What to Know When Starting Watercolour (2020)

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In this video I paint a landscape of early morning light Dolls Point, Sydney, Australia. It is helpful to know when starting out in watercolour and painting on a large scale how to go about doing this. I start with a wash so raw sienna then dry then I wet the whole page with a wide hake brush then bring in the sky (mix of light red and cobalt blue) and retain the white of the page for the bright area shining through the clouds.
If you have any questions feel free to ask me. Sorry about my head getting in the way a couple of times.
When you are starting to paint in watercolour you might want to paint on a smaller scale but it is still good to paint with strong pigment and a big brush that way you will be painting big picture rather than getting bogged down by too much detail. It helps if you are referring to a photo which I was, to squint when looking at it as this helps you to just see the dark darks and light lights and paint accordingly.
Enjoy! :)
Previous videos on:
Paper: • Watercolor Paper Expla...
Paints: • Watercolour Paints - C...
Brushes: • Watercolor Brushes - T...
Paints in 7 Minutes: • Watercolor Paints in 7...
Paints
Winsor and Newton Artist Quality Tubes:
Cobalt Blue amazon: geni.us/Winsor...
Yellow Ochre amazon: geni.us/Yellow...
Light Red amazon: geni.us/LightR...
Winsor and Newton Cotman Tubes (student quality):
Cobalt Blue amazon: geni.us/cotman...
Light Red amazon: geni.us/cotman...
Yellow Ochre amazon: geni.us/cotman...
Tape
3M Scotch Magic Tape amazon: geni.us/Scotch...
3M Scotch Removable Tape amazon: geni.us/Scotch...
Brushes
Round Sable - Size 12 round kolinsky sable from amazon: geni.us/SAAKol...
Imitation sable - amazon: geni.us/Escoda...
Holbein Hake Brushes: geni.us/Holbei...
Equivalent Hake Brushe 2” amazon: geni.us/Winsor...
Nylon Flat Brush amazon: geni.us/NylonF...
Travel Brush set with covers amazon: geni.us/travel...
Mixing Brushes and other effect brushes amazon: geni.us/HogBri...
If you just want two hogs bristle brushes then the best thing to do is to head to your local art supplies store and buy them there.
Watercolour Paper
Arches 300gsm medium cold pressed pad amazon: geni.us/ArchesPad
Arches 300gsm medium cold pressed block which is glued on the outside so you don’t have to stick it down on a board amazon: geni.us/Arches...
Rives BFK etching paper. Probably best to source this from your local store so you can look after the paper and not have it posted unless you are buying a large amount of paper and it will be looked after. There is nothing worse than getting hundreds of sheets all with a indent in them. Having said that you can actually source this paper from amazon:
geni.us/RivesBFK
Some people have been extremely happy with the state of the paper when it arrived (and some not!)
I love this paper it is soft and lights are lifted easily from it.
Equipment Used to Film Each Episode
Camera - Canon 6d mark II with 24-105 lens amazon: geni.us/Canon6...
Iphone 11: geni.us/iphone...
Rode Video Mic Pro amazon: geni.us/RodeVi...
I also use: Rode Wireless Go Mic: geni.us/rodewi...
Aputure LED Lights from amazon: geni.us/apurtu...
Aputure LED Lights with stand from amazon: geni.us/aputur...
Mac Book Pro for editing: www.apple.com/
Friction arms
Manfrotto friction arm short one amazon: geni.us/Manfro...
Manfrotto magic arm longer one so my camera can be closer to the page from my overhead rig amazon: geni.us/manfro...
Neewer Friction arms cheaper than manfrotto and good for lighter things like lights from amazon: geni.us/neewer...
Hard Drive for storage WD 4TB amazon: geni.us/WDHard...
Hard Drive for projects Samsung T5 500GB SSD amazon: geni.us/Samsun...
Manfrotto Tripod and Video Head amazon: geni.us/Manfro...
Photo Editing - Affinity Photo: geni.us/Affini...
I use this for any photo editing that I might need to do such as stitching multiple scanned images of my original artwork together. It is a one off expense ($70 at time of writing this) rather than the monthly fee you have to pay with photoshop.

[@christineanderson4755]

Your work has the rare and raw quality of discovery. Every time I watch you paint there are times in the process that I almost hold my breath curious to see what what happens next. It is great that you let us in to your process. Thanks.

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Christine! You are always welcome! If only every artist on the planet filmed and shared their process wouldn't that be amazing! Rothko before he died! Geoffrey Dyer - I would give anything to have seen him paint before he passed away! Happy painting!

[@lovemydog6634]

Where have you been all my life...I started watercolor five years ago...it wasn’t until I let go and allowed the water to be in control that I saw beauty in what was happening...perfect...I’ll be back❤️

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi love my dog! Glad you liked the video! I agree letting the medium display its character is the way I love to paint! See you in the next video you watch! 👍👍

[@wookieeshideout1216]

This is beautiful, Scott. You have inspired me to pick up my brushes and paint again! Thank you.

[@markdonovan1540]

There were so many stages there that I would have stopped and said it was a beautiful painting. But your vision and creative ability see beyond each stage, looking for a bit more light, a bit more contrast, a touch more texture and developing the focal point. It's like watching a Samuri sword maker keep doubling the steel to refine more a more the crafted form. It seems to me that the real beauty and transcendental nature of art is the process itself. The end product, no matter how wonderful, is just a part of a process that started with a blank piece of paper. Then you as an artist are able to pour your feelings into the flow of paint and water and dance of the brush across the paper. Your artistic eye assessing and readdressing each stage, your heart and soul speaks out through your art and that is truly the sense of wonder I get from watching your demonstrations. I try to paint this way sometimes, although I'm still experimenting a lot and working on technique to express myself more consistently. With only 3 years painting experience and no artistic background, the journey is slow and bumpy. However, it is always fun and enjoyable and it's made a huge difference to my life having discovered watercolour painting as a hobby. I'm often recommending your videos to others on KZbin and to people who I know that paint. Your style and method is really something quite special. There are many abstract landscape artists, but your approach has something unique I think - it has an innocence and wonder about it, almost like how a child might imagine the world before education and adulthood teaches them to define and categorise everything. You break free of that bond and create something beyond those confines. Your frame of reference is the landscape, but it's a landscape of the unfettered mind. Yes, you could say I'm a massive fan of your work, long may you run Scott Swinson.

[@ScottSwinson]

Beautiful words Mark! Thank you! It keeps me recording these videos knowing that it helps others to be inspired and to paint and potentially see the world around them with new eyes! I have missed the last two weeks due to a house issue. But I’ll be back very soon! Thanks again for the lovely words. I really appreciate them! 🙏

[@margaritasilva708]

So pure calming refreshing … sunrise 🌅

[@ScottSwinson]

Still one of my favorite paintings! Thanks!

[@deniselensgraf-landers8023]

I am so glad to see a left-handed painter! It has been challenging to follow watercolor artists when they make a swipe but my swipe wants to go the other way! LOL You do an beautiful job and I look forward to trying to learn your technique. I keep going detail when I really want loose... maybe you are the secret. It really is a joy to watch and I'm sure when I get some time to try, I'm going to be happy! How can I not following your lead! thank you and lefties think right! :) :)

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Fellow leftie! Glad you like the videos! I have had the thought occasionally that it might be hard for the right handers to copy me?! but I learnt from a right handed man (Tony Smibert) and it was all good! Good luck having a go painting this! Let me know how you get on! Cheers Scott

[@maria-giulianalatini1724]

I really love it when you kind of narrate what it is you're doing, as I'm such a beginner, but i just love your work and style.

[@wolfdances]

Scott, This is my favorite. I will paint it and share with the group. Thanks for sharing your love for watercolors with us.

[@maxalvarado8951]

May I advice or suggest: When setting up the video camera and the proper focus is attained, turn off the auto focus function to maintain clarity thru out the tutorial. This will prevent the lens from re-focusing when an object crosses its view. Hope this helps.

[@elizabeththurlow5993]

Incredibly beautiful. I love everything about your paintings they are so atmospheric.

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks Elizabeth! You obviously haven't seen my many failures!!! I do love this painting though it just seemed to paint itself and I have not been able to paint a sky like that since!

[@xandecriskim]

Just amazing! Love how you left the first brush strokes of the clouds on first wash. Really great!

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks Alexandre! This painting just worked! Some don’t! 👍👍

[@karolfrench5816]

BRILLIANT AS ALWAYS

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks Karol! 🙏

[@lindaw9329]

Love how calming it is to watch your process.

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks Linda. You’re watching a few videos! This painting just worked! 👍

[@MiraTulic]

Maestralno...❤ Hvala na ovome daru...

[@maxalvarado8951]

I'm 60 and just learning watercolor. Very poor in drawing but love the colors so I decided abstract is the way to go. I find your style some what sort of soothing. Hope it isn't easier viewed than done by me. Thanks !

[@emmasweaney204]

I think I'm a little bit in love with you!! Your chaos creating beauty is awe inspiring ❤

[@politerabbit3100]

I just found you today-----Love watching your processes. I'm excited to get back to my art room after watching your videos.....and for that I am grateful.

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi KW! It is all about following your fun and excitement! That is what keeps me coming back for more! Good luck getting back into it! Be kind to yourself no matter the outcome!

[@Gerald-HampshireUK]

You're one talented watercolourist Mr Swinson... Gerald UK

[@etoileblue]

The squinting trick is really helpful. It was mentioned in a book i read long time ago " The girl with the pearl earrings". But it s the first time i ve come across an artist mentioning in tutorials :) i love your paintaings ❤

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Sweta, yes it’s a good technique to get rid of detail and see lights and darks! Thanks for watching and commenting about that! 👍🙏

[@oorshoo]

I am completely amazed 😲 Absolutely beautiful.

[@ScottSwinson]

It was a lovely painting that I have struggled to reproduce again! Thank you! 🙏

[@termite7790]

Wow; Really turned out good.

[@imanicegirl1501]

Love your videos... this is simply beautiful. Thank you for sharing your gift.

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Imanice! I do love this painting! I have not been able to paint it again in quite the same way! You are always welcome! Art is best shared! Cheers Scott

[@eleniphotos]

Just loooove to watch you paint! Thanks for sharing!

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Helene! No worries! I’m about to paint a painting like that one you watched but 2.5m long! Wish me luck! 👍🙏

[@Mj-yf1qx]

Superbe…magnifique une réalisation qui nous plonge dans un paysage sublime et apaisant 💖

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks Mj! That is very kind of you! Very nice use of words!

[@EmilyMitchell-vr2lv]

I loved watching this process and I love the colors. I am wondering what the white surface on your that you are mixing the paints on the table is. Seems very handy.

[@beckyhofer4328]

Scott, I just found you. I tend to paint no larger than 11x14 and find I get bogged down with details. You've inspired me to paint larger, with larger brushes and big tubs of paint. Brilliant work. Thank you and I cannot wait for more!

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Becky! It is a lot of fun painting freely with a large brush and strong pigment! Good luck! Let me know how you go! Thanks for tuning in! 👍🙏

[@look4light]

Nice landscape Scott. Like the simplicity of the large brush strokes. Look forward to seeing more.👍

[@ScottSwinson]

thanks John. I think you wrote this twice but thanks for the feedback. More to come.... cheers scott

[@mariajesusfernandezcastano8582]

Just beautiful...!

[@ScottSwinson]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jonathanmann5227]

Excellent work. I would love to know what masking tape you use. Thanks.

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Jonathan! Thanks! I use 3M magic tape for most things! You just have to be careful taking it off! 👍👍

[@goelnarendragoel1057]

amazing experience to watch.

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Goel! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@connieostroha8423]

Love it ! P.S. Couldn’t wait until March. Joined your Patreon today! 😊💕

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks! Yes thank you for joining! Let me know if you have any questions. The best place to start is with the first Patreon video. Then potentially the mark making video. 👍🙏

[@neurojitsu]

Amazing, learned so much in one video!

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks Neuro! Glad you learnt a lot! 👍

[@madpug01]

Beautiful landscape! Thanks for sharing!

[@ScottSwinson]

Marisa Calvo hi Marisa, no worries. If you have any questions or would like me to paint something in particular let me know. 🙏

[@nedaustin5690]

At 7:34 I might have stopped - just a thought. Enjoy your videos. Thanks.

[@ScottSwinson]

I know! This happens to me every time I edit the video! I think why didn't you do this scott and Stop! but for some reason when I'm painting I am seeing things in a different way to when I am seeing it on the screen. Not necessarily worse, just different. That is what makes art so interesting. The decisions of what you do on the page are infinite and when to stop is an unknown. And as you know with watercolour once you have gone further ahead you can't go back to where you were! Happy painting Ned!

[@dorisschmeichel2949]

What a beautiful piece!

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks Doris! 🙏

[@angmacleod]

Scott, I noticed you were using tweezers to pick out loose hairs on your paintings from your hake brushes, another person told me when you get a new one paint the edge of the brush next to the wood with a clear varnish to seal the hairs. It takes a few goes and let it dry in between. Maybe that helps.

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Angela! That is probably a very good idea! I eventually got a new one and it does not drop a single hair! I should not have held on so tightly to my old favourite! lol

[@lauriecrosby2906]

what does that mean? this is watercolor

[@angmacleod]

@@lauriecrosby2906 Laurie, I was talking about his hake brush, by putting varnish at the edge where the hairs meet the wood of the handle. Hope that helps to clear up the understanding of my comment.

[@erieri69]

Poesia pura...grazie di cuore per condividere un pezzetto del tuo mondo interno ❤️....lo sento molto vicino. Quello che ne esce è uno spettacolo! Spero di imparare...a presto☺️

[@ScottSwinson]

Thank you! I’m glad you like the paintings! It was hard initially to share my process but now I really enjoy experimenting with you all. Thanks for watching! 👍🙏

[@erieri69]

Scott Swinson 😘

[@carolebarton776]

I am not familiar with either of those papers. I live in the US and the papers people seem to use most here, if they want fine wc paper, is Arches or Fabriano Artistico. But I will have to look into Somerset. Thanks.

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Carole, Rives BFK is actually made by arches so you should be able to get hold of some! Have a look online but I think you will be able to get some! I’m always jealous of the art supplies you can get states! Much cheaper than oz! Let me know how you get on! 👍🙏

[@mauradavies8413]

Absolutely beautiful

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks Maura! One of my best paintings! 👍👍🙏

[@celestesource9460]

Gorgeous, thank you very much for sharing and explication 🕊 💕 I love your style...

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks Celeste! Glad you like them.let me know if you want anything in particular. Cheers Scott

[@celestesource9460]

Scott Swinson, Dear Scott, would you please once paint galaxy 🌌, thank you very much 🕊 😇 💕

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Celeste, no worries. Will paint in the next few videos. Cheers Scott 👍🙏

[@lauriecrosby2906]

Really beautiful painting seemingly out of no where but clearly you have a bit of a plan based on the photo. I'm curious why you chose blues at the start when the picture looked more in the violet range?

[@rajpereira7280]

Nice touch.

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks! 👍👍🙏

[@garmallinson2351]

Lovely!

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks Gar! Still one of my favourite paintings! Cheers Scott

[@luannrichardson1436]

Beautiful 😍

[@junemackenzie4205]

Once again a great demonstration Scott, just the two colours? What did you use to recover the white on horizon? Really enjoy your videos, thank you.

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks June, yes two colours. Raw sienna at the beginning then the mix of cobalt blue and light red for the rest of the painting. Then to recover the white I used a Stanley knife razor blade and the metal ruler. Glad you enjoyed it. 🙏

[@hazelsmith9198]

If I could paint even a reasonable facsimile of this watercolor, i could die happy.

[@ScottSwinson]

I am sure you will be able to Hazel! It is one of my favourite paintings and has inspired quite a few others as well! Including some of the massive watercolours I do for people! 200cm x 100cm. The secret to this painting is the minimal amount of brush strokes in the sky and the difference in tones in the sky. That is the hardest part. All the other bits after that are pretty easy to do!

[@liaknijnik1330]

Captivating!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks Lia! 👍🙏😄

[@holly_kay5570]

I love your work! Have you tried rice tape? It might work better.

[@ОлександрПолянський-ц4е]

Incredible. I love it.

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks Oleksandr! Glad you like it. Any questions let me know! 👍

[@leeojascastro711]

V v cool, loved watching! What were you using to scrape the paint off?

[@ScottSwinson]

I use a flat nylon to lift out a light snd often use a razor with a metal ruler to scrape the paper back to white. 👍👍

[@rbrunet4755]

So beautiful.

[@ScottSwinson]

Thank you! 🙏

[@monopinion8799]

Exercise Scott. Exquisite !

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks Sylvie!

[@ann-marielofberg1159]

Fantastic

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks! 🙏

[@maxalvarado8951]

Newbie here. I wonder why the yellow didn't turn green when overlaid with blue?

[@l1u1c1k]

First thing to learn when you’re doing a video the focal point would change if you keep getting your head in the way

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks Michael! Very helpful input mate!

[@DaniellaMakingLearningArt]

This is stunning...absolutely beautiful.

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks Daniella! 🙏

[@francinetjones1814]

Is the etching paper 100% cotton. What is the difference from watercolor paper to etching paper! Thank you

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Francine. Yes the Rives BFK etching paper is 100% cotton paper. I am sure arches could answer this question with lots of detail. My experience is that the etching paper is softer, creates really soft, lovely wet in wet washes. It does not stand up to lots of hard work with a brush as it has less sizing in it compared to normal watercolour paper. I has slightly less tooth to it than medium, cold pressed arches paper. Hope this helps! 👍🙏

[@debee254]

@@ScottSwinson is it similar to Fabriano soft press paper? That is my new favorite, right now anyways. Lol

[@ScottSwinson]

@@debee254 hi Debbie, I have used that paper before but it was a long time ago and it think it is similar to rives bfk etching paper. Nice and soft. Good to have a favourite! 👍

[@debee254]

@@ScottSwinson it’s expensive but wow it’s nice!!! I love it! It is so soft but so far it’s been surprisingly really durable. I did wait until I found it on sale.

[@ScottSwinson]

@@debee254 amazing! Paper can be so tactile and so individual! 👍

[@deehess1652]

Love your painting. Are you using scoth tape?

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Dee! Thanks! Yes I use 3M removable tape on the horizon because the paper is soft! 👍👍

[@carolebarton776]

Is etching paper the same as printmaking paper, like for lithography?

[@ScottSwinson]

Yes, etching paper is printmaking paper. You don’t have to use that specific paper. Somerset also does quite a soft watercolour paper. In some ways the Rives BFK paper is slightly harder to use as it has less sizing so can turn into blotting paper and a mess wet in wet if you are not careful. Let me know what you find and how it goes! 👍🙏

[@6862211]

Beautiful!

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks! 🙏

[@Hughejazshole]

Very nice😮

[@marinagambarelli7649]

Bellissimo! Bravo bravo bravo

[@ScottSwinson]

Marina Gambarelli hi Marina! Grazie Mille! 🙏

[@swimmomsue]

Thanks!

[@andrewfrost8866]

Awesome!

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks Andrew! 👍

[@redmoon8217]

I paint watercolour, loose and free and have just found your videos. Absolutely love your painting. Felt like I learned loads, is that a craft knife you used. I think you could easily build your subscription up, if you upload more regularly. I would live to see normal speed with some talking through over the video. Stuff like that. Wish you ever luck with your future. Very talented.

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi red moon. Thanks for the feedback. When I was scratching back the horizon I used a metal ruler and a razor blade from a Stanley knife. I’ll do a few more videos talking at normal speed. There are a few of my other videos that are like that if you have a look. Cheers Scott.

[@kasiapruba9546]

Wow 😍

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks Kasia! Glad you like it! Thanks for watching! 🙏

[@yogizum]

Beautiful, thanks.

[@ScottSwinson]

You’re welcome holly!! 🙏

[@hannah12266]

Hi Scott I was in the process of in rolling in your Instagram advertised watercolour classes or workshops which was advertised at $19.97.however when I got to the PayPal pay off it was 57 or $54 I think. Allowing for theUS dollar rate it still doesn’t explain the difference so disappointed I flunked out. If you can help me to get a grip on this I would be grateful thank you

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Hannah! That does not make sense. The max it should have been is $30 with the currency exchange rate. Did you get any extra courses? I’m sorry about that. I don’t handle that end of the process. The best thing is to contact the customer support team. Cheers scott

[@TerryCorner100]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@carolebarton776]

May I ask what kind of paper you used for this demo? It is so dramatic and beautiful!

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Carole, I used Rives BFK etching paper. White. 280gsm I buy 50 full sheets at a time from Melbourne etching supplies. That painting was painted on half a full sheet. Let me know if you have any other questions.👍🙏 thanks for watching!

[@KevinFlynn-x4p]

I admire your talent and skill. I also apreciate your videos but the title of this one is somewhat misleading. I'm still guessing what it is I need to know when starting whatercolour. Without narration or even text, basically we're just watching you paint.

[@watercolorhomie146]

Com piece... But you titled this vid.. What to know and them said nothing lol or no captions. Great work though

[@ScottSwinson]

Hi Marco, yes I know! I was experimenting with the title. I have lots of other videos you can look at though to help you if you are starting out in watercolour. The next video I do with this title will be in real time with advice and help along the way. Glad you like the painting! 👍

[@alzenirsimonsen7796]

I don’t understand why you use a blade and scratch the paper

[@monopinion8799]

Exellent correction not exercice. Sorry!

[@ScottSwinson]

all good! thanks for watching Sylvie! all the best scott.

[@corannebloem5792]

Ww

[@ScottSwinson]

ww........

[@l1u1c1k]

And watching you take that tape off was painful

[@ScottSwinson]

for you or me?

[@marianneemig2907]

I love your work. However your voice is soft and comes across as mumbling. Your music over shadows your voice. Therefore I have stopped watching.

[@zdzisawauzak7754]

[@look4light]

Nice landscape Scott. Like the simplicity of the large brush strokes. Look forward to seeing more.👍

[@ScottSwinson]

Thanks John, glad you like it. I’ll be posting some more soon!