How to Paint an Abstract Watercolour

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I thought everyone might be interested in how I might go about painting an abstract watercolour. I think watercolour wet in wet lends itself towards abstraction. One of my favourite paintings is an abstract similar to this that we have in our dining room at home.

This was painted on a full sheet of Rives BFK etching paper 280gsm white (56cm x 76cm)

The colours used were:
Winsor Red
Winsor Blue (red shade)
Mix of Winsor Blue (red shade) and Light Red
And some alizarin crimson in the yoghurt tub

I had not mixed the pigments up in the bowls properly so that is why I had to work the brush with the water sometimes to re-charge the mix.

As you could probably see I used a lot of table salt which soaked up the pigment and created some lovely textures on the page.

I used 2, 3 and 4 inch hake brushes for this painting and a few kids yoghurt tubs to tip the pigment onto.

You could also see that I used the hair dryer to move the pigment in certain directions and cause certain drying lines as I went. If I didn't like something then I sprayed it out again and then continued drying.

Hope you enjoyed this!

I actually really like the end result!

Cheers

Scott

 

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Brushes

If you just want two hogs bristle brushes then the best thing to do is to head to your local art supplies store and buy them there.

Watercolour Paper

Rives BFK etching paper. Probably best to source this from your local store so you can look after the paper and not have it posted unless you are buying a large amount of paper and it will be looked after. There is nothing worse than getting hundreds of sheets all with a indent in them. Having said that you can actually source this paper from amazon:

Some people have been extremely happy with the state of the paper when it arrived (and some not!)

I love this paper it is soft and lights are lifted easily from it.

Equipment Used to Film Each Episode

Friction arms

[ShamsAsad]

Been trying to teach myself spontaneous abstract watercolor, it’s honestly much more difficult than I imagined. This painting is just beautiful, exactly what i would imagine myself to create in a perfect world. Great video!

[patsymccown]

I, too, am learning to really appreciate abstract painting. I totally agree with the orientation you chose.
Not meaning to be dramatic…when you turned your painting, It felt completely different! It’s beautiful!

[maps_x]

It's a joy watching you work. The ease with which you manipulate the colours is awe-inspiring.

[Cyrilmc]

Thank you Scott, I really really enjoyed watching you create this beautifully stunning piece. And it’s even more amazing when you got it framed. It draws the eye more than anything else.

[jaynedough]

watercolour after my own heart, thanks scott!

[marijadika]

Abstract with watercolour really is unique! I like it a lo!

[takinastabatit]

This is an extremely satisfyingly video, and that is a gorgeous painting. I took up watercolor a couple months ago, and CANNOT WAIT 'til I can get some proper paper that doesn't dry in 30 seconds flat. Also, I love the way you used the dryer and spray bottle to further manipulate the paint. Liked and subbed!

[karenrosa]

You paint with such authority. I envy that. Tonight I am tired of trying to paint pretty little flowers and like the way you use everything --even the blow dryer!!

[Magical_Forest-]

Last night I decided to take on a little project for my group our fun monthly project or challenge is to paint something abstract so I ended up having so much fun while I was painting with the watercolors it turned into a landscape and it wasn’t really as abstract!! 😂 but I guess it was still a learning because I’m still learning how to manipulate watercolors moving the canvas around spraying it with water using salt etc. it’s just that it turned into a landscape which, there’s nothing wrong with that but I kind of made it more non-abstract. Watching your videos is really helping me to understand how to manipulate the pigments!!! Thank you for posting them

[evapalaciosh]

You are a genius, I’ve enjoyed too much watching you working. Greetings from Spain 😊

[thalaagdal]

Je viens de vous découvrir et laissez moi vous dire que j'ai retenu mon souffle jusqu'à la fin pour enfin découvrir une merveille ! Merci pour ce moment très intense et magique. Je m'abonne avec plaisir.

[helgaleifsdottir]

I love this, thank you Scott Lovely color combination

[alisonlyons]

Lovely. l have a big leaning toward abstract theses days, and this was great to watch Scott. l just got watercolour paint, and paper for 2 grandchildren to explore abstraction. l bought good quality materials and they loved the difference their new paints made. Thanks again Scott for your inspiration

[christineanderson]

Today I spent time looking at the weather forecasts. There are currently two hurricanes happening in the Atlantic . The weather maps looked like abstract art. I might try doing something with that. And then I saw this video! Isn’t life funny.

[nancytrejo]

Beautiful painting Incredible teacher!!

[margueriteaye]

Hi Scott
I love to watch the fluid gestures you use to make your brush marks. Will try this video and move my brush along with you you to loosen up my arm a bit. Yes your paintings and your process always create some feeling of relaxation and expansion or even wonder. The feeling element is such an invaluable component of your work. Your videos are a joy.

👍🤗Marguerite

[bharatartbox]

Hiii dear Artist
Your art work is so beautiful. You are giving something to the world. You are preparing other artists with your art. So you and your art are great.🌹👌👌👌

[BarrettBaker_photos]

Oh yes please! I have a sketchbook and I wanna do these so badly

[machelleshappyhobbies]

Love your work. Thanks for teaching me.😊

[gavinMeldrum]

Awesome video, I learned so much thanks this will help me to get past my block, cheers