Tonalism - A Quick and Simple Guide

A quick and simple guide to how you can paint a tonalist oil painting.
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You may like this: • Dark skies ahead
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A big thank you to my patrons, with your help I was able to produce another video, thanks to your kind contributions.
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[@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. 🙄

[@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

[@cherilynne1946]

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

[@poetryjones7946]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@ajedrezenvo1059]

This is wonderful. Thank you for sharing your art with us, Mr Stuart!

[@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!!!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@michaelhendrickson2625]

Love love love tonalism!! Great job!

[@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.

[@thomasvanglahn7609]

Love love love watching you paint! Thank you!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@lindacamarata3592]

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

[@lordlollops1]

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

[@kimranson4775]

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

[@randimcallister3656]

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

[@abdulmannanchattha1042]

always love to watch you paint.

[@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!!!💐

[@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

[@amarynth100]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@kathyd8738]

This video arrived in my suggestions at exactly the time I needed it. Thank you!!

[@levisteven1]

This is one of my favourite paintings.

[@JohnSatire1]

I truly look forward to these videos!

[@darleneemerson667]

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

[@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. 🧡

[@kerry5586]

That was fabulous! I really enjoyed watching you work and enjoyed listening to 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.

[@KarlEBrand]

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

[@maryphilpott2961]

Wonderful video Stuart! I just love this painting and looking forward to watching again and again and trying to paint along 😃 thank you for sharing your work

[@balintbauernhuber8816]

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!

[@jonathann3d]

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

[@mariobatista9028]

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

[@vasssnicolaousuddaby3033]

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

[@KathyBrooksArt]

Brilliant, thanks for sharing and giving your teachings to us!

[@NickRatto]

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

[@micheleward9668]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@lisengel2498]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@artbydawnae]

Absolutely stunning painting!!! I love the dark and drama too!!!💕 Really looking forward to your new video on trees!!!

[@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!

[@eboniecarter6828]

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

[@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!

[@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:)

[@Occamsrazor35]

Just brilliant as always. I have been so inspired by your methods and works! :)

[@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.

[@fallouts9869]

Stuart! THIS is your best work!!!!!

[@Jacklette]

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

[@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 😀

[@deborahdelcastillo6870]

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

[@user-yp7vf5lo8h]

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

[@pamalafarnham9452]

LOVE This! Its beautiful! Thank you

[@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!

[@JeffChorney]

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

[@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.

[@jampuppy]

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

[@PaintingWithSamir]

thats beautiful! I love earthy colors

[@Lakupeep]

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

[@mohammednkhan7667]

Loved this one, thank you, Stuart!

[@DreamingCatStudio]

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

[@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!

[@christophersparkes7942]

A wonderfully inspiring and helpful video, thank 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.

[@yohenson]

amazing, this is my favourite style in art thus far

[@katharinabaur6113]

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

[@starforged]

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

[@StuartDavies]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@BlanikGMK]

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

[@strange-universe]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@normahmud7560]

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

[@mattadler9939]

Just beautiful. Thank you sir for sharing

[@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. :-)

[@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.

[@AnnikaBergmannArt]

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

[@deborahgonzalezknight168]

I'm going to try this. It's lovely. Really inspiring video.

[@pennygower372]

I love idea of pushing paint around until something happens ... I do that all the time 🤣

[@dc7243]

Really nice! I started some giraffes and planning to try this technique for the environment they are in. A bit of realism and tonalism. Thanks for the inspiration. Stay safe.

[@zahrab162]

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

[@cyruspiruz9422]

Thanks for sharing this beautiful piece

[@cherylnancyanngordon]

Absolutely love your techniques. Thank you for doing these videos. Will try this for sure!

[@StuartDavies]

Glad you like them!

[@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!

[@gwendolynfish2102]

Beautiful and thank you for the information!

[@didpen]

Excellent travail ! bravo !

[@asmrlucretia9804]

What gorgeous videos you make! Subscribed. Keep well.

[@michelehinnrichs3067]

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

[@dorinases]

Wow beautiful!

[@bernadettkoltai3565]

Love it! Thank you so much! I will paint along this video in the next few days. The relaxed and loose, "allowing" type of painting is a challenge for me :-D.

[@young1471]

Beautiful as always.

[@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...😉)