How to Paint a Still Life in Watercolour - A Cornish Cream Tea 

About realistic painting... I once watched an old guy on a quayside painting a sailing ship sweeping out of the harbour. Someone (not I) asked about the detail of the rigging. The painter replied "I'm not painting the ship, I'm painting its journey." Today you painted scents and tastes and a chat with a friend. Photos can't do that. Many thanks, as ever.

Love, love, love this lesson! I’ve dabbled in different art forms my whole life. I’ve never had a formal art lesson, just read books and now found you tube. I am now a 79 year old great-grandmother and have the time to spend doing watercolors, which I’ve fallen in love with! Doing art has saved me during this past year from feeling isolated from friends and family. So glad it’s nearly over. Your videos are a great source of inspiration and education. Thank you so much!

When I was taking art classes in college we did a lot of still life drawings, and some paintings. I started out hating them, but soon began to love them.

I always remember your one quote....Less is always more. The leftover unpainted part enhances the beauty of the painting.

I could watch you paint all day! This has been a tragic year, and your videos are a source of comfort and inspiration. Thank you for taking the time to share!

Hello, Paul - I know this is from two years ago, but it caught my eye - I love the composition and the colors. I have been WATCHING your tutorials for quite a while, but never actually PAINTED one. It was time to take the plunge! I thoroughly enjoyed this (including the commentary - which I ALWAYS enjoy in your videos)! In addition, I have also watched a lot of your informational videos about things like paper and brushes - thank you SO much for those as well!

Oh, I so agree about realistic vs painterly. I see paintings all the time that do indeed look like a photo and people are in awe of them. And, that's their choice, of course, but I want a painting, not a photo. Thank you for this wonderful lesson!!

Love how you demonstrate all those important finishing touches. I have learnt so much from all your tutorials. you certainly stretch & challenge us. Thank you so much Paul.

I agree Paul, I prefer artwork to not look photographic. Love your tutorials.

Mmmm! Scones with butter & jam. I’m really getting hungry. Love this painting and love hearing your stories. Great video. Thank you for sharing

Some people are great artists, some are very good teachers. You are both. Congratulation!❤

Unfinish corners giving a nice look for some drawings...We learn a lot from you Paul. Great lessons...Thank you.

What a beautiful tribute to the opening of restaurants who have been closed because of covid! And, the memory of a beautiful time enjoyed getting back to normal! Well done Sir❤️

Remarkable! I am more amazed at the beauty of your work every time I watch a video. I am 67 years old and started doing watercolor about 3 years ago just for fun. I strive to improve, but it's slow going. That's ok with me. I still enjoy painting and seeing the work of fantastic artists, like you, is what keeps me motivated. Thank you so much for sharing your work.

You make it look so easy. I really appreciate your comment that you want your painting to be what the camera can’t do.

Thank you again. Just love watching you paint. Youare so talented.

I know I say this every week but here goes again thank you for you video. I find them very relaxing to watch. And I always learn something new.

That made me a little homesick, I’m ready to hop on a plane and come home for a real cream tea…..love this tutorial and will be trying this one so thank you! 🇬🇧☕️🎨

Love it that you paint various subjects! Beautifully done. Thank you ❤

I agree! People say "I like realistic like a photo". If I want a photo, I'll frame one!

This video greatly inspires me to try a still life this week. And I totally agree with your views that a little unfinished look gives a painting a greater appeal. Loved everything about your paintings and your style.

Paul, it is so nice to take a 15 minute break and relax with one of your videos. You have become family. Thanks again for sharing. Phil from USA

Thank you for your awesome sense of humour, for taking the time and effort to share it with us - made my day 😁 I learn so much from your videos and so grateful for all that you do! May all this goodness be multiplied for you 😊💝

Paul, your work is magical. Really. Loving Wednesdays.

Your wife is a very lucky woman - you are charming, talented and a delightful person with a great sense of humor!

My favorite part of this piece is the scones. Simple but beautifully done as always, Paul!

I had a blast re reading this!

I love following your tutorials Paul…. Thank you for inspiring me to paint in water colours.

This might become the first thing that I paint since February. Kind of lost my painting mojo, but I really want to find the motivation to start again. This is the first tutorial that I've completely watched for a long time, so I'm hoping this is what I've been waiting for. Thanks!

As always, your brilliance amazes me and your painting challenges me. Thank you for all that you do for us!

This tutorial is a feast for the eyes! I bet you are the only person who would have noticed the "mistake" . Mt husband's great-uncle, a Scotsman, always said "scoones".

Loved painting this picture, a change to paint something not a landscape or buildings. Not that I don't like doing your landscapes!! Had to think a bit more, as the printed pdf was different to the tutorial- the bowl had moved.I I have learnt so much from your tutorials, & it has kept me going during lockdown, please keep them coming. Thank you.

my wife saw your finished painting and now I have to go buy a cream tea, thanks Paul . :-)

One of my fondest memories of visiting friends in England was the scones and cream tea. I can't wait to try this.

I can nearly smell and taste! Your art brings back a lot of memories and makes me happy!!! THANKS!!!

MOST DELIGHTFUL VIDEO! Your explantions as you paint are such a helpful technique along with your stories and comments! Thanks sgain! 👩🏻‍🎨

The loose border detail is truly magical. Thanks Paul. Inspiring.

I enjoyed watching you build this wonderful still life. Thanks Paul!

What a lovely way to start my morning....thank you so much for performing paint magic for me today.

I have jelly and jam in my fridge. Gotta have both. Since you first posted the wax resist I use it whenever the subject allows. Rocks, wood grain, ice and snow...even gravel beds. It's great. Thanks much. And thanks for the vid about painting rocks. Great stuff.

I super enjoyed it, Paul!! 😊😊😊 thank you so much!!!

I just looove your wit. And your lessons are wonderful and fun to complete. Thank you.

I tried this one on a spare bit of paper and now I can't wait to paint it again on a larger sheet of Arches. Thank you for being a really detailed teacher and showing us that perfection isn't perfect.

So lovely. Now I want to paint while having a cream tea...

una acuarela RIQUISIMA...gracias Paul

What fun ~ thank you for the cheery wake-up demo, chirping birds and all💁🏼‍♀️🦜

Yes, we are open here! Wonderful. Loved your "mistake"; thanks for that.

Paul, I watch all of your demos and always learn something new. Today I liked the idea of marking with the candle wax on top of the first wash of the jam. It worked beautifully with the darker layer painted over it! Such a gorgeous painting! Thank you!

Such a yummy result today! I enjoyed the history and background of the Cream Tea as well.

loved this painting tutorial ! Thank you ,Paul for another great lesson. i have learned so much from your tutorials.

Simply gorgeous! The dusting of white sugar on top... scrumptious! And I agree - your white spaces and squiggles have such character! I'm just blown away by your creations.

Love this, many tips. Thank you Paul.

It is magical!

This was absolutely wonderful! A joy to watch....and I think I might even get brave enough to have a go at painting it.

I'm not sure which I love the most out of the cats, the t shirt, or the art. Thank you for posting this.

Quelle bonne idée gourmande! J'aime beaucoup la lumière sur la théière bleue. Tout a l'air si merveilleusement bon!

Absolutely loved watching you paint this. I want to try it but terrified at the same time. Thank you so much.

Thank you Paul. Your videos are so fun and informative. Looking forward to painting this one!

Yup, when friends ask me to do a realistic portrait, I tell them go take a picture! 🤣 Love this work.

Fun! Thank you Paul

I admire your splat placement precision. I have to cover areas with a paper towel or block with my hand. Quite a few great techniques in this one. Thank you

Thank you so much, even through I didn’t have same tools and colors, papers, but I still cannot hold back myself trying your lessons!

You are just a wonderful artist! Love your tutorials!

I've only just 'discovered' you on youtube and am so pleased to have done so. This is wonderful, fully explained and understandable. I look forward to watching so many more of you vids. Thank you for your generousity

Love it

Lovely, of course.

I did give it a go, and I really enjoyed doing this. I'll post it on the Facebook page. My main challenge here was not having right paper- not rough eough, so the wax went on a bit flat and too strong. I fixed it by scraping a little. I loved decorating the plate - it adds so much to the painting, and I didn't realize it until that step. Thanks again for your great tutorials! I've learned so much from you.

BRAVOO Paul! Doing watercolor in hyperrealism is not an art, i did hyperrealism and the paintings sold poorly, that's what the camera is for, i absolutely agree with you.

I came across your video today and I am glad I did. I just love this painting. I am a newbee to watercolour. Many thanks

Never thought I’d ever want to paint a still life, but you have a convincing way of making me think I can do it. Soaked two papers today, taped them down and ready to go tomorrow when they’re dry. Wonderful news - Bridge at Clun is matted and framed and ready for me to pick up. They phoned too late in the day for me to pick up, so I’ll get it on Monday. I can hardly wait. Until then, I’ll torture some paper with brushes and paints in hopes of coming up with something worthy of your teaching. Thanks Paul! 🥰.

This was a pleasant surprise . You really brought the whole table setting photo to life. The scones looked so real . I never gave your unfinished corners a thought until you brought them to my attention. They just always seemed intentional to me. I love the look of leaving them white. To me it just gives the painting more personality. You doing all the chores was hilarious.😁

just found this and cant wait to try- brilliant- love your tutorials thank you

Just perfect!!!

This clip also reminded me of an Architect and Urban Artist in Australia named Liz Steel who loves drawing and painting her tea cups and fancy scones...well done...

this is one of my faves and I'm going to remember the candle wax tip. I just love this simple little still life and it made me hungry for scones!!!

Love this lesson. Thank you again!

Thanks again for another great tutorial.i remember the cream teas 🇨🇦

Scones with cream and jam..........mmmmm YUM! Thankyou for showing us how it's done.😁

Mr. Clark... I am a 64 year old beginner from North Carolina, USA. Thank you for giving me the courage to give watercolors an honest attempt. My skills are extremely limited and can only improve (I can only hope!) Thank you for your wonderful sessions, which make me smile and provide enduring encouragement!!!

Thanks a lot Paul. I'm planning a series of food (and drink) paintings so enjoyed watching this. AND i love your wife's little cameo appearances (and voice-offs). :)

love your paintings ! and tutorials. Big thanks !

Wow! Love your videos..you always add humour, fun, information & the painting techniques in a short video, packed with great tips. Thanks so much for sharing so generously. You have instilled in many of us the love of watercolor painting. Everyone looking fwd to Wednesdays!!!

You have a wonderful talent in watercolor, but I think your personality and warmth outshines it. Thank you for sharing .

Have just drawn this one out ! Cant wait to get painting tomorrow. Excited to have a painting that will go well in my kitchen thanks Paul

Love it!

Absolutely beautiful. What a pleasure to watch. I got an extra tip with the added resist over a color. Wouldn't have thought of that. Thank you!

Thoroughly enjoyed following this tutorial.. amazing, as always! Very realistic. Loved it. Thank you!

Wonderful Paul. The scones look very tasty! Haven't tackled a still life for years. Really looking forward to this. Thank you so much as always.

Ha Ha! Love the message of hope on the West Ham mug.

I just love this still life of yours Paul and it’s going to be my first watercolor painting, a new medium for me. I’m going to paint it for my daughter who loves tea and scones, just like her Scottish grandmother. Thank you for another wonderful tutorial!! PS: I loved your opening, you worked so hard doing all the chores and taking care of your pets while Margot was away having a grand time 😅

thank you Paul, lovely

Me encantan sus tutoriales. Gracias por compartir. Saludos desde mi golpeada y adolorida Colombia.

Love Wednesday's! Have to have a go at this one. Thanks, Paul!

Lovely!

So gorgeous Paul! Puts the viewer right into that comfy scene. I swear that Schminke watercolor paint is magical. Every time I watch someone paint with it I literally gasp at its beauty. One day I’ll have to splurge on some. 9 cats, Wow, that’s a houseful. We’d have that many if we had room. We just lost our little girl Peaches in February. She was the best cat we’ve had, beautiful inside and out. She would have been 15 next month, so she had a good long life. We adopted her from the shelter when she was aged 10 so didn’t have her for whole life, but grateful for the time we had with a marvelous kitty. Thank you for sharing your talent and your pets. Blessings to you!

Thank you Paul

Not only is it watercolour Wednesday, but I also received your book in the mail. I feel doubly blessed.

There is sooo many things to learn from your paintings ....which is really make me happy .Thanks a lot

Great video. Love the wax technique and the pastel pencil. Thanks for sharing the drawing and the reference photo. I will be sure and try it.

Thank you for sharing! Awesome!