5 Ways to Avoid Overworking a Watercolour Painting

[@donitafichter8298]

Thank you for explaining the overworking aspect. I do rather love the deep colours of your first painting though. Although both are beautiful, I am one of those who you mentioned might prefer the first one. To me the second one seems washed out and less intense but that’s just a personal preference not a critique! You are so talented. Thank you for sharing your gift!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you!

[@elisacavaliere1446]

I am so glad I am not the only one feeling like that :) I always felt somehow uncomfortable to say it out loud because it seems like everyone else prefer to stop their artworks at an earlier stage and told me I "put too much". But I always like them more then :) @LouiseDeMasi nevertheless I loved this video, as usual! And it was incredibly helpful in understanding finally what it does mean when someone say "overworked" 😊🙏❤

[@parleymanderson7527]

@@elisacavaliere1446I like the first one too. Not only it’s more saturated but it’s also more detailed

[@parleymanderson7527]

Unless you paint to the point the paper start peeling or the paint look muddy, I think it’s just the preference whether you want to put more details or not.

[@lisebowles673]

Love the after talks too!

[@PureXLR8tion]

I love both versions of your work, but I prefer the "overworked" version because it looks rich, velvety and so realistic!

[@hoshipan_]

I agree I definitely think it's good too! Honestly I think a mishmash of both seems ideal to me, as I really prefer how the background tulip fades and also how the stems fade in the new version. Newer version is much more fresh, old is rich

[@SteveL2012]

I agree. The newer one is a bit too pale and understated. I might suggest a version between the two. Foliage is too pale in the second.

[@debbiebaldwin6658]

What beautiful day.

[@susanmiddlebrook5882]

Excellent instructions! I loved the first painting but after you spoke of the issues with it, I could see what you meant! Your second painting proves your points quite perfectly, Louise. It is quite amazing and so beautiful! I love it. After your instruction I could enjoy your second painting and all the points you made about it! You are an excellent artist- and my favorite- and you are also an excellent teacher, as well! Blessings, Louise! ♥️🌹

[@aprildegele1510]

I just picked up watercolor again after nearly 20 years. I just couldn't get it right. All of my paintings looked like your old one. So, I put them down and stuck with acrylic and oil. I'm still having the same "overworked" issue, so this has been a very helpful video. Watercolor is, to me, the most difficult of the three mediums. It takes so much technique that you really don't have to have with acrylic or oil. Some would argue about oil, but I'm talking more abstract than Davinci. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge! Off to practice more.

[@nkguenther1]

Thank you so much, Louise. The comparison was very helpful. I have your Patreon tulip tutorial framed on my wall. I love it!

[@PollyRNinTX]

You are the "Watercolor Whisperer". I learn so much from you. Thank you.

[@elizekohler6199]

Looks very pretty ❤

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

Excellent point...many loose watercolour artists...splash paint on paper...although it looks good...i dont really understand such loose style...very difficult to read the painting..

[@elizabethexley5190]

This is very helpful. Thanks

[@MsMoniqueWilson]

I much prefer the second. So fresh and lovely! Thank you for another great video.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Me too Monique. The first one looks laboured. Thank you.

[@whatever9554]

I'm an overworker but I don't mind being one ☺️ I love watercolors but personally I tend to prefer high contrasts and high chroma over softness, luminosity and the paper showing through. Apparently that's highly "unorthodox" and the "wrong way" to paint with watercolors but I disagree. I think watercolor is a very flexible medium, you can do whatever you like with it! There is no "one way", there are just preferences. I enjoy seeing all sorts of styles, and both versions of the painting in this video are lovely to me, for different reasons.

[@traceychristiansen7760]

Wow excellent

[@theresarowe1656]

Very nice lesson. Thank you.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

You are welcome! Thank you Theresa.

[@smileeveryday421]

Yup! Both nice in their own way, but my favourite, is the over worked one! Really appreciate you sharing!❤❤

[@elizabethmadara6817]

Love your explanations about overworking watercolor! I know they will help me in my efforts to progress. Your step by step teaching is great. It helps me to understand the why as well as the how to improve. Your bloopers are pretty funny; thanks for sharing!

[@lydiabosley9152]

Your sparkly top is beautiful and subtle. Your bloopers on this one were especially fun. The lesson here is really well done and clear, thanks so much for sharing such detail - you are very generous!💜💜💛💛💚💚 hugs

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks so much Lydia! 😊 ❤️

[@jvmastro1238]

Thank you for sharing your watercolor journey. When I first started I was so drawn to the intense colors and detail. It was inspiring and helped me immensely in my pursuit of getting better. It takes time to develop the skills of determining tone and value. Your demonstrations helped me to see these nuances easier and quicker. Now, with the help of your explanation, I can see that using less color embraces the aspects of what makes watercolor appealing. I've watched, and studied, your shift in technique also. I know that I am a better painter because you have shared so much of what you have learned. Thank you.

[@cindybehr5283]

You are really helping me, a beginner, to up my game. I truly admire your art and learn so much from each of your videos. Thank you!

[@jacqulynhilyard1561]

Thank you for the guidance and showing the process of your learning the medium of watercolor, but I wish you weren`t so hard on yourself; we are all constantly learning and hopefully improving. I will try the three color palette as I begin my own journey, the simplicity appeals to me. Unfortunately I am on an extremely limited income, but with luck, I will be signing up for your class next year. Thanks also for your inspiring and upbeat presentations. All the best!

[@pixipatricia4304]

Lovely. Very natural looking tulip with light shining through the petals.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Patricia!

[@LoriEdwards10]

I love all your videos Louise but you bloopers just make me laugh, i love them. Thanks for including them

[@LouiseDeMasi]

My pleasure Lori. Thank you!

[@cpnoboat7659]

That's exactly what I'm doing right now with a piece of work :/ and I was so happy with it 😁 I guess I should start it over. Thanks for the clear advice, Louise!

[@jmdenison]

Both of them look great.

[@maryldoty2400]

Thank you so much for visually explaining the concept of overworking. I hear that a lot in watercolor but no one explained it as well as you did. Plus the visual example really helped. Thanks again!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

I'm glad it helped. Thank you Mary.

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

I didn't see issue with first painting till you mentioned 😅

[@LouiseDeMasi]

I'm glad you can see it now. Thank you!

[@elkepaull-keller9039]

Once again thank you for sharing your learning experiences and this reminds me to stop trying to copy the references photo and try doing my interpretation.

[@shellyparker8960]

This was a very helpful comparison and your explanation of the difference in process and why helped tremendously. I am an acrylic and oil painter and picked up watercolor more recently and I struggle with overworking the painting. Thank you for this video!

[@kgille]

It's so clear in your video what is meant by overworking. I have a tendency to do that, and I can now see what I need to do to get a more luminous paintings. Thank you!!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you.

[@amandastratton8242]

Just what I needed Louise !! Thank you I always overwork my paintings but now I know how to hopefully manage to correct that. It seems that less is more I think. Thank you for sharing this with us x

[@sylphofthewildwoods5518]

Both of your paintings are wonderful! But I understand the need to keep the paper fresh and I'm so thankful that you teach us your talents so we can have hope to accomplish decent watercolor paintings. Invaluable, especially, for us beginners! 🌹💕

[@LouiseDeMasi]

I'm glad. Thank you so much! ❤️

[@cathyriach1285]

Thank you so much for this Louise. This tutorial was VERY helpful to me :)

[@helmutdebra5373]

You are adorable and inspiring! Love the bloopers at the end of your videos! Your videos are spot on for me and I am able to relate to so many points that you cover about the 'struggles' learning watercolor. I even stopped watercolor painting and shifted to soft pastels because I didn't see any improvements. I am now getting back into it and this video hit on the EXACT problems I have with watercolor. I am re-inspired!! Thank you!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

That's wonderful Debra! I'm so pleased. Thank you. ❤️

[@ConniePullella]

Great video! Super helpful and your top is lovely on you - not too sparkly at all. 🥰

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Oh thank you!

[@SarahNotSara]

Great advice. Thank you for sharing your tips and knowledge.

[@Myatheroses]

The “wrong” looking painting is still so beautiful!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you!

[@birdwatcher1015]

Thank you so much for this video. I happen to like both, but I do see what you mean by overworking. If I can speak for many beginners, I would say that we all have a tendency to overwork our watercolors. Other than painting daily, which I know I need to do, do you recommend any exercises that we can use to practice? I get lost in the complexity of some subjects, and that leads to overworking too. Thanks again for your wonderful videos. I learn something new every time I tune in!

[@rainbowfox1934]

Well expressed ideas. It is a delicate balance to allow the luminous quality and yet be detailed and provide contrast. Providing rich, dark color that is luminous is the trick. This comes with advanced painting.

[@scottsianscottie]

Beautiful work, Louise. What you say makes so much sense to an intermediate artist like myself who is just starting to 'go it alone' without laboriously following the guidance of more established and experienced artists like yourself. However, I also love the outtakes you include at the end of the video, they really tickled me. Thanks for reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously

[@neuroticnation144]

Personal preference is important to mention, thank you! I think the first may be overdone, but the second looks pales and unfinished. Flowers are bright, beautiful, and lively! Maybe somewhere in the middle?

[@arleenaartvark1141]

Hi Louise. Is there a way to make the tulips as intense as your first painting without overworking them? Perhaps by glazing more thin layers? Or not?

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Hi Arlene, Yes, you could try glazing some darker tones.

[@healthyoiling4041]

What a transformation from your older painting to your newer one. And I can see all the things you were pointing out. Thank you for this explanation -- I can see the "overworking" in some of my paintings and now know why. I love how you break these lessons down for us. Thanks again Louise! ❤ Bonnie

[@cherylmoser993]

You definitely hit the nail on the head when you mentioned the pursuit of detail. That’s exactly what I am struggling with and I need to take your advice and not try to capture everything I see. Thank you for another helpful video.

[@eleanorbenner1885]

I do prefer the second one.

[@mariajosegarciabarroso1006]

Y ir punta. De pincel. Es una pasada. Me encantaría saber cual es 😅

[@andreatorraca8755]

What is your palette, is it ceramic? Looking for a better palette.

[@murielhahariau8907]

Merci de ces précieux conseils que je vais essayer sur mes prochaines réalisations. En regardant vos vidéos, j admire vos pinceaux qui sont souples et fins. Pouvez vous me donner leur marque. Merci

[@jody-annesullivan4547]

I understand the difference, but how wold you have brought forward the intensity of colour while keeping the value of the paper?

[@robinfox4440]

The overworked one from years ago reminds me of scientific botanical drawing. It's very "factual." I like the softness and deliberateness of choices with the newer one.

[@nickstuart200]

One of my instructors in art school had a saying: "Don't f**k it up!" One way of avoiding doing that is "quit while you're ahead." Don't second guess yourself. Leave well enough alone. There's always the next painting.

[@pambrown9523]

Thank you so much for this video, the ONE I most needed to see.. I rework EVERYTHING. I knew I needed to loosen up, I was struggling. My paintings lost their watercolor wonder and I had lost the joy that watercolor once brought me. I bought a larger brush, but I had no idea where to go from there. You just told me! For this and soooo many other EXCEPTIONAL videos, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. And my joyful soul is ready to paint again ❤❤❤❤❤

[@notclagnew]

Really great walkthrough and explanation - thank you. I have really been overworking but really didn’t appreciate how I could address it, I thought it was related to my choice of subject 😅

[@cristinatort8280]

Hello Louise. I am so happy I found you!!! I have seen already few of your videos and I don't know in which one you suggested to have 3 yellows 3 blues and 3 reds. Would it be to much if I peg you to share with me/us your preferences ? I would be very grateful to have this information. By now I have got the Rubi red, the yellow transparent and the French blue. You keep me very motivated 😊🎉 Greetings from Spain

[@linazarg]

Thanks for the beautiful lesson, Louise...I prefer your last painting! Just a style question for you: do you dislike the "splashing" quick style? I like both the detailed, accurate style and the messy one... 🙂

[@Babyjohn8170]

I’ve watched several of your videos. You explain things so well. 😊👍 You have a new subscriber. Looking forward to seeing more of these incredible videos. Keep up the good work!

[@Nora-jt9zy]

I know I have watched this video before, but i decided to watch it again. If you had shown me the first one, and not the second one beside it, I would have never seen anything “wrong” with it. I put “wrong” in quotes, because even if you criticize your painting, Louise, and I can see your points when you tell them to me, I for one would have not seen them on my own, and for two am not skilled enough to paint any of them, so who am I to criticize. I can recognize your points as you address them, and where I initially might have liked the bold colores in the first one, I think I end up prefering the light and airy feeling of the second one. To me they might just express different things, and they belong in different environments if you would hang them on the wall ❤ Thank you for explaining the process of how you work, and how it has changed with time❤

[@clintondavis3363]

I learned a lot from the video (and others of your videos). I think that you somehow overdid your thinking on both paintings. 😊Somewhere in the middle would be perfect for me, … but, then, … there’s no perfect painting. Do what makes you happy! Both are effective in their own way, … to my thinking.

[@nancydavidson4899]

That was great. I’m just at that stage where I’m getting more competent with technique but becoming conscious of my tendency to overwork my paintings so this was really useful. I’m also looking forward to some videos on simplifying. Like many others, I’m sure, when I started, I felt like I had to paint everything. Now I know I don’t have to but I’m not always sure how to simplify for the best result. As always thank you. I look forward to your videos every week ❤

[@daanestad]

(Question) Were you satisfied with your first painting when you painted it? If yes....what made you change your mind?

[@jwoodsarts]

Thank you so much for sharing these tips. It's very helpful for me. I've been struggling with overdoing and putting to many colors and layers on my painting and also tried to get all the details I saw in the reference picture. I will take your advice and try on my next painting.

[@christinedrake1645]

I learned a ton!! I am guilty of overworking and now I get it... I hope I can execute ... will stay in touch.. thank you

[@annekuin1451]

I love the first tulip, but think the information on how to not overwork is very usefull! Thanks, Louise, it really helps.

[@Sam48772]

Interesting to see your journey Louise. I wonder if in another five or ten years if you might look back on even more refinement and progress? I admire your work and enjoy your videos.

[@jilliancrawford7577]

The too many hard edges and nowhere for the eyes to rest thing is something I struggle with and cannot wrap my mind around on how to fix. I don't know why, but my brain things everything needs to be in equally sharp focus or else the eyes will get bored and I am unsure of how to fix this issue. It's easier said than done to just think the opposite because the opposite doesn't seem logical or make sense to me. Is there a way to learn this?

[@carolpenn1155]

I’m learning. I thought the original was excellent until you explained. What do I know?

[@metralla]

Another method I just learn from Tim Wilmot is to paint standing instead of sitting. I'm still experimenting with it but so far it seems to work for me....

[@JanaBailey-ff7uf]

Such an important lesson! I am on Patreon with you already, but saw this one KZbin. Thank you.

[@adriennesaracen6525]

Incredibly helpful, thank you.

[@julietacabrera6498]

Every video that I watched teach me so much!! You are an excellent teacher ❤

[@andreatorraca8755]

Such a beautiful flower!!!!

[@slowbunny6920]

Great comparison and video, thanks!

[@chastityann9776]

Thank you Louis!! I NEEDED THIS!

[@squeezinglimes]

beautiful 😍 love a good blooper... 👍 ❤️

[@myrnalandersartist]

Watching this video gave me a lot of ahaaa moments! ❤

[@CobraDove1111]

Sorry, disagree, the more vibrant painting is MORE ATTRACTIVE. The lighter one doesnt look nuanced with enough blues in the shadows and looks dated like its 80's style. Also, the second one doesnt look good at all, it looks half finished with weird darker bleed lines around the edges of shapes

[@staceystoddard6067]

Your work is stunning Louise - thank you for taking the time to create such wonderful videos. I struggle with overworking my paintings (all media) and I will be taking your advice to heart!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

You are welcome! Thank you Stacey.

[@kellybishop7238]

That’s just lovely, thank you!

[@twillamiller9833]

What weight of paper did you use ?

[@AshB_Watercolors]

I think overworking a painting can also happen based on what your going for…. As I am one who loves your original, but also loves the repaint. I think sometimes I go out wanting to paint big and bold… and other times I want to paint much more delicate and soft. I have however learned a limited palette will also serve me better!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

So true Ash! Thank you. 🥰

[@robsonhenrique3329]

show❤❤❤

[@privateprivate5409]

Beautiful Louise De Masi. Thank you for this video and explaining why and how you've painted this wonderful painting.❤

[@LouiseDeMasi]

My pleasure and thank you. 😊

[@AnnieNoodle]

Your older tulip looks almost like gouache! I see a lot of people do prefer that, which isn't surprising as gouache has gotten popular again. I think your newer painting is such a beautiful example of watercolor. It's good to know what watercolor was sort of meant for, and then decide if you want to break rules. 😅 I do have one question. I've noticed some tangent lines in your paintings, such as where the bud touches the stem of the main flower in the newer painting. Is that intentional? I'd love to know why, if you ever see this comment. 😁

[@preciousangela2651]

Hello, Louise. Which one do you prefer? Schmincke or Winsor Newton Pro ?

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Hi Angela, Both are beautiful paints that perform well but Schmincke is less expensive.

[@jaimejaime1178]

Hi Louise. Jim from Madrid, Spain (a fellow artist and a New Yorker expat living abroad). I don't know if you remember but I joined your channel because I'm a wildlife and nature artist, and I love the way you portray your animal paintings (very nice and delicately). I do agree with you on not overworking your paintings... when you first start (as in my case) I started using a basic starter set of W&N Cotman watercolors, which for student grade are very good (I don't have an Artist background nor studies, my life has been the business world and I'm a self-taught artist through the best public and free University Worldwide, KZbin!), but I needed to use a lot of paint to try to achieve the color and values that I wanted... With professional grade paint I've learned that it doesn't happen (as well as 100% Cotton Paper- For those starting... Don't use Cellulose paper unless you can't afford Cotton Paper!). I also learned that knowing how to use & mix color within your palette is the best way to go, from the beginning, because it helps you understand color much better than just buying a whole lot of different colors. I'm saying all this because those are also reasons I found out through personal experience of why my paintings seemed overworked (same as with graphite and ink, for example). I've been painting for only 2 years but I have improved a lot (now I'm actually selling my paintings, though I don't do it as a living - my financials have already been covered). Hopefully, my experience may help others, and it is NEVER too late to do something that you love! Thank you for your channel and for sharing all of your expertise and knowledge!!! Cheers from Sunny Spain! 😁👍😎✌

[@margaritagallo]

Thanks for this Louise, it's a very didactic example of how to avoid overworking a painting :)

[@shric1794]

Hi loviza it's me again. Shri. I like the way you keep the white bits untouched. By the end of the finished painting. The picture looks so fresh. I would love too draw like you. I always watch your videos.have learnt so much. So thank you. Regards. 🎉❤

[@ideasareLIMITLESS]

Brilliant explanations and I’m laughing my head off at your bloopers !!!😀😀😀😀😂😂😂

[@vickylemerond9685]

I so love your videos. Your calm voice makes watching and learning so relaxing and enjoyable. Your tips are so helpful. Thank you for doing them and for helping to make learning so enjoyable.

[@Poppaea13]

Your are the most incredible teacher. I've just started my watercolour journey and your channel is a God send.

[@surfit.]

Here's a tip I keep forgetting. Like writers, such as Stephen King, he puts down a draft for 6 weeks and comes back with fresh eyes. Like painting, (not as long as 6 weeks) come back with fresh eyes and you may see things in a new light. I've done it and it works. Great video because I overwork my paintings a lot.

[@sabine3999]

I love your end 💝😹😅

[@lesley523]

Hi Louise, I love watching you paint, and doing that has taught me so much. You always touch on little things that make a big difference. Best regards, Lesley Paul, Boynton Beach, Florida. 😊

[@marikareimer4411]

Hello Louise I love both paintings! Thank you for explaining the overworking, I'm sure I overwork my paintings, not having a trained eye and not having a sense of what I'm doing. I keep trying though. TYFS ps, I love your bloopers 🤗

[@angiadcock8196]

I’ll be honest. I don’t see a thing wrong with the first one. However I do appreciate what you’re saying about your growth as an artist and I will agree. I liked the first painting, but the second one is STUNNING.

[@Tazm1n]

Please don’t ever stop putting your outtakes at the end, they always make me laugh and cheer me up. Your work is amazing, but it’s nice to see what goes into these videos behind the scenes. ❤

[@mikelkirby2791]

I think both paintings are beautiful and showcase your talent. The first one has a "botanical-realistic" aspect to it. The second painting as you explained is more interpretive, lighter and not overworked, as already stated both are gorgeous. I do appreciate your voiceover as you painted. Thank you.

[@SusanBurnsridesatrike]

Overworking is my specialty. Anything worth doing is worth overdoing!

[@mape6777]

I love your videos, explanations, you are so inspiring! And even though you say you don't like your voice, I see your videos not only because of your watercolors but also because listening to you relaxes me. ☺ Thank you for all the effort you put in your work and for sharing it with us.

[@shadowguard3578]

This video was interesting and shows how subjective preferences are. I prefer the first painting because it has more depth and dimension. It’s very much alive and bursting with color. I love bright watercolor paintings rather than muted ones. IMHO sometimes less vibrant paintings can appear flat. I think multiple layers adds depth and dimension. It appears that there are rules to an acceptable watercolor painting, and the first painting doesn’t follow the rules but the second one does.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you! Yes, art is subjective and what appeals to some doesn't appeal to others.The earlier paintings of mine, including the tulip here are heavily layered. The colour of the tulip might be bright but it has lost its luminosity and appears chalky. The struggle to pursue realism is evident when you look at it. I used watercolour more like acrylic paint when I did it. I loved it when I first painted it but I can see a lot of problems with it now. Thanks again.

[@shadowguard3578]

@@LouiseDeMasi I’ve been painting for a year and a half and my paintings are like your first tulip. I try to achieve semi-realism, depth, and dimension. Looking at my paintings from a technical aspect your criticisms of your first painting could be applied to mine! It’s funny because I don’t look at those ‘issues’ as problematic. Again, it’s all very subjective. Thank you. ❤

[@davidmccullough6600]

This is so helpful to me, a beginner. Though I would be thrilled to have produced your first painting, I understand why the second represents a better use of the watercolor medium. I'll take your advice and stop when I find myself laboring too much. As I am trying to find my own style right now, I know this is great advice. You're terrific! 😊