Chien Chung-Wei: Painting Nature

Discover Chien Chung-Wei’s Unique “FairyLight” Technique to Create Magical Light Effects and Eye-Catching Art!

Chien Chung-Wei’s painting called Listen to the Wind attracted a lot of attention.

In the painting, he used a technique we call the “FairyLights” technique, which involves using masking fluid as a means to paint more FREELY and spontaneously. Seems like a contradiction?! Not when Chien Chung-Wei shows you how!

It’s a brilliant combination that allows you to create amazing light effects.

Chien’s use of masking fluid removes most of its limitations — like how it can make your painting look rigid and unnatural. 

This is a workshop unlike any other.

After watching it and applying his lessons, you’ll see a massive improvement fast — and you don’t even have to leave your home or studio.

So when you’re ready to see a huge difference in your painting…

Come join Chien inside Painting Nature today!

Your Lesson Plan!

Chapter 1 - Introduction: 4 min.

In this captivating introduction, you’ll discover the remarkable story behind Chien’s inspiration for this stunning painting. As you delve into the artist’s journey, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the subject matter and feel motivated to embark on your own artistic adventure.

Chapter 2 - Materials & Color Mixing: 12 min.

Dive into the world of watercolor painting as Chien guides you through the essential tools and supplies. You’ll learn about the brushes, paper, and paints he recommends, and witness the magic of masking fluid as Chien demonstrates how to preserve the paper’s white areas. Prepare to be amazed by his tips for mixing vibrant, natural greens that will bring your woodland scene to life and create a captivating, sparkly light effect.

Chapter 3 - Drawing: 14 min.

Discover Chien’s innovative 2-stage drawing process, designed to help you create an elegant composition on paper. Rather than focusing on every intricate detail, you’ll learn how to establish a rhythmic flow of lights that will guide your painting. This chapter will give you the confidence to simplify your drawing and create a strong foundation for your watercolor masterpiece.

Chapter 4 - Apply Masking Fluid: 17 min.

Chien shares his expertise in applying masking fluid in a variety of ways. Watch how he uses it to preserve sparkly highlights and allow for more expressive brushwork. Follow along as he reveals his tips for using masking fluid effectively, eliminating the risk of losing those crucial light areas. Plus, gain insight into Chien’s "Brushwork Philosophy," which will transform your approach to painting.

Chapter 5 - First Wash: 25 min.

Immerse yourself in the world of color as you mix a palette of warm and cool hues alongside Chien. Learn the perfect water-to-paint ratio, and witness the magic of his brushstroke techniques for large areas and broken strokes for highlights. Discover how to create natural, exciting transitions from light to dark, and embrace Chien’s free yet purposeful painting style. From splattering and mingling to directing the flow of paint, this chapter will help you break free from the constraints of traditional watercolor painting.

Chapter 6 - Refine the First Wash: 20 min.

Elevate your painting to new heights as you learn to add distant trees, branches, and tree trunks while your first wash is still moist. Discover Chien’s “secret weapon” for adding details that resemble the richness of oil paint.Master techniques like scratching, lifting, and tilting your board to maintain a sense of freedom in your work. Learn when to trust your instincts and deviate from your reference to create a balanced, harmonious composition that emphasizes the rhythm of light.

Chapter 7 - Paint the Leaves: 32 min.

Prepare to be amazed by Chien’s game-changing tip on scrubbing out color using a warm tint instead of clear water. Discover the power of softening edges where light leaves meet dark, and learn to remove masking fluid to reveal glowing leaves without falling into the trap of a “coloring book” approach. Master brushwork techniques, the strategic use of pure green, and the art of blending leaves seamlessly. Embrace the rhythm of tight to loose and defined to abstract, and learn to avoid repetition for a natural, captivating result.

Chapter 8 - Foreground & Final Details: 32 min.

In this final chapter, learn to trust your artistic instincts and make decisions based on the needs of your painting. Discover the importance of planning and understanding how to carry the rhythm and flow throughout your work. Master layering techniques to create form and structure, and explore brush techniques for added texture and interest. With Chien’s guidance, you’ll learn to add dimension, develop the darkest darks using oil painting techniques, and even paint the charming deer hidden in the woods.

By the end of this instructional video, you'll have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to create your own breathtaking watercolor nature paintings.

Here’s a small taste of what’s inside Painting Nature:

●      Chien’s “secret weapon” for adding details before the paint dries, a technique that creates effects that look almost like oil paint!

●      Learn how Chien creates the magical dappled light effect with his unique “FairyLights” technique — a combination of 3 elements you’re already using…

●      Chien’s brilliant lessons for mixing NATURAL GREENS — a must for this forest scene…

●      Brushwork techniques to paint leaves (and how to blend them so they don’t look “cut out”)…

●      Chien’s unique 2-stage drawing process to create an elegant composition…

●      How to create a rhythm of lights that will flow through the painting…

●      Chien’s “Brushwork Philosophy” that will cement the right mindset in you for painting great works of art…

●      How Chien creates contrast and depth (must-watch!)...

●      Discover the hidden power of masking fluid to paint with more spontaneity and expression…

●      How to create natural-looking, exciting, and interesting transitions from light to dark…

●      A step-by-step approach on how to make distant trees, branches, and other elements look LUSH and not stiff…

●      PLUS:Brilliant techniques to keep you PAINTING FREELY without restrictions…

●      …and so many more incredible tips and insights!

Meet Your Instructor, Chien Chung-Wei(AWS, D.F.)!

Chien Chung-Wei is the first artist in Taiwan to become a Signature member of the American Watercolor Society and the National Watercolor Society.

He’s also the author of the bestselling books The Intrigue of Form and Learning Watercolor from Demonstrations. 

Artists and collectors say the watercolor works of Chien Chung-Wei appear to embrace the spirits and temperament of Western watercolor masters over the last two centuries. 

You can see the influence of some great watercolor masters, such as Thomas Girtin, John Sell Cotman, J.M.W. Turner, Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, and Edward Seago in his works. 

Chien also breaks the boundary between watercolors and oil paints. He created a series of works using watercolors and gouache that look like the Romantic oil paintings of the 19th century. 

Those works totally changed the conventional impression of watercolors!

His works are classic in color, with masterful brushstrokes that endow every character with a rich fullness. 

He creates beauty and intrigue of form even with ordinary subjects, and that’s the enchantment of his watercolors.

Today, you get the chance to learn from this amazing artist and discover new skills that will propel your art to an entirely different level.