This Watercolour Painting Trick Could Change Your Life

[@Russllandia]

My son at 9 said that he couldn't draw. I gave him a picture of Garfield but turned it up side down and asked him to draw the shapes and lines that he saw. It turned out amazing 😂 He was so proud of himself. Now he's 35 and a graffiti artist.

[@AndreaCrisp]

That is an awesome story! 💖 Thank you for sharing.

[@freedomofreligion3248]

What a wonderful, wise momma or poppa you are!

[@amandaterrio4823]

Thank you for doing that for him. Not everyone has a parent as awesome as you. I hope he thanks you all the time

[@myjewelry4u]

That’s fantastic!

[@chenkish5854]

Awesommmmme❤❤❤🎉

[@cjminar]

The book that teaches this: Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards 1979! It is an amazing help for those of us who think they can’t draw. Thank you for bringing this to watercolor!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@joannaryan9805]

Thanks for the tip I’m going to get the book

[@maggiemcsm]

yeah! I was going to say that and saw that you've already commented. I have that book and did all the exercises, including drawing a portrait upside down. really cool exercise and it actually helps to turn off the inner critique!

[@leahcrosley8205]

There are three books in that series by Betty Edwards. Anyone interesting in learning how to draw should read them, they are very helpful in teaching you how to see, and how to become a better artist

[@reneebrady1333]

I learned this technique in college, it is what made me be able to draw a face perfectly. When you draw and/paint upside down, you don’t focus on the overall picture, you focus on shapes and proportions! It changed my entire approach to drawing!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

That's great!

[@maryannconklin7231]

Wow, this could help me!

[@scarabeedor2]

Happy to see left-handed artists like me on KZbin !

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Happy to help!

[@LCLand]

Don’t worry about your credibility. You’ve Proven yourself beyond doubt as a solid art teacher! We know you’re just trying something new and it could succeed or fail and so what. 😊

[@chrislora8895]

I’m a right-handed, start at end of magazine reader, so probably painting upside down won’t be that strange. I will try this. Thank you!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

That's a great idea!

[@marybethfee2777]

I also start at the end of the magazine??? And am right handed.🤷

[@janineboguslawski535]

Thanks that was interesting and beautiful! You learn something new everyday.

[@AVToth]

@@marybethfee2777 I thought it was just me!

[@amymckee5075]

Very interesting! I think if I try this I will cover the reference photo with a sheet of paper and just reveal a little bit at a time. Otherwise my eye will be trying to take in the whole at once.

[@TheArtfulAddict]

It Worked!! I tried painting a picture of a dog upside down and it came out great! Once I flipped it over, I made a few minor adjustments but it's the best dog I've ever drawn! Thank you Harriet ❤❤❤

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Great job! Isnt it amazing!

[@SusanRigby-h7j]

I too am left handed. It seems as such I have always had to rethink things to adjust to a " right " handed world. You are so inspiring. Thank you so much for all your tutorials. This is the first time I have ever felt so compelled as to comment.

[@lindabrancifortbauer269]

Absolutely! I’m not sure right handers know how much we have to adapt.

[@be_a_bright_sparkle3687]

I’m right handed but had an accident so couldn’t use it for quite a while. I had to use my left hand as my leading hand. It is definitely different and gives a diff view point. I can write equally with both hands. Find it easier to flick a book from back to front. I find myself using my left hand when my right gets tired.🥰

[@RuthellenHerzberg]

Read the book years ago and did many of the exercises. Helped to train my brain to actually “see” what I was drawing.

[@Nickstart-d7y]

Wow as soon as you turned the rose upside down the shape and shades looked clearer to me, I will be trying this, thank you!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

You’re welcome 😊

[@krissaltlakecity9022]

I'm left-handed and was so delighted when I found you. It is so much easier for me to follow along with you. I think left-handed people do many things differently, and it is often labeled backward. But I find it gives us a flexibility of the mind in problem solving. My family was 50/50 3 lefties and 3 right-handers growing up. My husband who is a wonderful artist and a computer programmer is left handed. Our 2 children are right-handed and very artist.

[@Pixieworksstudio]

that was so interesting. I'm right handed, but as soon as it was upsidedown I could really see the shape and the shadows. It was so much clearer😊

[@ninniank9650]

I’m left handed and I’ve always opened a book starting at the back instead of the front….good to know I’m not the only one.😊

[@deWintonPaperCo]

We lefties have to stick together, even if we read books backwards!

[@kimberwisener6048]

What I like is that you didn’t paint the rose exactly like the picture. So many times I try to paint so exactly perfect. So, thank you for sharing ❤

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks so much 😊

[@JanBorley]

Recently I had right hand surgery ~ since I wasn’t sure how it would go I thought I should try painting left handed. It was an amazing feeling in my brain (it was like a flip) and the focus required was crazy but in a good way! In this healing time I have continued to draw & paint with my left hand and find it very meditative!

[@SheilaLandry]

I do a lot of realism. It takes a lot of time but I can get good results. But boy, Harriet! I watch you and I am in awe and completely humbled! I always admire your drawing ability and this is not exception. You are 'da boss' of freehanding! Thanks for the inspiration and tips!

[@susanweiss938]

You're the first person I've heard that also flips through books/ magazines backwards. I'm also left handed and do that. Can't wait to try this exercise.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

That's a great idea!

[@jillneer7305]

Wow!!!!! As a right handed painter, I'm definitely going to try this!!!!!!

[@theroadhome_Liz_Summers]

So am I! As a new drawer and painter, I have been struggling with the exact topic ... translating what I see to the paper and as you said "getting out of my own way".

[@Bindismom]

Girl! You are so spot on!! I’m a lefty and I just instantly understood where you were going with this, it made so much sense! Interesting truth……i do mostly watercolor as i adore it’s magic, the colors blending and shading never cease to amaze and thrill me. BUT, I also love oils and I happen to be working on a large commission right now that includes a LOT of detail. Just yesterday I was thinking “ maybe I should turn this upside down to do this”? I’ve never seen or heard of anyone doing it but it just seemed logical to me?!! And today I find you and this tutorial! When the student is ready, the teacher comes! Thank you so much for this valuable lesson and the validation of my instincts.🤗👍👍 🎨

[@lindenjenesse5078]

I was so pleased, when I first found your channel, to find a left-handed artist!! The viewing feels so much more natural to me. I think I'm fairly balanced, because while I am left-handed and an artist, I am also a mathematician and have a very logical and linear way of thinking. In a primarily right-handed world, I think my favorite thing is when right-handed people kind of freak out a little when trying to show me something, or feel like they have to adjust for my sake. It's sweet and kind, but not to worry! I will either mirror them, or figure it out otherwise! The rose is lovely! Viewing the image upside-down is a technique I've seen but tend to forget. It's amazing how a simple change can give you a whole new perspective!! Thanks for this!

[@marinalafage2902]

I'm left handed and that's why I like so much your videos. I feel more comfortable in following your brush strokes and the way you organize your work. It is inspiring and give confidence. Thank you so much. 😊

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@janmariebaldwin1415]

This really works, upside down all you see are the shapes and tones etc, but up the right way you see it as a whole, wow 🥰

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Yes it does!

[@lindakuck5981]

Omgoodness upside-down?! It is just beautiful! Thanks for this video 😊❤

[@carlaeskelsen]

I'm just so grateful to have found a couple of wonderful left handed watercolor teachers here on KZbin - you and Kateri Ewing have helped me immeasurably. Left handed process is different, and it took me a long time (as a beginner) to figure out why I was having so much trouble. It's such s relief to watch someone paint and see it the same way i see what I'm attempting, instead of trying to reverse it all in my brain, on the fly, as i do with crochet.

[@lindabrancifortbauer269]

Same!! So hard to teach yourself from right handers. So happy I found you lefties❤

[@bethmegansmith4642]

I understand that as I am left handed as well hahahah thank you for sharing xxxx Happy times xxx

[@bonniemartin5445]

I’m right handed but typically look through picture books from back to front. I’m going to try this exercise. Will be fun if nothing else. I have tried writing with my left hand and that’s always interesting.

[@paulagrootelaar9005]

What a great tutorial and fantastic outcome. I'm a lefty too and could relate to all you said, except reading or looking at a book from back to front. Must be from the days at school where teachers tried to make me a righty.🙃

[@mjkrech]

This has BLOWN my mind! I just tried this and it works so well! I’m so excited to use this from now on! THANK YOU!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

AH I'm so pleased!

[@kcpurves1]

This works so well. I tried portraits like this many times and it really tricks the brain.

[@nancikrukowski5238]

I learned this a long time ago from an art teacher I think. It really works and I tell friends that tell me they could never paint to try this and it forces you to paint what u actually see and not what you think you see

[@moniquelebel-ducharme6894]

I so appreciate that you filmed the video in real time for a good part of the painting. I will certainly try this approach! thank you

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ChantelleArts]

this is a really interesting technique! and it actually makes a lot of sense beginning the rose at the bottom rather than the centre 😮

[@SueCrawford-Condie]

Brilliant Harriet! I could watch you paint for hours. I definitely need to loosen up so will have a go. 😊

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks so much 😊

[@bellabaker4943]

One of the first lessons in art school, really helps! Great video!

[@angiemoore1644]

This is fascinating! It’s amazing how our brain works! Great video. Thank you!

[@dorothygladsjo3510]

Betty Edwards has a wonderful book on this!

[@joymoody2372]

It's not a theory. It's science based knowledge. Thanks for this interesting exercise. I recommend others reference Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks for the tips!

[@sheilagrant2413]

I've done upside down drawing but never even considered this possibility. Thank you so much!!! I can't wait to try it!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

You're welcome Sheila!

[@barbarakenziesmith5949]

This is so eye-opening! I read that book many years ago, but had forgotten about the ideas in it. Now I’m going to have a go and see how I do. Thanks for the inspiration, as always! ❤

[@Grandma_Jizzzzzzzard]

This is a very great way of tackling a daunting watercolor task. Upsidedown! Backwards also helps! Thank you ❤

[@gillianbc]

I did try a similar exercise once before. It was drawing a man in a suit of armour on a horse - quite complex for someone of my low skills. The exercise said to cover the upsidedown source picture with a sheet of paper and slowly reveal the next part a I drew. The result was surprisingly good.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Interesting!

[@carlaeskelsen]

"Seeing drawing". It's a huge help to me, too.

[@helgagolley3714]

I am left-handed trying to learn watercolor painting sometimes I have to set up a mirror in front of my tablet and look at the mirror to better understand. I so enjoy watching your videos❤ you are a very patient teacher thank you

[@peggylittle9366]

Thank you! So glad that I have discovered a left-handed artist to learn from. You are a God sent to me. Love the way you teach!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

You are so welcome

[@dweamy1]

What a great idea! Thank you for sharing with us. As soon as you turned it upside down, it made so much more sense!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Robyn-i9p]

Yes, I’m left handed and do flick through a book from the back, enter a gallery and roam anti clockwise, can write from right to left easily etc etc etc.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Yeah I can relate

[@tributetomama]

Years ago, maybe 35, I bought a kit for my son who was about 8 at the time and very artistic. He had trouble doing portraits. The kit taught how to draw upside down. It was really incredible. I tried it myself and was amazed. Don’t really get the science behind it but it works.

[@kiriki737]

This Methode is in the book of Betty Edwards. It helps for people who believe they cannot do drawing. It´s amazing that you show us how to do. Thanks a lot!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks for sharing!

[@bonnietoney4200]

This is great! I hate to paint roses but I'll give this a try.

[@Dojustdoandbe]

I agree, it supports more objectivity and focus on shape rather than focus on what the object represents.

[@karenbaker1115]

I’m left handed and I’ve been trying to find watercolor artists who are also lefties. It’s the right brain in me!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

AH brilliant! Well stick with me!

[@deborahrodney6562]

Another lefty here, from an older generation. It was a bit difficult to be a lefty in school in the ‘60s. Handwriting teacher was very strict and critical. Trying to learn to crochet from my right handed grandmother was a no-go! I knew an older man who said that he went to school at a convent; he was a lefty and they tied his left hand behind his back in class so that he could not use it to write. Thus, he became ambidextrous. Another interesting note; I read that if you can easily write words completely backwards, starting on the right side of paper you are a true lefty. When you hold it up to a mirror you will be able to read it.

[@sandyhenry6229]

Wow, that was fabulous! It turned out beautiful. I can't wait to try the upside down painting!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@pamlooman8045]

You are right about this.. Many years ago when I actually first started painting and drawing i read a book called Drawing From the Right Side of the Brain.. it was astounding to me that I actually drew better when I did it upside down.. crazy really, I’ve never been artistic or anything I didn’t even start painting till I was in my late 40’s.. I got this book from my daughter who had it in college taking drafting classes.. It is truly an amazing thing.. thank you.. ❤❤

[@melindaavila498]

Just beautiful! This is the second time to watch for me. Cheers!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@katyoverocker2341]

It’s almost as if your brain disassociates from the actual subject and you can just go and it’s just lines instead of a rose. I LOVE this! I’ll be trying this. Ill post on Patreon. Thank you so much for this tutorial! ❤

[@lindadavis-ys1cf]

Extraordinary

[@juliaobrienbaker7736]

I painted the rose upside down. It was the most Rose-y rose I have ever painted! I thank you and will try this with other subjects!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Wonderful!

[@user-qi4ff5in9z]

Leftie here. When using a notebook (pre laptop days), I always started at the back. When helping a client choose a new hair color, I would have them turn the magazine upside down. That forced their brain to focus on the color, not the image as a whole or the model. Worked, and saved many women from disastrous hair color choices.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Looks like being a leftie comes with some cool perks, like saving people from hair color disasters!

[@kcpurves1]

I also put a white sheet over the picture as I go down the painting process. It’s fun.

[@katieb4929]

The best drawing teacher I had told me "draw what you see, not what you know" and that was a huge breakthrough! Upside down is great for drawing and painting and if you're editing a paper go sentence by sentence backwards (from the end to the beginning). It takes the sentence put of context so you can find mistakes. Makes your brain stop filling in gaps that might exist.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks for the tips!

[@kaylindley3261]

I am currently learning to paint with color. I’ve had many years of not picking up a brush. But previously, I use to only paint with conte and crayon on grey parchment. I learnt to paint people upside down and it was so much better because the brain does not try and interpret only rather what is sees. So thank you so much for reminding me. I’m back on it. Great job.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks for watching!

[@janetlundstedt4649]

fun exercise, never tried upside down in painiting Mine came out really tight. but it was fun to try and definatly has its advantage in seeing the values

[@Alltheworldneedsajolt]

Left hander here and I too flip through picture books and magazines etc from the back to the front

[@DianeFroggett]

I thought this concept was absolutely fascinating. I use both my right and left hand for all sorts of things, when I am decorating my home I use my left hand for cutting in and my right for using a roller, when I am writing & drawing I use my right!! I need to get my head around this but it makes perfect sense to me, why didn't anyone tell me before. By the way I like your rose better than the photocopy you used!! Keep up the good work and many thanks.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

That's a great idea! Thank you so much for your thoughts Diane, I love how this has brought out so many interesting personal experiences!

[@leah492]

What a good idea! I've heard of this trick when doing a sketch (flipping it over to see if things are "off") but never tried painting an entire painting like this. I want to try it!

[@elizabethedwards761]

Turning the picture upside down is brilliant. I couldn't believe how it completely changed how I looked at the object. Love it. Thanks so much ❤

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Glad you liked it!

[@sheilatrinkaus4757]

Your rose looks better than the original subject matter…..amazing.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Wow, thank you!

[@sarahstevenson2384]

One of the best paintings I’ve ever done was painted upside down and I love it!

[@janetpeters3060]

Years ago I took a course based on Betty Edward’s Drawing from the Right Side of the Brain. We did some upside down drawing techniques. V interesting. I kind of knew you were going to paint this rose upside down❤ I should go back to these exercises. Thanks for the video.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Very cool!

[@pjmiller8632]

Beautiful! What a fun exercise, and yours turned out so very beautifully! Thank you so much!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

You're so welcome!

[@lstandish9]

We definitely see the world a little differently. I think we also have learned to adapt better in awkward (right-handed) situations.

[@marilyndayton7172]

I would be thrilled to be able to paint leaves and stems that well.

[@sherrigarriott8835]

You are an amazing artist. I so enjoyed watching you bring that rose to life. Excellent, thank you so much.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thank you so much 😀

[@suemarcer8772]

Yes I'm ham left handed to love my water colour art . I read my book s back to front

[@eileenburnus1692]

Yes I always read magazines and some books starting from the back. But I’m right handed! Keen to try this approach 😊

[@flossplus2706]

Your brush and water control is amazing. I find getting the colours to blend and flow very difficult. More videos on this topic would be fantastic.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thank you! Will do!

[@veronicasamantha13]

I painted a rose and it was the best rose I ever did! Amazing.❤

[@deWintonPaperCo]

That's awesome to hear! Keep up the great work with your painting skills!

[@patricianadarajah6833]

I am left handed and I paint in pastels . I definitely paint upside down especially if I am struggling with proportions. I find that my brain then no longer thinks of the object you are painting and your expectations of how it should look. I also use it if I think I made a mistake but can’t quite figure out where, turn it upside down and you can usually see the problem right away. By the way I flip through picture books from the back to the front too 😊

[@jilld8787]

You nailed it! This theory makes sense. Learning to paint what one sees rather than what is in one’s brain is a huge challenge. You did an excellent job presenting the benefits of the concept. Well done!🎉😊

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Yes! Thank you!

[@SueLea75]

Brilliant idea, makes absolute sense. Thank you x

[@judycline4524]

I think your painting is prettier than the photo. I'm very excited to try this out for myself. Thank you. I love all your videos.

[@diangansen8482]

I'm left-handed, as well. So is my husband. My house is therefore set up for lefties. Oftentimes right-hand ed people are befuddled by the way our clothes is put on hangars, the direction twists ties are twisted and the fact that I wash dishes in the left sink.

[@elainejarvis1863]

My husband and I are both left handed. One of my son's in law is too. That's why I started following because your instructions made sense.

[@double2mo382]

Hahaha! I would love your house!

[@lauriezwack2225]

I have this book as well! The exercises are great! I’m also a left-handed artist and paint instructor and can totally relate to everything you say in the video about the way we see and do things! As you were painting I could literally predict where you would go with your paint brush lol. It’s funny, because when I watch right handed artist’s instructions, I’m never on the same page as to where they will start, or the direction they take. Same with teaching my right handed students not naturally wanting to follow my lead. This was great! Thank you for doing this!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

You’re welcome!

[@hippomom26]

How interesting! I'm not a painter, but this looks like a fascinating way to 'transfer' an image effectively. Yours turned out just BEAUTIFULLY 🌹 You did, indeed, pick a challenging subject with which to experiment and you deserve an A+!❤

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@sandythompson214]

I have always found lefties to be very creative and you prove that. You are so very talented.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thank you so much!

[@MG-ot2yr]

This looks really brilliant, I'll try this, I can see the different perspective looks to help paint what you see. I'm also left handed. And BTW, your painting was nicer than the photo, warmer colors.

[@GabrielleCarbonneau]

I’m right handed and I too, start from the back of the book. I rarely see things as others do. Interesting.

[@user-qi4ff5in9z]

I can’t wait to try this method. As a perfectionist, I think this will help loosen me up but maintain enough accuracy for the viewer to easily see the image. Thanks.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

You can do it!

[@53justjude]

Everything you said about the traits of being left handed also resonates with me.....except I am right handed😢. And fear of failure, that is my biggest blocker. Thank you from Australia.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Ah that's so interesting. Fear of failure is definitely universal, you're not alone x

[@babo2baba]

I am left-handed. Always felt different and read magazines from back to front also. I was delighted to find you, and your tutorials! I absolutely will try painting upside down. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us. I am so happy to have found you.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

You are so welcome!

[@jannissen8146]

Very interesting! I’m going to try this. Thank you!

[@debrogers5904]

I've never tried painting upside-down before, but I have found that turning a drawing or painting upside-down while I'm working on it helps point out the errors I've made, in proportions or perspective especially.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

That's a great idea!

[@christinemayopowers]

What a great idea!

[@SigalsDesigns]

As a left-handed as you, I absolutely feel the same sometimes. this is genius. I have to give it a go 🥰

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Please do!

[@lindathaxton1994]

I’m right handed but I too AKWAYS look thru magazines, books w/pictures from back to front 🥴 & have done that since I can remember. ??? Thank you for this video - I’m going to try this in the morning!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Exactly!!

[@rosaravelo3709]

I paint in oil and I am trying to do it in watercolor I have seen many tutorials but you are the best!!!!! You are a very talented artist very clean in you art, God bless you and please keep doing tutorials.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thank you so much 😀

[@karinllyr983]

Yes! I am a lefty and you are spot on. My flute teacher who is left handed also said to me once she always have to a little more effort to teach her right handed students than with me, it felt so natural communicating with me. I found you through an FB group because I am a beginner I was struggling following right handers and I wanted to see if there was a difference following a fellow left hander and someone recommended you. I loved drawing fun characters with Draw with Rob but I wanted to watch a lefty painter. I am a music educator and see this in my teaching life too.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

It's great to connect with fellow lefties and share experiences! Thank you for sharing your story.

[@Cr170a]

This upsidedown technique helped me with accuracy when I was a highlighter for Thomas Kinkade years ago.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Cool!