Transform Your Canvas with Watercolor: Loose Abstract Landscape Tutorial with Lynda M. Norman
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ก.ย. 2024
- Join me, Lynda Norman, a watercolor artist from the beautiful Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, for an exciting tutorial on creating loose abstract landscapes using watercolor straight from the tube. In this video, I'll demonstrate my favorite technique of applying vibrant pigments directly to a canvas using simple tools like a credit card. Watch as I transform an 8x14 canvas into a stunning abstract landscape, showcasing my go-to Daniel Smith paints, including Moonglow, Mayan Dark Blue, Undersea Green, and Quinacridone Gold.
Highlights:
Learn how to apply watercolor directly from the tube.
Discover the magic of using a credit card to create textured effects.
Explore the beauty of Daniel Smith's granulating paints.
Watch the pigments flow and interact to create a dynamic landscape.
Tips on using household items like photo paper as palettes.
This technique is quick, easy, and incredibly effective, perfect for any size canvas. Whether a beginner or an experienced artist, this tutorial will inspire you to experiment and unleash your creativity. Don't forget to subscribe for more art tips and product reviews!
You can learn more about Lynda M. Norman at: bandraoistudio.com
Video by Lorenz Plourde for bandraoistudio.com, @processartdiscovery and ProcessArt.ca
Lynda, you are an excellent instructor. I am an abstract acrylic painter, getting a little long in the tooth and wondering how I will paint on into the sunset, in future. Never found watercolours appealing but your approach is certainly inspiring to me and I can see where it can be an excellent medium when one is more confined in space. Thank you for this and I look forward to seeing more of your techniques, here in Canmore, AB.
Thanks so much! I love that watercolour can be portable and easily adapted to achieve great results in limited space. A small palette that can be re-wetted as needed makes that doable! 😊 We traveled through Canmore earlier this month - such a beautiful place! 💚
Hello Lynda. Your painting is beautiful and I did not know one could paint watercolor directly onto canvas. Thank you for this tip and I will be trying this technique soon.❤
@@angelag9346 Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy this process. One thing I forgot to mention is that if you aren’t happy with it and haven’t used staining colours you can simply wash it all off and start again 😊
I’d love to see what you create. 💜
@@ArtistLyndaNorman Another great tip Lynda. Thank you!🙂
This was wonderful to watch. You have a great voice and presence for instructing in art. Thank you!
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed the video. If there are topics you'd like me to cover, please let me know 😊
So beautiful! I marvel at how your swoops of color became such a gorgeous sky and landscape. I, too, didn't knkw watercolors can be applied to canvas and appreciate your use of Dollar store canvas, especially as a beginner. I will definitely try this!
What form of sorcery is this??? Magical, mystical, stunning!!!
Thank You! I believe watercolours do have magical qualities and it's such fun to let them play and lead the way sometimes 😊
I have been searching for inspiration to get me back into watercolour painting again. Thank you for such a wonderful tutorial, I've never seen watercolours used in this way before. You have well and truly inspired me.
Thanks so much! I'm excited to know you're going to get back into watercolour - If there's something I can address that might help you as you progress, please don't hesitate to ask and I'll include it in an upcoming video. 😊
This looks wonderful and has inspired me to try it.
What an awesome way to work with watercolour- can’t wait to try it!
Thanks for sharing
@@traceyforster2099 Thank you for watching! I think you'll love the process! 😊
I love, love, love this painting…and the technique you used to achieve it! I am so inspired to paint this way instead of using a photo as a reference now. So much more freedom to just play with what is happening on the canvas and make it whatever your imagination desires. Thank you for showing your process and your thoughts as you went. Beautiful!
Thanks so much! Yes, the freedom to play and develop a new relationship with water and pigment is wonderful - happy painting! 😊
i have been painting 29 years and this is such a great idea,i will try this ,the painting is beautiful .i subscribed today
How wonderful! I'm so pleased to know you'll be trying this technique and would love to know how you make out! 😊
Lynda, loved watching you make magic happen ! Thank you so much for sharing, it's beautiful !
Thank so much for watching and taking time to comment! ❤😊
Hello I just found your channel today. Lovely I am 68 and just starting out. I went crazy I have water colors I have acrylics and a few oils and I just bought some gouache omg watching too many videos. I love this as I am not great at drawing but I have always wanted to paint. Thank you so much for all your help and hard work 👍 ❤️ blessings from Ontario 🇨🇦 🙏 I will be binge watching you thanks again for all your help ❤️ 😍
Thank you - I'm so pleased to know that you are ready to create! I prefer to skip the drawing part - It helps me keep a looser style. Happy Painting in Ontario! 😊
Beautiful!
Thank you for watching! So pleased you like it! 😊
LOVELY WORK. THANKS
Thank you so much! 😊
Hi Linda, thanku so much for this beautiful tutorial. I don't know why but I found myself becoming pretty emotional watching u create this.
Maybe it was the music, maybe I just finally found a method of painting I'd love to try.
U made it look so easy but I know there is definatley a method, the colours just sung to me and watching the landscape unfold before my eyes was just magical.
Island and inlets appeared and trees and undergrowth suddenly became visible.
Im so very very glad I found u and I would love to give this method a go.
I've happily subscribed and now look forward to your other tutorials.
Again thanku very much ❤❤
What a beautiful message, Karen! You have made my day - Thank you so much! ♥ I'll be doing more videos of this process and, If there are other subjects that you would like me to address, please don't hesitate to let me know! ♥
@@ArtistLyndaNorman Aw well thanku very much Linda, I'm so glad u found the message uplifting.
Personally I don't think there's enough of it and I'm the kind of lady that will compliment and give credit where its due.
Especially those poor complete strangers u compliment in the street 😅🤣
Im sure there wondering what's coming next lol,
I just wanted to let u know that this tutorial affected me in such a emotional and positive way.
Im 64 and believe its never too late to learn, although my patience can be a problem 😅
I've had so many paint just sitting for years and of course have used them to paint things I've made or reno'd but the thought of 'painting' terrifies me lol...🙄
I can hear them and all my brushes taunting me as I hurriedly leave the craft room hahaha so stupid isn't it.
Well u just help me to blow away a few of those bloody demons 😇😤😅
I so look forward to the next project
Thanks again
Kaz from Oz 🥰
@@karenmusa3052feel the fear and do it anyways.nothing but lost paper and pigment in exchange for a lesson. Have confidence in your ability to learn from it all. It’s all just an exercise.
Love this abstract. I am just experimenting and this was great to watch. Thank you from york, England.
Hello from Kelowna - Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! Hope you'll give it a try! 😊
Hi , wow what an inspiration 😍, i had no idea you could use watercolor on a canvas yayyyy thats amazing i love it. I also love to let the picture paint itself, i find it quite a spiritual thing which i live love love.
I do wonder rhough if the paint will actually stay vibrant,crack or peel over time ?
Could you let me know how you treat/ protect yours and if its even necessary?
Ill definitely be giving this a go . Thankyou so much for sharing this amazing idea .
Love to you allvthe way from England xxx
Thanks so much! Once the paint is dry, I apply 2 light coats of Krylon brand Kamar Varnish followed by 2 or 3 coats of Krylon's Gallery Series UV Archival varnish. this gives great protection and keeps the pigments looking vibrant.
If the pigments are applied very thickly, they will crackle over time as the moisture and binder dry out. I have some paintings where the paint has crackled but they have not flaked or chipped off in over 5 years. For me, the spray varnish works well If you are experienced with using resin you could certainly use it to finish your canvas, but the overall look/feel would of course be greatly changed. Hope this helps 😊
Wow can’t wait to try this you are such a good teacher calm and speak slowly to take what your saying in . Many thanks
Thanks so much! I'm pleased that you're going to try this - Please let me know how it goes! 😊
Im an acrylic painter shifting to watercolor. A bunch of canvases i thought would be useless. Im trying this tomorrow ❤ Thank you sooo much for sharing this 😊
Thank you for watching! I'm excited for you and your shift to watercolour - I hope you love it as much as I do! 😊
@dreamalamb4259 and you can also coat them with watercolor ground for some absorption if you want to try that
@theadi339 thank you friend. I just didn't want to buy one more art supply. I'd seen others using the Ground option. 🥰
Do uvarnish😢@@theadi339
How do you finish it, by way of “fixing it” to stabilize the pigment? Do you frame it? Intrigued by this technique, thanks very much!
Thank you! Once the canvas is dry, I spray on 2 light coats of Krylon brand Kamar Varnish followed by 2 or 3 coats of Krylon's Gallery Series UV Archival varnish. this gives great protection and keeps the pigments looking vibrant. Occasionally, I will have my local framer shop set them into float frames. If I don't intend to frame them, I will extend the pattern/design of the paint over the edges rather than leave the sides unpainted. I will try to demo the finishing details in an upcoming video.😊
Fascinating. I just took a course in watercolour after years of painting with acrylic and oil. I find it very frustrating. Love how relaxing you made it look. Thank you.
Thank you! I hope you try it and find the process as fun and relaxing as it looks (it really is 😊)
Interesting, another way for watercolour. What do you seal it with?
I use cold wax to seal my watercolor paintings.
Thank you. Just incredibly creative and fun!!
Thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Your Accomplice in Art - Lynda
Daniel Smith🤗🤗🤗Moonglow and Quin Gold. I will find undersea green. Thanks.
Glad you're going to try it! I'll be doing more videos on this technique using different colours in the coming weeks. Stay tuned! 😊
Hi Lynda, this was very inspiring. Please tell me how you finish your sides dye canvas. TIA
Thank you! If I don't intend to frame the canvases, I will extend the pattern/design of the paint over the edges rather than leave the sides unpainted. If i intend to have my local framer shop set them into float frames, I might not worry as much about the sides. 😊
Thank you for sharing your watercolor technique. Very enjoyable to watch you paint and teach and I am, anxious to try it! Thank you so much! 👍😊
Thanks so much! I'd love to see what you do! 😊
Beautiful and you look like you are having fun ! Can’t wait to try this!
@@lorettaholt6251 Thank you! Hope you have as much fun with it as I do! 💖
Lynda, thank you! A fabulous tutorial
Thank you! I’m so pleased to know you enjoyed it! ❤😊
Absolutely beautiful technique .
Thank you! It;'s really a fun and relaxing way to create a painting. 😊
A friend gave me a few canvases, and this looks like a fun way to use them. I'd like a nice stormy sea.
Thank you! I'll be doing a few more videos on this style in the coming weeks and will definitely include a stormy sea! Stay tuned! 😊
Hi Linda, watched you create this beautiful painting on canvas and was wondering how you would varnish it to preserve the surface. Thanks.❤
Thanks so much! Once the paint is dry, I apply 2 light coats of Krylon brand Kamar varnish followed by 2 or 3 coats of Krylon's Gallery Series UV Archival varnish. this gives great protection against fading and keeps the pigments looking vibrant. It also means the painting can be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth.😊
Do you spray with a fixative such as that which is used for charcoals? Thank you for a new technique. Great demo.
Thanks so much! Once the paint is dry, I apply 2 light coats of Krylon brand Kamar Varnish followed by 2 or 3 coats of Krylon's Gallery Series UV Archival varnish. 😊
Beautiful. Can’t wait to try this 🌷
@@dianecourtney2724 thank you! I think you’ll love it. 😊
After your canvas is dry, do you spray it with something, or just leave it as is? Very interesting, and I,loved the music!
Thank you! Yes, once the canvas is dry, I spray on 2 light coats of Krylon brand Kamar Varnish followed by 2 or 3 coats of Krylon's Gallery Series UV Archival varnish. this gives great protection and keeps the pigments looking vibrant.😊
I liked it at half-way through--would have made different decisions from there on out. But I appreciate seeing your choices.
Lovely relaxing informing tutorial, thank you ❤
Thank you! I'm so pleased to know you enjoyed it!😊
Lovely colors and techniques. Please tell how you protect the work from the elements and prepare it for hanging.
Thank you! Once the paint is dry, I apply 2 light coats of Krylon brand Kamar Varnish followed by 2 or 3 coats of Krylon's Gallery Series UV Archival varnish. this gives great protection and keeps the pigments looking vibrant. I usually attach 'D' rings and a wire to the back of each canvas. Occasionally, I will have my local framer shop set them into float frames. If I don't intend on framing them, I will extend the pattern/design of the paint over the edges rather than leave the sides unpainted. I will try to demo the finishing details in an upcoming video. 😊
@@ArtistLyndaNorman Thank you for sharing!
I love your creative, inspirational work area! At times, I want an austere atmosphere, but usually my area comes to this kind of "clutter" as I get busy painting instead of organizing and clearing my work space. Kind of depends on my mood or what's going on in my life. It seems that sometimes I want a blank space and other times I want to see all my tools and previous art works around me.
This is wonderful! I can't wait to try painting on canvas, and your demonstration is so inspiring! Quick question--do you use any kind of fixative after the painting dries? Thank you so much!
Thank you, I'm very inspired😊
Thank you! I love to see others get inspired to work with this beautiful medium! ❤😊
A lovely tutorial! Thank you. When finished how do you 'seal' your work? Wax? Or do you frame and glaze?
Wonderful. Thank you!!
Thanks so much for watching! So pleased that you enjoyed it! 😊
I love this kind of painting. Fantastiskt. 😊 tanken you f48m Sweden 😊❤
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment - I greatly appreciate it! 😊
It's beautiful. Did you prep your canvas with something?
Thank you!
I’ve experimented with several mediums and gesso/primer products to see what would allow the results I wanted - turns out it’s best to use the canvases just as they come from the store! Most of them will be pre-treated with at least one coat of a primer or gesso. Some bargain priced canvases feel hard and dry and don’t give me the results I like, but often the ones from our local dollar store are perfect. I think it might be a case of trial and error until you find a brand that you like working with.
Your Accomplice in Art - Lynda 😊💖
So lovely!
Thank you! 😊
Everyone might want to check out Steve Mitchell’s The Mind of Watercolor channel - he does these “instant landscapes” on paper, and they are amazing! 👍
Steve is a fantastic artist! I love his spontaneous landscapes and vignettes and have mentioned him in previous videos.
How do you keep from getting cauliflower marks when you add water.
Can’t wait to try this ……so many good ideas…… where do you buy your paints…?
Thank you! I’m so pleased to know you’ll try this! I try to support local and buy my Daniel Smith brand watercolours at a store called Opus Art Supplies here in Kelowna whenever possible. When the colours I need aren’t available there I will go online and order from Amazon.
Happy painting! ❤😊
I love watching the skill you’ve developed! Just beautiful. I’ve tried something like this on paper. Timing and wetness really matter. I’ve not got it so far. Excuse me but what’s your philosophy on aging? How old are you?
Thanks so much! I think your own style will emerge the more you play and experiment so I hope you keep at it.
I am 70 years old and have always believed that a positive attitude is the basis for approaching everything in life, including aging. I look for the things that 'work' for me rather than what doesn't, and I wake up every morning with gratitude knowing that I will find something to celebrate - no matter how small or insignificant it may seem to others. My life long motto has always been "Every day is Lynda's big adventure" - and you're most welcome to come along! :)
Your Accomplice in Art - Lynda
Awesome!!!
Thank you! 😊
Just watched your video and am inspired to try this technique. I enjoyed your calm tutorial. I have a question on how to keep the watercolour from re-wetting by accident. Can you spray something like Krylon over it? Thanks.
Thanks so much! Yes, I use Krylon sprays for every painting - 2 light coats of Kamar followed by 2 or 3 light coats of Krylon's Gallery Series UV Archival spray. 😊
Wonderful. I have only seen watercolor on canvas done with a ground placed first. How do you seal the painting? Or do you?
Thank you! I’ll have a few more videos on this technique in the near future so stay tuned!
To seal my paintings I apply 2 or 3 light coats of Kamar spray varnish by Krylon followed by 2 or 3 light coats of a UV Archival spray varnish by the same company. Because most of the Daniel Smith paints I use are lightfast, I am confident that this will keep my paintings looking vibrant and fresh and can safely be wiped with a damp cloth to remove any dust that may accumulate on the surface. 😊
@@ArtistLyndaNorman thank you!
Thank you so much. Your painting is beautiful. I’ve learnt a lot. I have some questions for you firstly does the painting since it’s watercolour dry much lighter on the canvas?….. can you do layers on top once it’s dry or not also do you seal or varnish if you want to hang it up and would you do it with Dorland wax ? I know a lot of questions, but if you can answer them I will be so grateful. Thanks in advance🙏💕
Thanks so much for watching and for your questions!
The intensity of the colour of the paints once the paint g has dried depends on the ratio of pigment T to water. Deeper colours will show where the paint has been allowed to remain thicker. Areas where more water has been will soften and diffuse throughout the drying process.
This process is a one and done situation. Any moisture added after the initial layer has dried will reactivate the pigment and cause sharp edges and obvious disruptions to the existing flow and patterns. You can go in with a damp brush and lift pigment in areas for effect, but I don’t recommend trying to add layers. That’s the beauty of this process - you get to experience how it is ok to simply stop and let the painting remain loose and open to interpretation 🙂
While I’ve used Dorlands wax on paper occasionally, I prefer to seal all my work with a spray varnish. I apply 2 or 3 light coats of a product called Kamar varnish by Krylon followed by 2 or 3 light coats a UV Archival spray by the same company.
Again, thanks for your questions- I hope this helps!
Your Art Accomplice - Lynda
@@ArtistLyndaNorman yes thank you helps a lot🙏💕
How do you seal watercolour🤗 22:22
Once the paint is dry, I apply 2 light coats of Krylon brand Kamar Varnish followed by 2 or 3 coats of Krylon's Gallery Series UV Archival varnish. I do this for all my paintings - whether they are on 100% cotton paper or on canvas. 😊
Thankyou. I'm inspired 😊
Thank you! I'm so happy to hear that! 😊
Very interesting. By not using a ground or gesso, does the watercolour remain archival - no flaking or cracking over time? Would you seal it with a varnish once dried? Love all the tips you gave along the way. Lovely work Lynda. I’m going to try this.
I have successfully sealed with wax - don't know if varnish might move the paint?
@@auldburdlaughin Thank you. I’ve used wax as well but I’ve seen watercolourists who seal with spray varnish as well. Haven’t tried it and just am hesitant to do that. Wondering if sealing is needed on canvas?
@@magpiegirl3783 Same here, am not at all sure about varnish and I don't want to risk a painting to find out! It's possibly not necessary at all - I have a couple of very small canvasses that I painted miniature landscapes on a couple of years ago and didn't wax and they are fine. I'm in Scotland so the atmosphere is far from dry most of the time, lol... Good luck and happy painting 😊
There's already gesso on the canvas. That is not a raw canvas.
@@ASDTadpole Ah yes, of course !!!
I like your work but could not get any volume to follow what you were doing. I tried everything to get volume. Lola
What brand/type is the brush you used to apply water to canvas?
In this video I used a Solo flat 5 line brush from MIchae4l Solovyev's Wateercolor Online site: www.watercoloronline.com/art-supplies
You'll see me use these Solo brushes a lot in my demos - they are a staple in my studio!
You could also use a hake brush or any other brush that will help you get a good amount of water on your canvas. As I mentioned in the video, for larger canvases where I needed to deliver a lot of water over a large surface, I have used wide nylon brushes sold in hardware stores for painting walls. 😊
@@ArtistLyndaNorman Thank you so much. Loved watching your video-learned quite a bit. 🥰
Am I the only one without sound?
Yes.
@@elizabethhurley7005 oh no! I sometimes encounter that issue when trying to watch TH-cam on my TV. I’ve found that exiting TH-cam and re-starting it usually fixes the issue. Good luck! 😊
Thank you. I did enjoy your video and love the fact that you are Canadian….! I read the transcript as the video was playing….
I know I am an old fashioned man, now what. annoys me, apart from excellent instructions , is having to look at hands with too many rings on fingers. We have 2 ring fingers that should be enough 🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️
Hahaha - Thanks for watching...and commenting. We all have our vices - mine are rings 💍and watercolour. I hope that doesn't deter you from watching my next video 😊
I love rings also ❤️😍
@@ArtistLyndaNorman Was too busy appreciating your wonderful art to even notice rings 🙄