This was a great help! I was thinking about whether or not to buy a spatter screen, but I think I like the various brushes best. Love your videos and your beautiful art work. Thanks!
Thank you! Thank you! I loe the way you explain techniques. Also I am constantly amazed by what an incredible painter you are. You are generous with your knowledge, much appreciated!!!!
Another tool to use. For large area spatter is a mouth atomizer, with a small container or jar of paint. You can create almost an airbrush effect. You can also use cut paper as a mask for the spatter if you need to protect a large shape.
thankyou for all these tips like you mention some people got frustrated with watercolour but i kept it up and now ive improved love the crisp look of watercolour. im into landscapes and floral still life.great thanks so much
That's a great tip with the water sprayer! I usually use an old tooth brush. I dip it in the colour, then spray the toothbrush with water and splatter. That works pretty well but I'm going to see what effect I get with a water sprayer! Thanks!
I have not used spattering much when I paint and had not even thought of using one of those spray bottles but I really love the effect you get when spraying the water on paper then using the brush over it. Interesting!
Yes, just located my Van Gogh travel palette after not being able to find it for months and I'm getting ready to have fun. Going to try splattering and some loose landscapes.
Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and insight. There are so many possibilities with manipulating splatter, spray and spritzes. My fav? The good old tooth brush! And when you start mixing colors and random water splatter?? Sooo much fun. Just so appreciate the knowledge you share Steve! Thoughts about the different use of water to achieve interesting effects? Would love to see your take on the subject!
Love your videos! I began painting in watercolor many years ago then went to oils (for the past several years) now am picking watercolors back up again some, and even teaching some beginners. Your videos give me lots of ideas. Really like your comfortable teaching style. Thanks so much! ( =
You are so AWESOME!!! Thank you for all the ideas on splattering. I'm going to have to find myself a sieve for splattering!! What can I say; I am retired (ie lots of time but no money!!) but love to experiment!! Because I do not (know how to) draw, I paint mostly abstract with watercolour. I LOVE it!! Thanks!! j :) :) (from the west coast of Canada)
You can also use that spatterscreen with a toothbrush. Just rub the brush against the screen ans you get a fine spatter or, when used more paint, bigger spatters. You can also vary with the distance from the screen to the paper.
Years ago, my Grade 2 teacher had us use a toothbrush and a small square of window screen, to spatter paint over a shape that we had placed over a piece of colored art paper. Once the paint dried, we lifted the shape and had a wonderful art piece ready to frame. Examples were silhouette-like shapes of: a candle with a flame in a shaped holder, a Christmas tree, a candy cane, and so on. It was very easy to control and gave consistent sized spatters. I love your videos, Steve. Good information. I'm just waiting for my first watercolor supplies to arrive.
Thank you for this very helpful tutorial, creating different types of splatters. I will be putting them all to use. I want to find that handy-dandy me ash too,!
I'm always very excited to see your videos, Mr. Steve! Recently I've been reading more about pigment information and have been wondering, do you use any fugitive watercolors? And do you have an opinion on them?
Amber Pomraning Try *gradually* adding to your main colour small quantities of:- a) Payne's Grey or black b) the colour which is the complementary of your main colour. Try each version, cool and warm, of both the main and complementary colours to see how they come out. I'll emphasise again, add *gradually*! You aren't aiming at a 50-50 mix; the modifying colour will quickly overpower the main, especially if the main colour is the lighter of the two.
I have seen a great painting by Joseph Zbukvic, of a horse race, where he uses big and small spatter to represent the mud flying off the horses' hooves. You almost feel like it is coming right at you.
Hello thanks for your videos they have a lot of knowledge. I have a question for you, what kind of watercolors do you use and what are the name of each of them please? if you don't mind. Thanks.
Iliana Santana I use M. Graham primarily. I also use some Qor (by Golden). The color list is kind of long and I don't have that compiled right now but I'm working on it.
Hi Steve, thanks for the video. So, how long were your fingers blue? :-) There are different sizes of mesh on the spatter screens. It looks like you were using a medium mesh spatter screen. You maybe could have blown in the longer end of the bendy straw with the short side pointing down so your head wouldn't be in the way of the video (just a thought). I just made one from some aluminum window screen as it had a finer mesh and wanted it to give a sand texture (it was just a scrap piece, so essentially free, but you wouldn't want to go buy screen to make one since the spatter screens don't cost much and window screen comes in fairly larger rolls, unless you can get it at a local hardware store by the foot) Also you can look for them at dollar stores as they make them to catch grease splatters from frying pans (of course they are much, much larger, about 10" dia., but dirt cheap!) So, off topic, but have you made any more entries into your Bird or Tree journals? Thanks again for sharing and look forward to your next videos!
KaBluey59 Haha, once I got some soap on them, not long. A spatter screen works pretty well I think. I like the placement precision. I was finally able to apply some spatter and keep my head down. In practice it works best to be looking straight down on the piece (or straight at it). I should have done the video shot with the piece on an easel but didn't think of it at the time. Your straw idea would have worked too. Oh well, hind sight! I did an ink and wash bird as my last journal entry for birds as my last video. Trees have been on hold. Our summer has been hot so I didn't do much plein air. Not to mention being a busy summer with work. I hope to get in some more trees as it cools down.
what type of paper do you usually use? and how wet should the paint be? I tried using a toothbrush for spattering, but the droplets are too big and too pigmented...
+Glenda Ofiana Arches mostly. More water usually means bigger droplets. You can mix the paint as intense or as pale as you want. Just takes a little experimenting.
Good stuff Steve. Enjoyed it as always. I love trying new ways to spatter. After seeing you use those Masters touch brushes from HL, I may pick one up. I was always leery of them nut yours appeared to snap and hold a point pretty well.
Adam Wallen They are pretty good and and a great value, especially since HL runs their MT brushes for 50% off so often. Thanks for watching as always Adam.
Mariusz Kuszaj Yes, I remember. Ink acts just like watercolor really when mixed with water. It just dries permanently with no lift ability. The effects don't differ much.
What if you took a heavy brush loaded with pigments and ran it roughly across the spatter screen? It would spatter none-the-less??? What-cha-think about them apples?
How about loading a two ounce spray bottle from the Dollar store with particular colors to accent your paintings? Cheap Joe and Tom lynch have videos on this technique! Have you ever sprayed color directly onto your paintings??? Welcome from Washington State!
digiphot2 I wouldn't do that unless I needed a lot of it and thats rare. Spatter is normally used sparingly. I would rather just dip into some custom mixed color right from my palette for the occasional need.
digiphot2 Thanks for the share Jim. I've seen the Cheap Joes video (seen pretty much all of his). Multimedia journalers seem to like this technique and that method is used by crafters a lot for stamping and card making. I've tried it but seldom use the method (to answer your original question).
No Problem! I just like sharing! I am investing in Tom Lynch books and videos to learn the process of Fredrix Watercolor canvas. Stand by, I will send you a couple shots of how to stick your paper or canvas to the easel! Neodymium magnets! 400 lbs. of pull with 16 magnets! WOW! Thanks for your friendship!
Great video Steve. Another fun method is to use a mouth atomizer like this www.dickblick.com/products/art-alternatives-mouth-atomizer/ I just mix up the color I want in small plastic dixie cups and spray away. By adjusting the distance and angle between the blow tube and the siphon tube, you can achieve a wide range of spatter, from very fine to very coarse.
One of the most succinct, informative and clear tuts i have seen in a long time. Thank you.
This was a great help! I was thinking about whether or not to buy a spatter screen, but I think I like the various brushes best. Love your videos and your beautiful art work. Thanks!
Excellent way to teach.Thanks Steve
Hi Steve! Really this playlist of yours its ALL GOODIES!!! This is haven for a beginner!!! You are the best watercolor teacher ever!
thanks !!!
Very kind thanks!
Thank you! Thank you! I loe the way you explain techniques. Also I am constantly amazed by what an incredible painter you are. You are generous with your knowledge, much appreciated!!!!
❤ Purrrfect timing! Yesterday I picked up a small tea strainer someone was throwing away and now I know why! 🥰 Thank you!
A tea strainer is a great idea! I have one and will try it.
Thank you for all of your great videos! I have learned so much, for which I am grateful. 😊
Thanks! I appreciate the information especially to practice first!
This was very helpful. I am a beginner watercolor painting so I love this video!
Another tool to use. For large area spatter is a mouth atomizer, with a small container or jar of paint. You can create almost an airbrush effect. You can also use cut paper as a mask for the spatter if you need to protect a large shape.
This is the tutorial I've been waiting for. Thank you so much!
thankyou for all these tips like you mention some people got frustrated with watercolour but i kept it up and now ive improved love the crisp look of watercolour. im into landscapes and floral still life.great thanks so much
+Sylvia Costello you're welcome.
You Really have the best content!
Thanks so much!
Thank you. This demonstration is awesome.
i had a lot of trouble to play around with watercolors before, but after this guide i'm feeling more confident ❤ thx a lot
That's a great tip with the water sprayer! I usually use an old tooth brush. I dip it in the colour, then spray the toothbrush with water and splatter. That works pretty well but I'm going to see what effect I get with a water sprayer! Thanks!
I have not used spattering much when I paint and had not even thought of using one of those spray bottles but I really love the effect you get when spraying the water on paper then using the brush over it. Interesting!
+Susie LaLonde Lots of fun! Definitely try it.
Yes, just located my Van Gogh travel palette after not being able to find it for months and I'm getting ready to have fun. Going to try splattering and some loose landscapes.
awesome tips
Thanks for the video and clear varied instruction :)
Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and insight. There are so many possibilities with manipulating splatter, spray and spritzes. My fav? The good old tooth brush! And when you start mixing colors and random water splatter?? Sooo much fun.
Just so appreciate the knowledge you share Steve! Thoughts about the different use of water to achieve interesting effects? Would love to see your take on the subject!
Marjolein Vanderhoeven Thanks for the comments. Will always be happy to share what I can!
Great video! Adding texture is something that I am just starting to do, so glad to get some tips!
Love your videos! I began painting in watercolor many years ago then went to oils (for the past several years) now am picking watercolors back up again some, and even teaching some beginners. Your videos give me lots of ideas. Really like your comfortable teaching style. Thanks so much! ( =
My pleasure. Thanks for watching!
Great tutorial. Thanks!
Not bad
Superb
Thanks for these tips. I'm working on a painting this afternoon and I'm going to try some spattering!
Cathy Miller Sounds great! Go for it.
You are so AWESOME!!! Thank you for all the ideas on splattering. I'm going to have to find myself a sieve for splattering!! What can I say; I am retired (ie lots of time but no money!!) but love to experiment!! Because I do not (know how to) draw, I paint mostly abstract with watercolour. I LOVE it!! Thanks!! j :) :) (from the west coast of Canada)
I use a toothbrush when doing acrylic painting... pretty cool and reasonably controllable...
didn't know about that spatter screen--interesting concept. Thanks for sharing, useful and funny as always, Steve.
Hajra Meeks Thanks for watching Hajra!
I love your method and will try it for sure .. much thanks
+anneshirley ross You bet! 😀
Thanks for those useful tips.
Nancy Gauthier You bet!
this is very helpful im making a drawing of a girl in the rain and think i might try this with the drawing thank you!
Good stuff. Thanks
You can also use that spatterscreen with a toothbrush. Just rub the brush against the screen ans you get a fine spatter or, when used more paint, bigger spatters. You can also vary with the distance from the screen to the paper.
Years ago, my Grade 2 teacher had us use a toothbrush and a small square of window screen, to spatter paint over a shape that we had placed over a piece of colored art paper. Once the paint dried, we lifted the shape and had a wonderful art piece ready to frame. Examples were silhouette-like shapes of: a candle with a flame in a shaped holder, a Christmas tree, a candy cane, and so on. It was very easy to control and gave consistent sized spatters. I love your videos, Steve. Good information. I'm just waiting for my first watercolor supplies to arrive.
Thank you for this very helpful tutorial, creating different types of splatters. I will be putting them all to use. I want to find that handy-dandy me ash too,!
+cheryl7476 👍
exactly the tutorial I was looking to find
+Cathy Ciucci 👍
I'm always very excited to see your videos, Mr. Steve!
Recently I've been reading more about pigment information and have been wondering, do you use any fugitive watercolors? And do you have an opinion on them?
ThatMangaGirl I don't. Everything I use is considered lightfast.
The Mind of Watercolor Thank you. >w
thanks for video!
that was mesh tool.... I am truly enjoying, learning from you.
Thank you 💓💓
Great videos! Can you do one on getting more realistic color? All mine end up with bold color.
Amber Pomraning I'll see if I can make that part of some future video. Thanks for the input.
Amber Pomraning Try *gradually* adding to your main colour small quantities of:-
a) Payne's Grey or black
b) the colour which is the complementary of your main colour. Try each version, cool and warm, of both the main and complementary colours to see how they come out.
I'll emphasise again, add *gradually*! You aren't aiming at a 50-50 mix; the modifying colour will quickly overpower the main, especially if the main colour is the lighter of the two.
Thanks for video and explaining so well, you are awesome
old massage real
I have seen a great painting by Joseph Zbukvic, of a horse race, where he uses big and small spatter to represent the mud flying off the horses' hooves. You almost feel like it is coming right at you.
Joseph is completely amazing!
Hello thanks for your videos they have a lot of knowledge. I have a question for you, what kind of watercolors do you use and what are the name of each of them please? if you don't mind.
Thanks.
Iliana Santana I use M. Graham primarily. I also use some Qor (by Golden). The color list is kind of long and I don't have that compiled right now but I'm working on it.
I only have waterbrush, I wonder if I can do this with waterbrush:s Thank you for the videos, Sir. I learnt alot from them.
Toothbrush works great!
Hi Steve, thanks for the video. So, how long were your fingers blue? :-) There are different sizes of mesh on the spatter screens. It looks like you were using a medium mesh spatter screen. You maybe could have blown in the longer end of the bendy straw with the short side pointing down so your head wouldn't be in the way of the video (just a thought). I just made one from some aluminum window screen as it had a finer mesh and wanted it to give a sand texture (it was just a scrap piece, so essentially free, but you wouldn't want to go buy screen to make one since the spatter screens don't cost much and window screen comes in fairly larger rolls, unless you can get it at a local hardware store by the foot) Also you can look for them at dollar stores as they make them to catch grease splatters from frying pans (of course they are much, much larger, about 10" dia., but dirt cheap!) So, off topic, but have you made any more entries into your Bird or Tree journals? Thanks again for sharing and look forward to your next videos!
KaBluey59 Haha, once I got some soap on them, not long. A spatter screen works pretty well I think. I like the placement precision. I was finally able to apply some spatter and keep my head down. In practice it works best to be looking straight down on the piece (or straight at it). I should have done the video shot with the piece on an easel but didn't think of it at the time. Your straw idea would have worked too. Oh well, hind sight!
I did an ink and wash bird as my last journal entry for birds as my last video. Trees have been on hold. Our summer has been hot so I didn't do much plein air. Not to mention being a busy summer with work. I hope to get in some more trees as it cools down.
will you do a demostration of a waterfall using splashing methods
+Sylvia Costello At some point probably will.
what type of paper do you usually use? and how wet should the paint be? I tried using a toothbrush for spattering, but the droplets are too big and too pigmented...
+Glenda Ofiana Arches mostly. More water usually means bigger droplets. You can mix the paint as intense or as pale as you want. Just takes a little experimenting.
How can I get the jaw breaker texture ?
can I use color pastels for this as well?
+Rebeca Fulker Probably not unless they're water soluble.
thank youuuu ...
when's the next paint with me video coming out? do you ever paint any 1950's era gas stations or anything in that genre?
Rand McNally Not sure but I have a couple planned at least. They take longer to shoot and edit but I am anxious to do more. Stay tuned.
Sorry for the crappy audio at 11:13. Forgot to roll main audio. :-(
Good stuff Steve. Enjoyed it as always. I love trying new ways to spatter. After seeing you use those Masters touch brushes from HL, I may pick one up. I was always leery of them nut yours appeared to snap and hold a point pretty well.
Adam Wallen They are pretty good and and a great value, especially since HL runs their MT brushes for 50% off so often. Thanks for watching as always Adam.
I only have waterbrush, I wonder if I can do this with waterbrush:s Thank you for the videos, Sir. I learnt alot from them.
I only have waterbrush, I wonder if I can do this with waterbrush:s Thank you for the videos, Sir. I learnt alot from them.
Great splashes Steave.
Whether you plan show us what effects can be achieved by mixing ink and water? It's my proposition on future video.
Mariusz Kuszaj Yes, I remember. Ink acts just like watercolor really when mixed with water. It just dries permanently with no lift ability. The effects don't differ much.
Can we splatter masking fluid ?
Mueena Esat Yes, and its a very useful technique.
Thank you Sir
ty. i needed a fake blood splatter for.. um... cosplay 😃
Spatter is something I use now and then, definitely want to control where it goes. Gravel spatter does not improve the look of your sky, experience.
What if you took a heavy brush loaded with pigments and ran it roughly across the spatter screen? It would spatter none-the-less??? What-cha-think about them apples?
digiphot2 Not so much. It tends to flick much of it sideways off the brush rather than down.
You Win!
digiphot2 Cool! what did I win?
How about loading a two ounce spray bottle from the Dollar store with particular colors to accent your paintings? Cheap Joe and Tom lynch have videos on this technique! Have you ever sprayed color directly onto your paintings??? Welcome from Washington State!
digiphot2 I wouldn't do that unless I needed a lot of it and thats rare. Spatter is normally used sparingly. I would rather just dip into some custom mixed color right from my palette for the occasional need.
digiphot2 Thanks for the share Jim. I've seen the Cheap Joes video (seen pretty much all of his). Multimedia journalers seem to like this technique and that method is used by crafters a lot for stamping and card making. I've tried it but seldom use the method (to answer your original question).
No Problem! I just like sharing! I am investing in Tom Lynch books and videos to learn the process of Fredrix Watercolor canvas. Stand by, I will send you a couple shots of how to stick your paper or canvas to the easel! Neodymium magnets! 400 lbs. of pull with 16 magnets! WOW! Thanks for your friendship!
digiphot2 Got your email. Cool!
Try a toothbrush, lightly loaded, with a toothpick, for fine drops.
Yes, have done so. Its good, as you say, for ultra fine spatter. I just load it with a paint brush.
Great video Steve. Another fun method is to use a mouth atomizer like this www.dickblick.com/products/art-alternatives-mouth-atomizer/ I just mix up the color I want in small plastic dixie cups and spray away. By adjusting the distance and angle between the blow tube and the siphon tube, you can achieve a wide range of spatter, from very fine to very coarse.
PaisteLover Yes, I have one. Mine must not be a very good one though. Its really a lot of trouble to use and sometimes won't get started.