I am 68 and was a singer songwriter until I lost my singing voice in a surgery. So now I am trying my hand at art. Thank you for these lovely videos!!!
That's tough, so I'm glad you chose another way to be creative! I, too, had surgery for vocal polyps and my voice was never the same. So I've taken up watercolour and couldn't be happier!!
I lost my voice for almost a year. I went to the Voice Center at Vanderbilt University. I was able to get my voice back in about six weeks. Nashville Tn. Wishing you my best
@@marciadempsay6104 Thank you for sharing your story. 🥰. My voice has improved some over the past years but I won’t be able to preform. Hafta say I definitely miss being on stage! 😊 having said that I’m really glad I don’t have to carry amplifiers around anymore. 😂. Enjoy your voice, it is a true gift!!💝
@@I.M.SofaKingdom It hard to no longer be able to do what we love to do. I can’t really play my guitar or other string instruments due to arthritis as well. This getting older is not for wimps!! lol. Yes, thank goodness for UA-cam tutorials! Nice to meet you. 😎
With writing stories I'm what is called a "pantser". That means I can's for the life of me PLAN a story. Well, I can plan it, but then I feal like I've already written it, and then having to actually put it on paper is impossible for me. I have to let the story tell itself to me while I'm writing it. With watercolour painting I find the same thing. I can plan very carefully, but when I try to paint it, it won't work. Because to me that feels like all the joy and surprise of then actually painting it have gone. It's become more like a chore. So I have to see what it becomes, how I paint it, as I go. That's just how I am I guess. I've only started painting about 2 to 3 years ago, so I consider myself to be a beginner. Videos like this are so very helpful. Thanks :)
Louise, As a beginning painter I find your bloopers delightful. Not only do they tingle me but they remind me to relax and have fun. Your work is stunning. Thank you.
Thanks so much for your candor. The one thing I wish I’d known was that practice in a sketchbook is essential. Identify a day that you’ll practice leaf shapes, or softening edges - or removing paint from dried paper (!). It’s through learning these things and practicing these skills that we improve. You can’t create a masterpiece every day. BTW, I had the privilege of attending a four-day watercolor workshop with Tony Couch, the author of WATERCOLOR YOU CAN DO IT, last Spring on St. Simon s Island, Georgia in the US. Tony is amazing and still going strong at 95 years young. It was amazing to be in the presence of watercolor royalty!!
One of the things I wish I knew is working with a limited palette; I learned this from you. It's fine to buy every color that catches your fancy but a good painting has only a few; you can achieve great results just by changing the amounts. Thanks for stressing color harmony; it really makes a difference.
I too learnt these tips by trial and error.....one thing I am still struggling with is achieving transparency in watercolours in one go...with tonal values in place and it should look like the pic is done... all in one wash. Looking forward to a video of this kind. Thanks Louise.
I too learnt these tips by trial and error.....one thing I am still struggling with is achieving transparency in watercolours in one go...with tonal values in place and it should look like the pic is done... all in one wash. Looking forward to a video of this kind. Thanks Louise.
You said it, mistakes are how you learn. I really appreciate you talking about what didn’t work for you as well as what did instead of just giving a list of things to do. Thanks so much for letting us benefit from your experience.
When I decided I wanted to take up watercolour painting I signed up for a comprehensive course that took me a year to complete. The instructor taught some of the things you mention in this video, such as not making every element of a painting the same size whether it be rocks, trees, or flowers. He also talked about the importance of making a focal point in the painting and other basic elements of composition, and also that it's possible to lift paint once it's dry. A big focus of his course was on how to mix colours and using a limited palette, so I got familiar with this all-important aspect of watercolour painting from the get go. I have a lot of colours of paint, but I rarely use more than six for any given painting. He also made it clear from the get go that if you want to succeed at watercolour painting you absolutely must use 100% cotton paper, even as a beginner, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. I took that advice seriously and started off right away using Arches, although I no longer use it. The thing I struggle with the most is my perfectionism, which leads me to fiddle with my paintings. My perfectionism is difficult for me to let go of. Maureen
Somewhere I learned to call dominance "weight". I look at a drawing and decide where I want all the "weight" to go 🙃. Louise, I am so glad you brought up mixing your own greens. Mixing them yourself creates so much flavour in a painting, especially landscapes with cool and warm greens playing up shadowy areas in the scenery. Have used magic erasers for a few colour lifting/blending techniques. If done gently it will produce some amazing sky effects. I have even used balled up toilet paper to lift out clouds....the grand kids thought that was funny, but it sure got their imagination going! Would love to hear more about the principles of design! Is an area I kind of ignore often.
Louise, I wish I had known more about composition, including the importance of dominance, values, gradation, and when /where to use soft and hard edges. I also wish I had known to use a limited color palette. Louise, I adore the outtakes at the end of your videos. You are such a delight---as a person, as an artist, and as a teacher! Your charming personality, talent, and expertise shine through every video, and I thank you and your team for all the hard work required to produce such well-crafted educational content. Lousie, thank you for sharing your wisdom and creativity, and for inspiring us on a continuous basis. Most of all, thank you for being you! You are a great blessing to all of us!
I would love to see a more in depth video on “dominance” and composition. You’re the first person I’ve seen mentioning this. It sounds really interesting. Also I just wanted to say how much I appreciate and enjoy your videos. I’ve learned so much from you. I especially like your bloopers at the end of every video. It shows us your unique personality which is amazing 🥰
This was a great video! (New sub here). I would love to see you recreate those paintings and show the side by side comparisons, explaining what you did differently. I think it could be interesting and very helpful for a lot of us. Thanks!
Thank you Tabitha! Someone else suggested this and I thought it was a great idea. So, as we speak, I am working on that. I don't have footage of when I painted the overworked tulip because I painted it before I started filming myself but I can use it to show the differences on the second tulip painting that I have just completed. The new video will be out next month.
I too am an acrylic painter and I'm about to give up on watercolors. I overwork everything and love detail painting. I'll keep at it. Thanks so much for the tips!
12:47 2 things I like when watching videos: 1. Bloopers 2. Funny, sweet, vulnerable, and sincere bloopers. Thanks. Your content is valuable to us. Liesa
Love this helpful video -I would love to hear more about the principles of design with examples-your instruction on dominance was so so helpful ❤ Louise I hope you know what a treasure you are ! - Bonnie
I agree I am looking for things to do in my sixties being as it appears I will be more alone in my days … my alziemers were continue to progress if I don’t reverse it
@@joycebruhn1346add coconut oil to your food it halts the progress of alzeheimers. I'm also starting to paint in my sixties and loving these videos so much. What a wealth of knowledge Louise has. So enjoy her.
Louise, this video was so helpful! It brings out that no matter how many years we have been painting, or doing anything, there is always more to learn!
Thanks for the wonderful and helpful video. One caveat about lifting dried washes. Some pigments are staining and don’t lift. My first watercolor teacher used staining pigments so she could glaze over them without worrying about the pigments below moving at all. The manufacturer usually includes info about how staining the pigment is. Thanks again!
No no no! All your paintings are beautiful! You have just advanced my dear!!!! I know it’s so easy to down our work… call it ugly, rip it up and throw it in the bin … but I refuse! I keep every single “failure” of a painting. To others they might not see what I see as a failure. But I learn for it all. I won’t call it ugly though….. just lessens! Lol!!! ❤
Louise I enjoyed your video on what I wished I knew in the beginning. What I would love to see is for you to do those 3 paintings over now, so we can see what you mean.
Just wanted to say Thank You for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience. The outtakes are amazing - shows that video creators aren’t perfect and wrestle with creation of videos as well. This is something I have found in creating anything - the ebb and sway with art is part of the process and all creators experience it.
I would like to point out that your earlier paintings are very beautiful- it’s just that you have improved your skills and the newer ones are more polished, maybe.
You are so kind, humble and encouraging! I started on your Patreon beginners' tutorials a few days ago and am having a lot of fun. So far I have painted the goldfish, cactus in a pot, and the banana. Today I'm working on the feathers. I am not beating myself up for not being good enough. I have learned so much from you in just a few days!
Hey Louise, fellow watercolour artist here. I still think your "flawed" work is wonderful, realism isn't the be all end all. I absolutely know what you mean, and we're always improving. But I still think they're beautiful ❤ thank you for your video!
So useful, thanks Louise. I think you are right in that size variation is important. However there are also exceptions - like wildflower fields tend to be all a similar size in a lot of paintings and they look great. I was chuckling to myself as you showed us those spectacular tulips and said "way too bright" - I thought they looked great! But yes, softer neutrals do look stunning. I am a bit baffled by colour mixing. I bought the primary colours to try and learn how to mix greys. Not easy! My top tip is to not overpaint - i.e leaving white. V hard to do!
Dear Louise, when you showed your "failures" my first thought was: "Wow, stunning!" It's a funny fact, that the more you know the more flaws you see. I've experienced the same with my own artwork, where I'd wallow in all the mistakes I did and a friend would be quite enchanted by my messy work , lol. Once you explained the flaws I could see what you meant, but it doesn't change the fact that I find both of those paintings stunning, if not perfect 🥰 I recently thought to try out watercolor painting, but unfortunately lack a teacher. Insights into this medium from personal experiences are priceless to me and I'll definitely watch all your videos. Thank you, I'm very grateful that you are here sharing your knowledge with us!
Wow! I am so happy I just happened upon your video, I just started trying watercolor, I am an oil painter, WOW water is so different, I want to try gouache too. I am using cheap dime store paint and Walmart heavy watercolor paper. I KNOW from drawing with pencils how important the paper is and the paint is the most important so don't yell at me too much, I know, I should know better but I want to experiment and grow. I love the 5 things you came up with and I can say from being a seasoned painter and artist for all of my life, those you mentioned, dominance, gradation , unity, perspection and focus, etc, are incredibly important but I have been away from school for 20 years and one tends to forget things like that, I think it is important to go back to the beginning to refresh your mind on subjects you may have forgotten along the way. I think the difference between your paintings before and after the 5 things are night and day!, Love the kookaburra, the wash of blue in the back almost suggests a snowy sky in a way and makes the observer think, wait a min. that's an Australian bird!, then you tend to look closer and notice the bleeds, the hard lines and the moodiness and freeness of the brush strokes, I love it! I have seen so much in just this one video that all my years of art college instruction came flooding back, I am going to invest in some professional colors, and probably Strathmore paper. I love the color lift, great ideas, I always just used water and tissue paper to dab. My paper buckles too but I spray with water after I paint and place a clean piece on top of the painting and place a book on top, the next day it will go flat for you, but I know thats not a professional way. I have to look into "stretching. Thank you for all this, I am saving your video in my favorites.❤
Louise, thank you so much for this lovely, informative video! My name is Jennifer and I learned a lot from you already. I am just beginning watercolor painting and have made many mistakes so I called them. I am such a perfectionist and want my small 3 x 4 pictures to be just perfect. Well, watercolor painting is teaching me that my "mistakes" are actually are moments of learning. We all should be learning until we take our last breath. We learn mostly be "doing" the task or skill, and we improve over time. I just had to embrace this truth as I was ready to give up because I felt defeated and overwhelmed. Whether we are a child learning to walk or an adult learning to watercolor paint, we must embrace the "mistakes" as "learning moments" because that is what they truly are. Thank you so much for being here for me! I will see you again very soon. Jennifer N. South Dakota, United States
I really appreciate the knowledge and experience you share with us Louise. But, I must confess, my favourite parts of all your videos are the outtakes; they absolutely crack me up 😂! Thank you for being willing to share those too, you bring much needed humour with every one. Thank you and God bless. 🙏💖
Great tips for artists of any experience level. The sponge technique works best with a natural sponge, and on good quality cotton paper. In my experience, since the colors that have dried can sink into the fibers, spraying it, waiting a few minutes to sink in, wipe with the sponge, then dab (not rub) color off with kitchen roll (paper towel). I have that book by Tony Couch and also his "Keys to Successful Painting". Both were purchased from him at the first workshop I took in 2001. He was 72 then and I saw on a forum in which I participate that he is still teaching! Many of his principles are based on his mentor and idol, Ed Whitney. I asked for something more personal in the signing, so he put, "Remember the values!". He paints in a traditional manner, wet to dry, light to dark, with minimal layers and glazing. I must still heed to the advice of "value and design" being of paramount importance. Most beginners use too many middle values. Tony felt that one should paint it as dark as needed the first go, to avoid mud. He always did value studies, some quite detailed.
Omg the silver scrubber brushes.... LOL. I, too, started with a small bristle brush, and then found the silver scrubber brushes - I think we can definitely agree that they scrub off way more than the paint! They need to come with a warning label... The Rosemary & Co. eradicator brushes took a while to arrive from the UK, but once they arrived, I haven't stopped using them - they are fantastic. Another brilliant video Louise - I hope you and Dom have as much fun making these as we all have watching them! xx Rebecca
I do resonate with all of your tips! Something I haven't tried is stretching my paper before painting. The bumps do not bother me too much, but if I'm working on a larger piece, you're right...the bumps in the paper can disrupt the smoothness of the painting, and I often find I'm fighting those areas. I'll check out your method for stretching paper. I do much better with techniques if I can see them demonstrated. One thing I wish I had known starting out is the difference between pulp and cotton watercolor paper. When I tried techniques on pulp paper, they didn't work and I thought I was not going to become an artist. Since then, I have been able to accept the limitations of pulp paper. So when I sketch an idea in a journal, I know automatically it will look much better when I try again on cotton watercolor paper. Thanks for sharing your expertise with us!!
I just happened upon this video and I'm SO happy that I did. My perfectionism stops me in my tracks, sometimes, from actually painting and creating. I need to let go and loosen up a bit. Thank you for your inspiration Louise!
These videos about actual “learning” are so helpful. I’m happy to say I have the Rosemary brushes, but I was never certain about using them on dry paint. And I give you all the credit for my becoming a paper stretching enthusiast! It makes a huge difference, and it’s much easier than I thought. I already had a nice sized gator board that worked great. But I also had a larger one, about double in size. Since I’m mainly interested in practicing and learning, I’m not ready for anything too large. My husband was able to cut the large board in half, so now I have 3 boards, which means I can always have my next project ready (something you pointed out on your video about this). I’m certain I’m overworking some of my paintings, but I’m also seeing a lot of improvement, so I’ll keep that in mind, but for now, I’m becoming more accepting of my shortcomings. And, as you may recall, I’m also an acrylic artist, and I completely relate to your descriptions. (I still want to finish one portrait of my horse, but it’s hard going back to that medium.) One thing I would enjoy learning about is how to simplify a painting. I’ve always gotten lost in the details, and that’s especially difficult with watercolor. I’ve I notice how good you are at figuring out what should be included and what isn’t essential. Thank you, Louise.
Thank you Anne! I'm so pleased you are paper stretching enthusiast. It really doesn't take any time to do and as you said, if you have a few boards you can always have a piece of paper ready to work on when you are. It's so much easier painting on a piece of paper that stays flat. Being able to simplify a subject, I think comes from experience more than anything else. I am still working on that myself after 12 years. These days I ask myself what is it about the subject that I am attracted to and that's what I try to draw attention to in the painting.
Louise, I began painting with watercolor about four years ago now. I have struggled with the exact same things that you described in this video. I also need to say that I've learned so much from watching your videos and the lessons that you posted in SkilShare. Thank you!
Thank you. Great video. Ive painted watercolor for yrs. Ive taught myself an have taken lessons. Ive always had issues with loosing up. Not being stiff. Watercolor will lose its spontaneity with repeated as you would say "messing with it. " if you have any ideas pass them on. What i do is walk away soon after beginning. Close the door. Go back later an take a peek. Do a little more an repeat😊
Louise I am a beginner..I have learnt more from watching your videos in the last week than I have with anyone else in the last few months. You don't rush and you explain slowly I detail..being 69 my brain doesn't absorb like it did when I was younger. Thank you very much. Your painti vs
Oh I still struggle with color mixing & letting the paint do its own thing. Thanks so much for sharing this with us. I really appreciate your channel & I’m learning so much.
Brilliant!!! I had given up on watercolors and went to oil. Love it. Now I’m bored after twenty years and thinking of watercolors. Right in time your fantastic video shows up. THANK YOU. I’m subscribed and Liked your channel.
THANK YOU.....thank you for your oh so helpful ideas and examples but also for your bloopers! I love knowing that part of you. Gives me the understanding that we are all on this watercolor journey together.
Hi Louise, thank you for your delightful presentation. I love the bloopers, they're so easy to do and lighten the mood. I can remember filming an entire preschool song on my phone to add to our video collection at school. When I checked the sound quality I noticed that in the background of the video was my weekly wash, hanging on the air drier and front and centre were my boldly striped undies!! Needless to say, I had to do the whole thing again, so now I always check my background. Cheers and I'll be watching your other videos too.
Oh, thank you so much!! I wasn’t aware of all of those principles of design. I’m self taught and began painting in oils. I had to change when mother (who I was caring for) began having reactions to the smells. I’ve heard or read about the importance of value and a focal point. I believe I read about having repetition but honestly I don’t know how to apply this. I live in small community without any art center/store or teachers. I have a library of books that I love and have been very helpful…When I found UA-cam after retiring from 40 years of teaching Math it’s been such a blessing!! Your video today has been the most informative one in nearly 4 years. I’m pulling up the two you linked. I’m going Funny…I ran across the first 2 pictures I’d painted recently and had to laugh at how thick I’d applied the paint. Like you, I’d reworked it just like I’d do with oils…😂 Louise, I STILL think those first paintings you were showing are REALLY beautiful!! Some people like the super bright colors. You just ooze talent!!! Blessings, Nancy Rolfe I do love everything about the watercolor medium! I’m ordering the eradicator brushes right away. They looked great! Thank you for sharing with us
I started my painting journey with oils. Years later I changed to acrylic. Now I am learning watercolors. I really related to your comments. Each median is different. I find watercolors tedious.
I went to a 6-week watercolor painting class at the local Art League once. Paid real money. I didn't learn any of these direct tips in any of them. I think the art teacher thought the whole thing was a joke. Of course, some might say "you didn't ask". Can't ask about things you don't know exist. Thank you so much for sharing your/this information. -kate
Even if you don't think you're early, works are beautiful, I assure you they are. Even if they aren't everything you want them to be, they're absolutely something wonderful to so many. I look at my early work and sometimes cringe I call it academic, but like you, as we evolve our tastes of all with what we think of our work. Just please, there's no reason to dislike your work. It's just different work than you're doing now
Im trying to learn watercolour after being an acrylic painter too!! Im so glad you have that perspective to share, this video was really helpful! Thank you! :)
Hello Louise, I really enjoy your Videos and even if i am no beginner anymore, I still learn so much from you. Therefore I wish i had already knew you as a beginner😉🤗. My advice for beginners: Don't waste you money on cheap art supplies. Using professional colors (i prefer Schminke) is a huge revelation to love watercolorpainting. Also a good (recommanded) paper is very important and some high quality brushes. Yes, it seems expensive when you start, but it makes a huuuuge difference. Just buy a starter set from a good company and add the colors you also like from time to time later. If you like, you can add few cheap colors later, after you know how to paint and I promise you you will be very happy that you started and learned with the good ones. Happy painting to y'all❤
Louise, the 5 things were great. So I click the thumbs up, then just as I was about to close the window, all of your bloopers started to play and by the end of them, I was wiping tears out of my eyes from how hard I was laughing. Your reactions to the bloopers were so authentic and familiar. Maybe I found your reactions so hysterical because I've worked in front of the camera for decades as an actor, and a host, so let me say welcome to the blooper club. I'm a charter member L O L. Your blooper reel left me wishing I could hit the thumbs up button 5 more times in a row and have it count! It was beautiful! 👍👍👍👍👍
Louise, I am a beginner and find your video very helpful and interesting. You give important information in a clear direct manner which is so helpful! Thank you
Love thé bloopers at the very end! I’m so grateful to you for sharing this information. I painted in oils for a couple of years as a teen then became a photographer but at 62 yrs. I just found i really really want to conquer watercolors as I’d always been too intimidated to try before. I’ll be following all your videos. Thank you!
Dominance and focal point are easy to loose sight of when you are in the throes of making the paint and water behave unless you consciously focus on them. Excellent video!
Took your advise last year and purchased 3 sizes of the Rosemary and Co. eradicator brushes. Money well spent ! I use these often! Thank you for your informative and generous sharing of your talents😊
Very good video. I , too, began in acrylic. I have been painting with watercolors for about 10 years and Im still trying to get rid of the acrylic habits. Your videos are a students gold. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!🎉
I have used cut up pieces of a Magic Eraser cleaning sponge and it gives a fantastic result. It can alter surface if over done though, not an issue unless intending to paint over again.
Thanks for your tips Louise! It sure is helpful. Of all the artists who work with watercolor, I think you are the clearest in explanation and I like the way you structure your videos. You don't rush things and I appreciate that very much. Composition is a difficult thing. Maybe it's possible to make a separate video of it? I am curious about examples and differences between compositions. What you said about avoiding different layers is interesting. I know artists who swear by painting several layers to get more depth and brightness in a painting. On the other hand, I also find the transparency of your paintings very beautiful and pure.
I have tried to paint with water colors over and over. I have always gotten frustrated. Thanks so much for this. I want to take notes and watch it again. thanks again
This is just wonderful! A real guide for all painters! Thank you. I, too, have bought the Rosemary & Co. scrubbers, and am very pleased with how they do the job, but not as well on staining colors.
Louise those renoculous are beautiful as they are. Do I understand what you are saying about the intensity of the color but for any beginner they look accomplished. This video is very helpful. Thank you.
Great tips. I've only been painting for a little more than 2 years and I have made all of those. I sill make many. But I am learning and I am seeing improvements :). Your videos are always so helpful.
What a great video. I'm a total beginner and this information has been sooooo helpful. Thank you. And thanks for the giggles at the end. Love the bloopers 😂❤
This is a great clear no fuss video! I love it! Thank you 😊 I’d love to see an example of the difference between an old painting and how you’d do it now 💗♥️
Double joy - succinct, really helpful tips for this beginner, AND a good chuckle first thing in the morning watching your outtakes - especially the search for the elusive sponge. Thank you as always Louise! 😄
You are such a great teacher. I have learnt so much about watercolour from you. You explain everything so clearly and have no idea (maybe your do, but you're so modest!), how helpful this is for new painters. Thank you, thank you, thank. you!
I am 68 and was a singer songwriter until I lost my singing voice in a surgery. So now I am trying my hand at art. Thank you for these lovely videos!!!
That's tough, so I'm glad you chose another way to be creative! I, too, had surgery for vocal polyps and my voice was never the same. So I've taken up watercolour and couldn't be happier!!
Kudos to you!!!👏
I lost my voice for almost a year. I went to the Voice Center at Vanderbilt University. I was able to get my voice back in about six weeks. Nashville Tn. Wishing you my best
@@marciadempsay6104 Thank you for sharing your story. 🥰. My voice has improved some over the past years but I won’t be able to preform. Hafta say I definitely miss being on stage! 😊 having said that I’m really glad I don’t have to carry amplifiers around anymore. 😂. Enjoy your voice, it is a true gift!!💝
@@I.M.SofaKingdom It hard to no longer be able to do what we love to do. I can’t really play my guitar or other string instruments due to arthritis as well. This getting older is not for wimps!! lol.
Yes, thank goodness for UA-cam tutorials! Nice to meet you. 😎
With writing stories I'm what is called a "pantser". That means I can's for the life of me PLAN a story. Well, I can plan it, but then I feal like I've already written it, and then having to actually put it on paper is impossible for me. I have to let the story tell itself to me while I'm writing it.
With watercolour painting I find the same thing. I can plan very carefully, but when I try to paint it, it won't work. Because to me that feels like all the joy and surprise of then actually painting it have gone. It's become more like a chore. So I have to see what it becomes, how I paint it, as I go.
That's just how I am I guess.
I've only started painting about 2 to 3 years ago, so I consider myself to be a beginner. Videos like this are so very helpful. Thanks :)
Louise, As a beginning painter I find your bloopers delightful. Not only do they tingle me but they remind me to relax and have fun. Your work is stunning. Thank you.
🏆🏆🏆🏆
If only MY bloopers could look like that!
Thanks so much for your candor. The one thing I wish I’d known was that practice in a sketchbook is essential. Identify a day that you’ll practice leaf shapes, or softening edges - or removing paint from dried paper (!). It’s through learning these things and practicing these skills that we improve. You can’t create a masterpiece every day.
BTW, I had the privilege of attending a four-day watercolor workshop with Tony Couch, the author of WATERCOLOR YOU CAN DO IT, last Spring on St. Simon s Island, Georgia in the US. Tony is amazing and still going strong at 95 years young. It was amazing to be in the presence of watercolor royalty!!
One of the things I wish I knew is working with a limited palette; I learned this from you. It's fine to buy every color that catches your fancy but a good painting has only a few; you can achieve great results just by changing the amounts. Thanks for stressing color harmony; it really makes a difference.
So true. Thank you very much!
Yes and learning to mix paint. It's tricky!
I too learnt these tips by trial and error.....one thing I am still struggling with is achieving transparency in watercolours in one go...with tonal values in place and it should look like the pic is done... all in one wash. Looking forward to a video of this kind. Thanks Louise.
I too learnt these tips by trial and error.....one thing I am still struggling with is achieving transparency in watercolours in one go...with tonal values in place and it should look like the pic is done... all in one wash. Looking forward to a video of this kind. Thanks Louise.
@@premila601 yes, and that makes a huge difference to the luminance of the piece. I also tend to go over my watercolour and it loses that.
You said it, mistakes are how you learn. I really appreciate you talking about what didn’t work for you as well as what did instead of just giving a list of things to do.
Thanks so much for letting us benefit from your experience.
When I decided I wanted to take up watercolour painting I signed up for a comprehensive course that took me a year to complete.
The instructor taught some of the things you mention in this video, such as not making every element of a painting the same size whether it be rocks, trees, or flowers. He also talked about the importance of making a focal point in the painting and other basic elements of composition, and also that it's possible to lift paint once it's dry.
A big focus of his course was on how to mix colours and using a limited palette, so I got familiar with this all-important aspect of watercolour painting from the get go. I have a lot of colours of paint, but I rarely use more than six for any given painting.
He also made it clear from the get go that if you want to succeed at watercolour painting you absolutely must use 100% cotton paper, even as a beginner, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. I took that advice seriously and started off right away using Arches, although I no longer use it.
The thing I struggle with the most is my perfectionism, which leads me to fiddle with my paintings. My perfectionism is difficult for me to let go of.
Maureen
Maureen, I'm so like you. my perfectionism gets the best of me most times, yet it's hard to let go of it!
Somewhere I learned to call dominance "weight". I look at a drawing and decide where I want all the "weight" to go 🙃. Louise, I am so glad you brought up mixing your own greens. Mixing them yourself creates so much flavour in a painting, especially landscapes with cool and warm greens playing up shadowy areas in the scenery.
Have used magic erasers for a few colour lifting/blending techniques. If done gently it will produce some amazing sky effects. I have even used balled up toilet paper to lift out clouds....the grand kids thought that was funny, but it sure got their imagination going!
Would love to hear more about the principles of design! Is an area I kind of ignore often.
Louise, I wish I had known more about composition, including the importance of dominance, values, gradation, and when /where to use soft and hard edges. I also wish I had known to use a limited color palette.
Louise, I adore the outtakes at the end of your videos. You are such a delight---as a person, as an artist, and as a teacher! Your charming personality, talent, and expertise shine through every video, and I thank you and your team for all the hard work required to produce such well-crafted educational content. Lousie, thank you for sharing your wisdom and creativity, and for inspiring us on a continuous basis. Most of all, thank you for being you! You are a great blessing to all of us!
Thank you for accepting your flaws. You seem very sweet and talented.
I would love to see a more in depth video on “dominance” and composition. You’re the first person I’ve seen mentioning this. It sounds really interesting.
Also I just wanted to say how much I appreciate and enjoy your videos. I’ve learned so much from you. I especially like your bloopers at the end of every video. It shows us your unique personality which is amazing 🥰
Ian Roberts' youtube channel is a great resource for learning composition! @Ianrobertsmasteringcomposition
@@TheMadGrim 10:34
This was a great video! (New sub here). I would love to see you recreate those paintings and show the side by side comparisons, explaining what you did differently. I think it could be interesting and very helpful for a lot of us. Thanks!
Thank you Tabitha! Someone else suggested this and I thought it was a great idea. So, as we speak, I am working on that. I don't have footage of when I painted the overworked tulip because I painted it before I started filming myself but I can use it to show the differences on the second tulip painting that I have just completed. The new video will be out next month.
I too am an acrylic painter and I'm about to give up on watercolors. I overwork everything and love detail painting. I'll keep at it. Thanks so much for the tips!
12:47 2 things I like when watching videos:
1. Bloopers
2. Funny, sweet, vulnerable, and sincere bloopers.
Thanks. Your content is valuable to us.
Liesa
Your bloopers are amazing! I am so grateful you included them. It shows us you are real ❤️ I've learned so much from you- thank you xx
Love this helpful video -I would love to hear more about the principles of design with examples-your instruction on dominance was so so helpful ❤ Louise I hope you know what a treasure you are ! - Bonnie
Thank you Bonnie! I'm glad it was helpful.
I agree I am looking for things to do in my sixties being as it appears I will be more alone in my days … my alziemers were continue to progress if I don’t reverse it
@@joycebruhn1346add coconut oil to your food it halts the progress of alzeheimers. I'm also starting to paint in my sixties and loving these videos so much. What a wealth of knowledge Louise has. So enjoy her.
Louise, this video was so helpful! It brings out that no matter how many years we have been painting, or doing anything, there is always more to learn!
I'm glad Renee. Thank you!
Thanks for the wonderful and helpful video. One caveat about lifting dried washes. Some pigments are staining and don’t lift. My first watercolor teacher used staining pigments so she could glaze over them without worrying about the pigments below moving at all. The manufacturer usually includes info about how staining the pigment is. Thanks again!
Thank you - it's good to remember that!
No no no! All your paintings are beautiful! You have just advanced my dear!!!! I know it’s so easy to down our work… call it ugly, rip it up and throw it in the bin … but I refuse! I keep every single “failure” of a painting. To others they might not see what I see as a failure. But I learn for it all. I won’t call it ugly though….. just lessens! Lol!!! ❤
That's really important Ashley. Keep them so you can see how much you've grown. Thank you! ❤️
Louise I enjoyed your video on what I wished I knew in the beginning. What I would love to see is for you to do those 3 paintings over now, so we can see what you mean.
Just wanted to say Thank You for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience. The outtakes are amazing - shows that video creators aren’t perfect and wrestle with creation of videos as well. This is something I have found in creating anything - the ebb and sway with art is part of the process and all creators experience it.
I would like to point out that your earlier paintings are very beautiful- it’s just that you have improved your skills and the newer ones are more polished, maybe.
You have such a calm, relaxed voice. Very pleasing.
What a sweet soul you are! Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom.
Mmm….baby steps really resonated with me ❤
I always do not miss watching your videos, they are very informative and valuable for beginner watercolor artists.
I appreciate that very much. Thank you Navin!
You are so kind, humble and encouraging! I started on your Patreon beginners' tutorials a few days ago and am having a lot of fun. So far I have painted the goldfish, cactus in a pot, and the banana. Today I'm working on the feathers. I am not beating myself up for not being good enough. I have learned so much from you in just a few days!
Hey Louise, fellow watercolour artist here. I still think your "flawed" work is wonderful, realism isn't the be all end all. I absolutely know what you mean, and we're always improving. But I still think they're beautiful ❤ thank you for your video!
I know you said that some of your paintings are not beautiful…but they are absolutely gorgeous! I love the bright colors! Don’t change anything!
i have to do a water colour painting for my exam, this helps, to include the bloopers is amazing!
So useful, thanks Louise. I think you are right in that size variation is important. However there are also exceptions - like wildflower fields tend to be all a similar size in a lot of paintings and they look great.
I was chuckling to myself as you showed us those spectacular tulips and said "way too bright" - I thought they looked great! But yes, softer neutrals do look stunning. I am a bit baffled by colour mixing. I bought the primary colours to try and learn how to mix greys. Not easy!
My top tip is to not overpaint - i.e leaving white. V hard to do!
I often watch how-to videos. It's a pleasure to watch demos by someone who has a good eye. Yes, I like your work!
Dear Louise, when you showed your "failures" my first thought was: "Wow, stunning!" It's a funny fact, that the more you know the more flaws you see. I've experienced the same with my own artwork, where I'd wallow in all the mistakes I did and a friend would be quite enchanted by my messy work , lol. Once you explained the flaws I could see what you meant, but it doesn't change the fact that I find both of those paintings stunning, if not perfect 🥰
I recently thought to try out watercolor painting, but unfortunately lack a teacher. Insights into this medium from personal experiences are priceless to me and I'll definitely watch all your videos. Thank you, I'm very grateful that you are here sharing your knowledge with us!
Wow! I am so happy I just happened upon your video, I just started trying watercolor, I am an oil painter, WOW water is so different, I want to try gouache too. I am using cheap dime store paint and Walmart heavy watercolor paper. I KNOW from drawing with pencils how important the paper is and the paint is the most important so don't yell at me too much, I know, I should know better but I want to experiment and grow. I love the 5 things you came up with and I can say from being a seasoned painter and artist for all of my life, those you mentioned, dominance, gradation , unity, perspection and focus, etc, are incredibly important but I have been away from school for 20 years and one tends to forget things like that, I think it is important to go back to the beginning to refresh your mind on subjects you may have forgotten along the way. I think the difference between your paintings before and after the 5 things are night and day!, Love the kookaburra, the wash of blue in the back almost suggests a snowy sky in a way and makes the observer think, wait a min. that's an Australian bird!, then you tend to look closer and notice the bleeds, the hard lines and the moodiness and freeness of the brush strokes, I love it! I have seen so much in just this one video that all my years of art college instruction came flooding back, I am going to invest in some professional colors, and probably Strathmore paper. I love the color lift, great ideas, I always just used water and tissue paper to dab. My paper buckles too but I spray with water after I paint and place a clean piece on top of the painting and place a book on top, the next day it will go flat for you, but I know thats not a professional way. I have to look into "stretching. Thank you for all this, I am saving your video in my favorites.❤
I know nothing about painting--with watercolors or otherwise..thank you for this video!
Louise, thank you so much for this lovely, informative video! My name is Jennifer and I learned a lot from you already. I am just beginning watercolor painting and have made many mistakes so I called them. I am such a perfectionist and want my small 3 x 4 pictures to be just perfect. Well, watercolor painting is teaching me that my "mistakes" are actually are moments of learning. We all should be learning until we take our last breath. We learn mostly be "doing" the task or skill, and we improve over time. I just had to embrace this truth as I was ready to give up because I felt defeated and overwhelmed. Whether we are a child learning to walk or an adult learning to watercolor paint, we must embrace the "mistakes" as "learning moments" because that is what they truly are. Thank you so much for being here for me! I will see you again very soon.
Jennifer N. South Dakota, United States
I really appreciate the knowledge and experience you share with us Louise. But, I must confess, my favourite parts of all your videos are the outtakes; they absolutely crack me up 😂! Thank you for being willing to share those too, you bring much needed humour with every one. Thank you and God bless. 🙏💖
Great tips for artists of any experience level. The sponge technique works best with a natural sponge, and on good quality cotton paper. In my experience, since the colors that have dried can sink into the fibers, spraying it, waiting a few minutes to sink in, wipe with the sponge, then dab (not rub) color off with kitchen roll (paper towel). I have that book by Tony Couch and also his "Keys to Successful Painting". Both were purchased from him at the first workshop I took in 2001. He was 72 then and I saw on a forum in which I participate that he is still teaching! Many of his principles are based on his mentor and idol, Ed Whitney. I asked for something more personal in the signing, so he put, "Remember the values!". He paints in a traditional manner, wet to dry, light to dark, with minimal layers and glazing. I must still heed to the advice of "value and design" being of paramount importance. Most beginners use too many middle values. Tony felt that one should paint it as dark as needed the first go, to avoid mud. He always did value studies, some quite detailed.
Such great advice! Thanks so much for this Joy. I really appreciate it.
Omg the silver scrubber brushes.... LOL. I, too, started with a small bristle brush, and then found the silver scrubber brushes - I think we can definitely agree that they scrub off way more than the paint! They need to come with a warning label... The Rosemary & Co. eradicator brushes took a while to arrive from the UK, but once they arrived, I haven't stopped using them - they are fantastic. Another brilliant video Louise - I hope you and Dom have as much fun making these as we all have watching them! xx Rebecca
I do resonate with all of your tips! Something I haven't tried is stretching my paper before painting. The bumps do not bother me too much, but if I'm working on a larger piece, you're right...the bumps in the paper can disrupt the smoothness of the painting, and I often find I'm fighting those areas. I'll check out your method for stretching paper. I do much better with techniques if I can see them demonstrated. One thing I wish I had known starting out is the difference between pulp and cotton watercolor paper. When I tried techniques on pulp paper, they didn't work and I thought I was not going to become an artist. Since then, I have been able to accept the limitations of pulp paper. So when I sketch an idea in a journal, I know automatically it will look much better when I try again on cotton watercolor paper. Thanks for sharing your expertise with us!!
You are such a good teacher!! I appreciate all your suggestions. And your "Bloopers" are SO CUTE AND FUNNY!!!!!
Videos like these are gold. Thanks for making them 🥰
It certainly is a learning process. Thanks for sharing
I just happened upon this video and I'm SO happy that I did. My perfectionism stops me in my tracks, sometimes, from actually painting and creating. I need to let go and loosen up a bit. Thank you for your inspiration Louise!
These videos about actual “learning” are so helpful. I’m happy to say I have the Rosemary brushes, but I was never certain about using them on dry paint. And I give you all the credit for my becoming a paper stretching enthusiast! It makes a huge difference, and it’s much easier than I thought. I already had a nice sized gator board that worked great. But I also had a larger one, about double in size. Since I’m mainly interested in practicing and learning, I’m not ready for anything too large. My husband was able to cut the large board in half, so now I have 3 boards, which means I can always have my next project ready (something you pointed out on your video about this).
I’m certain I’m overworking some of my paintings, but I’m also seeing a lot of improvement, so I’ll keep that in mind, but for now, I’m becoming more accepting of my shortcomings. And, as you may recall, I’m also an acrylic artist, and I completely relate to your descriptions. (I still want to finish one portrait of my horse, but it’s hard going back to that medium.)
One thing I would enjoy learning about is how to simplify a painting. I’ve always gotten lost in the details, and that’s especially difficult with watercolor. I’ve I notice how good you are at figuring out what should be included and what isn’t essential.
Thank you, Louise.
Thank you Anne! I'm so pleased you are paper stretching enthusiast. It really doesn't take any time to do and as you said, if you have a few boards you can always have a piece of paper ready to work on when you are. It's so much easier painting on a piece of paper that stays flat.
Being able to simplify a subject, I think comes from experience more than anything else. I am still working on that myself after 12 years. These days I ask myself what is it about the subject that I am attracted to and that's what I try to draw attention to in the painting.
Louise, I began painting with watercolor about four years ago now. I have struggled with the exact same things that you described in this video. I also need to say that I've learned so much from watching your videos and the lessons that you posted in SkilShare. Thank you!
Thank you. Great video. Ive painted watercolor for yrs. Ive taught myself an have taken lessons. Ive always had issues with loosing up. Not being stiff. Watercolor will lose its spontaneity with repeated as you would say "messing with it. " if you have any ideas pass them on. What i do is walk away soon after beginning. Close the door. Go back later an take a peek. Do a little more an repeat😊
That's great advice and something I hadn't thought of- walk away from it in the early stages. Thank you Pat.
Louise I am a beginner..I have learnt more from watching your videos in the last week than I have with anyone else in the last few months.
You don't rush and you explain slowly I detail..being 69 my brain doesn't absorb like it did when I was younger. Thank you very much. Your painti vs
Sorry your paintings are so beautifully done..
Thank you very much Racheal. I'm so happy they help you.
Oh I still struggle with color mixing & letting the paint do its own thing. Thanks so much for sharing this with us. I really appreciate your channel & I’m learning so much.
I'm glad. Thank you Colleen.
@@LouiseDeMasi You’re welcome 😉!
Brilliant!!! I had given up on watercolors and went to oil. Love it. Now I’m bored after twenty years and thinking of watercolors. Right in time your fantastic video shows up. THANK YOU. I’m subscribed and Liked your channel.
Thanks Louise, your straightforward way of communicating (and your frankness) is so refreshing!
THANK YOU.....thank you for your oh so helpful ideas and examples but also for your bloopers! I love knowing that part of you. Gives me the understanding that we are all on this watercolor journey together.
Thank you!
Excellent tips and some I will pass on to my students. “Don’t fuss with it” is the hardest concept for new painters.
Hi Louise, thank you for your delightful presentation. I love the bloopers, they're so easy to do and lighten the mood. I can remember filming an entire preschool song on my phone to add to our video collection at school. When I checked the sound quality I noticed that in the background of the video was my weekly wash, hanging on the air drier and front and centre were my boldly striped undies!! Needless to say, I had to do the whole thing again, so now I always check my background. Cheers and I'll be watching your other videos too.
Oh, thank you so much!! I wasn’t aware of all of those principles of design.
I’m self taught and began painting in oils. I had to change when mother (who I was caring for) began having reactions to the smells.
I’ve heard or read about the importance of value and a focal point. I believe I read about having repetition but honestly I don’t know how to apply this.
I live in small community without any art center/store or teachers. I have a library of books that I love and have been very helpful…When I found UA-cam after retiring from 40 years of teaching Math it’s been such a blessing!!
Your video today has been the most informative one in nearly 4 years. I’m pulling up the two you linked.
I’m going
Funny…I ran across the first 2 pictures I’d painted recently and had to laugh at how thick I’d applied the paint. Like you, I’d reworked it just like I’d do with oils…😂
Louise, I STILL think those first paintings you were showing are REALLY beautiful!! Some people like the super bright colors.
You just ooze talent!!!
Blessings,
Nancy Rolfe
I do love everything about the watercolor medium! I’m ordering the eradicator brushes right away. They looked great!
Thank you for sharing with us
I started my painting journey with oils. Years later I changed to acrylic. Now I am learning watercolors. I really related to your comments. Each median is different. I find watercolors tedious.
I went to a 6-week watercolor painting class at the local Art League once. Paid real money. I didn't learn any of these direct tips in any of them. I think the art teacher thought the whole thing was a joke. Of course, some might say "you didn't ask". Can't ask about things you don't know exist. Thank you so much for sharing your/this information. -kate
Even if you don't think you're early, works are beautiful, I assure you they are. Even if they aren't everything you want them to be, they're absolutely something wonderful to so many.
I look at my early work and sometimes cringe I call it academic, but like you, as we evolve our tastes of all with what we think of our work. Just please, there's no reason to dislike your work. It's just different work than you're doing now
Im trying to learn watercolour after being an acrylic painter too!! Im so glad you have that perspective to share, this video was really helpful! Thank you! :)
Hello Louise,
I really enjoy your Videos and even if i am no beginner anymore, I still learn so much from you. Therefore I wish i had already knew you as a beginner😉🤗.
My advice for beginners: Don't waste you money on cheap art supplies. Using professional colors (i prefer Schminke) is a huge revelation to love watercolorpainting. Also a good (recommanded) paper is very important and some high quality brushes. Yes, it seems expensive when you start, but it makes a huuuuge difference. Just buy a starter set from a good company and add the colors you also like from time to time later.
If you like, you can add few cheap colors later, after you know how to paint and I promise you you will be very happy that you started and learned with the good ones.
Happy painting to y'all❤
So many of Louise's videos I watch again and again.
Great advice on lifting colors especially after a painting has dried. Lifting out highlights adds a lot to detailing thanks.
Thank you! Glad it was helpful.
Louise, the 5 things were great. So I click the thumbs up, then just as I was about to close the window, all of your bloopers started to play and by the end of them, I was wiping tears out of my eyes from how hard I was laughing. Your reactions to the bloopers were so authentic and familiar. Maybe I found your reactions so hysterical because I've worked in front of the camera for decades as an actor, and a host, so let me say welcome to the blooper club. I'm a charter member L O L. Your blooper reel left me wishing I could hit the thumbs up button 5 more times in a row and have it count! It was beautiful! 👍👍👍👍👍
Lol- Thank you for your message Tim, you made my day 😂! You know all too well the struggles that come with being in front of a camera. 🥴👍🏻
Louise, I am a beginner and find your video very helpful and interesting. You give important information in a clear direct manner which is so helpful! Thank you
Thanks! You make a world of difference!
Thank you very much.
Love thé bloopers at the very end! I’m so grateful to you for sharing this information. I painted in oils for a couple of years as a teen then became a photographer but at 62 yrs. I just found i really really want to conquer watercolors as I’d always been too intimidated to try before. I’ll be following all your videos. Thank you!
Dominance and focal point are easy to loose sight of when you are in the throes of making the paint and water behave unless you consciously focus on them. Excellent video!
You are so right !!!! Watercolor painting is actually very difficult, but also very satisfying !!!
Thank you for your vulnerability, honesty and authenticity. It is beautiful and refreshing
Took your advise last year and purchased 3 sizes of the Rosemary and Co. eradicator brushes. Money well spent ! I use these often! Thank you for your informative and generous sharing of your talents😊
I'm glad they are useful to you. I use mine all the time too. Thanks Mary.
Very good video. I , too, began in acrylic. I have been painting with watercolors for about 10 years and Im still trying to get rid of the acrylic habits. Your videos are a students gold. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!🎉
Me too Lisa- even after 12 years of using watercolour. Thank you!
I love your honesty. Thank you.
I have used cut up pieces of a Magic Eraser cleaning sponge and it gives a fantastic result. It can alter surface if over done though, not an issue unless intending to paint over again.
So important to hear your words, and I am a Person who tends to Overdo/Think! I am trying to relax and enjoy! Thanks, Karen Dirmish
I love your bird paintings!
Thanks for your tips Louise! It sure is helpful. Of all the artists who work with watercolor, I think you are the clearest in explanation and I like the way you structure your videos. You don't rush things and I appreciate that very much.
Composition is a difficult thing. Maybe it's possible to make a separate video of it? I am curious about examples and differences between compositions.
What you said about avoiding different layers is interesting. I know artists who swear by painting several layers to get more depth and brightness in a painting. On the other hand, I also find the transparency of your paintings very beautiful and pure.
I love your calmness, honesty and advise
The use of cotton paper was a game changer for me. And blocks!
I have tried to paint with water colors over and over. I have always gotten frustrated. Thanks so much for this. I want to take notes and watch it again. thanks again
Your older work is beautiful!! It's natural to learn and see mistakes in previous art. Still stunning art.
This is just wonderful! A real guide for all painters! Thank you. I, too, have bought the Rosemary & Co. scrubbers, and am very pleased with how they do the job, but not as well on staining colors.
Wonderfully informative. Straight from the heart.
This is brilliant. Thank you so much for sharing all these priceless details.
I think your watercolor paintings are pretty 😍 the way they are.
Louise those renoculous are beautiful as they are. Do I understand what you are saying about the intensity of the color but for any beginner they look accomplished. This video is very helpful. Thank you.
I love my Rosemary eradicators! Great tips for any skill level.
I love those bold bright colors of your earlier work!
Great tips. I've only been painting for a little more than 2 years and I have made all of those. I sill make many. But I am learning and I am seeing improvements :). Your videos are always so helpful.
I'm glad you are seeing improvements. Thank you Monique. ❤️
What a great video. I'm a total beginner and this information has been sooooo helpful.
Thank you.
And thanks for the giggles at the end.
Love the bloopers 😂❤
This is a great clear no fuss video! I love it! Thank you 😊 I’d love to see an example of the difference between an old painting and how you’d do it now 💗♥️
I used a wet majic eraser to remove water color from dry paper.
Thank you Lynn.
I now use eradicator brushes - thank you for bringing them to my attention - THEY ARE A GAME CHANGER 👊
Well I think the first paintings are Beautiful, I love the bright colors!!!
Double joy - succinct, really helpful tips for this beginner, AND a good chuckle first thing in the morning watching your outtakes - especially the search for the elusive sponge. Thank you as always Louise! 😄
Lol- thank you Sandra. Pesky little thing always manages to elude me.
@@LouiseDeMasi 😂
All of your paintings are wonderful! Old and new alike.
You are such a great teacher. I have learnt so much about watercolour from you. You explain everything so clearly and have no idea (maybe your do, but you're so modest!), how helpful this is for new painters. Thank you, thank you, thank. you!
You are so welcome! Thank you. 🥰
Thanks for the advice-I prewet my dried paints to get them start softening before I start painting and it works for me
I ordered the entire set of Rosemary & Co brushes. They are fantastic.
Thank you! Feel free to share additional such lessons.
Thank you! For me as a beginner this video gave some moments to use in my practice