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Dear Patrons,

Today, I want to share a gentle reminder: the path to mastery in art, especially with watercolour painting, is a journey of persistence, patience, and passion. It's about embracing the process, with all its ebbs and flows.

Every stroke, every blend, and every 'happy accident' is a step towards greater understanding and skill. This medium, with its unpredictability and fluidity, teaches us not just about the art of painting, but about the art of resilience.

I know first-hand how daunting this path can seem.  I’ve been painting in watercolour since 2011, and yet, each blank piece of paper still fills me with fear every time I sit down to start a new painting. I tell myself it’s just a piece of paper - nobody has to see what I paint. This reminder helps me to embrace the process, to immerse myself in the joy of painting, and to not be concerned about the outcome. This mindset is crucial, especially when progress feels slow or when the vision in our minds doesn't match the creation on our paper. But remember, every master was once a beginner. The key to unlocking your potential lies in the brush mileage - the countless hours spent with brush in hand, exploring, experimenting, and engaging with your art.

It won't happen overnight, and that's perfectly ok. The beauty of our artistic journey lies not in the immediacy of success, but in the growth that comes from perseverance. Each moment you spend painting, you are not just adding layers of paint, but layers of knowledge, experience, and depth to your craft.

So, to all of you, I encourage you to embrace every brush stroke, every challenge, and every triumph on your journey. Your dedication and hard work are the most crucial ingredients in the masterpiece that is your artistic path.

I invite you to read my latest blog post where you can see some of my first paintings.

https://www.louisedemasi.com/blog/2024/2/27/embracing-growth-and-perseverance-in-watercolour-painting

I hope it’s a source of inspiration and a reminder that with love, patience, and a splash of watercolour, the best is indeed yet to come.

With gratitude and encouragement,

Louise

❤️

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Comments

Anne Watman

Thank you, as always, Louise. I so much appreciate your talent, along with your humility. You have been a wonderful inspiration for me.

Sheryl Hill

Very nice! Congratulations

Rhonda

Man, I needed that encouragement just now! I have been struggling through the yellow robin today, thank you so much for your words. I think I’ll print it out and tape it over my work bench❤️.

Louise De Masi

Thanks Rhonda! Don't worry about it. If it doesn't work - paint it again another day. 🥰

Lynn Sloan

Thank you so much for your thoughtful posts and care about us who have embarked on this journey. I resonate, as I'm sure most of us do, with the vulnerability you share so openly. I'm so grateful that this is a hobby for me that I can take at my slow, procrastinating pace. Improvement does come and it was thrilling to level up a bit with noticeable progress. My husband gently inquired and commented, "You've not only improved, you're working a little faster!" 😆

Nicki Nichols

That's an incredible reminder 🫶🏼

Dallas Milligan

What a great expression "Brush Mileage". That is what it is all about. Study, research and watching YouTube have their place but are nothing without Brush Mileage. I've stuck that on my fridge. Thank you.

Sharon Richards

Beautifully stated. Painting feels like a massage for my over stimulated brain. Thank you❤️

Joyce Wicks

Don’t know how you find the time to put out these awesome blogs, but I am so happy you do. Thank you for sharing your experience and wisdom with your followers. We are always learning, one brush stroke at a time. ❤️🦋

Myrrhine Grossi

Thank you Louise. Let's sing with The Byrds during our painting Turn, Turn, Turn and Paint, Paint, Paint, Learn, Learn, Learn ... 🖌🎨🖼

Natascha van Dun

We should change that frase to "practice makes progress" 😊 Thank you for all you write, paint, film and edit for us!

Terri Robertson

Thank you Louise. It's so good to know that after all this time, each blank sheet of paper still fills you with fear, and I like the thought that 'no one has to see it' - quite right. I have been exploring quick results like doodling, card swipes and ink & wash just to get out of head when it comes to the 'outcome', and to use up some pages in my sketchbook. And allowing myself the freedom to not have a good outcome brings me a lot of relief from the anxiety of a blank page! Brush mileage is the only way, for sure. Thank you so much for this post, and for sharing your beautiful skills 🙏💕

Jana Cervinka

AND your talent as a writer shines! Your well crafted, informative and heartfelt articles are much appreciated!

Sammie Bryant

Such wisdom, great post. I like that you share your thoughts, struggles, it makes this process a bit easier. Thank you, btw great and beautiful painting, I hope it becomes a tutorial one day.

Anne

I really needed this! Thank you!

Louise De Masi

Thank you so much for your lovely messageLynn. It's wonderful to hear about your progress and that even your husband has noticed the difference. Taking it at your own pace and seeing improvement is what it's all about.

Louise De Masi

Love that you've stuck 'Brush Mileage' on your fridge! You're absolutely right, practice is key. Thanks Dallas.

Louise De Masi

I'm so glad you enjoy the blogs! Finding the time is always a challenge for me but your appreciation and support make it all worthwhile. Thank you Joyce.

Louise De Masi

Love that idea! ‘Turn, Turn, Turn and Paint, Paint, Paint, Learn, Learn, Learn...’ that’s perfect for our creative journey.

Louise De Masi

Exploring different techniques like doodling and ink & wash sounds like a fantastic way to conquer the blank page anxiety. Embracing the process and allowing yourself the freedom to experiment is exactly what 'brush mileage' is all about. Thank you for your kind words Terri.

Paula von Bestenbostel

Thank you, your continued support and encouragement is a precious thing.. u are truly one in a million. You speak to us like you are speaking to each and every one of us, I therefore, think of you as my Art Buddy not just my Art Teacher. Thats what makes u different from all the rest... the little personal touches in between posting your Tutorials each month. Thank you.

Xue L

Loved this! Thank you for bringing so open. It helps to know that you too started somewhere.

Linda Jackson

Thank you for your encouraging and kind words. I seem to easily talk myself out of even trying! I have everything ready to go for the beginner banana tutorial, but I’m terrified to start. I know how silly that is intellectually, but the emotional side always seems to win. Your words of encouragement along with sharing your personal experiences are worth their weight in gold!

Louise De Masi

You're most welcome Paula! I'm honored to be your Art Buddy and look forward to our continued journey together. Thank you for being such a wonderful part of our community.

Louise De Masi

It's ok to feel that way because starting can often be the hardest part. You're not alone - I'm right here with you, cheering you on. Let's tackle that banana tutorial together, step by step. You've got this Linda!

Harini Rajan

Thanks! So inspiring! I crawled into a shell and refused to paint for almost six months now. Not good enough” being my excuse , but this post makes me feel it doesn’t have to be “good” - my painting can just be.

Louise De Masi

Definitely Harini - paint for pleasure and forget about the finished painting. As you keep painting you will see improvement. Don't compare your paintings to others - compare your paintings to your earlier paintings. Work at your own pace and have fun with it. 🥰