The Secret to Beautiful Watercolors: Planning Ahead

[@maryalgar8779]

If I could give this video ONE HUNDRED thumbs up, I would. You are very generous to share all this advice with us. You are so right that we see the finished product and figure you just grabbed your supplies and away you went. Good to know how much planning and preparation goes into your paintings.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you so much Mary! ❤️

[@hemantb5829]

😊😊😊

[@hemantb5829]

😊😊😊

[@hemantb5829]

​@@LouiseDeMasi 8 I

[@lisbethjohannsen6613]

The same here. So much valuable knowledge 😃 Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

[@eskkimoore6996]

Thank you Louise for the recent series of videos. Like everyone, I can watch your paint all day but it's the knowledge, the tips and tricks you share that would help us grow in our own way. Thanks to the production crew working behind the scene to deliver these professional looking videos every week!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

That's so kind of you. Thank you Eskki. Carl will be so happy to read your message. ❤️

[@DomDom282]

Thanks Eskki. 🙂

[@farzanehsadegh1319]

Your awsome🎉❤❤❤❤

[@dianehill4019]

Such valuable information, and exactly what I need to put into practice.

[@virginiamahacek3067]

Thanks for including bloopers… always fun.

[@heiketrotno764]

Really a masterpeace!!! So beautiful colours - especially onto the beak! I can only agree with all those who have written their comments here! Thank you very much, Louise.

[@discretelyobvious]

David Clode has some of the best reference images ever I swear I always end up saving so many when I'm looking for inspiration

[@LoudLin86]

Thank you! Very different approach to many other watercolour professionals who might be less organised and lean into the imperfections of their artwork. I'm a very organised person myself, very driven by learning and understanding theory, so finding you / hearing you and your approach makes me very happy.

[@allisoncriswell5001]

Still coming to terms with the planning stage because it takes just as much time as the painting and I don’t want to get bored with it before I start 😅

[@rachaelcuddihy8520]

A fantastic reminder to not rush through a painting. I definitely could have done with a bit more planning on my last painting. The one part of the painting I did plan turned out quite nice. Funny that 😂

[@carolynsolomon1371]

Such good advice for a confused, and not even a beginner for an excuse, watercolor painter. Thank you very much.

[@bonniesinclair-davidson6529]

Gorgeous! I was wondering if you'd do a swish of background colour! Love it!

[@ankejacobs4649]

Hi Louise, so beautiful! I really enjoyed that. I feel so attached to that bird now 😊

[@carriannescreations]

I only recently began my watercolor journey.. i fell in love with it 🎨 and also with your channel… the thoughtful advice, inspiration, and useful tips you give. Im learning so much from you! While you also help me relax, enjoy, and remember to paint what im drawn to. ❤ Seeing you paint is such a gift. 😊 I definitely still struggle with trying to remember the “order” that is best, while trying to be mindful of which edges i want soft/defined for example….

[@carriannescreations]

Also i always enjoy the bloopers 😅 and it actually made sense “if you plan to fail, you’re planning to fail “ 😂 But the REAL TREAT was seeing that gorgeous fur baby at the end!!!!! Oooooo my favorite part 😻😸🫶🖤

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Lol 😂. Thank you Carrianne. Carl captured him snoozing on the window sill - a rare moment. Right now he's got the zoomies.

[@sandraharris8386]

Me too!

[@zhannapekelis8686]

Hi Louise, would you be so kind and lost the colors you used for this painting? Thanks a bunch! Always adore your technique.

[@sandraharris8386]

Thank you Louise. One of the most helpful videos I have watched since starting my watercolour journey at 66 a few months ago. It’s reassuring to know that failures are normal (and for me, frequent). Your comments about no longer taking commissions could have been templated from my own exact experience. The enjoyment I get out of painting only things I love now is light years from the strain of dealing with commissions and poor quality photos. I love your style of painting and it is a treat watching your videos. On a side note, the outtakes make my day 😂

[@maireturunen]

Hei sinulle samanikäiselle aloittelijalle, minä olen tykästynyt myös Louisen ohjaukseen akvarelleissa. Lopuksi saa vielä päivän piristyksen, todella tykkään niistä. Onnea Sinulle akvarelleihin ja iso kiitos Louiselle! Kirjoitan kotimaan kielellelläni, koska englantini on huonoa. Terv Maire Suomi, Finland.

[@raheelazam6385]

Beautiful awesone work❤💝💗💞💗💝💜💞💗💗

[@connieebinger6343]

Great video, Louise! I am fairly new at watercolor painting, and just want to jump in and paint some thing, but you’re so right I can see were planning would make a big difference. By the way, I love the print on your blouse!

[@lindenjenesse5078]

Oh! I hope you have painted or that you will paint your lovely cat with those gorgeous eyes! Also, thank you for this wise advice!

[@lydiabosley9152]

Really excellent tips here, Louise, and as always, a pleasure to watch your painting come into being!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Lydia. ❤️

[@mayuvalladolid5429]

Thank you! As always a treat to hear you talk about the whole process. It’s so easy to get lost in the beauty of your work, the elegant strokes of your brush, the marvelous way you use colour, and forget to stop to wonder how you arrived where you are. Thank you again❤

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Mayu. I'm glad you found it helpful. There's a lot of work that goes on before hand. 💛

[@MsMoniqueWilson]

I learn more from your videos than any other. Love everything you paint!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

So kind. Thank you Monique.

[@leannnewton1]

So informative, and such a beautiful painting. You are an inspiration, and such a humble lady. I have learned that I need to slow way down, and focus on your steps. I'm more of a fly by the seat of my pants person. Not good for watercolor. Thank you so much. That kitty is the star! lol

[@miltonvann646]

T. VANN: Thank you, your paintings are so inspiring. Thank you for the generous information regarding your process, it really helps take away a lot of my confusion and helps with giving me a bit more confidence and determination to carry on with my journey into painting with watercolor.

[@dianegage-ly6fr]

I am so appreciative of your posts!

[@dianeruggles8680]

Thank You Louise!! You are Wonderful!! ❤

[@dianecharest8365]

Thank you for that information. And as usual, beautiful painting.

[@Linda-pg3so]

Fabulous advice, Louise🥰. Thank you.

[@CK-solutions]

I loved the painting and watching the process unfold. But I'm sorry, the cat at the end, stole the show for me. 🤣

[@pascalehypno]

Beautiful Louisa!!!!! i love painting parrots on Patreon...all!!! one day will I have the joy of having a tutorial to paint this one? 😍😘.... anyway I'm so happy to paint with you on Patreon ... it's pure joy ❤

[@jacqulynhilyard1561]

Stunning work!😊

[@norlidaghazali1350]

Tq for the tips on planning to paint a subject. Yes immotional will effect on a painting.

[@fadilasides3080]

Magnifique c'est très beau vraiment un grand bravo ❤

[@suel4269]

Gorgeous painting! I need to spend more time planning. As a photographer, first I thought the focal point needed to be in the rule of thirds. Thankyou for sharing.

[@achoiniereful]

I could watch you paint all day!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you!

[@ShantelRich]

This was extremely helpful, thank you!

[@kathryncurry8728]

Thank you, I needed to hear this! I have a full time job & finding time to paint can be challenging, so I will usually just draw & start painting. I need to be more deliberate on planning before I actually paint.

[@anniemac7545]

Just a timely video, thank you Louise! Great tips!!

[@reneesgrooming]

I think you’re work is amazing! I only hope to be half as good as you 🤗🥰 thank you for sharing your wonderful talents!🙏

[@christinej_h]

Really great advice, so helpful.

[@pauline5596]

Thank you so much, Louise. Your advice is so valuable and helpful. I always think, that all the great artists just sit down and paint. And then I'm frustrated, that my paintings aren't as beautiful on the first try. I will now try to become more patient and think before I paint.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

My pleasure Alexa. Patience and persistence will pay off for you.

[@catherinepresseau6459]

Thank you! Very useful and helpful!

[@karenmcelroy9571]

This was soooo helpful. Too often I start sooner than I should and then I lose my way. Your video reminded me to sloooow down! Thx!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Karen. That used to be me. I couldn't wait to start painting. I've learned to slow down and think it out first.

[@shric1794]

Hi loviza. Just love love all your painting. Did you use masking fluid to make little dots on his face. It looks beautiful..thank you. I am learning so much from you. Can't have enough watching your video.

[@reenagoel7626]

Thank you Louise for sharing wonderful tips and the meticulous planning that is required to make a beautiful piece of work. Your constant reminder that artist also makes mistakes motivates me to keep pushing myself .😊

[@LouiseDeMasi]

That's the key Reena. Keep at it. Thank you.

[@KathleenGoody]

What a cute kitty! Thanks for all the information and inspiration you provide.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks very much Kathleen.

[@Saahrish]

Beautiful! I was just about to request you to paint a similar cockatoo but it was of the full bird. Found reference images on a group. I am so glad you painted this. Can’t wait to find the full length tutorial of this on your Patreon. Also, I cannot thank you enough for the limited use of colors. Its been such a help in being a bit fearless in color mixing. And off course your tips, tricks, helpful tidbits are always such a HUGE HELP!

[@nkguenther1]

Very helpful, Louise!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Nancy.

[@katm1884]

Love to see how you make your watercolor prints

[@susyaguero8968]

Maravilloso todo❤ gracias!

[@peggydwyer8187]

I meet my impatience when I sit to paint. ugh. Working on it, and this video showed me where one of my main issues was!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

That's great. Thanks Peggy. That's another thing painting has taught me - patience.

[@angeliamoore6973]

Thank you for sharing your challenges. Sometimes painting can be overwhelming

[@LouiseDeMasi]

It sure can be. That blank paper staring back at you can be overwhelming. ❤️

[@Calme1918]

Very useful. Beautiful results

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Carol.

[@Nugnat]

Thank you for sharing all this information! Love learning from you!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you very much Natalika. ❤️

[@juliehopkins5784]

Thank you Louise, so much to think about. It makes me appreciate your tutorials on Patreon even more!

[@wendychampness1901]

Very informative!

[@sonyaoart]

Thank you for sharing your planning process. The painting is beautiful and I enjoyed the glimpses of not-so-little-anymore Leo!

[@teresaowens1879]

Thanks for this valuable video! It’s so easy to watch tutorials and learn techniques and color combinations. But creating everything on your own is challenging! It’s important to hear that there’s a lot that goes on in the planning stage of these tutorials. And it’s so important to realize that not everything is going to work out. Practice, practice, practice!

[@andreatannahill645]

Thank you Louise for sharing your process. As someone starting out painting in watercolor knowing all that you do before working on your actual painting is very helpful. I too could watch you paint all day. Your videos are a joy to watch! Also thank you for the new footage of Leo. He’s getting so big & he’s still so stunning.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks so much Andrea. He's a big boy now but still acts like a kitten. ❤️

[@lilyo1788]

Dear Louise, watching you paint is just mesmerising! Thank you for the generous advice & patient teaching. You’ve been my go-to teacher from when I started during Covid 😊! I’m quite fascinated by that blue mop? Quill? It paints a lovely stroke (unlike my blotches) May I ask What it is please? Thanks again, please know you delight many people all over the world!

[@CastleMc]

Yes! Me too-the blue quill brush!

[@maureendaunt8665]

Brilliant advice. I have an image I am trying to paint and I’ve done 5 watercolour studies but I’m still not happy with the result.it’s good because I can analyse what I don’t like and move on. Following your points I will now do a tonal study and see if I can make some progress. Many thanks for all of your efforts you put towards teaching and sharing your knowledge. 🙏😻

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Maureen. Don't give up. I painted some cows recently. I was happy with my sixth attempt. ❤️

[@pumapatches]

I have benefitted greatly from your tutorials Louise, but this is the topic, planning ahead, that has been THE MOST helpful. I look at reference photos now with a new eye. I don’t just love the subject, but I go through the steps you outlined here, or at least most of them. I literally say to myself, how would Louise paint this? The fun thing is, I know our paintings would look very different but that is the point. Great lesson here. Thank you!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

That's so good to know. Thank you Anne. Knowing this makes me feel that what I am sharing is worthwhile. 💕

[@kcballantyne]

Fantastic video, Louise! I really appreciate you sharing how much time and effort (and planning) goes into your painting!

[@SuzanneLegault]

Lots of great tips . Merci.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Suzanne. Have a wonderful weekend. ❤️

[@amandastratton8242]

A wonderful tutorial, Thank you Louise it will help immensely and I will be trying out some smaller drawings first like you said to get perspective. Your cat is growing fast and has great colour in the eye. Thank you for sharing with us xx

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Amanda. I don't always do studies- mainly when I'm not sure of what I'm doing. They really do help though. It's worth the time doing them.

[@debbyshehane9955]

Thank you so much!

[@monalisamackey783]

Thank you so much, Louise! 💕. This video is a resource gem for a beginner like myself! Bless you for sharing this knowledge! By the way, I really love that blouse you are wearing.

[@dianakoeppel3492]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Diana.

[@priscillatenzar9934]

This is so helpful. Thanks for sharing your thought process.You're the best Louise! I hope you have a great weekend X

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you very much Priscilla. You have a fabulous weekend too.

[@colleencooke1038]

Very helpful information. thank you.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Colleen. I'm glad it's useful to you.

[@helencooper1813]

This is exactly the insight into developing my painting skills. Thank you so much for sharing you knowledge . Sending you ❤

[@LouiseDeMasi]

My pleasure Helen. Thank you.

[@patriciaware964]

Love your videos Louise, and all the really useful information. When you do a study, particularly in your journal I'm guessing you don't or can't stretch your paper? Does it not buckle?

[@LouiseDeMasi]

I don't stretch but it doesn't really matter in a journal.

[@nancydavidson4899]

Your work is breathtaking! I really look forward to each video and I learn so much with each one. So thank you for your generosity in sharing your process. I can see the success of it in the results, your paintings have so much impact. BTW I love the top you’re wearing, it’s so pretty ❤

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you very much Nancy. I'm really happy that you are learning from the videos. And thank you for the top compliment. It's a newbie. I like it too. ❤️

[@dmcdaniel2009]

AWESOME !

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks D.

[@beverlydevriesburrows3097]

Very inspiring.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Beverly. 🥰

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Thanks for sharing how your process of doing a painting goes about! I am just finding out that I need to do more studies on my own paintings before starting on the final painting. I love watching your layering techniques & textures during your painting various subjects.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Colleen. I don't always do studies but whenever I'm a bit unsure I will. On a study I give myself permission to make mistakes. The studies allows me to experiment more when I know it's just a practice piece and nobody has to see it but me.

[@Horsewoman-pt2ku]

Beautiful! I just saved a black cakatoo for painting 2 weeks ago. Tfs

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you. Good luck with it. I hope you have fun painting it.

[@sinydedeugd6989]

Thank you Louise, this was very helpful!🙏🏻😊

[@LouiseDeMasi]

My pleasure Siny. Thank you.

[@nkguenther1]

Waiting anxiously for a painting of Leo. Maybe a Christmas kitty?

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Lol- painting cats has always challenged me 😬. I'm sure I'll try to paint him one day though. 🥰

[@annadoll3248]

Could you do a patreon tutorial for this? It s amazing😊!

[@zhannapekelis8686]

Louise, could you please make a tutorial of a similar black cockatoo? Maybe at list fragments with the list of colors. Please :)

[@annevickers3307]

That was very useful! Thank you. Just curious, what was the big brush you were using, but it was able to paint the fine lines of the feathers?

[@Hillr2249]

Very beautiful !! Mine look awful. What paper do you use please

[@lotusflowerpassion]

Beautiful

[@cmp769]

Louise how did you stop the watercolor from going on the white dots on the head. Your videos are very inspiring!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you! I used masking fluid in those areas.

[@marlenekoslowsky8552]

I am a fan. I took notes because I tend to get to a point and say, Now What? Perhaps I will do less of that. Question for you: what do you do your color studies on? A cheaper paper? I would prefer not to spend a ton on studies if I can help it. I don't mind doing a study on a less costly paper but will this give me what I need? Thanks so much!

[@gosselinmarianne2408]

I can't find the video that you gave some website regarding some color matching ideas. Can you help me. Thanks for your help, i am a huge fan !!! From quebec. ❤

[@janferridge9447]

I love ❤️

[@aleksandraare1978]

How did you do the white point.?

[@friedadewerker1899]

Wow🙏🏻👌🏻🌷🥰

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Frieda.

[@mikipiwonka4311]

Can kearn a lot from you.Thanks.

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

Is glazing in every painting of mine ...means I'm not sure of mixing exact hues in first go?

[@lisamanna351]

Both are true. If you Fail to Plan or you Plan to Fail, you Plan to Fail. 😁

[@rogerebert5122]

Maybe you could show us a few of those"failure's". 🇺🇸

[@bretoner2]

What are the best ways to start practicing watercolor? Do you have any videos?

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Hi, yes I have beginner tutorials on Patreon. I'm making new tutorials for beginners all the time. Thanks for asking!

[@bretoner2]

@@LouiseDeMasi I will check it out!

[@agbobier2657]

Did you say more skill???

[@LouiseDeMasi]

😅- yes!! I need a lot more practice. ❤️