This Charles Reid Tip will Blow Your Mind

[@rachelparkervarner]

amzn.to/3PeVM74 is the Charles Reid book and amzn.to/4co42Mf is the "Becoming a Successful Artist" book. Then the James Gurney book is amzn.to/49Z1Cle www.patreon.com/rachelsstudio fb.com/groups/rachelswatercolorworkshop I made two more videos after this one that explores these ideas further at kzbin.info/www/bejne/joCaenZmaruhoassi=IwQWtFN71FoT6zbd and kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4HIaHerntKsbdUsi=hwucRwl5pdJSNMT4 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn2rp5pmaNZ3sLcsi=qzuQPuQXiNippt_1 if you want to learn about the Rembrandt Windmill Principle

[@suzanneurbanart]

Back in the 80's when Charlie Reid taught at Silvermine Artist Guild , I was a costume model in one of his classes, very nice guy! He always brought in a lot of students.

[@rachelparkervarner]

How interesting! He's a star and he's missed!

[@rainbowfox1934]

You gave so much information in such a short time. It will permanently change my paintings!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Wow thank you! Be sure to watch my free video about the Rembrandt Principle too. Mind blowing stuff. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn2rp5pmaNZ3sLcsi=a6QirpxYz9VCdsmO

[@workforcemillionaire7210]

Love your enthusiasm! I watched your chick tutorial a couple of weeks ago, practiced it 4 times, then taught it the next day - super helpful. You are making a difference!

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm so glad you're spreading the chick love!

[@fuseblower8128]

I love Charles Reid's water colors. One thing I noticed seeing him paint was that he works in small sections, jumping all over the place and making it up as he goes along. In his instructional videos he often uses the expression "jazzing it up" and his painting style is very much like jazz. Very improvisational (and only the very skilled can pull it off). If he paints a sky then he doesn't just lay down a big cerulean flat wash, he does it in little sections and alternates with painting the foreground, one defining the other and creating purely visual interest with color, brush stroke and edges. His paintings draw the eye because there's so much interesting stuff happening. There's a joy to his paintings and they are very much a performance instead of an accurate depiction of a subject. Charles Reid paints very freely, he puts in colors which aren't even there, just because it looks beautiful. He doesn't even stick to the lines of his coarse sketch 😁

[@rachelparkervarner]

Yeah, I'm convinced he's a genius.

[@mulvis06]

Interesting subject - but also: what a beautiful necklace you have got ❤

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you, it's smoky quartz

[@beckyweaver3529]

I don’t really understand the local color versus light and dark contrast. I think I would benefit from an example of each side-by-side so I can understand what you mean.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Local color is simply the real color of a thing. A lemon is yellow. Grass is green. Blood is red. Those are their local colors. But on the shadow side of a lemon, when you paint it, you don't paint it yellow. You paint it cooler and darker than pure yellow, so you don't paint a banana yellow where it is in shadow. But that might be a good idea for a future video for sure!

[@evelyne7071]

Great explanation of local color. It’s interesting that so many floral watercolor paintings are completely devoid of background. It goes back to watercolor usage in botanical illustrations.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you!

[@marionbik2022]

You are so enthusiastic… it’s a real joy listening to you sharing your knowledge. I always come away feeling motivated by your new observations. Thank you for sharing. 🙏🏼🎨✨💕

[@rachelparkervarner]

It's a pleasure Marion - happy painting!

[@CasketBlack]

My sister in law found a stack of art books that she gave to me recently, and this book was one of them! Thank you for the clarity, I’m glad I stumbled on this video.. the learning never stops

[@rachelparkervarner]

Wonderful! It always surprises me when I learn something SO huge when I thought I certainly would never learn anything exciting again. But then I'm fooled again! I love that I get to share on my channel : )

[@karenhoward303]

Lucky you that she gave you this book!

[@arunapendse6296]

Thank you Rachel for sharing this valuable information.❤

[@polgara28]

Thank you for content that allows us to grow as artists!

[@joykruczay]

As always, your content is so different to other YT artists. Evidently you really understand your audience, i.e., we want to learn intermediate and advanced techniques for a full painting. This is in such contrast to the "paint along" flowers and graphic art type of videos. That is superb information. The way you linked these principles to the windmill was excellent. For my taste, Reid's work is a bit "splotchy" and more like a study than a finished piece. In fact, I prefer the strong tonal contrast and darks that punch up a painting. Beginner artists tend to use too many middle values, not leaving enough white paper and fearing "serious" darks for contrast. I certainly need to use more white paper for sparkle. "Painting with the White of Your Paper" is an excellent book that I should revisit. Tony Couch (my first workshop decades ago) felt that the best paintings would actually create an emotion or mood. Too many bright local colors look garish and clashing to me. Your spectacular paintings have so many areas of interest, but also quiet areas so the eye can "rest". This is a principle which Nina Volk and Alavaro Castagnet have discussed. On cruise ships, they have "art" (using the word in the loosest possible sense) from Park West, and the vast majority is poster bright pieces without distinct value patterns or color harmony. Apparently it sells well for them, as many buyers are like crows attracted to shiny objects. 😁

[@rachelparkervarner]

Haha so many nuggets of truth in this comment - those Peter Max paintings that are so popular on cruises - apparently they had a 'factory' of painters making "Peter Max" paintings to keep those cruise ships stocked but I must admit I was a fan of his work back in the day - I loved to go to his little gallery near San Francisco - his people were so nice to young little silly me! But there are so many ways to make a painting beautiful - so lucky for us artists we just have to choose which direction we want to go with what design principle and the possibilities are so endless! It's a fun part of the journey to me to make these new discoveries and play with incorporating them into my work. You can't possibly fit ALL the principles into EVERY painting but it helps to paint with a slightly different idea in mind with each new painting to see what will happen! Usually it's something totally unexpected as my paintings seem to have a mind of their own. I'll start with a plan and in the end the painting goes off on a whole different tangent than where I thought I was heading.

[@joykruczay]

@@rachelparkervarner Thanks ever so much for the detailed reply. I then remembered that Tony Couch suggested to concentrate on one principle at a time when starting to paint, such as color, contrast, repetition, texture, etc. Sadly, Peter Max has been mentally incapacitated for years.He is more of a brand name, like James Patterson, who has many "writing" his books. The "originals" on the ships are not what the general public would think, and most are giclees.

[@pupawupagus]

🥰 subscribed as soon as i saw your work behind you. omggggg your watercolor portraits are sublime

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you so much! I work very hard at it, painting them over and over until I get them right!

[@Flatshader]

Just found you and am impressed . I paint on fabrics but use watercolor techniques and stitch on it…….following you now…..

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm so glad you're finding value in my work!

[@fredkrol932]

Thank you for you sharing such valuable info.😊

[@rachelparkervarner]

My pleasure!

[@lightuponlight6727]

This is so cool... I was just thinking I want to improve my paintings. I want to learn more and viola ..here you are . Thank you so much! What a delight.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Oh I'm so glad!

[@cpnoboat7659]

How is that I learned in ten minutes as much as in several workshops at once? Thank you for sharing your knowledge, Rachel!

[@rachelparkervarner]

I try to do this in every video and tutorial I make. They are PACKED full of everything I can think of to give you success!

[@teresajordao6634]

Thank you so much for this useful video! ❤

[@pamelaatwell523]

Wonderfully useful tips. Thank you.

[@rachelparkervarner]

My pleasure! I have to give the credit to the legend Charles Reid though!

[@LisaSonora]

Really appreciate how you discovered this and shared with us. My mind is indeed blown!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Mine too and I just released a video today about more amazing tips from my 5 favorite watercolor books!

[@patsymccown2766]

That’s pretty mind blowing! Thanks for great tutorial!

[@rachelparkervarner]

My pleasure! I'm still trying to wrap my head around it!

[@MattJoyce01]

Very interesting indeed. so many good tips here. The cat picture is lovely too, and my wife walked past and stop to comment. We want to see the cat!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you! I've actually put Diana in a few of my videos - she is a feral cat I've fed for years. I just had her grown son in my video about this cat painting!

[@JanineMarieChrysler]

I ran across your video this morning and the title of the video grabbed my attention. I also read and learn from books and I am as enthusiastic about it as you. I was learning cake decorating at work and we used airbrushed food color for special effects. I read books on airbrush artists and watercolor artists to understand my work better. But I couldn't tell others at work about it, it was a fast paced department and there wasn't time for the long story of it. I am going to watch more of your videos. 😎

[@rachelparkervarner]

That's really interesting and I'm always thinking to myself that a lot of the things I share on this channel would be helpful in interior design, other medium besides watercolor, and anywhere else design is important, including cake decorating. I bet your cakes are gorgeous!

[@natlisan]

Very interesting and INFOMATIVE video Rachel! Who knew!! many of the tips you mentioned I already use in my paintings, but I never really thought about as actual "tips" from the "Master's". I guess it's just intuitive at this point!😉

[@rachelparkervarner]

Yes it's fun to look at old paintings and say, oh! That's why that worked!

[@amberzartwork1466]

I love these tips, love your enthusiastic delivery too! Love the idea of using local colour. I haven't been working in watercolour much recently but I'm feeling really fired up now! Thanks for sharing these! I love that cat painting, not surprised at all that it sold - it's an ethereal delight

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you so much Amber! The more I learn about painting the more excited I get because I want to try out all the new ideas!

[@myrnalandersartist]

Mind definitely blown. Thank you for this!!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Right?! Be sure to watch the Windmill Rembrandt principle too! It's epic.

[@johnestock7283]

Fantastic tips

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you John!

[@myherbsbythesea2240]

Thank you for these book suggestions and tips. I have been lucky to find some of Charles Reid's books in second-hand/thrift stores, and I treasure them. Also, there are some internet second-hand book sellers that have these books. I'm a new subscriber and am enjoying your videos.

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm so glad to hear that! I'm about to publish a new video in the middle of this week so stay tuned!

[@cteddied88]

Thank you for the tips. By the way I love the cat paintings in the background.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you! Cats are my favorite thing to paint

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

This is definitely another great video of great tips for successful paintings. I have really enjoyed the windmill principle & this second mind blowing tip! Thanks for sharing this Rachel! 🥰

[@rachelparkervarner]

You are so welcome Colleen! Thanks for commenting : )

[@lindathaxton1994]

Wow! Thank you for sharing!

[@rachelparkervarner]

My pleasure Linda!

[@millydaisy29]

I do understand your description of local colour but I have no idea how to put his rule into practice. Would you think about doing another video showing us little mini paintings using that rule?

[@rachelparkervarner]

Haha funny you should ask because I JUST did a painting, look on my community tab, where I put this idea into practice - the painting is called "Wild Pony". Maybe I will make a video about just that : )

[@nicolawilkinson9079]

Great video, thank you! Just watched this and then read a newsletter from Patrick Saunders - he basically said what you were saying about local colour (in this case in floral paintings) but added that changes in colour temperature rather than value work just as well to describe form :)

[@rachelparkervarner]

Oh that's interesting about telling the story of form by temperature!! I like that!

[@Mimibryant0123]

I’m very much a newbie so a lot of rules are over my head. At this point I’m just trying to follow tutorials and I’m thrilled if I can finish one before getting frustrated. I recently started following on Patreon and I look forward to the cat tutorial, I understand why it sold. Thanks for all you do, your enthusiasm is contagious.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Oh yes, I think when you are first starting out, like in the first 2 years of painting, just learning how to handle watercolor and learning to SEE and also get your values right is the focus. I try to focus on those kinds of things more in my beginner tutorials, which I have a whole collection at www.patreon.com/rachelsstudio/collections that is labeled 'super beginner' where I make a point to focus less on design and more of those things beginners need to learn.

[@susanH1986]

Thank you for this information! ❤

[@rachelparkervarner]

My pleasure!

[@laurelwill3428]

I have learned that transparent colors can go much darker than opaque colors. So if he means focusing on variety of value of the local color, using transparent colors should help. What do you think? Loved this video!! And your paintings❤

[@rachelparkervarner]

I think he's just saying to pop some of the local colors and make a few colors bold, instead of relying on contrast. If you use the right mixes you can get transparent watercolor to go darker, but in general I have found the more layers you use of dark, the darker you can get watercolor, and too many layers kill transparency. So the goal of getting transparent watercolor dark is tricky. I'm working on a painting now with a lot of black in it contrasted with bright bubbles my son was playing with, and I'm using a liquid watercolor - Dr. Ph Martin's Radiant Concentrated Black Watercolor which I learned about from Diann Zimmerman who has a youtube channel. www.youtube.com/@dimazi @dimazi

[@maryhobby1335]

I learned a lot from your videos 🎉

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm so glad Mary!

[@DrJones-nh4my]

Hello, wonderful video. I was looking for the links to the books you mentioned you would have in the comment section. I cannot find them. Would you mind posting them? Thank you!

[@rachelparkervarner]

archive.org/details/ZbukvicCompressed and amzn.to/3TbywJK for the Charles Reid book

[@greekveteran2715]

What's the Rembrandt windmill principle please? Can anybody explain?

[@rachelparkervarner]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn2rp5pmaNZ3sLcsi=qzuQPuQXiNippt_1

[@candioldfield2228]

So bizarre, thats how I've been painting all along but I always thought it wasn't good enough due to the lack of strong contrast. So interesting...

[@rachelparkervarner]

Very interesting!!!

[@kathleendaniels5118]

Please, please, please tell me how to order your cotton, strappy,...with pockets, summer dress!!! I only wear cotton(allergic to fabrics other than cotton, linen and bamboo!😔) I would really appreciate your help. I am learning SOOOOO much from you and appreciate your passion and enthusiasm. Kalima from Ca🌻 🌌🌎

[@rachelparkervarner]

There is a link in the description : )

[@rachelparkervarner]

Actually the cotton dress link is in the description of my newest video that has the sunflower painting in it

[@theamoore6787]

Thanks for the great info and advice! Do you ever run workshops in your local area?

[@rachelparkervarner]

I haven't but I would love to some day!

[@terrymeechan1547]

Can you please list the names of the 3 books you referenced? The trancript is not clear. TY

[@rachelparkervarner]

Mastering Atmosphere & Mood by Joseph Zbukvic, Pulling Your Paintings Together by Charles Reid and Becoming a Successful Artist by Lewis Lehrman

[@annenglish2935]

Thank you... I'm new here but just wanted to know also!!!

[@terrymeechan2998]

Mahalo!

[@imhorsenaround]

So where is the link to the books?

[@rachelparkervarner]

amzn.to/3PeVM74 is the Charles Reid book and amzn.to/4co42Mf is the "Becoming a Successful Artist" book. Then the James Gurney book is amzn.to/49Z1Cle

[@susanH1986]

Do you sell prints of your work? I didn't see a link for that? Love your work!!!!

[@rachelparkervarner]

yes at www.rachelsstudio.com under shop but if there is something missing just know I can create a print of any painting I've ever done.

[@TrueColorsArtist]

thank you

[@rachelparkervarner]

You're welcome!

[@carlosdommar]

It's kind of weird that Charles Reid teaches to focus more on local color (the color of the objects as seen under full spectral white light) rather than focus on "seen color" (the color of objects as seen under the actual or specific light conditions). This because I see he plays a lot with color temperature for his skin tones; i.e. he uses a lot of reds, siennas, cerulean, greens, and as you said people's skins local color are not cerulean. I don't see C. R using a pure tonalist approach like for example using different values of the same peachy color to paint a caucasian model. I think using local color too much produces a decorative and/or amateurish look in opposition to the more painterly or "artistic" effect you get when try to capture the seen color under a specific light conditions (which in turn would capture the atmosphere of the scene),;or the use of color temperature to produce a realistic impression.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Those are interesting observations! He is interesting in that he makes up colors for shadows also. And he does play with color a lot - he uses more pure color than what is in the subject a lot!

[@LantraAntero]

I love your videos!!! I would be happy to join but I don't use fb :( do you plan on making discord server?

[@rachelparkervarner]

I really don't think I can handle one more social media platform. I do a ton on Facebook, Patreon and KZbin. I have a nice little community that is free on Patreon as well, although you can't post your paintings you can follow me there for free and leave comments.

[@gypsysnickerdoodle4354]

That *necklace*

[@rachelparkervarner]

right?! Smoky Quartz

[@travcat66]

Joseph Zbukvic is the artist’s name for those who want to see some of his work. He’s an Aussie

[@rachelparkervarner]

there are a few videos of him painting on youtube if you search

[@carolinakight5928]

Hi Rachel. Sorry to communicate here but I cannot find how else to do it. Months ago I signed to your patreon but I never actually used it. I want to stop the charges but don’t know how. Can you terminate it for me? Thank you so much for your help. I love your videos but have not been able to dedicate time to it.

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'll message you through Patreon!

[@rachelparkervarner]

I can't find you by searching your name Carolina Kight. I need a way to find you. What name did you sign up under? Also you can go to www.patreon.com/pledges to cancel

[@bobbylibertini]

The first rule of art: Don't follow anyone's rules; make your own. Most of the people who make the rules/suggestions(etc.) come up with them after the fact- by analyzing what they've already done. Experiment nd do what feels right and or looks right to you, and you'll do much better work than if you try to start out by implementing a bunch of premeditated defined ideas.

[@livingmybestestlife]

That's not true. You're going to waste time reinventing the wheel. Learn the rules and then break them.

[@rachelparkervarner]

There is value in both these points of view really. Every artist is SUCH an individual and what works for one won't work for the other.

[@bobbylibertini]

@@livingmybestestlife Hardly! You'll just be copying others if you abide by "the rules". Virtually all of the great artists broke the rules that were established before them..and then oftentimes their ways became the new rule...and so forth. And it's funny, because at this point there isn't really even a consensus as to what "the rules" are, e.g. some say to put the center of interest in one of the boxes of the imaginary tic-tac-toe grid...some say put it smack dab in the middle...some say have one piece of it touching the side of the paper.... The thing about art is to experiment and invent new things that are truly yours.

[@dianegerrard6241]

They are all ideas to pick and mix from until you find what works for you 😊

[@KS-wr4vv]

I think these rules are valuable to add to your toolbox. Some of them might be exactly what your painting needs. Obviously these rules don’t apply to all styles of art and if you don’t want this rule don’t follow it. Thank you for sharing I’d be curious to know other “ rules “ you have come across

[@CRUCIFi777]

I’d say Alice Bailey’s rules still apply more so though, sadly.

[@rachelparkervarner]

What rules does she have? I love to learn me a new rule lol

[@danieldinev4905]

Good advise but also, nothing in art is a must. Sometimes you just do a painting how it feels it should be.

[@rachelparkervarner]

I completely agree, and I think if you try to make a painting adhere too much to a rule when it's just not working, you have to be creative and find a different way to make the painting work.

[@rebekahcrossman4690]

As soon as I see someone making those insane looking eyes just to sell you something, I turn off.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Interesting! I love painting eyes but you're right, I do think that also makes a painting more enticing to buyers.