How to Simplify A Scene in Watercolor - Do a Value Study

In this video, I demonstrate how to simplify a complicated scene for a watercolor painting. I divide the scene into three value areas - light, middle and dark. I avoid focusing on small details. I look for and paint large connected shapes. Then, I use this value study as a plan to complete my final painting. #simplify #watercolor #valuestudy

I am painting on Baohong 140lb cold press Artist Grade watercolor paper.

I am using Daniel Smith Payne's Gray watercolor paint.

I am using Princeton Aqua Elite watercolor brushes.

Learning to simplify a scene is one of the most valuable skills you can learn in watercolor painting. It is an essential compositional skill. It is also an important skill for beginners in watercolor to learn.

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Basic supplies in my watercolor studio include:

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[Dd]

Your simple sentence "If you squint you can see the values", my goodness, that was BEYOND helpful for me! Thank you!

[mendyhand]

I continue to binge watch your videos. 🤗. As a photographer, who loves black and white, am SO glad to see you and other artists stressing how important getting those values right, is a game changer to OK art, to a really great painting! Thanks SO much!

[swethakalluri]

Goodness, this is the best watercolor valuable video of all time. ❤I'm sure this is going to be game-changing. Thank you so much, Kris. I watched the other painted one, too, simply fabulously taught. 7:27

[karolfrench]

It’s great to see instruction and the discipline and time necessary to advance one’s skills. The bare bones in order to develop and enjoy thanks.

[christianebehr]

Dear Kris, the beginning of your painting has realy showed me a great way to keep a painting simple and more easy to paint at the end by building it ip thank you looking forward to the rest many greetings from Christiane Berlin Germany 😊❤

[shashankhebbar]

Much needed video, thank you so much mam ❤

[megatexification]

Thank you! Really teaching instead of painting.

[Jos-P]

Yet again you have so inspired me! That is a great way to get a painting done. I often feel overwhelmed with just the amount of ‘stuff’ in a photo I want to paint. I was squinting at your picture and could see exactly what you meant. Thanks so much, a painting day for me today! 🎉

[sarahmhmdahmad]

I like all your drawings and tips also i like the painting of (the dome of the rock ) at the background🥹🥹

[paintlady]

Thanks Kris! I've my own photos of the same bridge in my 'must try someday' file. This will be interesting.

[jeancampbell]

Excellent tutorial. The monochromatic rendition makes it so clear how it needs to be painted when using color. Thank you.

[Skymed]

Thanks Kris. Very valuable information, presented in an easy to follow way. Appreciate your sharing your knowledge.

[andrecardon]

Very understable with clear voice with a Notan on medium value at the beginning. Interesting. Tku

[leslie-annepepin]

Very helpful! Much appreciation from this beginner!

[b.lab.__blab_colors]

Hello, I'm learning the watercolor drawing alone and your video is very helpful. Your explanation about value is really clear. Thank you very much 🙏

[radhanair]

Your video is quite relevant to me. I’ve been painting for a couple of years now. When I paint by following another painting, my paintings turn out well. And when I using a photograph, they don’t turn out as well. I have a hard time simplifying the scene. Did you go through this? Will try the value study. Thank you Kris.

[ei]

Thank you! This is new to me. I look forward to your next video about value study. ❤

[BarBaraWhorleyCrawfordESS]

Thank you. Excellent values explanation.

[ellieseibert]

That was a wonderful and essential video for me to absorb!! I’ve had such trouble trying to simplify favorite scenes to build a good composition. I have a charming water wheel on my property that I’ve wanted to paint for years. But I haven’t been able to develop a simplified composition to create the right scene. I wish I could send you a photo of it.🙂Thank you for this lesson!