Wow...this..was..so..helpful...and exactly what I needed. I dabbled in watercolor many years ago and now I have the time to really learn. Even as a beginner I immediately fell into the purists camp because I wanted to not break rules. To find out that you are okay with a gelly-roll white pen is so freeing to me because you are very experienced with watercolor. Everything I’ve watched you demonstrate or paint has yielded the best results imaginable. Thank you.
Thanks again for this great tutorial! I have recently went back to drawing/painting, watercolors. Gave it up yrs ago to raise a family, and work. I am practicing a lot and one of the watercolor artists I follow, Paul Clark, has spoken highly of your work and tutorials, really grateful for all of you who share your work, expertise and experience in all the videos. All the videos have really helped me regain confidence to continue on with my art. Thank you! Gretchen Dubois, WY
I love your method of instruction, and I have learned so much from you. Always look forward to your new posts. I enjoy using the Posca fine line, white paint pen. Thank you so much for your suggestions. I will try them out.
Just as a suggestion. I use an ink quill for my masking. I have several tip sizes. They work very well and when dry, the masking comes off quite easily. Love your videos. Thank you.
One purist says to another purist: We've always lived in mud huts and we're not going to start living in brick and mortar now and no one else can either. LOL. Lovely video. You should feed your buddy there a little more, he's looking a little peckish. I always wanted to get that light over dark technique and thanks to you it will be much more fun now. I've subscribed.
I havent considered painting right over gel pens or gouache or any highlights... I've always leaned towards purist because I've mostly used wc for plein air. I recently started using Neocolour II's, so thats been fun, but I will definitely try some opaque white. Thanks!
Thank you! Very good demo for me. As an oil painter whose mind has not yet switch from dark-to-light, I'm constantly experimenting with way to add lights at the end. Right now, I'm doing that with liquid paper that matches.. Arches paper colors specifically... and think its second to frisket for me ... well right not... its an ongoing challenge. Thanks again.
P.S. You didn't mention it, but this subject (light over dark) is absolutely critical for those of us who like to ATTEMPT (I'm still trying!) to capture rough seas and, especially, surf. I'm starting with the negative-space approach for the "white water" that's involved, but it's a tough row to hoe. I just received my first order of gouache and masking fluid!
Hi Steve. Just a note of Thanks. Your videos have helped me revive my watercolor painting after a 20 year hiatus. My favorite painter is fellow Wisconsinite Charles Peterson. We have several of his prints. I love his Memories Collection paintings illustrating his ghosting technique. Thanks again.
Another recently learned Very Helpful Tip I came across across is to use a white oil pastel over areas you want to keep as white, eg, dots of light in plant's foliage, but will want to glaze etc quite a few times. The waxy coating of the pastel keeps the area dry too. This guy is quite a master of the art, so to speak. I find his videos so very organised, and professional...all the facts in labelled segments...ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS.
Great idea, love this. And maybe depending on the strength of the oil pastel, it will let some color through and create some interesting effects? I'll have to try it out!
Enjoyable and enlightening! I was particularly intrigued with the tools you use for masking. I use a G-nib on a dip pen for fine lines, but have never been able to figure out how to do all the little bit of, for instance, Queen Anne’s lace. I think your “messy pen” might be perfect! Thanks for the thoughtful presentation!
I tried using masking fluid. I dumped half the jar all. over. everything. It was an amazingly Giant mess...🤣 yup, it ruined everything. Since then I have bought every type of white ink to try & find the perfect flat matte. Thank you for sharing the Kuretake ink. Thank you for showing the 3 techniques, & the types of alternatives to get around the tricky spots. Before I go grab some of that ink, have you ever played with the old school typewriter fluid “White out” for this exercise? If so, did it accept glaze? Just trying to be cost effective. Thank you for your wisdom, experience, & simple teaching technique. You are by far, hands down, the most comprehensive instructor I’ve found on Watercolor painting. Thank you.
Nice illustration of a common problem for new artists. I'm just returning to painting after years off due to aging eyesight. After cataract treatment my eyes are doing well enough to paint. It was a helpful video for me,thanks Steve. I will look for that opaque white ink!
Thanks again for the great demo. I can see the difference in all three samples. I have masking fluid, but have been afraid to use it. You inspired me to do so.
I love the tutorial. I find myself to enjoy negative painting best. I can let my right brain go free. It so relaxing and the end result can be a rewarding growth. Thank you for the great tutorial.
thanks for the video. I just started painting with watercolor a few months ago due to inspiration from my great grandfather. he made his own paints nad even painted after he went blind. obviously when he painted he was a purist as you would call it due to times. they are the most amazing watercolor paintings ive ever seen. I appreciate your objectivity in your presentation of methods though.. its good to know different techniques just in case a situation is calling for a specific need. I am like you though, I love that traditional watercolor look, not a painting that looks like acrylic done with watercolor... I would just paint with acrylics then.... and much cheaper than watercolor. I like the fact im part of keeping a medium alive. watercolor is a dieing art in the traditional sense as you said.
Please excuse my ignorance, but I am fascinated. How did your Grandfather manage to paint when blind? How dis he know to choose his colours, mix them and know where to place the brush marks? I have seen some fabulous paintings by people whom are blind and takes my mind to another dimension. Thank you 🎨☘️🌹
How do you not have more subscribers? Your videos are amazing, they're very educational, funny, and heartwarming all at the same time. Keep up the good work! 👍
Once again, I've learned so much! Thank you:) I taught Math next to Art teacher. He only taught one way and I had trouble getting shapes I wanted...He was great man and I appreciate his help. But....it's nice to have ways to "fix" areas. I'm trying different options...Very much appreciated
Love all your tips and tricks. When the gel pens start skipping you can get them flowing again by scribbling a bit on the palm of your hand also. I am loving your channel. Thank you so much :)
Thanks, this is quite helpful for someone like me who's utterly inexperienced when it comes to shrubbery. If you dislike the skipping maybe try white indian ink with a dip pen. It's what I use if I ever feel the need to add any highlights/other white spots.
From another S(Sharon).Mitchell 😊 Another great video. I keep learning. Thank you so much. FYI, just went to order Kuretake white ink on Amazon. Shipping is free but has long delivery date. Delivery anywhere from mid to end of September. Shipping is direct from Japan to US so dates vary.
What I do when my white pen stops drawing is do a couple of little circles on the flesh mound between my thumb and the back of my hand. It really works fast, and leaves lovely little scribbles on my hand! 😉
Thanks so much, Steve for this video. This is a subject I have been searching for help on for some time, as I do use dark backgrounds with light foliage and foregrounds quite a bit. Well done. I will try the ink, too. It looks great.
hi...pedro do brasil... nice to see the indication of the gel pens...for the white details...for example, clear windows in dark glass...using the Uni Boll Signo...when it clogs at the tip, I rub it in my hand or I lick the tip...saliva is good for the gel....hehehehe
Thank you for this. Always like to learn something new...to me. Been around for a long time and am amazed at how much I don't know! I'm enjoying being brave and loose with the washes. Thank you. Maxine
Very informative, as usual. I like the way you always say, this is the way I do it, some people do this or that, and if anyone has a different way that works, let me know.
this is one of the most helpful videos i have ever watched, thankyou so much! This is something I really struggled with, but I'm going to try these techniques and see how if goes now!
on the bottom example there is a skull right in the middle of the sky at the treetops. the nose of the skull also looks like a person with a wrap on. I see tons of opportunity to exploit those shapes as image in image. I used to do tole painting and using liquid mask was one of my favorite techniques. I masked off picket fences, gates, lattice, as well as faces, but they were not my strong suit. I'm just learning how to do watercolor, because of the portability. So what I'm saying is keep your little examples there. You can use them on greeting cards.
This was REALLY helpful. Thanks not only for another excellent, immediately useful tutorial, but also for your innate talent for teaching. Direct experience has shown me that good teachers are born, not made. Clearly-at least to me-you were meant to share your skill, knowledge, and instincts with others, and that's a gift.
If you tint the white gouache with the base color, in this case yellow, to match the color and use to paint the very small details, or use pen to draw it on
Great video! I got mad at Alvaro Castagnet when i saw a video in which a person assisting to his workshop asked about masking fluid and he said "naaahhh, never, is an amateurish thing". Generally speaking i like him and the advice he gives but that seemed wrong since for certain styles and/or situations masking fluid can be just the best answer to achieve something. Maybe he was saying that in the context of the teaching of the style he paints (mostly loose, using abstractions and not detailing anything too much or at all), and he found redundant to specify that his "nahh" was related to that style and not that masking fluid is a "nahh" for every style. Anyways! great video.
Hi Steve, thank you so much for this helpful video. The second method is the easiest but with the first we can learn how to control and use the brushes so it is a nice challenge :)
Great video as always, Steve. :) I am a big defender of traditional, pure watercolour of the likes of James Fletcher Watson and Edward Wesson. I am a fan of masking fluid myself, but I wouldn't discount or look down on other methods either. I especially recommend the coloured masking fluid from the German company Schmincke, which is in blue, or from the French company Sennelier, which is a greenish colour. I like the coloured version because you can see exactly where you have applied the masking fluid. Both companies also make a wonderful masking fluid pen, which you can use to get really fine lines, perfect for creating the likes of detailed grasses. I am not sure whether you have them in the Unites States, but both masking fluids from Schmincke and Sennelier are widely available here in Austria and in Europe generally.
There is also a company called Molotow that makes a refillable masking marker pen. I have used the finer point one (it's not very fine, so you might want to stick to an applicator), but it's pretty easy to use and you can use it "on site." I think you can get it through US art suppliers and perhaps Amazon.
What an inspiring and educational post. Beautiful artwork always looks forward to your post which is a meaningful and educational purpose to me. I would be very grateful if you could post a video on how to paint grapes in watercolor Thank you.
Did you ever use Pro white gouache, in a little jar? We used it at Paier, I still do sometimes. I didn't know about the Japanese ink! Thanks for the nice videos.
Hi Steve. I really enjoyed this today. I especially liked the advice about white pens and the ink. I was wondering if you would do a segment on alla prima. I think I have the term right anyway. You paint lines with acrylic and then water color around it. Karlyn Holman does some nice work with this method using a little squirt bottle with a fine tip. I would really love to see it demonstrated because I think it's something I would like to try. I am not a purist and I like adding things like gauze, tissue, whatever adds to the interest. Thanks again for todays video. I always enjoy it when you put a new one up. :)
I got the term from Karlyn so maybe I misunderstood. She did some flowers and dogs and I loved the effect of the acrylic lines. It looked like a lot of fun. I am quite sure that my lines would not fall in such graceful ways. lol
Great video, as they all are. Can you please comment on how you devised your ugly brush? I Imagine that shape is very useful for random marks. Thank you.
I devised it randomly, LOL! Sorry, couldn't resist. I just took a cheap bristle brush and smashed it straight down on the table then dabbed it into mask. I let the mask dry in the brush so it almost became sort of a rubber applicator. The dried mask holds the splayed out shape.
The kuretake white ink appears to be a bit difficult to find. Any ideas on sources? Do you think COPIC white opaque ink would be a good replacement? I love the idea of white ink, as long as it’s permanent and tint-able .I just received a set of offset crow quill pen tips. ( love the offset ...easy to see what I’m doing! ). Very fine tips. I’ve never used opaque inks. Do you think they’d be too thick for crow quill tips? I did manage to snag a bottle of the walnut ink, the one you used, it’s beautiful and very fine. I do thank you for helping us all achieve our individual and collective art goals! I watch you with great interest and a very receptive mind.
Thanks for this! I have always wondered how lightfast gel pens are or how they will age. For me, not knowing this would be the main reason not to use them. And since you mentioned the ink, I have heard from several experienced water colour artists that Dr. Ph. Martin's Pen White is the only truly opaque white ink available that does not "pick up" the water soluble colour underneath. Here in Germany it's not so easy to get but it should be readily available in the US. Colour bleeding into the white is also a problem I have had with gel pens, so I will try the pen white as soon as I can get a decently priced bottle here.
Thanks for the input. Personally I've never had a problem with bleeding into gel pens but then I mainly use them for line details. I rarely keep the ink white but glaze color over it after it dries. Works very well. Kuretake White Ink 30 is waterproof and I've not had it pick up any color but that depends on how much color is on the paper and the paper sizing. No problem on Arches. Dr. Martins is not waterproof. I prefer not to use white that will rewet.
Oh, thank you so much for letting me know! I didn't realise Dr. Martins was rewettable! I should try the Kuretake White Ink 30 then and also get the Sakura Gelly Roll Pen. Thanks again for the very helpful recommendation!
Second time watch for me, very helpful, thank you! There's just so much to know and oftentimes the most important lessons need repetition in order to really get it. Heck, I'll probably even come back a third time! :D
Hi Steve, I know this is an old video but hopefully you can still answer 🙏😁 I bought some W&N masking fluid about 2 years ago. I used it for the first time last week and it seems to have dried out a bit.., it is more like half-dried sticky glue (almost impossible to apply) than runny cream. Can I add water to it to make it runny again? Thanks so much. Love your channel! Kind regards, Mary from Australia 😎
Usually not. Thinning with water will often make the mask soak into the paper too much. The bits that have dried usually don't re-dissolve. However, you can experiment with it a bit if you wish. Stir it really well (don't shake it). Add a little water. A few drops at a time. Get some scrap paper the same as you will paint on (or use the reverse side) and test it. It should be the consistency of milk or possibly cream. If its still good it will peel up cleanly and leave no residue. You may be able to get a little use out of it yet. Just don't over thin with water.
@@mindofwatercolor thank you so much Steve! Your response is very much appreciated 🙏😉 you are a great teacher 👍 id love some more classes/demos on layering and charging... I just can't seem to maintain the vibrancy of beautiful colors!
Wow...this..was..so..helpful...and exactly what I needed. I dabbled in watercolor many years ago and now I have the time to really learn. Even as a beginner I immediately fell into the purists camp because I wanted to not break rules. To find out that you are okay with a gelly-roll white pen is so freeing to me because you are very experienced with watercolor. Everything I’ve watched you demonstrate or paint has yielded the best results imaginable. Thank you.
Thanks again for this great tutorial! I have recently went back to drawing/painting, watercolors.
Gave it up yrs ago to raise a family, and work. I am practicing a lot and one of the watercolor artists I follow, Paul Clark, has spoken highly of your work and tutorials, really grateful for all of you who share your work, expertise and experience in all the videos. All the videos have really helped me regain confidence to continue on with my art.
Thank you!
Gretchen
Dubois, WY
Thank God for you c: I can't afford art school so this is really helping me improve when I get confused about my watercolor stuff
I love your method of instruction, and I have learned so much from you. Always look forward to your new posts. I enjoy using the Posca fine line, white paint pen. Thank you so much for your suggestions. I will try them out.
I’ve painted my light area then put masking fluid over it, then dark. Looks great. Love your work. Watch you often.
the illustration was great! i love how you did all three ways on one sheet, you really see the differences in the effect
Just as a suggestion. I use an ink quill for my masking. I have several tip sizes. They work very well and when dry, the masking comes off quite easily. Love your videos. Thank you.
Great idea!
Lol six years later here i am binging watercolor videos.
Another truly great video lesson... I can't tell you ... can't even begin to measure .... how much I've learned from you. Thank you so much Steve.
One purist says to another purist: We've always lived in mud huts and we're not going to start living in brick and mortar now and no one else can either. LOL. Lovely video. You should feed your buddy there a little more, he's looking a little peckish. I always wanted to get that light over dark technique and thanks to you it will be much more fun now. I've subscribed.
LOL!
I havent considered painting right over gel pens or gouache or any highlights... I've always leaned towards purist because I've mostly used wc for plein air. I recently started using Neocolour II's, so thats been fun, but I will definitely try some opaque white. Thanks!
Thank you! Very good demo for me. As an oil painter whose mind has not yet switch from dark-to-light, I'm constantly experimenting with way to add lights at the end. Right now, I'm doing that with liquid paper that matches.. Arches paper colors specifically... and think its second to frisket for me ... well right not... its an ongoing challenge. Thanks again.
P.S. You didn't mention it, but this subject (light over dark) is absolutely critical for those of us who like to ATTEMPT (I'm still trying!) to capture rough seas and, especially, surf. I'm starting with the negative-space approach for the "white water" that's involved, but it's a tough row to hoe. I just received my first order of gouache and masking fluid!
I love watching your vids. I like the peace, humor, enthusiasm, pleasant mood and practical info. It's a nice place to be. 😊
Very kind thanks!
Hi Steve. Just a note of Thanks. Your videos have helped me revive my watercolor painting after a 20 year hiatus. My favorite painter is fellow Wisconsinite Charles Peterson. We have several of his prints. I love his Memories Collection paintings illustrating his ghosting technique. Thanks again.
I loved the simplicity of this painting , done so quickly too.
You have the best watercolor series on the Internet.
Another recently learned Very Helpful Tip I came across across is to use a white oil pastel over areas you want to keep as white, eg, dots of light in plant's foliage, but will want to glaze etc quite a few times. The waxy coating of the pastel keeps the area dry too. This guy is quite a master of the art, so to speak. I find his videos so very organised, and professional...all the facts in labelled segments...ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS.
Great idea, love this. And maybe depending on the strength of the oil pastel, it will let some color through and create some interesting effects? I'll have to try it out!
Enjoyable and enlightening! I was particularly intrigued with the tools you use for masking. I use a G-nib on a dip pen for fine lines, but have never been able to figure out how to do all the little bit of, for instance, Queen Anne’s lace. I think your “messy pen” might be perfect! Thanks for the thoughtful presentation!
This is exactly what's been stumping me with watercolor, thank you so much!
Roll the pen tip between your fingers to warm it up and get it flowing. Thanks for the tutorial!
I tried using masking fluid. I dumped half the jar all. over. everything. It was an amazingly Giant mess...🤣 yup, it ruined everything. Since then I have bought every type of white ink to try & find the perfect flat matte. Thank you for sharing the Kuretake ink. Thank you for showing the 3 techniques, & the types of alternatives to get around the tricky spots. Before I go grab some of that ink, have you ever played with the old school typewriter fluid “White out” for this exercise? If so, did it accept glaze? Just trying to be cost effective. Thank you for your wisdom, experience, & simple teaching technique. You are by far, hands down, the most comprehensive instructor I’ve found on Watercolor painting. Thank you.
Thank you so much for sharing your gift with me. I'm learning a lot from your videos and it's most appreciated!
Your samples are soo great, thanks for showing all the detail Thanks Steve, !
Nice illustration of a common problem for new artists. I'm just returning to painting after years off due to aging eyesight. After cataract treatment my eyes are doing well enough to paint. It was a helpful video for me,thanks Steve. I will look for that opaque white ink!
Lots of great ideas & information. Thanks.
Thanks again for the great demo. I can see the difference in all three samples. I have masking fluid, but have been afraid to use it. You inspired me to do so.
Sure, give it a go. What do have to lose. Cut your paper in some small mini paintings and do some experiments.
Thanks so much for this tutorial... having the 3 technique styles completed side by side has been very enlightening! Much appreciated.
I love the tutorial. I find myself to enjoy negative painting best. I can let my right brain go free. It so relaxing and the end result can be a rewarding growth. Thank you for the great tutorial.
thanks for the video. I just started painting with watercolor a few months ago due to inspiration from my great grandfather. he made his own paints nad even painted after he went blind. obviously when he painted he was a purist as you would call it due to times. they are the most amazing watercolor paintings ive ever seen. I appreciate your objectivity in your presentation of methods though.. its good to know different techniques just in case a situation is calling for a specific need. I am like you though, I love that traditional watercolor look, not a painting that looks like acrylic done with watercolor... I would just paint with acrylics then.... and much cheaper than watercolor. I like the fact im part of keeping a medium alive. watercolor is a dieing art in the traditional sense as you said.
+ishkiia Paige thanks, happy that your great grandfather inspired you to help keep this medium alive.
Please excuse my ignorance, but I am fascinated. How did your Grandfather manage to paint when blind? How dis he know to choose his colours, mix them and know where to place the brush marks? I have seen some fabulous paintings by people whom are blind and takes my mind to another dimension. Thank you 🎨☘️🌹
How do you not have more subscribers? Your videos are amazing, they're very educational, funny, and heartwarming all at the same time. Keep up the good work! 👍
Once again, I've learned so much! Thank you:) I taught Math next to Art teacher. He only taught one way and I had trouble getting shapes I wanted...He was great man and I appreciate his help. But....it's nice to have ways to "fix" areas. I'm trying different options...Very much appreciated
Thank you so much! I was just staring at some light green foliage in front of a dark green background and agonizing over how I was going to do it.
Love all your tips and tricks. When the gel pens start skipping you can get them flowing again by scribbling a bit on the palm of your hand also. I am loving your channel. Thank you so much :)
You continue to be major awesome!!!!! Thanks so so so so much for sharing your wisdom and humor. You inspire me in so many ways!
Thank you so much for this video! It's exactly what I needed. Have struggled with this for a while.
Thanks, this is quite helpful for someone like me who's utterly inexperienced when it comes to shrubbery.
If you dislike the skipping maybe try white indian ink with a dip pen. It's what I use if I ever feel the need to add any highlights/other white spots.
Thank you! Nice seeing the different methods side by side. Drawing on a damp paper towel helps the gelly roll when it starts skipping.
+Rebecca Page nice tip thanks!
Rebecca Page ii
From another S(Sharon).Mitchell 😊 Another great video. I keep learning. Thank you so much.
FYI, just went to order Kuretake white ink on Amazon. Shipping is free but has long delivery date. Delivery anywhere from mid to end of September. Shipping is direct from Japan to US so dates vary.
What I do when my white pen stops drawing is do a couple of little circles on the flesh mound between my thumb and the back of my hand. It really works fast, and leaves lovely little scribbles on my hand! 😉
Randi Command x
Try an ivory POSCA pen. They are great. Similar to gel pen, but not stark cold white, and they are reliable. I got mine at Blick.
Excellent tutorial. Thanks.
Thanks so much, Steve for this video. This is a subject I have been searching for help on for some time, as I do use dark backgrounds with light foliage and foregrounds quite a bit. Well done. I will try the ink, too. It looks great.
hi...pedro do brasil... nice to see the indication of the gel pens...for the white details...for example, clear windows in dark glass...using the Uni Boll Signo...when it clogs at the tip, I rub it in my hand or I lick the tip...saliva is good for the gel....hehehehe
Something different to try and I think it will be fun. Thanks so much.
Just what I needed! Loved it.
thank you your video is crystal clear....Merry Christmas from Canada
Thanx so much for creating theses videos. I wish I could subscribe one million times
Thank you for this. Always like to learn something new...to me. Been around for a long time and am amazed at how much I don't know! I'm enjoying being brave and loose with the washes. Thank you. Maxine
Very informative, as usual. I like the way you always say, this is the way I do it, some people do this or that, and if anyone has a different way that works, let me know.
You are awesome. Love your style and teaching methods. Thanks!
this is one of the most helpful videos i have ever watched, thankyou so much! This is something I really struggled with, but I'm going to try these techniques and see how if goes now!
thank you for sharing your art and techniques..very inspiring.
Your so fun to watch! Your also full of so much great knowledge! Thank you
Great video! Very helpful!
Thanks. I found the listing. Love these videos! Keep them coming.
Beautiful demo as always
Thanks, that was fun and FULL of good advice and tips. Loved it.
This was incredibly helpful. Thank you so much!
very interesting, I have two of those colour shapers and they work great,a ruling pen is nice too and not hard to clean and good for inking as well!
Blissfulthings c
incredibly clear and very helpful. Thank you!
on the bottom example there is a skull right in the middle of the sky at the treetops. the nose of the skull also looks like a person with a wrap on. I see tons of opportunity to exploit those shapes as image in image. I used to do tole painting and using liquid mask was one of my favorite techniques. I masked off picket fences, gates, lattice, as well as faces, but they were not my strong suit. I'm just learning how to do watercolor, because of the portability. So what I'm saying is keep your little examples there. You can use them on greeting cards.
This was REALLY helpful. Thanks not only for another excellent, immediately useful tutorial, but also for your innate talent for teaching. Direct experience has shown me that good teachers are born, not made. Clearly-at least to me-you were meant to share your skill, knowledge, and instincts with others, and that's a gift.
Masking fluid is probably my favorite of three (and the only one I already tried), but I'm going to be trying the other to just to compare results.
You videos are so good … thank you !!
If you tint the white gouache with the base color, in this case yellow, to match the color and use to paint the very small details, or use pen to draw it on
Thank you for all the great information. It really helps in my watercolor learning process.
this is great information, and the whole discussion while you paint is helpful! thank you!
Great video! I got mad at Alvaro Castagnet when i saw a video in which a person assisting to his workshop asked about masking fluid and he said "naaahhh, never, is an amateurish thing". Generally speaking i like him and the advice he gives but that seemed wrong since for certain styles and/or situations masking fluid can be just the best answer to achieve something. Maybe he was saying that in the context of the teaching of the style he paints (mostly loose, using abstractions and not detailing anything too much or at all), and he found redundant to specify that his "nahh" was related to that style and not that masking fluid is a "nahh" for every style. Anyways! great video.
Alvaro is a colorful character and a bit in awe of himself unfortunately,.
Hi Steve, thank you so much for this helpful video. The second method is the easiest but with the first we can learn how to control and use the brushes so it is a nice challenge :)
great video many thanks
If I could only watch 1 channel it would be yours! I have learned so much. Thank you! 😊
So nice of you
Great video as always, Steve. :)
I am a big defender of traditional, pure watercolour of the likes of James Fletcher Watson and Edward Wesson. I am a fan of masking fluid myself, but I wouldn't discount or look down on other methods either. I especially recommend the coloured masking fluid from the German company Schmincke, which is in blue, or from the French company Sennelier, which is a greenish colour. I like the coloured version because you can see exactly where you have applied the masking fluid.
Both companies also make a wonderful masking fluid pen, which you can use to get really fine lines, perfect for creating the likes of detailed grasses. I am not sure whether you have them in the Unites States, but both masking fluids from Schmincke and Sennelier are widely available here in Austria and in Europe generally.
They are available from US mail order art suppliers I believe. Thanks for the recommendation.
There is also a company called Molotow that makes a refillable masking marker pen. I have used the finer point one (it's not very fine, so you might want to stick to an applicator), but it's pretty easy to use and you can use it "on site." I think you can get it through US art suppliers and perhaps Amazon.
The Mind of Watercolor v
I like the paintings and the bible text thank you
What an inspiring and educational post. Beautiful artwork always looks forward to your post which is a meaningful and educational purpose to me. I would be very grateful if you could post a video on how to paint grapes in watercolor Thank you.
Love love love your tutorial s THANK YOU ❤️
I always have issues with the Gelly Roll, but the Signo pens are great!
Danara Salter c
A really useful video! Thank you so much!
Extremely helpful Steve!! Thank you:)
I love your tutorials! Thank you
What do you mean when you say "soap the brush" before using the masking fluid? Thank you for these great videos.
A thin coating of bar soap on the bristles. Just wipe a brush over some soap a few times before using the mask.
@@mindofwatercolor Thank you very much.
Helpful as always. Thank you.
to find the light control the dark background...your saying and it is great.....
Hahah! Thanks MaryAnne!
Thank you Steve. great info!
Great info as always Steve! Thank you! Very helpful!
Did you ever use Pro white gouache, in a little jar? We used it at Paier, I still do sometimes. I didn't know about the Japanese ink! Thanks for the nice videos.
Yes, have use it in the past. It's fine.
Great guide through watercolors with detailed tips. I have viewed your You Tube VIDEOS THANKS !
Hi Steve. I really enjoyed this today. I especially liked the advice about white pens and the ink. I was wondering if you would do a segment on alla prima. I think I have the term right anyway. You paint lines with acrylic and then water color around it. Karlyn Holman does some nice work with this method using a little squirt bottle with a fine tip. I would really love to see it demonstrated because I think it's something I would like to try. I am not a purist and I like adding things like gauze, tissue, whatever adds to the interest. Thanks again for todays video. I always enjoy it when you put a new one up. :)
Not familiar with that specifically. Sounds cool though. Alla prima usually refers to a fast painting session done all in one sitting.
I got the term from Karlyn so maybe I misunderstood. She did some flowers and dogs and I loved the effect of the acrylic lines. It looked like a lot of fun. I am quite sure that my lines would not fall in such graceful ways. lol
I'm going to order some of that ink. I already have the pens. I don't have a dip pen but it's on the list. :) You've been a huge influence.
Very helpful, thank you! I was also looking for a method to paint water and waves without always using masking fluid.
Great video, as they all are. Can you please comment on how you devised your ugly brush? I Imagine that shape is very useful for random marks. Thank you.
I devised it randomly, LOL! Sorry, couldn't resist. I just took a cheap bristle brush and smashed it straight down on the table then dabbed it into mask. I let the mask dry in the brush so it almost became sort of a rubber applicator. The dried mask holds the splayed out shape.
The Mind of Watercolor thanks for the quick reply, I'm off to smash a brush ;-)
The kuretake white ink appears to be a bit difficult to find. Any ideas on sources? Do you think COPIC white opaque ink would be a good replacement? I love the idea of white ink, as long as it’s permanent and tint-able .I just received a set of offset crow quill pen tips. ( love the offset ...easy to see what I’m doing! ). Very fine tips. I’ve never used opaque inks. Do you think they’d be too thick for crow quill tips? I did manage to snag a bottle of the walnut ink, the one you used, it’s beautiful and very fine. I do thank you for helping us all achieve our individual and collective art goals! I watch you with great interest and a very receptive mind.
Yes, Copic is pretty good too. You'll have to get the consistency right for crow quills probably but it should work.
Thanks for the lessons, it's adorable💟💟💟💟
Thanks for this! I have always wondered how lightfast gel pens are or how they will age. For me, not knowing this would be the main reason not to use them. And since you mentioned the ink, I have heard from several experienced water colour artists that Dr. Ph. Martin's Pen White is the only truly opaque white ink available that does not "pick up" the water soluble colour underneath. Here in Germany it's not so easy to get but it should be readily available in the US. Colour bleeding into the white is also a problem I have had with gel pens, so I will try the pen white as soon as I can get a decently priced bottle here.
Thanks for the input. Personally I've never had a problem with bleeding into gel pens but then I mainly use them for line details. I rarely keep the ink white but glaze color over it after it dries. Works very well. Kuretake White Ink 30 is waterproof and I've not had it pick up any color but that depends on how much color is on the paper and the paper sizing. No problem on Arches. Dr. Martins is not waterproof. I prefer not to use white that will rewet.
Oh, thank you so much for letting me know! I didn't realise Dr. Martins was rewettable! I should try the Kuretake White Ink 30 then and also get the Sakura Gelly Roll Pen. Thanks again for the very helpful recommendation!
Thank you! This was VERY helpful!
Second time watch for me, very helpful, thank you! There's just so much to know and oftentimes the most important lessons need repetition in order to really get it. Heck, I'll probably even come back a third time! :D
Thank you for uploading these helpful videos. :)
Great class! Thank you.
Hi Steve, I know this is an old video but hopefully you can still answer 🙏😁 I bought some W&N masking fluid about 2 years ago. I used it for the first time last week and it seems to have dried out a bit.., it is more like half-dried sticky glue (almost impossible to apply) than runny cream. Can I add water to it to make it runny again? Thanks so much. Love your channel! Kind regards, Mary from Australia 😎
Usually not. Thinning with water will often make the mask soak into the paper too much. The bits that have dried usually don't re-dissolve. However, you can experiment with it a bit if you wish. Stir it really well (don't shake it). Add a little water. A few drops at a time. Get some scrap paper the same as you will paint on (or use the reverse side) and test it. It should be the consistency of milk or possibly cream. If its still good it will peel up cleanly and leave no residue. You may be able to get a little use out of it yet. Just don't over thin with water.
@@mindofwatercolor thank you so much Steve! Your response is very much appreciated 🙏😉 you are a great teacher 👍 id love some more classes/demos on layering and charging... I just can't seem to maintain the vibrancy of beautiful colors!
Very interesting thanks. From Barcelona Spain.
some great technique , thanks for that
Is it possible to paint your foreground pale grasses then mask over them when dry and paint your background in dark over the tops of the grasses?
Yes, but mask will lift color a tad.