The Importance of Initial Washes in Watercolor // Avoiding Overworking

[@bped49]

It's refreshing to watching an artist grow and adjust how they approach their craft. Accomplished artists are master craftsmen that can see and add details and depth to their paintings. Several times, I saw a finished painting enhanced with features and skills beyond my capabilities. Getting the first wash down, adding blooms, and omitting too much detail are significant changes in your style. As we mature, adaptable artists begin to see what works best in painting for them. This is a lesson I will remember as my journey in art continues. Thank you.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 😊

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@hummerklein2567]

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

[@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

[@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. 💕

[@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.

[@tinyliny4ever]

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

[@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

[@DarleneFormanek]

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

[@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.

[@ann-marielofberg1159]

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

[@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.

[@eze3572]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@californiadreaming567]

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

[@rosemarycarter-molnar3939]

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

[@thomasstewart1646]

Hi Rosemary

[@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!! 💚

[@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!

[@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. 💚

[@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!

[@sinongmakulet]

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

[@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!!

[@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

[@wlochu93]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@Rita123xyz]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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! 🥰

[@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!

[@fanyang5563]

your video makes this lockdown time easier, thanks.

[@marybaksheeva2874]

The ending of the video was adorable 😂😍 but overall super useful information of course. Thank you!!!

[@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

[@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.

[@TheNeedleneuk]

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

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Mary.

[@swtcocao]

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

[@ginabadeaux9319]

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

[@lou196t]

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

[@babyruth225]

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

[@anjikauffman6416]

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

[@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. 😍

[@GChris134]

Your drawings are breathtaking !

[@misspaulasartroom4457]

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

[@cathymikequimbyquimby7315]

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

[@willingvessel1069]

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

[@lucymcturner1858]

I love your earlier paintings also.

[@mominsart]

Great Tutorial, very concise and informative the first wash is the most important for the rest of the painting another most important thing is Sketching and drawing.

[@Catje73]

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

[@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!!!

[@teribillingham8974]

Absolutely beautiful! Thanks for sharing

[@evamarcum2520]

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

[@leonardocartes1253]

Wonderful! I got such a kick from the bloopers!

[@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]

En*

[@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.

[@manitasdeplata8853]

Estimada Louise, tiene toda mi admiración. Son muy bellas todas sus obras. En estos momentos tan difíciles, me ayuda mucho el ver sus trabajos. Hay muchas personas que estamos confinadas en soledad por culpa de este virus cruel. Toda mi admiración y gratitud desde Madrid España. Un gran abrazo desde el otro lado del mundo.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Muchas gracias. Espero que estés a salvo.

[@manitasdeplata8853]

Si. Estoy totalmente asintomática. Gracias por el interés.

[@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!

[@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.

[@zennovice]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@reggaespiritdance]

New to watercolor and love your tips!

[@debwarren608]

It is simply a joy to watch you paint!

[@aayeff]

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

[@ehennemann9855]

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

[@largaparker6370]

Oh Yeah! I was hysterical at the end! It is difficult to talk to a camera (never knew until I had to shoot my own lessons) and having everyone around with their background noises makes for interesting play! Haha. Thank you Louise, the time and effort you put into these is much appreciated!

[@mrsd3424]

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

[@YenneY01]

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

[@Veronicapainted]

You are so gentle + beautiful just like your paintings. I laughed out loud at "the coffee maker" in your home. I have one of those models too ;) Thank you so much for this.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Veronica. He loves his coffee.

[@saral.1933]

Hi Louise I have been watching your videos for at least a couple of years. I think you are too hard on yourself regarding your older style. In fact I love the detail work, and find myself looking all around the painting at absorbing bits of beautiful detail & color. Your current style has other things to enjoy such as gorgeous transparency, washes & glazing, and the use of a variety of interesting edge treatments,but I enjoy a focal point with lots of detail &/or texture and do not think your older style was overworked. Perhaps a combination of the two would give you the most interest & versatility. I would like to see you try such an approach! If you do consider such I hope it will be flowers. I will be watching! Thanks for all the considered videos & time you have put into them. There are not many WC vids out there worth watching but you are in my top ten! Thanks again SARA

[@suesullivan8775]

Love both styles, but yes I can see that your new style is easier on the eye 👁

[@beekay9552]

I’ve followed your work on Skill Share and started following your videos here on KZbin as a result. I love your technique for doing washes, I’ve been dabbling with watercolor for a long while and have always had difficulty putting in a wash. Your tutorials simplify the process and I’m so happy I found your channel. Thanks so much. Plus, I enjoy your bloopers.

[@sunflower-bp6np]

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

[@mariac9502]

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

[@jtpaar1732]

As a tight painter and a stickler for details myself, I can relate to your earlier paintings and I love the style and the detail. However, I also like the 'looser' versions and painting this way doesn't come naturally or easily to me. I don't think either version is right or wrong as beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Thank you for your insight!

[@sueshanks9447]

Beautiful ! I liked the technique of removing a little color with the little brush. Looks like feathers !

[@thomasstewart1646]

Hi Sue

[@mabelwoll2478]

Wonderful sense of humour!!!! I´m also busy trying to cope with our lockdown! Husband humming around all the time!!!!

[@thomasstewart1646]

Hi Mabel

[@constellations9258]

thanks for the wonderful video...........I love your paintings; it's interesting to see the difference in style of your work with time..........I think that both styles, ie very detailed and the looser style are quite lovely, and I personally wouldn't say that one style is "better" than the other........just different, and both beautiful in their own right............I find it incredible how much control you have over watercolors, especially evident in the very detailed earlier paintings.........but then, I also love how use those watercolor "artifacts" and even create them, ie "blooms" to add texture and interest in the later paintings............I think that it all depends on a certain "look" that you're going after when painting, ie tighter vs looser, and I must say that I find you absolutely so very talented with both styles...........thanks again for this very informing video!

[@megpemberton1987]

Brilliant bloopers! Thanks for sharing your hunning bird :)

[@pamelalarson3427]

Loved the bloopers at the end. Made me laugh. Thank you, Great painting and good technique information after the "trial run".

[@jomc20]

You are so right about not painting too much detail. It makes a painting flat and uninteresting somehow. Our brains liked something to work on and also we don't need every detail in order to recognise the object or person we see. Beginners often copy a photograph slavishly and what is the point of a painting that looks like a photo? It is the interpretation, experimentation and imagination of the artist that makes the finished painting an artwork rather than a copy of the original.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Absolutely. I couldn't agree more.💕

[@sandrajohnson2489]

I love to watch you paint. So awesome!

[@rozinaissak4510]

Brilliant. Love the bloopers!!!

[@SarahNewburyArt]

Lovely to see this little hummingbird painting and how your painting style has changed over time. (I also laughed out loud at the out-takes! Most I’ve laughed for days!) 😂💜

[@LouiseDeMasi]

I'm glad. Thanks Sarah. We've got to laugh or we'll cry. 💕

[@candygrammel8676]

great info and I loved the out takes/bloopers