Paint and Water Consistency in Watercolor: Beginner Watercolor Tips

Beginner watercolor painters often strike difficulties trying to understand the different paint consistencies that are used when painting in watercolor. In this video I simplify the paint consistencies that I use into three main levels and I use my paintings to demonstrate how I use each consistency.
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My tutorials are full length. They are great for beginners through to experienced painters because I take you step by step through my entire painting process. Line drawings, progress photos and a copy of my completed painting are provided.
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More Watercolour Tutorials here on KZbin: 💦
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[@bonnieg4076]

(Smile) I have a coffee consistency, it occurs when I dunk my brush into my coffee cup.

[@BelindaPort]

Exactly what I did yesterday!😂

[@dustydesert1674]

🤣🤣🤣

[@bevmarch8383]

I have done this too!

[@danielgirl283]

😂😂😂

[@templetreecove]

Louise you’re such a sweetheart. Not only the content is so much to the point and helpful with the examples shown ,Your voice is the kindest I’ve ever heard . 😊🙏🏼

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Siddharth. 💕

[@gmom525]

I’ve tried them all. I agree. The Rosemary & Co. eradication is THE BEST. Totally worth it.

[@joeyjoe7930]

This was VERY helpful! Thank you for sharing all your wisdom. Not only do your teach us these invaluable techniques, but you also give us motivation to paint more and learn more!

[@lynnhass5994]

Thank you, Louise - much easier to see and understand than the “milky” and “creamy” descriptions. I always feel that I have a better understanding of the concepts after hearing and seeing your demonstrations. We are all so fortunate that you take the time to help us. 😊

[@terrismith5649]

Your so articulate. From out takes I know it's a challenge at times. With everything you do and explain I can't imagine. I am sure I speak for everyone how much it is appreciated . This lesson was NOt explained ever to me! I have been trying for years to paint.

[@deborahgonsalves35]

Love your last few minutes of quirky errors when recording... it's so cute and hilarious. Checking out a lot of your videos as I just beginning with water colour painting medium after acrylic. Finding it very challenging and different

[@user-ls7mw8rk3k]

I just finished taking my first watercolor class with a renowned artist. You complement him in an excellent way! Thank you!

[@uuugyes]

I'm subscribing to your channel because having watched many watercolour tutorials, I began to realise when I was painting that there were actions made by the painter that I wasn't seeing on screen: dipping the water pot, out of shot,: drying the brush, out of shot: picking up more pigment, out of shot. And these actions were clearly making a significant difference. This video of yours on mixing doesn't have those weaknesses and I been searching for this for a while now, so thank you, thank you for your perception of our difficulties and realising what was needed to address them!

[@louannramirez4278]

Oh you are so right! I love these videos for the same exact reasons.

[@jtpaar1732]

I couldn't think of a better way to show us some of your other lovely paintings! Always lots to learn from you, Louise. Thank you!

[@TheEmpan85]

I'm a huge fan of your amazing pieces Louise! I absolutely cried my eyes out over the fanrtastic bloopers! please include these more in the future! its great to see that such a pro like you can have some little hiccups at times :,D ♥ You're amazing! keep up the amazing work and grats on your studio! :,3 Love from Sweden! & a fellow watercolor enthustiast!

[@lydiashemain9746]

An AWESOME explanation Louise as always. Your beginner videos are super, beyond compare.

[@alicechampagne7091]

Thank you for the tip on sponging up the excess water from the paper before adding pigment. Simple to do and highly effective!

[@roxannemaguire9844]

This is the best video demonstration of paint consistencies I've ever seen 😍 Thank you so much, Louise!!! It's such an integral part of painting well in watercolor, but so hard to explain! Much appreciated! And loved seeing how it applies to some of your lovely paintings ❤

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks very much Roxanne.

[@rowena_nmart]

I agree! Some watercolourists explain the consistencies like tea, milk, cream and even something else... I find it a bit intimidating and just too much. Louise's theory is much more intuitive at least for me. :)

[@debwarren608]

You are amazing, both as an artist, and as a teacher. Thank you for sharing your artwork and your knowledge of watercolor with us!

[@s.terris9537]

Your tutorial about paint consistency was Extremely Helpful to me. I am still a beginner and have made many of the mistakes you demonstrated already. Your explanations about correction are kind and encouraging, which I appreciate. Thank you for the demonstrations alongside of your pallette - and for slowing the process down. Best wishes!

[@BeeCeeCreations]

Thank you sooo much for that tips, exactly what I need now for my beginning of my watercolor journey. Coming from painting with acrylic, working with watercolor is so much different and harder. So I'm so thankful for your tutorials and tips ❤

[@SarahNewburyArt]

Wonderful video Louise, thank you! You always explain everything so clearly and it’s always such a treat to see you demonstrate the techniques using several previous paintings. Have a great weekend! 😊x

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks so much Sarah. 😊 💕

[@pipfox7834]

so thoughtfully explained, so clear and understandable and thorough - a true teacher. Thankyou Louise... you are providing much needed help that is not easy to find on the internet or from books!

[@lindabullock6159]

You are a wonderful teacher Louise. I appreciate you so much. 💕

[@christinejharts]

Thank you so much Louise, this is very helpful. Paint and water ratios are indeed very difficult - your patience and expertise are invaluable ❤

[@deborahthomas1617]

I prefer this instruction of skills like paint mixing and density so much better than the videos that demonstrate grab and go techniques.

[@gwenhafford4112]

Thank you for sharing your watercolor expertise, Louise. I love your painting techniques and your soft, pleasant voice. I always learn something new from your tutorials. 😊

[@bdcorgimom]

Such a great explanation of when to use dry or wet papers and how to know how much water to add to paint. This was very helpful!

[@gillianbc]

A very useful episode indeed. I liked how it focused on one skill and how it was used in a variety of your previous paintings. Could you please do a similarly focused episode on adding shadows?

[@alisonhendry2928]

I second that!

[@optimisticgal]

I am a beginner, and this really helps thank you!

[@mohdilyas9587]

You are a good teacher for water colour

[@patriciajlou4183]

Merci Louise pour toutes ces explications ! Personne jusqu’à présent ne m’avait donner toutes ces astuces et conseils très avisés, je pense très sincèrement que vous êtes mon artiste préférée, j’aime votre simplicité, votre générosité, votre talent, et votre dicton …… 😊 Je vais sûrement aller faire un tour sur Patreon si j’y arrive, car la technologie et moi ……. Je vous suis assidûment, ne vous arrêtez jamais de peindre, votre Art est si beau !! Merci, pour tout Louise, je vous suis très reconnaissante. À très bientôt. Patricia

[@kerrylewendon9042]

Oh gosh, your bloopers are so charming x

[@barefacedquestions]

Thank you Louise. This way of thinking about paint-water consistency is much easier to understand and remember than the coffee-millk analogy because I'm from a country where coffee is often made as thick as pouring cream 😄.

[@louannramirez4278]

Thank you for this video! It showed up on my feed at the perfect time. It answered so many of my frustrations. I couldn’t figure out what I was doing wrong. Now I know and what an improvement. Subtle tricks that made such a difference for me! Again thank you. You are the best!

[@claudettepanico8550]

Thank you for these examples of water amounts verses paint and watered downed paint to wet paper….great and clear explanation and examples.

[@user-oc8el9ve5f]

You are so talented! Looks like you can make a painting of anything and they are all lovely. Such a good teacher.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks so much 😊

[@VanmeterFL]

I agree with Siddharth. Your voice is so soothing. Doing lessons with you is 1/2 art and 1/2 therapy! As much time as I spend in the kitchen, when I was once told the three consistencies are similar to tea, coffee, milk, and cream, it really resonated. I guess I'd add the 5th consistency to this example as "paste". Breaking it down to only 3 consistencies makes it even easier. Thank you very much for ALL your lessons. Looking forward to many more in the new studio!

[@deborahthomas1617]

Thanks for sharing how and why. I like that you demonstrate taking time patience and skill

[@juliec.]

This is a super helpful tutorial. I’ve been subscribed for about 2 years now and you never disappoint. You are a very talented artist and your artwork is so stunning. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. 👍👍

[@LizWilsonArt]

So true , practice is the only way to improve. Thanks so much

[@alisonhendry2928]

Wow! Karma does play a role in my life! This is PERFECT timing from you Louise. I am going to share this with my “ Team Beginner” class I am teaching at the moment. We have reviewed these concepts and you have explained them even better! ( no surprise as you are brilliant teacher!) I hope you get 15 more subscribers and maybe some Patreon followers as I will encourage them ( again) to follow you. The words you use are fabulous and clear! Even I have a reason now for why I do something like apply water to a larger area to work the first wash, instead of just intuitively doing it.( 9 years of practice of course which I forget counts too 😂😂) loved how you explained the paint consistency too! Much easier than tea, coffee, milk and cream. So glad to see you so well and voice sounding much better. Stay healthy! Hugs from Texas.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks so much Alison. I hope you enjoy teaching and spreading the love we have for painting in watercolour. 😘💕

[@symphonymoussighi1309]

Indeed she is a watercolor angeles 😇.

[@litamason9083]

The bloopers are a gem 😂

[@judymills873]

I so needed this! I now know that I was using way to much water. Thank you!

[@barbaramain6381]

Love your humour too!! You're a hoot 😂

[@lorirogers1911]

As a beginner, I have really struggled with paint consistency and really appreciate your video and clear explanations and demonstrations. Thank you!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

My pleasure. Thank you Lori.

[@petelangforduk]

Another great lesson. Greetings from Cornwall.

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

It’s always so impressive to watch you work! Thank you for sharing these helpful tips with us ❤️ your paintings are awe inspiring!

[@jocelynluna9828]

I “LOVE” ❤️❤️❤️ your videos. Thank you. And your voice is so pleasant to the ear! Thank you so much!

[@smdstr]

I really appreciate you showing us a failed painting. I often feel fear to paint. Even fine artists like you make failed paintings... that encourages me a lot.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

I'm glad. I have had more than I can count. Thank you!

[@Joodster]

Thank you for demystifying water control-it's very helpful. And I got a real chuckle as you worked your way through the flubs at the end of the video. :D

[@joykruczay]

This is useful for painters of all levels. I still use too much water at times, as I used to watch a TV program with Alwyn Crawshaw who always stated, "Bags of water!" What is so very helpful is the outstanding close-up photography, in which one can readily see the moisture content.

[@janierimer7371]

I love love your tutorials. And your outtakes are hilarious. Keep them coming,..

[@genas.joy.artist]

I absolutely love watching your videos! I learn so much

[@ericakauffman5786]

I always learn from you and feel inspired. I also always laugh hard with the bloopers at the end. Thank you for including those.

[@karenteaford8783]

Loved your out takes at the end- I would never have believed you could make any errors or be so funny!! You have helped me continue with water coloring even when my progress has been slow or frustrating! Thankyou!

[@mermaid01]

Wow as I was watching and listening you answered my unspoken thoughts and "what ifs" Thank you so much for your clear concise tutorial, I am re-inspired to try watercolours after losing confidence in my abilities 🙏🏻💯💐

[@martinullrich655]

Thanks sharing your knowledge!

[@annehale4462]

So helpful, thank you! I’m going to watch again and practise, practise. Ps Did anyone else think that painting of the two cockatoos was a fail?!! 😂

[@dijosephine9556]

Hi Louise. What a fantastic teaching video. So helpful especially for new people. Excellent 👏👍❤️

[@wandaeades7274]

Thank you for teaching me about hard and soft edges. An artist once said they didnt want anyone copying their work. I couldnt have laughed harder. My birds would never compare to anyone elses because I am new to watercolor. I'm lucky if the eye looks correct!!!! I cant even paint feathers !!!

[@unassembledzone8093]

You are so beautiful just like a doll.. I wonder how you might have looked when you were young. Thanks for teaching us for free.😊😊

[@janettepolt2815]

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! Thanks, now I get it.

[@donnacarraway9182]

One of the very best tutorials on this subject that I have ever seen!! Wish I had known on my first lesson! Thanks to you others can learn this and I can review from time to time! Thank you!!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks very much Donna.

[@mharris7832]

GREAT TEACHER!! THANK YOU

[@jennw6809]

I do love these videos where you show several different paintings as examples as you explain a concept! This is an especially great subject, since everyone on YT talks about "water control" but does not really explain what that is. I also like Handprint where Bruce explains it as a triangle where you have to find a balance between paper wetness, brush wetness, and paint concentration.

[@nkguenther1]

Thank you so much, Louise. You always explain things so clearly. I’m now doing more advanced painting but this was still helpful. Looking forward to the simplicity of that beautiful rose. ♥️

[@ginabadeaux9319]

i missed you .i havent heard your sweet voice in a long time.i love learning from you and the funny endings

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Gina.

[@carollegros8671]

Thank you. You addressed all my issues with watercolour

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks Carol.

[@Anise.0911]

thank you! You always explain everything so clearly and it’s always such a treat to see you demonstrate the techniques using several previous paintings

[@t.fedelis109]

I suoi consigli sono stati davvero preziosi.graZie

[@litamason9083]

Most helpful tutorial I’ve come across so far!! I just joined your Patreon and can’t wait to get started! I’ll likely start with your hummingbird tutorial.

[@tammiecampos1928]

Great lesson. Thanks for sharing.

[@1171]

Thank you 😊 I appreciate your knowledge.

[@ArtActivePk]

Just unbelievable

[@jandaniel9133]

Thank you for sharing such an informative lesson. You are so good at explaining. Always a joy when you post. Your little outtakes are such fun.

[@phyllissanfiorenzful]

Beautiful!

[@1171]

As always excellent and I know I must practice,practice and Practice thank you for your help.

[@RANHEN1]

Great tips thanks!

[@Leonardo.de.A]

This is precious for beginners! Thank you!

[@mariahellerstedt9577]

Ty 🤩 gratings from Sweden 🇸🇪 🌸

[@carolphilbrooks-clark937]

Thank you, Louise, such a helpful explanation!

[@jackiesills4287]

I learned sooooo much, thankyou💕

[@joycohen938]

Thank you - super helpful :)

[@madhuraichura9454]

Excellent work - thank you

[@kevinmcgovern5110]

Thank you again, Louise. FWIW, I learned back in the day to start a landscape by doing a light wash of the sky color over the entire paper-just a noticeable difference over the plain paper itself. This “poisons” all the highlights and shadows with sky color which occurs naturally, a wonderful characteristic of watercolor! Oils, not so much… Enjoy!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

A great tip. Thanks for sharing Kevin!

[@eze3572]

Wonderful advice thank you!!

[@chodge57]

So very helpful! Thank-you! Love your bloopers!

[@elainehilliard9508]

Very helpful! Thank you for sharing.

[@clairemoore2753]

Thank you for this video, very helpful.

[@cherylbrewer5844]

Thank you Louise for a very helpful video 😊

[@BBNIC77]

Thank you very much, it is a valuable demonstration, I love your videos !

[@Alanis.morresete]

Thank you for this class Louise! You explained greatlly!

[@meerasous2567]

thank you, it is very clear information.

[@kerrylewendon9042]

Thank you, that was so clear and helpful.

[@mycreativeescape]

Thank you for a wonderful video ❤️

[@wendylinsen3900]

Very helpful Louise. Great instructions. Thank you

[@2craftygranny]

Very helpful video - thank you

[@sharonsunshine2532]

Thank you for sharing your talent.

[@donnalieblick8478]

Thank you for your concise explanations and examples. Excellent!

[@MsMoniqueWilson]

Always so helpful!

[@claudiaacciolyconstantinid9023]

Thank you very much, Louise! 🥰🙏🏻

[@jo-annejacques5400]

Thank you for the demonstration Louise. This is very helpful information

[@janicehayes7121]

Thanks so much. Your tips are really helpful

[@jokefehling-kooijman8943]

Louise thank you so much for this video. I’ve learned so much from your video’s.