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Hi everyone,

I've been busy working on the Hydrangea tutorial for you over the past week. I've divided the tutorial into 3 videos because it's two and a half hours in length. Here is Part 1 where I paint the first layer of paint all over the petals. 

I've included a progress photo here for you that corresponds with where I get to at the end of this first video. Use it to help you apply this first layer of paint.

I've also included the full version of my reference photo that shows the entire flower just in case any of you want to have a go at painting the entire flower instead of the cropped version like I've done here. The reference photo is my own.

Have fun!

Part 2 of the Hydrangea painting is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/30217036

Part 3 of the Hydrangea painting is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/30243692

If you are looking for other tutorials - you will find them all on the indexes below:

Painting Thumbnail Index: https://www.louisedemasi.com/patreon-index

Tutorial Word Index: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patreon-index-34865676

Files

Hydrangea Watercolor Tutorial for Patreon - Initial Wash Part 1

This is Part 1 of the Hydrangea tutorial where I wash in the first layer of paint on all the petals.

Comments

Ruth Davis

i agree about the paper. thoight id do practice on some strathmore i have. nope. paint doesn't act right, at all. depressing! lol

Fadila Sides

magnifique mais jaurais voulu qu'il ait la deuxieme partie merci pour tout

Louise De Masi

Merci! La partie 2 et la partie 3 sont liées dans mon message sous la vidéo.

Anne Watman

I’m wondering if you would recommend using two size 3 brushes (for instance), one for wetting and one for painting. It seems like rinsing off in between waists paint, or does that help maintain the right amount on the brush each time? I hope that makes sense.

Louise De Masi

Hi Anne, It can be a good idea to do use two brushes. I'll use two brushes for wetting sometimes. If I want to get the water on the paper quickly (if it's a larger area) I'll use a bigger brush and then I use a smaller brush to put the paint on if I am working on a detailed area. I'll also sometimes use two brushes if I am working wet on dry and I want to soften paint edges as I go. I'll put the paint on with one brush and I'll have another brush ready, damp with water, to soften paint edges.

Anne Watman

Thank you, Louise. I’m finding myself doing that more. Watercolor is so challenging. I’m not always successful, and I get frustrated, but you are so good at teaching technique. You are helping me think and problem solve. I was feeling a bit discouraged today, working on the peony. I’m struggling, but I when I “get” something, I realize I’m learning. I have been riding horses for years, and riding teachers used to say, “if it was easy, everyone would do it.” Same with watercolor. I’ve met some really talented artists who are not into watercolor because it’s so difficult. You make me want to keep going. ❤️

Yvonne Quezada

I'm trying to retrieve the drawing. I'm tapping the link and it's not responding.

Louise De Masi

Hi Yvonne, try restarting your device. Also, if you are using and iPad switch to a computer (if you have one) and see if you can download it from that. Let me know if that doesn't work.

Hazel Dalton

oops, I hit the love remark by mistake. I’m attempting this beautiful hydranea tutorial for the 3rd time….When you said, many times, to keep the layers light, you were giving the “secret” to success…..my third attemp is turning out just fine. Thank you for giving your all for us. I am seeing much improvement in everything I attempt…..so are others. Hard to remember my watercolor journey before Louise. :

Louise De Masi

Thank you very much for your kind words Hazel. I'm so pleased you are having success! 💕

Claudia Green

Is there a way to mix up magenta using red and blue? I'm on a fixed budget, so I'm trying to keep "odd" colors to a minimum. Thank you!

Louise De Masi

Hi Claudia, try mixing a cool red like Permanent Alizarin Crimson or Permanent Rose with a blue like French Ultramarine or Phthalo Blue. If the colour appears too dark try adding a tiny bit of yellow.

Kas Coleman

I have done part 1 but can't find part 2 or 3. Can you help plse

Louise De Masi

Hi Kas, The links are in the post above the attachments.

Natalie Jukes

Hi Louise, Instead of the winsor violet can I use Carbazole violet by Daniel Smith. Thanks

Louise De Masi

Hi Natalie- yes for sure. It has the same pigment code and is similar to Winsor Violet.

Laura DG

Hi Louise. I'm trying to download the hydrangeas and they're not doing it. Can you help. I don't know what's wrong. Never happened before. Thanks

Louise De Masi

Hi Laura, Dom here. I can't see an issue from our end. What seems to be the issue for you?

Carol Waters

Hi Louise-I am a patreon subscriber and I have a hard time navigating the index I just found after multiple tries.

Louise De Masi

Hi Carol, Patreon can definitely be tricky to navigate, especially as the creator keeps adding content. I realised this a few years ago, so I started adding direct links to the indexes underneath each tutorial post (5 years ago) to make things easier to find. If you ever get stuck, those links are the quickest way to get around. If you scroll to the bottom of my message to everyone (on the tutorials )- you'll see the links to the indexes there. Thanks.

Becky

Hi Louise, would you class this as intermediate to advanced, or advanced? For some reason I can't see on this one. Thanks

Louise De Masi

Hi Becky, It can be difficult to label the tutorials by skill level because I take you through each painting step by step. Some subjects are more involved and require a bit more patience and careful observation. I’d class the hydrangea as intermediate to advanced for that reason.

Becky

Thank you!

Marijke de Boer

Gorgious painting and beautiful colours! Thank you so much for this:)

Caryn Oxford

So excited to see this in my inbox this morning!

Kathy Wilden

Love the final result. Beautifully done! I can see why we have to take our time painting it. Thank you Louise...

Lynne McDermott

So beautiful, Louise!!! Can't wait to paint this one. Can you tell me why you chose cold pressed instead of hot pressed paper?

Karen Read

Started this and like that you’ve divided it up into several videos. Instead of my usual Arches watercolor block, I’m using a Winsor and Newton Watercolor pad (mainly so I could use a lightbox for outline) taped down. About halfway through the first wash, I noticed a bit of buckling but as it dried, it flattened out. I’ve noticed it before with this paper and really like that it does that plus lifting off this paper is better than any I’ve used. If any of you guys have not tried it, you might consider giving it a shot. It’s about the same price as Arches.

Louise De Masi

Thanks Lynne. There's no real reason other than I had a piece cut and ready to go. I enjoy painting on both. I like hot pressed paper because the finished painting prints a little better than cold pressed and I can paint detail easier on hot pressed. I find it easier to paint, fine lines etc on hot pressed. I knew there were no fine lines (other than the little veins on the petals) with this painting so I used my cold pressed.

Lynne McDermott

Thanks, Louise!!! You are my favorite teacher and I LOVE your style!!! So happy I found you!!!!!!!

Nicole Butzen

Hello Louise and other fellow watercolor painters. I am new to this site and I am sure I will love it. The way that Louse paints is a way that I have been looking for for a long time. Clearly explained and not too small in size. Also the difference in themes is something that I really like. I'm going to start with this hydrangea and hope for the best.

Louise De Masi

Welcome Nicole and thank you very much. I'm glad you're here! Good luck with the Hydrangea. Don't hesitate to message me if you need any help. 🧡

Kelle Luoma

Starting with the Hydrangea this weekend. Here's to hoping it turns out! and at least resembles a hydragea! Louise, have you thought about copying the paper stretching parts from the sunflower video and the Teachable course and loading it as a stand alone video here? I had heard about stretching, but my in-person painting instructor said that we would never need to stretch our paper, so she wasn't going to explain it. Your instructions are some of the easiest to follow that I have found online, and having it as a stand alone would be very helpful (especially to those of us that do not like sunflowers!). Also, have you ever tried using an iron to flatten the paper? I saw it in a "water colour hacks" video on YouTube, but I haven't tried it yet. Thoughts?

Louise De Masi

Hi Kelle, That's a very good idea. I might do another one and upload it to YouTube. I haven't ironed paper but I probably have a few that I could try it on. When I first started painting in watercolour I didn't know that you were supposed to stretch your paper so I have a few very early paintings that I did that are buckled. I'll find out how others do it and I'll give it a go and let you know what happens.

Shelly Solle

Hello Louise, When you say winsor blue, which one? There are several. Red or green shade?

Louise De Masi

Hi Shelly, it’s lovely to talk to you. I’m sorry I should have been more specific. It’s the red shade.

Isatys09

I recently completed it and love the finish product. It was quite challenging as I decided to use hot pressed paper and... I was totally unprepared on how different and much more challenging hot pressed paper (Arches 300gsm Satin effect) would be compared to my regular cold pressed. The final result is totally worth it and I have to say that your fantastic teaching style really helped. Thanks Louise for another great tutorial!.

maria blackburn

Hi Louise, I love this painting and I was thinking of doing this next. I have both Winsor Blue red and green shade. Which one did you use? Thanks heaps. Maria

Carol Crawford Barfield

.'ve just signed up for you patreon classes, but I have no idea how to access the tutorials (ie., www.????). Once there, do I have to sign in to with my password? How can I print the line drawing? I'm 73 and not that computer savvy.

Louise De Masi

Hi Carol, The easiest way to see all the tutorials at once is to use the link I sent you. It's an index I have made on my website for all the tutorials I have here on Patreon. You can see all of the paintings. All you have to do is click on the painting you want to do and it will bring you back here to Patreon where the tutorial is. You must be signed into Patreon to be able to see them- just like you were when you typed this message. I sent you a link to the index in a message but in case you haven't seen it you can copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.louisedemasi.com/new-index Scroll down a little to see the index. Here on this message that you wrote you have access to Part 1 of the hydrangea tutorial. All you do is click on the video for it to start. Underneath the video is a message from me. There you will find links to download all of the files (line drawing etc) that you need to get started. They are at the bottom of the message. You'll also find links to Part 2 of any of the tutorials within the message that I have written. When you click on the file links they should download automatically to your computer. There is a message from me underneath each tutorial where you'll find those links/files. There is also a search bar right at the top of the 'Posts' page here on Patreon where you can type in 'Watercolour Tutorial' and click enter and all of the tutorials will load on the page for you. I hope this helps you.

DW

I’m so excited to start this one!

Deborah Mary Rose

Hello Louise. I’m probably an intermediate-level WC painter, but since I haven’t painted much in the past 15 years (I’ve been painting with pastels) I am finding your videos full of great tips and hints as a refresher course. As refers to the paint you suggest for this hydrangea study, are you using Winsor Blue (red shade) or Blue Shade?

Louise De Masi

Hi Deborah, I'm glad they are helpful. I have Winsor Blue Red shade. Thanks for reminding me again. I've added that to the Supplies List.

Nazmiye Savran

Henüz boya maya başlamadım ve15 gün daha pek birşey yapamayacağım.Çünkü süpriz bir a pandisit ve göbek fıtığı ameliyat ı geçirdim.

Nazmiye Savran

Merhaba Louise , Çalışmaya başlarken kağıtların ebatlarının ne kadar olacağıyla ilgili bilgiye ulaşamadım.yardımcı olabilirmisin. Kimi çalışmalarda var ama örnek olarak ortancada yok.

Louise De Masi

Merhaba Nazmiye, Ortanca resmi için ihtiyacınız olan tüm dosyalar yukarıdaki herkese ana mesajımın altında yer alıyor. Kullandığım kağıt hakkında bilgi bulabileceğiniz bir Sarf Malzemesi Listesi var. Arches suluboya kağıdı 25cm x 35cm idi.

Shilpa Shah

Hi Louise, I don't have permanent magenta (yet) or Quinacridone Magenta either. I looked online and found that there's a similar shade in Van Gogh (Permanent Red Violet) that actually is quite similar to either. (Making the most of supplies I have!) I actually enlarged the line drawing a little bit to fit more than 3/4 of the entire page. I'm really excited to get started. :)

Louise De Masi

Thanks for letting me know Shilpa. I hope you enjoy it!

Shilpa Shah

I'm going to take your advice in the start of the video and watch the whole way through of the first part and use the progress photo to do mine. I tried to do it by starting and stopping, but it was not working out. A few people on the facebook group advised me as well to watch the first part in full and then try it.

Louise De Masi

I think that's the best was for a lot of people. Watch it a few times if you need to and then if you get stuck while you paint it you can always re-watch the part of the tutorial where you are unsure.

Linda Allan

Hi Louise, thank you for these tutorials they are lovely. I have been painting for a while , and am in need of guidance and structure. I love your tutorial , love your soft calming voice. Thank you, Merci. Linda 💕

J. David Antol

What kind of chair do you use or recommend?

Tiphanie

First step done ! YES !

Lydia Frazier Bosley

Louise - I am fascinated to see that you figured out the language and managed to communicate with the person from Turkey - that is awesome! I was trying to identify it and thought it might be Polish... how did you figure out it was Turkish? Maybe Dom recognized it? or maybe you are incredibly sophisticated! I always try to guess what language I am seeing when I don't recognize it!

Louise De Masi

There's nothing sophisticated about me Lydia...thank you! About all I know in other languages is how to say gracias, grazie, danke and merci.....lol. It's the wonders of technology. I copy and pasted the message into Google translate which detected what language it was. Then I use it to convert my English message. 💕

Renee Howard Cassese

It seems that my sketch I downloaded is a bit different from the piece you are working on, especially along the top right. But thanks to your wonderful teaching I think I can follow the image of the finished painting and get it fairly okay.

Louise De Masi

Hi Renee, I trace over my completed painting to get the line drawing so it shouldn't be too different.

Renee Howard Cassese

Maybe just the way I traced it. But it all worked out and I'm adding leaves to it as I wanted to fill up more of my 11x14 paper. Thank you so much for your wonderful tutorials and classes.

ginnie nuckles

I also struggled with the upper right so didnt worry to much about what it put there,, just some shapes and colors ,, oh well

Lydia Frazier Bosley

I just finished part 1 yesterday, and I think it's about the favorite tutorial I've done so far! Can't wait to get to part 2 this afternoon ... thanks for providing this lovely diversion, Louise! p.s. I was glad to find I have every color on your list for the hydrangeas, maybe that's making it easier, I know when I've substituted colors in the past I haven't always been happy with the result!

Louise De Masi

Thank you Lydia. I'm so pleased you are enjoying it. 💜

Elena Silveira

Hi everyone, sorry pero yo hablo español vivo en Paraguay. Por eso casi no escribo, recien terminé la hortensia, a hard work, no estoy muy contenta, quedo lindo, pero........

Elena Silveira

Yo pinto en tamaños chicos porque el papel acá sale muy muy expensive.

Elena Silveira

I have learned a lot, gracias Louise, tocaya.

Holly Watson

I finished this painting last night (after 3 tries!) and I love it! I can't believe I am actually happy with a watercolor painting I did! And it's all because of your beautiful work and your detailed teaching, Louise. Thank you!

Holly Watson

I do have a question, though. I'm wondering what is the purpose of the first layer over all the flowers? you eventually paint many layers over most of them. Would it have been just as easy to paint them sort of randomly, adding the layers randomly as they dry?

Louise De Masi

That's wonderful Holly! I'm so pleased. Thank you.💕

Louise De Masi

Every painting is different and everyone paints differently. I work up gradually to the darks. I start with pale washes which often become the lightest areas (after the white of the paper) of my paintings. Then little by little other areas become darker. I may have to adjust some areas that I thought were dark enough when I painted them the first time. If I go too dark too quickly anywhere then there's no going back. I know I can always add another layer if something isn't dark enough.

Holly Watson

Hi Louise, I have another question: I painted an original painting for my daughter and she asked me to sign it. It is a plant painting with a lot of white space around it (like most of yours seem to be). I cannot bring myself to sign in that white space. What are your thoughts on signing your paintings? Do you ever sign them? Why or why not? thanks!

Louise De Masi

Hi Holly, Yes I always sign my paintings usually in the botton left or right corner, fairly small. I leave room for a mat to go around the painting so I sign it in from the edge about 15mm or so.

Holly Watson

I was wondering if you have examples on your site, or if you could teach us how to do this? I am really struggling with it because I don't know what looks good, or even how to go about doing it. It makes me not sign because I don't want to ruin a painting that I worked so hard on!

Louise De Masi

I totally understand that feeling- I always feel the same. I'll give it some thought and I'll do a post about it in 2021.

Holly Watson

Thank you, Louise, much appreciated!

Candace

Hi Louise, just did your humming bird tutorial. It was really good. I combined the drawing for the humming bird with the hydrangea drawing and went with blue. Was hard due to the fact that I used pure cobalt blue. Very hard color to work with lol. Thank you again for being a great teacher. :)

Louise De Masi

My pleasure Candace. I saw it in the FB group. It's gorgeous! Well done. 🥰

Nancy Gosnell

Is it possible to have a line drawing in A3 format? It would be greatly appreciated. I love your paintings!

Nancy Gosnell

Can you post your hydrangea and hummingbird? I would love to see it.

Louise De Masi

Yes I'll do that now Nancy. It won't take me long. Thanks!

Candace

We can't post pictures on Patreon. I did post it on the Louise De Masi Face Book page. If you give me your personal email. I could send it to you.

Nancy Gosnell

Thank you so much! I am always so shocked at how fast you reply. Your style and teaching has definitely given me some passion to learn and create. I never thought that I could do this. You have given me a gift!

Louise De Masi

That's wonderful and makes me very happy to know. Thank you Nancy.

Kara Sweeney

This was so educational! I loved it! I did wind up with a few water drops so I added splatter to the final. :) thank you Louise!

Genie

If I don't have Winsor blue can I substitute Phthalo blue (red shade)?

Louise De Masi

You could try it Georgena but it's a very vibrant colour so use it sparingly....mix lots of water into it. If not that colour use one of your other blues if you have any.

Genie

Would one of these be better? Cobalt blue, indanthrone blue, cerulean blue or manganese blue hue? Colors are always a problem with me. I'm new to Patreon and really enjoy your videos. Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. Georgena

Genie

Thanks again! Georgena

Hanna

I’m a bit confused: winsor blue rs is listed among others, but it looks to me that when you drop blue in the petals it is ultramarine and not winsor blue rs. Is that correct

Louise De Masi

Hi Hanna, if you could let me know the time stamp in the video where you are confused that would help. I painted this 2 years ago now- I'd need to look myself. Thanks.

Hanna

I’ve been using daler rowney mixed media for exercises because it’s cheaper but honestly I’m done with other papers other than arches! The pigment just sits there on the surface and they don’t blend as well.

Hanna

You mention the Windsor blue red shade in the very beginning and it’s also mentioned in the supply list. At about 4 minutes into the video is when you first dropped some blue to the first petal. I know winsor blue rs is very strong and it seems to me that you are using by then ultramarine. It’s no big uss

Hanna

Sorry, I meant is no big issue. I’ll use ultramarine anyways. Thx so much! I so enjoy your teaching! Greetings from California

Louise De Masi

No problem Hanna. It's definitely Winsor Blue Red shade but you could substitute with Ultramarine. 💙

Louise De Masi

I hear you! I bought a diary once with watercolour paper in it - I think it was Strathmore. The paper in it was horrible. I painted on it for a minute or two and tossed it in a drawer. I'll keep it for the grand kids to paint in.

Hanna

Oh I know that one! Simply awful!

Sue Marsh

where would I find the traceable for the hydrangea?

Louise De Masi

Hi Sue, If you look at the bottom of my message to everyone under the video you'll see all the files listed in red font. The line drawing is there: 'Hydrangea Line Drawing'. You click on them and they download to your device.

Li La

I loved it! Thank you so much

Maria Eadie

Thank you Louise for this beautiful water color tutorial. I love it. I finish with part one of the tutorial and is looking good.

Maria Eadie

Louise I would of liked if you would have apply a back ground.

Maria Eadie

any suggestion what can paint as a back ground?

Maria Eadie

Louise I am having trouble finding part 2 of the Hydrangea on patreon please help. Thank you.

Louise De Masi

Hi Maria, If you look under the video of part 1 there is a message I write to everyone. In that message you'll see I've linked to part 2 and part 3.

Louise De Masi

I wouldn't introduce another colour. I'd use one of the colours used to paint the hydrangea and I think I'd wet the paper first before applying it. I'd leave some of the white of the paper showing on the background as well. Just my thoughts.

Louise De Masi

Thanks Maria. I'm glad you are having success with it.

Maria Eadie

Thank you Louise I got it

Olga Gora

Hi Louise could you please send me the part 2

Louise De Masi

HI Olga, welcome! You'll see that Part 2 and Part 3 are linked in my message to everyone below Part 1.