The Biggest Mistake in Watercolor

Whats the biggest art mistake I see repeated over and over in watercolor? Watch the video to find out then check out these other channels for their take on the #biggestartmistake and leave a comment about the biggest mistake you see or make and lets discuss!
Previous video on water/paint ratio - kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3fIn3tsicmGq9k
Other Channel Collaborations on The Biggest Art Mistake
Angela Fehr - kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6vGmYaXlLGeeqs
Craft Klatch - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qInKhGSmqqx-oNk
The Frugal Crafter - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHPCm2uLe7mcr6c
Lachri Fine Art - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b368d2xua7Fpf5Y
M.D. Campbell - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXO0naF3aJigaNk
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[@crystalbond9394]

My husband passed away two weeks ago and I really questioned continuing any art. I love that I came across this this morning and your shirt is perfect - he was a huge Star Wars collector. Seems silly, but it was perfect like him saying don’t give up your art ❤️

[@mindofwatercolor]

Definitely do not!

[@celestesatie7382]

When my 31 yo son died I gave up for 6 years and just now started again...the few months starting again have been more healing than the last 6 years. I came across a butterfly that he drew as a child. I felt shattered and rejuvenated...Art is healing on all levels.

[@janycegunn9065]

Crystal Bond My sincere sympathy. It takes forever but staying busy helped me a lot.

[@MileinaJuarez]

I'm so sorry for your loss. My son was stillborn last month. I wanted to stop art. I wanted to stop living. I normally sculpt and some oil painting. I started watercolor a week ago and it really helps me. A reason to wake up every morning. I wish you all the best.

[@manicangel7796]

Can I offer you a hug? I'm not a hugger but what the hell.. ( btw i bet if you let your grief pour into your art it will be amazing... (also later, turn all your good memories into lighter pieces. art may just be your savior.

[@bbrown8353]

I'm so thankful that Lindsey had you on her frugal crafter podcast last week. I watched a few of your videos right away - loved what you do - and subscribed. I last tooka art classes in High school, more than50 yrs ago, But you have sparked something that wants me to LEARN more. I ove watercolor but never really learned the basic techniques. I tend to change the color when what I really want is to change the value. Now I need to do some painting and practice the techniques you have shown. THANK YOU

[@mindofwatercolor]

Welcome!!

[@bitemefox9102]

I really appreciate the positive but not patronizing nature of your lessons. It's very refreshing and encouraging.

[@sheilahight9071]

I don’t hear patronising. I hear instruction.

[@bitemefox9102]

@@sheilahight9071 I agree

[@sheilahight9071]

Bitemefox Thanks. I mis read your posting at first. Have a great day.

[@vegasrenie]

Not knowing about/how to layer is the reason I gave up watercolors so many years ago. Now in my dotage, I’ve decided to embrace my old hobby, and this video (and the others, of course!), have given me what I need to enjoy painting again. Thank you!

[@barbaragemin5117]

I totally agree with you -I recognized my failures were when these string value contrasts were lacking in my painting. Thanks.

[@CraftKlatch]

That's a great lesson Steve and great tip to do the value scale! You make it look so effortless!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks Mona. Had fun doing this collab!

[@NotThatBob]

Painting with watercolor is so hard I find. But I think you just covered a few of my problems. Thanks so much for the video.

[@user-sz6fe5vu1u]

Using the music scales reference was perfect! 👍 thank you for the "ah-ha" moment! Now off to get practicing!

[@Lachri]

What a great tip! Contrast is such a huuuuge deal!!!

[@mindofwatercolor]

It is and watercolor, unfortunately has a number of properties that make dealing with it an even bigger problem.

[@SmillyDonut]

When I saw his mistake was contrast I so heard your voice in my head saying, "don't be afraid of contrast. Make your darks dark enough and your lights light enough."

[@CarolynsArtAdventures]

I'm definitely guilty of charging too early. Water management is a tricky thing. Thanks for the video!

[@suzeaa]

I notice contrast too, and it's something I consciously work on with every painting. Overworking is another big one.

[@wanttolearnreidy4469]

Excellent lesson and advice. You are a born teacher. Wonderful explanation and visuals. So much to take in from this video..Thanks heaps Steve.

[@Tuesdaypuddles]

Steve! All this time I feel like I get to the end of the painting and wonder where my light values went and this is precisely the mistake I've been making. Thank you, you always make it "click" for me

[@InLiquidColor]

Such an important topic, Steve! I generally like to put down a light wash first, but then instead of working strictly light to dark, I love to put in some of my darkest values next to force myself to fill in the values in between. It helps me to be committed to those dark values, and that way I'm not afraid to build up to them.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes, another commenter mention that. Anna Mason uses that approach. I've had trouble with that technique but that's just me and old habits. I think its a good one

[@cassiescreations9828]

You two are just awesome!

[@cathyquilts2609]

Cassie is correct!

[@msellenandrea]

I use that quite often too! :D Its much easier to see the values that way too.

[@mishrakeshi]

I'll try this way, who knows, maybe it work for me, thank you!

[@johncarbis6688]

This video is so valuable!! It holds a lot of weight. So much weight, it should be weighed. On a scale. A value scale!!!

[@timeenuf4200]

Yup, yup, yup. Just got frustrated with this but will be frustrated no more. Thank you. You always seem to know how I can do better. Thank you.

[@painovoimaton]

I'm a beginner watercolourist. Now, in theory, I kind of knew on a surface level that you need to have that kind of contrast and that it is a most important aspect of the medium. This video really just explained it so concisely that what that value and contrast stuff really means is now very clear in my mind. Thank you for the great paintings and lessons!

[@danielleloptien7772]

I've never loved an intro more than this one!

[@JaredCullum]

Well said. Great video and great observation. I completely agree. I can think of a couple mistakes I have seen in my journey and in workshops I teach. One of the biggest I’ve experienced is people not spending enough time focusing on learning to draw.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Oh man, thats a biggie Jared. I agree, I think that one crosses all mediums. Thanks for stopping by.

[@JaredCullum]

@@mindofwatercolor Man! I loved these so much I made a response, tag-along video. Thanks for the awesome idea. Hope I contribute something :) I made sure to link and mention it was your guys' original idea and that I'm just tagging along. :)

[@rmmarksman1]

You are such a great teacher. You explain the “mind” of watercolor so well. Thank you.

[@Emmeefive]

Great advice on contrasts! I'm new at watercolor but have been doing oil for several years. Contrast really makes a huge difference.

[@StephenMarkTurner]

Thanks. Love the tip about how the darker second colour can get sucked away. Basics.

[@PlacesWeveBeen]

Charging is something I always struggle with, and till now I couldn't figure out why. Now it all makes sense. I wish I could take one of your local classes.

[@Treewithoutabird]

Best watercolour techniques I've found on youtube. How can anyone hit the the thumbs down? I've learned so much watching these videos.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Nice tip! Thanks for being part of this series Steve!

[@mindofwatercolor]

It was fun!

[@helenmarshall5705]

I just wanted to tell you how much I love your channel. I am catching up on all your old videos and look forward to watching a new one everyday. I also appreciate your Bible quotes at the end. I always feel inspired by you and want to run right into my studio and paint. Thank you so much for all you do.

[@simosimo7560]

This should be one of the first classes. 👏👏👏I'm not a beginner, but I'm still struggling with putting on the first wet glaze a color that is too watery...so everything fades away. Because I want to put some contrasts in the first wash, but I want soft edges. Contrasts are the secret for 3D, this thing I've just learnt by myself with practice, above all with botanical painting. There are paintings more perfect than mine for the precision of the technique, but they are FLAT, and...childish. You are a great teacher Steve!

[@janclark3203]

I been taking all kinds of water color class. No one has come out like you told me in less then 5 minutes what the biggest water color mistake in value. Three easy steps to do. Thank you for a great lesson.

[@fetabrown]

Always enjoy your videos. You are like my dad, if my dad were a watercolour genius. Thanks again.

[@lori7168]

Steve, I love this type of video. These are all the mistakes I’ve made LOL!! The wet on wet tree example is one of the mistakes I do … now I know how to correct it!

[@sharonmcmann-morelli4896]

values have been a struggle for me. painting the subject in one shot is a big mistake for me. video was so helpful, thanks!

[@lindathaxton1994]

This is where I have trouble - this was VERY helpful!

[@ionaday3340]

So helpful thank you.

[@clairlucas1306]

Very helpful to this struggling beginner! Thanks!

[@MDCampbell]

As always, hitting the nail on the head with this one! I need to be more contrast-aware in my work, too. LOVED the intro on this, Steve, and such great advice! Thrilled to be part of this collab with you! Thank you and best wishes! ~ Mark

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks buddy! This was fun!

[@HajraMeeks]

Value and layering with confidence are SO totally the issues I've also seen students struggle with--awesome vid, Steve. I recently read some art blog where someone was telling folks that watercolor can't be layered or glazed, and I was just like, jeeeeez, what super wrong info is this person passing along to hapless newbies...glad you address that here along with value punching! XD (And that SW shirt and mug are EVERYTHING, bro!)

[@mindofwatercolor]

LOL! Thanks. The assumptions people adopt astound me sometimes. Great to have you stop by Hajra.

[@kathleencauble9990]

Thank you for defining words like values, contrast and glazing, which are used a lot, but seldom defined.

[@dianeandbrad529]

perfect tips - definitely areas i've been struggling with -- can't wait to try this out! thank you!!

[@junepeirce278]

You are such a good teacher! (But ofcourse you already knew that.) So glad to find your channel is still going strong after all these years. I started to learn watercolor before I learned how to draw. That was my big mistake. I finally went back to "senior school" to learn drawing basics and that opened the world to me. Along the way, your channel has been a constant aid, friend, and inspiration. All my thanks, dear Steve, for that. Blessings!

[@michellet204]

Great basic tip that makes a huge difference. I have a problem with adding too much paint and mixing too many colors so my pieces end up dull. Working to practice patience and restraint!

[@lvmylord54]

Some of my favorite You Tube artists. I'll be checking it out. Thanks Steve for pointing out my mistakes! LOL! I make lots of them, but getting better!

[@Linda-qq5mg]

Your tips are so very helpful! Thank you Steve.

[@MarcellHobbs]

Fabulous tips! I truly appreciate scripture sharing! Blessings❣️

[@karenjohnson6487]

Thanks Steve. Great tips. It makes all the difference when your values are right. Great reminder.

[@stephenfalsetto6901]

Excellent instruction, thank you Steve.

[@donnalieblick8478]

Thank you, once again, for your help and expertise!

[@nadiasheen]

Thank you Steve! I've been watching you now for a little over a year, and EVERY video is such a joy to watch and rewatch and rewatch. This VERY topic is my biggest hurdle to advancing my work to the next level. Thank you for addressing it so explicitly and referring to other resources as well to tackle this challenge.

[@angelasmith3986]

Excellent tips! Thank you!

[@bywayofsalem6231]

Yes!!! I've noticed this with me as a new watercolor artist. I look at something the next day, and then add in more contrast as I've noticed lacking. Excellent vid!!!

[@bertabl]

Thanks for these wonderful advices! I am doing all those mistakes, so I will be more careful next time !

[@mariwyl]

THANK YOU!!! That was a very helpful video!! I am in the middle of a covered bridge scene and will go back to add more value contrast!!

[@featherstepdanceclub1315]

just came across your postings - they are excellent. Thank you so much for posting!

[@suewilkinson910]

I love your t-shirt/mug combo. Perfect. You are so right with this. I'm using coloured pencils a lot at the moment and exactly the the same thing applies, and I've not got the hang of it yet. Contrast is everything. Thanks for a very interesting video.

[@simplelife9020]

Great info in this vid. Value is SO important and gets overlooked a lot. I realized my paintings/drawings had weak contrast and began to do value studies so I could see subtle value shifts in my references. Made a HUGE difference!

[@ashlyrz252]

Keep preaching that watercolor gospel Steve! 🙌❤️

[@doralevitt2879]

AMEN!!! 😆💗👏

[@LisaHetrickIndigojadeArt]

Steve! Holy smokes! Great advice as always. Great tip to do a value scale. I think I always mentally do one, but it would be way more valuable to have a reference.

[@sovereigns1grace]

Love these collaborative series. Thanks for the tips :D

[@ellenbielut3630]

Single most valuable video of the entire bunch.

[@phathiker]

Hi Steve, I've been watching you for years and you've been my most resourceful online teacher. You picked a great subject for your contribution to the theme..... Very helpful tips.

[@PetaHewitt]

Thank you! This is one of my biggest mistakes. I will take your advice and practice value scales.

[@nanschifris8734]

Fabulous! I’m sitting down to practice values right now. Thank you!

[@pattycyr8662]

So glad to see this video as you touched upon one of my weak areas - not charging correctly. Thanks very much!

[@nadeaner.cowley513]

I watched this video about 2 years ago and I loved it and thought the video was incredibly helpful and after watching it the second time Ive discovered even more hidden tips that i know will improve my art. So thank you a second time for making this video, I found your value scale incrediblely helpful; which I use for every painting to this day! So thank you very much for sharing. Much love ❤

[@chrismalone617]

Great looking handout!

[@dustinarnett4404]

this is a great video for putting this sort of useful concept in perspective! really helped me think about it in a more helpful way. thanks steve!

[@DreamingCatStudio]

Great tutorial. Thank you!

[@susanh7938]

Thanks so much! This video is incredibly helpful!!!

[@TerriChannel]

Thank you, Steve! This was so helpful. Now I just need to practice it 1000x! Love your channel!

[@joann5157]

You are such an excellent teacher! Thank you!!

[@Linda-kh6rl]

You or so kind an good at doing your painting an explaining .An you take time i love watching. You. I have painted for a lot of years . But you can always learn something new.😊

[@TheBeverleyann]

Thank you so much ! I am a beginner at watercolor . Watched your input on paper & subscribed . Again Thank you !

[@laurenfox5684]

I thought this is one of your better lessons, for us, THANK YOU!!

[@sreihart]

Yep, this is something that I've struggled with from day-one. Thanks again Steve!

[@unrulymuse764]

This was incredibly valuable! You gave me insight into why my charging in always turns out I Nemic looking. And the idea of looking for the darks behind to define late. It is something I have completely overlooked. Thank you!

[@luckyhiker3434]

Steve, you are a great instructor who articulates concepts in very easy to understand and in very certain terms!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Glad you think so!

[@contagioushate]

That was bloody brilliant, thanks! Theres too many videos out there showing the basic techniques but not the fine details like you just showed. I needed this info so badly!

[@karinh3744]

Wow. Great information. Exactly what i have been trying to work on fixing in my paintings. THANK YOU

[@paulchau6967]

Valuable and useful. No bullshit. Many thanks for your lesson. I will follow your videos to go further. Thanks again.

[@estherbrennan5798]

This was incredibly helpful! I always struggle to get contrast and now I can see it’s because I don’t have control of my water. It’s taken me so long to figure that out!! Thank you so much 😁

[@mishrakeshi]

Oh dear! Maybe the biggest mistake is to think I can improve! You are a real good teacher, always starting with humor and then speaking slowly while doing a demo…if I do not understand something I push the subtitle and I’m able to read, hear and look at the same time, that’s because you are calm and really want we do understand… But as a stubborn donkey I keep on and on and on always the same mistakes! It’s incredible! For instance: SAVE THE WHITE FOR THE LIGHT! Oh yes yes sure, the light come from here so…we can start here with this beautiful blue, and just a drop of this…and maybe here some violet and then…Olè!… But, where is the white??? Oh I don’t know, it was here!!! Thank you for everything Steve

[@jittersaunt]

I absolutely loved this tip. Thanks!!!

[@yvonnejonker3969]

That this going to help me more in my flower painting

[@barbaralee3425]

Thanks so much for this! Really helpful!

[@jerryaubill163]

This is very helpful. Thanks!

[@nangustafson8110]

Thank you. This has been very helpful.

[@tmsouth1]

This one was 'made' for me. Lol. I can mess more things up with adding another layer with too much water. Thank you. Your instruction is so detailed and easy to understand.

[@Riham0248]

That was very helpful.. thanks much can’t wait for more mistake videos

[@michaelricks1618]

Great tips that I never knew! They're going to be very, very useful. Thanks a lot, Steve.

[@carolyounce5810]

WOW. Thank you, great video!

[@kaelenhollyer9880]

lol when you said "if you are a musician you know what I am talking about" I was practicing cello and watching your video

[@cindyhorton6980]

This helps sooo much! Thank you!❤

[@doalma8162]

Thank you for your induction, it make sense and help a lot!

[@TheTeachaway]

Thank you, Steve, you are the best.

[@deeholler1]

GREAT LESSON!! Thanks so much. You explain things so well. :-)

[@RobertaPhoenix]

Thanks your explanation was really helpful!

[@celestesource9460]

Thank you Steve so much, these advices are so helpful...🕊 😇 🥰

[@fy380]

I've watched quite a few of your videos and so impressed at your communication skills and how you can clearly convey the lesson. Many people who achieve professional level are not always able to communicate the skills they learned to get there. There are so many great videos that give an overview of painting but lack that basic bit of foundational knowledge that makes the difference that gives the viewer that 'aha' moment. I enjoy watching all of them though as there are always nuggets of knowledge to be had but you definitely have great teaching skills and appreciate all your videos. Thank you so much! PS: I subscribed to all the linked channels.

[@OrionsRoseNC]

Thanks for this video. I am a new watercolor artist and this really helps.

[@dennismajor1]

Such a great idea to collaborate on the topic 'The Biggest Mistake in Watercolour'

[@marymccaslin1690]

Absolutely great help to me!