Who is Louise De Masi?
A Journey Through my Art and Life
This is me……….hello 👋🏻.
Hello, lovely readers! It's Louise here, diving a bit deeper into my life today, beyond the usual strokes of watercolour and snippets of daily art tips. So, let's get cozy and explore the layers of my life, much like those in my paintings.
Art, My First Love
Art was my favourite subject at school (no surprises). From those early days, my evenings in high school were often spent quickly finishing homework to make time for drawing. Graphite was my medium of choice back then, and it was this early exploration that set the stage for my future in art.
A rock singer in graphite from my high school years.
My Sign-Writing Days
I ventured into the world of sign-writing when I was in my twenties and I not only refined my drawing skills but also discovered my ability to paint. I think the sign-writing gave me really good brush control. It was challenging - up on ladders, painting shop windows and awnings. Despite the physical demands, this experience was pivotal, pushing me towards a more stable teaching role. I taught adults to paint in acrylic paint at an art studio near where I lived, a few nights each week and also workshops on the weekend. I cherished those ten years, but eventually, the intricate layering of acrylics became tedious and I lost interest in painting for a while.
A New Creative Chapter
After moving north, I immersed myself in a fine art course at TAFE (Technical and Further Education), I was about 35 at the time. The course was an eclectic mix of drawing, painting in acrylic, sculpting, and art history, but it was drawing that resonated with me most. This educational journey further sharpened my artistic skills, setting the stage for even greater adventures in art.
A coloured pencil drawing I did in my Fine Art course.
The Dream of Teaching
My aspiration to teach took root in my childhood, inspired by my Year 4 teacher, Mrs. Whitfield, who brought stories to life daily. I fondly remember her reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to us.
The book that inspired me to become a teacher.
This dream led me to university, where I completed a Bachelor of Education with first-class honours and a university medal. Not that my success at uni helped me secure a full-time teaching job, though. It was difficult to get full-time work as a teacher after I had finished. I did a lot of casual teaching work, where you put your name down at schools and wait for them to call you. During that time of waiting for the phone to ring- I taught myself to paint in watercolour. Then I got a few full-time temporary teaching positions, and I no longer had time to paint. Teaching in schools is really hard work, and eventually I had lost my passion for it.
My graduation photo.
Embracing Full-Time Art
When Dom received a promotion in Sydney, I saw it as a sign. Leaving behind the challenges of teaching, I embraced watercolour painting full-time. This transition wasn't just about changing careers; it was about returning to my first passion. We lived in Sydney for four years and I worked on my painting skills every day during that time.
Life at Home: Family, Nature, and Creativity
We are back living in northern NSW Australia, and let me tell you, living with Dom and our family is a daily joy. Our home is a sanctuary where creativity meets the tranquility of nature. We live on 25 acres in a beautiful home that Dom built when he was still a builder. Our property, surrounded by forest, is a haven for birdlife and visiting kangaroos and wallabies.
What I Cherish
My days are enriched with the love of my family, including my husband, our three wonderful children Ryan, Erin and Carl, and our delightful grandson, who I have the pleasure of seeing every Sunday. Leo, my cat, follows me around the house like a dog, and he has added a touch of warmth and companionship to our lives. My passion for painting in watercolour continues to grow, as does my joy in teaching others this beautiful medium. I also love doing jigsaw puzzles, reading, and watching British TV shows with Dom before bed. And, of course, chocolate (I’m addicted 😬).
This is Leo our Chief Distraction Officer (affectionately known as ‘Doobie’).
Hobbies and Balance
While painting consumes much of my time, especially since joining Patreon, I've been striving for a better work-life balance. My hobbies include knitting, crocheting, and cross-stitch - each bringing a unique texture to my life, much like my paintings. I've been a vegetarian for 26 years, and I love anything with vegetables. I make a pretty delicious vegetarian lasagna, much to the joy of my Italian husband, Dom. We're lucky in Australia to have such a wide variety of amazing foods from different cultures, like Indian and Thai food, which I absolutely love.
Looking Ahead
With hopes of teaching art retreats in the Northern Hemisphere, I look forward to sharing my passion on a global stage when I semi-retire. Though I've explored places like New Zealand, Bali, New Caledonia and Fiji, the Northern Hemisphere holds new adventures and inspirations.
Thank you for joining me on this journey into my life and passions. Whether you're here for the art or the personal stories behind them, I'm glad we can share this path together.
With all my heart,
Louise
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