In this video tutorial, the artist shares the biggest mistake beginners make in watercolor painting: not waiting for the previous layer to dry completely before adding the next layer. This can cause the colors to mix and create unwanted backgrounds and cloudiness.
The artist demonstrates the mistake by painting a starry sky and adding a new layer before the previous one is dry. The result is a dull, grayish color with uneven edges.
To avoid this mistake, the artist advises waiting for the painting to dry completely before adding the next layer. You can test if a painting is dry by holding the back of your hand against the surface - if it feels cool to the touch, it's not yet dry.
The artist then demonstrates the correct technique by painting a new starry sky, waiting for each layer to dry before adding the next. The result is a vibrant and colorful painting.
The artist also shares some additional tips, such as using a hair dryer to speed up the drying process, using soft-bristled brushes to avoid lifting the paint, and adding white gouache to create highlights.
The tutorial concludes with a comparison of the two paintings, showing the difference between the one with the mistake and the one painted correctly.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The artist is demonstrating a watercolor painting technique.
2. The artist is using a photo of a starry night as reference.
3. The artist is using a size 10 brush for wet-on-wet brushing.
4. The artist is using Prussian blue, ultramarine, and magenta paint.
5. The artist applies a wet wash to a deceptively dry surface, which causes the paint to move.
6. The artist tests the dryness of the painting by holding the back of their hand against the surface.
7. If the surface feels cool to the touch, there is still moisture in the painting.
8. The artist is using a hair dryer to dry the painting completely.
9. The artist uses a plastic card to create buildings in the foreground.
10. The artist uses Payne's gray, Prussian blue, turquoise, and ultramarine paint to create the buildings.
11. The artist uses white gouache to add lights to the buildings.
12. The artist uses a large brush with soft bristles to gently glide over the surface of the painting.
13. The artist uses fresh water every time to prevent lifting the paint underneath.
14. The artist uses a soft-haired brush to tickle the surface of the painting, allowing some of the underpainting to show through.
15. The artist uses a hair dryer to dry the painting completely before adding the next layer.
16. The artist uses a plastic card to spread paint and create a textured effect.
17. The artist uses gouache to add details to the painting.
18. The artist compares two paintings side by side, one with a deceptively dry surface and one with a completely dry surface.
19. The artist notes that using a deceptively dry surface can create uneven edges, backgrounds, and clouded colors.
20. The artist recommends using the back of the hand to test the dryness of the painting and using a hair dryer to be absolutely sure.