How to use watercolor: still life tutorial | IN THE STUDIO

Learn how to make a watercolor painting like Georgia O'Keeffe, Paul Cézanne, and other artists in this new episode of our tutorial series IN THE STUDIO. Artist Jia Sung teaches two different techniques: "wet on wet" for more improvisational work and a drier approach for still life painting and observational work. See how she uses tube and pan paints, different types of brushes, and looks at works in MoMA's collection for inspiration.

Works referenced:
Georgia O'Keeffe. "Evening Star No. III." 1917
Georgia O'Keeffe. "Train at Night in the Desert." 1916
Romare Bearden. "Untitled (Brenda)." 1984
Paul Cézanne. "Mont Sainte-Victoire." 1902–06
Marlene Dumas. "Chlorosis (Love sick)." 1994

0:00: Introduction
0:54: Tube paints
01:12: "Wet on wet" technique
01:49: Georgia O'Keeffe's watercolor
04:32: Pan paints
05:59: Still life with drier approach
07:49: Types of brushes
9:38: Cézanne watercolor
11:19: Incorporating "wet on wet"
11:53: Fine line work
12:25: Georgia O'Keeffe's watercolor
13:51: Finishing



The comments and opinions expressed in this video are those of the speaker alone, and do not represent the views of The Museum of Modern Art, its personnel, or any artist. 

#watercolor #watercolortutorial #watercolorpainting #howtowatercolor #paintingtutorial #stilllife #art #museumofmodernart #moma #museum #modernart

[margaretsalasidis]

What an excellent communicator this lady is and her lesson is so informative

[ACM]

My dad was a painter— as a child he could only afford those cheap water color kids palettes but he used them like oil paint / acrylic (thick and not transparent or watery) his entire career— he painted very detailed New Yorker covers you’d never guess were watercolor paint. Just shows you how incredibly malleable
watercolor is for so many different kinds of artists. Wonderful video.

[KateColors]

She's got a gentle way of showing the fun and excitement in watercolor painting. Relating the art to the practice is especially helpful in reinforcing an individual's further exploration. Just nice. Thank you. ❤

[elkisa]

I really like how approachable she makes it seem like no pressure but with Art nuggets of how to look at certain elements of art she enjoys …. Makes me happy

[mymanyminds]

This is the best intro to watercolor I've found. She is a wonderful teacher and her approach is so pure.

[CoconutwCoco]

love her way of teaching plz bring her back

[nikiniki]

Loved it. I'm now craving some watercolor painting

[paulettelane]

Your comments about each stroke of the brush revealed the thought process before applying paint; plus your relaxed approach to the painting. Such good information for a beginner. Thank you very much.

[versterker]

Absolutely stunning, what a marvelous tracher!

[francoisederocher]

Beautiful introduction to the magical medium of watercolor. Let it run, bloom, drip, explode and surprise you every time.

[frogman]

woww i just loved listening to her talk about the pieces that inspired her... i kinda love the way she approaches art

[selmag]

I love this video, the art, the way the artist is explaining her decisions. If she was interviewed, I think it's genius that the questions have been cut. The editing makes it sound like we are following the artists train of thought. Wonderful. And you know: I didn't like watercolors before I watched this...Thank you all! <3

[kookaburra]

So interesting to take a tour through different artists’ approaches to water colour, during a demonstration. Articulate and interesting combination.

[acd]

This completely changed my perspective on watercolor... Thank you!!

[shelleyaw]

Thank you Ms Sung. I’m have a really bad case of artistic exhaustion. Your comments on how going back to flowers as a way to cleanse your brain offered me some hope of getting past this phase in my journey. I’m not a great artist but art is important to me. My ability to create has become my sense of self. Thank you. I’m going to the florist today to try and find something that inspires me.

[kristievanderzee]

The really cheap Canson paper she uses can get some nice textures, but you may need to use a better paper if you want certain effects, more layers, or smooth washes. She talks about pilling on the Canson that you can avoid by using Arches (Cold Press is good for beginners) if you can afford it. For watercolor, the paper makes all the difference, if you invest in anything, let it be paper. Fun to watch her process. 😊

[handznet]

Finally, after 6 years In thr Studio is back! Please do not stop this time!

[christophermahon]

I've always loved O'Keeffe's watercolors. Thanks for reminding us how freely they can be used; or, more detailed, depending on mood or subject. Your mythological studies are excellent, y the way.

[SyarSAlia]

I clicked on this video because I've always liked the In the Studio series and was excited to see a new face. Imagine my surprise when Jia Sung starts talking about their tarot project and I realise that I've literally just bought that very deck, and it was on the table next to my bed! Loved this video and their clear and calm manner of sharing their approaches

[katinkaaskehave]

a good watercolor piece can hit me like the most vulnerable enchanting poem <3