The best-ever watercolor exercise?

[@mrtrunin]

Oliver is one of those creators whose videos get a like first, then you start watching the content because you know the quality is guaranteed. Thank you for your hard work!

[@adunzoroq33]

I literally just started the video, took a sip of coffee and instantly hit the like button because I know I will learn a ton in 20 minutes! 😊

[@gigibenea3529]

😊 exactly..

[@tj21bem]

I actually subscribed first. Then liked. This is the first time I have heard watched this artist but I already know from the start that he knows how to teach. I’m glad KZbin recommended this.

[@DaisyTea1]

Exactly! ❤

[@Kb1901kb_kris]

I like every video I watch so that I know Ihave watched it. Some people like Oliver I watch more than once

[@dewindoethdwl2798]

My takeaway is the realisation that as a child I would never worry about wasting material. Consequently I was always doodling and messing around. My schoolboy art was quite passable. Returning to painting after a long time away I’ve been inhibited by the fear of wasting materials. This video reminded me that the material isn’t wasted if you are having fun and developing skills. I’m back to doodling and really enjoying myself. It’s surprising how it has been quietly improving my work out in the world and if things aren’t going well, I just get doodling. Why worry about using material? It’s not a waste.

[@nowistime8070]

I am coming to the same realization at 49 years old

[@ladyhollman9534]

Someone said recently to a group of beginners, buy materials you can afford to waste. 😊 For the intermediates & advanced it’s only a waste if you don’t use your costlier materials.

[@CarolLeslie-x5n]

Aww do you know that’s what stops me from even starting so I’m left with all the gear and no idea. I’m going stop wasting time and get on with it. Thank you

[@susie1216]

"don't copy, create!" is the best advice for me to hear!

[@Babyjohn8170]

Same

[@BellissimaMacarons]

Absolutely agree - that was my takeaway.

[@artlovervictoria]

As a child I grew up in turbulent times, was taken to a new country and had to adjust to freezing weather in winter, a new langage and different culture. My home was sad, we had no money for toys and art supplies and my parents worked long hours while I watched my siblings. Today I am old and just learning to play. I have purchased and amassed art supplies of all kinds but I dread wasting materials. I make swatches of each color and mix but I don't play. This is not a waist; this is play while learning! Thank you Mr. Pyle

[@geslinam9703]

I was very lucky, grew up in a home where there was some money, and parents who were very proud of my artistic ability and sent me to art classes starting at age 8 up until high school….but even I have that issue with “wasting” expensive art supplies. You have to get over that! Life is short, something we realize more and more as we get older. What are you saving everything for? Use your supplies!!

[@attadudepc]

Oliver is not only an accomplished artist, but an excellent teacher in the true sense.

[@annachavez5422]

Awesome exercise thank you so much for sharing, explaining and encouraging, new beginners in watercolor!

[@christaporche]

I'm a beginner (at age 80) and this exercise will be good for me break up a bit of "artist's block." It is a perfect for me to just doodle a bit until I inspire myself. I really like it. I have all the supplies and I'm ready to paint. Thank you.

[@jzm99]

I just did it with 5 colors he mentioned. Amazing.

[@michaelsigler5820]

I started at 70 in my rv

[@karamyoussef3362]

❤❤❤

[@dianetucker8644]

Well done! Artist's block - amazing how many of us have it. Agree that doodling is a great way for inspiration. Oliver has upped my doodling abilities and removed my second impediment: wasting paper! A productive lesson indeed! Wish you happy days painting or doodling.

[@lilpixie25]

Good job, keep at it!

[@Mona77401]

I'm 69 years old and I started watercolor painting just this past year. I'm in love with it all. Thank you so much for this wonderful tutorial on how to effectively practice. I'm about to begin this exercise immediately! Your time and experience is very very much appreciated!

[@Babyjohn8170]

Same

[@33Jenesis]

This like doodling with watercolor :). I made a resolution to do daily doodle in 2024. My mind is frozen and locked up. I hope doodling can help freeing up my mind to not be afraid or plan too much.

[@PamelaTitterington]

I know the feeling 😵‍💫

[@ashleywright8686]

Doodling is so great for that! Aside from Oliver Pyle videos (which are fabulous), YT Diane Anton Studio; she has great doodle video 🎉

[@simongray6452]

I was given a watercolour paint tin when I was 9 years old, in 1978. I had nobody to teach me, and, after messing around and becoming frustrated I stopped using it. I turned to pencil and then, attending art college began with acrylics - still nobody to teach me any technical skills but I fumbled along. My career was in graphic design, both drawing board and computer-based but certainly no pencil or paints. Now I am retired and determined to crack watercolours once and for all - finding your videos (especially this one) has lifted my spirits and given me the encouragement to 'have a go'. Many thanks for sharing and saying 'just have a go and doodle' - I will 👍

[@aligrotts6400]

I'm sure you will have more FUN painting than you did when you had to do it. Good luck and God bless.

[@elsagrace3893]

I don’t think you ever crack painting. It always and forever an experiment. If you don’t like experimenting it’s probably not for you.

[@martindoman7315]

People often say to me "How wonderful to get paid for something you enjoy". Watercolour is a difficult medium. You improve by being self-critical. The stress comes from knowing when to finish a picture and the fear of losing hours of work by making a mistake.

[@meherenow]

Maybe give up the idea you will crack watercolours….and embrace experimenting and having fun instead

[@Pinkstarpirate]

And don't forget that you can re-use this paper with gouache. If you don't like the color you have down, just put a wash of water down and blot the color up with a rag. The staining colors will remain, but if you've removed its surface paint, those staining colors shouldn't mix into your gouache layers in any noticeable amount. Or leave all the paint there and do a gouache technique study on top of it. This is the best way to remove that feeling of being wasteful. If you don't do gouache, maybe acrylic. Or if you have ink, draw little doodles over the color. Sometimes i like practicing inking on the edges. Depending on the roughness of the watercolor paper, sometimes inking on it can be tricky and cause snags on the nibs. Practicing helps you get a feel for the paper. Have fun with whichever media you have on hand.

[@Pinkstarpirate]

Oh! And never leave any white. Use it as a test piece where you can test strokes and how much water you have in a mix while working on a good piece. Even after it is completely covered, cut it into smaller pieces and use the other side of the paper. Even though most papers have a correct top side, most have a usable back side that let's you still get a decent sense of an effect.

[@alang253]

I stopped buying cheaper paper and used the better stuff because I noticed I can use the other side of good paper. Bee paper (not recommended) is $20 for 50 6x9 sheets but you can only use one side. Baohong is $20 for 40 sheets of 7x10 but I can use both sides. I also divide each side into 1/4's and get 8 studies out of each sheet

[@dharmaofdog7676]

This Exercise assuages that feeling or basic desire of just wanting to put Paint to Paper without necessarily needing a Goal. It addresses all that I love most about Painting & why I Paint. It's just the feeling I get when I fill my brush with a luscious Color and move it across the Paper. That's it. Sure. I love to Paint Landscapes and sometimes surprise myself when I've created something beautiful. But it never seems quite as exciting or satisfying as simply moving a beautiful color across Paper without thinking it has to "be something".

[@lindaconover4328]

Thanks for not just showing how to do something but demonstrating your thinking behind each action.

[@wendytaylor3714]

Thank you once again for a thoughtful and exremely helpful video. So much appreciated.

[@eleanormaclean4004]

I learned more today in this video than in years of structured lessons.

[@KathleenJohnston-p5z]

Most often I don't have the space or time to create a finished painting, but I still want to paint! These exercises in doodling give me that spontaneous freedom while learning so much about color mixing, paying attention to the wetness of the paper, brush strokes, all of it!

[@cynmalin5728]

thank you. opened up a box i had in storage for 30 yrs, filled w/ old tubes & pans. in middle school art class, just given 8 colors & a brush. no instruction. ready now at 65yrs old to find someone to explain the skills needed. this is perfect. will watch all your videos. will practice diligently. thank you again.

[@sherrypalmer1601]

64 here, and I am also excited to start painting. This is an excellent lesson and good starting point because it's not at all intimidating❤

[@staceybrister1315]

Well gosh, I'm a young beginner 😊. Thank you for teaching us!

[@mjpete27]

There are so many truly amazing teachers here on KZbin! Look around and find a few to follow and watch and learn from. Everyone is different and there are people who are happy to show you how to start going in the direction you wish to go! Good Luck!

[@mandyhartz64]

Me too...60 and ready to retire...need a hobby now but have never painted or even drawn in my life!

[@kathiecopeland5169]

Thank you so well done. Learned a lot.

[@grantharper6033]

Out of the hundreds, maybe thousands of videos I have watched over the last four years, this is without doubt the most honest, useful and instructive one I have seen. Cant wait to get cracking on this and see just how in control I’m not lol. Thank you Oliver and merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@joycezuiderveen3625]

This makes so much sense! Much like practicing music. No performance just practice.

[@sallyfinch540]

These exercises and comments would be so wonderful in a watercolor sketchbook. That would make it easier to build upon and find one’s own language with the brush.

[@Anna55onUtube]

I'm always doodling with pencils and pens, but I'd never really thought of doodling with brushes and paint. This was so helpful. Thank you!

[@kariniwan5653]

Yes, it leads to the abstract painting....

[@jdane2277]

My aunt, who was a professional watercolorist and artist taught me to doodle with the brush and do that often. This is a good exercise. You learn what makes glowing color or good shapes.

[@peterplantec7911]

A man after my own heart. I love to doodle with a gel pen. This exercise will help me immensely. Thank you Oliver. I truly appreciate sharing in your wisdom. I’m nearly 82 years old and have discovered that my quest for wisdom continues on KZbin. I’m loving it.

[@Sam48772]

What a great teacher! Thank you, Oliver!

[@judyvla]

Utterly brilliant! I feel I’ve learned more about the interaction of thick/thin/wet/dry in this one video than in all my (admittedly limited) study. And, I had no idea about holding the brush vertically to get a thin line. Bravo! I’ll be watching all your videos.

[@susanmerila4958]

I like to do something of this sort when I'm deciding which blue, which red and which yellow I aim to use on the limited palette I will use to get the hues I want in a particular painting. It's a great way to make those pigment choices.

[@aureliafox2924]

At about the 17:00 mark I learned something brand new!!! 👏👏👏 i’m not sure no one‘s ever said it before but for sure I’ve never heard it before! Oliver says that when painting wet into dry with plenty of water the result will be vibrant and WON’T look muddy… no matter how many pigments you use! It’s when you start painting into damp paper with slightly heavier mixes that you start seeing muddy effects. I think I stumbled across this plenty of times as I paint but since I did not know why the muddiness happens “randomly” I couldn’t use this information! So when he said it I could intuitively confirm it. I love these aha moments!

[@CazMet-ss3ek]

Miss your new videos you’re such a great teacher, hope all is well and you’re just super busy….

[@opabinnier]

Fantasy doodle landscapes are not only the best fun ever- but you really keep on top of you watercolour management which is always a boost in confidence. Also a relief from the pressure of having to avoid blunders: blunders here are just opportunities to learn. This video tells me I should get back to more FUN and GAMES. Merry Christmas, squire!

[@karatehamstermami]

This is so playful. What a fun way to practice without any pressure. Thank you for sharing.

[@valsearle3702]

At 66 a beginner and so happy to have found your channel, can't wait to learn🙂

[@ritaobrien9093]

"Create, don't copy!" That phrase is just what I need in my journey! I'll be doing these exercises and look forward to the observations. Thank you, Oliver! Happy New Year!

[@Sherlock2022]

Thanks for sharing. The best learning comes from experiencing things for yourself. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you.

[@jubobokk]

This is the best watercolor tutorial I’ve seen. Very detailed, clear and helpful. THANK YOU!

[@threehorsez]

That was one of the most helpful painting videos if not the most helpful one I have ever watched. Thank you so very much!

[@alanbond7691]

Oliver, watching this tutorial as given me the kick start to open my paints and get painting thank you ,

[@Bluessongstress1963]

it’s hard not to be inspired when you tell us from the beginning it doesn’t have to be this and it doesn’t have to be that just let your brush flow and then you look back and you see how beautiful it all looks even though it’s not supposed to be anything at all other than practice… That is inspiring in itself.

[@pen-N-ink]

believe it or not for last one year i have been searching/looking for an ideal "exercise" for water color during my idle days. here i ended my search. Thank You

[@createmycomic]

That was great. Just having fun and learning. Great exercise! There really are a lot of tutorials which make you just copy stuff instead of creating! Thank you!

[@marypartridge5154]

Thanking you so much I never dreamed I would be one of those elderly folk but I am

[@hauprich13]

haha! Me too! :)

[@richardpaulazimmerman5018]

Thank you, Oliver, for posting this! I’m inspired and can’t wait to doodle in watercolor. I doodle in pen all the time, but I’ve always loved the look of watercolor and wanted to be able to create beautiful watercolors myself. I’ve already got my art table set up, but have felt blocked. I appreciate your view that all four table legs can be taught at once, instead of having to be linear. That frees me up. Now I just need to ignore chores and doodle.

[@beckyhofer4328]

A valuable lesson! Thank you for mentioning creating versus copying. Your teaching style is clear and understandable.👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@LadyFireHorse]

This appears simple but it is very valuable advice you hardly find shared by art instructors/artists! ❤ I think this would really help when exploring limited palettes eg. Burnt Sienna & Payne's Grey or even with water soluble graphite. New subscriber here and looking forward to learning more! Thank you!

[@dianneleon2522]

Thank you for the great advice and tutorial. I’m just getting started with watercolor painting and very excited to start doodling. I appreciate that you also experience panic while working on a painting. So happy it’s not just me!

[@robc9706]

I’ve learned a tremendous amount from watching your videos this past year Oliver and my paintings are showing the improvement … Thank you for your dedication and hard work. Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season.

[@erbigimbi9903]

Yes, I've always pictured the art of watercolour as being up there with blacksmiths skills - mysterious and complex, I like what you are doing here....thank you.

[@valeriegehling4358]

Hope after Christmas to do this important exercise as I need more control over paints & brushes. Thanks

[@JimJames-d8z]

Outstanding thank you.i live in New Zealand, and work in the forests/mountains ext.iv endeavored to capture the country I love.this is my chosen medium....I'm totally new to this 😀

[@BoutiqueSheShe]

Create, don't copy! So glad to hear someone take that approach. Thanks for this video, it was just what I needed to get unstuck!

[@tezoodle]

Thank you Olly for reminding me to do this! I have got out of the habit, and you are right, you learn a lot from it and it helps to exercise your creative muscles. It's also a useful exercise if you hit a creative block, and you really really want to paint, but the subject matter eludes you. Please can you add a Buy Me a Coffee or Donations cup to your videos, I would happily drop in some pennies! Wishing you and yours joyful and festive Contrafibularities 💖💚🥂

[@returnofthenative]

I completely agree, foundation skills are key to certainty. Thanks Oliver, I'd completely forgotten to maintain that aspect........Aust.

[@hfarms5779]

Been dabbling in watercolor for years. Remains a mystery but these exercises will help tame the forces of water and color.

[@mikeburton1955]

A very well explained exercise, many thanks for all your sharing, your experience and practical tuition

[@blanejnasveschuk6351]

TY, Oliver! Beautiful reminder that PLAY and exploration are necessary for understanding, learning and growth!

[@susanellis7780]

Nice to see a teacher who is left handed. I am a left handed artist. I try to experiment at what my right hand can do😊

[@appleknocker56]

These are so helpful as started with Crayola’s, then colored pencils, then acrylics & now at 68 having fun mixing colors & practicing brush strokes just if doodling 😊.

[@karenharmer519]

Yes I did like this, I'm still discovering what paper I like, so this is very helpful to know which one to focus on. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@valerie6971]

Thank you for sharing this information ... very very helpful

[@СИНГИДУНУМ]

Excellent teaching, thank you❤

[@JustineWiniker]

I didn't know Hugh Jackman had an equally handsome brother! And talented!

[@lindaruss3772]

Just found you! I can’t wait to use this tute! I so often want to paint, but don’t have an “idea”. This seems like a wonderful way to awaken my imagination! As an “artist block” survivor, I’m always looking for ways to keep at it! Thx so much!!

[@binxiao6175]

Thank you for uploading a Christmas treat! Merry Christmas and a happy healthy colorful 2024🥳

[@robphippen]

This is really very helpful, and I will certainly try doing this exercise.

[@MarshaOeffinger]

Cannot wait to try this exercise. Need to share this.

[@bethwood4265]

Great exercise ! Thank you!

[@kimgalea6529]

Olive I love your work. I often wish to be painting but alas I’m watching my grandchildren. I see you haven’t posted anything in 2024 yet. I am so hoping that you are well and that we will see another beautiful, helpful, lovely video again. I think you are the top watercolour artist. Please if you get time paint a beautiful watercolour in original time for us to watch, love and learn from. Thank you for all the videos you have given to us already.

[@StefanMarjoram]

Absolutely fascinating! Ive used watercolours for quite a while now but have always used them in a rather tentative way - with a lot of trial and error - and accidents (sometimes happy, other times not so). The explanation of how drying paint reacts to paint of different strengths is a real eye opener. I've often used waterbrushes - which are very convenient for travel sketching - but I can seen how they can easily lead to cauliflowers. Thanks for the excellent explanation.

[@petelangforduk]

Thanks Oliver. Great lesson. I will certainly work on this. Merry Christmas.

[@cousinjesse4450]

Can’t wait to put this to pratice what an excellent exercise. It makes so much sense to practice with the paper you use for finished works. I tend to worry about wasting paper over a bad result which is really limiting my skill development. Thanks for sharing.

[@jeffiner9947]

Thank you for the wonderful year. Happy Happy Christmas.

[@stevec-b6214]

Pure gold! I started out just copying tutorial videos, and though satisfying to produce a decent looking painting without too much effort, your videos explain (with great clarity) the skills I need to truly `create`.

[@MaudMargretheRex]

Great training creativity and Watercolours too

[@Nancy-tr5fi]

You are a beautiful watercolor painter AND a great teacher. Thank you so muuch.

[@poneyfeathersart1442]

I do this now. Just thought I was too scared to commit to a big piece. Thanks for the tips!

[@gingerpie1978]

Thanks this is a good way to practice! I’m going to give this a try.

[@Mamakate2382]

He’s doing what I learned when beginning watercolor painting many years ago from an excellent teacher: warms in your cools, cools in your warms. Never forgot that because it made such a difference in my art. The second thing I was told that made a huge difference? “Just see what happens. There are no mistakes.” Excellent advice. Excellent exercise.

[@seamus9305]

Exercises like these give me such a sense of competition and enjoyment. They seem quite meditative. When I go hiking I always carry a portable pallet and will sit at a picnic table and experiment painting color chords. They take the frustration out of painting and replace it with enjoyment.

[@merrillyndover9478]

Very informative study! Thank you!

[@susancheslin7274]

Thank you. I really enjoyed watching this demonstration. I'm new to watercolour painting.

[@Eliel7230]

Wow what a great foundational tutorial ! Thanks for posting.

[@abeersakkejha1938]

Thank you , wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

[@ninner196]

Wet on almost dry is a very underrated technique used by watercolorists such as myself especially for botanicals so that the edges if blossom veins aren’t so harsh. Overall when one understands water control and color theory or effect of certain pigments on each other then it is just pure brush mileage that will train one despite all the tutorials. Another huge whole in KZbin tutorials is for advanced and intermediate wcists sharing of ideas. So sorry to say, there are so many just newbie tutorials when there are so many of us that would love to collaborate with advanced techniques. Thank you!😊

[@rosaliamonaco2023]

I thank you for you lesson and techniques you showed , I am new to water color and just by watching I have learn a lot!

[@aleksandrbutonov9960]

A wonderfull and quite helpful exercise!

[@paul-oram]

Great video. I tend myself to just treat every painting as a chance to practice, if i mess up then just use the other side of the paper. I spent yesterday evening outside watching and painting the sun go down. I made four paintings on the spot documenting the various stages of the setting sun, it was incredible to really observe it and see how it changes from lemon and indian yellow, to warm red, rose madder, purple then cerulean. I now have a clearer idea of the colour mixes. At home I practice further with this outside experience in my mind using the red hues as a buffer between the yellows and the blues.

[@brodiigames]

Thank you. I painted a colourful wonderful creation.

[@alasdairmunro1953]

Thank you Oliver, I’ll have a try when I get home. Merry Christmas.

[@joannefk4758]

What a fabulous share! Thank you so much I got so much out of this! Looking forward to 2024!

[@harryeasterly8925]

As a lefty, it’s inspiring and useful not to have to “transpose.” Thanks.

[@maboroshiiro]

What do you mean by that? I'm a lefty too

[@miriambelanger7292]

Great idea of exercising in watercolor, and grea5 vide9 presentation. 5hanks.

[@neiltravis2396]

Thank you and Merry Christmas to you and yours. Look forward to what you will present to us in the coming year.

[@felicitymorris8450]

Thanks so much for this video. I am so looking forward to applying the content....very best wishes for Christmas and 2024. 🎉🎄🎨

[@stevesmith-vd6ff]

Thank you Oliver. You are the best. All my best wishes to you and your family.

[@TutuWells]

What a great and informative video! THanks, Oliver!

[@marijkeschellenbach2680]

Super, super helpful tutorial. Thank you for making practicing useful and fun.

[@sheilagrant2413]

Wow!! Great exercise. Thank you so much.

[@Bluessongstress1963]

Wonderful tutorial. Such a wonderful voice too. Thank you for the very clear guidance. 😊

[@BernardineWalker]

Thank you,, Oliver. Happy Holidays!

[@CJBradley]

I have always struggled with waterclour but you Sir are the best tutor. Thank you very much and Merry Chritmas.!

[@nuriac7280]

Merry Christmas and thank you very much for your dedication

[@kathleenlivingston4220]

Awesome advice, Oliver. Looks like fun as much as instructional. Surely going to try this.

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

I saw this 2 times...it was so informative.Thank you. God bless you Oliver Pyle 🙏