The Importance of Initial Washes in Watercolor // Avoiding Overworking

[@happyprat2624]

I still can't get over how fantabulous you are at explaining the whats, whys, and hows of what you do. So educational. Your videos are top quality stuff. Thank you!

[@katlynknowlden1969]

I enjoy these so much. I am a mom of four without much time to paint. I used to work at a small painting of a leaf for hours...days? For years I didn't paint because of being locked into my own hyper detail standards. But I am beginning to know the freedom and to appreciate beauty of letting watercolor do what it does naturally and not overworking it. I learn so much from these. I hope I can afford a class one day. I have found it therapeutic actually in that it made me realize there is a lot to life and parenting that has to do with deciding about where the hard and soft edges will be and accepting what happens and working it to a beautiful advantage instead of wearing myself out controlling things. I could draw more parallels about initial washes! But for now I thank you and so does my family. Now off to work on a very amateur painting of a bat- but I'm still so excited about it anyway.

[@melaniestokes1180]

Beautifully expressed, your deeper understanding of working with edges.. ❤

[@katlynknowlden1969]

@@melaniestokes1180 Thank you

[@lucymorrow7844]

U 2:56 😊

[@hummerklein2567]

The eye you painted is so real Thank you for sharing this God bless

[@noates2725]

I absolutely love the intensity and vibrancy of the colours of the first 'overworked' drawing. I thought it caught the essence of a hummingbird perfectly as their colouring is so intense and unusual you can't help but do a double-take which is exactly what I did when you showed the first painting. The first painting is why I am learning how to paint using watercolours as it is proof that watercolours do not have to be muted and understated but can pack a punch too. My reaction to the second hummingbird - "nice bird". My reaction to the first hummingbird - "WOW!!!" and I paused the video to study it closer, the detail is exquisite. #watercolourgoals

[@eze3572]

Agree it’s gorgeous

[@lennyscastilloart8162]

Same

[@karent.8245]

Now that was funny! Your original paintings are beautiful, but us beginners will be more attracted to your channel when you paint loosely. Thank you!

[@ann-marielofberg1159]

I love that You show us the bloopers, You are so sweeet

[@marinak5514]

I think your earlier style is gorgeous, if it is overworked, its only in meaning that watercolor is not the medium wich purpose is to create such detailed pieces, its easier to make it with acrylics. But your skill, omg!!! If u able to draw so flawless "overworking", u can draw in any style with excellent results.

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

😂 Ohhh my word, the look you give him! 💕 I can relate to that every time I get started with my painting with my husband. 😁 Thanks so much for sharing this informational video with us. I love 💕 painting details & copying the reference photographs too. Although I am changing some things or adding some things to my paintings. I am just getting to where I try not to copy everything from the photos. I am just getting started with spontaneous painting & letting the watercolor paint 🎨 do its own thing. I appreciate your explaining about under washes, & using back runs/cauliflowers for textures too. I love your hummingbird collection of art!

[@happigalart1689]

Beautiful bird, and OMG the last scene at the end was priceless. When I do my videos my neighbor inevitably starts mowing the lawn, the dark barks and my husband’s phone rings! LOL

[@thomasstewart1646]

Hi happy girl

[@DarleneFormanek]

thank you for talking us through the process, just music and watching someone paint is lost on me. Bless you.

[@babyruth225]

I love the out takes. I'm finding they are re-inforcing the lesson!! So they are hilarious...and helpful!! Ty ☺❤❤

[@elizabethkoeman1149]

You are a great painter and teacher. I love your technique and your style. So happy I found you. Thank you so much. You are an inspiration and a gentle spirit. Love you.

[@karenjames5063]

Dear Louise thank you for sharing your talent. In a watercolor class I took in Santa Fe, New Mexico About 20 years ago I remember our teacher Betty Carr explaining that when you put that tiny bit watercolor paint on your brush it is like a dab of diamonds/paint that you put on a flat surface. If you stroke over the paint once it is on your initial putting down paint on the paper ---- you are starting to COVER your diamonds and jewel tones up. This has always helped me to remember to let my painting shine with diamonds and jewels.

[@thomasstewart1646]

Hi Karen

[@lorensart2900]

Oh Louise...those bloopers were just what I needed today. I have binged watch about 15 of your video's and I have kids "homeschooling" and coming into my room just talking while they are on a break! Like I do nothing all day but sit around waiting for them to speak LOL....I'm an Aussie in Melbourne and I actually do photorealistic colored pencil portraits but for some ungodly reason in the last 18 months watercolor has been trying to get my attention. I don't know why, as I initially hated it, its like my WHOLE art journey from the beginning was never a choice...it just chooses me !! LOOOOOOVE your watercolor art but even more your teaching style. I can tell you've been a teacher, an an excellent one at that. I have watched HUNDREDS of youtube watercolor artists and I have to say Louise, thank you thank you thank you for the way you not only verbally explain something, but you then back EVERYTHING you say with a visual example. We don't all learn anything the same way and I absolutely love how you teach. Nice to know I am doing the techniques all properly. My biggest problem is using too much paint!! As a colored pencil artist I am used to doing layer after layer after layer of color and using a small amount of paint has been a real challenge for me. I was sooo glad I'm in lockdown so I have had the time to watch your amazing videos. Take care of yourself and your family, stay safe and us Aussies are doing a great job of flattening this curve, lets hope we might see the end of lockdown in only a few months Loren :)

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you very much Loren. I read an article by a watercolour master once (I can't remember who it was)....he wrote, 'If you need more than two layers of watercolor paint you're doing it wrong.' That's one of the reasons I love painitng in watercolour. It's quick and it can often paint itself. It does some magical things if you let it do its thing. I tend to fuss with it too much. I admire the patience pencil artists have and I love the look of beautiful pencil art. You stay safe too. 💕

[@sinongmakulet]

I love this bird paintings. Snow White will be happy.

[@kileensmith5134]

I find myself returning to this video time and again. You have reached such heights in your paintings! And invited us along that journey. For that, I am so thankful. I found you at the start of a very scary time. The world was heading into a pandemic. I went from two jobs to no jobs. i had some depression issues years ago, I thought I had dealt with them....I hadn't. Watching your tutorials awakened my love of watercolor. And kept that old sadness at bay. This was the first painting I did four years ago, and i haven't stopped since. You showed me that we can reach our dreams. Thank you so very much! I am now forever changed by a random KZbin video that you took the time to share♥

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you for sharing your story - it's so beautiful. I'm so glad the videos have helped you find your way.

[@marit7377]

Love it......but loved the more detailed ones too

[@mikehilbert9349]

I agree both were amazing

[@PaulaBean]

I prefer the simplified one. The detailed one is too busy for my eyes.

[@mikelkirby2791]

Ms. De Masi, your earlier hummingbird painting may be too detailed, but it still is beautiful. I do like your evolved technique. Thank you for your tutorials.

[@saundersd1962]

I too am a “tight” painter but would prefer to adopt a looser style so often admired in water colour paintings. Thank you Louise this has given me an excellent option to move in that direction and it was so beautifully explained, all I need now is a humming bird ! Cant wait to try it

[@MD-hk8xq]

Ok, I’m just going to say this..it would be grand if you did a tutorial showing how to do the much more detailed one since you already have the ones with less detail. I love them both to bits but gosh, the detailed one is almost hypnotic..I just stare at it in amazement. I would also love to know how to achieve that most iridescent look. You are an amazing artist!!

[@californiagirl5702]

Your tutorials are structured, detailed, to the point and well done. Love your comments about the way you used to paint and what you see now with your current work. Excellent. I always want to go further with other people's ideas on how to paint and give it a try.

[@rosemarycarter-molnar3939]

Absolutely love the out takes!!! And of course your work. Thanks for the much needed laughs at the end.

[@thomasstewart1646]

Hi Rosemary

[@wlochu93]

I love how calm, soft and gentle your voice is, the way you speak is so incredibly soothing and relaxing...

[@tinyliny4ever]

I love how you explain your actions, brush type and water level.

[@deecozy]

Lovely hummingbird!! Your bloopers make my day! Stay safe.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Donna.....I'm glad. If we don't laugh we cry. 💕

[@MsS1lverdragon]

Me too, love them!! 💚

[@pattycyr8662]

I love this painting, and I like that you did not add more detail so as not to cover the initial wash too much. The painting is light and free, and has a carefree feel. I love hummingbirds. We have a lot of them here in Arizona. Thanks!

[@andrealord6582]

I understand how you have evolved from trying to do every detail to letting the watercolor do it for you. I am a beginner, but tried for so much detail in my attempts. I appreciate your transition to looser and letting watercolor do what it will. Now to put it into practice. Thank you for the tutorials and outtakes!

[@user-ic5xu4jh6z]

I love your videos! Disturbing things like this i have every day because my husband is working in home office most of the hole time... Your bloopers make me happy- not easy for me to laugh since my mother have cancer and today she went to hospital... so i have to thank you! 💐Best wishes from austria

[@gabrieljoseramirezvergara4985]

I love the failures récords at the end of you videos. I love your humor sense. Your painting and your teaching are extraordinarios. Sorry for my poor english and greetings from Chile. Kisses.

[@julieduncan1996]

There is much to be appreciated in all the paintings you showed us in this video! It's interesting to see one's style evolve and change over time, but I enjoyed your "older" hummingbirds just as much as the newer ones. Just a different style is all. You are growing in your own way, and that's great! Love your channel, Louise! Thank you!

[@sheetalmudaliar]

You are really awesome. Love you ...you paint so beautifully.i love your voice. It's so musical.i could sit and watch you paint and hear you speak for hours. Thankyou

[@patriziacathey605]

Love everything about this video!!! You have a wonderfully expressive face during the bloopers that is so fun to see!Please keep them in.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Patrizia. 💕

[@katjasclassroom1056]

@@LouiseDeMasi I loved those bloopers as well. We have to continue making fun of ourselves, right? You made me smile. Lovely!

[@SusanJones]

Bloopers were the best!

[@1755ma]

Your bloopers are very cute! It's fun to be human!

[@jeanieshafer9714]

LOVE the bloopers!🥰😆👍

[@pearlgipson6761]

I love this. I am so guilty of being so detailed and overworking. But I am starting to understand less is actually more.

[@thomasstewart1646]

Hi Pearl

[@helendowning3160]

Your ;lesson is so clear! Less is more! I will watch this several more times I know! Please continue with your lessons! One reason I appreciate them Is because you do not "overtalk". I prefer demos to a lot of gab, and you have struck a very nice balance!

[@kymanderson3582]

Can’t help myself I do love the detailed birds but I do get the important point you make about detail. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@Rita123xyz]

First time I see blooms and cauliflowers purposefully added and looking so good :)

[@californiadreaming567]

I gave up for a few years but you have made me want yo paint again

[@teribillingham8974]

Absolutely beautiful! Thanks for sharing

[@cathybates4739]

I absolutely love your earlier work. The details are amazing… so beautiful.

[@anastasiasholeinthehollerc8697]

I respectfully disagree, I absolutely love your earlier painting but I love the recent one, too. I think it is two different styles, rather then right or wrong. Loved your video, I subscribed and I'll be checking out your Skillshare classes, as well. Best blooper reel I've seen in awhile, lol.

[@leahvandoloski8764]

I agree. Both styles are beautiful, but the more detailed style draws me in more because that's closer to how I like to paint. I think both styles are great in their own way. :)

[@agu3425]

Agree, the most detailed ones may be useful for scientific purposes and they are beautiful.

[@therestlessknitter4290]

Agree. To me overworked is when you work a section to the point of muddiness, not fine detail. This is more a difference in style and neither is overworked.

[@creativelife7013]

I too agree with this comment. The earlier paintings are gorgeous and so skilful. To me the later ones look underworked, more of a sketch rather than a final painting. They are missing a kind of "pop". But to each their own.

[@carolregister148]

Loved the video, but when you picked up your painting and looked under it in the bloopers...I actually "cackled" out loud. I just love everything about your channel. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@achillelalonde]

A tremendous contribution to assist me in loosening my own tightness. Just discovered you tonight, and found myself irresistibly drawn to go from one tutorial to an other. Absolutely transformative dimension you add that truly brings out the magic of Watercolor!

[@margaretr.9289]

Louise is an amazing painter and teacher. I joined her Patreon group a couple of weeks ago and I’m on my third tutorial. Great value in this, lots of turorials on offer for beginners through advanced. Loving it! Thanks Louise!

[@fanyang5563]

your video makes this lockdown time easier, thanks.

[@eze3572]

Beautiful! But I also very much love the old detailed hummy. I’m obsessed with your art room!

[@traceylyon6256]

Love your videos! Love your face during the bloopers. So happy you included them. Need a smile during this time.

[@deawallace3584]

Love the outtakes! Leave some in and just repeat your word(s.) Things do not have to be so formal. That is not how we are in real life. The little boo-boos were so sweet and made me smile!

[@ehennemann9855]

You are simply marvellous, whether in detail or loose. And about your sense of humour, I thank you.

[@theresenelson4281]

Each of your videos are so helpful that I like to watch them more than once. Thanks Louise

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Glad you like them. Thank you Therese.

[@cathymikequimbyquimby7315]

Your comments about less detail were very helpful Louise. Thank you!

[@misspaulasartroom4457]

Ha! I love it! Great video, love your honesty in the bloopers. Your helper is hysterical!

[@anjikauffman6416]

Wow! Just WOW! What an utterly delightful tutorial ❤❤ Thank you for the fun!

[@aayeff]

Excellent video. Crisp, sharp clear. No clutter on the painting or the narrative.

[@damealeta3541]

I'm tardy to the party but you have given me hope that someday I will be able to accomplish something presentable in watercolor. You voice and style of presentation is wonderful. Thank you for making your knowledge available. 💚

[@debwarren608]

It is simply a joy to watch you paint!

[@TheNeedleneuk]

Gotta love the “other half.” I so enjoy your videos & all the tips you share with us.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Mary.

[@Indigo_moon]

That's my problem! I make myself mad with too much detail & it takes me forever to finish a painting. Thank you for the pointers. Love the outtakes btw.

[@swtcocao]

Your technique is the best ! I ve tried other styles but I always come back to you. Thank you

[@candygrammel8676]

great info and I loved the out takes/bloopers

[@willingvessel1069]

I love this teaching!!! Great tips! This is the painting I think of first when I think of your channel!

[@ginabadeaux9319]

i painted along with you today you are a beautiful artist the bloopers were great

[@reasonableification]

This is beautiful. Looking forward to the patreon. I love the looser, more expressive work you’re doing.

[@reasonableification]

Just realized this is an older video… guess the hummingbird is already up on patreon. Weekend project.

[@carolspell9239]

I'd watch your videos just for the bloopers! Lol. Seriously, Louise, Your teaching and talent are remarkable. I've found several "favorites" among the watercolor artists, and making notes from most of them to help me with my newfound love of watercolor painting. I'm 87 and have used Acrylics most of my life. So watercolor is definitely another "animal". Your preparation and knowledge of wet & dry painting plus your impecable and clean attention to every detail (though you are cutting down on that) is why you are my favorite, besides your loveable approach and bloopers. Thank you for the hours of work you are sharing on KZbin. Maybe one day I can dive in and take a course from you. Keep up the great work.

[@shirleygreaves9650]

I’ve only very recently found your tutorials, I watched your negative painting video, where you use negative painting to emphasise the feathers of the blue parrot. I’m going to try that technique I think it’s works better on one colour birds where you want to add some interest, but I agree with you that for your multicoloured, pretty little humming bird this technique works best. The colours are then the star of the show rather than the individual feathers. I love your videos, I’m going through them one by one, I’ve already learned so much from you. Thank you. X

[@Catje73]

Just found your channel. You’re a wonderful teacher! Thank you very much for your videos.

[@lou196t]

Well done. I love the natural flow of the watercolours.

[@marieluiselarsen3827]

Hey Louise de Masi, you are a great artist and I really like to watch you explain about the birds. They are super nice to watch during this Corona crisis and I am painting too during this new Corona crisis. Thank you for your videos at KZbin. Love from Luise from Denmark.

[@mrsd3424]

thanks for your video. It is very informative. I love your teaching style. Very clear. And I love your bloopers too!

[@moodybash7334]

I see why you preferred to paint less details in this painting, because the detailed ones, as you said, disturbs the eyes of the viewer. You don't know where to focus on. But then I like both paintings the same. 😍

[@tedallan9336]

Honestly - this is exactly what I need(ed). Your comments about wanting (needing) to put every detail that you see on the reference image - exactly my problem. I love the new approach for all of the reasons you mention. New subscriber.

[@evamarcum2520]

I love everything you do. I'm a beginner. I try.

[@sharonwhitecross9520]

I love your paintings Louise, they're beautiful, this one is lovely but I really like the first detailed one more. it's full of energy and really beautiful

[@jingyu1211]

Thanks Louise! Always enjoy your lessons.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Jing.

[@trishcarroll3941]

So helpful for me who overworks everything. I will try your style, but you do make it look so easy. I also like your detailed ones too.

[@ladyamalthia7688]

I really love both techniques!! Im one to overwork a peice, but I like a nice mix of both types. Beautiful work!!!! Stunning. Thank you for shareing. 💕

[@zennovice]

Good for you.....!! the more you enjoy it the lovelier it gets....!!

[@lauraletchemaiteetchemaite1753]

Wonderful tutorial Louis, as always! And the coffee maker ... very funny! Thank you for sharing!

[@GChris134]

Your drawings are breathtaking !

[@vidhyapaul9577]

Your voice is so calming, makes me want to listen patiently...and yes, a big 👋 to the lovely explanation...

[@momonatu4998]

Miss, you are super talented and explain so wonderfully. It's such a pleasure watching this art getting into a shape. It's amazing and so clear to understand. Thank you so much, this is so useful! I want to see more from now on.

[@momonatu4998]

AHAHAHAHAH you are sooo funny!!!

[@maryse6244]

Wow!!! comme vous travaillez bien! J'aime beaucoup la peinture réaliste et tous les détails que vous apportez avec l'aquarelle!!! Félicitations!

[@dianewright7925]

Absolutely love your tutorials. I have always been taught that blooms were bad but you have taught me to embrace the bloom. Thankyou so much. And keep up the bloopers. You make me laugh. I am so glad I have found you.

[@sandrajohnson2489]

I love to watch you paint. So awesome!

[@DragonFishJane]

Love your videos and the bloopers are priceless! You’re so patient!

[@YenneY01]

Respectfully I love and admire all the details of birds. And nature in General.

[@leonardocartes1253]

Wonderful! I got such a kick from the bloopers!

[@river4140]

You are amazing!!! Thank you so much for being so very generous with your talent. I am so happy I am a Patreon member!!! Love the blooper s too!!!!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Cyndee.

[@pamelablackie4095]

First video watched I love to paint and realised watching you work that detail isn’t necessary to create a beautiful work of art thank you so much

[@conniemesce4093]

Great information! Love your hummingbirds! ❤

[@Linda-pg3so]

That was so helpful, Louise. Thank you. Informative and lots of laughs😊.

[@jacquelynsierra7378]

I just have to say a big Thank You! I too fuss and overwork with details. I will work on a peice for months. My husband is always suggesting I let go a bit. I really appreciate this video and I am going to give it a go! Wish me luck freedom from the details maybe wonderful for me! 🥰

[@sunflower-bp6np]

No matter what you do... i love your work

[@isabelreyes8772]

Muy revelador su video, una increíble experiencia de creatividad, muchísimas gracias, por su valioso aporte👏👏👏👌🙏

[@adelynorata3766]

Thank you for your wonderful tutorial! I'm new to waterpainting and I like your style.

[@maxinebaskerville6020]

Oh how happy I am that I found you!!! Thank you so very much for teaching me how to not go overboard on the details. That has been my biggest struggle trying to learn to watercolor painting. Thank you, thank you, THANK you!! 😊

[@cathymorris8072]

First time I watched one of your videos. I'm looking forward to painting along with your video soon! Your outtakes at the end are hysterical! Laughter is always good medicine, especially now! Thanks for the inspiration.

[@mariac9502]

Thank you for your detailed description. Many tutorials are vague. I am going to try this painting.

[@immyhoney]

I love to paint birds but i really struggle with how much detail to use. This has given me a new perspective and direction. Thank you

[@Potato-v1t]

Both are beautiful, one is like a botanical illustration the other is like a fast & loose em plein work & both are BEAUTIFUL

[@Potato-v1t]

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