I have been trying and trying to get the color of the golden row of distant trees, I finally found this tut which I did a few years ago. Puzzle solved. Thank you again for all your wonderful teaching.
Rick you're a born teacher as well as an accomplished artist. Over these few years I've heard artist say about 'leading the eye' into the picture. I don't always remember that so you reminded us in this tutorial. I've also started taking photos that are more thought out in composition, rather than snapping away at every pretty place. Thank you again.
Thank you for sharing your planning and decision making at each stage of the painting. Your articulate narrative clearly elucidates how you created this beautiful scene of fresh fallen snow.
I have just done this one !!!! So happy , I love so much that I tweet it for my friends to see ! Of course I mention you . I am surprise how only 3 colours can give you so much - fab
Honestly, Rick, you create the best narratives (that I watch). Your skill in explaining why you paint certain areas or don't paint them, why you move objects or delete objects, etc, is so easy to understand. I would have liked a little of the muddy path but I understand that your interpretation produced a painting with freshly fallen snow and without foot traffic. Great video, Rick, and beautiful painting!
Love your compositional reasoning at the beginning. The changes you made were slight; however, they added to the narrative of the painting. Enjoyed this very much. Thank you for sharing your talent, Rick.
Thanks again for another wonderful video, Rick. It’s so interesting to have you talk about how and why you’re planning your composition. As always you are such a good teacher! Have a wonderful weekend!!
I really enjoyed this tutorial & the beautiful painting! The reflections in the lake are done so well. Thank you for sharing so many great tips and ideas.
Another informative tutorial.The explanations of what & why certain elements in the reference photo were changed to improve the composition are very helpful.It reminds us to carefully observe photos before putiing paint to paper.The same would be true for using more than one photo for one composition.
I painted this one and enjoyed it very much. I made it smaller (4x6) and simplified it. I made some mistakes but I am overall satisfied with the feel of it. I only kept the 3 main trees in the foreground and eliminated the others in the background. I tried some masking with narrow masking tape (I can see through it) and also used some liquid frisket I have. I love the bottle you use but I think my masking liquid will plug up the applicator. Did you list what kind of masking liquid you use? I will check below. Thank you for this great tutorial.
Fabulous, as always! I have tried very hard to mix that darkest value. Could you please share those colors? And maybe proportions! Love your tutorials and even take notes. Outstanding teaching style. Thanks for answering.
Thank you Deanie ! The darker values are mixtures of Royal Blue, Raw Umber, and Burnt Sienna. It's a pigment rich mixture, but still fluid. Varying the amount of the different colors plays a bigger role in shifting it from warm to cool than it does light to dark since they're all fairly dark valued colors. The value is impacted more by the amount of water I add .
Finally had a chance to watch this video. Wonderful tutorial, as always. A few questions....first, I assume the tape does not damage the paper? Also, I wanted to understand more about your thought process in your use of the dark tones on some of the middle ground trees at the end of your lesson. I always thought that as things become more distant, tonal qualities would be more subdued (unless you were trying to create a focal point, like a cabin or something). Really want to understand this because I’m sure it’s important. Thanks for all you do.
I use a clear packing tape and work on 140lb CP Lanaquarelle, Occasionally it will lift a bit of the nap of the paper, but I have few issues with it. I wouldn't use it on hot press or a smooth paper. It's best to test the combination of your tape and paper on a scrap first. As far as value placement? I could take this composition and arrange my values any number of ways. A scene can be back lit, front lit, or side lit. Also the dominance can vary. This particular painting is dominant middle value. Often distant trees have softer edges and are sometimes cooler, but from my perspective it's in the eyes of the artist. I just completed another painting where the darkest value is on the tree in the foreground, but it could just as easily have been in the middle ground.
Thank you ! I use the masking fluid to protect the white areas of the paper. Once removed, the white of the paper shows through. It doesn't really cover anything.
Thank you Sharilynn ! This is 1/4 sheet 11" x 15", The brushes I used: 1" Flat, 1/2" Flat, Jumbo Round Small, #4 round, #1 liner. You can find the details for each of these on the "studio" page of my website. Click on the image labeled "brushes". Here is the link: rsurowiczart.com/studio/
Rick; from one artist to another, "great tutorial"; and technique! In making watercolors I like to have colors that draw the viewer into the picture, and a fair amount of detail, Do you paint to please yourself? or for the purpose of selling it?I do a little of both. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Norsk! I like to think I paint to learn. If you make each painting a learning experience, then every painting is a success. The results you like you can build on and the results you don't like you can learn from. That being said, if you're in it as a business, you can't ignore the commercial side of things.
I use packing tape as a mask. I wanted to point out that it only works great on highly sized paper like Arches, Stephen Quiller Watercolor paper and obviously the one you are using. I have had students forget this caveat and tear up their paintings when removing the tape.
Thank you Susan. Good point ! I recommend experimenting with your tape and paper on scrap to test the combination out. I work on Lanaquarrel 140 CP, and I have good results. I wouldn't use it on a smooth paper such as hot press.
I have been trying and trying to get the color of the golden row of distant trees, I finally found this tut which I did a few years ago. Puzzle solved. Thank you again for all your wonderful teaching.
Rick you're a born teacher as well as an accomplished artist. Over these few years I've heard artist say about 'leading the eye' into the picture. I don't always remember that so you reminded us in this tutorial. I've also started taking photos that are more thought out in composition, rather than snapping away at every pretty place. Thank you again.
Thanks for the great comment Barbara !
Thank you for sharing your planning and decision making at each stage of the painting. Your articulate narrative clearly elucidates how you created this beautiful scene of fresh fallen snow.
Thank you Rhue !!!
I have just done this one !!!! So happy , I love so much that I tweet it for my friends to see ! Of course I mention you . I am surprise how only 3 colours can give you so much - fab
I'm glad you enjoyed this!
Good job like your style.👍🏻👍🏻
Honestly, Rick, you create the best narratives (that I watch). Your skill in explaining why you paint certain areas or don't paint them, why you move objects or delete objects, etc, is so easy to understand. I would have liked a little of the muddy path but I understand that your interpretation produced a painting with freshly fallen snow and without foot traffic. Great video, Rick, and beautiful painting!
Thank you for the great comments Cassie !!!
Love this one. Especially the lesson on composition and not needing to paint all that you see. Thank you.
Thanks Karen ! I'm glad this was helpful !
Such a gorgeous painting and such a wonderful walk through its making; thank you.
Rick, you are an excellent teacher, I’ve learned so much from you RE composition, thank you for doing these videos!!!
Thanks Dan ! I'm glad you have enjoyed these !!!
Love your compositional reasoning at the beginning. The changes you made were slight; however, they added to the narrative of the painting. Enjoyed this very much. Thank you for sharing your talent, Rick.
Thank you Judy !!!
So appreciate your generosity sharing your amazing knowledge with us!
Thank you Barbara !
Thank you for sharing your talent...love how you changed your photo into an awesome painting. Gorgeous.
Thanks DeLila !!!
Beautiful painting Rick. Your use of textures amazes me and hope to try some of your techniques.
Thank you Bruce !
Thanks again for another wonderful video, Rick. It’s so interesting to have you talk about how and why you’re planning your composition. As always you are such a good teacher! Have a wonderful weekend!!
Thanks for the great comment Bette-Ann
Thank you so much. You are informative and graceful as always in execution. This piece has a wonderful softness to it. I especially love snow scenes.
Thanks Michelle !
Another wonderful tutorial! It's helpful to hear you explain the how and why of your techniques. I need to give this one a try!
Thank you Ellen !!!
So beautiful. Your explanations are so clear. Love watching you 😊
Thank you Heather!
Another great video, so informative with mixes,thanks Rick
Thank you Gordon !
Thank you so much Rick! It is beautiful! You are such a good teacher! Love what you do! Magnifique!
Thank you Danielle !!!
Beautiful painting! Thank you for another outstanding tutorial. I especially appreciate your walking us through the planning and preparation process.
Thanks for commenting Sue !
I really enjoyed this tutorial & the beautiful painting! The reflections in the lake are done so well. Thank you for sharing so many great tips and ideas.
Thank you Linda !
Really helpful and so beautiful 😍 thank you Rick! 😊
Thank you !
Thank you so much for sharing your incredible talent. I always learn so much from you. Linda
Thank you Linda !
Thank you Rick - great as always. Happy Holidays.
Thanks John ! Happy Holidays to you !!!
Love this,... thanks Rick.
Thanks Rebecca !
Your painting looks better than the reference picture 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you !
Another informative tutorial.The explanations of what & why certain elements in the reference photo were changed to improve the composition are very helpful.It reminds us to carefully observe photos before putiing paint to paper.The same would be true for using more than one photo for one composition.
Great comments Linda! Thank you !
Thank you so much, it looks easy but its not, great painting Its wonderful Greetings from Holland
Thank you for your comments and greetings!!!
Beautiful so informative awesome piece
Thanks Maureen !
You make it looks so easy!!
Sir excellent. Your way of doing is convincing and quite inspiring. Wishes.....
Thank you !
Very nice video and techniques! I enjoy your style very much.
Thanks Jennie !
beautiful once again -----
Thanks Audrey !
Excellent tutorial
Thank you Mary !
Wonderful, rick.
I painted this one and enjoyed it very much. I made it smaller (4x6) and simplified it. I made some mistakes but I am overall satisfied with the feel of it. I only kept the 3 main trees in the foreground and eliminated the others in the background. I tried some masking with narrow masking tape (I can see through it) and also used some liquid frisket I have. I love the bottle you use but I think my masking liquid will plug up the applicator.
Did you list what kind of masking liquid you use? I will check below.
Thank you for this great tutorial.
Hi Shan, Thank you for your comment. I list all the supplies I use on the studio page of my website rsurowiczart.com
Hi Rick this is Julie :) This is wonderful!!! So so helpful to know the thought process behind the painting. Thank you!!! 🎨
Thanks Julie !
Nice work
Fabulous, as always! I have tried very hard to mix that darkest value. Could you please share those colors? And maybe proportions! Love your tutorials and even take notes. Outstanding teaching style. Thanks for answering.
Thank you Deanie ! The darker values are mixtures of Royal Blue, Raw Umber, and Burnt Sienna. It's a pigment rich mixture, but still fluid. Varying the amount of the different colors plays a bigger role in shifting it from warm to cool than it does light to dark since they're all fairly dark valued colors. The value is impacted more by the amount of water I add .
Rick Surowicz Watercolor Thank you! Will try again. Not going to give up.
Wonderful
*You are better than me . I learn a lot of things from you*
Thank you ! I'm glad my videos are helpful.
Finally had a chance to watch this video. Wonderful tutorial, as always. A few questions....first, I assume the tape does not damage the paper? Also, I wanted to understand more about your thought process in your use of the dark tones on some of the middle ground trees at the end of your lesson. I always thought that as things become more distant, tonal qualities would be more subdued (unless you were trying to create a focal point, like a cabin or something). Really want to understand this because I’m sure it’s important. Thanks for all you do.
I use a clear packing tape and work on 140lb CP Lanaquarelle, Occasionally it will lift a bit of the nap of the paper, but I have few issues with it. I wouldn't use it on hot press or a smooth paper. It's best to test the combination of your tape and paper on a scrap first.
As far as value placement? I could take this composition and arrange my values any number of ways. A scene can be back lit, front lit, or side lit. Also the dominance can vary. This particular painting is dominant middle value. Often distant trees have softer edges and are sometimes cooler, but from my perspective it's in the eyes of the artist. I just completed another painting where the darkest value is on the tree in the foreground, but it could just as easily have been in the middle ground.
J'adore votre peinture! Ou achetez-vous votre blanc pour masquer?Cà a l'air génial pour faire les branches fines.
Thank you ! I use the masking fluid to protect the white areas of the paper. Once removed, the white of the paper shows through. It doesn't really cover anything.
Oui mais en France, je ne sais pas ou acheter le flacon avec cette pointe si fine.
Lovely painting and great tutorial. Can you name size of your painting and brush sizes?
Thank you Sharilynn ! This is 1/4 sheet 11" x 15", The brushes I used: 1" Flat, 1/2" Flat, Jumbo Round Small, #4 round, #1 liner. You can find the details for each of these on the "studio" page of my website. Click on the image labeled "brushes". Here is the link: rsurowiczart.com/studio/
Rick; from one artist to another, "great tutorial"; and technique! In making watercolors I like to have colors that draw the viewer into the picture, and a fair amount of detail, Do you paint to please yourself? or for the purpose of selling it?I do a little of both. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Norsk! I like to think I paint to learn. If you make each painting a learning experience, then every painting is a success. The results you like you can build on and the results you don't like you can learn from. That being said, if you're in it as a business, you can't ignore the commercial side of things.
what colors do you use for this one painting
I used Cerulean Blue, Raw Sienna, Raw Umber, Burnt Sienna, Royal Blue
I use packing tape as a mask. I wanted to point out that it only works great on highly sized paper like Arches, Stephen Quiller Watercolor paper and obviously the one you are using. I have had students forget this caveat and tear up their paintings when removing the tape.
Thank you Susan. Good point ! I recommend experimenting with your tape and paper on scrap to test the combination out. I work on Lanaquarrel 140 CP, and I have good results. I wouldn't use it on a smooth paper such as hot press.
It is a great idea to use packing tape. Frisket is amazingly expensive.
It's definitely an economical solution. You just need to test it with your particular paper and tape.