thanks, Steve. I have progressed due to your valuable tips and your teaching style. Could you show us how to achieve “rivulets”? Watercolor textures are the coolest, and I cannot figure out how to make rivulets which are so fascinating. Again, thank you!

[@Shadowridercc]

Hi Steve! I am a fan and love your water colours! I really love your Princeton Brushes!! Could you please give some details re this set!! Cheers Charles

[@silviejean]

great series, thank you

[@minimoke2379]

This has been a great series! Is it possible to do spontaneous seascapes using these methods?

[@jeanfletcher3223]

I imagine that the rocks and slope comes down to an ocean or lake front.

[@maryannjordan317]

I really try to avoid using masking fluid if at all possible. But I really like this concept. So I thought, why not do one of the spontaneous techniques and just leave a little white space where you want to draw an architectural element.

[@sherilynmedin7061]

I love your series. What brand of watercolor brushes are you using?

[@dea9065]

😍❤😍

[@paintingtracey]

Is this paper vegan friendly? Than,s for the workshop!

[@brendazeimer4552]

Thank you Steve.