Watercolor Painting Still Life Demonstration (Step by Step Beginners Tutorial)

Learn to paint a realistic still life the easy way - paint the shading first and then add color. This watercolor painting demonstration goes step by step for an easy to understand and follow watercolor tutorial. The full free lesson is available at: watsonwatercol...
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[@aesea57804]

I wouldn’t think to paint all the object shadows first, then add color-even though I’ve seen you do that before. It turns out so well and seems like it would be easier than making the blue shadow color.

[@DebWatson]

The beginners in my class struggled with the black and white part but they were thrilled with their finished paintings. Being aware of shading is a big plus, no matter how you accomplish it.

[@a.m.g.karlsson7165]

Thank you so much for a watercolour still life tutorial. Sometimes it seems as though watercolour is only about landscapes-there isn’t too much out there for those of us with other interests.

[@DebWatson]

You can do anything with watercolor from soft and light watery paintings to photo realistic paintings - it is a wonderful medium to use.

[@jakea1035]

Thank you Deb. A brilliant tutorial as usual. I prefer the darker background, that is one of my favorite colour combinations, the brown of my old tweed jacket and blue jeans!

[@DebWatson]

Blue and brown or orange - I've done a bunch of paintings with just those colors and a touch of red somewhere. It just works well - like your jacket combo.

[@vesnasofkoska3789]

Thanks so much, I used this for my students in art class and they loved it!

[@DebWatson]

That's so nice of you to say. It's a great technique to learn and it makes me happy to know people are enjoying it.

[@user-agalley]

You are a wonderful teacher. Your process make so much sense!

[@DebWatson]

Thank you so much! I want students to be able to paint any subject they like, so general watercolor techniques work well.

[@barbiebrowny7003]

Totally agree 👍❤❤❤

[@DebWatson]

@@barbiebrowny7003 Thank you so much!🙂

[@ranjanachand9306]

The darker background😊 lovely painting and advice. Thanks

[@DebWatson]

Thank you so much 😀 Darker backgrounds stand out in watercolor paintings because so few people use them.

[@meenakshikhanna2998]

No one tells such secrets, You're great mam !!!

[@DebWatson]

Thank you very much! :)

[@iwonder-t1r]

The darker background really makes things pop!

[@DebWatson]

I like dark backgrounds, but one student did striped wallpaper behind hers and it was really fun.

[@aliciashackley5830]

Very good demonstration. Thx very much Deb another great video. 🥰💕🐶💕🥰

[@DebWatson]

You are so welcome, Alicia. Thanks for being such a loyal viewer.

[@dianerixom4036]

A lovely clear and well demonstrated tutorial. Thank you Deb x

[@DebWatson]

You’re welcome 😊 Diane! Students did lots of fun backgrounds behind the pot - one lady did striped wallpaper.

[@2112Dahlia]

That's beautiful, Deb! I like both backgrounds. Thank you! ❤

[@DebWatson]

You are so welcome! The light background is much easier, but I agree, either one would be great.

[@gloriauretatravesi8144]

excelente TUTORIAL...muchas gracias. He aprendido mucho

[@DebWatson]

Thank you very much!

[@masonkanterbury3007]

Wow, this is great artist. Must be an expert.

[@DebWatson]

Thank you, Mason! I've been painting a long time.

[@janpastor5967]

Just found your videos on KZbin. Exceptional lessons. I teach watercolor to older adults and will be recommending your demos to them. Thank you!

[@DebWatson]

That is great - a lot of the retirement homes around me use them, as well as many other groups of painting friends. Have fun!

[@sharonsunshine2532]

Thanks Cute painting and instruction. I like the darker background also. 👍

[@DebWatson]

Thank you, Sharon. We did this in class yesterday and students did gold, pink and black backgrounds. The pink one was especially fun. I agree with you - I like dark backgrounds.

[@swapnamuk]

Excellent teaching ❤❤❤❤

[@DebWatson]

Thank you! 😃

[@nancytestani1470]

Wonderful.

[@DebWatson]

Thank you, Nancy! They turned out well in class.

[@delithnutkins6017]

I love the dark background

[@DebWatson]

The dark background is winning in the viewer votes!

[@joycesnodgrass7068]

Deb, I like the dark background!😍

[@DebWatson]

The dark one is winning the votes, Joyce. I am not the only one who likes dark backgrounds evidently.

[@CathyMiller0711]

Helpful lesson on shadows. Thx!

[@DebWatson]

The paintings looks so drab without color but amazing once the color is on. It's surprising.

[@aesea57804]

I will try your approach to painting backgrounds from the side! What is the advantage over painting it from top to bottom? Your demos are so practical. Oh! I like the dark background better.

[@DebWatson]

Many students tend to get a hard line at the top when they start there. It doesn't happen when they start from the bottom.

[@geetarawat3398]

You are so amazing I like you every painting😊

[@DebWatson]

Thank you so much 😀

[@radhikaomar921]

Thank tou❤

[@DebWatson]

You're very welcome - still life is a great subject to start working on shading and shadows.

[@essietangle9931]

For me the lighter background. Thanks so much for the video.

[@DebWatson]

I like the lighter one, too - the teapot stands out more.

[@mahipalsandhu8008]

for light shade on right what you have used water or white color?

[@DebWatson]

The lighter brown shade on the right is brown plus more water for a lighter brown. The white spout is the white of the paper, but you could also use opaque white. Hope this answers your question.

[@mjrewerts]

I like the dark background

[@DebWatson]

Dark backgrounds are usually my favorite but they are more work.

[@-Chunk]

Thank you - are you painting flat? Or with your paper at an angle?

[@DebWatson]

I'm painting flat in the videos unless I mention tilting the board. And thank YOU for posting!

[@-Chunk]

@@DebWatson brilliant. I tried it today and was very happy with the result. Thanks again

[@pinkangel2393]

For the white you used at the end that is watercolor or acrylic or gouache? My watercolor is too light for that effect 😮

[@DebWatson]

Student grade watercolor paints won't have as much pigment as the professional grade paints, and Qor brand has the most vivid colors that don't fade as they dry. Student grade paints often need several coats to equal the color saturation you see in the video. The white paint I use is Bleed Proof white by Dr. Martin but Pro White by Daler Rowney is just as good. Hope that helps.

[@pinkangel2393]

@@DebWatson ohhh i see ok yup that would make sense! Thank you very much for the information time for new art supply shopping 🛍️ 😆

[@leahferrell3110]

It looks like you wet the paper before starting in on the background. Is that right? I tried it dry and by the time I got back around to the little areas around the objects, the paint was too dry to go back in.

[@DebWatson]

I often wet the main areas before I start with plenty of water, then tilt the paper and let the excess drain off before I start painting. You can also wet the back of your paper to help keep it damp longer and using a big brush helps.

[@leahferrell3110]

@@DebWatson Thank you for your reply. Hopefully, my darker background layer will hide the lighter one I messed up. I think I will try wetting the back as well as the front. Thanks!

[@evahagemeyer9142]

Dark background. It remjnds me of an old master painting with the dark.

[@DebWatson]

You could go even darker than mine, too. It would look great.