If I had to choose just one brush to take with me to a deserted island (assuming there’s watercolour paper on this island, of course), it would be a round brush. These brushes are the workhorses of watercolour painting, and for good reason. With their tapered shape and pointed tip, they offer an incredible range of mark-making possibilities.

You can create everything from whisper-thin lines to broad, sweeping strokes - all with a single brush! The trick is to adjust the pressure: light pressure for fine details, and heavier pressure for broader strokes. Round brushes are fantastic for general painting, detailed work, and fluid line variation. If you’re just starting out, investing in a high-quality round brush with a fine point will serve you well for years to come. Trust me, this is one brush you don’t want to be without!

Art SuppliesLouise De Masi19 February 2025Daily Practice, Technical GuidesComment

Master Watercolour Painting with my Online Tutorials

In my videos, I take you behind the scenes of my painting process. You’ll see how I carefully select a subject photo - whether it’s a delicate flower, a majestic animal, or a simple object that tells a story. I explain how to choose colours that bring harmony and life to your paintings, sharing tips on colour mixing that will build your confidence with every palette you create.

I provide a clean and accurate line drawing with each tutorial, ensuring a strong foundation for the painting. No detail is too small, and nothing is hidden. I want you to see and understand every step, from the initial inspiration to the final brushstroke. I share a full video, that lets you recreate the tutorial, while learning all the elements needed to bring your artistic vision to life. Not only that, but I believe in sharing my knowledge openly so that you can learn and grow as an artist.

Motivational, Getting StartedLouise De Masi4 December 2024Artistic growth, Daily PracticeComment

11 Ways To Overcome Art Block (That Actually Work)

For ten years, acrylic painting was a source of immense joy and became a core part of my identity. Then, unexpectedly, my passion for it disappeared, leaving me disoriented and somewhat incomplete. This loss was so profound that I set aside my brushes for several years, opting instead to attend university and train as a school teacher. Despite this new path, the deep-seated yearning for artistic expression remained, casting a shadow of sadness over me.

MotivationalLouise De Masi29 April 2024Artistic growth, Daily Practice Comments

The Art of Daily Doodles: Building Muscle Memory in Watercolour Painting

Embarking on a daily doodling journey isn’t about producing gallery pieces daily. Making art is not the goal here. Rather, it's about embracing the process, the repetition, and the insights gained with every drop of paint. It's about becoming one with your tools and materials, understanding the nuances of water and pigment, and how they interact on the canvas of your paper.

Watercolour ProjectsLouise De Masi1 April 2024Daily Practice, Artistic growthComment

The Magic of Daily Doodles: Why Painting Every Day Can Transform Your Art

Let's face it, we're all busier than a set of watercolor brushes at a plein air festival. Finding time to paint can feel like trying to squeeze another color onto an already crowded palette. But here's the kicker: you don't need to carve out a massive chunk of your day. Setting a specific time for your art, be it early morning or late evening, creates a sacred ritual. It's like having a coffee date with your creativity, and trust me, your muse appreciates punctuality.

Motivational, Watercolour ProjectsLouise De Masi13 February 2024Tutorial, Daily Practice Comments

Watercolour for Beginners: Basic Brush Strokes to Practise

Before you start practicing there are several factors that can affect the outcome and quality of your brush strokes in watercolour painting.

Be aware of how much water you have mixed into your paint mixture. Thicker paint may result in more textured strokes, while thinner paint creates smoother, more translucent effects. When you are practicing brush strokes like those demonstrated in this blog post, you want the paint brush to glide over the paper so your paint mixture needs to be fluid and not too thick.

Watercolour TechniquesLouise De Masi15 January 2024Techniques, Technical Guides, Tutorial, Beginner Tips, Daily PracticeComment

Watercolour Tips

Watercolour tips and techniques to help you improve your painting skills.