Good Brush Habits and How to Load Your Brush with Paint

In this video I discuss good brush habits as well as the importance of spending time mixing the right color before going to the canvas.

Get my how to paint in oil book in digital form for free at

For more about the paint that I use visit:

[lt.ripley]

I'm an artist and in defence of this artist he is sharing techniques that work for him. If you're an artist naturally you teach yourself, you develop a style etc. I've had big commissions and nothing teaches you faster than a paid job. I think some of the people in the comments sort of attacking him are out of order. If you're an artist and you think you can't learn anything else you're way off base. Life is a learning experience every single day. This man is sharing his experience with others. Perhaps people who paint as a hobby or who are out of practice and those eager to learn are the ones this is aimed at. Not so called "artists" who are arrogant enough to put him down to build themselves up. Art is a way of life if you are a true artist. A lifestyle choice if you eat sleep and breath art and can make a living from it. This man does so he's entitled to share and I always say this. If you don't like it don't f***ing watch it.

[Ivelion]

I have no one to talk to about this, about art in general...you are amazing.Thanks for being a support and a teacher even from far away.

[bobbiedee]

Well, 60 years of oil painting, 3 universities, 4 private teachers, and countless workshops later....I have learned more and come to understand brushwork better in the few minutes here
than all those combined!....Thank you!

[AlphaGeminorum]

Mostly self taught oil painter here. It is people like you who make this endeavor so freakin' enjoyable. All these tips from an EXPERIENCED painter are a godsend, my man!

[MitchSkatesSurrey]

Mark's a great teacher. He's really straight forward and thorough.

[bm]

I just ordered the Geneva Essential Palette in appreciation for the great lessons you provide online.

[jerrysetlerr]

I like how you teach you come across to the point and down to earth. Some teachers on here seem intimidating, or too lost in there own eccentricity to make sense.

[TheBee]

I have learned much more with your videos than in art university I’ve been for 3 years, thank you 😊

[BroadwayG]

Your teaching is better than many fine arts colleges. I am a new students to painting. After I feel comfortable using your methods in your courses, I have on my bucket list to learn directly from you. I'd better hurry 'cause age and time are not my friend lol.

[jamesduncan]

Just starting into watercolors and watched lots of videos and no one has mentioned how important mixing the right color before you hit the canvas/paper. you presented it in a way that made it obvious (to me anyway) how important that is regardless of the medium. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[boringlyfactual]

I love the thought -provoking narrative you provide. As a beginner I think my self awareness is heightened each time I watch one of your videos. Thanks for the thoughtful work and videos.

[scroez]

I have a very bad habit of using the same brush throughout my painting, I change brushes if I need to paint details but I don't notice this bad habit when working. I don't use expensive brushes but I do ruin them quicker, I have no problems making muddy mixes, I usually get the colours mixed right to the colour I'm after as I go along, using a limited palette. I don't even wipe my brush out between colours, maybe srub them with rags. I just start with a darker palette then get lighter values then back a touch darker then more light again. I think I picked this habit through 25+ years as a graffiti artist where id use the same cap (nozzle) throughout my piece/work etc. I've basically learnt oil painting by my self but watching vids on youtube now to change my bad habits. Good video man.

[brentnicol]

I have picked my paint brushes once again after 25 years. I watch vids on youtube to see what is the latest and the way you explain things just make me want to learn more. We all have our ways but the teaching is for all whether you use it or not. If it does not work for then ignor it. I hate it when people bush other people down. This guy has taken time to teach and yet some push him down. If you consider yourself better then good for you or show us your way.

[anitadavis]

Thanks, Mark, your explanations of WHY ridges are not good, or WHY lighting is so important, or WHY paint fluidity is a big deal, ETC. ETC. are so appreciated. You are the genius mix of an artist and a scientist.

[HiThereImFootloose]

That tip about using lots of brushes is very interesting. I will try that. Thank you for your videos :)

[DebWatson]

I'm fairly new to oil painting and your videos are the best at explaining all the myriad details that make successful oil painting a straight forward process.

[gladiateur]

Funny I was there at the beginning of your journey and now I’m looking at the number of people are following you. Wow it is incredible, but it is well deserve. Congrats Mr. Carder.

[ElenaKretova]

Dear Mark, thank you for sharing your gift. This knowledge and sparks of your talent will always live in my heart.

[ivytop]

Hi Mark, saw your video 3 days ago, and I'm hooked to your techniques, you are so honest. Blessings. Hope to meet you in person someday. Loved your wife's painting too!
From India

[robofurious]

thanks for sharing, these tips are so practical and totally explain all the problems I've run into in the past. Appreciate it!