Explore Louise De Masi’s Art Insights Blog for a deep dive into the world of watercolour artistry.
Gain unique perspectives and expert insights on various artistic techniques, creative processes, and the journey of a professional artist. From understanding colour theory to mastering composition and design, Louise’s posts provide valuable knowledge to enhance your art practice. Learn from detailed tutorials, artist interviews, and behind-the-scenes looks at Louise’s own creative process.
Stay inspired and informed with our comprehensive guides and tips designed for both budding artists and seasoned professionals.
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In this article, I’ll guide you through some of the best scanners available today for artists, focusing primarily on A4 and A3 flatbed scanners. Since I personally haven’t used all these scanners myself (we currently use the 2400N A3 Mustek scanner below) most of the recommendations and pros/cons are drawn from research, detailed reviews, and real-world experiences shared by other artists worldwide.
Read MoreIf you're creating class content, preparing a commission, or simply working on a series of paintings, organising your sketches, reference images, and notes digitally can save you a lot of time and keep your process feeling streamlined. I keep folders for each project, with everything from my digital sketches to palette ideas and colour swatches stored in one place.
Read MorePrinting your watercolour artwork at home can be incredibly rewarding, whether you’re selling prints, making gifts, or just preserving your work. But if you want professional-quality results, you need the right printer, ink, and paper, otherwise your colours won’t be accurate, details will get lost, and prints might fade over time.
Read MoreValue contrast refers to the difference in lightness and darkness between colours. It is one of the most critical aspects of colour contrast because our eyes are highly sensitive to variations in value. High value contrast can create a striking effect, drawing attention to particular areas of an artwork.
For instance, a dark object against a light background will stand out prominently, making it the focal point of the composition. This principle is often used in chiaroscuro, a technique that employs strong contrasts between light and dark to give the illusion of volume in modelling three-dimensional objects and figures.
Read MoreThe easiest way to tell whether a watercolour pigment is granulating is to look at a colour chart of the paints you use. The paint manufacturers indicate on their charts whether a pigment is granulating or not. You can buy the charts or you can go online and download them from the paint manufacturer's website.
Read MoreBy mastering analogous colour schemes, you can enhance the emotional depth of your art, creating compositions that soothe and resonate with viewers. This knowledge complements our ongoing journey through colour theory, equipping you with the skills to craft harmonious and cohesive artworks.
Read MoreImagine a red Waratah surrounded by lush green leaves. This combination of contrasting colours doesn’t just draw the eye; it evokes feelings of vitality and passion. The red symbolises energy and life, while the green offers a grounding balance, making this pair perfect for capturing the essence of nature's exuberance.
Read MoreEach colour has unique psychological effects and can influence mood, often triggering specific emotions and behaviours. Here are some common associations:
Red: Often linked with passion, excitement, and energy, red can increase heart rate and create a sense of urgency. This makes it a popular choice in marketing to attract attention or in dining areas to stimulate appetite. Red light, in particular, has been shown to raise blood pressure and increase heart rate, making it a stimulating colour.
Read MoreColour harmony is about creating a visual experience that is pleasing to the eye and resonates with the soul. It’s about balance and beauty, using the colour wheel to create relationships that enhance the overall effect of your work. A well-chosen colour palette is essential in achieving harmonious colour schemes, as it helps in selecting colours that work well together and evoke the desired emotional response.
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