THE Most Important Rule in Watercolour Painting, Lois' Loose Watercolor Seascape demo

/ loisdavidsonart www.etsy.com/uk/shop/OwlsAndF... In this video I'm painting a very loose seascape, and talking about what is, in my opinion THE most important rule to follow in watercolour painting, especially if you are a beginner! PS, the second most important rule is to have fun and relax...
My board is tilted at around 45 to 60 degrees so the water and paint flows nicely.
Materials:
Saunders Waterford 100% cotton paper hot pressed 11" x 15"/28cm x 38cm
Prussian blue, paynes grey and white gouache, large hake brush, small caligraphy brush, water spray bottle
Many thanks for watching, please like and subscribe! Thanks so much to all my Patrons on Patreon for supporting this channel :-) / loisdavidsonart

[@nikkijamieson4128]

This video gave me the confidence 2 years ago to give watercolour painting a go! Never done anything before, loved the outcome and have been painting ever since. Not everything works but when they do you feel great!

[@user-sx2bo4tg8t]

Я ни когда не видел моря.Но Вы меня вдохновили на рисунок. Спасибо, что делитесь знаниями.

[@kendataylor6386]

Brilliant Lois - I cannot begin to tell you how helpful your posts are for my mental health - you are very calming and reassuring! Thank you so much - I'm stuck indoors and you are helping me so much to defeat my watercolour anxieties. Bless you!! ❤

[@vetercrew85]

It's amazing how adding the birds gave the painting perspective and depth. Love it and you had just the right amount of rambling.

[@sanschmidt6727]

No rambling lol 😂

[@kpogs8059]

I enjoy how you emphasize that painting ought not to be stressful or structured or by the book but rather something to break free and enjoy the moment. Thank you for your insights and you talent. You’re lovely to listen to and watch.

[@sanctuarynaturals]

I have no idea what I’m doing, but your calm, encouraging voice makes me feel like I can take my scribbles to a beautiful place! Thank You!

[@kileensmith5134]

I just let go and got loose! I am now speckled with white gouache, as is everything around me! And I couldnt be happier! Thank you so very much. You are an amazing inspiration!!

[@danieboco5594]

I am in France, I love your watercolour, I am beginning in watercolor and I hope to be able to paint like you ! I don't understand what you explain but I look the demonstrations. Thanks !

[@whatseriously1]

I wish I’d seen this/heard this two years ago when I started watercolor painting. It’s been a hindrance for me to spend too much time strategizing - not enough time just painting and experimenting. Thank you🙏💗

[@Nancy-pf6ft]

I almost didn’t watch this because I thought, “oh gawd, not another rule.” So imagine my smile when you said ‘the only rule is there ARE no rules.’ ❤️ love the encouragement to experiment and do what is exciting.

[@user-py8ih2cg6s]

ヨットの水彩画

[@PattySoandSo]

❤

[@lisakallen4711]

U

[@johnmansfield903]

You demystify painting in watercolour. Your tutorials are so helpful. Thanks.

[@juliettechappel1256]

I’m so pleased to hear that we shouldn’t be afraid to use white paint. I’ve often felt that I needed to do that but in my head I hear “use the white paper for lights”. Now I won’t feel guilty. Thank you for your very informative and inspirational videos.

[@carolcohen8562]

My default passion, since childhood is writing poetry, and only now in my seventies have I started to experiment with watercolor. Your video and your inspiring attitude have motivated me to movle forward. There is so much to learn. Thank you for this.

[@brendalazellestephenson2319]

I love no rules - and I enjoy your freedom to paint to have fun and relax and enjoy the process.

[@dearbh1736]

What? I thought. It can't be happening. Lois has a RULE? And you kept us waiting for a couple of minutes before you told us what it was and my mind was racing going through all the 'rules' I had heard about before and then when you said it 'The only rule is that there are no rules' I spluttered my coffee all over the keyboard 😂. Never was a girl so relieved in her life. Lois you are blowing me away with these recent tutorials. I'm too old to waste my bad eyesight on painting in minute detail any more. I just want to finally find what's inside me as a painter that is not determined by 'rules' or expectation. It's never too late xxx

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

You’ve made my day with your wonderful comment, and I did chuckle, the suspense was deliberate so I’m glad it worked but hope your keyboard is ok 🤞 I’m glad people are enjoying the tutorials, I’m having a lot of fun thinking them up and painting them

[@nancyp7783]

I’m so encouraged by watching your videos and listening to your positive and encouraging words and suggestions. Thank you!!

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

Thanks Nancy, you are very welcome 😊

[@denisesmith771]

Love your techniques and advice, thankyou so much x.

[@rinavogels2712]

Totally agree!💞

[@dariabuczynski9711]

Absolutely gorgeous. Thank you most for your wisdom. It was so encouraging. At 69, I am new to this and sometimes forget perfection is not the means to the end. Off to have fun. Thanks again.

[@pattycyr8662]

I love your style of painting and philosophy - that's what it's all about!

[@jenniferjeruzal4279]

Thank you for your great advice. I have to accept that every painting I do isn’t going to be perfect and to stop trying to be perfect.

[@elizabethmorgan2513]

I LOVE YOUR “rule”! It makes me WANT to give it a go without fear of making a mistake! True freedom and creative expression. Thank you. I’m now a new follower.

[@purplerabbit7190]

Walter colour painting for me is the hardest to apply . For this reason I appreciate it more than oil. I love this artist

[@Carol_65]

I needed to hear this tonight. Thank you. Beautiful painting.

[@beatrixkogler8938]

Thank your dear Lois for speaking out the "main rule" in watercolorpainting :)))). I was shouting a big fat YESSSS! listening and watching your video with an even bigger smile. You are so right, there are no rules at all, there are suggestions of course, but everybody has a different stile also. It was so freeing and good hearing you here, while you created such an awesome picture. I am using white gouache for a long time in my paintings, not always but often, and colored pencils here and there too and I love gold accents in all my pictures too. And I'm still learning so much. Thank you for all your help😍💞❣

[@kaybarrett8619]

Very pretty. Relaxing to the eye, and body.

[@viviandibrell849]

Thank you! Another reminder to PLAY with paint. I plan to try this. You didn’t ramble on at all your voice is wonderful and soothing and great information and encouragement.

[@clairewhittaker1282]

Thank you Lois...it's never too much! A fabulous painting and a great rule. I for one always think I should follow rules and I need to be more rebellious! A great lesson, thank you.

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

Thanks for your feedback, I was the same when I was starting out!

[@fionabromby4546]

Good stuff I’m a fine art painter and agree absolutely that paint it as you feel it. I don’t use black as it being carbon based is so opaque and yellow based not nice Payne’s is where it’s at. I add alizarin crimson or ultramarine to shade blue or pink. Fab also to see a big bit of paper taped inside board with space to breathe and move

[@MedievalMary]

" It's just a piece of paper" is the most useful piece of advice I have heard!

[@gillr1149]

These are liberating words Lois, and many thanks for them.

[@irina5718]

I feel a huge relief after your lesson, Lois! Thanks a lot for your support! Big hug from Finland!

[@colleenkleinhans849]

I appreciate your reminding us that enjoyment in the process is the real idea behind watercolor painting. I love experimenting and literally playing with the paints and water. Love this❤️. Thank you so much!

[@user-os8ed6xe5q]

I’ve just discovered your video and I followed your instructions. Whaou ! I really enjoyed it. My work is totally different from yours but I had such a good time painting this breaking wave !! Thanks a lot for this fantastic discovery.

[@silvanacecchini9701]

Technique and choices ❤️❤️❤️. Sometimes the rules remove the fun. Thank you.

[@robinboyle5786]

Dear Lois, I too am a lifelong artist who has only recently delved into watercolor, and now I'm addicted. I'm retired so I have endless time to paint and I've never been happier (Shhh. Don't tell my late husband.) The most difficult part of this medium is staying transparent, I tend to overwork until it all looks like acrylic. Sigh. Love your work, and most of all your advice. Thanks, and cheers.

[@cherrysimmonds5836]

Love your philosophy, and semi- abstract styles, my favourite as a beginner. Thanks for a very helpful tutorial Lois 🤗 You are lovely to listen to 🍒

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

Thanks for the feedback, I’m so glad you enjoyed it 😊💐

[@EM-nl8zm]

How refreshingly liberating

[@MikelRChannel]

I so like your rule! There is NO rule in watercolor painting!

[@isabeltipple9942]

You really instill confidence Lois and make me want to have a go. 👍

[@marinacalvi6879]

C'est juste magnifique !!!! Je passerais des heures à vous regarder peindre. Merci pour vos encouragements, vos conseils et l'envie que vous donnez à nous les débutants, de pratiquer l'aquarelle sans nous décourager. 🤗🤗👍

[@Pattymelt415]

Thank you so much for reminding us to enjoy our paintings. My teacher at college really stressed me out by demanding that we paint HER way. She was really against using white paint as well. Thanks so much for making me feel like whatever I do is OK!!

[@cecileegeorgeson_artist]

Hey there Lois haven’t listened to you for ages…feels like coming home to visit an old friend…congratulations look how many followers you have now. Still trying acrylics but use your advice and come back to visit on occasion. Love your quiet patience and confidence.

[@helenspedding-lowe5469]

Gorgeous!! I love that you just chuck on the paint, relax and let the water and paint do most of the work. I absolutely love your style. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@katarinaangstrom6687]

As I’ve said before, I love your way of working, your “no”-rules, go with the flow and still control. You inspire me. Thank you so much!!!

[@sarahgranville]

Lovely Lois. It’s so true what you say. I love getting blooms in my paintings. And I’ve learned over time what I love, which is expressive art and using lots of techniques. Thanks for sharing x

[@sue6002]

Wonderful. Thanks for calming my need to do the rules. I like your only rule. 👍🏼

[@robinlackner688]

As a beginner, I've had the realization that there is no one right style and one should just try different ones. Thanks for reinforcing that! The philosophy you describe in this video is very freeing. I love your paintings and listening to your narration and I also have loved Antonio Ortega's work for a while. I'm a big fan of blooms (and spatter, and salt and water spray, etc.)!

[@sperrins595]

Thanks Lois for another highly inspiring tutorial... I love listening to you talk as you paint and show us all of your yummy techniques. I admire how you are one of the few watercolour artists that simplify, encourage and support your KZbin watchers in improving their own skills and paintings.. some other tutorials I've watched with other channels complicate things way too much, and imply you need so much in the way of materials before you even start. So thank you for your realism and your down to earth approach to teaching and demonstrating.. you're fab !!! 🤗 xx

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

Thanks so much for your lovely comment, it has made my day xx

[@sperrins595]

@@LoisDavidsonArt 😉 xxx

[@kristindelrio6175]

I love your style and your attitude of your paintings not having to conform to traditional watercolor “rules”! It makes painting with watercolor much more fun and approachable. Thank you!

[@anni50ful]

I was lucky enough to go to an art group where the artist who ran the group would never tell you any 'rule ' when I went in with a pile of my water colour paints I was quite annoyed that he would only tell me the basic 's so I started to paint like your doing here which I had always painted like anyway, I used to really enjoy splashing on paint letting it run and was lucky enough to have one of my paintings donated to our local RNLI using the same technique you used here.years later I asked him why he never 'taught ' us to paint he said ' I keep an eye on you all but I can't teach you to paint you all have you're own style which I like to encourage ' I try everything now ,I recently met an artist who told me I was painting wrong laying my paper flat 'it should always be on a slant ' Well in her opinion ..ha, Thank You for your demo, Beautiful x ☺

[@anniemac7545]

So cool....I'm Australian, this painting really evokes being at the beach. Lovely!🌊 Thank you for your advice regarding the only rule is there is no rule...I'm self taught and have been watching tutorials and become anxious about not painting like everyone else. I agree with you, about experimenting, because I believe I was ok..more illustrative, and I I painted so many commissions with my style, (without sounding like a big head)....Anyway...love your style.

[@D3vil0fMin3]

My dear, thank you. I needed to hear this, and to back it up with such a lovely style. Cheers.

[@sabineseidel9797]

YOU are such an inspiration. Thank you so much for being the way you are.

[@ginieudy6300]

I’ve only just started connecting with you Lois. I’m very new in my watercolour painting learning journey and have been a bit overwhelmed by the number of ‘rules’ that get mentioned. Albeit they are helpful guides. However this video of yours totally released me from my fear and I spent a lovely afternoon slashing around with re-wetting dry skies I’d done, using tissues, adding salt, even tried applying paint with toothpicks. I had so much fun! Thank you!

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

Thanks so much Ginie, your lovely comment made my day, I’m so pleased you are starting to experiment more, taking the pressure off makes all the difference 💐🎨

[@gerrydixon619]

I totally agree, Lois. If each time a person approaches a painting with fear, intimidation, and a feeling of failure before they even begin, then where is the joyful anticipation of success? Some of my failures eventually have become my successes. If I do happen to have a painting that I am not happy with, I usually manage to salvage what is ok and use it for card making. When I was first introduced to watercolour painting around 10 years ago, I was really intimidated by it, but now I just go with it and let it do its own thing. I feel newbies to the medium will often over-work their paintings and they lose the real beauty of what it can achieve if it is allowed to work its own magic. Thanks for endorsing the no rule clause in your video and encouraging your viewers to experiment, this will strengthen their ability to paint without fear or intimidation. Love your style and energy.

[@slvva]

The most important rules I learnt are...don't be afraid experimenting, don't be perfect and make mistakes 😊 They were most difficult ones 😅

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

But the most worthwhile things to consider, thank you for sharing!

[@zhitnyana]

So beatiful!

[@gheekeongkang5625]

The only rule is no rule. Love that Lois.

[@mell5111]

Thank you! What a breath of fresh air 😊 I had to subscribe

[@Saryanavat]

I love breaking rules and its a relief to have your thoughts about it. Especially since your paintings are so beautiful and creative. Thank you Lois.

[@kromafila]

Great artwork! Creating such a naturalistic expression with abstract methods is a masterskill

[@darleneplant.6284]

Amazing! I love the discussion about no rules, also

[@katherinestobbe5556]

Thankyou for this video tonight! I deeply appreciated what you shared…yes, it was about watercolour painting…but it spoke volumes to me regarding the rules and expectations from other artists…and you so lovingly shared that there are no rules and to enjoy your expressions on the paper! Do you know how freeing that is??? You are an awesome artist…you paint beautifully…I love your flavours in watercolour painting! And I loved tonights’ painting in particular… My most precious brother Corey passed away this past year from cancer…he loved the ocean just like I do! The meaning of his name is “lover of the ocean”! That’s so precious… You were a great encouragement to me tonight….. God bless you, Lois…

[@annevandermeulen6210]

I've just discovered your video on painting loose sea and sky and can't wait to try experiment with your technique.

[@carpeductumc]

A favorite video and painting...thank you, Lois! 👏

[@elenaborowski2520]

What a brilliant demo! You are inspired. Thank you for sharing!

[@minakshi005]

I got stuck as a beginner, but what a lovely inspiration you gave. There are no rules.. I want to enjoy the process.. will try your semi abstract style. .Thanks

[@mariongowland402]

Enjoyed your ramblings immensely. Love your philosophy and your work.

[@charlesz8531]

It's an option. I like it! Thanks, Lois!

[@margueriteaye6181]

Hi Lois I am participating in a zoom water color class from Santa Barbara City college. This week the class was on landscape and the teacher showed us this video for our material. I am a beginner and loved this. I tried it 3 times so far and the third time did not follow the video step by step, just looked at your finished painting. I am so very happy with the results especially the third one. I thank you very much. I enjoyed it tremendously and this is the kind of painting I enjoy the most.Am glad you have so many more videos to look forward to. Marguerite

[@neetsrb]

So beautiful,!! Can’t wait to try this, I am a no rules type of person so they should be a lot of fun!

[@deborahrech7429]

Loved “It’s only a piece of paper.” 😂 Beautiful abstract painting!

[@darlene6969]

Wow, I love water and the ocean and these painting ideas are great advice to learn from. Thanks again for sharing your ideas.

[@carolbarnard8906]

Fabulous painting and great advice about the most important rule. Thanks so much for sharing with us.

[@katherinestobbe5556]

I SO enjoyed this session in particular for the encouragement you gave so lovingly… That there really aren’t any “rules” in water colour painting…and not to feel stressed about getting it all perfect…but let it flow loosely and enjoy yourself… You are the best teacher I have watched…..you are so relaxed and gentle and soft spoken… I have learned so much from you already….. Thankyou for sharing your gift of painting…I love your style and flavours… And I love the ocean…my favourite place to be when possible…..

[@janetchen959]

I like the birds you painted, they are so lively. I wanted to paint again, just pick up the ways you teach, your explanation is brief and clear, I like your tone too. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

Thank you so much!

[@isabellebary6706]

Thank you Lois,one more time .I’ve made « it is just a piece of papier » my watercolor painting mantra😊

[@suel4269]

Beautiful painting. I’m watching this again and again!

[@minakshi005]

This is my first video of yours I watched , instantly subscribed..which is unusual of me.. your teaching style is genuine and encouraging..

[@theresaavery4670]

I love how this turned out. It seems more difficult for me to be abstract because I am always thinking of how it "should" look. It's really hard for me to let loose but you have given me the confidence to just dive in and see what happens!

[@jadetobin]

This is just so absolutely gorgeous!!! I can't wait to try this out...hopefully I can relax and just let it happen :) You are so encouraging and easy to listen to!! Thank you so much!!

[@karlistaurenis8205]

Wonderful, positive guidance, thank you for inspiring us!!! :):):)

[@mendyhand3895]

I need some white in my paintings. Great wisdom. I tend to always cover up my white space also. Love no rules & experimenting while having FUN! Thx… Messy Mendy ❤️🙏🏻🖌

[@michellerichert8225]

merci Lois Davidson, j'aime beaucoup vos vidéos. 🐟

[@georgepatrickbennett7412]

Amazing...I love this rule...makes it so much more fun approaching every painting like this...and hey, if it doesn’t work then I’ve still learned something new! Love it 😍

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

Exactly! It’s so much easier to paint when relaxed!

[@debbiedennisart]

I’m still learning and love just trying different things. Thanks for the confirmation that it’s okay to do just that!

[@eddiejohn7744]

Thank you for the advice on white . In fact thank you for all your advice

[@zoe999mu]

Sooo beautiful, thank you!

[@alisonlyons4691]

Thank you Lois, absolutely love your rambles. Your words of encouragement are wonderful. I'm enjoying all the loose sea/landscapes. I've come back to watercolour and bought some huge sheets of paper, I'm not bothered if l have a disaster, "after all it's only paper" 😉 thanks again Alioban x

[@stevelarden223]

Terrific stuff, Lois. This, together with the Sky a Day video, have encouraged me no end with watercolour. Keep 'em coming!

[@GrandmaAbby1]

It was wonderful to watch how the gouache brings out the waves. Love your "no rules" approach and words of inspiration and encouragement. Beautiful painting, as always.

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

Thanks so much for your feedback, I may try the effect in clouds one day!

[@begonalusarretaarrizabalag8445]

It's beautiful.... Thanks for the pictures...

[@susielessard4304]

Beautiful! Just beautiful!

[@soizick59]

J'adore votre travail dont j'essaie de m'inspirer , merci Lois pour vos vidéos 🙏

[@miyabiLOVEFOREVER]

Im glad i found this video, i was having a hard time with my art and started questioning if this was worth it but i think im being too hard on myself to the point i forgot that i want to have fun doing art. Thank you for making this video❤

[@sbn49ajc98]

Wonderful example how a body of water actually looks wet ☔ .

[@nevillehart9678]

Love the no rules rule!

[@gloriapoling8148]

Thank you Lois, brilliant tutorial as usual I love all the information that you tell me from sticks to waves to birds lovely thanks again

[@shelinahetherington4661]

thank you Lois, so very inspiring, just what i needed to hear

[@Duffett65]

Very helpful and encouraging advice, thanks Lois!

[@Merryknees1]

What a lovely painting, thank you for all that good advice and encouragement.

[@ginafalcon5296]

This was such a lovely tutorial, I’m definitely going to try this ! We are currently sailing round the uk! Been 6 weeks so far of, wind, rain & fog. Large seas & string winds. I had hoped to record our sailing by a painting journal, but with the movement of the boat it’s been very hard. Lots of photos taken. In Scotland in the pouring rain!! Thank you just love your inspirations x