Nicely done Denise! So much I could say about this. Shaming over being able to draw well is way too prevelant on RU-vid and art forums. I can honestly say that among the pro illustrators I knew (most much better than me), that never occurred. The norm was encouragement and advice as it should be. I think in the end deciding which skills to master is all about one's artistic goals. If just getting to an occasional and leisurely painting experience is the goal that's totally fine. But tracing is even a great training tool for artists who wish to go further. I do think it should be said that learning to observationally "render" (my definition of drawing) enhances the ability to see form and proportion and has benefit all the way through to the final details of a painting. It includes all media too, not just pencil. Again, nicely put together with clear demonstrations. I often wonder how many would-be artists just gave up because they felt they couldn't draw well right out of the gate. Tracing is an awesome gate-way drug 🤣😉. Should be a very encouraging and helpful class for artists of all stripes.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful words, Steve! When I was doing research for this class, it just broke my heart to see all the negativity. We don't know what strangers' lives look like, whether that's working multiple jobs, dealing with chronic medical conditions, taking care of loved ones, or people who just want to paint for the fun of it! No one should be made to feel badly about wanting to create in whatever capacity they are able or want to. Being able to properly render in a way that doesn't make me want to pull my hair out is a continuous goal of mine, but I have so little "just for me" time outside of work projects that it often gets neglected. Maybe it's time for a "watercolor artist struggles through sketching" video 😆
@@InLiquidColor it would probably get tons of views. Talking through mistakes and not hiding struggles is very relatable and in return kind of inspiring.
Remember you also own the copyright on ALL photos YOU take! Take and use your own reference as well! If your life circumstances allow; You can take photos in particularly great locations such as botanical gardens, zoos and museums! And if you are traveling also get Architecture. Even if YOU are not into painting it NOW you may be later and you can let other artists use your travel photos!
Congratulations on the new color release! And your advice, from years ago has still stuck with me. "Take care not to lick your paintbrush" and Watercolor painting is less about using paint and more about using paint tinted water.
I may need to work on both skills, but I am so glad I have decided to make art a hobby rather than a form of income. Thank you for making this clear video
I love seeing different standards in different art industries, as a game artist being able to draw accurately and quickly is king as you need to be flexible in your process- but with traditional a lot of the process is not reliant on speed and flexibility and more on care and knowledge of your medium to a T to capture what you desire
Trust me! I wish I could draw like you 🥰 I'm so envious of artists who are able to be more creative with their compositions. I have so little time to create and most of that is for work. Someday I hope to get back to drawing practice!
@@InLiquidColor fignwockwo we can trade skills I miss painting I respect any process tbh, I don’t think one size fits all and as long as you enjoy it and people find meaning in it then it’s a successful piece imo
For Inktober this month I have been spending a lot of time doing observational drawing with ink. Probably 99% of such drawings are out of proportion and flawed, but its been strengthening my drawing skills nonetheless. I agree people shouldn't be shamed for tracing a reference image if all they want to do is get straight to the magic and put down color. However, I'll say that having a strong background in drawing, especially observational drawing, I think can make you a stronger painter in the long run, too, because it really teaches you to really, really look at your subject and pay attention to values, and, in the case of putting down color, pay close attention to color, too. If hyper-realism is your goal, though, being willing to trace your reference is pretty key. Even if you choose to not trace it, most people have to resort to a grid approach for accuracy, and one could argue that you're still essentially copying the reference... you're just doing it much slower. In my art journey I tend to waffle back and forth between seeking realism and leaning more abstract. It's fun to push your skills in hyper-accuracy, but sometimes I don't want to be a human copying machine and just being free with my color and illustrations is more enjoyable. Remember, in the long run, do art for YOU. When you do it for your own enjoyment, you get less hung up on people's pretentious rules about what makes a good artist and what doesn't.
I'm honestly so envious of artists who have strong drawing skills. With my chronic pain, I have little time to create, and most of what I do is work related. I hope to heal enough someday to be able to dabble in other areas!
I love this manner of teaching “ what not to do” as well as the correct way to approach this subject. I’ll definitely participate in your skill share class, thank you!
Thank you, Angela! I try really hard to avoid "do/don't do" videos. There will always be a particular use for various techniques, so it was really important to me to explain why I did each step. I hope that came across! Thank you for checking out the class as well 🥰
Thank you for reminding us that there is no shame in tracing images. Painting makes me happy but for now, drawing would feel more like a chore. I will try to mix your gray while waiting for the Da Vinci.
We should use whatever tool we want to bring the creative vision inside of us onto our painting surface! For most folks art-making time is limited so it should be spent creating in whatever way is the most satisfying.
Hi Denise, thank you for another wonderful video. I cannot draw well and I will trace photo references, I prefer painting and don't mind spending my time doing so. I only paint for myself but I still feel guilty and or ashamed for doing so, but seeing the process you went through to prove a point I think I will get over my anxieties soon. thank you 😊
Hullo Denise, I am as ever awed by your dedication and teaching methods! I used to be a much better draftsman (better at drawing) I spent so many years working as fast as possible to get the artworks to clients on deadlines! I enjoy watching you create your paintings, no matter how you get there! I have mixed my grey’s as that’s how I was taught! I did buy Mijello Mission Gold’s “Grey of Grey” when looking for a good shortcut, Paynes grey is always to blue and I dislike using white watercolor paints. I am glad that you are continuing to work with DaVinci Paints! I have become a true convert and tout them any chance I get! I am spending more of my time with soft pastels and watercolors have been reduced to a minimum. I am still painting, just not as avidly, learning a new medium needs concentration. I encourage any viewer to go check out your SkillShare classes! You are truly inspirational and a wonderful instructor! Good Luck I am sure that you will do well!
This is one of your best tutorials EVER!!! I’ve always admired your paintings but didn’t necessarily understand the technical aspects of achieving a realistic painting using watercolor-mine usually look like painting #2 or worse. There were several things that finally ‘clicked’ in my mind in understanding how to adjust my technique based on your stellar and clear instruction. Thank you soooo much for taking the time and care to help those of us who are trying to take our painting to the next level. 🎨🙏 p.s. I received your latest palette today and love it! Congrats again on your continued success and growing business ventures! 👏
Also congratulations on Denise's grey! I don't have a reasonable way to get Davinci paints in Canada where I live right now (at least I have not yet found one...) So I'll have to mix my own version from what tubes I do have. I'll consider getting the Davinci one someday if and when it becomes available where I live.
I loved this video! Some wonderful comparisons and nuances. I really like the point you are making and I enjoyed watching the process for each painting. I love each of the results for different reasons. Thanks for this video!
Painting two would be good to learn where the lights/darks should be placed for a more detailed painting, like in painting one….so like a pre-painting ‘sketch’/thumbnail, which should be done if you want to learn more about making better paintings and learning about contrast before you make a ‘final draft’ painting. Also, I LOVE Skillshare, but hate how it doesn’t give the option to pay monthly and want so much down for the whole year after your trial expires. I do t mind paying for the subscription, I just think if they’re trying to make it more accessible to all, they need to bring back the smaller monthly pay option again! I know you save more in the long run to pay for the whole year, but not everyone has a ‘big chunk’ of money to put down on stuff like this and end up passing it all together because of that which is a bummer since it IS such a great learning resource!
Oh absolutely. I try really hard to avoid "do/don't do" videos because there will almost always be a use case for a specific technique. This is absolutely fine for a thumbnail or value study, and if I were a liiiittle more careful with the washes, is also a perfectly valid style of painting in its own right.
I need some easy advice: I do drawings/sketches for many years (mostly graphite pencil) I thought I would never like watercolors but now, at my 42, I decide it to get into watercolors. So I ordered around 20 Van Gogh Half pans and some brushes, to give it a go. Even though I already knew, it would be really hard at first, in the same time my drawing experience, gave me the false idea, that I wouldn't be really bad at first. Boy I was wrong! Watercolors are more difficult than I thought. I read and viewed, a ton beginners videos and posts (probably watched all RU-vid videos, on beginners watercolors tips etc) and tried, and tried again. but I still suck a lot. I won't quit. I just want a small tip, from anybody, (other than keep failing until you get there! lol) that might help even a bit! Thanks in advance!!!
Hello hello. If you're over on Skillshare, I have several classes including ones on Mixing and Water Control. They go over so much information on watercolor techniques. I hope you have fun with your watercolor adventures!
I will definitely be checking out that Skillshare class 😍 I'm very prone to getting bogged down in the details of a painting or drawing and then wearing myself out before I can finish the piece. I've been experimenting the past year with an "unfinished" approach to my finished pieces, where I carefully render the parts that I want to (faces, eyes, maybe a lock of hair) and allowing some of the peripherals (neck, clothing, most of the hair) to remain unfinished. It's actually helped me in being able to simplify those peripherals, so that I can communicate what they are without rendering every detail. It's also helped me to be able to decide that a piece is "done" before photorealism is achieved (I have neither skill nor patience nor desire for that 😅).
Congrats on the new class and the new color! Very interesting video. Watching your video and listening to your voice is like an old friend. Thanks! I haven't picked up my watercolors yet this year. It has been a tough one. I know you can relate. Watching gave me some inspiration, so thank you! 🐘
Your silver black velvet brush shows me the one I purchased is faulty. The strands are not uniform. Unfortunately I've had it a long time so won't be able to return it.
I really struggled with some of the pitfalls in your painting 2. Honestly I think some of that looseness and haphazard approach is beautiful and totally fine. If you only changed the strength of the paint in those layers, I think the painting would have looked polished and beautiful. It’s the dark value and outlining that get a little distracting. Your blending and technique is beautiful, but I think people can get realistic and good results even with less deliberate brush work, so long as the values remain a little more subtle
Hi Teresa, I tried to make this video with actual techniques I've seen people use in my last seven years of teaching watercolors. As I mentioned in the video, the looser style absolutely has a place and it can be done well. The point of this video is things like unintentional backruns from using too much water and *not* paying attention to your values can set you back.
@@InLiquidColor I noticed your “loose style” disclaimer at the start and meant this as more of a “yes and” comment. I think some people are more attracted to the process of painting number 2, and a great fix to the issues you mentioned is just dialing back those dark values. Cheers! -Tessa
This video was confusing. I thought it was about drawing vs. painting but it seemed more like comparing 2 different styles/techniques of painting. I usually like your videos, but I couldn’t finish this one…. ‘cause I just couldn’t understand what was the intended comparison.
This was true for me too. And I could not see the difference between the two painting styles. I thought painting 1 was the "bad" one and painting 2 the accurate way. But at the very end I understand the final conclusions. And this is the very important thing. For me, I am too lazy to trace the drawing. All those actions with the light on the window or lightdesk, all these again and again penciling until my drawing finally is ready to paint would have stopped me from even starting a new painting. So I decided to draw by hand as good as I can, wellcome the result and paint it as good as I can. My drawing skills became better and better faster than my painting skills and now I enjoy both even if I have to learn a lot i.e.from you, Denise. I love your approach to the subjects and I love the subjects you choose. I especially enjoyed the paintings of the animals with talking about their live styles which you did with Saddie.
@@schuhujin5019 I think drawing is extremely important. For example, in summer I walked by this little girl wearing a cute red dress and her mom’s big hat. It was beautiful but there was absolutely no time to take a photo. Still, I have the drawing and painting in my sketchbook. I don’t understand why tracers don’t want that ability - to bring images out of their heads onto paper. I end up unfollowing RU-vidrs who trace because I don’t want to be that kind of artist. To me, a tracer is half of a good artist. Drawing is as simple as painting, you just gotta learn the techniques just like painting. I don’t understand why people skip it. Too lazy to go through the pains of learning, I guess.
Congrats is nowhere near enough to describe my feeling now! I’d originally written it to congratulate you on your new Skillshare class 😃😃. But now even a bigger congratulations is in order for your new paint 🎉. It’s always exciting when a new paint is released; coming from you makes it even more special 😊. This is indeed good news and our very best wishes for a successful release 🙂.
