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.
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You see, I am quite the perfectionist. Everything I do has to be perfect, or I feel imperfection settling over me like a heavy blanket. My expectations are so high that I cannot possibly live up to them. This fear of failure is irrational — and absolutely exhausting. It has kept me from doing many things. And while I have been diligently working on loosening its grip over the past few years, it has reared its ugly head again in recent months. It’s time to do something about it.
Read MoreThe fear of the blank page (or blank canvas) is one of the most common forms of artist anxiety. That untouched sheet of watercolour paper can feel intimidating precisely because of what it represents - possibility, expectation, and the pressure to “get it right.”
Very quickly, the mind starts filling the silence:
What if I ruin it? What if I don’t know where to begin? What if this painting fails before it even starts?
Read MoreResearch has found that art can be a powerful tool for improving focus and reducing stress. It has been shown to reduce cortisol, the hormone released during times of stress, and increase dopamine, the neurotransmitter linked to pleasure.
Art also improves brain functioning by activating both sides of the brain; while one side is taking in visual information, the other side is processing it and forming new connections.
Other studies have shown that art therapy can help us learn to manage difficult emotions and cope with challenging situations.
Read MoreThe idea of the solitary artist, working away on a project in solitude, has long been romanticised. It's true that much of the artistic process does require time alone to experiment and explore ideas. However, it is also true that art does not have to be a completely lonely pursuit. Working with other artists or even collaborating on projects can help to enrich the creative process and gain insight into how others approach their work.
Read MoreCreative activities can be deeply therapeutic. Creative arts such as painting, drawing, music, dance, and drama can provide a much-needed opportunity for reflection, relaxation, and self-expression. Being creative can help to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and increase self-confidence. It can be used as a form of personal therapy to explore feelings, work through difficult situations, or develop an understanding of the emotions that we experience.
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