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Hi everyone,

Here is Part 1 of the Heron Tutorial.

Part 2 is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/40749480

All of the files you need to complete the painting are attached below my message here.

I've included an enlarged line drawing spread over two pages (A3 size) for those who have difficulty enlarging the drawing. If you want to paint it larger than that let me know and I'll try and spread it over three pages for you.

I downloaded the reference photo from Wildlife Reference Photos. It was taken by Wendy Sinclair. You can purchase the photo from Wildlife Reference Photos website. A subscription of $10 (US) allows you to download 5 photos within 30 days. Here is the link: https://wildlifereferencephotos.com/media.details.php?mediaID=58766  I've also put the link on the Supplies List.

I'll put this tutorial on both of the indexes so you can find it when you are ready.

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Indexes

Index on my website with linked clickable images: http://www.louisedemasi.com/new-index

Word index here on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/34865676

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A new beginner tutorial is coming soon.

Have fun!

Louise

💕

Files

Heron for Patreon Part 1

Comments

Marika Roth

Still, after a few years of painting, I have trouble with masking fluid. Is there a good brush that you like to get those fine lines, without getting those aggravating rough edges? Thank you. Or is there a white guache or bleed proof paint that works well?

Louise De Masi

A longer liner brush like a rigger might help you. They have longer bristles. Otherwise you can use white gouache or opaque watercolour like Titanium White.

Ruth Davis

I screwed up the background completely. Now...im just doing the top of the heron. I made up my own background.

Elaine

This is beautiful Louise, thank you 😊 💕

Ashley Swinton

I've been wanting to paint one of these!!! 😍😊

Bea

Can’t wait to paint this ! Yeah ! 😍

Marika Roth

Did you use 140 or 300 lb paper? Can't wait to do this.

Jennifer Nicholson

Hi Louise not sure why but I have not been able to access Part 2. It keeps telling me that I need to subscribe to gain access. I think it is a glitch but don’t know what to do to fix it please can you help. Many thanks

Louise De Masi

Hi Jennifer, I'm not sure why. As you said it's some sort of glitch I'd say. Try logging in and out again and maybe try a different device. If you're using an iPad switch to a computer if you can. Also try again later. If all that fails contact the IT people and tell them what's happening. Go to this page https://support.patreon.com/hc/en-us and click on 'Send us a note'.

Lynn Benn

Another fabulous tutorial, can't wait to get started. Thank you Louise, it's both beautiful and challenging

Marianne Redding

Hi Louise, which Winsor Orange did you use? Is this Winsor Orange red shade? Would Pyrrol Orange be a good substitute? Thanks for the great tutorial, I can’t wait to start it.

Marika Roth

I've been stretching 140 lb. paper but it still buckles. Any suggestions?

Louise De Masi

Hi Marianne, It's Winsor orange (not the red shade). It's only on the beak. Try Pyrrol Orange and if you think it looks a bit red add some yellow to it.

Louise De Masi

Hi Marika. It shouldn't be buckling if you're stretching it properly. Can you describe what you are doing when you stretch it?

Cameron Hartley

Louise, I see that your paper is 15x22. Unlike many other paintings you've done large I don't usually paint as large as your work, but I want to do this one as big as your doing it. Can you tell me what the measurement is between your washi taped edges. Its difficult to judge from the video. It looks smaller then 15 inches wide, maybe 13ish. Also, I did print the two parts of the sketch and they seem too small for that size paper. Again it is hard to tell on the video.

Louise De Masi

Hi Cameron. My paper after I cut the gummed tape off and I took off the washi tape is 35.5cm by 53cm (13.9 inches by 20.8 inches). I've made the enlarged drawing to fit on A3 size paper. If you want tme to make a larger version let me know.

Marika Roth

I soak paper in water for about 10 - 15 min. Then lay it on a gator board, wipe off excess and smooth the surface with towel Tape and let dry. Do I need to staple it?

Cameron Hartley

Thanks for your reply. I have chosen to paint at 14x23. In order to fit the larger size I am choosing to add a small amount of blue gray water below the rocks . I really enjoyed watching this tutorial, 3 times now. The fact that you did not use masking fluid on the head and back of the bird makes me happy. Most times I choose not to mask this way. I'm not happy with the masking fluids I'm using because no matter how light I put it on it is harder to take off then I see with yours. I'm using Pepeo drawing gum, the blue one. Would you recommend the one you use for easier removal.

Cameron Hartley

Well, covid is taking it's toll on some manufacturers. Arches paper won't be available in larger pads until 2021, Schmincke masking is out of stock everywhere on line that I can tell. I'm painting more then ever being hold up at home for the last 5 months. From your pictures you've posted looks like you live out in the country. Stay safe.

Kate

Louise - first , thanks for this tutorial! I LOVE GB Herons. WOuld it be possible for you to post a full length shot of your study? I think I like that background better but would like a good look. Have to keep telling myself "it is only paper" BUT I am intimidated at the moment, lol!

Louise De Masi

I use staples with the tape because the gummed tape will sometimes fail. It will become unstuck on some areas of the paper. That will cause it to buckle. The staples hold the paper down if that happens and stops it from buckling. The staples on their own sometimes aren't enough on the gator board if you are going to be working quite wet. Gator board is soft and the staples have a hard time staying in there if your paper is really wet. So that's why I use both the tape and the staples together. If it ever lifts and puckers slightly while I'm painting it always flattens out once I've dried the paper with a hair dryer.

Louise De Masi

I'm no masking fluid expert because I don't use it a lot but I do like Schmincke masking fluid. It is easy to remove. I've just bought some Daniel Smith masking fluid to try as well.

Louise De Masi

Thanks Cameron. You too. I hear you about the supplies. I ordered some paper last week from an online store here in Australia. They told me it was out of stock and couldn't tell me when it was going to be back in.

Louise De Masi

Hi Kate. I've just uploaded a photo of the study. It's only paper....it's only paper......expensive paper.....but only paper. 😅💕

Kate

Well THAT made me LOL..thanks, my new mantra!

Lydia Shemain

Was just such a pleasure watching. Absolutely gorgeous. Fantastic job on the feathers and the choice of colours MARVELOUS. Louise you’re amazing.

Lydia Frazier Bosley

The heron is beautifully detailed, I will look forward to trying that one after (a lot) more practice and experience, in the meantime you have provided tons of good beginner-level projects, thanks!

Christine Ellis

Wow, that was difficult. I'm going to try again but this time I'll trace in the feathers after the first wash then I might be able to see them!

Shelly Solle

What is a good substitute for winsor orange? It is the only color I do not have, and don't want to drive 100 miles for one color. I have New Gamboge or cadmium orange. Would either of those work?

Louise De Masi

Hi Shelly, I use a little bit of it on the beak. It's not that important. I'd mix up an orange from a red and a yellow. Maybe something like Scarlet Lake with Winsor Lemon or Winsor Red with Winsor Lemon.

Cinthia Teague

Will you do more with backgrounds? I just loved this!!!

Mary Kay Flood

I second the request for background tutorials. I find them intimidating . If you do it after your painting subject is finished you risk ruining it. But I love theinterest they add .

Mel Johnson

Evening Louise, I have completed the heron but am not happy with the outcome because I have mead the feathers too dark. Is there a way to lighten them without destroying the painting?

Louise De Masi

Hi Mel, you could try wetting them with a wet brush- gently - and then use a tissue to dab at at the paint. It might lighten them a little if you do it a few times.

Hilda

Louise a most beautiful painting. You explain every step so well. Do you have a video on how one can enlarge a photo to fit and trace onto watercolor paper size 11x15 and onto a 22x15 size sheet (half size of a full sheet of watercolor paper). Thank you I’m enjoying watching and learning from you.

Louise De Masi

Hi Hilda, Thank you very much. I enlarge in Photoshop which I know most people don't have. Here's a website that a few other patrons use to enlarge line drawings and photographs. https://bit.ly/3juaffQ There are other free sites where you can upload an image and resize it. If you google 'image resizer' you should find a few. Here's another one: https://imageresizer.com

Hilda

Thank you for getting back to me. Yes I have Adobe Photo shop. I will look into your recommendations :)