Tonalism - A Quick and Simple Guide

[@ErichMillerTV]

“I wake up in the morning…and I think ‘well…I’m going to paint today’…and I don’t have to paint detail. All I’ve gotta do is paint my feelings.” - Love this quote.

[@susanszathmary5541]

Me too

[@Splatterpunk_OldNewYork]

You are, by far, the best art teacher I have ever had. I salute you sir.

[@bibibrin5035]

Not only you're the best teacher of tonalism but also the best story teller painter. I also got lost in the woods once searching for my crazy dog. She found a way back home while I was stuck in the forest making circles for 2 hours. 🙄

[@poetryjones7946]

“Optimistic aura.” Just that phrase changed my paint experience for the day. And this is why I love your videos, Stuart. 🙏🏼☮️🌹✌🏽

[@happypaint3416]

And after i watch "illusions of details" from your channel, i always start a painting with red ocre and sap green. You did something amazing in my journey of learning. Thanks

[@lindacamarata3592]

Beautiful work..adore you explaining and talking ..please don't stop talking..repeat information, love the way you teach..

[@jampuppy]

Wow! I’m only at 4:27 and it’s gorgeous! Amazing how much variation there is in essentially a single tone!

[@elleneimla6620]

It's just brilliant, how with one color it is possible to design such a landscape and create a super mood!!! You are by far the best teacher I have ever had. Biggest thanks!!!!

[@rodneyfortin2174]

Thanks a lot for posting another teaching Stuart! It’s always great to learn from you. Also, I find that during this season in the world, people who can bring peace like you are a welcomed joy.

[@lisengel2498]

You are the first to say directly that you have to go for a walk and avoid one focal pint and in stead give the freedom to give more possibilities of where to go in your Landscape. I like that. Avoiding a fixed experience because I think to be alive is to move while you experience. 🧡

[@katherandefy]

It’s like a bowl of offerings. Love the shape of it. Trees pointing to the sky and the sweep of land going round and round. It’s reminding me a lot of pinhole photography, that strong nostalgia.

[@philipswain4122]

This is wonderful. I now feel in an early autumnal mood and need to gesso my canvasses

[@richardturner1175]

I've been going thru your videos today, in sort of a reverse chronical order, while I work from home, and I've made it back to your your tutorials on glazing, and transforming paintings. you have a very pleasant way of teaching, and I find that listening to your instruction, even as backgroud noise, while I WFH or run thru a process on my job, help reinforce what I've learned from many of your other videos'. I wish I could put this computer down and go pick up a brush!! thanks for taking the time to upload these and make this channel, it is definitely one of my favorites. keep up the good work sir!

[@melissahogan7339]

I just found your KZbin classes after make several very messy efforts to paint in a Tonalist style on my own. I have been painting for about ten years, I discovered late in life that painting is an exact fir for me and aaa've been doing realistic landscapes. I happened to look at some of the early 20th century American and Australian Tonalist paintings and I was instantly attracted to the style.

[@kathleenlairscey5934]

I appreciate your journey in the painting business. I love to look at paintings as much as I love to paint. There is a transcendence from tedious details to putting down a feeling in paint. Isn't it about what one feels when they see it.? Thank you for sharing such intimate language of what it is we are trying to achieve.

[@arhodes2866]

Really enjoyed watching this video. Amazing to see a whole landscape develop from one colour. Very relaxing listening to you. Thank you and stay safe.

[@lyndao7356]

So lovely. Watching you paint is like magic, pulling a miracle out of your mind and the air. It's the result of mountains of hard work over your lifetime, I know. There's a bit of miracle as well perhaps. Occasionally when I'm writing I look back over the piece and am astonished to realize that there's a line or a paragraph that makes me think I never wrote anything that good - that it's either a miracle or a mistake. Likely it's a bit of long hours and many years colliding right there. These videos are a lifeline in so many ways. Thanks.

[@cherilynne1946]

Watching you paint makes me wish I had my studio again. Thank you for sharing a moment in your studio with you.

[@azaz-ty1bn]

Enjoy your painting style. I've tried similar but art teachers didn't like it so, dropped it. Now seeing you, well, I love it. I put those clouds above Monument Valley. I have lived for many years in the desert southwest, so those skies plus desert scenery really looks good. Thanks.

[@levisteven1]

This is one of my favourite paintings.

[@getbackkid]

I just noticed you paint your tree limbs from the tip to the trunk. Can't believe I hadn't thought to do that! My limbs always start thin at the trunk and then the brush always splays out on me...it drives me crazy! I've learned quite a bit of tips and tricks from watching your channel over the past few week. Thank you!

[@strange-universe]

This is great, Stuart. Much needed for the academic and relaxation categories of my day.

[@robhead22]

Yes. I too am going to paint today! And the first stage is always a search for inspiration. And i found this beautiful, and ambitious painting lesson. Thank you!

[@NickRatto]

I can never get enough of your explanation ,movement’s n, leisure attitude toward the world and your Quote Because I can , thanks

[@sheilatrunzo4423]

Lovely painting, and such a relaxing message of encouragement in your commentary. When you talked of your days as a commercial magazine illustrator, I could recognize your keen eye for depth, value and drama. Thank you.

[@AnnikaBergmannArt]

I love it when paintings don't have a lot of details! And I love your painting!

[@rlchick5774]

Ahh bravo you just made my headache go away for a while. I love this one. I took the day off so maybe I will do one today or add to one you influenced a while back. Thank you Stay safe

[@darleneemerson667]

I really like listening to your stories and watch you paint Steuart.

[@smitasd3065]

Sir , I just do painting on my own, no proper training, but I am learning so many things from you. Thank you so much! And yes , no doubt , you are the master of sky!!!💐

[@kimranson4775]

Perfect timing for this quick tip. I have decided I would like to paint in the tonalism style and your tip popped up.

[@soniagibbs3366]

Wow what an incredible difference the camera adjustment made. It’s so beautiful. Such a lovely video, and so interesting listening to your stories.

[@abdulmannanchattha1042]

always love to watch you paint.

[@ahmeds.mansour1293]

I really appreciate this style.. this video is a great demonstration of it, explaining it excellently.. there was another aspect of this video that makes it very enjoyable to me.. the stories.. the deep emotional and intellectual experiences that you’ve shared.. gives me the mood of a mysterious and exciting experience.. like in a great book or an astounding movie.. Thank you so much.

[@pleinaire8698]

Interesting that stuart talks about having more than one focal point...so many of the artists' videos that i've watched say to have just one and only one....just proves that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to the arts!!!

[@lcasblcr]

I really enjoyed this - very relaxed - details - I was a drafter for over 20 years and now I still use my skills when I do buildings but everything else is free hand and so I can enjoy it. Thanks for the like on my painting.

[@thelantern9075]

Awesome video and instruction Stewart. I’ve been listening to your videos instead of music lately while I paint, just for your cool, easy voice and demeanor. Along with the dry, hilarious humor. Keeping coming brother. 👍

[@StuartDavies]

Cool, thanks!

[@user-yp7vf5lo8h]

Out of all the videos on tonalism, a mellow soothing English voice! :) thank you for your excellent teaching! I've subscribed.

[@joydonohue4524]

I just watched this video again because I’m very interested in tonalism. The painting is very pleasant. I love the style. I’ll certainly try this. Thank you

[@michaelhendrickson2625]

Love love love tonalism!! Great job!

[@lisengel2498]

I like very much the mood of your landscapes and your narrative of painting and life -

[@randimcallister3656]

Fascinating…I was ready for bed and found your demo and kept watching!

[@gysgijsbers4202]

Chances are more that the video will still be around, having reached millions of people...love your technique, excellent work, thank you!!! (also a Graphic designer in transition at 57...😉)

[@amarynth100]

magic comes out of your hands. a pleasure to listen also , thank you

[@randikegaje]

I'm simply amazed by the amount of detail I can see in this painting.

[@StuartDavies]

Thank you, and thanks for subscribing :-)

[@danielorourkeartist]

Love it! What a fantastic style you have. I've been a graphic designer, art editor of a magazine as well... now painting again. I have found my natural leaning is towards Tonalism so I'm excited to explore! Thanks for sharing this 😀

[@kylepark176]

THANK YOU so much for teaching me to "not worry" if a painting doesnt look so great during the process, because pushing thru that feeling i have made some of my favorite paintings out of what i really disliked initially. so much fun learning your painting style. stay safe and much love from missouri:)

[@dennisabernethy4850]

You facilitate! As a practicing painter I thank you for your direction. It pleases me! It leaves me with a thankfulness that I've chosen this means to spend time!

[@vasssnicolaousuddaby3033]

Wonderful work and presented in such a beautiful way. I loved it. You’re a true artist.

[@DreamingCatStudio]

I love this effect. It makes me happy. Just took a zoom class from you and am thrilled what I’m learning!

[@eboniecarter6828]

I really enjoyed watching your process! You got a hard follow. Thank you for sharing your teaching with us! ❤️

[@kathmccormac8936]

Watching this definitely made me forget about what's going on in the world, if only briefly. Love your soothing voice, and your paintings are such beautiful creations. Stay safe.

[@kevinmonceaux2101]

I hadn't heard of tonalism before I started watching your channel. I've always loved deep rich colors, especially Earth tones, and dramatic skies. Since I started watching your channel I've been looking at examples of tonalist paintings, and I think I'm hooked. I've wanted to try painting since I was a kid. It was somewhere around the late '70s or early '80s when I started watching William Alexander and Bob Ross on PBS. I bought some supplies a while back, but somehow always find reasons to put off getting started, like the fear of the blank canvas. The next time that fear comes to mind, I'll remember this video. I'll also remind myself that if I finally put brush to canvas, the worst that can happen is a painting that needs a few more coats of gesso. :-)

[@brandyjanik66]

I love this one! It's so beautiful and simple! I have been playing with painting for a few years now ( just for family and friends). I have been very inspired by your art!

[@JeffChorney]

Excellent study on tones, really like your loose style and thanks for sharing some of your journey’s

[@BlanikGMK]

What great banter and dialogue. I laugh and learn. Your understated style is refreshing. Kia kaha from Aotearoa New Zealand.

[@yohenson]

amazing, this is my favourite style in art thus far

[@denisesucik5672]

This was awesome! Appreciate the background history besides watching you paint! Love your creativity!

[@StuartDavies]

Thank you so much 😀

[@TessMArt]

Thanks for your magistral instructions. You sure make me use my imagination looking at your superb work of art. Everyting you leave out in matters of detail I can add by the force of the wishes of my soul.

[@micheleward9668]

I really enjoy your wit and I learn something new each time I watch your videos. Thank you

[@mariobatista9028]

Astonishing tutorial, thank you so much! Stay healthy!!

[@michelehinnrichs3067]

Really enjoyed listening to you talk about your former life as you talked about what you had painted.

[@seviboutos]

Thanks!

[@StuartDavies]

Thank you!

[@Devine-je4em]

Just watched this today. It was hypnotic and beautiful. I've seem to have lost my motivation to paint for a while now, but I want to try this so much today!!! 😊. Thank you so much for sharing Stuart.

[@randysmith4543]

Thank you for your demonstration and detailed explanation into tonalism. Due to your many instruction videos, I've lost the generic look of my previous work, and have become an improved landscape artist because of it. Keep it up Stew - you are appreciated by many.

[@StuartDavies]

You're very welcome!

[@christophermontgomery8055]

I appreciate the "work smarter, not harder" angle. As a beginner, I find I spend far too much time on details that don't matter - resulting in overall fatigue with what I'm doing. My mindset and the painting suffer. The more I approach a piece in terms of major shapes, values and nothing else, I remain deeply connected - even if it doesn't look perfect. Can't wait for your segment on trees. thank you!

[@KarlEBrand]

THANK YOU! Thanks for keeping all of us sane!!!

[@pamalafarnham9452]

LOVE This! Its beautiful! Thank you

[@zahrab162]

Thank you💐 Hearing you was so enjoying for me because I like painting and also I'm a English learner😊🌹

[@madeleinenewbolt5310]

Wow I am so glad I came across your channel. Incredible artist and storyteller. Very kind to share this.

[@StuartDavies]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@asea8254]

Thank you for the great instructions! I learned a lot from this video alone and will use it in my next paintings. I will look at your other videos next. Also, your voice is so wonderfully relaxing!

[@jonathann3d]

Stuart's videos are always entertaining and educational. Great work!

[@Lakupeep]

I love your channel. I’m constantly referencing your videos during my artistic career

[@IanBoyterJazzsax]

Thanks Stuart, good instruction. Good painting. I'm also a retired graphic designer who paints. I designed the National Trust for Scotland's members' magazine for many years. I also fondly remember my early years before the computer came along, using Letraset, Rapidographs, Pentels, Magic Markers, watercolour and gouache. The days of yore before computer-generated 'rubber type' when I had to 'cast-off' the given space to make text fit it. Now I still do a little bit of magazine work using my iMac, InDesign and of course Photoshop. But I really enjoy painting in acrylic and watercolour. I do enjoy your voice-overs.

[@StuartDavies]

Thanks, Ian! Remember when Letraset was hi-tech!

[@deborahdelcastillo6870]

And your feelings are beautifully created and communicated🎨💙love it

[@anselmomadrid7206]

I definitely have another style for my paintings, however, I have been learning interesting things here and improving my work. its technique is formidable. thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@lordlollops1]

Thanks again for a wonderful and enlightening video again Stuart! very much appreciated.

[@powderandvanilla]

I watch the magic come into being. This is perfect, sir ❤️

[@StuartDavies]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@mattadler9939]

Just beautiful. Thank you sir for sharing

[@normahmud7560]

Kindda like the dramatic effect. Must say I can feel the scene. This is good!

[@ibelisvelasco1952]

Hello. Is a happy surprise to know you have visited Costa Rica... then, you know our brights green and blues... probably one day you show us how to work with them. Your fan number one from Costa Rica.

[@georgiamay4045]

such a grand old man .. we benefit greatly from such a genius.

[@StuartDavies]

Old!!?

[@firstlast2034]

I love to watch a birth of a painting come to life in front of you!😊

[@Jacklette]

fantastic! Thank you so much Stuart! You are great! Ganz wunderbar....

[@aliciacolbert2174]

Thank you so much for your tutorials. I have been hoping to move away from my fiddley techniques into Impressionism and your videos are getting me excited to start. Btw, your voice is very calming, talk away.

[@rosemariefargas8573]

Termino siendo un paisaje precioso magico.

[@wayneh-s2985]

Outstanding use of tone and great explanation.

[@StuartDavies]

Glad you liked it!

[@heikohancock9186]

In an earlier video you mentioned you were running out of plastic plates and were going to use china. You might have made the switch already, but I wanted to suggest using culinary parchment paper clipped to a plate, pan, or board. I've done that for a bit now and it works well for me. Parchment paper can be smooth and waxy enough to not warp and get soggy with oils. I think it's also a good deal cheaper than artists palette paper. Might be worth a shot. I enjoy your videos very much! I think your method of teaching, from how you've described it, is wonderful. Loosening the students up and teaching them to approach painting with an easygoing mindset. Very good deal. :)

[@cyruspiruz9422]

Thanks for sharing this beautiful piece

[@PaintingWithSamir]

thats beautiful! I love earthy colors

[@thomasvanglahn7609]

Love love love watching you paint! Thank you!

[@randyblanton1197]

Thank you for this most informative video! I stumbled onto this moving method about a year ago and was smitten with the play on shadows and light.

[@redwingblackbirdnell]

Thank you Stuart🌻

[@starforged]

Love this painting. Thank you for sharing. Great video, great artist, and a great teacher. Thank you.

[@StuartDavies]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@katharinabaur6113]

Amazing again! That was really helpful! I hope all the rude people stay away from your channel forever, stay safe 🙌🏻🙂

[@gwendolynfish2102]

Beautiful and thank you for the information!

[@daf827]

So happy to see another inspiring video, Stuart. I love the way your landscapes evolve from the self-proclaimed “mess” you start with. Your starter color of Sap Green, Red Ochre and Payne’s Grey is quite versatile and magical. I look forward to learning your method of painting trees. Oh, and I didn’t know tonalism preceded Impressionism. Now I do! Stay safe, Stuart.

[@rosemaryharney5353]

Thank you again for sharing your techniques!

[@StuartDavies]

Glad you like them!

[@sandrareginacovaslima1641]

You are my teacher, ever Obrigada

[@maciejszkudlarek5340]

I got tears in my eyes. I am a sentimental romantic person! Thank you Sir! Thank you! I am so glad that I have found you!

[@balint8680]

Mesmerizing painting yet again! Thank you so much! By the way, I got so used to your 50-minute-long videos that I was surprised to hear 'we are almost at the end' after only 17 minutes!