In the enchanting world of watercolour painting, we artists often play a delightful game of spotlight with our subjects. Some objects in our paintings are the stars of the show, boldly stepping into the foreground, basking in the spotlight, and captivating the viewer's gaze with their vivid charm. They're the showstoppers, the ones that catch your eye and refuse to let go.

Meanwhile, other elements in our artwork prefer a more subtle role, gracefully receding into the background. They're like the whispers behind the main melody, softer, a tad fuzzy, and less vibrant.

General ArtLouise De Masi18 January 2024Advice, Watercolour, Art Comments

Art and Mindfulness

Research 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.

Mental Health and Art, Watercolour ArtLouise De Masi3 August 2023AdviceComment

Wanting to become a professional artist? Here’s how.

There is no debate about it, art business in Australia is booming. Each year, thousands of established and emerging artists create and sell their work. Recent estimates suggest that the art industry in Australia contributes around $15 billion a year to the economy. In 2020 alone, Australia's major auction houses sold $108 million worth of artworks thanks to increased demand from buyers. What these figures show is that there are plenty of opportunities for aspiring artists to make a living from their work. And thanks to the advent of digital platforms, it is now easier than ever to connect with potential buyers from around the world.

General ArtLouise De Masi11 July 2023AdviceComment

Why is watercolour so underrepresented in the Archibald Prize?

Despite the fact that watercolour is rarely seen in the Archibald Prize, there have been notable occurrences of its inclusion. One such example is Cherry Hood's portrait of acclaimed Australian pianist Simon Tedeschi which was awarded the 2002 Archibald Prize. This painting of the young virtuoso showcases Hood's mastery of the watercolour medium. From the lifelike piercing blue eyes to the intentional drip marks, Hood manages to capture a tender side of the subject not often seen in traditional portraiture. Standing at 3.2 metres tall and 1.9 metres wide, this painting is a testament to the power of the watercolour medium on a large-scale.

Watercolour Art, Art HistoryLouise De Masi8 June 2023Watercolour, History Comments

Does being an artist have to be a lonely pursuit?

The 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.

Watercolour Art, Mental Health and ArtLouise De Masi29 May 2023WatercolourComment

Can You Use AI in Art To Be Creative?

The recent first-place award in the Colorado State Fair's Digital Arts Competition, won by an AI-generated work of art, shows just how far AI technology has come in its critical reception by the arts community. Gone are the days of AI art being dismissed as simple, gimmicky, or lacking in creativity and human emotion. AI algorithms are now able to generate a variety of exquisite art forms, from abstract paintings to highly detailed 3D sculptures.

Art and TechnologyLouise De Masi17 May 2023Artificial Intelligence, ArtComment

Mental Health and the Creative Arts. How Does Being Creative Help with Mental Health?

Creative 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.

Mental Health and ArtLouise De Masi4 May 2023Art, Watercolour Comments

Choosing the Best Watercolour Artwork for Home Styling

Australia is blessed with unique and wonderful wildlife, the likes of which can not be found anywhere else in the world. Being conscious of this helps us not only feel connected to the natural beauty of our environment but also to appreciate the unique beauty of each species. When it comes to choosing watercolour paintings for your home, this is where the opportunity lies to incorporate Australia’s unique animals into your decor.

A History of Watercolour Art in Australia

These artists were drawn to watercolour as it allowed them to capture fleeting moments and the immediacy of the Australian wilderness. Without these early watercolour paintings, we would be deprived of a crucial record of Australia's history. They provide a unique glimpse into a time and place that has long since passed and allow us to appreciate the natural beauty of Australia as it was seen and experienced by the first European settlers.

Watercolour Art, Buying Art, Art HistoryLouise De Masi10 April 2023History, Watercolour, ArtComment

Art Insights

In-Depth Articles and Research-Based Insights on Watercolour Art.