Atmosphere and mist in watercolor demonstration

Stage one

Materials
Working on a piece of stretched Arches 140lbs not paper.
 Winsor newton artist quality tubes of Cobalt and Ultramarine Blue, Permanent Rose and Quinacridone Gold.
Size 12 and 8 Sable brush. a hake flat brush and a synthetic flat brush

With the paper dry, a weak mix of Quinacridone Gold and  Permanent Rose is painted into the background mountains. While this was wet Cobalt and Permanent Rose was added allowing the two mixes to blend together. Clean water was used to soften below. Working with the painting board at a slight angle stops back runs and allows mist to evolve naturally.

Stage Two

With the first washes dry, dampen all of the paper with clean water using the soft hake brush.
  A large mixture of Quinacridone Gold and Permanent Rose is washed into the lower sky and Lake areas. A Stronger mix of Cobalt and Permanent Rose is painted softly into the sky, allowing both mixes to merge together. A water spray is handy if the paint is drying to quickly. Moving the painting board around will encourage the paint to create magical sky effects.

Stage Three

With the sky dry begin to add darker tonal values, this will help to create depth in the mountain scene. Ultramarine Blue is now mixed with Permanent Rose, this warmer Blue will give more tonal strength. The Lake is dampened with clean water and the same mountain colours painted into the reflections. Leaving a few lighter areas for pale ripples in the lake.

Stage Four

With the size 12 brush and a big wash of Quinacridone Gold and Permanent Rose quickly paint into the next mountain range, while this is still wet a wash of Ultramarine Blue with Permanent Rose is applied into the mountain side. Dampen with clean water at the base, this will give mist and atmosphere to the scene. Similar colors are painted into the Lake below.

Stage Five
Trees are painted into the base of the mountain, softening with clean water to give the appearance of soft mist on the lake. To paint the small Island a dry brush with a rich tonal value of Ultramarine Blue, Permanent Rose and Quinacridone gold is used. Painting the reflection at the same time.
A few ripples in the foreground  are added to complete this atmospheric Lakeland scene.

I hope you enjoy having a go at this great scene and for more watercolour projects with personal feedback and extra handy tips www.watercolourcourse.co.uk

Painting Spring Flowers in Watercolor

 

Spring is on it's way, which means lots of beautiful flowers to paint, time to

get the primary colours out. I love painting flowers, especially when you have a vase

of pretty blooms  next to you, they can be extremely  challenging!! But great fun

The problem I find is not getting enough tonal values and the colour Yellow is a prime example!

 

I do think it makes a good couple of hours watercolour practise. I applied washes with lots of water onto the Arches not paper. Clean water at all times, thought about colour complimentary and light next to dark.

 

First Tulips Watercolour

 

 

My online watercolour course is ideal for anyone wanting to learn techniques on

how to paint with watercolor, it covers many different scenes, colour mixing, tonal values and creating atmosphere to name just a few.

It can be completed anywhere and in your own time with lots of personal

 feedback to help you along the way.

 

Each course costs £55.00 and contains Six projects which include sketches, colour tags and a helpful material list.

For more information send me an email lakelandart@hotmail.co.uk

 

Get Inspired to paint watercolours

 

Winter stream.

 

This beautiful scene caught my eye and I think it will make an interesting subject to paint.

Where to start? The background a wet in wet wash, maybe a touch of masking fluid in the stream to help to show the direction of the water. Trees painted with a sponge and rigger brush. Lemon Yellow could work for the cool winter grass!!!

 

Do you start the New Year wondering what to paint, is the blank canvas still blank?

 Grey January days don't always help gain inspiration.

Would you like to paint a view like this but no idea where to start.

No evening or day classes nearby.

 

Why not join my Online Watercolour course

Six projects in each course with step by step instructions and lots of personal feedback when you get stuck or just have any watercolour questions.

 

The price is £55.00 which includes sketches,

colour tags for each project and a material list to get you started.

 

Course One Ideal for Beginners or those getting back into painting.

Price £55.00

 

 

 

 

Windermere Sunset Course One

 

 

Course Two More challenging subjects and new tips along the way.

Price £55.00

 

 

Buttermere Course Two

  

 

Course Three Ideal  if you are wanting to paint colourful Mediterranean

or Alpine scenes suitable for Intermediate Price £75.00

 

French Doorway Course Three

 

Some recent reviews from Online students

 

Only one more project and I will have completed the course. I have enjoyed it and I have found the techniques and information very helpful. The Sistine chapel next !!! Chris

 

I do feel through doing these tutorials I am learning things I may not have persevered with so much if I didn't have to send them to you for comment!

Many thanks for you help. Barbara

 

Yes this course I like very much because every single picture is a challenge on its own and stretches me a bit further.  Maria

 

 This is going to be a real challenge, all those reflections, masking fluid and Winsor blue also painting from a photo will be great, makes me feel I'm progressing and will soon be able to paint better pictures. Thanks again Margaret

 

I must admit that I am very impressed with your courses; they are far superior to other courses Keith

 

Thanks Jane!  I've gotten many nice comments on facebook from my friends.  I think I've inspired several to take up the brush - especially since we are all retirement age. They say "wish I could do that" and of course I reply "you absolutely could!".. I feel more confident and less scared of the white paper. 

I feel that your course has given me some skills/tips I can build on - with lots of practice!  I've been very pleased with your course and I think it is great value for the fee. Susan

 

 Determined to have a go at painting the sheep but, as you can see, I need to practice more!!  That's one of  the really good things about your course, each project provides something new to tackle and practice with determination to get better.  I added a few birds to compensate for the not so brilliant sheep! Neil