Watercolor Kookaburra // Balancing detail wth softness

I paint a Kookaburra in watercolor and I try to balance areas of looseness with detail. #louisedemasi #watercolor
💜Patreon💜
I have full length, voiced over, normal speed, watercolour painting tutorials on Patreon here: / louisedemasi
My tutorials are full length and I don’t skip over anything or speed anything up. They are great for beginners through to experienced painters.
On this page of my website, you’ll find an index of the classes I have available on Patreon: www.louisedemasi.com/new-index
My new Koala class on Skillshare: skl.sh/39g2WA9
Videos mentioned in this video:
The importance of initial washes: • The Importance of Init...
Painting Feathers Negatively: • Watercolour Technique ...
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The reference photo I used to paint the Kookaburra is my own.
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Supplies bought from the Amazon Links below- help support my channel.
Paints:
Winsor & Newton watercolour paint
French Ultramarine: amzn.to/2MUUP6a
Burnt Umber amzn.to/2MYwoVB
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Da Vinci Mop Brush series 418 , #4 amzn.to/2ZG2iaZ
The paper I used was Fabriano Artistico Cold Pressed watercolour paper A3 size 300gsm in weight. amzn.to/37Dd2fg
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More Popular Watercolour Tutorials here on KZbin: 💦
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Painting white subjects in watercolor: • Painting white subject...
Avoiding hard edges when painting in watercolor: • Avoiding hard edges wh...
The importance of underwashes: Avoiding overworking • The Importance of Init...
How to paint a flat wash in watercolor: • How to Paint a Flat Wa...
How to paint a graded wash in watercolor: • How to paint a graded ...
Wet on Wet Technique: • Wet in Wet Watercolor ...
3 ways to mix watercolour paint: • How to mix watercolor ...
How I stretch my watercolour paper: • How to Stretch Waterco...
How wet should my watercolour paper be? • How Wet Should my Wate...
Watercolour Blooms: How to avoid them. How to use them: • Watercolour Blooms // ...
My favourite watercolour palette: • Beginner Watercolor Ti...
Negative Painting Technique: • Watercolour Technique ...
Watercolour Edges: • Understanding Watercol...
3 Favourite Watercolour Techniques: • 3 of my Favourite Wate...
How to use Salt with Watercolour: • How to use Salt with W...
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Link to more information about my classes here: www.louisedemasi.com/classes
Skillshare Classes:
Watercolour Galah: skl.sh/2YOSuiQ
Watercolour Chrysanthemum: skl.sh/2IuaxlZ
Watercolour Rose: skl.sh/2mdtvjo
Watercolour Fox: skl.sh/2qp1n0G
Watercolour Succulent: skl.sh/2sYtR10
Watercolour Robin: skl.sh/2ugkDxc
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Say hello on social media
Instagram: / louisedemasi
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My website: www.louisedemasi.com

[@rawhideflats]

Hands down you are the best teacher for watercolor techniques. Your voice and gentle demeanor are so soothing. Your make the learning process so effortless. So glad I found you, definitely one of the best things to happen to me thanks to You-tube and COVID-19!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Wow, thank you very much Kathy. 💕

[@carolb801]

Louise you are a wonderful teacher and superb artist. Please don’t ever stop the bloopers. Love love love.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Carol! 💕

[@cindybehr5283]

I'd never seen a Kookaburra! What a darling little bird! Thanks for sharing.

[@user-sb2nm5yc3b]

THANK YOU Louise, for helping beginning watercolour painters like me gain more confidence. I have just finished painting your koala tutorial and this kookaburra watercolour painting as gifts for overseas friends. Please keep teaching us, you are inspirational!

[@karenpierce1905]

Thank you for your beautiful tutorials. I am an artist, but have never worked in watercolor. Because of the social distancing, I recently decided to teach myself watercolor. I started my journey by watching all the you tube lessons I could find. I got so disappointed when I saw dirty messy work spaces. For me, they give the wrong impression of how artists make art. When I start watching an artist that keeps a dirty work space I stop watching it. It is sad, I am sure some of those artists have great information to share, but with so many other videos available I choose to ignore the ones with dirty studio spaces. You videos are so well crafted I can't wait for a new video each week. Not only are your paintings beautiful, but your videos are also beautiful works of art.

[@kathleenstroup1838]

I went to art school years ago, and an elective I took was watercolor. I didn't care for the medium much. We did alot of landscapes and covered bridges plein air-the school was in the midwest of the US. I ve watched almost all of your youtube videos and learned so much from them. I've started painting again,and found I really love watercolors. Thank you -you're a good teacher.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Kathleen. It takes some getting used to but once you understand it better it's so much fun to use.

[@dawnfisher8130]

Another beautiful painting with really helpful advice about doing a tonal study first. Thank you Louise.

[@barryedgington6812]

Such an interesting tutorial. I have to say that the Kookaburra is so cute and how beautiful you painted him. Thank you. Helene❤

[@amandasymon4363]

Thank you for reminding us that it is all about the process - Feel the fear and do it anyway! Great video - thank you..

[@lisedescoteaux821]

Love your painting and the way you explain some of the area more problematic. I love all your paintings so far! Thank you so much for sharing your painting journey with us!

[@bhavyajoshi327]

Happy Guru Purnima. Today is the big day in india for all Gurus or teachers. It is a tradition dedicated to all Gurus. I have learnt a lot from your you tube tutorials. 🙏

[@roxanablanton3820]

I love watching you paint. It is so educational and I do enjoy your comments as you are painting., What a great way to teach and for me to learn. I also enjoy your comments at the end of the video. Well done.

[@Ariangaia192]

You make it look so easy but it's not. I love your style and have learnt heaps from your teaching. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your knowledge, from a beginner across the ditch.

[@kathrynwoolcock4943]

Thank you Louise, I love your kookaburra. I’m a beginner and I’m really grateful to you and the way you pass on your skills to us. Greetings from Sydney 👏🏻👏🏻😊😊

[@juliehopkins5784]

Thank for being honest about your struggles, it helps those of us just beginning our journey with watercolours.

[@debee254]

I love watching you so much! You are so talented and you crack me up because when I first started watching you you seemed just kinda prim and proper. Then I started watching your outtakes. You are so funny! I wish we didn’t live across the world from each other. There’s so many questions I’d like to ask. I’m sure you get that all the time. I have to go and try to finish my chrysanthemum 🤦🏼‍♀️ thank you! Debbie

[@carolynneroetman139]

Best bloopers..actually did LOL! You’re wonderful 👏👏

[@kellyhalligan1328]

I started painting a little over a year ago. I have learned through You tube, and I subscribe to 1 Patreon. I have watched you from the beginning, but needed to learn more before I became a Patreon. I relate to your style and I like your great explanations of techniques. I’m going to join your Patreon 12-1. It’s my understanding that it’s best to do this at this beginning of the month

[@07leisr]

Every time i see a shade of grey or shadow, I always remember how you say Ultramarine Violet and Burnt Sienna. You made me like that! And I like it, I think it means I remember your lessons. 💜💛💙💚

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Love that! Thank you Le.

[@cherylclough4309]

Adore your style. Adore your videos. I have two watercolor buddies and we have been doing your lessons. Thank you so much.

[@selmamohamed1237]

Am new to water color.. Started just 3wk..ilove your videos .. Your voice is charming.. I learn a lot from you.. Thank you You're my favorite ❤️

[@dellnichols4625]

We live in North Carolina and were able to visit a friend in Brisbane in February and we could sit on her front porch in the afternoon and listen to the resident kookaburra laugh. This painting brought back memories of that trip. Thank you for this. Also, thank you for the closing encouraging statements. Your paintings are lovely!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

That's wonderful. Thanks Dell. They often wake me in the mornings with their calls. It's not a bad sound to wake up to. 💕

[@dellnichols4625]

Louise De Masi I would love to have that!

[@suegates6584]

Thanks for the message at the end, it’s been mine for many years “ it’s just a piece of paper” I’m not a great artist but I’m having so much fun. 😄

[@doraevatt8320]

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I so enjoy the process.

[@alisonhendry2928]

It’s only paper.... my mantra... I wish I could listen to it more closely. It was so satisfying to hear you say it out loud how you feel . With your experience and talent I smiled and KNEW I wasn’t going down the wrong path. Thank you AGAIN for a wonderful tutorial. I am on patreon and skillshare to glean from you. Now to learn how to let go of the details....

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Wonderful! Thanks so much Alison.....it's just a piece of paper....it's just a piece of paper. 😉😘

[@bonnierosendale]

Louise, you are just simply amazing!

[@jtpaar1732]

Another great lesson! Thank you! I have watched ALL of your videos (sometimes more than once) and now and one of your 'fans' who patiently waits for Fridays! lol!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Awesome, thank you so much!

[@MILLYERTLE]

You do such beautiful work...very calming to watch you....!

[@clairetranchina9728]

Thank you for all the work you put into making these awesome videos and sharing your amazing talent with us. 💕

[@orisarijose]

Thank you Louise, you tutorials and videos a GREAT

[@adrianajeanett4546]

Amazing! Also, lovely the way you encourage us!

[@marty4265]

I love your videos. I am learning so much!!! Your art work is beautiful, very inspiring. Thank you.

[@rebeccakahrs7290]

Louise..just stunning. Love your work!

[@don9133]

I never fail to pick a strategy or that little nugget that becomes an "Ah!" moment!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

I'm glad Don. Thank you!

[@sherrylee6719]

Thank you, Louise. BTW, your hair looks so pretty. You make things look so easy, but then, it really isn't at all!

[@sharonriley4297]

Beautiful bird. Thank you for making me feel less alone in my journey, if you feel overwhelmed and you are so talented then you make me feel just a little less uneasy about my own feelings.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Sharon. It's often a struggle so don't feel disheartened. Many paintings don't work out.

[@mskhartwatercolourwithmisu8598]

Very well explained. I totally agree about the watercolor has a mind its own and we have to work with it. And I like the suggestion of try to finish with the first layer of wash on a white feather spot. Thank you for sharing.

[@pragya360]

Absolutely love your style!

[@lindacormier2295]

You are such an inspiration.

[@lateonaname]

Just a piece of paper, an expensive piece of paper, but just paper 💗་love your manner, style, and videos- I truly appreciate how well you describe what you’ve done & I’ve learned so much ! you inspire me 😊

[@susanjerrell9220]

Of all the watercolour artists I watch, you paint birds and feathers better and more realistic than any. I do go back and reference your videos frequently.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Wonderful. Thank you very much Susan.

[@goldiewatts8820]

I really appreciate your explanation of your process in preparing to paint a subject. It helps me slow down and think it through before getting into a painting half-cocked and getting frustrated. Thanks so much for the extra effort.

[@kaypinard]

I love this and will be trying it. I appreciate your instruction and creativity!

[@manitasdeplata8853]

Gracias Louise. Un cariñoso saludo desde Madrid, España.

[@designerchick9029]

I love hearing all the birds singing in the background of many of your tutorials!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Jan. They can be noisy.

[@geoffreydawson5430]

21:04 Now that is an artistic moment. Fuck what people teach you. Experience is your best teacher.

[@fotogal54]

Thank you! A wonderful painting and you’re a great “teacher”!!!! I appreciate your talent 💛💚❤️

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you so much Sherree. 💕

[@cindybtanner3974]

Thank you Louise especially for your addendum about overcoming the fear of the expensive white paper.

[@karihowry2396]

Love this! He’s so cute.

[@itsjills9933]

Thank you for your tutorials. I really appreciate the way you explain. 😊

[@tammyhood5117]

Thank you for this. I really appreciate the demonstration of how you use the different levels of moisture as you work in an area. It's something I struggle with and this is so helpful.

[@susandenning4499]

Thank you for this. I really over work my paintings sometimes too. When I relax the painting is too. When I am up tight so is the painting. It is so nice that you share. It is just paper! Really love your outtakes too. They make me laugh out loud

[@peggywashburn5154]

There is so much to learn. Thank you for taking us through your process focusing on a little at a time!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

You bet! Thank you Peggy.

[@cindyrroberts]

I love your photography and your paintings. You've inspired me to take some of my own photography and see if I can translate it to a watercolor painting. I love how you took two photos to get what you wanted. Thank you!

[@9159bsbs]

I’m so thankful for you and you sharing your expertise. Truly a bright spot on such a dark year. Thank you.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you very much Bee. 💕

[@krismua1209]

Gorgeous, as always! I love how you always do your backgrounds. Your paintings have a distinct style. 😍 Thanks for giving us more helpful tips!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks so much Kris.😊

[@loisallen3078]

Thank you for the encouraging words. It is wonderful to know we are not alone in our struggles with this medium. As a beginner I am learning so much about watercolour and love it. You are a great teacher and I thank you for taking your time to teach others.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks so much Lois. 💕

[@bonniesinclair-davidson6529]

I always get excited when I see you've put out a new tutorial! Your Kookaburra is wonderful! Thank you Louise for sharing!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you so much Bonnie.

[@carolyntema8399]

Great lesson on learning when less is more. I love your birds and have been hoping for a kookaburra.

[@rnee1000]

Wonderful tutorial!! I'm eager to follow the full video and paint my own. I feel the same way you do about painting-- the process is more important than the product and no matter how it turns out I always enjoy painting. And as you said, it's only a piece of paper!

[@janetalbot6529]

I was wondering how to do fluffy feathers and then watched your tutorial. You are a wealth of information and help to make watercolour so enjoyable. Thank you for that.

[@lucrezialevanti4339]

Loved this! So enjoy watching you paint & cant wait to try this technique. Your bloopers at the end are hysterical!!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you very much Lucrezia.

[@mrensje]

I love youre paintings... you make it seem so easy. The way you teach wants to make me explore... thanks so much Louise!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

I'm so glad! Thank you Marja.

[@cathymikequimbyquimby7315]

Wonderful!

[@jacintheboudreau5459]

Thank you Louise 🙏 for sharing this beautiful and amazing talent of yours💞. I love your sense of humour.....you make me 😆. 🌈

[@sandrazern649]

That blank piece of paper is intimidating! Thank you for the wonderful video and the encouragement! I so love your paintings. I am going to try your technique of stretching my paper tonight and then try to find your most beginner friendly tutorial and give it a go!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

You can do it! Thank you Sandra.

[@joandyson3475]

Love your instruction notes. I’m a beginner so learning lots!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

So glad! Thanks Joan.

[@celestesource9460]

Thank you very much Louise, I love these techniques, on Patreon now, I am waiting forward for this Kookaburra. Blessing 🙏🏻 💕 😇

[@Myscribblepad]

You are my fav teacher ♥️😊

[@oliviaunicomb180]

The thing I like about your videos Louise, other than than the painting itself, is that you are very likeable and genuine. A lot of other artists tend to get too self absorbed about themselves in their videos. But you don't, you keep it about painting and I love how your bloopers at the end remind us you're real!! 🤗 Thanks for what you do - I am hooked!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks very much Olivia. 💕

[@kerstink1100]

Hahahaaa me too, I'm German and was searching for the right vocabulary, so thanks to Olivia, I also love your 'bloopers' at the end 💖

[@IGFineArt]

Amazing!!!👌

[@Jlalode]

Thank you Louise! You're such a great teacher. And your style is exactly the one for me because I love the combination of looseness on the big washes and the added details that bring realism to the subject. Thank you also for reminding me that it's only a piece of (expensive!) paper even if my painting doesn't turn out the way I wanted it to.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you very much Johanne! I have so many practice paintings.

[@amin55551]

You are the best, thanks❤️

[@photosbypersephone]

Beautiful tutorial thank you!! Cant't wait for the Patreon email to say the full tutorial is live !! Love your advice at the end Louise - thank you for sharing !! xx

[@kileensmith5134]

I could watch you for hours! Just beautiful ❤️

[@juliecunningham5435]

Thank you Louise, very helpful with the white body in particular.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you Julie.

[@juliecunningham5435]

Louise De Masi , do you give lessons? I live in Melbourne

[@marycope2278]

Such patience you have when creating that detail. I have a long way to go.

[@1aliassmith]

I struggle with the tendency to overwork my paintings so I really appreciated this video. As alway, another outstanding lesson. Thank you.😊

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you. I do that all the time - even when I know not to. 💕

[@janenewman6601]

Thanks Louise. You are by far the best watercolour teacher! I love your Patreon channel too - so many great detailed lessons ❤️

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you very much Jane! Have a look at Steve from The Mind of Watercolor too. He has some great videos and a lot of knowledge to share.

[@janenewman6601]

Louise De Masi he is the other one I follow lol! I started out with Steve. Thx for the referral.

[@margaretmartin6620]

Very nice, Louise! He turned out beautiful and fresh. Such a lot of good advice and techniques. Great outtakes! :D

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks so much Margaret. 😊

[@friedaschnell6887]

You lady are a delight.🤗 I can hear the birds outside and it's wonderful. 👍 I don't think I've ever seen a kookaburra. For a smaller bird they have a hefty beak. Interesting. I so envy the birds you have in your yard.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you so much Freda. They do have a big beak. I see them digging into the soil with it sometimes. They are a large Kingfisher.

[@ginadelcarmensaavedrafarfa3211]

Gracias! Me gustan mucho tus técnicas, muy hermoso.

[@judybreedlove5348]

Great teaching video. If only I can keep myself from overworking a project. I keep thinking, "just one more thing will make it better." Then, of course, that one more thing was one more thing too much. Thank you for sharing your talent.

[@FilmerIrma]

Thank you Louise for giving me back my interest in painting after so many years! Love your lessons and all those wonderful birds. I still have a lot to learn and investigate . Wishing one day you'll paint a whale....

[@sassycat378]

Love the kookaburra! Such a beautiful bird with an amazing call. I loved your bloopers this week. You looked like a prize fighter when you were rubbing your nose. I actually feel like you have given me the skills to actually paint your kookaburra even though I am very early in my watercolour journey . Your videos always give me something tangible to try on my own.thats what a really good teacher is able to accomplish. The skill needed to "have a go!" Is key and all important to any student and you manage to accomplish that effortlessly.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you very much. ❤️

[@stuyve56]

Love it! Hope this will be a lesson on Patreon!

[@inherjyze1ify]

Damn! Beautiful.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you!

[@rositsazlatanova1146]

I didn't know you fear the white paper sometimes. Your paintings are so skillfully made. I really enjoy your videos, wait for them impatiently and want to thank you for sharing them with us. ❤️

[@chiarasola826]

Thank you for the support and encouragement :)

[@tracyleehughes2463]

Superb xx

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Tracy. 😘

[@voliabrandaolaveneremachad7849]

Lovely! Thank you so much!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Glad you like it! Thank you.

[@oart2472]

I like them so much, like their looks, and their cries. I can often see them in Melbourne. You draw awesome! 👍

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you very much!

[@lada7539]

Perfect 💐💐💐

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Lada.

[@bruceosborne1892]

Handsome little guy. Thank you Louise.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Bruce. I hope painting is going well for you.

Learning how to improve my watercolor skills and discovering new animal species 😍✅

[@ranjanachand9306]

Beautiful ....I'm painting a kookaburra myself today.. 😂😂 I'm trying a looser approach though..I hope it works fingers crossed

[@lydiabosley9152]

Lovely kookaburra! I had to tell my dear friend Karen, also an Australian (from Adelaide - but living here in Oregon) as she mentioned that she loves kookaburras when I told her about watching your videos, and I said I had seen some paintings of them you'd done, so the timing of the video is too perfect! I might try one some time, but have to get started on the "beginner" chili pepper and snap peas this afternoon!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Wonderful! Thank you Lydia. Have fun. 💕

[@anetanina]

You wouldn't be yourself without this violet, would you Louise? :p Beautiful as always, thank you for your work. I took a long break from WC, and your videos made me start it again and finally do what I want with paint. I've learned a lot from you.

[@TheBeverleyann]

Louise my Dear , you are priceless ! And adorable ! Fabulous teacher ta boot too . I so enjoyed this one and may give this a go . painter's block * that dang blank , expensive piece of paper * quote i am writing down so i can get that ump to get with it . Thank you for all you do & smiles from Florida x

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Beverley. 💕

[@trishnolan6295]

Thank you

[@desireeglowa86]

Thank you for this video!! I have a piece I have wanted to paint for almost a year. It's been sketched but it intimidates me to do it. It is two swan chicks and their tiny feathers are little puffs not feathers yet. So I just don't know how yo get it right yet so I keep watching to see if I can simulate them correctly. They are so cute, and I don't want to lose that look. I'm puzzled. Thank you for all your tips and encouragement! Dee