An Open Letter to Louise De Masi

Celebrating an Exceptional Teacher

Dear Louise,

As your students, we are writing this letter to share our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for your exceptional teaching. Each of us has our unique journey and experiences, but we all agree on one thing: your lessons have profoundly impacted our growth as artists. Through your effective teaching methods and excellent communication skills, you have created a positive learning environment that engages students and you instill confidence. Here are some of the ways you've made a difference in our lives:

Clarity and Precision

One of the most remarkable aspects of your teaching is the clarity and precision with which you explain techniques. Whether it's a complex watercolour wash or the delicate balance of colour theory, you break down each step in a way that is easy to understand and follow. Your ability to demystify the intricate details of painting makes the learning process enjoyable and less intimidating. Your teaching strategies and methods highlight the important qualities of a good teacher, making you a model for other teachers to aspire to.

“Louise really slows down the teaching and repeats the information often, so you can really understand what you’re doing. Each time I paint from her, I’ve noticed the skills from last time being used and reinforced.” – Karen

“I love her Patreon – so much detail. I initially started by following her step by step. I would pause at each progress photo and make sure I copied her exactly! The progress photos are my number one favorite. No other instructor does this. As I got better, I would only look at the progress photos and try to replicate (but not exactly).” – Kelly H

“Love your calm, gentle manner and approach of using voice-overs after you’ve painted. The voice-overs give detailed how-to information at a steady, manageable pace. You are very good at explaining the why behind something you do, which is so crucial for true understanding rather than just mimicking. I’m a former teacher, too, and recognize your methodical approach to breaking down each part of the painting you do and not skipping steps. I can watch a portion and take in the information, then rewind and do it myself while following along. They are special because they make me feel successful and that I can do things I never imagined myself capable of!” - Kathy H

Educational Expertise and Thoughtful Instruction

Louise, your background as a former teacher truly shines through in every lesson you deliver. You don't just show us what to do; you carefully explain the 'why' behind each technique, ensuring we understand the underlying principles of watercolour painting. Your methodical approach, combined with your deep knowledge of educational techniques, allows you to break down complex concepts into manageable steps. This not only makes your lessons accessible but also helps the information to stick, transforming our understanding and application of watercolour art. Your ability to explain and demonstrate with such clarity makes learning an enjoyable and enriching experience for all of us, and it's one of the many reasons we consider you an exceptional educator.

“Louise's tutorials are simply the best! She makes an intimidating medium - watercolor - approachable. You can tell she was a schoolteacher...rather than rambling like many other artist-teachers do, she is succinct, yet thorough. Her calm and patient demeanor help settle my painting jitters. And she explains so many tricks of the trade, with accompanying easier tutorials to practice; thus, I have more success. And, finally, she has been very prompt in responding to my questions.” – Annie F

“Louise is so good at teaching; I've been able to become more proficient at the wet-in-wet technique that I could not master no matter how many tutorials I watched from other artists. It is helpful that Louise shows her palette, how she mixes the paints, the consistency, how to apply the water, and how to paint the various techniques.” – Ellie T

“Louise De Masi’s expertise in teaching is what makes her stand out above all. What I’m learning from her tutorials is so beneficial. As a beginner, I love how she helps you prepare, all the needed supplies, step-by-step, directions, and so much more.

Just some of the basics I’ve already improved on like washes, how to mix colors, and glazes. Without a doubt, I am so happy with this program I would recommend it to newbies to advanced watercolor artists. I so much appreciate others in this group who provide support and encouragement.“- Danielle D

“Like so many other students have said, your instruction, subject matter, voice tone, and encouragement were and continue to be the best around. It is obvious how hard you work and how profoundly you care about your followers. It is rewarding to share my work and it is such a joy to see the paintings of fellow followers.” Anne S

“I must admit that Louise and her tutorials make me a bit cranky… her tuition is so far superior to all the others that I really can’t stand to follow anyone else! 😂

I have learned so much from Louise that I’ve gone from an absolute beginner just 12 months ago to having the confidence to create my own work.” – Paula S

Discovering a Passion

Your passion for both art and teaching is infectious. It is clear in every lesson that you love what you do, and this enthusiasm inspires us to strive for excellence in our own work. You don’t just teach us how to paint; you teach us to see the world through an artist’s eyes, finding beauty and inspiration in everyday life. This passion for teaching and learning instills confidence in us and encourages us to become lifelong learners.

“Louise inspired me to start painting again after a 30 plus year hiatus, where I guess life got in the way. I was self-taught, so had never had any sort of tuition & found the in-depth tutorials so helpful.

Louise is truly inspirational. Her quiet, patient way of teaching has spurred me on to try & emulate her wonderful paintings. I have attached a painting that I did of pink lillies which is one of the tutorials. It helped me understand how to achieve depth in a painting, with the main lilies bolder than the background flowers. Also, areas of shadow which helped give that depth again.

I also participate in the monthly art challenge on Discord..this stretches you to use all the techniques Louise has taught you. There is never any negativity, everyone is always so supportive & it's a joy to see everyone else's paintings & how different their interpretation can sometimes be.” – Julie C

“I never believed I could start learning to paint as a senior citizen at age 61. When Covid 19 happened and I was able to telework from home saving hours of commute time, I decided to try watercolor painting anticipating my retirement and wanting a hobby. Since finding Louise De Masi four years ago, my hobby has turned into a passion for painting. From the first tutorial, and as someone who never painted in watercolour before, I was hooked by Louise's style.” – Mari Anne R

"When I started painting about a year ago, I was looking for tips and tricks to help me paint my illustrations. Googling led me to Louise's YouTube page and a lot of instructive and informative videos on painting techniques. Her style of teaching and her beautiful paintings immediately caught my attention. After a little snooping around, I discovered she had a Patreon and immediately signed up for her tutorials." - Kimberly

Learning the Essentials

From understanding paper quality and water control to mastering different painting techniques, you break down each fundamental aspect in a way that is easy to understand and follow. Your ability to demystify these critical elements makes the learning process enjoyable and less intimidating. You ensure that we grasp the basics thoroughly, which builds a strong foundation for our continued growth as artists. Your meticulous attention to detail and patient explanations helps us feel confident and prepared to tackle more advanced techniques. Your teaching skills and strategies cater to different learning styles, ensuring that all students learn effectively.

“Through her tutorials, I've not only discovered effective techniques like wet-on-dry and wet-on-wet painting, but also the art of layering paint to add depth and vibrancy to my work. Her emphasis on mixing colors directly on paper rather than the palette has had a beautiful impact on my paintings. I've also learned the importance of letting the paint flow naturally at times, while at others, mastering specific techniques has been key.” – Carol C

"In the beginning, there was so much to learn; paper quality, water control, understanding paper wetness, different painting techniques... After doing all the beginner tutorials, I felt a little more confident about doing paintings by myself. Each and every lesson has been valuable, and I am sure there is much more to come and learn." – Kimberly

“I had success on my second attempt with the banana tutorial and I gain confidence and did several tutorials. It’s a challenge dealing with the fluidity of water and pigment yet with Louise and her calm, peaceful and passionate instruction with her many painting reminders and technique I am developing a new skill! Time flies by when I am working on her tutorial. The video editing is clear with great lighting and no obstructions.” – Debbie D

Your tutorials provide students with a solid foundation for beginners, equipping us with the essential skills needed to build our confidence and continue growing as artists.

Encouragement and Support

Your positive and encouraging attitude creates a nurturing environment for all of us. You understand that every artist is on their own unique journey, and you meet us wherever we are. Your feedback is always constructive, helping us to see our potential and encouraging us to push our boundaries without fear of making mistakes. This inclusive environment where students feel respected and valued is a hallmark of your great teaching.

“My favorite parts of your tutorials are the outtakes…so fun! And the patience & plain language you use is informative and encouraging. I like the fact that you talk about your failures; it helps to know we are all human. Watching your videos & applying those techniques to my own photos has really helped me to grow.” – Kristan G

“When I had a doubt or a problem that I didn’t know how to solve, my questions were answered very quick and friendly.” – Mercedes V

“Louise's personal touch shines through in her responsiveness. I've reached out to her with questions, and her valuable insights have been incredibly helpful. Being part of her Discord community has also been enriching, providing a sense of camaraderie with fellow learners.” – Carol C

“I highly recommend her Patreon site where she offers excellent tutorials on technique, tutorials on numerous subjects for paintings (botanicals, animals, portraits, landscapes), and amazing feedback to requests and emails. She kindly responds to requests for help.” – Jan F

Community Building

Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of your teaching is the sense of community you foster among your students. Through your classes, we’ve connected with fellow artists from around the world, sharing our progress, challenges, and triumphs. This supportive network enhances our learning experience and makes our artistic journeys even more rewarding. Your creative ways of engaging students and building a community highlight the qualities of a good teacher and demonstrate your commitment to our success.

“Louise’s watercolor painting style is quite calm, serene, and very eye-pleasing. It is a kind of meditation in motion for me and helps me to move forward on my artistic endeavor. Also, thanks to her community facilitation, I can connect with many great friends who encourage and inspire me. Without them, I won't progress much.” – Ngan H

“I found Louise De Masi's tutorials early in my watercolor journey. Louise is the best teaching artist I've found. She has the ability to break down techniques into small steps while also conveying alternative methods of achieving the same effect. I love the online format because I can stop as needed and start right where I left off. I am also able to replay sections again and again if I need more time to grasp the technique.

Early on I joined her Facebook community and found support and feedback to further my learning. Her blog posts-newsletters provide additional learning opportunities in written format. Being a student of Louise has helped me grow from an absolute beginner (a non-artist) to an artist able to navigate advanced subjects and techniques.” – Cindy R

"I'm mostly active in the Discord community, which is full of kind and supportive people. In there, we can chat about tutorials, things we struggle with, support each other, and talk about everyday things. It is nice to have a community of like-minded people who all have the same goal; getting better at painting in watercolor." - Kimberly

“I always look forward to sharing my finished paintings on the Facebook page and seeing everyone's impressive paintings. The support, encouragement, and the wonderful interaction of every LDM student, is what makes it a very special community to be a part of.” – Grace M

“As a Patreon member [I find that] the community follows Louise’s example and exudes an atmosphere of kindness and encouragement. We all adore her and are grateful to have her as our teacher.” – Sonja M

The sense of community you've fostered extends beyond the technical aspects of painting, offering emotional and moral support that enriches our learning experience.

Encouragement to Push Boundaries

You believe in our potential even when we doubt ourselves, gently nudging us to try more challenging projects. Whether it’s tackling an advanced tutorial or experimenting with new techniques, your support and encouragement give us the confidence to step out of our comfort zones. Your teaching strategies create an environment where it's safe to take risks and make mistakes, transforming them into valuable learning experiences. Your faith in our abilities and your use of effective teaching methods motivate us to strive for excellence and continuously improve our skills. By recognizing and addressing our different learning styles, you ensure that each student feels respected and supported in their learning process.

“She is very inspirational. Louise admits that even as an experienced and skillful painter like her, she still fails at first attempts sometimes, which inspires me to not be afraid to fail and keep trying.” – Yang L

"I am in love with African animals, and after Louise released her lioness tutorial, I really wanted to try that one. Although it was classed as 'advanced,' I still decided to follow along with the tutorial. This one turned out to be my favorite and gave me the confidence to tackle more difficult tutorials!" - Kimberly

Your advanced tutorials challenge us to step out of our comfort zones and explore new horizons, helping us realize our potential.

Transforming Lives

One of the most profound aspects of your teaching is how you transform students' lives through art. Many of us came to your classes seeking a new hobby or a creative outlet, but what we found was so much more. Your lessons have reignited our passion for painting, provided a sense of purpose, and brought joy into our daily lives. Through your patient guidance and inspirational teaching, you have turned simple interests into lifelong passions. Your ability to connect with us on a personal level and foster a supportive community demonstrates the qualities of an exceptional educator. This positive learning environment has made a lasting impact on our well-being and artistic journeys, helping us to become lifelong learners and achieve greater student achievement.

"I never believed I could start learning to paint as a senior citizen at age 61. Since finding Louise DeMasi four years ago, my hobby has turned into a passion for painting. From the first tutorial, I was hooked by Louise's style. From the quality and the detail of her tutorials, I was able to produce a good painting on my first try." - Mari Anne

“I discovered the sweet voice of Louise De Masi during the pandemics on YouTube and I became a member of her tutorials. I always loved painting but tried for the first-time watercolors. This was my mental retreat during those difficult days, and I never stopped. Now I'm able to paint on my own inspired by nature's beauty.” – Iulia

“Louise, you are really special to me! Through your tutorials, which I accidentally discovered on the Internet, I fell in love with painting and this wonderful technique - watercolor.” – Daria Z

“I started following Louise at the start of Covid. I saw her YouTube channel and I was hooked! Kept the old depression from coming back ❣️” – Kileen S

“I have learned so much from Louise that I’ve gone from an absolute beginner just 12 months ago to having the confidence to create my own work.

I’m physically disabled and have spent the last 17 years in and out of a wheelchair and in and out of hospital. When I am home, I need to spend a lot of my time in bed. Having found watercolors and then soon after Louise’s Patreon, has completely changed my life! I spend the days in bed inspired and painting and it has been such a welcome change to both my life and especially my mental health! I find myself just running Louise’s YouTube videos in the background, so I feel like I’m painting with a friend every day.” – Paula S

Your patient and detailed approach has allowed people of all ages and backgrounds to discover the joy of watercolour painting, transforming hobbies into lifelong passions.

Reigniting Lost Passion

Louise, your teaching has reignited our lost passion for painting in ways we never thought possible. Your excellent communication skills and creative teaching techniques have helped us rediscover the joy and excitement of watercolour art. By using varied teaching styles and strategies, you engaged us in the learning process and provided the support we needed to feel confident again. Your understanding of different learning styles and your ability to create a positive, inclusive environment have transformed our approach to art. Thanks to your encouragement and constructive criticism, we now see mistakes as opportunities for growth, and we are inspired to continue our journeys as lifelong learners.

“I hadn't painted for 30 years and took it up during COVID. Louise helped me get back into painting and taught me so many techniques I would have taken years to master on my own. Joining her PATREON is like a speed upskill - a cheat sheet for becoming an artist in a hurry. Also, the range of subject matter tutorials is unmatched by any other teacher.” - Tracey A

"Following Louise’s videos on YouTube made me feel I was painting. After a long time, I wrote Louise on Facebook and unexpectedly got an answer! She invited me to enjoy Discord, where I met beautiful, enthusiastic painters. At some point, it clicked! My heart was full of joy! Now, Susi, paint! So, I followed a tutorial, painting for the first time in my painting life!" - Susi

Your personal touch and willingness to engage with students have reignited lost passions, helping many of us rediscover the magic of painting.

Methodical and Detailed Instruction

Your methodical and detailed instruction truly sets you apart as an exceptional educator. You don’t just show us what to do; you carefully explain the 'why' behind each technique, ensuring we understand the underlying principles of watercolour painting. Your teaching skills and strategies break down complex concepts into manageable steps, making the learning process accessible and engaging for all of us. By catering to different learning styles and using effective teaching methods, you ensure that each lesson is enriching and memorable. Your excellent communication skills make it easy to follow along, and your patient, thorough explanations help us grasp even the most challenging techniques. This approach not only enhances our skills but also instills confidence in our abilities as artists.

"I love your calm, gentle manner and approach of using voice-overs after you’ve painted. The voice-overs give detailed how-to information at a steady, manageable pace. You are very good at explaining the why behind something you do, which is crucial for true understanding rather than just mimicking." - Kathy H

“There are many, many tutorials on YouTube and Patreon by really wonderful artists. But what makes Louise's tutorials stand out is her patient teaching style and the professional look and feel of her videos. She is careful to explain her materials, thinking and techniques in enough detail for both beginners and experienced artists to follow. The most helpful techniques I have learned from her tutorials are wet-on-wet, using complementary colors as background washes, anchoring the subject with shadows, and various tips on controlling water on both the brush and the paper.” – Deb E

Your methodical approach and clear explanations help us understand the principles behind the techniques, leading to deeper learning and better results.

Positive Atmosphere

Your positive and encouraging attitude creates a nurturing and inclusive environment for all of us. You understand that every artist is on their own unique journey, and you meet us wherever we are. Your feedback is always constructive, helping us to see our potential and encouraging us to push our boundaries without fear of making mistakes. Your teaching methods foster a sense of community among your students, where we can share our progress, challenges, and triumphs. This supportive network enhances our learning experience and makes our artistic journeys even more rewarding. By fostering an atmosphere of respect and active listening, you help us feel valued and motivated, which significantly contributes to our overall student achievement and growth as artists.

"I love the positive atmosphere and the emphasis on learning (i.e., process and not product). All skill levels are present and welcome, and it’s okay to be vulnerable and show mistakes, as modeled by Louise herself in some YouTube videos." - Kathy H

“The community who follow her resonate friendliness, encouragement, and happiness from your achievements which in turn make you want to be more involved. Her newsletters are full of useful information, she is listening to her followers for what they want.” - Karen

An exceptional educator

The positive and inclusive environment you create encourages us to learn from our mistakes and celebrate our progress, no matter how small.

Your approach to teaching goes beyond the technical aspects of painting. You create an environment where creativity can flourish, where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, and where each of us feels valued and supported. Your lessons are not just about art; they are about personal growth and self-expression.

Thank you, Louise, for being an extraordinary teacher and mentor. Your impact on our lives and our art is immeasurable.

With gratitude,

Your Students

For more wonderful student paintings and testimonials check out the Gallery of Student Art.

If you are interested in learning to paint in watercolour, I have over 170 online, voiced over watercolour tutorials for all skill levels.