Yellow : Lesson in Painting

Hello Everyone,
+This is a fairly quick, sketch-based watercolor painting recorded in real-time. In this video, I cover intention, interpretation, formatting, composition, values, drawing, perspectives, etc. But primarily I discuss structuring a work around a single dominant color. This is a very unusual approach for me and I wanted to investigate it.
+The scene is looking south on First Avenue here in New York City - with a bit of a York Avenue view included to be able to include a glimpse of the 59th Street Bridge..
Thanks for watching!
Tom
+This painting was done on Baohong Watercolor Paper - rough surface - 300gsm :
+15x12 inches
+Pigments by Daniel Smith
+Brushes by Escoda and Neef
+Palette by House of Hoffman
+Sketch pencils by Blackwing and Faber-Castell
+Sketchbook by Stillman + Birn
Thomas W Schaller AWS NWS TWSA ASAI AIA
www.thomaswschaller.com
thomaswschaller
twschaller
thomaswschaller
Thomas W Schaller - Artist, Architect, Author
New York City - 2024

[@billschaefer9703]

Thank you! You are an amazing artist, but you are also building a wonderful legacy of inspiration and education for artists like myself and people who enjoy watercolors. I truly appreciate the thought and patience that goes into your videos. I know you've shared the basic techniques hundreds of times, but you are patient and thorough each time. What is priceless to me is how you express your thoughts about your painting process and inspiration as you paint. It has definitely made me a better artist!

[@thomaswschaller]

Thank you so much Bill - great to hear

[@albgrafic]

Fabulous. Never stop posting. Thank you

[@thomaswschaller]

Thank you!

[@paulw9684]

Imagine if Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Turner and Van Gogh had had technology in their eras that would have allowed them to explain what they were doing and why in relation to their great works. They didn't, and we are left to guess. How lucky are we to have Thomas Schaller and KZbin to enable him to explain the intricacies of composition, contrast, colour and tone, LIVE as we watch him execute his beautifully constructed paintings. It is a privilege and demanding of our gratitude and thanks.

[@thomaswschaller]

Even in more modern times, I always felt what was lacking in my education from some astounding modern masters was that no one ever tried to explain "why" - Why this subject - not that - Why this paper - not another - Why paint at all rather than do something else. Etc Etc. So I always try to let my students know what I'm feeling and thinking. Am I always right? No. Am I worthy to be grouped with those great masters? I don't think so. But what I have to offer is a light leading to a path - We all have to teach ourselves, but if I can help a little, I'd like to. Thank you so much for the comment.

[@paulw9684]

In my opinion, you are worthy to be grouped with the great, both as an artist and also as an educator. Never let the light go out, or we're all back in the dark! Thank you.@@thomaswschaller

[@pedinurse1]

He is the master of water color painting. Would love to take his class. I would probably cry with joy.

[@thomaswschaller]

@@pedinurse1 i hope you can !

[@yuramazing]

A full session from the Master?! AMAZING!!! I’ll do a paint along for sure!

[@darinl9405]

I am so grateful that you show us your great creativity and sharing so many information. With you Thomas I began to understand, in a different way, the entire process of creating a work of art and what artistic freedom means.

[@thomaswschaller]

Thank you so much!

[@dianerose4469]

Tom, you are such a gift! I love watching you paint. It teaches me so much and especially because you explain everything you are doing and why. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! You are so appreciated and BTW, the painting is beautiful!!!

[@thomaswschaller]

Thanks so much Diane

[@rhondahunt9888]

Love that you used only part of the reference photos and kept/lost what you wanted. Love the change of colors to complimentary yellow and purple. Love the light placement. Love faint bridge etc. Would love it if you backed camera up to see your painting and reference together and not only partials. Other than that, am thrilled to see your methodology! Thanks for helping your audience grow in skill.

[@thomaswschaller]

Thanks so much Rhonda

[@bonniecullom1007]

Thank you, Thomas, I am always looking for, and forward to, any and all instructional painting videos from you. I always learn so much from you. I do have to say, you are one of my most favorite artists out there 👍😊💜🎨

[@thomaswschaller]

Very grateful. Thank you

[@myrrhinegrossi2744]

Thank you. Wonderful tutorial. I paint with more confidence and stopped muddy colors, keeping transparency and light thanks with your videos. Thousands thanks

[@pedinurse1]

OMG your drawing is so detailed,

[@user-qh2nk6of6v]

Love it! Thank you!

[@maridutoit5226]

Thank you so much for these videos. I have purchased your book, but these live teachings enhances some of the techniques and your insights in your book. You are very generous by sharing your valuable knowledge. Also, being a South African, the rand dollar excange rate makes it very challenging to obtain teachings from masters like you. So, again, a BIG thank you!

[@thomaswschaller]

so glad to hear it! thank you

[@user-lf2hn8dd2m]

I love the effects of the dry brushing, great. Liz

[@thomaswschaller]

thanks Liz

[@MissKats13]

This is a very powerful painting, it will be between my favourites. I am so glad you recorded the painting process and all the priceless explanations. I am always looking forward to your videos and it is very good that they are real time because I try to also paint along and it is so much fun learning with you.

[@thomaswschaller]

Thanks so much

[@user-zv4ic2mu1q]

Thank you so much Thomas for sharing these videos to watch you in action but also the commentary as it opens my eyes to things I hadn’t thought of or how to think differently. You have inspired me in my painting journey.

[@thomaswschaller]

That's fantastic to hear! Thanks so much!

[@portosang3238]

Love your style.

[@juliemccormack8389]

Thank you, such an inspirational video 👏🎨

[@thomaswschaller]

thanks julie

[@viviennewilliams7510]

Thank you once again! Actually ,almost as important as your planning, composition and actual painting ….Is your use of language and vocabulary! It is always fascinating to listen to you, as you go through your thoughts during the planning and execution of the painting . One could almost close one’s eyes ..and still gain a lot from your videos! It is good that you are posting such helpful videos now ,so thank you

[@thomaswschaller]

Thanks so much Vivienne - very kind of you

[@jcline147]

Thank you For doing this. I saw this this morning on Instagram and immediately was drawn to it the cool grays and the warm oranges really popped. It drew my eye into several aspects of the painting that I won’t dwell on here, but I love the color combination very much.

[@thomaswschaller]

Thanks so much

[@leilaluginbill916]

Watching you paint is a wonderful way to relax on this rainy spring day…😍

[@thomaswschaller]

Thank you

[@subhankarmukherjee9855]

You are a damn good teacher Tom! I presume you hold Back no secret!!

[@thomaswschaller]

thanks so much. no secrets - i'll tell you everything i've learned

[@holly_kay5570]

Wonderful lessons for me in this!!! I just discovered your channel and I'm glad I did.

[@thomaswschaller]

Thank you!

[@TheKtpremi]

Absolutely lovely, wonderful to see it evolve. Your brush strokes are magical, planning is incredible.

[@thomaswschaller]

Thanks

[@DheerajKattula]

Thank you Mr Thomas.❤ Your videos show how much thought and work goes behind your paintings. Thank you so much to show your process

[@thomaswschaller]

Thank you Dheeraj

[@3DCGdesign]

What a treasure. Thank you for posting this! Inspiring.

[@thomaswschaller]

Thanks

[@user-ux5wc6cf1u]

Thank you ❣

[@DanBuell]

Thank you so much for posting these videos, Thomas! It is hard to find incredibly successful, high-quality watercolor artists who post informative videos relating to the artistic process on KZbin. You, sir, as everyone obviously knows are a master of the craft and such an inspiration.

[@thomaswschaller]

Many thanks Dan!

[@Cheri-nf2ez]

So generous. Thank you.

[@ramr2416]

Wonderful work. Thank ypu for sharing your art

[@litylu]

This might sound silly but I thought your pre composition sketch was gorgeous! I would have loved to see how you painted that. Otherwise, great demo! I appreciate all the detail and reasoning you include on what you’re doing and why.

[@thomaswschaller]

Thanks - but I'm a bit confused. I did paint it - In my sketchbook and talked about it here in this video

[@suel4269]

I’m learning a lot from you even tho I don’t paint city scenes.

[@thomaswschaller]

Great to hear! I think the same basic principles hold no matter what you paint. I have some landscape demos here - and will be adding still life and figure work in time

[@suel4269]

@@thomaswschallerthe honking taxis and sirens add to the atmosphere of your painting. I paint mostly landscapes and animals.

[@morgenmachen2400]

The confidence of those brush marks.. it's hypnotic.

[@thomaswschaller]

Thank you !

[@martynwatkinson3210]

wonderful, thankyou🙂🙂🙂

[@patirving705]

Thank you so much, Thomas. I am learning so much and enjoying every second of it. Can you comment on a problem I am having? If you have a large building shape that is in the light, how do you make it seem like it has mass/form. Example: a light colored house in the sun. The house should have "weight" in the painting but if it's too light the form doesn't seem substantial. Am a making any sense LOL

[@thomaswschaller]

Thanks Pat - And I know that problem well. Often if you give just an edge of the shape some weight ( for example the skyline of a building as it intersects the sky) it can be graded out quickly - keeping the shape quite light overall , but providing sufficient presence for it to make sense

[@patirving705]

@@thomaswschaller thank you so much :) I have been studying what you do with your buildings to give them "weight" in the sun. I loved how you threw a shadow on one!!! You are so generous with sharing how you approach your painting. Truly appreciated!

[@luisadiazchamorro]

Thank you for this video very useful 😊

[@ganarseunacre]

Thanks so much!

[@thomaswschaller]

Thanks

[@jamessaretta8278]

I get so much out of every little thing I see you do. THank you for sharing.

[@thomaswschaller]

Thanks James!

[@adriennesaracen6525]

So wonderful to have another post from you. Always inspiring and informative. Just what I was considering painting next. Usually, I only paint rural scenes, so have been nervous about beginning an urban project. Thanks so much for your generosity in sharing your talent.

[@thomaswschaller]

thanks so much ! if you just concentrate on shapes , design, and light - there's nothing you can't paint

[@adriennesaracen6525]

@@thomaswschaller Thanks so much for the encouragement.

[@mehmetsbirlik4112]

So much informations! Thanks for your generosity! I always ❤ your humble personality and your exelantcy!! You're simply inspirational! I feel lucky to witnessing your greatness!!! Thank you!

[@thomaswschaller]

you are very kind to say so, thank you

[@rosine2]

Très intéressant. Merci beaucoup

[@andreandi24]

Thank you for your time and help, I've learned a lot from this demonstration. As a beginner it means a lot for me. Greetings from Hungary! Happy Easter! 🥰🐥🎨🌷

[@thomaswschaller]

Thanks so much!

[@renahuseynova8109]

So informative lesson full of detailed explanations, thank you very much, Master🙏

[@thomaswschaller]

Thanks so much!

[@marion6223]

Thank you for the great tutorial! For letting us take part... absolut fabulous artwork❤

[@thomaswschaller]

thanks!

[@Richard-ou6uw]

Thanks for taking the time to post your work, really enjoyed watching your process of creating the different tones 👍👍🥃

[@thomaswschaller]

thanks so much

[@rosinelenoane779]

Imperial show ( in purple and yellow ) ! Thank you so much Thomas :)

[@AdamSingle]

Amazing insight into your process. Thank you Thomas

[@thomaswschaller]

Thanks so much

[@heronalvarez3600]

Gracias Maestro!

[@suneetakulkarni7616]

Masterful and beautiful, what made you drop the zebra lines...i liked their recession in the photo..probably too mechanical!

[@thomaswschaller]

I liked them too and they are there - though only faintly. As the sketch progressed, they began to look like an overly busy and unnecessary element so I didn't emphasize them. In a larger, more formal view, I think they might feel more at home

[@jobod01]

Bravo Thomas Tack så mycket Hälsningar från Sverige

[@StephenMarkTurner]

Just subscribed. I had missed the fact that you had your own channel, although I have seen you demo on other channels such as with Eric Rhoads. I'm a bit puzzled as to why KZbin didn't suggest it before (in contrast to some of the dreck it does suggest :-) ).

[@thomaswschaller]

Thanks Stephen ! Well who knows? KZbin is a bit new to me. I've had the channel a while, but only just recently have I begun to utilize it

[@carolynrobinson9502]

I love love your paintings and teaching style. May I ask, I understand the idea of the heads of figures being along the horizontal line, but I can’t decide how tall to make them when some are further away, and some are closer to the front. What is the perspective rule for the feet location? My last figure that was closer to the front looked like a giant☺️ Thanks!

[@thomaswschaller]

Thank you Carolyn - There are not precise rules that I can explain in words easily for what you ask. But obviously, as people recede into space, they appear smaller and their feet appear to reach the floor sooner. See my video on the Metropolitan Museum here on KZbin. And I plan on filming a perspective lesson video that may help

[@carolynrobinson9502]

Thank you I will look at that today. I knew you would’ve covered it somewhere.

[@pronto1122]

Is this really Thomas's channel?

[@thomaswschaller]

Yes - Why?

[@pronto1122]

@@thomaswschaller There should be millions of subscribers here. Thank you for sharing your process!

[@thomaswschaller]

@@pronto1122 Thank you. I only just started loading content

[@swapnamuk]

Thank you ❤

[@thomaswschaller]

You are welcome