What It Takes To Become A Better Painter

[@legendarynoob1477]

Thanks Chris for this video, I was struggling for a week to paint my first ever commission (seascape + a beach and some buildings). I did not like how it was going, too many parallel lines moving horizontally, something was just off. So I decided to change the composition and start all over and I'm glad I did. I was also watching a lot of your other video's for some tips and reminders. But this video gives me great comfort. Composition is so underrated. I'm glad I'm learning a lot more about it lately thanks to you and Ian Roberts.

[@nagridgecreative]

Another "best video" by you. I learned so much from this one. Your final painting is a stunner. You are a very inspiring artist and teacher.

[@tianna1116]

This came at a perfect time for me because I’ve been stuck & frustrated with a watercolor landscape I’m working on. Just got set up for today and I’m going to finish it! I haven’t touched it in days but now I have renewed confidence that I won’t ruin it and I can salvage it

[@bturner3471]

How did you know I needed this pep talk today?

[@40bdg]

The end result is beautiful! I appreciate and respect you sharing your struggle, and teaching us how to overcome. Well done. 👏

[@paintcoach]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gwenbodeutsch5723]

I really loved this video! It was helpful to see where you started and your journey with this waterfall. I love the end result! I appreciate you pointing out all those little things. I am learning so much! the green water really makes it beautiful!

[@JOMSWORLD1]

Thank you for the inspiration... good vibes... good job...

[@wolfgangtoeglhofer1710]

Great to see the evolution of a painting and in particular the composition part of it. Another great book on composition is from Ian roberts

[@medusayuk5854]

Nice to see that YT painters are human too!

[@paintcoach]

lol

[@angelialundy1055]

As a beginner on my own, trying to understand composition is frightening at times; not to mention frustrating. Thank you so much, Chris, for showing as that artists do make mistakes, encouraging us to draw, and struggle with composition. Never Give Up. Joining your Patreon website soon!!!!!

[@meghanworkman6449]

Love Jenny Lake and Hidden Falls! We hike around the lake almost every summer when we go visit family. SOOO many gorgeous landscapes to paint...

[@reginafromrio]

SHUT UP. I can see so much growth in your paintings since I started watching!!!! Thank you for all you do! It means a lot.

[@chukukaogude5894]

This was a video with extremely useful information. As it not only shows how to incorporate a way to create a composition from start to finish. It also shows that there are no special skill/shortcuts to creating artworks. There is a process. Some artists on YT don't show that process. They hide their failures from the public. Making it seem like it's nothing but success for them. I like to believe the difference between all walks of experience is that more experienced people know how to find and fix their problems. The more experienced, the easier it is to fix it in one sitting. They even built their process to account for errors. Me for example, I am like 2 years in my digital painting journey. I don't undo or reshape. I do this so I can build that skill of catching errors before it's too late. For me there IS a point of no return.(Although, I could simply paint over to fix it) I know the errors are there, I make note and I continue until finished. I tend not to try and correct the errors once I am at the point of no return. I want my process to catch the major errors at the beginning, some errors at the middle, tiny errors at the end. Then I look at the paintings with the errors and ask myself how bad was it. I get the notes I made when I realized an error after the point of no return . Since I record my digital paintings, I look back at the time before the point of no return to see where the error was made. I analyze that and find the fault. I should say I also do this for my successes! I go back and find what I did right!

[@ScilexGuitar]

I've seen your comments on several videos now, and you seem very serious about getting better at art, being as analytical and mindful as possible. I'm trying to do the same (Ive been learning for 2 years now) and wondering if you post anywhere? Would be interested to follow you on your journey

[@chukukaogude5894]

@@ScilexGuitar I actually had to put painting on ice. I paint complete things maybe once a month. I've been just digital painting simple thumbnail shapes playing around with color theory, composition and perspective in the mornings. I wanted to build a YT channel with commentary as well but things in life caught up with me (pandemic I had all the time in the world) and I have to sort through it by the end of the year. if everything goes well, I'll use my spare time and actually build my YT channel lol. Right now I am using my spare time to secure a better paying job. I don't want to be inconsistent and disappear for months without explanation. The truth is this channel is where I started my journey into painting. Chris does a good job. I know how valuable information from the perspective of someone starting is as well. It's why I want to show and record all of my flops and successes on my channel. With detailed commentary. The problem is I live with other people who make noise and share spaces together. Not a good place to make YT videos and so the better paying job lol.

[@CydnieDaniel]

The flies out there are BRUTAL! But it’s so beautiful. Thank you for sharing what you go through. I always think it’s just me.

[@yelenafurer541]

Chris, thank you for showing your way of thinking, improvement, simplifying. You did great, the painting is looking in harmony, beautiful.

[@sallylee2565]

Chris, I really appreciate your willingness to show the struggles you had in the process of painting this waterfall scene. You vulnerability in showing to good and the bad encourages me so much in my own painting journey!

[@DannySabraArt]

Really cool to see you process and to hear how you reworked it. Very valuable!

[@george9669r]

I love Mondays, because I know you are putting out a new video. You have helped me so much with my problems I come up against. Thank you so much.

[@REKTcity]

Thank you for this video! Very helpful to not only see painting process, but how to deal through hardships like this.

[@johndemmer3496]

Good thought process and critical analysis. Well done. The diagonal and light greens/sun on the trees and river is the icing.

[@julieismert4874]

I love the way you added light to many parts of the finished painting, something I have difficulty doing. Thanks for all the tips plus showing how you struggle at times like so many of us.

[@NickLMears]

I learn a lot from these kind of videos. "Like the process" is also good advice. I take pictures all the time now and paint random practice stuff.

[@belindaodell8058]

Chris I love Wyoming! I’m from this area so I’m used to these landscapes. I would have the same problems going to Florida. That being said, I can’t WAIT to go back to the keys and paint!!

[@P-A-X-]

You are so humble, I really admire you, bravo.

[@martimajor4766]

My husband's family is from Jackson Hole. It's mind blowing. There is a lot less wildlife around compared to 20 years ago. We have been to Jennie Lake so often. Great piece!

[@kathleenlairscey5934]

I have to look at my paintings a few years before I can come up with a solution that would help me make it better. You have very good advice , the artist’ artist. Appreciate you much.

[@crislawson5393]

Thank you for sharing your challenges...proof that artists are true problem solvers. Love where you ended up on this painting...the light dappled on trees, water, falls are fantastic. I have always believed that composition is fundamental.

[@bcarithers22]

Thanks for your honesty about this. Makes the rest of us feel like there is hope!

[@SidneySArt]

I Never bothered to learn about painting landscapes, but watching your videos about them and seeing how you overcome these little obstacles motivates me to care about it more. I’m slowly starting to incorporate them into my paintings now 🤗

[@theoriginalstarwalker1653]

Once in a while I like to come here just to say how grateful I am for these lessons... Thank you

[@joebeamish]

Really good honest view of the work and process, thank you!

[@alibannister]

I found seeing the different steps and stages of this painting completely fascinating and hugely informative. On a personal level I find it heartening and reassuring to see that other artists grapple with problems too. Incredibly satisfying to see how you overcame the various challenges. Inspiring and watcheable stuff! Plus kudos to you for sharing with us work that you weren't happy with. I salute you. More videos like this please :0) Thanks, Chris.

[@Hash3r]

Wow those places are breathtaking to see in person, great video 👍🏼

[@wolfgangtoeglhofer1710]

You are such a great teacher

[@strawberryshortcake8382]

Thanks for the tips. It’s encouraging to see such a accomplished artist gets frustrated too. I can understand it would get slightly obnoxious having ppl constantly coming up to you. I completely get it. Thanks again , have a great night 🙂

[@MinaBolducArt]

I recently pieced together my plein air kit and my backpack is so square I love it!

[@jasoncullmann157]

Chris wow You really stuck with this one. That takes a lot and this one did eventually work.

[@simonnemason2162]

Brilliant. So good to see your reasons for changing your initial Plein air painting. Very informative. Thank you.

[@hayleyhawkins]

I had a learning experience recently painting fire for the first time - painting new things is difficult but very rewarding! This video was so so helpful!

[@gor764]

Gotta say I actually liked it best around 8:12. I'm a sucker for capturing realism with simplicity and that stage hit the sweet spot.

[@Giraffesonparade]

love the idea of the small thumbnail paintings

[@staciecampbell5078]

I think it helped to calm the waters in the foreground compared to the turbulent waterfall in the back. It told a kind of story of the water’s journey bringing a balance to the painting.

[@DerekSiddle]

So true, great video! Everything you covered has certainly happened to me. Thanks for sharing too.

[@paintcoach]

Thanks for watching!

[@hermancroix9241]

Thank you Chris, you are an inspiration to go on.

[@paintcoach]

I appreciate that!

[@mariamalenta6574]

Great analysis and immensely helpful!

[@marriedaprince1]

Thanks for sharing the process, I enjoyed the outdoor filmmaking.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Hey, this is a great and very enjoyable video, really awesome to see your painting and design process, it is very inspiring😊

[@karlyparkerfarley2693]

Jenny Lake is one of my favorite places in the world. I also painted a scene from the falls (my reference photo is nearly identical to yours). I started it with a smaller version in guache and want to paint a larger version with oil later on. Thank you for sharing this!!! Super helpful

[@lenajung392]

Love to see more you go to the nature and painting ~

[@SereneStudio]

Wow, this video is so enlightening! I especially like how you developed an idea from a plein air sketch.

[@torn_dorito3393]

Perfect timing! Getting ready for a wake and paint sesh.

[@DabblebagTheArtofAnnaBarnhart]

Would love to hear more about the painting sketchbook and what medium you use with it!

[@IterativeArt]

Thanks for sharing the struggle. It’s an inspiration to explore solutions and achieve improvements!

[@oriomenoni7651]

Very interesting and useful video, thanks! One thing...since you have rocks and stone both in the very background and in the very foreground, I feel that the very foreground rock should have more detail. I say this because it is just as sketchy as the background mountain... but it's a lot closer, so I feel that more detail in the foreground rock would help accentuate the feeling of depth and distance compared to the background mountains.

[@theresadailey5809]

Yes I liked your outcome, the river and the falls show their moving.what you changed I would of done the same thing, well done. P.s. I personally cannot paint when people are talking to me, messes up my meditation painting process.

[@Yeyeyayayoyo]

I recently just started painting and i believe its blending the colours is what makes it difficult. You imagine what colour it is and try to make it but something is off so you try to improve it but now its even worse.

[@richardlewis1257]

Great painting and video!

[@cristi7814]

This is really usefull! Thank you!

[@renabell1108]

I sesh and watch you and i get so invested

[@KodiLove]

Thanks for sharing Chris. It was nice to go thru the process with you on this painting. You are human. haha Great video.

[@maple5703]

Best video yet! I love your honesty and that you’re willing to show your vulnerable side. I know that it’s difficult for me to show my ‘bad’ paintings (there’s quite a few 🤣) but you use them to teach us and that means a lot! Thanks Coach 🎨👏🏼

[@bonbeechler2323]

That was helpful.

[@paintcoach]

Glad you think so!

[@Drummer4G0D]

Awesome video. I just subbed to your Patreon. Thanks for the quality content

[@soundsofnature75]

That was very helpful, thank you!

[@paintcoach]

So glad!

[@neu-ter]

thank you

[@thestaz8564]

Great tips man 😀

[@carsonfox6]

Very helpful, thank you. God bless!

[@katscreativelife]

Wow so incredibly helpful! Thank you for this!

[@paintcoach]

You're so welcome!

[@jeannelutzkow2507]

This is excellent! Thank you, this was very helpful.

[@paintcoach]

You're very welcome!

[@Chases67]

What are you using to sketch your colored thumbnails? Colored pencils?

[@paintcoach]

Oil paint

[@sunsetpalms1923]

Hey Paint Coach, as a Florida painter I am interested in what you think about the Highwaymen painters, especially the Newton brothers, Harold and Sam. Thanks!

[@kata_mn]

Isn’t the same painting hanging back there at the wall?! 🤣 however, great video and I love how you showed your full process of the painting!

[@allenvoss7977]

Hey Coach! is it possible that you can do a video on traveling out of the country with your art supplies ? I have a trip coming up in November and I’m considering just taking acrylics with me . please and thank you

[@bleenple]

If you want to frame an oil painting that is done on canvas pad, or deliver a painting to someone you painted for, how long do you have to wait once the painting is finished?

[@LinDen7647]

Oh ya that looks way better...good call...

[@bondsons]

Have watched you for a while Chris. I never realized you live in Florida, what area? I live in the Tallahassee area and yes, the humidity right now is suffocating.

[@jaedo71]

I don’t really have a problem with the composition of the landscape on the left side (the one with the red X) The painting doesn’t have as much depth but it’s appealing.

[@catherinedegroot-hedlin6443]

Thanks for the video. You didn't mention the medium you use for the color thumbnail sketches - marker pens? gouache? crayons? the colors look so rich, similar to the colors you use in the paintings.

[@paintcoach]

Oil paint

[@meggsmuss]

@@paintcoach are you doing something different to speed up drying? I wouldn’t think you would let it dry for a few days before you can skip to the next page.

[@azric33]

Clicked to say I preferred the left painting over the right on the thumbnail. It's all about preference.

[@ScilexGuitar]

Needed this right now. I kinda stopped enjoying it and only focused on pushing myself, even tho I know its all just fun problem solving. I'm enjoying hard puzzle games, so why not enjoy art aswell even if its difficult? :)

[@andfoundout]

Please make a tutorial of how you painted the water, it's gorgeous Watch 7:56 at .25 speed! absolutely cackling

[@charlenesart2207]

This is awesome. I'm just now realising that good paintings don't necessarily mean copying from reality. Do you mind me asking how you film your set up when you go outside to paint? I imagine it must be a heavy bulky process. And carrying wet oil paintings back sounds tricky too. I'm really liking the small toned sketchbook as well. Do you paint in that with gouache? Thank you for your content!

[@diogeneslantern18]

I can't help but giggle thinking that you're on site getting so frustrated with the painting and them people coming up and inspecting the painting and thinking "this guy sucks" 🤭

[@IsisRoseStudio]

Hello there!!! Obsessed with your videos! I have one big question that’s been bugging me when getting into oils. How do you manage to not use a million different brushes on a painting without being too time consuming/ muddying up the painting ? Thank you!!!

[@chinchilling92]

Hi, is there anything you can spray to help oil dry faster? I saw one called Krylon quick dry, but it says they don't make it anymore. Is there anything similar to that? I saw the solvent gel, but is there some kind of spray?

[@DannySabraArt]

There’s no spray that I’m aware of but your best bet would be to use an alkyd medium and mix that into your paint as you go. Something like Liquin or galkyd. If you want something solvent free you could use oleogel or gamblin’s solvent free gel. Hope that helps!

[@chinchilling92]

@@DannySabraArt Thank you

[@DannySabraArt]

@@chinchilling92 no problem!

[@MillionforChristWorldMinistry]

What Area of Florida are you from?

[@bradad2026]

Most of my paintings don't feel like paintings - they feel like reworkings and tweakings and problem solving but I'm stubborn and never give up.

[@magdalenechristie6453]

Funny, i love the incorrecy one better

[@ScottHebertArt]

Chris: "The other people are people wondering 'why does that guy have a box?' 'why is his backpack so big?' 'what's with the camera?'" Other people: "Why is that guy talking to himself?"

[@JCarrera_ll]

🤯👏

[@DonMayfield]

Way different than a Bob Ross show.

[@petalparker5]

The original works fine as a sketch. Tom Thomson’s location sketches were pretty … um …sketchy😀