World Watercolor Month ambassador Louise De Masi has been a lifelong artist. Her career as a signwriter led her to acrylics, but the discovery of watercolors in 2011 reignited her joy of painting.
Like many artists, you turn to personal or reference photos when sourcing inspiration. Can you walk us through your approach to selecting and utilizing images for your work?
Like many artists, I find inspiration in personal and reference photos, but my approach to selecting and utilizing these images is quite deliberate. I look for images that speak to me, ones that I am naturally drawn to and believe would translate well into a painting. I am particularly captivated by the interplay of light and shadow; reference images with strong contrasts tend to result in more interesting and dynamic paintings.
I take a lot of photographs myself and store them on my computer. When I’m searching for inspiration for a new piece, I often find that looking at the thumbnail-sized versions of these photos is incredibly helpful. If an image catches my eye, even in a small format, I take it as a sign that it has the potential to become a compelling painting.
I consider the lighting and pose when choosing photos, especially of animals or birds. I seek out images that convey movement and energy, rather than static, uninteresting poses. This dynamic quality can bring a painting to life and engage viewers more deeply.
Beyond light, shadow, and movement, I also pay attention to the emotional resonance of an image.
Does it evoke a particular feeling or mood? Does it tell a story? These elements are crucial in my decision-making process as they help ensure that the final artwork will connect with its audience on a deeper level.
Sometimes, I manipulate my reference photos before using them. Adjusting the composition, enhancing certain colors, or merging elements from multiple photos can help me achieve the desired effect. This flexibility allows me to use the reference image as a starting point rather than a strict template, ensuring that my creative vision remains the guiding force behind the painting.
Overall, my selection process is a blend of intuition and careful consideration, driven by the desire to create paintings that are not only visually striking but also rich in narrative and emotional depth.
Your watercolor pieces showcase an impressive level of detail. How do you balance the desire for detail with the spontaneity and unpredictability inherent in the medium?
When working on watercolor paper, I often employ the wet-on-wet technique to suggest areas where I don’t want too much detail. This method allows colors to merge and flow together, creating a dynamic and fluid effect that is characteristic of watercolor. By charging colors into one another, I can introduce vibrancy and movement into the painting, adding depth and interest without overwhelming the viewer with too much precision.
When I work on Aquabord, I discovered that I could utilize similar techniques. I love flooding the board with water and applying paint, then lifting the board to let the colors flow and interact organically. This approach not only preserves the spontaneity of watercolor but also adds an element of unpredictability that can lead to unexpected and delightful outcomes.
To achieve a balance between detail and spontaneity, I often start with a loose underpainting to establish the basic composition and values. This initial layer is usually quite fluid and free-form, setting the stage for more detailed work later on. Once the underpainting is dry, I gradually build up layers of detail in specific areas, carefully considering where to focus the viewer’s attention.
Ultimately, my goal is to create visually striking paintings rich in texture, capturing the delicate balance between control and freedom that makes watercolor such a unique and captivating medium. By combining detailed work with areas of looseness and allowing the natural flow of the paint to guide me, I can achieve a dynamic and cohesive composition that truly showcases the beauty of watercolor.
Your portfolio includes a range of subjects, from animals and botanicals to portraits. Do you find yourself drawn more to painting one subject than the others?
I am particularly captivated by painting birds. Living on a property surrounded by forest, our garden is always filled with a variety of birds, providing a constant source of inspiration. I love watching and interacting with them, and their vibrant presence naturally finds its way into much of my work.
In addition to birds, I have a deep affection for painting flowers. The beauty and complexity of floral subjects never fail to fascinate me. There’s something universally appealing about a beautiful floral painting, and I enjoy the challenge of capturing their delicate textures and vibrant colors.
Recently, I’ve also been drawn to painting portraits. Teaching myself this skill has been a rewarding journey. My beautiful little grandson serves as my current muse, and with another grandchild on the way, I look forward to having more subjects to practice on and capture in my work. Portrait painting allows me to explore human expressions and emotions, adding a new and personal dimension to my art.
Overall, while I am passionate about various subjects, each offering its unique challenges and rewards, birds hold a special place in my heart. They embody the freedom and beauty of the natural world and painting them allows me to connect with nature on a deeper level.
As an artist who also teaches watercolor through online lessons, you have a unique perspective on sharing your knowledge and skills with aspiring artists worldwide. Can you share experiences or success stories from your online teachings that highlight the impact of your instruction on your students’ artistic development?
As an artist who teaches watercolor through online lessons, my approach focuses on clarity, precision, and fostering a supportive community among aspiring artists worldwide. Through my online teachings, students have consistently shared stories of profound growth and transformation in their artistic journeys. They highlight how my methodical instruction breaks down complex techniques into manageable steps, making learning enjoyable and less intimidating. Many students have expressed gratitude for my ability to explain what to do and why each technique is used, which deepens their understanding of watercolor painting.
My background as a former teacher allows me to create a positive learning environment where students feel encouraged to explore their creativity and push their artistic boundaries. The sense of community I’ve cultivated among my students is particularly rewarding as they connect, share their progress, and support each other globally. This collaborative atmosphere enhances their learning experience, fostering personal growth and self-confidence.
Beyond technical skills, I’ve witnessed firsthand how my teaching inspires students to develop their unique artistic voices and see the world with a renewed sense of creativity. Many have shared stories of how they’ve rediscovered their passion for painting or embarked on artistic journeys they never thought possible before joining my classes. These experiences affirm the profound impact of online teaching in empowering individuals to pursue their artistic dreams and achieve meaningful artistic development.
In essence, my online teachings have not only equipped students with essential watercolor techniques but have also fostered a supportive and inspiring community that nurtures creativity and personal growth worldwide.
You’ve mentioned that your love for art was reignited after transitioning from acrylics to watercolors. What aspects of the medium do you find particularly inspiring or liberating compared to acrylics?
Transitioning from acrylics to watercolors reignited my love for art because of the inspiring and liberating aspects unique to watercolor painting. Unlike acrylics, which can be laborious with their need for layering and blending, watercolors offer a fluidity that allows a painting almost to create itself. This spontaneity draws me to watercolors – the way the paint flows and interacts with water on the paper, creating beautiful and unexpected effects that add depth and life to the artwork.
I particularly cherish the “happy accidents” that often occur in watercolor painting – those moments where the paint blends in unexpected ways or forms textures that enhance the painting’s character.
Painting in watercolor encourages experimentation, which is essential for artistic growth.
Also, the quickness of watercolor painting appeals to me. Watercolors allow for a more immediate and intuitive approach. This speed not only makes the painting process more spontaneous but also keeps the creative energy flowing without interruptions.
In essence, the freedom and spontaneity of watercolor painting compared to the structured approach of acrylics resonate deeply with me. Watercolors allow me to capture the essence of a subject with fluidity and expression, embracing both the beauty of planned techniques and the delightful surprises that emerge along the way.
Furthermore, how has the shift from acrylics to watercolors impacted your artwork’s themes, subjects, or techniques?
Shifting from acrylics to watercolors has significantly influenced the themes, subjects, and techniques in my artwork. The fluid and spontaneous nature of watercolors has encouraged me to explore subjects with a lighter touch. Unlike acrylics, where layering and blending dominate, watercolors have allowed me to focus more on capturing fleeting moments and atmospheric qualities.
Themes in my artwork have shifted towards subjects that lend themselves well to the transparent and luminous effects of watercolors, such as botanicals, birds and portraits. These subjects inspire me to experiment with different techniques like wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry, which enhance the depth and vibrancy of my paintings in ways that acrylics cannot replicate.
The shift to watercolors has broadened my exploration of color theory and the interaction of pigments on paper. I find myself drawn to exploring the delicate balance between control and spontaneity, learning to embrace the unpredictability of watercolors as a creative asset rather than a limitation.
Overall, transitioning to watercolors has enriched my artistic expression by offering new avenues for exploration and discovery. It has influenced not only the technical aspects of my work but also the thematic focus, allowing me to delve deeper into subjects that resonate with the fluid and expressive qualities of this captivating medium.
You are a very prolific artist, with a lot of projects in your portfolio. How do you manage to stay consistently motivated and engaged? Moreover, how do you prioritize your time and creative energy to ensure each project receives the attention it deserves?
The enthusiasm and eagerness of my students also play a crucial role in keeping me motivated. Their hunger for knowledge and growth drives me to stay ahead of the curve, continuously learning and evolving my own skills. Knowing that I have a responsibility to guide and inspire them pushes me to explore new territories within my art and teaching.
Maintaining a balance between creative freedom and discipline is key. While passion provides the initial spark, discipline ensures that each project receives the attention it deserves. I prioritize my time by setting clear goals and deadlines, which helps me stay focused and productive. This structured approach allows me to allocate creative energy effectively, ensuring that I can delve deeply into each project while also nurturing ongoing inspiration.
The combination of passion, learning from my students, and disciplined time management forms a cycle of motivation that keeps my creativity flowing. It’s a dynamic process where each project becomes not just a task to complete, but a journey to explore and express my artistic vision. This constant pursuit of growth and engagement ensures that my portfolio evolves with each new endeavor.
How did you discover Ampersand, and what do you love most about Aquabord for your work?
I discovered Ampersand Aquabord while browsing through an art supplies store in Sydney and was eager to try it out. What captivates me most about Aquabord is its liberating nature, especially compared to traditional watercolor paper. One of its standout features is the ability to experiment freely without the fear of overworking a painting. Unlike paper, where watercolor can absorb quickly and limit corrections, Aquabord allows me to adjust and refine my work more easily. Colors lift effortlessly from the surface, enabling me to correct mistakes or adjust colors without damaging the surface.
This forgiving quality of Aquabord not only enhances my creative freedom but also instills confidence in exploring bold techniques and complex compositions. It encourages spontaneity in my artwork, as I can confidently apply layers and washes, knowing that I have the flexibility to make adjustments as needed. This aspect of Aquabord is invaluable in my artistic process, fostering an environment where experimentation and exploration thrive.
In addition, the finished result on Aquabord presents beautifully without the need for traditional framing behind glass. This saves on framing costs and allows viewers to experience the painting more intimately, free from the glass barrier. The surface of Aquabord lends a unique texture and depth to the colors, enhancing the artwork’s visual impact and tactile experience.
I am enjoying experimenting with it. It has become an indispensable tool in my studio, enabling me to push boundaries and achieve new levels of creativity in my artwork.
Artist Bio:
Louise De Masi is a professional artist and qualified teacher who teaches others to paint in watercolor. For over 23 years, she has had the pleasure of living in the beautiful Mid North Coast of
NSW, Australia and her home sits on 25 acres adjacent to state forest. The natural world is a fundamental aspect of her daily life, and the bird life in her garden is abundant. She finds peace in nature, and the music of birds and the beauty of flora and fauna keep her grounded.
Art has been a part of her life since primary school, and when she left high school, she had a number of jobs, including signwriting. Working as a signwriter led her to begin painting in acrylics, and for many years, she taught others how to paint at a local art studio. But after nearly a decade of doing that, Louise grew tired of painting in acrylics, and the joy of painting was lost to her. That was until she discovered watercolor in 2011. At that time, she was also working as a primary school teacher. In 2014, she retired from teaching and decided to work on her painting career full-time.
Since then, Louise has built an exciting, creative career. She has sold thousands of paintings around the world, licensed some of her work (both in Australia and in the USA), and co-authored a watercolor painting instruction book titled The Art of Painting Sea Life in Watercolor. In 2019, she started teaching online watercolor classes on Skillshare and Patreon.
To see more of Louise’s work, visit her website, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.
