The Importance of Initial Washes in Watercolor // Avoiding Overworking

Рет қаралды 203,574

Күн бұрын

In this video I talk about the importance of initial washes and how I try to not overwork my watercolour paintings anymore - while I paint a Hummingbird. #louisedemasi #watercolor
💜Patreon💜
I have full length, voiced over, normal speed, watercolour painting tutorials on Patreon here: / louisedemasi
My tutorials are full length and I don’t skip over anything or speed anything up. They are great for beginners through to experienced painters.
My new Koala class on Skillshare: ttps://skl.sh/2U8rAyz
On this page of my website, you’ll find an index of the classes I have available on Patreon: www.louisedemasi.com/new-index
I purchased the photo for this painting from Wildlife Reference Photos. Thanks To Evelyn Harrison for the photo: wildlifereferencephotos.com/m...
The other hummingbird paintings were painted using reference photos from Pixabay.
Hummingbird sitting thanks to: Akiroq Brost from Pixabay.
Hummingbird flying thanks to inactive account (Skeez) from Pixabay.
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Supplies used in this video
Supplies bought from the Amazon Links below- help support my channel.
Saunders Waterford Watercolour Paper: amzn.to/2wHQyvv
Silver Scrubber highlight brush: amzn.to/2WO93Jh
Da Vinci Casaneo Mop brush amzn.to/2Un1bwS
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More Watercolour Tutorials here on KZfaq: 💦
How to paint a flat wash in watercolor: • How to Paint a Flat Wa...
How to paint a graded wash in watercolor: • How to paint a graded ...
Wet on Wet Technique: • Wet in Wet Watercolor ...
3 ways to mix watercolour paint: • How to mix watercolor ...
How I stretch my watercolour paper: • How to Stretch Waterco...
How wet should my watercolour paper be? • How Wet Should my Wate...
Watercolour Blooms: How to avoid them. How to use them: • Watercolour Blooms // ...
My favourite watercolour palette: • Beginner Watercolor Ti...
Negative Painting Technique: • Watercolour Technique ...
Watercolour Edges: • Understanding Watercol...
3 Favourite Watercolour Techniques: • 3 of my Favourite Wate...
How to use Salt with Watercolour: • How to use Salt with W...
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Link to more information about my classes here: www.louisedemasi.com/classes
Skillshare Classes:
Watercolour Galah: skl.sh/2YOSuiQ
Watercolour Chrysanthemum: skl.sh/2IuaxlZ
Watercolour Rose: skl.sh/2mdtvjo
Watercolour Fox: skl.sh/2qp1n0G
Watercolour Succulent: skl.sh/2sYtR10
Watercolour Robin: skl.sh/2ugkDxc
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Paintings and prints are available on my Website: www.louisedemasi.com
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Пікірлер: 620

@katlynknowlden1969 2 жыл бұрын

I enjoy these so much. I am a mom of four without much time to paint. I used to work at a small painting of a leaf for hours...days? For years I didn't paint because of being locked into my own hyper detail standards. But I am beginning to know the freedom and to appreciate beauty of letting watercolor do what it does naturally and not overworking it. I learn so much from these. I hope I can afford a class one day. I have found it therapeutic actually in that it made me realize there is a lot to life and parenting that has to do with deciding about where the hard and soft edges will be and accepting what happens and working it to a beautiful advantage instead of wearing myself out controlling things. I could draw more parallels about initial washes! But for now I thank you and so does my family. Now off to work on a very amateur painting of a bat- but I'm still so excited about it anyway.

@melaniestokes1180 Жыл бұрын

Beautifully expressed, your deeper understanding of working with edges.. ❤

@katlynknowlden1969 Жыл бұрын

@@melaniestokes1180 Thank you

@happyprat2624 3 жыл бұрын

I still can't get over how fantabulous you are at explaining the whats, whys, and hows of what you do. So educational. Your videos are top quality stuff. Thank you!

@ann-marielofberg1159 4 жыл бұрын

I love that You show us the bloopers, You are so sweeet

@DarleneFormanek 2 жыл бұрын

thank you for talking us through the process, just music and watching someone paint is lost on me. Bless you.

@noates2725 3 жыл бұрын

I absolutely love the intensity and vibrancy of the colours of the first 'overworked' drawing. I thought it caught the essence of a hummingbird perfectly as their colouring is so intense and unusual you can't help but do a double-take which is exactly what I did when you showed the first painting. The first painting is why I am learning how to paint using watercolours as it is proof that watercolours do not have to be muted and understated but can pack a punch too. My reaction to the second hummingbird - "nice bird". My reaction to the first hummingbird - "WOW!!!" and I paused the video to study it closer, the detail is exquisite. #watercolourgoals

@eze3572 Жыл бұрын

Agree it’s gorgeous

@lennyscastilloart8162 2 ай бұрын

Same

@mikelkirby2791 4 ай бұрын

Ms. De Masi, your earlier hummingbird painting may be too detailed, but it still is beautiful. I do like your evolved technique. Thank you for your tutorials.

@happigalart1689 2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful bird, and OMG the last scene at the end was priceless. When I do my videos my neighbor inevitably starts mowing the lawn, the dark barks and my husband’s phone rings! LOL

@thomasstewart1646 Жыл бұрын

Hi happy girl

@sinongmakulet 4 жыл бұрын

I love this bird paintings. Snow White will be happy.

@karenjames5063 4 жыл бұрын

Dear Louise thank you for sharing your talent. In a watercolor class I took in Santa Fe, New Mexico About 20 years ago I remember our teacher Betty Carr explaining that when you put that tiny bit watercolor paint on your brush it is like a dab of diamonds/paint that you put on a flat surface. If you stroke over the paint once it is on your initial putting down paint on the paper ---- you are starting to COVER your diamonds and jewel tones up. This has always helped me to remember to let my painting shine with diamonds and jewels.

@thomasstewart1646 Жыл бұрын

Hi Karen

@gillisketchi Жыл бұрын

Thank you Louise for teaching a simple yet effective watercolor approach, clearly evident that a few decisive initial washes can compensate for a cumbersome detailed painting. The subject's beauty has been captured, nonetheless.

@babyruth225 Жыл бұрын

I love the out takes. I'm finding they are re-inforcing the lesson!! So they are hilarious...and helpful!! Ty ☺❤❤

@colleenmcchesney1482 Жыл бұрын

😂 Ohhh my word, the look you give him! 💕 I can relate to that every time I get started with my painting with my husband. 😁 Thanks so much for sharing this informational video with us. I love 💕 painting details & copying the reference photographs too. Although I am changing some things or adding some things to my paintings. I am just getting to where I try not to copy everything from the photos. I am just getting started with spontaneous painting & letting the watercolor paint 🎨 do its own thing. I appreciate your explaining about under washes, & using back runs/cauliflowers for textures too. I love your hummingbird collection of art!

@hummerklein2567 3 жыл бұрын

The eye you painted is so real Thank you for sharing this God bless

@elizabethkoeman1149 Жыл бұрын

You are a great painter and teacher. I love your technique and your style. So happy I found you. Thank you so much. You are an inspiration and a gentle spirit. Love you.

@lorensart2900 4 жыл бұрын

Oh Louise...those bloopers were just what I needed today. I have binged watch about 15 of your video's and I have kids "homeschooling" and coming into my room just talking while they are on a break! Like I do nothing all day but sit around waiting for them to speak LOL....I'm an Aussie in Melbourne and I actually do photorealistic colored pencil portraits but for some ungodly reason in the last 18 months watercolor has been trying to get my attention. I don't know why, as I initially hated it, its like my WHOLE art journey from the beginning was never a choice...it just chooses me !! LOOOOOOVE your watercolor art but even more your teaching style. I can tell you've been a teacher, an an excellent one at that. I have watched HUNDREDS of youtube watercolor artists and I have to say Louise, thank you thank you thank you for the way you not only verbally explain something, but you then back EVERYTHING you say with a visual example. We don't all learn anything the same way and I absolutely love how you teach. Nice to know I am doing the techniques all properly. My biggest problem is using too much paint!! As a colored pencil artist I am used to doing layer after layer after layer of color and using a small amount of paint has been a real challenge for me. I was sooo glad I'm in lockdown so I have had the time to watch your amazing videos. Take care of yourself and your family, stay safe and us Aussies are doing a great job of flattening this curve, lets hope we might see the end of lockdown in only a few months Loren :)

@LouiseDeMasi 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much Loren. I read an article by a watercolour master once (I can't remember who it was)....he wrote, 'If you need more than two layers of watercolor paint you're doing it wrong.' That's one of the reasons I love painitng in watercolour. It's quick and it can often paint itself. It does some magical things if you let it do its thing. I tend to fuss with it too much. I admire the patience pencil artists have and I love the look of beautiful pencil art. You stay safe too. 💕

@MD-hk8xq 4 жыл бұрын

Ok, I’m just going to say this..it would be grand if you did a tutorial showing how to do the much more detailed one since you already have the ones with less detail. I love them both to bits but gosh, the detailed one is almost hypnotic..I just stare at it in amazement. I would also love to know how to achieve that most iridescent look. You are an amazing artist!!

@wearesatellites91 3 жыл бұрын

My personal preference is for more detail! I think they’re both great, neither is better than the other, it’s just 2 different styles.

@marinak5514 4 жыл бұрын

I think your earlier style is gorgeous, if it is overworked, its only in meaning that watercolor is not the medium wich purpose is to create such detailed pieces, its easier to make it with acrylics. But your skill, omg!!! If u able to draw so flawless "overworking", u can draw in any style with excellent results.

@rosemarycarter-molnar3939 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely love the out takes!!! And of course your work. Thanks for the much needed laughs at the end.

@thomasstewart1646 Жыл бұрын

Hi Rosemary

@moodybash7334 3 жыл бұрын

I see why you preferred to paint less details in this painting, because the detailed ones, as you said, disturbs the eyes of the viewer. You don't know where to focus on. But then I like both paintings the same. 😍

@jeanieshafer9714 2 жыл бұрын

LOVE the bloopers!🥰😆👍

@californiagirl5702 4 жыл бұрын

Your tutorials are structured, detailed, to the point and well done. Love your comments about the way you used to paint and what you see now with your current work. Excellent. I always want to go further with other people's ideas on how to paint and give it a try.

@saundersd1962 4 жыл бұрын

I too am a “tight” painter but would prefer to adopt a looser style so often admired in water colour paintings. Thank you Louise this has given me an excellent option to move in that direction and it was so beautifully explained, all I need now is a humming bird ! Cant wait to try it

@debwarren608 10 ай бұрын

It is simply a joy to watch you paint!

@YenneY01 2 жыл бұрын

Respectfully I love and admire all the details of birds. And nature in General.

@tinyliny4ever 4 жыл бұрын

I love how you explain your actions, brush type and water level.

@damealeta3541 Жыл бұрын

I'm tardy to the party but you have given me hope that someday I will be able to accomplish something presentable in watercolor. You voice and style of presentation is wonderful. Thank you for making your knowledge available. 💚

@eze3572 Жыл бұрын

Beautiful! But I also very much love the old detailed hummy. I’m obsessed with your art room!

@kymanderson3582 3 жыл бұрын

Can’t help myself I do love the detailed birds but I do get the important point you make about detail. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

@marit7377 4 жыл бұрын

Love it......but loved the more detailed ones too

@mikehilbert9349 4 жыл бұрын

I agree both were amazing

@PaulaBean 4 жыл бұрын

I prefer the simplified one. The detailed one is too busy for my eyes.

@cathybates4739 Жыл бұрын

I absolutely love your earlier work. The details are amazing… so beautiful.

@marybaksheeva2874 Жыл бұрын

The ending of the video was adorable 😂😍 but overall super useful information of course. Thank you!!!

@karent.8245 4 жыл бұрын

Now that was funny! Your original paintings are beautiful, but us beginners will be more attracted to your channel when you paint loosely. Thank you!

@wlochu93 4 жыл бұрын

I love how calm, soft and gentle your voice is, the way you speak is so incredibly soothing and relaxing...

@pattycyr8662 4 жыл бұрын

I love this painting, and I like that you did not add more detail so as not to cover the initial wash too much. The painting is light and free, and has a carefree feel. I love hummingbirds. We have a lot of them here in Arizona. Thanks!

@theresenelson4281 3 жыл бұрын

Each of your videos are so helpful that I like to watch them more than once. Thanks Louise

@LouiseDeMasi 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you like them. Thank you Therese.

@californiadreaming567 Жыл бұрын

I gave up for a few years but you have made me want yo paint again

@deecozy 4 жыл бұрын

Lovely hummingbird!! Your bloopers make my day! Stay safe.

@LouiseDeMasi 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Donna.....I'm glad. If we don't laugh we cry. 💕

@MsS1lverdragon 4 жыл бұрын

Me too, love them!! 💚

@coneflower5101 Жыл бұрын

I love your hummingbirds. And you make me laugh. lol 🦋

@misspaulasartroom4457 4 жыл бұрын

Ha! I love it! Great video, love your honesty in the bloopers. Your helper is hysterical!

@fanyang5563 4 жыл бұрын

your video makes this lockdown time easier, thanks.

@reasonableification Жыл бұрын

This is beautiful. Looking forward to the patreon. I love the looser, more expressive work you’re doing.

@reasonableification Жыл бұрын

Just realized this is an older video… guess the hummingbird is already up on patreon. Weekend project.

@anjikauffman6416 Жыл бұрын

Wow! Just WOW! What an utterly delightful tutorial ❤❤ Thank you for the fun!

@anastasiasholeinthehollerc8697 4 жыл бұрын

I respectfully disagree, I absolutely love your earlier painting but I love the recent one, too. I think it is two different styles, rather then right or wrong. Loved your video, I subscribed and I'll be checking out your Skillshare classes, as well. Best blooper reel I've seen in awhile, lol.

@leahvandoloski8764 4 жыл бұрын

I agree. Both styles are beautiful, but the more detailed style draws me in more because that's closer to how I like to paint. I think both styles are great in their own way. :)

@agu3425 4 жыл бұрын

Agree, the most detailed ones may be useful for scientific purposes and they are beautiful.

@therestlessknitter4290 4 жыл бұрын

Agree. To me overworked is when you work a section to the point of muddiness, not fine detail. This is more a difference in style and neither is overworked.

@creativelife7013 2 жыл бұрын

I too agree with this comment. The earlier paintings are gorgeous and so skilful. To me the later ones look underworked, more of a sketch rather than a final painting. They are missing a kind of "pop". But to each their own.

@jomc20 4 жыл бұрын

You are so right about not painting too much detail. It makes a painting flat and uninteresting somehow. Our brains liked something to work on and also we don't need every detail in order to recognise the object or person we see. Beginners often copy a photograph slavishly and what is the point of a painting that looks like a photo? It is the interpretation, experimentation and imagination of the artist that makes the finished painting an artwork rather than a copy of the original.

@LouiseDeMasi 4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. I couldn't agree more.💕

@leonardocartes1253 4 жыл бұрын

Wonderful! I got such a kick from the bloopers!

@lucymcturner1858 4 жыл бұрын

I love your earlier paintings also.

@julieduncan1996 Жыл бұрын

There is much to be appreciated in all the paintings you showed us in this video! It's interesting to see one's style evolve and change over time, but I enjoyed your "older" hummingbirds just as much as the newer ones. Just a different style is all. You are growing in your own way, and that's great! Love your channel, Louise! Thank you!

@patriziacathey605 4 жыл бұрын

Love everything about this video!!! You have a wonderfully expressive face during the bloopers that is so fun to see!Please keep them in.

@LouiseDeMasi 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Patrizia. 💕

@katjasclassroom1056 4 жыл бұрын

@@LouiseDeMasi I loved those bloopers as well. We have to continue making fun of ourselves, right? You made me smile. Lovely!

@SusanJones 4 жыл бұрын

Bloopers were the best!

@1755ma 2 жыл бұрын

Your bloopers are very cute! It's fun to be human!

@andrealord6582 3 жыл бұрын

I understand how you have evolved from trying to do every detail to letting the watercolor do it for you. I am a beginner, but tried for so much detail in my attempts. I appreciate your transition to looser and letting watercolor do what it will. Now to put it into practice. Thank you for the tutorials and outtakes!

@GChrisLovesSawyer Жыл бұрын

Your drawings are breathtaking !

@conniemesce4093 Жыл бұрын

Great information! Love your hummingbirds! ❤

@lou196t 3 жыл бұрын

Well done. I love the natural flow of the watercolours.

@JP-xe7lg 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Just love the outtakes at the end😂😂😂

@teribillingham8974 4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely beautiful! Thanks for sharing

@willingvessel1069 2 жыл бұрын

I love this teaching!!! Great tips! This is the painting I think of first when I think of your channel!

@pearlgipson6761 3 жыл бұрын

I love this. I am so guilty of being so detailed and overworking. But I am starting to understand less is actually more.

@thomasstewart1646 Жыл бұрын

Hi Pearl

@chevaliedelareverie 4 жыл бұрын

The bloopers made me smile 😊

@zennovice 4 жыл бұрын

Good for you.....!! the more you enjoy it the lovelier it gets....!!

@sandrajohnson2489 4 жыл бұрын

I love to watch you paint. So awesome!

@kimconley3782 4 жыл бұрын

Wish I could “over work” like you!!!

@swtcocao 3 жыл бұрын

Your technique is the best ! I ve tried other styles but I always come back to you. Thank you

@ginabadeaux9319 4 жыл бұрын

i painted along with you today you are a beautiful artist the bloopers were great

@Linda-pg3so 2 жыл бұрын

That was so helpful, Louise. Thank you. Informative and lots of laughs😊.

@seahorse5689 4 жыл бұрын

Gorgeous!

@durhamhousehunter5907 Жыл бұрын

Love the video and the butcher bird singing.

@rozinaissak4510 4 жыл бұрын

Brilliant. Love the bloopers!!!

@angelaguichardo 4 жыл бұрын

So beautiful!👏👏

@pennybordelon707 3 жыл бұрын

Outstanding as always!

@mrsd3424 4 жыл бұрын

thanks for your video. It is very informative. I love your teaching style. Very clear. And I love your bloopers too!

@priscillakrause6383 2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful!

@user-og7pq7xf9n 4 жыл бұрын

Both are beautiful, one is like a botanical illustration the other is like a fast & loose em plein work & both are BEAUTIFUL

@user-og7pq7xf9n 4 жыл бұрын

En*

@writeruthterry 4 жыл бұрын

Very helpful! Thank you.

@candygrammel8676 4 жыл бұрын

great info and I loved the out takes/bloopers

@lesliethompson4588 4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely beautiful

@saraht4973 4 жыл бұрын

This is such a great tip. Thank you so much

@Mrunal369 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

@norsedragon 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your insight. That is brilliant!

@elisiataylor Жыл бұрын

This was SO helpful! Thank you 💛

@battletestedbeauty3758 2 жыл бұрын

It's the outtakes for me lololol

@sivaart 3 жыл бұрын

It’s so Beautiful! Thank you!!!

@rebeccafiveash4335 4 жыл бұрын

Beautiful bird. Love how you paint.

@OneTrueWord1988 4 жыл бұрын

This has helped me so much! I struggle to let go of detail. I really appreciate how you explain everything as you go. Thank you so much. Stay safe and God bless! 💐

@sarahnunns8263 4 жыл бұрын

Very beautiful.Thank you.

@victorialoftis8246 4 жыл бұрын

I absolutely love your video.

@joolson8657 4 жыл бұрын

I love your style, your tutorials and also the bloopers. Thanks for sharing your time and talent.

@DragonFishJane 4 жыл бұрын

Love your videos and the bloopers are priceless! You’re so patient!

@lilysaxhull6095 2 жыл бұрын

Simply stunning 🎨

@lydiabosley9152 4 жыл бұрын

What a lovely image! ... and your outtakes are adorable and such fun to see, too!

@MixedMediaCraftsbyDiane 4 жыл бұрын

Wow!! I love your original detailed watercolor work! It is gorgeous!! Your current watercolors are beautiful too!

@patgentry7268 4 жыл бұрын

Love the Outtakes! You’re great!

@dawnfisher8130 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you, this was really helpful.

@jacquelynsierra7378 2 жыл бұрын

I just have to say a big Thank You! I too fuss and overwork with details. I will work on a peice for months. My husband is always suggesting I let go a bit. I really appreciate this video and I am going to give it a go! Wish me luck freedom from the details maybe wonderful for me! 🥰

@InnerBouquet 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing these techniques!. I love the values you're demonstrating and hope that some of this will creep into my work. Really appreciate the "look" you're able to produce and love the effects that your washes create. Less is more!

@cheryl7476 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you always,Louise for all the tutorials, sharing your knowledge of watercolor and how to be more successful with our paintings, and for doing so much on KZfaq. I too am very detailed oriented, and I learned much today.

@crystalsuishou8367 4 жыл бұрын

I am fascinated by your earlier pictures, which I'd love to be able to do too, and also love your more recent ones. Both are fantastic! And I think it's wonderful to be able to do both.

@suesullivan8775 4 жыл бұрын

Love both styles, but yes I can see that your new style is easier on the eye 👁

@momonatu4998 4 жыл бұрын

Miss, you are super talented and explain so wonderfully. It's such a pleasure watching this art getting into a shape. It's amazing and so clear to understand. Thank you so much, this is so useful! I want to see more from now on.

@momonatu4998 4 жыл бұрын

AHAHAHAHAH you are sooo funny!!!