Watercolor Basics: Essential Techniques and Exercises

Artist Jordan Rhodes will demonstrate basic watercolor techniques and exercises that you can do to familiarize yourself with the medium and set you on the right path towards becoming a skilled watercolor artist. Follow along as Jordan paints the Asaro Planes of the Head Statue in watercolor.

The Asaro planes of the head statue is a good tool for learning about the simplified planar structure of a portrait. You can find a 3D model of the Asaro statue here:

INSTRUCTION SHEET:

MATERIALS:
► Strathmore 500 Series Ready Cut Watercolor Paper, cold press:

► MaimeriBlu Watercolor Pan Set or the following colors: cadmium red light, yellow ochre, paynes gray, burnt umber:

► Lower-cost watercolor alternative = Daler-Rowney Aquafine Watercolor:

► Princeton AquaElite Brush, Round Size 12:

► Princeton Neptune Brushes, Round size 8 & 12:

► Other Supplies: masking tape, pencil, compass, protractor, ruler

FULL GOUACHE VS WATERCOLOR SERIES:
Lesson 1: Watercolor Basics - Essential Techniques and Exercises:

Lesson 2: Watercolor Portrait Tutorial:

Lesson 3: Gouache Basics - Essential Techniques and Exercises:

Lesson 4: Gouache Portrait Tutorial:

See more from Jordan on his website:

[justkelly]

Beginner tip from a beginner: Seeing value can be tough when your reference is colorful. If you make a grayscale (aka black and white) copy of your reference photo, then you will have a value reference that can really help!

[ashleahsummers]

Thank you so much! And I really appreciate that you just jumped into it. No three-minute introduction, no "while you're here, consider buying this." Just art. Thank you!

[dianemurphey]

Wow, I LOVE your videos. I’m a beginner to art. A disabling illness has stolen my mobility and energy, but I still enjoy so much of life. Knitting, crochet and now watercolor fill my day. You have a voice that is calming and just enough instruction to get me started.
Absolutely the perfect tutorial to get me started! Bravo You!

[caracassell]

That was helpful and interesting--thank you! I liked seeing your mixing paint, the reference photo, and your painting at the same time (fancy camera set-up!). Also, you provided great explanation of why you layer colors the way you do and switch brushes when you do. I look forward to more videos.

[cardbardbxcat]

This was really helpful and satisfying to watch! I've been watercoloring for many years, and need to come back to the basics every so often. I loved watching your painting process

[denisebrazell]

Your presentation and explanation both pleasant to watch and listen to, clearly stated and excellent throughout. I learned from it and I thank you.

[BIRTHSTORYMEDICINE]

Im new at watercolor was getting colors too dense or muddy. your course was the best! you are a very good teacher. thank you.

[janettepolt]

thanks, you, my friend, are a rockstar!

[denisemouliatejera]

I likes si much❤️, thanks
Denise from Uruguay.

[danthomas]

I save all my Talenti containers. I also think Talenti ice cream is some of the best I've ever tried.

[limeborguini]

For the color wheel, you mention "75/25" or "50/50" of colors- how do you mix that with dry paint cakes/pallets?

[pen-N-ink]

I needed knowledge. can we use hair dryer to dry?