How to soften paint edges in watercolor for beginners.

[@mollypenwhistle7918]

Tea shirts are fab in case you forget who you are Louise 😂, I love your videos, Thank you x

[@laurenfox5684]

I believe I've watched this video, 3-4 times, it SO helps me... and I think I've said this before, but it's worth saying again, you are a VERY GOOD teacher! Thank you!

[@esling77]

I love the Birds little face !

[@gopimenon123]

These tips are a treasure for me 😃 that you.

[@jlu3ai]

This video deserves a subscription. I like that you give done examples and then show in process that example. I have a feeling I will return to this channel often. Thank you.

[@fergiemax1829]

Love your bloopers!

[@palashsdeliciousfood]

👍💕wowww too good & helpful video my friend thanks for beautiful sharing 🥰🙋‍♀️💖💓

[@DianeHicks]

I have to say, THANK YOU! One of the things that is so frustrating about learning in isolation, away from your teacher, is the outcomes that don't go to plan...and then trying to figure out what has gone wrong. It's so demotivating when you're not really sure what has gone wrong. Not many teachers share practical examples of what can happen, if you don't do the technique quite right...this is one of the best videos I've ever seen for this, so thanks Louise, it's so, so helpful to see visual examples of what I might be doing wrong :-)

[@LouiseDeMasi]

I'm glad it was helpful. Thanks so much Diane.

[@lir3379]

Yes to the THANK YOU. I was further frustrated when I finally got to an instructor. Based on my work she placed me in the third class up, class one (beginner at 64 yrs) being the class for which I applied. OK so some of my stuff looked fairly good but it was just luck, or a knack or my sense of color that I found out other people can't see - but I still didn't know a friggin' thing! No basics.

[@theresaposey]

You are a wonderful teacher. I am loving your videos.

[@barbarabackley2187]

I am a beginner at watercolor and have struggled with understanding how artists get soft edges. This is the clearest explanation I have heard and gives me drills to do to help me apply what you have explained. Thank you.

[@federicocastro2869]

What a video! Many thanks I've been struggling with the softness technic and this video has been very, very useful!

[@AtomsInWar]

Thank you so much for this video. It is so helpful to see not only how to do it right but also how you do it wrong

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you.

[@DeanMarsh1962]

One of the best Watercolor teaching videos I’ve seen! Thank you, you really explained with detail how to handle the different situations. I liked and subscribed! 😊

[@unrulymuse764]

Clearest explanation of achieving soft edges that I have seen anywhere ... and I have looked far and wide! The bloopers are a delight - and a gift that teaching is not as easy as your finished videos make it look.

[@simpleartideas]

Yes, this video is very much helpful to me, for any artist with interest in watercolors, The pink flowers looks beautiful. Your videos are always detailed and useful.

[@anonymousefitz8736]

😂😂 I love the last part, pretty unexpected n get me laughing

[@sponce500]

Thank you Louise for yours videos

[@karenmorgan4250]

You quite an extraordinary artist and teacher. I am so glad I found your videos. I am a timid painter and you have given me more confidence. Thank you!

[@polygimik]

It's really great to see the bloopers after a very very good teaching session, it reminds us that even teachers are humans 😂😂😂. I've been binge-watching your videos since day one I discovered your channel.

[@Jeanine6520]

You are wonderful !!!!💖💖💖

[@claudetteobrien1086]

Your work is so beautiful so perfect I cannot imagine that you would paint loose.

[@carmie2431]

thank you for explaining removal of hard edges. very helpful use of hard brush.

[@zeldathomas2226]

So patient !! Great advice

[@irmareitz701]

Thank you for a really helpful tutorial.

[@dianneleon2522]

Beautiful 😍 thank you! This is very helpful 💗

[@SDPleinAir]

GREAT video. Lots of good information about soft edges clearly presented! Thank you!!!

[@jennyforeman4844]

Great advice Louise, thankyou!

[@don9133]

Tea- check, WIP check - listening to Louise and learning check!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Lol- you're a tea drinker - same as me.

[@tanyaostanina677]

This is GOLD. Thank you. P.S. I adore your giraffe painting on the background. It is truely wonderful.

[@gingerkelly5146]

I so enjoy your videos. I have my coffee and I just smile as I learn. You relax me and make me want to try all your lessons. Thank you for being a teacher and a friend! 💐💐. And I love your “bloopers”! So adorable!!!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Wonderful! Thanks so much Ginger.

[@tombryan720]

Great tutorial!

[@cherylgall5125]

I just want to say I’m a fan you’ve taught me a lot. I’ve noticed your lovely giraffes picture in the background .With all the beautiful paintings you’ve done I’m surprised you don’t change them up and show them off. Your bloopers are super cute. You’re super talented hopefully I’ll be at least half as talented as you thanks for your video’s

[@brandikellerscraftcorner2325]

I love your videos💙

[@anissasaadi3041]

Very good tutorial. Thanks a lot for your tips.

[@2010ymg]

You’re such a great teacher. This subject is so difficult for us, distance learners, but your explanation is straightforward and easy to understand. Thank you very much! (And the bloopers are adorable).

[@watercoloracademy1083]

Gosh you deserve 10m subscribers

[@debbiebruce6920]

Thanks for sharing all of your tips on how to soften edges. I learned so much watching this video. Your paintings are amazing!

[@jaapongeveer6203]

Great techniques!

[@joansmith5010]

Very helpful, Thankyou so much.

[@juneservant34]

Love your t-shirt and really enjoy your videos right to the end. Lol

[@sherrieleslie7478]

Thank you. So helpful.

[@patriciamcpherson4667]

This video has helped me a lot. You are a great teacher thank you for sharing this.

[@pamelarivers3924]

Great video!!! Thank you!!!

[@joddiew]

I love your bloopers! Thank you for sharing the behind the scenes and thank you so much for creating all the videos. It helped me a lot as I only just started watercolour.

[@pattycyr8662]

Excellent video - incredible. You are a fantastic teacher.

[@kimotten9885]

This was so helpful -- especially the "What not to do" sections. Having a real-time demonstration of what can go wrong and how to fix it is really appreciated.

[@schoonergirl2658]

Your videos are so enjoyable, informative and amusing! Not many people would include their bloopers but it adds such a nice, warm, human touch. Thank you Louise for sharing so much of your delightful humor!😊

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you so much! 😀

[@diannaa5631]

Very helpful thank you

[@rowenacorlett3146]

Great tutorial again Louise - I think you have also shown how tricky this can be!

[@fanatlarge]

This was an eyeopener for me. Very helpful, thank you!

[@DarylBambic]

Love the t-shirt!

[@onamissionjpg1658]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@awatercolourist]

Thanks 🙂

[@angiewinchell446]

Very informative, thank you for your excellent instructions! 😊

[@patriciaespinozarodriguez2403]

I noticed your personalized T-Shirt....I really like it 👍...your name is already a well known international brand Louise!!! 😉

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Lol- thank you Patricia.

[@michellewainer7419]

Perfect, thank you so much. You explain things so well. Love to see the examples. Several “aha” moments for me!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Perfect! Thanks Michelle.

[@nkguenther1]

Very helpful, Louise. Thank you! I like your t-shirt, too!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

I'm glad. Thank you Nancy! 😃

[@yapwaimei]

Appreciate your sharing and tips of creating soft and hard edge. It’s a very detailed video! Thank you so much!

[@SalmaK.Shamshad]

Thanks alot for this video. I always look forward to the bloopers. Makes me laugh. 😁💕

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Glad you like them! Thank you Salma.

[@LifenaDay525]

❤️ this tutorial the most! Very helpful. “So when I paint” I make sure no one see’s it. 😬😉

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Lol- thank you!

[@coloringwithd]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. You cleared up quite a bit for this true beginner. One question that I wasn't sure that I heard an answer for or if it was even addressed or relevant for this video is, can you fix a a water bloom? If so how? I painted something and I somehow got two blooms. I didn't see it until it dried. I tried to fix it and it is a sore thumb. Thank you again for this video. It shed light on areas I'm having issues with. ♥♥♥

[@AlpayBeler]

You are the best, Louise.❤️ Great tutorial! Thank you!

[@shereehanna6230]

Thank you for such helpful tips, and I love that you share your outtakes too! You have such a beautiful gift....thanks for sharing it with us!

[@VictorSeremet]

Great tutorial! Very well explained when to use and how to achieve soften paint edges.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks Victor.

[@bridgettecomellas91]

What an incredibly gifted teacher you are Louise! Thank you for the lessons

[@gratefulperson6]

Thank you for this excellent video. The subject of course is very helpful. Your language concise and clear and the editing to bring in examples from previous videos is timely and crisp. Do you have a production team or is video production also a still you’ve mastered?

[@lydiabosley9152]

Hi Louise! Excellent tutorial, very helpful and complete, thanks. Love the bloopers as always, and the new T-shirt looks great, I am going to see what I might like to order (maybe a PURPLE hoodie!) 💜💛💚

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks so much Lydia! 😊🥰

[@varshakoli8706]

Love your tee!! Thank you for sharing different techniques with us..

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Any time! Thanks very much Varsha.

[@kellypreviti6963]

Wonderful!! Great new details I've picked up. And of course, keep those out-takes coming. Love them!!!

[@nanschifris8734]

Great video and the shirt is 🤩

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Nan! 😁

[@rmuller366]

Thank you for this thorough tutorial on softening, Louise. You’ve answered about a million questions I’ve had on this subject. I’m especially grateful for the teaching on how to soften a hard edge. I keep getting this technique either too early, or too late. As you said, PRACTICE. I’m getting there. So happy I found your channel. New subscriber, and a big fan. Blessings to you!

[@setasworld]

Thank you so much for this excellent tutorial!

[@Aydeet2]

Excellent video, Louise...thanks so much!!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks Edie.

[@laurenfox5684]

this was very very EXCELLENT! Thank you for taking your time, to teach us, your sample paint examples really helped me, as Hard edges "intimidate" me, so then I get mud, a lot.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks Lauren.

[@lindacmiller948]

A brilliant tutorial! Thank you for sharing your talent!

[@kimh5768]

Very helpful tutorial. Thank you! 😊

[@LouiseDeMasi]

You're very welcome! Thanks Kim.

[@citizenoftheworldsz9]

this was excellent! so many different scenarios explained, so clearly, loved it! thank you so much!

[@TheKat7464]

This was so helpful! Thanks a million!!

[@tynaheadrick-phipps6768]

Excellent video, I appreciate the time you take to explain the techniques so clearly.

[@gigi5450]

I have you on Patreon, but come here for the out takes, I just love them ...lol thank you for the laughs xx

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Glad you like them! Thanks Gigi.

[@Silpart]

I always wait to see your painting ☺️❤️

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you so much 😀

[@danielsutton2290]

A very important video. Catches the vast majority of edge building in watercolor. I’m going to try these with gouache.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks Daniel.

[@SarahNewburyArt]

I always get really excited every time you upload a new video Louise and I love the t-shirt! Still need to get an eradicate brush though! Have a lovely weekend 😊💜

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks so much Sarah! A lovely weekend for you too 😘.

[@izzitme2707]

Happy Friday! Thank you for another wonderful tutorial. Your patient explanations are always so useful and easy to remember. And your birds! They are so, so beautiful. will the bird you are painting in the demo be on Patreon soon?

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you! Happy Friday to you too. No they were paintings I did a while ago and I don't have all of the footage for them. I'd have to paint new ones.

[@jakea1035]

Thank you.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

You're welcome!

[@barryedgington6812]

Hello Louise, thank you so much for this vide. It’s so important and useful, especially for a beginner with watercolour. I realize how practice and practice and patience is the key to succeeding I can’t wait to join you on Parteon in the beginning of June. It’s too bad that we live so far from each other. I live in Ottawa, Ontario. Canada. I enjoy your videos so so much. Thanks again. Helene Edgington

[@SuzanneLegault]

Nice t-shirt Louise! As always entertaining and immensely informative 👍

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Glad you liked it! Thanks Suzanne.

[@ShahanoorMamun]

Outstanding Watercolor !! Good tutorials ❤️👍👍

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you so much 😀

[@jasperlotushawkins7607]

Hi Louise! I absolutely love your spirit and deeply appreciate your generous sharing. You’re a fantastic painter and teacher. Your t-shirts are cool and you’re recent livestream with your guy was fun! All best, your fan Jasper Lotus. 🙂🙏🏽⭐️

[@shelaine22]

As a beginner, this is wonderful! But, my question is, how do you fix a hard edge when you are layering on top of a background?

[@scarz1951]

Great vid. Chock full of useful info and tips. I always like shots of paintings you have done that you use to demonstrate the techniques. I crack up at the bloopers and out takes. You're almost as good as Mr. Bean. Yup. Rowan better watch out or you may have his spot on the telly.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you! Lol.... Mr Bean hey? 😝

[@vickiestewart7394]

As always, wonderful and helpful tips for all watercolorists, and thank you SO much for your extremely useful insights here and on your even more thorough, exciting and hysterical :) PATREON site!!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Glad it was helpful Vickie! Thank you. Enjoy your weekend. 😘

[@SharonH11100]

Very helpful, as always ~ thank you!🙋🏼‍♀️

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Pleasure. So glad! Thank you Sharon.

[@donnafriend153]

Another informative video. Thank you, nice t-shirt also!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Donna!

[@loriannferraioli2698]

This was a great tutorial. Learned so much. Thank you.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Glad it was helpful!

[@yvettebonilla8739]

Thank you. So well explained

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks Yvette.

[@Marilynnr53]

Thank you for sharing. This has been very helpful.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

My pleasure. Thanks Marilynn.

[@michemman]

Hey Louise So to clarify, a staining colour like a phthalo, as a dry hard edge mark, is able to be softened better with two things 1) great paper that can take scrubbing like Arches and 2) a wet but not soppy, hog bristle brush with shorter length like the eradicator length...? Do you ever get called away, or distracted, and have to do these repairs? How annoying and exasperating to be interupted while doing our practice , eh it is a bugger factor? I don't seem to recall you using many staining colours, if at all? You seem to like WIndsor and Newton professional, and have limited palettes. I love it when you put the Windsor Violet down seems to be such a lovely warm shadow colour a signature thing you do. Loving how you bleed to the background, also a style choice that is unique to your practice. Does white paper still scare you? Or when you do details, is that scary still? Or when you are nearly finished and touching up something? I love how your backgrounds have been progressing and becoming your unique style.... Also have you ever tried to wet your paper after you work, on a thicker Arches, to flatten it later and either use a hairdrier or place it onto a pane of glass with tape while soppy? I recall in one of your videos a while back asking for any suggestions to your practice. I think though, you like your process of getting ready, your standard getting in the mood practice of making a drum, with tape and staples, and stretching it, so you can think about what and how while you do these steps...and if so, you must have to consider losing the paper and allowing for waste, time and extra cost, and making your paper non standard sizes for hanging...? In your case this process is valuable as it adds to your mindfulness? Or is it a bugger factor to still do this stretching? You also seem to be a quiet person by nature, and a perfectionist, so that is why you have to practice your watercolour even though you know it well, and still get used to the camera on you and wary of how you look and sound? Like it never gets any easier for you to be anything less and the struggle is real? Thanks again, for listening to my rant, Louise. I love watercolour, collect many, do some, and have worked with Jane Blundell a few times. I found this video informative with a lot of tips, even after many years....it is great to see and hear you say the same old things in a different way, lucky it seems to click at just the right time. Now I will go and practice making and correcting these hard edge marks.... In kindred spirit Eliza in Dulwich Hill, Sydney, Australia xx

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Hi Eliza, Thank you for your message! Staining colours are much more difficult to remove/correct/reduce but you could try a stiffer brush as long as you are using Arches paper and are being gentle with your rubbing. Other paper doesn't stand up to it- I have found. I've never tried to straighten wavy paper after it was dry but I've seen others wet the back of it evenly with a brush and sandwich it between two sheets of clean sign board or gator board or something like that and weigh it down with heavy books for a few days. I find stretching paper to be a chore but it doesn't take long and I'd much rather paint on flat paper and have a flat painting when I've finished. I hope you are getting some painting time! 💕

[@monicaeggleton8894]

Thank you for the detailed explanation. I am just now starting to play with using watercolor paint. I have used acrylic paints for years and can see my big mistake in the transfer of hard edges to the use of watercolors. HUGE insight for me. My huge question now is getting my subject form on the paper. Do you do an outline on the paper? Do you sketch it out on another paper as a close reference? If you sketch, do you leave that light pencil line behind on your completed work? Thank you for all your time and attention to my note. Following for sure! Peace, Monica

[@rnee1000]

Very helpful. Thank you Louise. Will there some day be a tutorial on that orchid painting?

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Renee. Not this one. It's an old painting - I didn't film all of it. I'd need to paint a new painting to make a full length tutorial.