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Teacup in watercolour - a value study. Beginner to intermediate (Patreon)

Published:
2026-05-17 23:12:00
Edited:
2026-08-27 04:20:13
Imported:
2026-10
Tags:

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Content

Hi everyone,

In this tutorial, we'll paint a simple teacup using just one colour so we can concentrate entirely on light and dark. It’s a great exercise for learning how to see values more clearly and how to use them to create form, depth, and contrast in your work.

We build the painting step by step, starting with light washes and gradually adding darker values, while paying close attention to edges and subtle shifts in tone.

Even though the subject is simple, this is a really useful study that will help you improve all of your paintings.

All of the files are attached below.

I hope you enjoy it.

Louise

If you are looking for other tutorials - you will find them all on the indexes below:

Painting Thumbnail Index: https://www.louisedemasi.com/patreon-index

Tutorial Word Index: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patreon-index-34865676

You can also find them in the 'Collections' area of Patreon.

Files

Tea Cup Value Study

Louise De Masi©

Comments

Dawnkifer

Perfect timing! I have been learning about value studies and have tried two. I wasn't happy how either turned out. Looking forward to your tips in the video.

Sammie Bryant

Wow, I can’t believe this is could be a beginner photo. The teacup looks so delicate which makes it seem complicated. It looks like a good one to attempt. Thank you so much for the challenge.

Louise De Masi

I’m glad you’re going to give it a try Sammie. I hope you enjoy the process.

Kathy Robben

my next painting...after I finish the python

Patricia Maraia

Hi Louise - thank you for always supply 2 different sizes of painting subjects. May I ask what size you used for painting the teacup? Thank you again.

Louise De Masi

Hi Patricia, I supply the enlarged version because some people have difficulty enlarging on their printers. I used paper size 31 by 41cm - approximately 12 by 16. Thanks!

Patricia Maraia

Thank you! I usually paint from the enlarge versions, but thought I’d ask on your preference.

Louise De Masi

I think it's easier if you paint from the larger version. Thanks Patricia.

Gluexkind

Dear Louise, Thank you so much for your tutorials. Your explanations are really helpful. I have one question. I am a beginner watercolor artist and wonder how you do the line drawings. Do you sketch them freehand or do you copy them from the pictures with transparent paper? Thank you very much for your answer and greetings from Switzerland :-) Kerstin

Louise De Masi

Thank you! I do a bit of both. I often use transparent paper to trace the main shapes from the reference photo because it’s much quicker than drawing everything freehand. Once I have the basic shapes down, I’ll usually refine parts of the drawing by hand if I need to adjust proportions or add more detail.

Julie Smout

Thanks Louise I really enjoyed this tonal tutorial. Julie