Controlling Water / Pigment Ratio in Watercolor

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  • čas přidán 12. 09. 2016
  • How do you control the amount of water and pigment in your brush when painting with watercolor? This video is to help all you beginners that have asked this question.
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Komentáře • 457

  • @desertmorningworkshop3351
    @desertmorningworkshop3351 Před 5 lety +104

    This is THE best demo of managing the water-pigment ratio for watercolor on the net! Terrific.

  • @onyxxxyno
    @onyxxxyno Před 10 měsíci +8

    I really appreciate this tutorial, too many youtube videos tell you to use more or less water to adjust the intensity, tea, coffee, milk consistency, etc, but don't actually show what's going on with the brush to get that. I learned a lot!

    • @mindofwatercolor
      @mindofwatercolor  Před 10 měsíci +2

      Thanks and agreed. I've never liked the tea, coffee, milk, cream consistency analogy. It doesn't really teach you anything. Not to mention, most of my painting exists right around the tea, coffee level. A lot of value variety is possible right there. It's rare that you need milk consistency and especially cream.

  • @mizlenore
    @mizlenore Před měsícem +2

    This was EXACTLY the information I needed! Just starting out and my paint was always way too wet. Can’t wait to get practicing with this exercise. Thank you!

  • @seahorse5689
    @seahorse5689 Před 7 lety +53

    That was an excellent and very helpful tutorial, thank you! The tip about dabbing out water by the ferrule was a huge help. I kept ending up in this circle of dabbing the brush to dry, losing paint, then picking up more paint only to have the brush too wet again. Simple solution that never occurred to me, so, again, thanks so much.

    • @mindofwatercolor
      @mindofwatercolor  Před 7 lety +13

      Yes, thats common. Just takes practice. You can learn also just to pick up very tiny bits of water with the very tip of the brush. Don't have to dunk it every time.

    • @2003mandiman
      @2003mandiman Před 4 lety +2

      When I only need the smallest amounts of water added I quite often don't stick my brush into my cup but instead I'll dip just slightly into a singular drip left somewhere along the ridge. Again and again as needed, usually only 1 -3 times 😊

  • @sherronrobinson6772
    @sherronrobinson6772 Před 7 lety +34

    Talk about not knowing what I'm doing! I am always rinsing my brush completely (I am a beginner). This has been such a helpful tutorial. Thank you so much for sharing this useful information.

  • @gaildoughty6799
    @gaildoughty6799 Před 7 lety +107

    Thanks, Steve. I've looked at (viewed repeatedly) several different watercolor how-to channels, and yours are by far the best. Patient (do it over and over and over), informative, funny, and very clear. Thank you for putting these out.

  • @Sandieness
    @Sandieness Před 4 lety +13

    This one video has completely changed my life as an artist. You explain things so well, Steve. Now that i understand how water to pigment ratio works (blew my mind), i feel so empowered to create beautiful art... Will keep you posted. 🙂

  • @tyedye571
    @tyedye571 Před 4 lety +6

    Thank you, thank you, thank you. I felt really stupid trying to figure out how to make the color more intense. Now I feel smart. 👍

  • @judygainer1766
    @judygainer1766 Před měsícem +2

    I love rewatching your early videos on basics. So very instructive and to the point. ❤

  • @nathaliacalmon
    @nathaliacalmon Před rokem +2

    How many 20 years until I can do these gradients in my sleep? lol I've watched this probably 131 thousand times. All views are mine. Ok, maybe exagerating a little bit, but it is brilliant (this whole series btw) and doing it how you do it, is... really... mesmerizing. Thank you so much again and again.

  • @cacu3989
    @cacu3989 Před 2 lety +2

    most valuable video i've found as a beginner

  • @meggraham7564
    @meggraham7564 Před rokem +1

    OMGosh, the ferrule drying. Makes so much sense!!!! You R the first person I have seen mention this. Can't wait to practise this. Ty, ty

  • @capbin146
    @capbin146 Před 7 lety +4

    Like Rebecca says below I have got here by trial and error. This really puts it in context and mopping the ferrule. This lesson is genius for all and I hope lots of beginners see it and it saves them the tough learning process.
    You have produced a lot of these explanations that I think other artists take for granted people know and/or understand.

  • @rmuller366
    @rmuller366 Před 3 lety +5

    Thank you so much MOWC! I can’t tell you how many videos I’ve watched that have skipped over this basic and important information. It’s frustrating to hear “oh, you’ll get the hang of it” over and over without the explanation of just how I’m going to do that. You’ve inspired me to get to my watercolors and do this exercise. It’s been decades since I’ve done watercolor and find it so useful to get back to the very beginning through your videos. Very much appreciated. Blessings to you!

  • @Roslyngal
    @Roslyngal Před 6 lety +3

    This video was recommended over at wetcanvas as a must-see for beginners, just in case you’re surprised at the sudden traction it’s getting in Jan 2018! Well deserved acclaim, I say!

    • @mindofwatercolor
      @mindofwatercolor  Před 6 lety +1

      Interesting! Thats good to hear. Thanks for the heads up!

  • @EG_art
    @EG_art Před rokem +1

    I know this is an older video but as a beginner (I've been watching alot of videos for what seems like forever) I haven't run across this type of tutorial yet. I was taking a 1 hour live class yesterday and during the class I ran into this exact problem, over saturated brush which made for very ugly flowers to the point where they looked abstract!! I couldn't think fast enough on how to fix the issue while the class continued on. I found your tutorial, accidentally, and am so happy!! I will definitely do this practice!! Thank you, Steve!!

    • @mindofwatercolor
      @mindofwatercolor  Před rokem +1

      My pleasure! When teaching in-person classes, I found this to be the number one issue with beginners.

  • @michaellaschmidt2415
    @michaellaschmidt2415 Před 6 lety +4

    Wow- I get the funniest looks from teachers when I ask this question! Its all about the water in the brush.....or not..... Thank You for so clearly explaining this- I will be back and watch again and try this on paper.

  • @susanhepburn6040
    @susanhepburn6040 Před 3 lety +2

    This has to be the best video I've ever seen on this subject and I cannot thank you enough for it, Steve. I suspect that there is a vast number of people thinking, 'Why did no one ever explain by showing me this before?!' 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

  • @ApacheJay156
    @ApacheJay156 Před 2 lety +1

    This is so helpful. I never thought of taking water out near the ferrule.

  • @shufamshumate1689
    @shufamshumate1689 Před 6 lety +4

    This video is what started me on your channel. I was searching for a video that would show how to build up the color on the palette and then how you use the palette vs water. This was the only video that I found that showed what happens "off camera" - most just show what happens with the brush and paper. Thanks sooo much for this!

  • @knittermom07
    @knittermom07 Před 4 lety +2

    Finally, I’ve been looking for someone to show how they use the water and pigments. Thank you

  • @causetherat308
    @causetherat308 Před 7 lety +2

    Thanks. Out of all the people showing water color techniques yours has always been the most helpful for me.

  • @AKAnn17
    @AKAnn17 Před 5 měsíci

    Thank you so much for reducing this to my level! The issue of water control is so hard for a beginner, and I was just about to throw my paints and brushes in the trash!! Now I am going to watch this repeatedly instead. 😃

  • @janeharrell9032
    @janeharrell9032 Před 3 lety +1

    Thank you for showing all of this. I am a beginner that has been very frustrated. You have inspired me

  • @senfully
    @senfully Před 3 měsíci +1

    This is so helpful! I'd figured out some of this, but now I'm eager to go try! It helped so much seeing your paint and water.

  • @hopesmith8326
    @hopesmith8326 Před 6 lety +4

    I agree w/ previous posters that after viewing several watercolor tutorials, Steve is the best. As a newbie I need to understand the basics and few artists remember to explain patiently. I appreciate these tutorials immensely. Thank you Steve.

  • @marilynpeoples5099
    @marilynpeoples5099 Před 5 lety +1

    Every time I watch one of your videos, it addresses one of my frustrations. You say, “ a watercolorist must be brave, “ but a brave watercolorist is nothing without knowing the principles of watercolor. Thanks again!!!

  • @karenbackman1175
    @karenbackman1175 Před 2 lety +1

    Best demo ever on water control!

  • @joannaskor316
    @joannaskor316 Před 7 lety +3

    I've seen a lot of watercolour videos but this is the only video that touches on this important issue.

  • @cindybtanner3974
    @cindybtanner3974 Před 4 lety +2

    Thank you Steve for posting this series of beginner watercolor videos. I watch and rewatch them and pick up a new tip every time.

  • @tkkozeluh
    @tkkozeluh Před rokem +1

    Thank you so much! Like all beginners I struggle with this and I think this video has helped.

  • @cylenadee
    @cylenadee Před 5 lety +8

    Beginner here❗️ I can’t get to local classes and have wanted to learn watercolor painting for years. I’m so glad I found your videos they are wonderful❗️ Your teaching techniques are not only informative, easy to follow, uncomplicated and simple but THEY ARE FUN❗️Oh! And I like the humor too🤪😄
    I’m actually getting over my “beginner’s nerves” and quickly gaining confidence❗️
    Thank you so much❗️👍🏼

  • @bdcorgimom
    @bdcorgimom Před 2 měsíci +1

    I finally have an understanding of how to load the brush! I am a super beginner and had no idea how to handle the water and pigment. Thank you. I will spend a lot of time just practicing this!

  • @quilter1958
    @quilter1958 Před 7 lety +1

    Finally what I've been looking for! Everyone else who teaches this on CZcams has water off camera and I can't see what the hell they're doing. Glad your not competing with all the others with what nail polish your wearing this week. :)

    • @mindofwatercolor
      @mindofwatercolor  Před 7 lety

      I usually do that off camera too. Mainly that happens because its not that instructive. You can't tell how much paint or water is being take-up on video. In reality it varies quite a lot more than is evident on camera. But I'm glad if it helped you some.

  • @smedina146
    @smedina146 Před 2 lety +1

    YES!!! THIS HELPED SOOOO MUCH! Im still a bit new (ish) to watercolor and this demo was very helpful. Spot on! Thank you for your time. Blessings to you from the great Pacific Northwest, Lakewood Washington! (Think south of Seattle but way better!)

  • @abby-fichtner
    @abby-fichtner Před 4 lety +6

    okay, between this and your How to Blend Watercolor Paint Wet on Dry, you just upped my watercolor game by about 10X. Things are making so much more sense now. Thank you!

    • @thehighpriestess8431
      @thehighpriestess8431 Před 3 lety

      HI! I am having a little trouble finding The video called How to Blend Watercolor Paint Wet on Dry. Could you please link it here.

    • @abby-fichtner
      @abby-fichtner Před 3 lety

      @@thehighpriestess8431 czcams.com/video/Qy_8px43Esc/video.html&ab_channel=TheMindofWatercolor

  • @mechadebzilla
    @mechadebzilla Před rokem +1

    Got so into it I was tilting my phone to get rid of the glare on your paint. Well done, man.

  • @1msfit
    @1msfit Před rokem +2

    Thanks, Steve! I am a beginner and have decided to start over again with a more structured approach to learning the basics. This is a great supplement to my lessons. You are the only one I have seen who mentioned the tip about blotting the ferrule. That will be a big help.

  • @clymbr
    @clymbr Před rokem +1

    excellent, super helpful video thank you! I was either getting puddles or way too dry. the dabbing just the top bit and sucking up water already on the paper were need to know basics other videos weren't making clear! thank you

  • @paigegarrison6721
    @paigegarrison6721 Před 4 měsíci

    This was an amazing lesson. I’ve always struggled with that ratio bit! This helped immensely! Thank you so much! 💕🎨

  • @jeansuplick4730
    @jeansuplick4730 Před 8 měsíci +1

    This is an oldie, but goodie. Very nicely explained. Thanks, Steve.

  • @SquishyChameleon
    @SquishyChameleon Před 11 měsíci +1

    This video finally made something click for me. Thank you!!!

  • @Genevievegv1988Vallits

    Thank you so much for this video. Ive seen SO many videos about technics and tutorials, but this information is never covered in them.

  • @Rwdawson23
    @Rwdawson23 Před 3 lety +1

    Been struggling with water control for what feels like ages and this is the FIRST video that actually helped by telling me to dab the water out by the ferrule. THANKYOU.

  • @bonniefowler5013
    @bonniefowler5013 Před 3 lety +2

    Yay, I've finally found the video I absolutely needed as a absolute beginner. You are so through and patient and I am really thankful that you verbalize how, why and what you are doing.

  • @Ms2cents
    @Ms2cents Před 4 lety +1

    I’m a beginner and this helped a lot! Thanks!

  • @helanna9843
    @helanna9843 Před 7 lety +1

    Thanks. Your video explained a lot that makes sense but doesn't come naturally. I hope to be a lot less frustrated using these techniques.

  • @197432879
    @197432879 Před 5 lety +1

    Thanks so much, these lessons are great Steve! I’m not new to watercolor painting but never felt like I knew enough about the techniques to feel confident in what I was doing, just hit and miss, but these demonstrations are teaching me so much. After I watch a demonstration I go practice and slow but sure I’m getting it!

  • @barbararegina5198
    @barbararegina5198 Před 7 lety +1

    So useful! Making puddles darker has always been my challenge. Can't wait to follow along with this one!

  • @pstutor1
    @pstutor1 Před 6 lety +1

    Such a great video. Answered questions I didn't even know I had. Invaluable for my desire to paint mountains that melt into the sky. You rock!!!

  • @TifaStrife
    @TifaStrife Před 7 lety +2

    Thank you so much for sharing your tips and techniques with us. You're truly the best watercolor instructor on youtube.

  • @carolguthrie4143
    @carolguthrie4143 Před 5 lety +2

    Best explanation and demonstration of controlling water to pigment ratio that I have seen yet!

  • @suzannerinehart5532
    @suzannerinehart5532 Před 4 lety +1

    These videos are incredibly helpful. I love the tips about water in the brush, how to blot, etc...THANKS.

  • @puffyjo
    @puffyjo Před 7 lety +20

    excellent but i miss your intros and your wonderful sense of humour =) . you are a wonderful teacher . thank you.

  • @jeffolsen4983
    @jeffolsen4983 Před 5 lety +1

    Great stuff! Clear, practical/rational, informed by experience. You've a great bedside manner, too. Thanks!

  • @susandavia6290
    @susandavia6290 Před 7 lety

    You are ~ hands down ~ my "fave" watercolor artist! I ALWAYS learn so much from you! Thanks ..so much.

  • @ashleytieman3982
    @ashleytieman3982 Před 4 lety +1

    I have seen dozens of tutorials and this one is the best and most helpful for a beginner. Thank you for uploading!

  • @class7038
    @class7038 Před 6 lety +1

    Just found you online and as a beginner I really appreciate your detail and clarity in describing what you are doing or 'feeling' with the paints. thank you

  • @PatriciaHolland-xd5gj
    @PatriciaHolland-xd5gj Před rokem +1

    Thank you, very helpful with one of my biggest issues!

  • @arietis1244
    @arietis1244 Před 3 lety +1

    i've watched a ton of watercolour water-pigment ratio/controlling water tutorials, and this video had really handy tips that i didn't see in any other tutorial! thank you! :)

  • @M0odyBlue
    @M0odyBlue Před 6 lety +1

    Your tutorials are filling some of the holes in my WC education. Thank you for your very clear instruction and for sharing your extensive knowledge!

  • @helanna9843
    @helanna9843 Před 7 lety +5

    As an absolute beginner this is really a valuable tutorial. Thanks.

  • @renejantzi7441
    @renejantzi7441 Před rokem

    When in doubt go back to the basics and no one presents the basics as clearly as you do. Thank you for this clear explanation of controlling the water pigment ratio. It has been a struggle for me.

  • @devandestudios128
    @devandestudios128 Před 5 lety +1

    Sorry, forgive my smug thumbnail avatar. Hello Steve. I'm new to your channel and absolutely love it. Now here's the kicker, I'm an oil painter. I've recently been using some of your tips for oil painting. In fact, I'm experimenting with using oils as if they were watercolors and your videos are helping tremendously. Thank you so much.

  • @susanh7938
    @susanh7938 Před 6 lety +1

    Thank you so much!!! I'm fairly new to watercolor and I found this to be incredibly helpful. I've watched it several times over. It's like it was the missing piece to a puzzle!! Please keep these basic techniques coming, I'm learning so much :)!

  • @AL-bh4pm
    @AL-bh4pm Před 6 lety +1

    This is a big help. I've been struggling a lot with this, but now I think I understand. On a side note, I'm always amazed by painters who can mix all their colors in one big bowl and come out with such clean washes.

  • @candybourgeois6916
    @candybourgeois6916 Před 4 měsíci +1

    Best water control info I've seen! Thank you ... I've never thought of tapping off the water at the ferrule.

  • @HeruPrime
    @HeruPrime Před 2 lety +1

    Great video! This was the best video I've seen on how to control Watercolor; what simple but exercise. Thank you for sharing!

  • @kingfisherdesignsmetals
    @kingfisherdesignsmetals Před 2 lety +1

    Wow! I finally understand - need lots of practice but I get it now.

  • @suzisandpiper
    @suzisandpiper Před 7 lety +1

    Thank you so much....this is something I've really struggled with, and you have me a system for sorting it out and learning. Can't wait to give this a try. And no one ever mentioned before about removing water at the ferrule....genius!

  • @ellafaustino8489
    @ellafaustino8489 Před 6 lety +2

    I've watched a lot of tutorials concerning this and this is the easiest and most simple explanation. Thanks c:

  • @marywiseman2045
    @marywiseman2045 Před 4 měsíci +1

    Thank you this was the best how to ever I now have a plan to work on.

  • @BarbaraGilbertdesigner
    @BarbaraGilbertdesigner Před 4 lety +1

    OMG, I can't tell you how happy I am, I have been practicing and I finally get it after watching your video one time. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

  • @haleykovach2730
    @haleykovach2730 Před 4 lety +1

    THANK YOU! I watched a lot of beginner videos and when I finally sat Down to try it this was my struggle. Your video is perfectly detailed and super helpful. Thanks so much.

  • @mmmgarcia95
    @mmmgarcia95 Před 4 lety +1

    One thing I find really lacking on CZcams are high-quality basic tutorials on watercolour technique for beginners. Until I found your CZcams page!!!!! Thank you so much for taking the time watercolour techniques to teach those who want to learn. I have found your videos invaluable on what can be a super frustrating journey, and it's great to have the basics be taught to you verbally rather than in a fast-forwarded tutorial with no words haha. Huge fan!

  • @thepochade5992
    @thepochade5992 Před 7 lety +60

    Blotting at the ferrule ♡ Thanks Steve :)

    • @1957DLT
      @1957DLT Před 7 lety +15

      Best new-to-me tip ever!

    • @katnnp
      @katnnp Před 6 lety

      DeborahLT1957 @

  • @DreamWeaverProd
    @DreamWeaverProd Před 4 lety

    Steve, I am a beginner to watercolour and I love watching your you tube videos. Thank you so much for putting these out to help us beginners. Couldn't do it without you. Keep them coming.

  • @leesanchez8432
    @leesanchez8432 Před 3 lety

    For me, the idea is to watch the video and do my paint practice at the same time. While my eyes and ears are soaking in what you tell me my hands are signalling my brain "oh yeah, I got it, or not quite, try it again." Works great! Thank you, Steve.

  • @pienkie01
    @pienkie01 Před 6 lety +1

    Thanks so much for these tutorials. They are really technical and practical. Explaining what must be obvious to a pro, but not patronizing.

  • @gosiaplummer4794
    @gosiaplummer4794 Před 5 lety +1

    Need to start practicing!!!! Thank you so much! Your tutorials are golden!

  • @MrPuddinhead61
    @MrPuddinhead61 Před 3 lety +1

    Thank you Steve. I’m a newbie and have been watching your videos faithfully. Learning so much. Much appreciated.

  • @kevinheller1145
    @kevinheller1145 Před 7 lety

    Steve, you bring so much love to this new found hobby...Thanks and All the Best (again)...

  • @beckybrady3867
    @beckybrady3867 Před 7 lety +1

    I just found this channel and want to thank you for the time spent and the helpful lessons! I look forward to watching every one.

  • @shirleywittering9698
    @shirleywittering9698 Před 4 lety +1

    So useful, I'm always telling my fellow painters 'its called watercolour because it uses water, often lots of it to allow the colour to have a mind of its own. Here you are explaining just how much water to use and how to contol it, Wow!, just really useful, thank you.

  • @kendall5513
    @kendall5513 Před 4 lety

    This is infinitely helpful, both your explanation as well as exercises to practice. Thank you!

  • @yazminacosta3785
    @yazminacosta3785 Před rokem +1

    Steve, you are by far the best teacher on this medium! I was always interested in watercolors but like many others was intimidated. Finally took the plunge to learn. Haven't had much success and was about to give it up until I came across your channel. Thank you for sharing your invaluable experience!

  • @lm2626
    @lm2626 Před 2 lety +1

    Thank you so much. This was the best and most helpful of the videos I've watched.

  • @bardotte5757
    @bardotte5757 Před 4 lety +1

    It all makes sense when you know how. Thank you Steve for a Very Good and clear explanation - brush & water ratio was one area of watercolour painting that I had the most trouble conquering - you are an excellent tutor 100✔️ Solved it in one. 🌈🎨

  • @lorrainekweskin8914
    @lorrainekweskin8914 Před 3 lety +1

    Steve, thank you so much; this was very helpful, now to practice, practice, practice!

  • @jazmarz
    @jazmarz Před 3 lety +1

    Thank you for sharing this video. I have been struggling a year with too much water in my brush. This is a game changer for my painting. The exercises you demo will move me forward. Best video on this subject.

  • @cafecito25
    @cafecito25 Před 3 lety +1

    Thank you so much for this video! Of all the ones I've watched on CZcams about water to paint ratio your's is the most thorough. This is a great exercise for beginners like me! me!

  • @kashivishwanath7603
    @kashivishwanath7603 Před 5 lety +1

    I watched many of your videos/ advanced lessons and came to this one. Must have watched this before , as usual great learning. 👍

  • @nillrock371
    @nillrock371 Před 7 lety +1

    I am Brazilian and I follow your videos but do not understand English, do not lose any video, thanks for beautiful arts show on your channel, I would like it to be more frequent these arts, but plumb so thank you

  • @janshamer5321
    @janshamer5321 Před 7 lety +1

    Thankyou so much for your very informative tutorial on controlling the lightness and darkness of your watercolor. Have a wonderful day.

  • @ruthinehennessy8705
    @ruthinehennessy8705 Před 5 lety +1

    I am very new at this and am serious about learning how to work with water. Although I have taken a few "lessons" though the years that were designed for new artists, NO one has gone to this extent to explain how to manage the water/pigment ratio. I think it was just assumed that we all knew what to do. Well I didn't. And I didn't know how to ask questions about it properly. Thank you, thank you - for this particular video, and for all the other videos you have put on line. Perhaps now I will be able to make more progress. Peace to you and Merry Christmas..

  • @leenaparsons9876
    @leenaparsons9876 Před 5 lety +1

    Thank you so much! I think I was going back into my clean water when trying to add pigment, and that was taking FOREVER!

  • @NerdsOnBikes
    @NerdsOnBikes Před 6 lety +1

    Thank you very much for this video! This helped me a LOT in trying to get watercolors under control! Very informative!

  • @fabtext
    @fabtext Před 4 lety +1

    I needed this so bad! Thank you. I'll be watching it repeatedly. Thank you !

  • @hevans9671
    @hevans9671 Před 3 lety +1

    I'm so good that I have done everything everyone below has done and some! No wonder I haven't made progress. Thanks for this video, in theory (if I practice as told) I will now move forward instead of binning my efforts.

  • @yay4films697
    @yay4films697 Před 3 lety

    Thank you so much for this video. I have been struggling with this issue as an absolute beginner. I cannot wait to try this out!