Learning How to Paint Simply and Freely in Watercolour. Part 2

This is Part 2 of a 2 part tutorial about how to paint everyday objects simply and easily in watercolour. This one is how to paint a pottery box and a kitchen utensil.
It is perfect for the beginner and the more advanced painter who wants to pick up a few tips.
Part 1 on how to paint an avocado
• Learning How to Paint ...
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Пікірлер: 82

  • @lorichristani621
    @lorichristani621Ай бұрын

    Love learning this impressionist watercolor. Thank you, please don’t stop making videos. 😊

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Lori, Glad you’re enjoying this way of painting. It’s well worth persisting with it, as I think it makes painting a lot more fun! Don’t worry, I’ll be keeping on making the videos! Thanks for watching. James

  • @Benvi5735
    @Benvi57353 ай бұрын

    This was really fun to watch. It's inspiring to realize the ease by which you can create something quite beautiful without stressing myself out too much. Going to give this a try. Thank you, again!

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    3 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed the video, It’s very important to realise that you don’t have to paint everything, you can simplify the subject and only paint what’s important. It’s great that you’re going to give it a try. Let me know how it goes. Best wishes, James

  • @tinac5363
    @tinac53633 ай бұрын

    Really enjoy your videos! I've been struggling for too long trying to paint 'exactly' what I see, either through other tutorials I've tried or in photos I've taken. Your advice to paint using the colours you love and to be more free with it all is mindblowing! A paradigm shift for sure and I can't wait to get going. Thank you!

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    3 ай бұрын

    Hi Tina, That’s great you’re enjoying my videos. I’m so pleased that they are helping you! One of the biggest points I could pass onto you is that you do not have to be a slave to the scene or what you’re painting, you can use your intuition to express what you want. I’m looking forward to hearing how your painting goes. Best wishes, James

  • @deboraheliason188
    @deboraheliason1883 ай бұрын

    Lots of aha moments while watching you work. I am especially drawn to the unexpected colors that you use that add so much life to the subjects. And letting the paint blend itself. aha! So I"m going to try to challenge myself to practice simple objects from around the house now. I can't get outside particularly either - we are also experiencing some typical New England weather today - rain, snow, sleet & hail - in bits and pieces. All will be melted by tomorrow.

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    3 ай бұрын

    Hi Deborah, That’s really great That you’re having a realisation, that’s when you know you’re improving. Painting simply is the way to go! The weather here in Scotland is appalling at the moment, so not much chance for me to get out either. still fingers crossed and it will start to improve. Looking forward for all of us to get outside soon! Thanks for watching. Best wishes, James

  • @zipsterone
    @zipsterone5 ай бұрын

    Nike has "Just do it." James has "Have a go." It's great. The most useful habit you've inspired in my panting so far is becoming better at seeing good marks and stopping before I flood it out into a boring puddlemuddle. That has been a great discovery!

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi Zip, In knowing that you have to be aware of when you’ve done something right, you’ve moved on a huge amount! It’s a simple idea, but so effective. It gives you a much greater aesthetic judgement of your work. Keep painting. Best wishes, James

  • @sammiller9855
    @sammiller98555 ай бұрын

    May I suggest that you do a video focusing on water control in your style of watercolor--e.g., paint-to-water ratio, angle of easel, brushstroke techniques, wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, dry-on-dry, etc. Thanks.

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi Sam, Thanks for the suggestion. I’m sure I can do that! I hope your painting is going well. Best wishes, James

  • @carolray3637
    @carolray36372 ай бұрын

    Enjoyed this a lot - I WANT to paint this way, but always end up in the weeds. This approach will help me get over it! I’m going to try, anyways. Greetings from BC, Canada

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    2 ай бұрын

    Hi Carol, Glad you enjoyed that and that you are interested in painting in an impressionistic style, which really is about painting simply and not overworking it with detail. Hope the weather is beginning to get better with you! Best wishes, James

  • @wendycombs2949
    @wendycombs29493 ай бұрын

    You make water+color look like watercolor art, I’ve always liked pencil lines included, too. I never thought to use my own color scheme.(!)

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    3 ай бұрын

    Hi Wendy, I always like my paintings to look wet, and to really feel that it was Watercolour that was used, Hope you enjoy your own colour scheme. Thanks for watching, Best wishes, James

  • @valeriamolfino1984
    @valeriamolfino19844 ай бұрын

    Lovely exercises, great teachings! I was painting along with the video and it looks like finally I'm enjoying my little colour blobs, different from yours , but definitely personal. Thank you

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    4 ай бұрын

    Hi Valerie, I’m so pleased that you managed to paint along with the video! It’s great that you found your own way of doing it. I do find that watercolour painting is incredibly individual. The marks are your make really a reflection of you. I’m so pleased that you’re enjoying it and giving it a go! That’s the most important thing . Thanks for watching. Best wishes, James

  • @pamelabozzi239
    @pamelabozzi2395 ай бұрын

    Thank you for this series of painting simply videos. It reminds me to do more playing with the paints instead of trying for "wonderful paintings". I think applying these techniques to simple "sketches" instead of color swatches is JUST WHAT I NEED. I will buy you another coffee.

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi Pamela, Glad you enjoyed the last two videos. Keeping it simple is a mantra for me. Watercolour is interesting because it does have limitations and we all have to paint within these limitations. Many thanks for the coffee. It’s much appreciated and will go towards making more videos. Best wishes, James

  • @riverbankjournal
    @riverbankjournal5 ай бұрын

    Hi James - I decided to start watercolour painting recently. I really enjoy your videos as your way of painting is great fun and does not rely on mastering countless techniques. The first video I watched of yours was the apple tutorial and I'm very glad I found your channel early on! Keep up the good work, your enthusiam and joy for your art really shows

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi, Glad you enjoyed the video and also that you’ve started Watercolour, which is an amazing thing to do. I do enjoy simplicity which as you said makes things more fun. Thanks for your kind words as well. Best wishes, James

  • @MrRadiorobot
    @MrRadiorobot5 ай бұрын

    It's soooooo relaxing watching you paint...therapeutic! Thank you!

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi, Glad you’re fighting my videos relaxing. My sister says she wants to fall asleep every time she listens to me.😂 Best wishes, James

  • @CHicksArt
    @CHicksArt5 ай бұрын

    Thank you James! Looking forward to next week and watching you create ….flowers …..great idea! 🩷🌸

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi Carol, My pleasure. Hopefully I’ll begin videoing the painting flowers today. Best wishes, James

  • @markdonovan1540
    @markdonovan15405 ай бұрын

    Excellent instruction and demonstration as always. A key takeaway for me was when you said: don't imagine the value, look at what it is. This is where I often go wrong, because I don't practise and use observation enough when I'm painting. This might be because I often paint from imagination, rather than a reference photo or still-life. I can see how these exercises/experiments are so valuable in training the eye for many aspects of painting, such as: observation, learning about mixing colours, letting the water do the work more, simplifying and above all to focus more on values rather than colours. Thank you for this wonderful bite-sized masterclass.

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi Mark, Glad you’re enjoying my video so much! You’re right in so many ways. I really feel that you’re picking up many of the key aspects to improving your painting. I look forward to hearing how your painting is going. Best wishes, James

  • @leemarks4543
    @leemarks45434 ай бұрын

    I have really enjoyed part 2 amd learnt a lot, thanks James.

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    4 ай бұрын

    Hi Lee, That’s really great to hear. Watercolour is an interesting process and lots of little things add up and make you more competent. Glad you’re enjoying the process. Best wishes, James

  • @pintoraficionado
    @pintoraficionado5 ай бұрын

    Thank you for your very instructive videos, without any intention of exhibiting personal virtuosity. I especially appreciate your clear verbal articulation, which makes it much easier to understand for those of us who are not native speakers of English.

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi,, I’m so pleased you enjoyed my video and thank you very much for your kind words. Clarity of speech and clarity in Watercolour to me, are equally important😊 Thanks for watching, Best wishes, James

  • @dominiccrabtree
    @dominiccrabtree5 ай бұрын

    Hi James, I find doing your exercises refreshing and it is very straight forward and has helped me in my watercolour painting a lot. I look forward to you doing your flowers.

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    That’s great Dominic,. It’s always good to keep a very tricky medium simple, as it’s so easy to really over complicate it, which makes things tough. Best wishes, James

  • @isabellerothman9782
    @isabellerothman97825 ай бұрын

    I think your teaching is like fresh water . Such beauty in simplicity! I will put in the hard work , as you suggest. Thank you so much!

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi Isabella, Thank you for your kind words. I’m glad my videos are inspiring you., I’m glad you’re going to put the work in, however, remember it’s work without the toil. Thanks for watching, Best wishes, James

  • @vichitaj
    @vichitaj5 ай бұрын

    I really enjoyed this tutorial! thank you

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi Vachita, My pleasure. I’m glad you enjoyed it, and I hope you can use some of the ideas in your own painting. Thanks for watching, Best wishes, James

  • @stephenking7128
    @stephenking71285 ай бұрын

    Another wonderful video James. So light and fresh as the colours do their dance on the paper. I watched your video on how to mix watercolours and have been trying that technique. Some success but sometimes a bit of a mess. One problem is my paint to water ratio but I'm working on it. Also observing more closely at the colours I want to see. Thank you.

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi Stephen, That certainly my main aim with Watercolour, to keep it fresh, which I think is what Watercolour is all about. Keep trying with this technique, as one of the biggest benefits is speed. You can do just as good at painting in half the time! Best wishes, James

  • @thesvictory
    @thesvictory5 ай бұрын

    Thank you for sharing your talent, the joy of painting, and giving us a loving push into the nature of watercolour. I am looking foreward to see you paint fowers 💐

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi Thessa, Glad you enjoyed it. Watercolour is a beautiful medium and when it comes off ,it’s amazing. Glad you enjoyed it. Best wishes, James

  • @jamesbaker1329
    @jamesbaker13295 ай бұрын

    I am so glad i found your channel. Your work demonstrates the need to understand the water to paint ratio and the beauty of not overworking or labouring the paint. Thanks

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi James, I’m really happy you found me as well. When Watercolour is done well it’s amazing and one of the reasons of that is the simple, pure wash that glows. It’s a wonderful aim to try and achieve in Watercolour painting and does set a goal. Keep painting. Best wishes, James

  • @MrRadiorobot
    @MrRadiorobot5 ай бұрын

    .....a foot note, many budding artists aim for and fail to achieve photographic realism in their work..they are missing the point of artist license.. "Experiment, express yourself and convey immediacy in your brush stroke“...not my words, borrowed from my old art teacher at school, you sir do that in exemplary fashion x

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi again, I think your art teacher was right. for me, there’s not much fun in painting endless detail. Thanks for your kind words. Best wishes, James

  • @markdonovan1540

    @markdonovan1540

    5 ай бұрын

    So true, thanks for sharing that golden nugget here. 😊

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi Mark, Glad you enjoyed it! I hope it helps in your own paintings. Best wishes, James

  • @suekeeling3960
    @suekeeling39605 ай бұрын

    Thank you James,another brilliant video.Looking forward to the flowers.

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi Sue, Glad you enjoyed the video. I hope you enjoy the flower video Best wishes, James

  • @lenamccubbin1068
    @lenamccubbin10685 ай бұрын

    Thanks for encouraging us to paint every day objects. I’ll enjoy the play while developing skills.

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi Lena, That’s great, that’s your painting these simple objects. You’ll learn a lot from it. I look forward to hearing how it went. Best wishes, James

  • @8590smokey
    @8590smokey5 ай бұрын

    Thank you! I'm learning so much from these videos, and you make me feel like I can do it. Yes, please on the flowers lesson.

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi Abbie, My pleasure. Glad you’re enjoying the videos. I hope you have a lot of fun with the new ideas. Best wishes, James

  • @baileythompson7040
    @baileythompson70405 ай бұрын

    Great demo and instruction. Thank you. Yes on the flowers, quick before my valentine roses fade 😂 In all seriousness, you inspire me to keep trying, to vary my colors more, mix on the paper instead of the palette, and to simplify. Thank you.

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi Bailey, Glad you enjoyed the demo. Inspiration is what it’s all about, wanting to paint with enthusiasm will propel you forward. Glad the mixing is going well. Best wishes, James

  • @GrandmaMuggy
    @GrandmaMuggy5 ай бұрын

    Thanks. I really enjoyed these lessons. I love to see the watercolor doing its own magic.

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi Joanna, Glad you enjoyed the lessons. I enjoyed making the video and learn something myself. Best wishes, James

  • @sallytaylor8785
    @sallytaylor87855 ай бұрын

    Am beginning to understand your approach and enjoying it. Have painted some things quickly and it’s a good exercise. I love your Keep it Simple mantra and need to work on it more re the layering and being patient! Thank you🌼

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi Sally, That’s really great. Understanding is the most important thing that you can do in Watercolour. If you can understand then you can move on. Keeping it simple will help you with that. Best wishes, James

  • @alisonwickett3156
    @alisonwickett31565 ай бұрын

    The knife reminds of a Manet painting You've turned the hard steel into a subtle, softer look but it's still a knife. But not like a photo. Brilliant I'm trying not to mix colours in the pallet and to put 2 different colours on the brush like you said I'll keep practicing Thank you James

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi Alison, That’s interesting about Manet. I never really want to paint like a photograph as to me that’s just not interesting. I enjoy the interpretation of the subject. Glad that the colour mixing is going well. I look forward to hearing how it’s going. Best wishes, James

  • @anermila6325
    @anermila63255 ай бұрын

    James, I really love this series. I was the one who asked you about Cerrulean Blue and I’m starting to “see colours” from your teaching; how colours correlate with each other in one painting. Looking to see more from you ❤. Thank you.

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi Anermil, Glad you enjoyed the video so much. It’s really great that you’re seeing the colours in a different way now. It’s a lot of fun using your intuition as well as observing well! Best wishes, James

  • @DarciBarker-lu8gi
    @DarciBarker-lu8gi5 ай бұрын

    Thanks James and Tanya!

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi Darci, Our pleasure. Thanks for watching. Best wishes, James

  • @ax_50sTele
    @ax_50sTele5 ай бұрын

    Thank you James. I very much enjoyed these demos. Flowers would be brilliant. Whilst watching this video, and looking for simple objects, as you suggested, to paint, my eye kept wandering to a vase with roses. Too complex for me. But would be interested to see your approach to a flower.

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi Andy, My pleasure, glad you’re enjoying my videos. I think it’s always good to get back to simple objects as they teach you to paint simply. Have a go at something simple first, and then you can attack the vase with roses. Looking forward to hearing how it went. Best wishes, James

  • @lacamasprairie
    @lacamasprairie5 ай бұрын

    Thank you again for a wonderful video! Your approach to simplifying color application is very beneficial!

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi Lacamas, I’m so pleased that you’re getting something from the videos and that it’s improving your painting. It’s great to hear. Keep going Best wishes, James

  • @donnakelly8911
    @donnakelly89115 ай бұрын

    I enjoy your artwork, totally different. Hard to wrap my head around it. I've never tempted your style.

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi Donna, I’m glad you’re finding my artwork enjoyable. It’s a very immediate form of watercolour painting Designed to get the maximum out of the minimum. I hope you can give us a go. Best wishes, James

  • @boataful
    @boataful5 ай бұрын

    Loads of fun! Bravo My paintings are actually beginning to look like watercolor! 😊

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi, Glad you’re enjoying yourself. That’s amazing that you paintings are looking so much better. I’m so excited for you! Keep on painting… Best wishes, James

  • @noelnicholls3622
    @noelnicholls36225 ай бұрын

    Thank you for these two videos. I had fun painting my objects but I can’t “free up” as much as you. Maybe in time…? How do I send photos…?

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi Noel, Glad you enjoyed the two videos. I think painting these simple objects, keeps things simple. Not over complicating your paintings and in particular Watercolour paintings is very important. You free up in time. Remember Rome was not built in a day. You can email me on jamespotterimages@gmail.com Have fun! Best wishes, James

  • @stephenfoster1818
    @stephenfoster18185 ай бұрын

    Thank you for another of your interesting and fore filling painting video. Each time I watch you I pickup another brick in my watercolour awareness wall. Like the pop song title make it "pure and simple" Seems to me watercolour us such a dramatic and fluid art form. Looking forward to trying it out, I feel I need to watch and absorb before I have a go. I feel ready now, I will let you know how I go on. cheers, hope the weather in Scotland improves soon. It's been good here over the last few days, mild and sunny, in Cheshire.

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi Stephen, My pleasure. I’m glad you keep on picking up new tricks. It’s great that you feel ready to give it a go now, and I think it’s a good idea to start as soon as you can. It won’t be perfect but just keep at it and it will get there. Good luck. Best wishes, James

  • @stephenfoster1818

    @stephenfoster1818

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi James, I have finally tried some painting! Following your Part 1 & 2. Four apples using a watercolour set my wife bought as a present 20 years ago . I wish I could send you a photo of my efforts.

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    @@stephenfoster1818hi Stephen you can send it to jamespotterimages@gmail. com James

  • @robinleech3278
    @robinleech32785 ай бұрын

    Another wonderful tutorial! So helpful. I did have a question about the Chinese White you use regularly: am I right that it is a watercolor? Do you ever use gouache (white) instead? What are your recommendations? Like you, I'm a landscape person - but I'm really looking forward to next week: Flowers!!! See you then

  • @JamesPotterAboutArt

    @JamesPotterAboutArt

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi Robin Glad you enjoyed the tutorial. I don’t really mind what white I use, at the moment I’m using gouache permanent white. The weather is beginning to improve now, so hopefully lots of landscape painting to come. Hope your painting is going well. Best wishes, James