How to paint a fox in watercolour - step by step 

Thank you for everything that you do, you’re an amazing teacher. I respect you and all of your work very much! Blessings and best of luck in inspiring more people with your art!

WOW! I can’t wait to try this tomorrow. I am a novice, only discovering watercolour 12 months ago, and your tutorials are invaluable. I was wondering if you would consider painting the northern lights for us, please?

Thank you for this demo.I would have agonised for days over his fur!! This has shown me that animals are possible for a beginner.

I'm typically drawn to your style of watercolor (semi loose but structured?), but I also greatly appreciate illustration both realistic and animation style, classic botanical studies... and I recently discovered an artist who does "watercolor pouring" with masking/stencils/lifting that produces the most amazing work. It's wonderful that everyone can do their own techniques.

I’m a simple guy. I see a new Paul Clark video and I click “like”

Beautiful. So many of the best watercolour tutorials come from Britain, but frustratingly no one can understand or address the issues living in a climate with 38% humidity, as you blithely continue to paint for 10+ minutes and your paper is still wet. Mine dries within 5 minutes and it's really tricky to achieve optimum moisture. Spritzing has variable results. One of the reasons w/c is such a challenge, wet in wet. Nevertheless, a lovely lesson.

I thought this might help someone who wants to follow along with his tutorials. Paul is SO very generous by posting his sketches on his website for us. I recently discovered I can print onto watercolor paper. The printer is a factor (you for sure need a back side paper feed), but I have a super cheap one I got at Walmart (Canon TS 3322) and not only does it run a single sheet of 140# watercolor paper just fine, the ink is waterproof. It also has a scanner so you can use your own sketches as well. I did several yesterday of different sizes (it's literally one click to change the size so fast and easy), printed monochrome at draft quality and it gave me soft grey outline just perfect. This is a major game changer for those of us practicing. The only bad thing is that I can't print larger than 8.5x11 size.. but that's no problem for me.

I’ve just found your channel. Your memorizing to watch, your voice is so calm and I love your humour. You make it all look so easy. I see you use a knife to scrape the paper to reveal a fur like texture... do you have any tips ? Does it actually scrape the paper off or just the paint layer? I’m definitely going to give this a try. 🙏🏼 thank you

What paper size do you work with on the demos here? Also do you typically paint flat?

Thank you Paul for your positive attitude and for being genki and silly and happy about painting! Happy Holidays!

Hi Paul that fox is gorgeous. Can't wait to try painting this little guy. I love foxes. Keep going and God bless your work and you and your family. Thank you so much. Susan

I love this one and have made a pretty good stab at it, so I'm really pleased. Thanks so much.

Thanks Paul, that’s so beautiful painted in that style. Thank you for your generosity in making such wonderful tutorials for us to enjoy and follow

Hey Paul, since you asked.... I have a request for a painting that I want to paint for my mother.... a field of cosmos flowers, with a split rail wooden fence and a barn and maybe a wagon wheel in the background. LOL... too specific? My Mom just wanted the field of cosmos flowers, but that is kind of boring. So, I added a few things so I could learn how I would approach a painting with multiple aspects (i.e. field of flowers, fence, barn, and wagon wheel). For example, what would I paint first, would I need to use masking fluid, etc.?? Or, if this is too much, maybe you could talk about how I would plan and prepare for a painting like this. I'm not the best at drawing, so I would want to trace something onto the watercolor paper. Sorry, I'm taking advantage of you :)... I'm a big fan of yours -- I bought your book and brushes :)... I haven't read the book yet, probably get to that once I retire in about 1-year :).

Paul, this is lovely! The white highlights on the fox give it such a glowing life. Can someone please explain to me why animals’ eye are so difficult!?! I had a video idea that you might consider. You are so right that different teachers all approach watercolor differently. I was wondering if you could paint the exact same picture using different methods so that your RU-vid students could see the different possibilities and results. That may be difficult because every artist has the methods that they prefer and know work for them. You could also do a collaboration with another watercolorist and you both paint the same picture so that we could see different approaches and techniques. Sorry this comment is long, but where I live in rural America there are absolutely no watercolor classes that I can take in person. RU-vid has become my virtual school, and you are one of my favorite teachers.

Fabulous. Such a pretty looking fox. Great video.

He is beautiful. Mine was just a blog of mostly orange

Thank you so much for this. I am here in 2023, frustrated and in tears over trying to use watercolors. This has been going on for years. I am a pen & ink gal, along with colored pencils. I just do not have a good relationship with paints. I love this, but am going to look at your other videos also to find a good starting point & to try again. Thank you!

Happy New Year to and yours and what a beautiful Mr Fox to start 2021! He is truly gorgeous ,so thank you very much for showing him to us .

Would love to see you paint a Greyhound !!!! I’d love to learn ❤️

This is great! It's a reminder that I need to think more about my backgrounds. I wouldn't have thought to add more color around the nose, but it made such a difference. Really nice to see you've included color alternatives in the description. 👍

I started painting about 3 years ago. I have a few artists that I've been following on RU-vid for some now now, but I've only recently came across your channel. You've quickly become one of my favorites! I love how you explain everything so clearly and your videos are always so fun. I've learned so much in just a few short weeks. Can't wait to see more!

This was great. My first attempt looked like a drowned muskrat. Lol. Second time was much better but still a bit different. I lost some light so had to use a bit of gouache. Outstanding video!

Beautiful fox as all your paintings. I love paines gray!

Oh boy, I followed this tutorial today and was arrogant enough to think it looked "simple". Well, after creating what can only be described as a demon fox, I realise what looks easy is actually years of practice and skill! Beautiful painting, which I hope one day to be able to emulate!!

Hello there! The fox is ready to be going alive, to jumping out of your beautiful aquarel picture! Marvelous animal aquarel, thank you very much! And the fox is very good in balance, with the beautiful orange and blue colours aquarelpaint. Lots of aquarel paintings greetings from Riny into the Netherlands. And not to forget, I’m wishing you and your family, a very happy, healthy time for the New Year 2021! 🎄🍾🥂🎇

Thanks Paul- love your teaching style and your flexibility.

I love this. Your use of colors bring him to life. I tried painting my daughters black and white dog. I tossed it. You have inspired me to give it another go. Thank you!!

Oh, it's so beautiful. I'm fascinated by the idea of using the least number of brush strokes. Mr. Fox is perfect.

I look forward to Wednesdays for your amazing (and funny) tutorials. You made the fox painting look easy, like you're randomly dropping in color onto your sketch Your result is a gorgeous animal with vibrant colors spilling across the page. It'll take several thousand tries for me to get that (if ever), but I'm enjoying the journey. Thanks for sharing your mastery with us, and Happy New Year!

2nd comment... Lol... Any chance you would be kind enough to show how to paint a little birdie???

Thank you for that initial message. I am a beginner. I've been in lessons for about a year and 1/2 with one primary teacher & a couple of others. Recently I started watching YT videos and it is facinating they different approaches to doing the same thing. Luckily, my teacher doesn't get offended by my looking at other people's lessons. One question - why didn't you add whiskers on the other side of the face? I can't tell from the photo if they are there or not.

Thank you so much sir for this lovely painting of fox..... ... Sir can you make a video on how to paint a Tiger ?.... Please sir....😊😊

Thank you so much! I loved painting this beautiful fox and it definitely will go to our wall :) I love doing animal paintings, so if you take any wishes, then more animals! I have plenty of drawings already printed from your page

U stole my name I’m reporting you

Dear Paul ... I love your videos, (although I can neither draw nor paint) .... they’re very inspiring ... so, I’ll buy paper tomorrow (I got paint for Christmas) and start painting.

look at what I drew and I want to cry. So difficult.

Thanks Paul. I’m Mahsun Taib from Malaysia. May I know what palette you’re using. Plastic or porcelain. And where can I get the palette that you’re using? Thanks again.

From far, you are my favorite and I ❤️ you, I mean, you know what I mean “I’m québécoise”so…. Je t’adoooore et tu es un bel être humain 🙏😊👩‍🎨🖼️🖌️

I love your Fox!!youre paintings are such a lovely mixture between beeing to realistic and Kind of abstract..Because i started with pencils bevor using Aquarell colours it is Really difficult for me Not to get lost in details.. And so funny..i just painted a Fox myself bevor watching your Video.. Stay healthy and happy!!!!looking forward to the next lesson..

Good heck I dang near pulled a rib laughing so hard....... What you say is ""Get Out!" 🤣🤣🤣 Excellent painting as always Paul! And your tutorials are second to none. You've got a talent for art and a true gift for teaching it. After watching your videos even my wife say's some of my paintings are "passable". Course I take off her glasses and throw a little table salt in her eyes🤣(kidding) Thanks for passing along the knowledge and making it fun!

Hello Paul, thank you for having given your opinion about background or no background, it is (was) one of the questions I was asking myself, because I had the feeling to "ruin" my subject with a background, and also, if you have the opportunity to advise us what color to use...even if it depends part of each feeling, thank you in advance.

Hi, I'm from Brazil and a quarantine watercolor painter.Your paintings are beautiful and I've seen all your videos during this holidays. I thank you a lot for share so many lessons and (amazing) tips making it so easy and accessible for us 🎨😀🍻 Barry Barrera

Perfect...this is like a watercolour from Rien Poortvliet...I will do this one...I searched long for a video like this one .

Great tutorial. I can't wait to try this one you make it look so achievable, thank you for the added bonus of the drawing :)

As a beginner I am so happy to be able to watch and learn!

Great video as always.👌🏼👍🏼 My question is, how you make the background splash so amazing? Is there a tip you can share.. please? 🙏

Can’t wait to give it a go. I feel always a bit intimidated by the eyes. Wondering if you can zoom in a bit Paul for beginners. :)

Your Mr Fox is gorgeous! One of my favorite tutorials. Thank you a lot! I hope that someday you'll make a tutorial with a cat. Not cute pussy cat, but the cat walking by himself: "wild thing out of wild woods"

This is a wonderful foxy , Mr Clark

Just discovered you Paul. I am in Pembrokeshire and started painting in March with lock down. Its such a joy and helps keep life OK during the pandemic. I like to paint horses - any chance of a demo? Thanks Rowena

Wow another great tutorial how do you do it? What do the fox say ..... Paul Clark paint ME! So going to give this a go will watch a few more times on how you did the muzzle area (on a fox is this called the nose?) For me this was the wow it’s a fox moment for me when the little guy (ok could be a girl I suppose) became more 3D so cool. Haven’t been brave enough yet with the knife on paper but am thinking I will give this a go this time. Thanks for the sky painting tip I’m now addicted to softening the sky a bit with a wet tissue I just love how my sky’s are turning out um I do quite a few sunset over water (West Coast girl and I love our watching our fishing boats going out over the bar with the sun setting so pretty this summer I’ve been down at the Cobden Head taking photos and trying to paint this) um so could you do a few water paintings on water? Water is the hard part I’m wanting it so the water looks like it’s moving the waves coming up the river it’s hard to explain um so something with water would be great, having said this I’m enjoying all your tutorials. Keep safe over there Paul Kia Kaha as we say here in NZ.

Oh Paul how can you make an animal with fur so easy to draw and paint esp in watercolor??? Once again you demonstrate your amazing teaching skills. Thank you for the tips and another lively video tutorial. I want to give this a go. Happy new year and best wishes for 2021🎆🎈

Hi Paul, did the "Fox" now a second time. It is not as easy as ist looks like. Had problems with the colours fading into another. May be my blue was to intensive. But ist was fun. I keep on your track! Cheers from Petra, Kologne

Lovely video! Thank you for sharing! I enjoyed a coffee while you had your bitter beer :) I am about to embark on recreating a special picture of my dog using this technique you just taught. How do you decide what areas will be loose and what areas will be tight? I suppose I am afraid of loosing the detail that makes my dog special...

Just like our urban foxes in Harrow. Keep them coming, Paul. Can I suggest a scene including sunbeams? Happy New Year.

Really love how you use a sharpened end of paintbrush to make wisps, or whatever they’re called 😂.have sharpened the ends and two of my wooden paintbrushes, thank you, Paul. Also, I love your a paintings and watching you paint, doing the fox today!

Another lovely exercise with a wintery feel....atmospheric too...not sure my chickens would approve ! Really very well explained and pleased it is in a slightly ‘loose’ style. Would love another cityscape exercise to try - maybe Chinatown or similar . I keep trying night time city views and they never come out looking convincing and the dark shades get muddy. Thank you for another great tutorial.

I am looking forward to starting water color with Paul. Amazings painting and wonderful subjects.

This was excellent. I am just beginning to work with watercolor. Your approach is so gratifying. Thank you.

Nice little fellow....expressive painting captures the personality of the fox

Thank you soo much for this foxy fox, Paul. I simply love it! I gave it a try..it's not half as beautiful as yours...but I spent a great afternoon painting and learning.

Thank you Paul, my foxy is a little fat but otherwise happy, by the way I have not picked up a paint brush since my teens, with lockdown and to keep me occupied I dug all my kit out again and after 7 months can see the results are much better, well the family think so! I'm now in my 70's so it proves practice and practice works. Love your videos

Paul, I enjoy watching you paint. Your style is professional and describe things so well...exceptional teacher. And live your sense of humor. How about a frozen river with grasses in foreground and a small tree as well. Hope to buy your brushes soon

Hi! love this technique you use scrapping the paper, not easy to do but with practice and good quality the paper, I´ll try, thanks for your awesome tutorials. Keep safe.

Wowww... What a beauty.... Simply great, Paul 👌👍👍👍

Please could you try and paint a red squirrel and/or hedgehog Paul? My favourite wildlife. Love your work! Xx❤️

Do you sell artis materials?

Thank you again Paul for such great lessons and inspiring me to paint more. Could you possibly show us how to paint Yosemite and the Sierras of California with fog ?

Very nice. I will need a drawing class to do animals. Thank you for the nice video. Happy New Year ♥♥♥

Thank you. I have two shiba inu dogs who look similar. Will use this demo to paint them.🦊🐺 Happy New Year!

Enjoyed this one, instructive particularly with restricted colours, but does overworking preclude the whiskers to the left side of his face?

Totally handsome fella!! Love the rich earthy loose colours💓💓... can't wait to try

All ur works r awe stuck sir. Ur hands n techniques r awesome. In one word u r teacher from heaven above. Looking forward to have more splendid works from u in new year n so on. U r a miracle in any aspirants lyf. Thank you so much for ur fantabulous 🎨.

There is an art cruise … checking now to see if I am missing out as it’s already August. I was downloading the fox pdf n discovered ☺️

Fabulous! I'll try this. I need more practice painting animals.

Your fox is amazing, it's so relaxing to watch your videos and hear your voice. Thanks for sharing.

Another great tutorial Paul. I have to admit, I cheated I had to use the grid method to copy the fox, I'm so rusty, bit like the fox colour!

Thank You so so much Mr. Clark! You are so amazing!!!

Really nice... and what about to do more real fur?? as real hairs all around the animals??.... Thanks for sharing .

Amazing Paul. Can’t wait to give this a go! Thank you sir.

Hi Paul great animal painting. Any chance of a moonlit seascape, I don't seem to get the light right when I try. I need some inspiration. Many thanks.

Hello from Herstmonceux, thank you for the demo, will definitely paint this one soon. Sally

I hate you!! You are sickeningly good, how dare you! Oh okay I must not lie...I love you! Now go and make us some more videos like a good boy.

Paul, thank you very much for the tutorial. It was my frist experience painting an animal.

I am not a "loose" painter, but I think I will try this.. Thank You, and Happy New Year!

I adore Foxes...thank you for this. happy New Year Paul xx

I am really attracted to your colour combination. I never knew we use salt in that creative way.. Your demonstration is perfect.

Thank you! I’m not artistic at all and I just started to play with water colours. I tried your Mr. Fox and it turned out pretty good!!!

Super painting thank you so much for sharing with us. Happy New Year.

What a lovely video to watch. I will definitely be trying to paint this handsome fella! I wonder if you'd do a tutorial on a tree of life watercolour?

I did it... and enjoyed it. Thanks Paul... you are a really good teacher and artist.

Enjoyed was lovely painting but the music drove me nuts I had to mute then couldn't hear you :)

I just found you here and love your tutorials. I have a lot of catching up to do. :) I am a 'tight' painter and looking for ways to loosen up and your paintings show a beautiful mix of detail and impression. Thank you for taking the time to teach us. :D

Loved this one because I'm animals lovers..tq Paul

Beautiful! I likee. A lot. I have a painting that someone wants to buy...I don't want to sell. It just happens to be a red fox too. Maybe another painting is the answer. Thanks for showing that there is more than one way. I'm going to have a go. He may get his fox after all while I keep my cunning old fellow.

Hi Paul - I just discovered your videos and they are exactly what I was looking for! Fun, colorful, a bit abstract and with humor! I am a professional contemporary metalsmith of 44 years and beginning engraver, just returning to sketching and watercolors after not doing much in2D for most of that time. Love Love LOVE your open looseness in applying color! I look forward to watching ALL your videos.

Thank you for the tutorial , I think I can try this , what’s the worst that can happen ? I won’t know until I try lol happy new year xoxo

Admirado amigo, es usted un verdadero artista. Estudio con todo detalle sus pinceladas.

I totally love to paint animals ❤️