Biggest mistake I see beginner watercolor artists make, and how to fix it

Summary

In this video, the artist explains the number one mistake beginner watercolor artists make: failing to incorporate adequate contrast through highlights and shadows. Using two pots as examples, one flat and lifeless, the other dynamic and dimensional, the artist demonstrates the importance of using different values of color to create depth. By emphasizing proper layering, blending, and water control, the artist teaches viewers how to transform a flat painting into one with a magical, lifelike quality. The key takeaway is that effective use of contrast is crucial to bringing watercolor paintings to life.

Takeaways

• 😀 The number one mistake most beginner watercolor artists make is not properly using highlights and shadows, resulting in lifeless and flat paintings.
• 😀 Watercolor paintings require contrast, with clear distinctions between light, medium, and dark values to create depth and dimension.
• 😀 Avoid starting with mid-tone or dark colors for subjects like leaves. Instead, begin with light values and gradually build up depth.
• 😀 Use water to adjust the consistency of your paint, ensuring that your brush isn't too wet when moving the paint around to avoid unwanted blooms.
• 😀 Effective blending of colors is crucial in watercolor; for example, using a mix of brown, yellow, and red to represent a more dynamic pot rather than a flat brown.
• 😀 To create shadows, mix complementary colors (such as red and green) for more realistic shadow tones, enhancing the depth of the painting.
• 😀 Keep a paper towel handy to blot excess paint or water and maintain control over your brush to prevent over-wetting the painting surface.
• 😀 Adding shadows while the paint is still wet helps blend and unify different elements, such as the pot and its shadow, creating natural reflections.
• 😀 Use hard edges, especially in shadow areas, to define shapes and add clarity. Avoid over-softening shadows with excessive water.
• 😀 To avoid imbalance in your painting, adjust the composition as you go by adding more elements where needed, such as additional greenery or leaves.

Q & A

What is the number one mistake most beginner watercolor artists make?

The number one mistake most beginner watercolor artists make is not adequately representing highlights and shadows in their paintings, which makes the artwork look flat and lifeless.

How does the lack of contrast affect a watercolor painting?

Without contrast, the painting lacks dimension and depth, causing it to look flat. The absence of highlights and shadows means that light and dark areas do not naturally interact, which is essential for creating the magical, dynamic feel of watercolor.

What should beginners avoid doing when painting objects like the pot in the video?

Beginners often make the mistake of filling the object with a single flat color, such as using only brown for the pot. This results in a lack of depth and dimension in the painting.

What is the importance of the light source in watercolor painting?

The light source is crucial because it dictates where highlights and shadows should fall. If a painting doesn't have a clear light source, the painting appears flat and lifeless.

Why is using only one color, like brown, for painting the pot problematic?

Using a single color like brown for the entire pot leads to a lack of variation in tone. This doesn't reflect the changes in light on the pot's surface, making it look unrealistic and two-dimensional.

How can the right blend of colors help create shadows in a watercolor painting?

The right shadow colors are created by mixing complementary colors, like red and green. This mixture helps achieve realistic shadows with the appropriate depth and tone, adding to the painting’s contrast and dimension.

What role does water control play when painting shadows in watercolor?

Water control is key when painting shadows. Too much water can result in back-flow or bloom, which blurs the shadows. Using the right amount of water ensures that the shadows have sharp contrast and look natural.

What should you do if the paint appears too dark or too light while painting?

If the paint is too dark or light, use a paper towel to dab the excess paint away. You can also use clean water to lift the color and adjust it until it meets the desired effect.

Why is it important to balance the left and right sides of a watercolor painting?

Balancing the left and right sides is important for creating harmony in the composition. If one side feels too heavy or crowded, it can throw off the painting’s visual balance and make it feel incomplete.

What is the significance of hard edges in painting shadows?

Hard edges in shadows help define their structure and make them more distinct. Avoiding overly soft edges ensures that the shadows look realistic and grounded in the composition, rather than floating.