Louise, honestly, I love every single one of them!!! I'm a professional artist myself (animal sculptures), and my first feeling, my first impression of your five artworks gave me this feeling of " wow. Yes. Perfect". Every single one of them! As long as you are not happy with it yourself, you are, of course, absolutely right in doing it over. That way we come up with new technical ideas and solutions, we learn and explore. And improve. I know this process so well. Never hesitate to change things, or do it over entirely, as long as you are not 100% pleased. What a wonderful, inspiring channel. I love your honesty!
You underestimate yourself. Your initial attempts were wonderful, we all spend our lives trying to get even better. Thank you for a very interesting session. Ed
You're very natural in front of the camera. You have a soothing tone that lifts your tutorials to the viewer. Thumbs up. Excellent art. Thank you so much.
I appreciate you sharing this because I only recently started trying to learn landscapes and they all have been horrible. Its been really disheartening because everyone makes it look so easy. Its always nice to see honesty in other artists and see that its not just easy.
They are all amazing. I do see where you are less confident in what you created. I appreciate the fact YOU TOO struggle...even after recreating multiple times. So awesome.
Every painting is a learning experience! I think you are being very hard on yourself. You haven’t been a landscape artist so naturally it will be a learning curve……and you did learn from it! Thank you so much for sharing this experience! It shows the rest of us that every artist has to start somewhere and we never stop learning and honing our craft.
Days lost is a false perception. Every moment was spent discovering something about yourself. You, dear lady are an exceptional talent, and although remaining critical of you work is always a good thing, I think you can be too hard on yourself. Everyone of those studies was very good. From my perspective, leaving the background undefined was the way to go, It was there and created atmosphere, and left in touched was the way to go. Personally, I love all that you've created since I subscribed just over 2 years ago. I've always gone with letting the paint make the image, so if something doesn't seem to fit, I've left it in place, and finished what I started. If my harshest critic gives her seal of approval, then it's a job well done. If I'd rather not have that painting around, it's easy to find someone that would cherish it. My harshest critic is one I trust, she married me over 37 years ago, and she would never allow me to paint rubbish, teaching me everything is subjective. Any way Louise, I didn't set out to sound like a school master, but show another view point. All the best sweet lady. TTFN
Wise words Graham. I agree, 'let the paint make the image' - what a beautiful way of putting it. I might borrow that sometimes if you don't mind 😄. Thank you so much.
My partner has always said, "It's your world. Paint whatever you want." And so I use reference photos and videos, but in the end, it is my piece of art. I find watercolor to be quite the learning journey now 3.5 years in. I enjoyed watching you. I, too, love working in my studio as well cause I never have to worry if I forgot anything as I have it all at a hands reach and I'm most comfortable in my space.
I love your videos. I honestly loved all of your landscapes but I totally understand about being the one who needs to be happy. Still trying to find my "style" and what I like to paint. I think I am learning that what I like to look at (other people's work) and what I like to paint are not always the same. And there are colours that I know I love and colours I think I should be using. When I paint with "my colours" I am always happier than when painting with the "I think I should use" colours. Anyway...enough rambling. Thank you for sharing. :)
Your animals are always so beautiful - its wonderful to see them nestled in their natural setting as part of a larger landscape. I hope you continue pursuing this aspect.
I think you are very hard on yourself. All your attempts were beautiful. I would be proud to have any one of those on my wall. Please do NOT be disappointed in your work.
Great advice Louise. I’m taking watercolour classes and we paint a wide variety of subjects, which I enjoy because I like the challenge. However there are some subjects and compositions that draw me more than others and I’m paying attention. For a beginner like me it’s interesting to note that of course, the style of art that I enjoy looking at strongly influences what I like to paint. I’ve never been drawn to painting or looking at landscapes either although I can appreciate the skill involved and every so often one blows me away. It’s an interesting journey. I liked your landscapes, but, like you, was drawn to the cows and I loved the last painting. Thank you 🙏
I absolutely love your teaching . Thanks for sharing your process and your videography clips. For those of us who may aspire to become an online instructor some day. It's not only entertaining but also helpful to realize what the whole process is. You're so blessed to have a wonderful "director".
I would buy both the practises and the final, gorgeous! 1. you have an AMAZING voice ! honestly - its calm and gentle, easy to listen to and very kind, informative. Don't be embarrassed about it :D 2. I'm 25 - and I think this is f******g COOL! its relevant to young artists too, so thank you ! 3. Your art is beautiful, you inspire me; as an Artist with BPD, depression and anxiety amongst other mental and chronic physical illnesses, this has pushed me so hard to want to do my art again. Especially your video about your career change. 4. Video format is wicked! Demonstrations, anecdotes, chatting talking... love it all.
I love vignettes because the white of the paper really makes the subject pop! Thank you for this clip, your comments on this are what we need to hear. Paint to keep yourself happy not others is one I really needed to hear. 👍❤️
I love that you share what doesn’t work for you as well as what does. I’ve learnt so much from your videos. Thank you so much for all you teach us, we’re lucky to have you!
Wow… I REALLY needed to hear everything you said.. I have been frustrated in finding my artistic direction. I need to think about what I enjoy painting. Thank you for being so transparent & sharing your exploration of trying something different. ❤❤❤
This was such good advice! Many thanks for showing us all of your attempts. I am challenged by landscapes. I have had the same sticking points you have. Only yours still look better than mine. Overworking and trying to get too much detail is what I fall into all the time. I love how on the last version you left the edges random and soft. Yes, let us be true to ourselves always.❤
Your painting style is what attracted me in the first place. I have watched too many UA-cam videos on watercolor painting to count, and I’ve also tried several online courses. I see all the praise you get, and it’s well deserved. Other instructors also get a lot of praise, and I know that people have different needs, skill levels, and things that interest them. However, where you really stand out (besides being a talented painter) is your ability to make yourself relatable. I joined your Patreon posts for a short time last year, but really didn’t give myself enough time to start at the beginning. I was impatient, and there was always someone else out there I thought was going to make watercolors easy (or easier). But, I would soon discover I had trouble following the instruction, it was above my ability, or I was bored. Also, I have never been interested in landscape painting, ever. I did a little in acrylic, but only because I was taking a group class, and I didn’t have any say in it. I can appreciate other people’s paintings, but I just don’t care about painting clouds and fields and water. I’m happiest when it’s a “thing,” whether that’s a flower (a few at a time is fine), animals, or some interesting object (loved your old truck). Painting can be a lot of fun when the subject is something you care about. I didn’t think your landscape paintings were “bad,” but I could see where they wouldn’t be what you had hoped for. Thanks for sharing that because you helped me (again) realize that it’s okay if I don’t want to paint everything. It’s okay if I’m not good at everything, and it’s okay if I want to concentrate on what gives me joy. The other thing I wanted to add is that you are a fantastic teacher. I know I’ve said this before, but it’s so important. Right now I’m attempting the “beginner” goldfish in Patreon, and it’s definitely challenging. However, you have explained so many things that I’m starting to see what I need to do, why something isn’t working, and in a lot of cases how to fix something or just to keep going and see that as I add layers that “mistake” becomes a lot less noticeable, and maybe not even a mistake after all. I find myself following your video, pausing, and then working on my version. Sometimes I worry because mine is different, but now I’m starting to realize, that doesn’t make it wrong or even bad. It actually feels a little more like it’s “mine,” and that’s part of makes me want to keep going. I’m not quite done with the goldfish, but I’m already looking forward to a second try. Thank you!!!
Thanks so much for your very kind message Anne. After 12 years of painting in watercolour (9 of those full time) I still consider myself a learner. Watercolour challenges me and surprises me every time I use it. I think that's why I never tire of painting with it. Acrylic painting became a chore after 10 years but I feel like I'm just getting started in watercolour. I hope you can be patient with yourself as you paint and enjoy the process of learning and growing. ❤️
Firstly I loved the trees in the background that you said you didn’t like with the violets, also soft edges in the background is correct. I also liked the first one you painted the colour seems a little brighter. The last one was really lovely. Looking forward to seeing it on Patreon. Most important is what you said at the end about painting what you like and inspires you, couldn’t agree more. Beautiful work as usual.🌹
Your an awesome artist and all five of your previous paintings are beautiful, unfortunately we are our own worst critics. Love your tutorials and advice, thankyou ❤
My partner and I have had to move to the big city of Sydney for health reasons. I absolutely loved seeing you out in the landscape of what looks to be my home town with a little bit of waterfall of waterfall way . Loved your cows . Do what you love in art always.
Love your honesty (and the outtakes)! Though only a professional artist could think your first 5 paintings weren't wonderful. I'd happily frame your discards.
You are so good at what you do paint that all five of those landscapes were pretty good, Louise. But you excel at animals so the cows vignette was just perfect. Thank you for sharing. It was fascinating to watch. Love, Mel in Devon, UK 🍰🌻
I liked all of your paintings and if you didn't describe the errors, you wouldn't know! But conversely, it was very refreshing to hear what you weren't satisfied with. Thanks for the tips and the encouragement you bring to all your videos. I also really like the 'bloopers' at the end - very entertaining and heartwarming! 😘
Dear Louis , well sombody wrote they loved each of your paintings.....and so do I ! If only one of them I could get that beautifully done....but of course you are the specialist and I cane understand 🥰🙂😍 Anyway , thank you for sharing that all with us ! For me you are amazing and I realy like all of your work and I learn soooo much 🥰♥️ Thank you a 1000 times ☺️👍
Louise, you are too hard on yourself. I find your landscape paintings quite delightful. You have created depth, 3D effect to show the hills and created different heights. I think they are wonderful. Isn't nature imperfect. And art too can be imperfect. That's your own signature. Thsnkyou. 💖
I applaud your patience and determination in painting the same subject over until you like it. I have always loved the vignette style. I am not a fan of painting landscape though I might try some to stretch myself. You may already know Steve Mitchell on YT but he is an excellent teacher of landscape watercolor. Have a lovely day Louise.
I love the finished product and thanks for sharing what you think is your failures, though they wouldn't be for me. I love the final one with its loose edges and the white space left around your vignette. It lets it breathe. Fabulous
Hi Louise! Thank you for sharing your experience of painting landscapes with us… I’ve been in a similar situation with landscape painting too but am yet to find a solution! Your Perseverance won through though and I love how your final painting turned out 😊💕
I'm also new to landscape paintings scenes, I feel a bit more comfortable focusing on floral work as I'm aware that my landscaps are not the best hence I found myself avoiding painting landscape a bit but I've slowly begun to relax, and it's been fun learning, exploring, and sharing what I've learned so far. I think you did a lovely job even in the previously shown landscapes but I also understand that we often see flaws in our work that others may not immediately notice until brought to attention, honestly at first glance I saw beautiful early work, you're already very good, but upon mention of your disliked areas I understand your points and appreciate the lesson here, I think it's important to be able to be objective with our work so we can improve. thanks for sharing you're experience ☮️❤
Thank you Louise! Not just for the awesome advice in your video but also for the bloopers. Watching your outtakes always makes me smile, more often makes me giggle or, like today, makes me belly laugh with tears in my eyes😂 Your art techniques are priceless, but when I’m struggling, your bloopers are the best part of my day when I need it the most. Thank you, Louise, for everything you do🥰
Well!! if my landscapes came anywhere near your early paintings I would be so happy Louise 😊 I loved them all in their different styles although I understand where you are coming from not being happy with your work. Thank you for sharing this journey with us, the countryside looks so beautiful and your tutorial has given me food for thought xx
Thank you Amanda. I know many of us are critics of our own work and we often doubt ourselves. I'll keep at it but I might veer towards little vignette landscapes like I mentioned. It seems to suit my style better. 💚
I love your videos. You are a perfectionist and your out takes are perfect. Thank you. And honestly if you left all your bloopers in, your videos would still be perfect.
I thought they were all perfect, one by one...until we got to the final one and bingo, there it was. I realised the root of your anguish and saw what you had been searching for. (Though 'bad' is not a word I would use to describe any of the paintings tbh). Thank-you for a great demonstration.
As usual, great bloopers! Ehhh, I mean great video! I look forward to the tutorial on Patreon. I’ve never really been interested in painting landscapes but I think you’ve tweaked my imagination. I’ll need to go back through my photos.
I just love your work, Louise. You are such a great artist and your style is unique to YOU. It makes me glad to see you working at something outside your comfort zone as well. We problem-solve while painting, and it is the best thing we can do for ourselves and our art! I, too, paint 3-4-5 versions of a subject, all the while learning and practicing skills that support me to improve and be more confident! Thank YOU Louise!
Thanks Louise for this very informative video... one trick for background hedges: I use stronger/ darker mixes, ie ultramarine, dark green and burn sienna mixed for dark shapes and bottom, with more opaque colours such as lemon yellow for contrast. Thank you again !
A teaching artist that works in New Zealand, whom I respect as an artist as much as I respect you, works in oils; which is of course an unrelated medium, but as far as finding a good guide to handling the problems of composition of landscapes and animals in the landscape, checking out what he has to say and looking at his works may be of assistance to you; his name is Michael James Smith.. and he is also anti artificial in his approach to his subjects. I don`t in any way believe or suggest that you should change your unique and amazing work; I just mention him in hopes that it will aid you in your self challenging exploration of the subject. I have been watching every available video of your work on UA-cam from the past 6 years and your development of ability as an artist is wonderful, thank you for all you have given and all that you are doing to help other artists. You have a great heart.
Nice video! I liked something about each of the landscape paintings. The cows did turn out very nicely in the vignette at the end. I do think it's good to avoid painting what you don't want to paint. However, I feel it can be good, at least as a growth exercise, to occasionally paint things that you don't usually paint.
Thanks for this video. You are so true in what you have said. If it makes me happy I paint it. 😅 I don't have to try everything every technique or subject. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to get it right and forget why we started painting in the first place. Waving from Queensland
Absolutely loved them all ! I completely agree with you, paint what you love to do and comfortable doing. I am still learning everything. I haven’t worked out what I really like. However, I love the out takes or bloopers of your videos. I look forward to seeing this one on your Patreon. I am currently painting your Pansy tutorial for the second time….getting better, I am almost at the end. I am a little nervous about the last step…the stamens…getting the paper wetness just right. Thank you so much.
I’ve always preferred painting landscapes, but I still struggle at times and learned from your ‘mistakes’, (which were still good, by the way). Thanks again.
Thank for sharing your process. I love the foliages you’ve painted behind the cows, beautiful grouping and dimension! I will check out your Patreon for this landscape video since I’m inspired by landscapes. I’m hoping you’ll paint more landscape scenes!!
I recently read a book about watercolor (the author is Elizabeth Kincaid “Dance with Light”) and there was a chapter on making a composition. There were all the usual rules of thirds, golden ration, but there was also part about creating a composition based on creating a path for a viewer. Ideally, it will be a endless path (closes on itself) but basically you need to put points of interest for a viewer throughout your painting (like breadcrumbs). So points of interest will have more details and sharp edges as all other will have less contrast, details, more blurry, etc. I think your first pictures lacked a point of interest further away. I saw cows, trees and than nothing attracted me. Maybe a few distant cows, a bird or flower field in the distance could fix that. Thank you for posting videos like this, they motivate me to continue learning and hoping one day my flowers will look half as good as yours 🙂
We all owe it to ourselves to continuing to grow! Admire you and your work ethic! You are also an awesome artist! Thank you for all your wonderful tutorials.
That's great learning. Thank you. I find myself overwhelmed by landscapes as well, it's too much to focus on. I was the person in the drawing class who only painted the corner of the still life subject, which was a table full of all sorts of things. Maybe one day I'll be able to grasp all of that, but I think it's fine to make little vignettes of what you find interesting in a scene. You stretched your boundaries, literally. I think the result was brilliant.
Thank you yet again Louise for a video that echoes what I have come to find is important. I find I am getting better results and more joy in my art, doing what appeals to me and not what I think other people want. Great tips.
Honestly, I’d be super happy with any of those!
Thank you Ruth. ❤️
Same! 😅
I love your conclusion about staying true to yourself as an artist. ❤
Love the loose style. I agree with you to paint freely according to your style. Great video
Same!
Louise, honestly, I love every single one of them!!!
I'm a professional artist myself (animal sculptures), and my first feeling, my first impression of your five artworks gave me this feeling of " wow. Yes. Perfect".
Every single one of them!
As long as you are not happy with it yourself, you are, of course, absolutely right in doing it over. That way we come up with new technical ideas and solutions, we learn and explore. And improve.
I know this process so well.
Never hesitate to change things, or do it over entirely, as long as you are not 100% pleased.
What a wonderful, inspiring channel.
I love your honesty!
You underestimate yourself. Your initial attempts were wonderful, we all spend our lives trying to get even better. Thank you for a very interesting session. Ed
Thank you Ed. That we do. I think we compare ourselves to others all the time too.
@@LouiseDeMasi I loved them all. Would happily have them in my home.
No days lost on your art! You learned a lot and have passed on wonderful tips. Thank you Louise ❤
Yes - I sure did. Thank you. 💛
You're very natural in front of the camera. You have a soothing tone that lifts your tutorials to the viewer. Thumbs up. Excellent art. Thank you so much.
That's very kind of you to say. Thank you Ray.
I appreciate you sharing this because I only recently started trying to learn landscapes and they all have been horrible. Its been really disheartening because everyone makes it look so easy. Its always nice to see honesty in other artists and see that its not just easy.
It's definitely not easy. I'm glad it resonated. Thank you!
So true. They ALL make and say that landscape painting looks, is, easy. It is not! You have to know good composition amd force yourself into it.
You are right, it wasn't good, it was absolutely gorgeous!!!
They are all amazing. I do see where you are less confident in what you created. I appreciate the fact YOU TOO struggle...even after recreating multiple times. So awesome.
Every painting is a learning experience! I think you are being very hard on yourself. You haven’t been a landscape artist so naturally it will be a learning curve……and you did learn from it! Thank you so much for sharing this experience! It shows the rest of us that every artist has to start somewhere and we never stop learning and honing our craft.
Days lost is a false perception. Every moment was spent discovering something about yourself. You, dear lady are an exceptional talent, and although remaining critical of you work is always a good thing, I think you can be too hard on yourself. Everyone of those studies was very good.
From my perspective, leaving the background undefined was the way to go, It was there and created atmosphere, and left in touched was the way to go.
Personally, I love all that you've created since I subscribed just over 2 years ago.
I've always gone with letting the paint make the image, so if something doesn't seem to fit, I've left it in place, and finished what I started. If my harshest critic gives her seal of approval, then it's a job well done. If I'd rather not have that painting around, it's easy to find someone that would cherish it. My harshest critic is one I trust, she married me over 37 years ago, and she would never allow me to paint rubbish, teaching me everything is subjective.
Any way Louise, I didn't set out to sound like a school master, but show another view point.
All the best sweet lady. TTFN
Wise words Graham. I agree, 'let the paint make the image' - what a beautiful way of putting it. I might borrow that sometimes if you don't mind 😄. Thank you so much.
@@LouiseDeMasi I don't mind, I just hope I helped you ease up on yourself a bit.
My partner has always said, "It's your world. Paint whatever you want." And so I use reference photos and videos, but in the end, it is my piece of art. I find watercolor to be quite the learning journey now 3.5 years in. I enjoyed watching you. I, too, love working in my studio as well cause I never have to worry if I forgot anything as I have it all at a hands reach and I'm most comfortable in my space.
I love your videos. I honestly loved all of your landscapes but I totally understand about being the one who needs to be happy. Still trying to find my "style" and what I like to paint. I think I am learning that what I like to look at (other people's work) and what I like to paint are not always the same. And there are colours that I know I love and colours I think I should be using. When I paint with "my colours" I am always happier than when painting with the "I think I should use" colours. Anyway...enough rambling. Thank you for sharing. :)
So true Monique. Go with what you love and don't worry about what others say or do. Please yourself first. Thank you! 🥰❤️
I think all of your paintings were gorgeous and I love how your son works with you - you are so blessed!
Your animals are always so beautiful - its wonderful to see them nestled in their natural setting as part of a larger landscape. I hope you continue pursuing this aspect.
I think you are very hard on yourself. All your attempts were beautiful. I would be proud to have any one of those on my wall. Please do NOT be disappointed in your work.
I would have been happy to have produced any of those paintings. They are lovely.
Thank you Jenny. They've been relegated to my failure drawer. 😅
I love your work Louise, but even more, I love how you make us laugh; the outtakes made me laugh out loud🤣. 🙏💖
Great advice Louise. I’m taking watercolour classes and we paint a wide variety of subjects, which I enjoy because I like the challenge. However there are some subjects and compositions that draw me more than others and I’m paying attention. For a beginner like me it’s interesting to note that of course, the style of art that I enjoy looking at strongly influences what I like to paint. I’ve never been drawn to painting or looking at landscapes either although I can appreciate the skill involved and every so often one blows me away. It’s an interesting journey. I liked your landscapes, but, like you, was drawn to the cows and I loved the last painting. Thank you 🙏
Landscape is what draws me to painting. What I love most to paint is flowers. For a year I painted almost nothing else
Thanks Nancy. Good luck with your painting! Paint what you love. 🥰
@@kathryncarbine7140 Fantastic! And what a lovely thing it is to be able to follow what draws you in ❤️
I absolutely love your teaching . Thanks for sharing your process and your videography clips. For those of us who may aspire to become an online instructor some day. It's not only entertaining but also helpful to realize what the whole process is. You're so blessed to have a wonderful "director".
The thing is, all the imperfections that you had seen was actually really nice to me and gave the painting character, I think it look amazing x
I would buy both the practises and the final, gorgeous!
1. you have an AMAZING voice ! honestly - its calm and gentle, easy to listen to and very kind, informative. Don't be embarrassed about it :D
2. I'm 25 - and I think this is f******g COOL! its relevant to young artists too, so thank you !
3. Your art is beautiful, you inspire me; as an Artist with BPD, depression and anxiety amongst other mental and chronic physical illnesses, this has pushed me so hard to want to do my art again. Especially your video about your career change.
4. Video format is wicked! Demonstrations, anecdotes, chatting talking... love it all.
Awww Louise, you’re such a treasure! Thank you for sharing this landscape journey with us!
Thank you ZeeCee. 💚
@@LouiseDeMasi Marsha, here! Just love your work!
I love vignettes because the white of the paper really makes the subject pop! Thank you for this clip, your comments on this are what we need to hear. Paint to keep yourself happy not others is one I really needed to hear. 👍❤️
Another lesson, to get to the final version, maybe one has to do several versions. Love your final painting!
I love that you share what doesn’t work for you as well as what does. I’ve learnt so much from your videos. Thank you so much for all you teach us, we’re lucky to have you!
Wow… I REALLY needed to hear everything you said.. I have been frustrated in finding my artistic direction. I need to think about what I enjoy painting. Thank you for being so transparent & sharing your exploration of trying something different. ❤❤❤
This was such good advice! Many thanks for showing us all of your attempts. I am challenged by landscapes. I have had the same sticking points you have. Only yours still look better than mine. Overworking and trying to get too much detail is what I fall into all the time. I love how on the last version you left the edges random and soft. Yes, let us be true to ourselves always.❤
What you shared from minute 9-10 on is worth a million dollar! Thank you for that nugget of spiritual care...
Your painting style is what attracted me in the first place. I have watched too many UA-cam videos on watercolor painting to count, and I’ve also tried several online courses. I see all the praise you get, and it’s well deserved. Other instructors also get a lot of praise, and I know that people have different needs, skill levels, and things that interest them. However, where you really stand out (besides being a talented painter) is your ability to make yourself relatable.
I joined your Patreon posts for a short time last year, but really didn’t give myself enough time to start at the beginning. I was impatient, and there was always someone else out there I thought was going to make watercolors easy (or easier). But, I would soon discover I had trouble following the instruction, it was above my ability, or I was bored. Also, I have never been interested in landscape painting, ever. I did a little in acrylic, but only because I was taking a group class, and I didn’t have any say in it. I can appreciate other people’s paintings, but I just don’t care about painting clouds and fields and water. I’m happiest when it’s a “thing,” whether that’s a flower (a few at a time is fine), animals, or some interesting object (loved your old truck). Painting can be a lot of fun when the subject is something you care about.
I didn’t think your landscape paintings were “bad,” but I could see where they wouldn’t be what you had hoped for. Thanks for sharing that because you helped me (again) realize that it’s okay if I don’t want to paint everything. It’s okay if I’m not good at everything, and it’s okay if I want to concentrate on what gives me joy.
The other thing I wanted to add is that you are a fantastic teacher. I know I’ve said this before, but it’s so important. Right now I’m attempting the “beginner” goldfish in Patreon, and it’s definitely challenging. However, you have explained so many things that I’m starting to see what I need to do, why something isn’t working, and in a lot of cases how to fix something or just to keep going and see that as I add layers that “mistake” becomes a lot less noticeable, and maybe not even a mistake after all. I find myself following your video, pausing, and then working on my version. Sometimes I worry because mine is different, but now I’m starting to realize, that doesn’t make it wrong or even bad. It actually feels a little more like it’s “mine,” and that’s part of makes me want to keep going. I’m not quite done with the goldfish, but I’m already looking forward to a second try. Thank you!!!
Thanks so much for your very kind message Anne. After 12 years of painting in watercolour (9 of those full time) I still consider myself a learner. Watercolour challenges me and surprises me every time I use it. I think that's why I never tire of painting with it. Acrylic painting became a chore after 10 years but I feel like I'm just getting started in watercolour. I hope you can be patient with yourself as you paint and enjoy the process of learning and growing. ❤️
Thx for the bloopers! Gives me a good laugh and shows just how hard it is to make these videos! Lots of hard work but greatly appreciated!
Firstly I loved the trees in the background that you said you didn’t like with the violets, also soft edges in the background is correct. I also liked the first one you painted the colour seems a little brighter. The last one was really lovely. Looking forward to seeing it on Patreon. Most important is what you said at the end about painting what you like and inspires you, couldn’t agree more. Beautiful work as usual.🌹
Thank you Di. 💚
Thank you for that precious advice on here Louise.💝
Your an awesome artist and all five of your previous paintings are beautiful, unfortunately we are our own worst critics. Love your tutorials and advice, thankyou ❤
My partner and I have had to move to the big city of Sydney for health reasons. I absolutely loved seeing you out in the landscape of what looks to be my home town with a little bit of waterfall of waterfall way . Loved your cows . Do what you love in art always.
You do such a great job of explaining and you're a marvelous artist
Love your honesty (and the outtakes)! Though only a professional artist could think your first 5 paintings weren't wonderful. I'd happily frame your discards.
That was brave! Thanks for sharing with us what you learned. Loved your final attempt and the bloopers😊
You are so good at what you do paint that all five of those landscapes were pretty good, Louise. But you excel at animals so the cows vignette was just perfect.
Thank you for sharing. It was fascinating to watch.
Love, Mel in Devon, UK 🍰🌻
Thank you for pointing out goache for tree trunks. You never cease to amaze me. I just might get up the courage to do a portrait now. 😊
I hope so! Thanks again Connie. ❤️
So charming to be trying to be absolutely true to herself. So well done.
Wow! If they are not good paintings, I wish I could paint some like those! very subtle use of colour; they are lovely.
Thank you for these tips. They are exactly what I am learning with my class. And it helps to have it said by another in a different way.
I liked all of your paintings and if you didn't describe the errors, you wouldn't know! But conversely, it was very refreshing to hear what you weren't satisfied with. Thanks for the tips and the encouragement you bring to all your videos. I also really like the 'bloopers' at the end - very entertaining and heartwarming! 😘
Dear Louis , well sombody wrote they loved each of your paintings.....and so do I !
If only one of them I could get that beautifully done....but of course you are the specialist and I cane understand 🥰🙂😍
Anyway , thank you for sharing that all with us ! For me you are amazing and I realy like all of your work and I learn soooo much 🥰♥️
Thank you a 1000 times ☺️👍
Louise, you are too hard on yourself. I find your landscape paintings quite delightful. You have created depth, 3D effect to show the hills and created different heights. I think they are wonderful. Isn't nature imperfect. And art too can be imperfect. That's your own signature. Thsnkyou. 💖
Oh I love the unedited clips. Priceless ❤️
I applaud your patience and determination in painting the same subject over until you like it. I have always loved the vignette style. I am not a fan of painting landscape though I might try some to stretch myself. You may already know Steve Mitchell on YT but he is an excellent teacher of landscape watercolor. Have a lovely day Louise.
Thank you Renee. I agree, Steve is exceptionally talented and I learn from him too. ❤️
Three days of discovery is never time wasted 👍🏼. Yes so important to do what you love.
I do hope you will go on painting landscapes, Louise! They are pure dreamy poetry, and the style is unique! 🌹🍀❤
Oh my goodness, I would be thrilled to have painted any of those first five! Absolutely beautiful ❤
I love the finished product and thanks for sharing what you think is your failures, though they wouldn't be for me. I love the final one with its loose edges and the white space left around your vignette. It lets it breathe. Fabulous
LOVED THIS LAST ONE!!
Hi Louise! Thank you for sharing your experience of painting landscapes with us… I’ve been in a similar situation with landscape painting too but am yet to find a solution! Your Perseverance won through though and I love how your final painting turned out 😊💕
Thank you Sarah. I guess some of us were meant to be landscape painters and some us weren't. 🥰💝
Even if you dont like it you can still learn to do something well. It just isnt fun.
I loved your process but I especially enjoyed the final clips! Thank you for being a real human being and making me laugh :)
I'm also new to landscape paintings scenes, I feel a bit more comfortable focusing on floral work as I'm aware that my landscaps are not the best hence I found myself avoiding painting landscape a bit but I've slowly begun to relax, and it's been fun learning, exploring, and sharing what I've learned so far. I think you did a lovely job even in the previously shown landscapes but I also understand that we often see flaws in our work that others may not immediately notice until brought to attention, honestly at first glance I saw beautiful early work, you're already very good, but upon mention of your disliked areas I understand your points and appreciate the lesson here, I think it's important to be able to be objective with our work so we can improve. thanks for sharing you're experience ☮️❤
Thank you Louise! Not just for the awesome advice in your video but also for the bloopers. Watching your outtakes always makes me smile, more often makes me giggle or, like today, makes me belly laugh with tears in my eyes😂 Your art techniques are priceless, but when I’m struggling, your bloopers are the best part of my day when I need it the most. Thank you, Louise, for everything you do🥰
Well!! if my landscapes came anywhere near your early paintings I would be so happy Louise 😊 I loved them all in their different styles although I understand where you are coming from not being happy with your work. Thank you for sharing this journey with us, the countryside looks so beautiful and your tutorial has given me food for thought xx
Thank you Amanda. I know many of us are critics of our own work and we often doubt ourselves. I'll keep at it but I might veer towards little vignette landscapes like I mentioned. It seems to suit my style better. 💚
I love your videos. You are a perfectionist and your out takes are perfect. Thank you. And honestly if you left all your bloopers in, your videos would still be perfect.
LOVE THE TIE IN TO REBUILD THE LAND!
I thought they were all perfect, one by one...until we got to the final one and bingo, there it was. I realised the root of your anguish and saw what you had been searching for. (Though 'bad' is not a word I would use to describe any of the paintings tbh). Thank-you for a great demonstration.
As usual, great bloopers! Ehhh, I mean great video! I look forward to the tutorial on Patreon. I’ve never really been interested in painting landscapes but I think you’ve tweaked my imagination. I’ll need to go back through my photos.
Be true to yourself, always! Great lesson, thank you Louise 😊
You are very talented Louise I am so glad you made the switch, as are all your followers. CONGRATULATIONS, your hard work paid off. 🧡💛💚💙💜
I just love your work, Louise. You are such a great artist and your style is unique to YOU. It makes me glad to see you working at something outside your comfort zone as well. We problem-solve while painting, and it is the best thing we can do for ourselves and our art! I, too, paint 3-4-5 versions of a subject, all the while learning and practicing skills that support me to improve and be more confident! Thank YOU Louise!
Thanks so much Joan. It really was a good learning exercise. 🥰
I love your honesty and sharing your process. Your words were very appreciated. You are an incredible teacher!
Thanks Louise for this very informative video... one trick for background hedges: I use stronger/ darker mixes, ie ultramarine, dark green and burn sienna mixed for dark shapes and bottom, with more opaque colours such as lemon yellow for contrast.
Thank you again !
LOVE all your works, and the final product was beautiful! So fresh, lovely colours. The out takes are so funny! haha! hugs from Ontario Canada
Love the end product. It’s beautiful
So appreciate your honesty and openness. I couldn't agree with you more about being true to yourself. Great video.
Every version was beautiful to me!
The outtakes 😂 I love it that even the director laughed. A wonderful sense of humor for both.
Thank you Connie.
A teaching artist that works in New Zealand, whom I respect as an artist as much as I respect you, works in oils; which is of course an unrelated medium, but as far as finding a good guide to handling the problems of composition of landscapes and animals in the landscape, checking out what he has to say and looking at his works may be of assistance to you; his name is Michael James Smith.. and he is also anti artificial in his approach to his subjects. I don`t in any way believe or suggest that you should change your unique and amazing work; I just mention him in hopes that it will aid you in your self challenging exploration of the subject. I have been watching every available video of your work on UA-cam from the past 6 years and your development of ability as an artist is wonderful, thank you for all you have given and all that you are doing to help other artists. You have a great heart.
You’ve helped me tremendously with your honesty. Thank you 🙏
I'm glad. Thank you Cheryl.
I’m in the exact same position and it was refreshing to see your video.
Hi Louise, I love the second painting best. Please don't be so hard on yourself 🙏 💖☘️ XX
Nice video! I liked something about each of the landscape paintings. The cows did turn out very nicely in the vignette at the end. I do think it's good to avoid painting what you don't want to paint. However, I feel it can be good, at least as a growth exercise, to occasionally paint things that you don't usually paint.
Lol...Louise, I'd be thrilled if my landscapes came out like yours. I'm going to keep practicing!
Louise! You are the best!!! Haha and all the watercolours are good ❤
Thanks for this video. You are so true in what you have said. If it makes me happy I paint it. 😅
I don't have to try everything every technique or subject. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to get it right and forget why we started painting in the first place. Waving from Queensland
Absolutely loved them all ! I completely agree with you, paint what you love to do and comfortable doing. I am still learning everything. I haven’t worked out what I really like. However, I love the out takes or bloopers of your videos. I look forward to seeing this one on your Patreon. I am currently painting your Pansy tutorial for the second time….getting better, I am almost at the end. I am a little nervous about the last step…the stamens…getting the paper wetness just right.
Thank you so much.
I’ve always preferred painting landscapes, but I still struggle at times and learned from your ‘mistakes’, (which were still good, by the way). Thanks again.
Thank you David.
I think you are a perfectionist. Perfection can be good, but sometimes it can be unhealthy.
one of my favorite videos you've made....thank you.
Thank for sharing your process. I love the foliages you’ve painted behind the cows, beautiful grouping and dimension! I will check out your Patreon for this landscape video since I’m inspired by landscapes. I’m hoping you’ll paint more landscape scenes!!
So glad I watched this video! Next time I try and paint a landscape I will remember your wonderful tips!
I truly liked them all, I think you did great, I parcularly like the 2nd one. Thank you for sharing
Omg you and yours are so funny! Seriously though Louise I am always inspired by your art but yes.. it’s always good to stay with what you love.
😳 Your paintings are super lovely! ❤❤❤❤❤
I would be happy if I painted any of those attempts! Thanks for sharing your progress.
I recently read a book about watercolor (the author is Elizabeth Kincaid “Dance with Light”) and there was a chapter on making a composition. There were all the usual rules of thirds, golden ration, but there was also part about creating a composition based on creating a path for a viewer. Ideally, it will be a endless path (closes on itself) but basically you need to put points of interest for a viewer throughout your painting (like breadcrumbs). So points of interest will have more details and sharp edges as all other will have less contrast, details, more blurry, etc. I think your first pictures lacked a point of interest further away. I saw cows, trees and than nothing attracted me. Maybe a few distant cows, a bird or flower field in the distance could fix that.
Thank you for posting videos like this, they motivate me to continue learning and hoping one day my flowers will look half as good as yours 🙂
Great advice. Thank you Viktoria.
So true Louise. Paint what you love and big thanks for being vulnerable and sharing your experiences ❤
Thank you for your video! Appreciate your honesty! You are truly a master of watercolor!
Thank you Pam. I know I've got a way to go though! I'll keep at it. ❤️
We all owe it to ourselves to continuing to grow! Admire you and your work ethic! You are also an awesome artist! Thank you for all your wonderful tutorials.
Brilliant. I saw myself in everything you did! Still working on getting the painting I want! Thank you for this.
Hi Louise, You're a really good teacher 😊
Thank you for sharing your journey with honesty!
I love your videos...but the end is hilarious!!!! Thanks for sharing :)
That's great learning. Thank you. I find myself overwhelmed by landscapes as well, it's too much to focus on. I was the person in the drawing class who only painted the corner of the still life subject, which was a table full of all sorts of things. Maybe one day I'll be able to grasp all of that, but I think it's fine to make little vignettes of what you find interesting in a scene. You stretched your boundaries, literally. I think the result was brilliant.
Though I absolutely love your animals, I think your landscape is lovely!
Thank you yet again Louise for a video that echoes what I have come to find is important. I find I am getting better results and more joy in my art, doing what appeals to me and not what I think other people want. Great tips.
I'm glad! Thanks so much Sandra.
never a waste of time tho trying a new subject matter! and a close up crop of the cows and the landscapes works so well😀