My husband passed away two weeks ago and I really questioned continuing any art. I love that I came across this this morning and your shirt is perfect - he was a huge Star Wars collector. Seems silly, but it was perfect like him saying don’t give up your art ❤️
When my 31 yo son died I gave up for 6 years and just now started again...the few months starting again have been more healing than the last 6 years. I came across a butterfly that he drew as a child. I felt shattered and rejuvenated...Art is healing on all levels.
I'm so sorry for your loss. My son was stillborn last month. I wanted to stop art. I wanted to stop living. I normally sculpt and some oil painting. I started watercolor a week ago and it really helps me. A reason to wake up every morning. I wish you all the best.
Can I offer you a hug? I'm not a hugger but what the hell.. ( btw i bet if you let your grief pour into your art it will be amazing... (also later, turn all your good memories into lighter pieces. art may just be your savior.
I'm so thankful that Lindsey had you on her frugal crafter podcast last week. I watched a few of your videos right away - loved what you do - and subscribed. I last tooka art classes in High school, more than50 yrs ago, But you have sparked something that wants me to LEARN more. I ove watercolor but never really learned the basic techniques. I tend to change the color when what I really want is to change the value. Now I need to do some painting and practice the techniques you have shown. THANK YOU
Beginner here....sooo guilty of too much water& lack of knowledge of the drying shift!! This is a great valuable video & i really, really appreciate your videos.❣️ Of course i still have to PRACTICE, PRACTICE, I am 82 & new to painting & Watercolor! Wish me luck & the fortitude not to give up please.🙄 Seem's appropriately named! This stuff has a mind of it's own! A big thank you for your videos, they are excellent!
Not knowing about/how to layer is the reason I gave up watercolors so many years ago. Now in my dotage, I’ve decided to embrace my old hobby, and this video (and the others, of course!), have given me what I need to enjoy painting again. Thank you!
I'm a beginner watercolourist. Now, in theory, I kind of knew on a surface level that you need to have that kind of contrast and that it is a most important aspect of the medium. This video really just explained it so concisely that what that value and contrast stuff really means is now very clear in my mind. Thank you for the great paintings and lessons!
I been taking all kinds of water color class. No one has come out like you told me in less then 5 minutes what the biggest water color mistake in value. Three easy steps to do. Thank you for a great lesson.
You are such a good teacher! (But ofcourse you already knew that.) So glad to find your channel is still going strong after all these years. I started to learn watercolor before I learned how to draw. That was my big mistake. I finally went back to "senior school" to learn drawing basics and that opened the world to me. Along the way, your channel has been a constant aid, friend, and inspiration. All my thanks, dear Steve, for that. Blessings!
Such an important topic, Steve! I generally like to put down a light wash first, but then instead of working strictly light to dark, I love to put in some of my darkest values next to force myself to fill in the values in between. It helps me to be committed to those dark values, and that way I'm not afraid to build up to them.
Yes, another commenter mention that. Anna Mason uses that approach. I've had trouble with that technique but that's just me and old habits. I think its a good one
Thank you Steve! I've been watching you now for a little over a year, and EVERY video is such a joy to watch and rewatch and rewatch. This VERY topic is my biggest hurdle to advancing my work to the next level. Thank you for addressing it so explicitly and referring to other resources as well to tackle this challenge.
This should be one of the first classes. 👏👏👏I'm not a beginner, but I'm still struggling with putting on the first wet glaze a color that is too watery...so everything fades away. Because I want to put some contrasts in the first wash, but I want soft edges. Contrasts are the secret for 3D, this thing I've just learnt by myself with practice, above all with botanical painting. There are paintings more perfect than mine for the precision of the technique, but they are FLAT, and...childish. You are a great teacher Steve!
Steve! All this time I feel like I get to the end of the painting and wonder where my light values went and this is precisely the mistake I've been making. Thank you, you always make it "click" for me
I just wanted to tell you how much I love your channel. I am catching up on all your old videos and look forward to watching a new one everyday. I also appreciate your Bible quotes at the end. I always feel inspired by you and want to run right into my studio and paint. Thank you so much for all you do.
Watched this two years ago as a complete beginner. Watched it again just now as a near-daily plein air painter, and just can't thank you enough for your part in turning my house in the boonies into a kind of atelier. God bless you and yours, Sir. Php 1:21
When I saw his mistake was contrast I so heard your voice in my head saying, "don't be afraid of contrast. Make your darks dark enough and your lights light enough."
As always, hitting the nail on the head with this one! I need to be more contrast-aware in my work, too. LOVED the intro on this, Steve, and such great advice! Thrilled to be part of this collab with you! Thank you and best wishes! ~ Mark
Well said. Great video and great observation. I completely agree. I can think of a couple mistakes I have seen in my journey and in workshops I teach. One of the biggest I’ve experienced is people not spending enough time focusing on learning to draw.
@@mindofwatercolor Man! I loved these so much I made a response, tag-along video. Thanks for the awesome idea. Hope I contribute something :) I made sure to link and mention it was your guys' original idea and that I'm just tagging along. :)
I watched this video about 2 years ago and I loved it and thought the video was incredibly helpful and after watching it the second time Ive discovered even more hidden tips that i know will improve my art. So thank you a second time for making this video, I found your value scale incrediblely helpful; which I use for every painting to this day! So thank you very much for sharing. Much love ❤
Oh dear! Maybe the biggest mistake is to think I can improve! You are a real good teacher, always starting with humor and then speaking slowly while doing a demo…if I do not understand something I push the subtitle and I’m able to read, hear and look at the same time, that’s because you are calm and really want we do understand… But as a stubborn donkey I keep on and on and on always the same mistakes! It’s incredible! For instance: SAVE THE WHITE FOR THE LIGHT! Oh yes yes sure, the light come from here so…we can start here with this beautiful blue, and just a drop of this…and maybe here some violet and then…Olè!… But, where is the white??? Oh I don’t know, it was here!!! Thank you for everything Steve
I've recently watched dozens of watercolor videos. This video is the most informative and helpful video I've seen in nearly a hundred of them. Thank you so much for it it taught me so much.
Thanks for teaching this. I watched all the other colab-ers and yours was the best. MD’s was the runner up. Thanks for the real teaching when it comes to watercolor painting!
Hi Steve, I've been watching you for years and you've been my most resourceful online teacher. You picked a great subject for your contribution to the theme..... Very helpful tips.
Charging is something I always struggle with, and till now I couldn't figure out why. Now it all makes sense. I wish I could take one of your local classes.
Value and layering with confidence are SO totally the issues I've also seen students struggle with--awesome vid, Steve. I recently read some art blog where someone was telling folks that watercolor can't be layered or glazed, and I was just like, jeeeeez, what super wrong info is this person passing along to hapless newbies...glad you address that here along with value punching! XD (And that SW shirt and mug are EVERYTHING, bro!)
I taught middle school art and found the same problem in drawing and shading. Learning to see the values is the first step. The creation of a value scale and then comparing it to what they see is very valuable.
Great basic tip that makes a huge difference. I have a problem with adding too much paint and mixing too many colors so my pieces end up dull. Working to practice patience and restraint!
Some of my favorite You Tube artists. I'll be checking it out. Thanks Steve for pointing out my mistakes! LOL! I make lots of them, but getting better!
You or so kind an good at doing your painting an explaining .An you take time i love watching. You. I have painted for a lot of years . But you can always learn something new.😊
I love your t-shirt/mug combo. Perfect. You are so right with this. I'm using coloured pencils a lot at the moment and exactly the the same thing applies, and I've not got the hang of it yet. Contrast is everything. Thanks for a very interesting video.
Yes!!! I've noticed this with me as a new watercolor artist. I look at something the next day, and then add in more contrast as I've noticed lacking. Excellent vid!!!
Great info in this vid. Value is SO important and gets overlooked a lot. I realized my paintings/drawings had weak contrast and began to do value studies so I could see subtle value shifts in my references. Made a HUGE difference!
Building layers was the thing that scared me before I started to understand the nature of watercolours - I was always shy of going for it with the colour as I thought I'd make a huge mistake. 😊
Great video, Darth. As you likely know, Anna Mason (botanical painter) seems to follow the process of putting in lightest lights first, then darkest darks, so she can then put in and adjust mid-values as required. Seems to work for her. Will definitely check out the other collaborators' views as well. Well done.
Excellent info. I forget some of the nuances of watercolor techniques since I rotate media. The tops on charging were a great reminder. Thanks for the video Steve.
I've watched quite a few of your videos and so impressed at your communication skills and how you can clearly convey the lesson. Many people who achieve professional level are not always able to communicate the skills they learned to get there. There are so many great videos that give an overview of painting but lack that basic bit of foundational knowledge that makes the difference that gives the viewer that 'aha' moment. I enjoy watching all of them though as there are always nuggets of knowledge to be had but you definitely have great teaching skills and appreciate all your videos. Thank you so much! PS: I subscribed to all the linked channels.
Steve, I love this type of video. These are all the mistakes I’ve made LOL!! The wet on wet tree example is one of the mistakes I do … now I know how to correct it!
![Two Simple Water Reflection Approaches in Watercolor [GIVEAWAY EXPIRED]](/img/n.gif)
My husband passed away two weeks ago and I really questioned continuing any art. I love that I came across this this morning and your shirt is perfect - he was a huge Star Wars collector. Seems silly, but it was perfect like him saying don’t give up your art ❤️
Definitely do not!
When my 31 yo son died I gave up for 6 years and just now started again...the few months starting again have been more healing than the last 6 years. I came across a butterfly that he drew as a child. I felt shattered and rejuvenated...Art is healing on all levels.
Crystal Bond My sincere sympathy. It takes forever but staying busy helped me a lot.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
My son was stillborn last month. I wanted to stop art. I wanted to stop living.
I normally sculpt and some oil painting. I started watercolor a week ago and it really helps me. A reason to wake up every morning.
I wish you all the best.
Can I offer you a hug? I'm not a hugger but what the hell.. ( btw i bet if you let your grief pour into your art it will be amazing... (also later, turn all your good memories into lighter pieces. art may just be your savior.
Exactly the reminder I needed. I tend to go too light. I came to watercolor from acrylic landscapes with bright colors.
I'm so thankful that Lindsey had you on her frugal crafter podcast last week. I watched a few of your videos right away - loved what you do - and subscribed. I last tooka art classes in High school, more than50 yrs ago, But you have sparked something that wants me to LEARN more. I ove watercolor but never really learned the basic techniques. I tend to change the color when what I really want is to change the value. Now I need to do some painting and practice the techniques you have shown. THANK YOU
Welcome!!
Beginner here....sooo guilty of too much water& lack of knowledge of the drying shift!! This is a great valuable video & i really, really appreciate your videos.❣️ Of course i still have to PRACTICE, PRACTICE, I am 82 & new to painting & Watercolor! Wish me luck & the fortitude not to give up please.🙄 Seem's appropriately named! This stuff has a mind of it's own! A big thank you for your videos, they are excellent!
You are so welcome!
Not knowing about/how to layer is the reason I gave up watercolors so many years ago. Now in my dotage, I’ve decided to embrace my old hobby, and this video (and the others, of course!), have given me what I need to enjoy painting again. Thank you!
Another excellent video about basic skills in watercolour. Thank you.
I'm a beginner watercolourist. Now, in theory, I kind of knew on a surface level that you need to have that kind of contrast and that it is a most important aspect of the medium. This video really just explained it so concisely that what that value and contrast stuff really means is now very clear in my mind. Thank you for the great paintings and lessons!
I been taking all kinds of water color class. No one has come out like you told me in less then 5 minutes what the biggest water color mistake in value. Three easy steps to do. Thank you for a great lesson.
That's a great lesson Steve and great tip to do the value scale! You make it look so effortless!
Thanks Mona. Had fun doing this collab!
You are such a good teacher! (But ofcourse you already knew that.) So glad to find your channel is still going strong after all these years. I started to learn watercolor before I learned how to draw. That was my big mistake. I finally went back to "senior school" to learn drawing basics and that opened the world to me. Along the way, your channel has been a constant aid, friend, and inspiration. All my thanks, dear Steve, for that. Blessings!
Excellent lesson and advice. You are a born teacher. Wonderful explanation and visuals. So much to take in from this video..Thanks heaps Steve.
Yup, yup, yup. Just got frustrated with this but will be frustrated no more. Thank you. You always seem to know how I can do better. Thank you.
You are such a great teacher. You explain the “mind” of watercolor so well. Thank you.
Such an important topic, Steve! I generally like to put down a light wash first, but then instead of working strictly light to dark, I love to put in some of my darkest values next to force myself to fill in the values in between. It helps me to be committed to those dark values, and that way I'm not afraid to build up to them.
Yes, another commenter mention that. Anna Mason uses that approach. I've had trouble with that technique but that's just me and old habits. I think its a good one
You two are just awesome!
Cassie is correct!
I use that quite often too! :D Its much easier to see the values that way too.
I'll try this way, who knows, maybe it work for me, thank you!
Very helpful to this struggling beginner! Thanks!
Thank you Steve! I've been watching you now for a little over a year, and EVERY video is such a joy to watch and rewatch and rewatch. This VERY topic is my biggest hurdle to advancing my work to the next level. Thank you for addressing it so explicitly and referring to other resources as well to tackle this challenge.
I thought this is one of your better lessons, for us, THANK YOU!!
Thank you for defining words like values, contrast and glazing, which are used a lot, but seldom defined.
This should be one of the first classes. 👏👏👏I'm not a beginner, but I'm still struggling with putting on the first wet glaze a color that is too watery...so everything fades away. Because I want to put some contrasts in the first wash, but I want soft edges. Contrasts are the secret for 3D, this thing I've just learnt by myself with practice, above all with botanical painting. There are paintings more perfect than mine for the precision of the technique, but they are FLAT, and...childish. You are a great teacher Steve!
I totally agree with you -I recognized my failures were when these string value contrasts were lacking in my painting. Thanks.
I notice contrast too, and it's something I consciously work on with every painting. Overworking is another big one.
Steve! All this time I feel like I get to the end of the painting and wonder where my light values went and this is precisely the mistake I've been making. Thank you, you always make it "click" for me
Best watercolour techniques I've found on youtube. How can anyone hit the the thumbs down? I've learned so much watching these videos.
Fabulous tips! I truly appreciate scripture sharing! Blessings❣️
I just wanted to tell you how much I love your channel. I am catching up on all your old videos and look forward to watching a new one everyday. I also appreciate your Bible quotes at the end. I always feel inspired by you and want to run right into my studio and paint. Thank you so much for all you do.
So glad to see this video as you touched upon one of my weak areas - not charging correctly. Thanks very much!
Great advice on contrasts! I'm new at watercolor but have been doing oil for several years. Contrast really makes a huge difference.
Nice tip! Thanks for being part of this series Steve!
It was fun!
Watched this two years ago as a complete beginner. Watched it again just now as a near-daily plein air painter, and just can't thank you enough for your part in turning my house in the boonies into a kind of atelier. God bless you and yours, Sir. Php 1:21
Steve, you are a great instructor who articulates concepts in very easy to understand and in very certain terms!
Glad you think so!
What a great tip! Contrast is such a huuuuge deal!!!
It is and watercolor, unfortunately has a number of properties that make dealing with it an even bigger problem.
When I saw his mistake was contrast I so heard your voice in my head saying, "don't be afraid of contrast. Make your darks dark enough and your lights light enough."
As always, hitting the nail on the head with this one! I need to be more contrast-aware in my work, too. LOVED the intro on this, Steve, and such great advice! Thrilled to be part of this collab with you! Thank you and best wishes! ~ Mark
Thanks buddy! This was fun!
So helpful thank you.
values have been a struggle for me. painting the subject in one shot is a big mistake for me. video was so helpful, thanks!
Thanks. Love the tip about how the darker second colour can get sucked away. Basics.
Painting with watercolor is so hard I find. But I think you just covered a few of my problems. Thanks so much for the video.
Single most valuable video of the entire bunch.
That was very helpful.. thanks much can’t wait for more mistake videos
Well said. Great video and great observation. I completely agree. I can think of a couple mistakes I have seen in my journey and in workshops I teach. One of the biggest I’ve experienced is people not spending enough time focusing on learning to draw.
Oh man, thats a biggie Jared. I agree, I think that one crosses all mediums. Thanks for stopping by.
@@mindofwatercolor Man! I loved these so much I made a response, tag-along video. Thanks for the awesome idea. Hope I contribute something :) I made sure to link and mention it was your guys' original idea and that I'm just tagging along. :)
Excellent tips! Thank you!
I watched this video about 2 years ago and I loved it and thought the video was incredibly helpful and after watching it the second time Ive discovered even more hidden tips that i know will improve my art. So thank you a second time for making this video, I found your value scale incrediblely helpful; which I use for every painting to this day! So thank you very much for sharing. Much love ❤
Oh dear! Maybe the biggest mistake is to think I can improve! You are a real good teacher, always starting with humor and then speaking slowly while doing a demo…if I do not understand something I push the subtitle and I’m able to read, hear and look at the same time, that’s because you are calm and really want we do understand…
But as a stubborn donkey I keep on and on and on always the same mistakes! It’s incredible! For instance: SAVE THE WHITE FOR THE LIGHT! Oh yes yes sure, the light come from here so…we can start here with this beautiful blue, and just a drop of this…and maybe here some violet and then…Olè!… But, where is the white??? Oh I don’t know, it was here!!!
Thank you for everything Steve
I've recently watched dozens of watercolor videos. This video is the most informative and helpful video I've seen in nearly a hundred of them. Thank you so much for it it taught me so much.
I've never loved an intro more than this one!
THANK YOU!!! That was a very helpful video!! I am in the middle of a covered bridge scene and will go back to add more value contrast!!
Thanks for teaching this. I watched all the other colab-ers and yours was the best. MD’s was the runner up. Thanks for the real teaching when it comes to watercolor painting!
awww, thanks. Mark made a very useful video. I agree.
Hi Steve, I've been watching you for years and you've been my most resourceful online teacher. You picked a great subject for your contribution to the theme..... Very helpful tips.
Thank you for your induction, it make sense and help a lot!
Charging is something I always struggle with, and till now I couldn't figure out why. Now it all makes sense. I wish I could take one of your local classes.
This video is so valuable!! It holds a lot of weight. So much weight, it should be weighed. On a scale. A value scale!!!
Value and layering with confidence are SO totally the issues I've also seen students struggle with--awesome vid, Steve. I recently read some art blog where someone was telling folks that watercolor can't be layered or glazed, and I was just like, jeeeeez, what super wrong info is this person passing along to hapless newbies...glad you address that here along with value punching! XD (And that SW shirt and mug are EVERYTHING, bro!)
LOL! Thanks. The assumptions people adopt astound me sometimes. Great to have you stop by Hajra.
Great looking handout!
You are such an excellent teacher! Thank you!!
This is where I have trouble - this was VERY helpful!
Great tutorial. Thank you!
I taught middle school art and found the same problem in drawing and shading. Learning to see the values is the first step. The creation of a value scale and then comparing it to what they see is very valuable.
Thank you so much ! I am a beginner at watercolor . Watched your input on paper & subscribed . Again Thank you !
Great basic tip that makes a huge difference. I have a problem with adding too much paint and mixing too many colors so my pieces end up dull. Working to practice patience and restraint!
Thanks for this video. I am a new watercolor artist and this really helps.
I'm definitely guilty of charging too early. Water management is a tricky thing. Thanks for the video!
Thank you Steve so much, these advices are so helpful...🕊 😇 🥰
Such a great idea to collaborate on the topic 'The Biggest Mistake in Watercolour'
Some of my favorite You Tube artists. I'll be checking it out. Thanks Steve for pointing out my mistakes! LOL! I make lots of them, but getting better!
You or so kind an good at doing your painting an explaining .An you take time i love watching. You. I have painted for a lot of years . But you can always learn something new.😊
I love your t-shirt/mug combo. Perfect.
You are so right with this. I'm using coloured pencils a lot at the moment and exactly the the same thing applies, and I've not got the hang of it yet. Contrast is everything. Thanks for a very interesting video.
Valuable and useful. No bullshit. Many thanks for your lesson. I will follow your videos to go further. Thanks again.
Always enjoy your videos. You are like my dad, if my dad were a watercolour genius. Thanks again.
Yes!!! I've noticed this with me as a new watercolor artist. I look at something the next day, and then add in more contrast as I've noticed lacking. Excellent vid!!!
Absolutely great help to me!
Genial!y subtitulado en castellano! Muchas gracias!
Thanks a lot. You are amazing teacher and a great artist
Thank you! This is one of my biggest mistakes. I will take your advice and practice value scales.
Great info in this vid. Value is SO important and gets overlooked a lot. I realized my paintings/drawings had weak contrast and began to do value studies so I could see subtle value shifts in my references. Made a HUGE difference!
Your tips are so very helpful! Thank you Steve.
You and my husband would get along just right with your star wars tshirt. LOL Love it.
Just what I needed to hear. Thanks so much.
Thanks your explanation was really helpful!
Thanks Steve. Great tips. It makes all the difference when your values are right. Great reminder.
Thanks so much for this! Really helpful!
Thanks for these wonderful advices! I am doing all those mistakes, so I will be more careful next time !
Once again, a nicely produced and helpful video from you. Thank you Mr. MoWC
That this going to help me more in my flower painting
Building layers was the thing that scared me before I started to understand the nature of watercolours - I was always shy of going for it with the colour as I thought I'd make a huge mistake. 😊
Great tip!
Fabulous! I’m sitting down to practice values right now. Thank you!
Thank you! This was so helpful for a beginner like me.
Great video! Short, sweet and to the point. Thanks
Love these collaborative series. Thanks for the tips :D
Using the music scales reference was perfect! 👍 thank you for the "ah-ha" moment! Now off to get practicing!
Very helpful!! Thank you!
Very nice collaboration
this is a great video for putting this sort of useful concept in perspective! really helped me think about it in a more helpful way. thanks steve!
I'm enjoying the collaboration. Thanks for the great ideas. I work mostly with watercolor pencils, but this still applies.
Great intro,very helpful.
Great video, Darth. As you likely know, Anna Mason (botanical painter) seems to follow the process of putting in lightest lights first, then darkest darks, so she can then put in and adjust mid-values as required. Seems to work for her. Will definitely check out the other collaborators' views as well. Well done.
Its a good approach. I have trouble with that approach personally but if you can do it, it should work well.
Excellent info. I forget some of the nuances of watercolor techniques since I rotate media. The tops on charging were a great reminder. Thanks for the video Steve.
I've watched quite a few of your videos and so impressed at your communication skills and how you can clearly convey the lesson. Many people who achieve professional level are not always able to communicate the skills they learned to get there. There are so many great videos that give an overview of painting but lack that basic bit of foundational knowledge that makes the difference that gives the viewer that 'aha' moment. I enjoy watching all of them though as there are always nuggets of knowledge to be had but you definitely have great teaching skills and appreciate all your videos. Thank you so much! PS: I subscribed to all the linked channels.
Steve, I love this type of video. These are all the mistakes I’ve made LOL!! The wet on wet tree example is one of the mistakes I do … now I know how to correct it!
Keep preaching that watercolor gospel Steve! 🙌❤️
AMEN!!! 😆💗👏
Syeve, you are very helpful.