The best-ever watercolor exercise?

Ever wanted an achievable watercolor workout that allows you to practice the following technical skills all in one?.....

Colour mixing
Brushstrokes
Wet-on-dry
Wet-on-wet
Timing
Managing a wash

Well, have a go at this exercise - it's great fun, quick to do, and seems like nothing more than a quick doodle. But in the video I show you the importance of practicing like this, and how it helps you to improve your technique in the areas above. I have done these for years, and continue to do them regularly; I attribute the progression in my technical skills to this, more than anything else. I genuinely believe it is the best-ever watercolor exercise!

If you're a beginner and need some guidance on what equipment to use, or a little more detail behind some of these techniques, then please watch the following video series:

[mrtrunin]

Oliver is one of those creators whose videos get a like first, then you start watching the content because you know the quality is guaranteed. Thank you for your hard work!

[dewindoethdwl]

My takeaway is the realisation that as a child I would never worry about wasting material. Consequently I was always doodling and messing around. My schoolboy art was quite passable. Returning to painting after a long time away I’ve been inhibited by the fear of wasting materials. This video reminded me that the material isn’t wasted if you are having fun and developing skills. I’m back to doodling and really enjoying myself. It’s surprising how it has been quietly improving my work out in the world and if things aren’t going well, I just get doodling. Why worry about using material? It’s not a waste.

[christaporche]

I'm a beginner (at age 80) and this exercise will be good for me break up a bit of "artist's block." It is a perfect for me to just doodle a bit until I inspire myself. I really like it. I have all the supplies and I'm ready to paint. Thank you.

[attadudepc]

Oliver is not only an accomplished artist, but an excellent teacher in the true sense.

[simongray]

I was given a watercolour paint tin when I was 9 years old, in 1978. I had nobody to teach me, and, after messing around and becoming frustrated I stopped using it. I turned to pencil and then, attending art college began with acrylics - still nobody to teach me any technical skills but I fumbled along. My career was in graphic design, both drawing board and computer-based but certainly no pencil or paints. Now I am retired and determined to crack watercolours once and for all - finding your videos (especially this one) has lifted my spirits and given me the encouragement to 'have a go'. Many thanks for sharing and saying 'just have a go and doodle' - I will 👍

[susie]

"don't copy, create!" is the best advice for me to hear!

[Jenesis]

This like doodling with watercolor :). I made a resolution to do daily doodle in 2024. My mind is frozen and locked up. I hope doodling can help freeing up my mind to not be afraid or plan too much.

[Mona]

I'm 69 years old and I started watercolor painting just this past year. I'm in love with it all. Thank you so much for this wonderful tutorial on how to effectively practice. I'm about to begin this exercise immediately! Your time and experience is very very much appreciated!

[cynmalin]

thank you. opened up a box i had in storage for 30 yrs, filled w/ old tubes & pans. in middle school art class, just given 8 colors & a brush. no instruction. ready now at 65yrs old to find someone to explain the skills needed. this is perfect. will watch all your videos. will practice diligently. thank you again.

[lindaconover]

Thanks for not just showing how to do something but demonstrating your thinking behind each action.

[Pinkstarpirate]

And don't forget that you can re-use this paper with gouache. If you don't like the color you have down, just put a wash of water down and blot the color up with a rag. The staining colors will remain, but if you've removed its surface paint, those staining colors shouldn't mix into your gouache layers in any noticeable amount. Or leave all the paint there and do a gouache technique study on top of it. This is the best way to remove that feeling of being wasteful. If you don't do gouache, maybe acrylic. Or if you have ink, draw little doodles over the color. Sometimes i like practicing inking on the edges. Depending on the roughness of the watercolor paper, sometimes inking on it can be tricky and cause snags on the nibs. Practicing helps you get a feel for the paper. Have fun with whichever media you have on hand.

[AnnaonUtube]

I'm always doodling with pencils and pens, but I'd never really thought of doodling with brushes and paint. This was so helpful. Thank you!

[riojdmk]

Most often I don't have the space or time to create a finished painting, but I still want to paint! These exercises in doodling give me that spontaneous freedom while learning so much about color mixing, paying attention to the wetness of the paper, brush strokes, all of it!

[opabinnier]

Fantasy doodle landscapes are not only the best fun ever- but you really keep on top of you watercolour management which is always a boost in confidence. Also a relief from the pressure of having to avoid blunders: blunders here are just opportunities to learn. This video tells me I should get back to more FUN and GAMES. Merry Christmas, squire!

[joycezuiderveen]

This makes so much sense! Much like practicing music. No performance just practice.

[sallyfinch]

These exercises and comments would be so wonderful in a watercolor sketchbook. That would make it easier to build upon and find one’s own language with the brush.

[CazMet-ssek]

Miss your new videos you’re such a great teacher, hope all is well and you’re just super busy….

[grantharper]

Out of the hundreds, maybe thousands of videos I have watched over the last four years, this is without doubt the most honest, useful and instructive one I have seen. Cant wait to get cracking on this and see just how in control I’m not lol. Thank you Oliver and merry Christmas to you and your family.

[valsearle]

At 66 a beginner and so happy to have found your channel, can't wait to learn🙂

[threehorsez]

That was one of the most helpful painting videos if not the most helpful one I have ever watched. Thank you so very much!