Stepping Outside my Comfort Zone // Painting a Figure in Watercolor

[@Bees123Knees]

I'm so happy to say I'm one of your patrons, Louise. You are, hands down, the best online watercolor teacher that I've been able to find. I can say that out of every single tutorial of yours, that I chose to paint, has been a success. I can't tell you how great that feels after months and months of frustration trying to follow other artist's tutorials. Being a good artist does not necessarily mean they are also good teachers, but you are meticulous at both. Thank you for stepping outside your comfort zone.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you so much Debra. That is wonderful to know. I'm so pleased that you are improving now after months of frustration. 💕

[@nettiemoss324]

I couldn't agree more Debra - and I chose to be a patron of Louise for exactly the same reason: others who set themselves up to be tutors here would do well to watch - and learn.

[@jakea1035]

It is so good to know that even really talented artists like yourself, have areas outside of their comfort zone. Excellent first attempt.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Jake. I'll keep at it.

[@MelanCholy2001]

You're so hilarious! @2:28 "my husband... that was when he had hair" 😂😂😂

[@MD-hk8xq]

I love how you say confidence is a fragile thing! It really is and you are so wise that setting yourself up for success is such a good strategy to keep moving forward...baby steps for me. Thank you!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Yes Thank you MD! So much still to learn 💕

[@INCWorks]

"I'm going to stop now before I wreck it." Hehe. It's nice to see that even the highly accomplished have those moments.

[@arabesquejacob8176]

You are the Watercolour whisperer, there’s nothing you can’t do ! I love the bloopers at the end, hilarious 😂 thank you 🙏

[@jacqulynhilyard1561]

You have the human figure down pat in this one; the draping of fabric as well, wonderful work, thank you for sharing!

[@theresaplant7294]

Baby steps and then one giant leap for Louise Di

[@patriziacathey605]

Your painting does not reflect any of your uncertainty.Masterful results!

[@heidikaplan5110]

Totally ‘get’ and agree with your “baby steps” comment. It IS so linked to confidence. All it takes is one tough painting to shake that fragile trust in oneself..

[@donnajuchtzer576]

This tutorial was very helpful. I love how you teach and the details you explain. Thank you for your time and expertise. Look forward to your next video.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you Donna.

[@debsg66]

Once again, you have made me feel as if I could actually do this! Watching you paint and listening to you to describe your moves is soooo relaxing!!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Debra!

[@marianbonney5379]

Love how you describe your actions so clearly. It is especially good for us newcomers. Thank you.

[@patricianichols4491]

OH my Heavens! I'm so glad to find that someone else besides myself also experiences "Slearning" (shocked {but smiling} faces all around the room) I truly am. LOLOLOLOL I kid you not! I have (without even trying) used that word....and managed to slearn myself around for years now. (and laugh about it and just tell all around me I did it all on purpose) Sadly, I'm the one who often fell while walking "up" the stairs...that sort of thing, so it was easy to convince folks I was being serious. LOL! Oh me....Oh us. "SLEARN onward" my friend! Happily!!! You're teaching thousands of us and we LOVE it!!!!!

[@nettiemoss324]

Fantastic Louise! I can't think of anyone better to show me how to start with figures - so thank you!

[@barryedgington6812]

Louise, you should be proud of your painting. You did very well painting your hubby fishing. I really enjoyed watching this video. Thanks for sharing. Helene

[@sharonriley4297]

You are my favorite artist on KZbin! My husband surprise me with art lessons online but didn't realize I wanted your patreon page. So I'm stuck for a year with the person he subscribed for me I'm doing their lessons but really want to do yours. When the year is up I plan on subscribing to your patreon page. I watch your videos on KZbin everyday I love your birds and flowers, and I learn more from your KZbin videos than I do from these online courses I'm doing now. I can't wait to become a patreon on your Channel. I have worked with graphite and colored pencils all my life, and I decided to try watercolor. I think that your patreon page will be so much better for me. Thank you for your beautiful videos.

[@debbiebuttars5598]

Louise, you can paint anything! This is wonderful. Thanks for sharing this learning process. I’m just now starting to try painting people. I’ve been asked to do “faceless” paintings. These are strange to me and I don’t really get the trend. I think it was started by artists who felt uncomfortable painting facial features! I will be watching your progress and following your instruction. Thank you so much for all of your videos. It’s hard to express how much I appreciate you, your articulate process descriptions, your sweet personality and your outtakes! ❤️❤️❤️

[@tdpierce30]

You make me smile. : ) I have gathered my materials and watched dozens of videos of watercolor artists at work. Your videos are by far my favorite. I will attempt my first painting soon using your guidance. Thank you for your clear instructions and attention to detail!

[@graziacavasino8884]

As light and precise at the same time as usual!

[@SuperExadidas]

Truly inspiring, thank you Louise.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Willie. 💕

[@allthumbs3792]

I love watching you work. Everything comes to life. With your talent and medium experience I can’t imagine any subject is out of your grasp.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you! I've got to get my head around things first. I think we stop ourselves from trying things because we tell ourselves we can't do it.

[@watercolornewbies]

Great video Louise! I absolutely agree with baby steps. I'm finding I'm learning more by painting SIMPLE studies. We wouldn't expect someone to drive a car in one lesson - so often as adults we expect ourselves to be great painters sraight away and don't give ourselves the chance to LEARN! I love that you are modelling the learning process.

[@Horsewoman-pt2ku]

I love this and have watched many times. It reminds me so much of my late husband who passed away suddenly 3 years ago. His first love was fishing. I even have a picture similar of him like yours. The back of your husband and clothes are ditto with mine. Someday soon I will paint it.

[@lyndamcculloch8943]

I have never painted people in watercolor either, you have given me confidence in giving it a try. I love that I can learn step by step from you how you painted it. I love listening to the birds singing in the background. Thank you once again for your wonderful videos and I enjoy the ones on Patreon, well worth the investment.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Wonderful! Thanks so much Lynda. I've put the line drawing and photo etc on Patreon so you can have a play if you're interested.

[@adriennesaracen6525]

You’re a wonderful artist in whatever medium or subject you use and an outstanding teacher. Thank you for another great tutorial.

[@glendaolsen4907]

I love your style of painting and your outtakes afterward.

[@carlosamato9162]

Love your honesty, modesty.

[@jhkennedy8968]

This is so great as it clearly shows what has to be done BEFORE starting a painting. It’s a bit daunting but your calm, methodical approch is very encouraging and gives me confidence to try. Thank you 😊

[@dencraftcreations]

A big wow! Your painting came out wonderfully.

[@jeannie5085]

Thank you Louise, you are inspiring both as an artist and teacher!

[@lindachitarra6530]

Looking forward to having a go at this. As usual Louise you are so down to earth and express the feelings so many of us have when trying something outside our comfort zone. Thank you so much.

[@oilpastels3886]

I am loving your tutorials. Your presentation style is so clear and well paced. You are a gifted artist but so in tune with us as students

[@melodiasinger]

Wwwuuuooouuuu la primera vez que pinta figura humana 😳😳 es perfecto!!! Todo en el!!! Fantástico 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💖💖💖😍😍 Gracias por enseñar!!!

[@judithf9297]

Louise, you are such an amazing artist, it’s a joy for me to watch and listen to you. Not to mention your sense of humor. I am fascinated by watercolor painting, I wish I was like 40 years younger lol to learn it...i know, i know it’s never too late, but I think it is for me...i cannot draw at all., I am a retired concert violinist and I find such peace and enjoyment in coloring...I do color with markers,but lately mostly with watercolor markers... was thinking to try watercolor,just baby steps,as you say...to me it’s fascinating even just swatching colors, and see them explode on wet paper...or to mix them ...it’s amazing....and if I want to watch a real artist at work, I watch you,and maybe 1 or 2 other artists, but especially you...thank you so much for sharing your talent and your wisdom, especially in these hard times, it’s so welcome and brings peace 👌 Stay safe and healthy and I am waiting for your next video ❣️ You are just as amazing painting a figure, and even though confidence is fragile, but you have it deep inside so it won’t break, it will only grow 🙂

[@RachelleDaiglemacoach]

Hi Louise, I discovered you a few months ago and have incorporated many of your tips in to my paintings. I think i have improved significantly thanks to you. Like you I mix mostly on the paper, for me it is because i am colour blind and I trust what the paper will do more that what my eyes can perceive. I have replicated 3 of your tuturals so far. thanks for your contribution to help so many of us become more confident, daring and happy!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Wonderful! Thank you Rachelle. 💕

[@moorejewel]

Thank you Louise for another informative video. I learn so much from you and appreciate your generosity and candor. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@rachaelmatheson9587]

I really appreciate that you described being out of your comfort zone based on subject matter... it’s so weird that I didn’t think that through for myself and damaged my own confidence by attempting a difficult subject (for me) without applying any baby steps first. It’s so useful to hear you talk about this as I don’t feel like I’m just making excuses or giving in to fear! Thank you!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Rachael. Slow and steady works best for me. Otherwise I know I'll get discouraged.

[@deniseshockley]

Louise, you did a fabulous job, I would have never guessed that you haven’t done people before

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Denise. I chose an easy photo to work from.

[@leaheagono8262]

That is how I started trying to paint people. I actually painted my youtube "profile" picture on the left as my first attempt. Slow and steady. I worked on tiny little sections at a time. As you said baby steps! You did a beautiful job! I love watching your techniques! ❤

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Leah. 💕

[@lada7539]

Louise, you are a very good artist, and a teacher👏 also have nice personality 🌺 Love watching you, and learning too Thanks

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you so much YP!

[@lydiashemain9746]

You’re a joy to watch. So inspiring.

[@ann-marielofberg1159]

It’s fun to see how You use the colour, some are expected and then not so expected. I must fascinated by the not expected one and they went very very good.

[@isalawton6239]

Always Look forward to your next watercolor subjects. I have painted lots of your birds, my favorite to paint besides flowers! I’m now venturing on my own ideas and subjects.This one of your husband came out so well and realistic. I need to learn to paint human subjects and landscapes, not my favorites! You truly are one of my preferred artist to watch and have learned so much from you. Thanks for giving me the courage to go ahead with my watercolors.❤️

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Wonderful! Thank you Isa. Keep at it. It's a beautiful journey.

[@barbaraonisko8989]

Sooo good. Loved it all. You have great talent. I really enjoy your bloopers. Keep doing those. Made me laugh out loud.

[@hissyfitz7890]

Excellent job; very brave of you to face your fears in public.

[@cynthiakeith8760]

Beautiful tutorial... lovely finished painting.

[@sueshanks9447]

The detail you have in the shadowing is great. You have such a steady hand. I also liked seeing how to painted the rocks.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Sue. The rocks were the easy part. 😝

[@brendasnow8255]

I love to watercolor, and I’m so glad I found you, because your paintings have the effect I want. You’ve actually inspired me to get out my paints. This lesson is great because I have a couple of special photos I took of my grandkids that I’ve always wanted to paint in watercolor. Thank you!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

I'm so glad! Thanks Benda.

[@angelomanriquejr541]

Nice to see that and hear that you’re going out your comfort zone. Very lovely and sweet voice.

[@BarbrajoanOriginals]

It’s always a joy to watch you paint. Sometime ago I learned the importance of mixing these grays with burnt sienna and ultra blue. So much can be done with it mixing in a touch of warm or color to suit the need. My Payne’s Gray is Daniel Smith but is not as blue as yours. I sometimes use indigo for these darks although it’s very staining. Thank you sharing your knowledge. Still love your ‘out takes’ .

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Barbara. I think Burnt Sienna and French Ultramarine are my two most used colours.

[@lauracarter3408]

I love your beautiful painting with its beautiful shadows. Thank you!

[@noellaq8056]

Wonderful. Thank you for the tutorial ... what a great Souvenir for your husband. I don’t think he will mind the hair comment .... 🥰 considering the good job you did on the painting.

[@janinacooper4199]

Kudos to you for being brave and facing fears!!! I think the picture turned out great.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you so much Janina! A simple photo was needed for my skill set.

[@donnabentley9723]

Wow you are amazing. You make me want to at least to try new things. I just love how you mix color right on the painting as you go. Love the out takes your so sweet.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Donna. 💕

[@susanjerrell9220]

You did great! Funny too. 💖

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Susan! 😁

[@jmoss55ish]

Wonderful job Louise and I appreciate your vulnerability here along with your desire to push through what doesn’t come easy to you.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Janice. 💕

[@davejohnson5365]

Quality demonstration. Thanks for this. And kudos for testing yourself. Taking on something you expect to be difficult. Looking forward to seeing the faces, fingers, and feet. Also the out-takes are very funny. Sloooooowly does it.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Dave! Slooooooow and steady. 😝

[@davejohnson5365]

Haha, sloooowly, slooowly. I will be careful not to double post next time.

[@watercolorartbyvibha8278]

Though you are trying this for first time....painting has turned out really well...well done.

[@abasia11]

Awesome to hear your process as learning new skill based on previous. Great teaching style!

[@jenward7236]

SOoo enjoy your videos! Love your humour during the bloopers..! And your teaching style has really helped me to understand some of the techniques needed...as a beginner, it's easy to get discouraged at my juvenile-ish attempts.

[@TheBhopali1]

This painting is fantastic! Thank you for sharing!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Bahar.

[@TheBhopali1]

@@LouiseDeMasi Nice Father's Day gift for your husband :)

[@charlisegauthier3402]

J'adord ton travail ! Bravo

[@maryalgar8779]

That was so fun to watch Louise. Good for you to tackle something outside your comfort zone. You aced it in my opinion. I'm pretty sure you can paint whatever you attempt. As for pronunciation of "pyrrol", I've heard "pie-roll" as well. Toe-mate-ohs; Toe-mat-ohs :)

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you so much Mary! Lol....thanks.... I'm never sure with these strange names.

[@jillapp]

I love to watch you paint! It’s mesmerizing, thoughtful and very thorough. Thank you for these tutorials 😊

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you very much Jill. 💕

[@Karenliseblack8147]

Love your teaching style. Glad I support you on Patreon, its well worth it.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you so much. 😘

[@saramcfarland5725]

We have similar art journeys. I started with graphite, then acrylic, a short stint with oil painting and tried several times to do watercolor. Only recently have been successful doing watercolor and gouache. It is now my favorite. It was like a light bulb went off and I have an understanding now. Maybe I was too uptight when I was younger. Watercolor has somehow freed me from that.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Sara. I tried with watercolour years ago and failed miserably. I put my paints away for years but the yearning to learn never went away so I tried a second time and stuck with it the second time. It is by far my favourite medium to use. It is freeing.

[@dotydiva]

Wow it's awesome. I knew you could do it. You're so awesome on all you paint. Love it. baby steps for sure .

[@1171]

I always love everything and that’s my trouble I love to paint it all . Your work is beautiful.

[@azbz1z2z75]

Thank you so much for your instructions and explaining that you have confidence issues and how you have over come it. I am going to apply this to my own painting life.

[@bonniecullom1007]

Your talent knows no bounds, Louise, your work is amazing and very inspirational, you definitely aren’t afraid to voice any confidence issues you may have, although anything and everything you do is wonderful, plus you explain things very well during your painting process 💜👍😎

[@dianthiw6902]

I totally agree with Bonnie. I have been inspired by you on many occasions and have tried your methods and have learnt so much from you Loiuse.You are such a good teacher. Thank you so much and bless you.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you so much Bonnie!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you! I'm glad.😘

[@Petra-1000]

Great picture 🎊 ... but I really love the outtakes 😂 - youre are amazing. But for all you are a great teacher - I definitely learn a lot. Thank you ❤️

[@murthyjayaraman7359]

Nice.. Started watching your videos recently..( last week) .. I was wondering why no landscape. Now, I understood your ‘baby steps’ from this video..😀 Waiting for your new series on landscape, seascape and people.. Quite interesting and easy to learn.. I like your explanations and Cool pleasant colour selections in all your pictures.. I started learning water colour after watching your videos.. Thanks.. God bless.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks very much and welcome Murthy. I'll keep practicing and I'll share when I have something share worthy!

[@sharonlightfoot9921]

Thank you so much for posting this! Your work and teaching method is so inspiring. Love all your videos on here and Skillshare - I’m sllearning so much! 🤗😉

[@peggyqbkg9705]

I REALLY appreciate how you show your palette and how you handle the brush, paint and water there, it helps me to see the ratios and your technique of loading the brush, etc. Do you dry the water out of your brush after you rinse it, before going back to the palette? A lot of the mystery happens at the palette but most tutorials don't show that!! I also like to the way you 'work' the brush, bending and pressing, to get interesting effects, better than using it like a pen only! Thanks for doing these!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Glad it was helpful! Yes I have a towel beside me when I work and by the time I've finished painting it's usually quite wet.

[@margaretmartin6620]

My nemesis was also human figures. I also started out by painting them from the back so I didn't have to deal with the faces. Doing line and wash paintings with nib pen and india ink helped me by making them more cartoon-y looking. I'm still not great at it. You're doing wonderfully so far! Keep going. Good job! :)

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Margaret. We will keep practicing! 💕

[@alicechampagne7091]

Love the way you describe every step. Thanks, too, for sharing your fears.

[@ZeeCeeCreations]

Absolutely beautiful Louise! Thanks so very much for sharing the step by step! Again, I so love your outtakes at the end😊 So awesome to see glimpses of the “real” you! You are an excellent teacher!!! Hugs Marsha

[@sherrylee6719]

You look like an expert to me!

[@ivanaagapiou6340]

I managed to watch the bloopers at the end of tutorial... too funny, also, Thanks Louise, you make the complex seem so achievable!

[@geraldinelucas3143]

Oh I love the fact that you are switching and loved this will watch your post for more.

[@akirakusakastudio6103]

So wonderful watercolor work 👍

[@Karen-hy8yo]

Love your teaching style. Thank you. I’m really interested In Landscapes

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Wonderful! Thank you. Me too Kato.

[@JAGRITISHARMA1]

Such a nice tutorial and technique! You have taught me so much with watercolor and I follow all your tutorials! Especially the way you teach how to drop some different colored paint on a previous wash.. it’s my favorite technique. I always watch your videos till the end to see some of those tiny and funny clips you include ..

[@peggyqbkg9705]

which video shows "how to drop some different colored paint on a previous wash"? thanks!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

I'm so glad! Thank you Jagriti. 💕

[@doraevatt8320]

Very nicely done! You are a professional no question.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you very much Dora! Not so much a professional on subjects I'm not familiar with. It's all learning.

[@wbflowersvt]

You make me believe I can do this! Can't wait to try :)

[@jengoodwyn2715]

I always enjoy your candor and honesty. This was a lovely tutorial, as always.

[@annalisafeleppa7391]

Beautiful work. 😊

[@terezacristinacascaldi]

It’s so beautiful!!! 😍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Tereza.

[@cyndih4720]

This is beautiful

[@22GmaRocky]

Thank you for sharing this 😄 it turned out wonderfully Painting people sure scare me....this helps just break it down

[@kerstinbuettner6076]

The painting is very very nice. Im a watercolor beginner and i often try things which are to complex. Thank you so much, remaining me to take Baby steps. 🥰

[@dianakoeppel3492]

Thank you so much. Gives me courage 😊

[@johnnyk7480]

Learned about background and rock painting from this segment. Reminds me of my dad, a watercolorist too. Please keep up.

[@apjvanbeveren3221]

Think you did a great job. Love your work, all i have seen.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you APJ! 😊

[@karenspadaccini7968]

I love watching your videos ! Thank you !!!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Glad you like them! Thanks Karen.

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

Does your husband love the finished piece? I think it’s beautiful Louise! You should paint yourself, I’m so shy to paint a self portrait, but pushing myself outside of my comfort zones sounds like a great way to challenge myself and grow

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you! He said, "Yep, they look like my legs." 🥴 I've got to face those things that scare me. 💕

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

Louise De Masi nice 👍

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

Very nice....I love the creases

[@vickiem1010]

Loved this tutorial. I like how you lessened the importance of the background in order for the viewer to focus on the subject and foreground. Masterfully done, Louise. Many thanks and best wishes from Vancouver, British Columbia ♥

[@celiavictoriaarteyblog6833]

I loved it!!great tutorial