In May 2022 I started posting profiles of artists, crafters and writers who depicted poultry in their work. Some of those folks were inspired by the imagery of birds, while others had a flock of their own and wanted to share their love of chickens.
I’m neither artistic or particularly crafty, but I can appreciate those who make things with their hands from ideas in their heads.
This is the 30th post in the series ‘When Art Meets Chickens’. Louise is clearly an artist that is not only inspired by the shapes and colours of chickens, but their personalities and ability to entertain the folks around them.
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Louise De Masi, a professional watercolour artist and teacher based in Australia. I create detailed, realistic watercolour paintings and share my techniques through online tutorials, courses, and social media. My goal is to help others discover the beauty of watercolour and gain confidence in their own artistic journey.
What’s your history with creating art?
I’ve been painting for nearly 30 years. I began my creative journey as a sign writer, then moved into acrylics before discovering watercolour in 2011. I was instantly drawn to its transparency and softness. I’m also a qualified teacher and spent several years working as a school teacher before combining my love of art and teaching.
Through years of experimentation and practice, I’ve developed my own realistic style, and now I share my knowledge full time by creating tutorials, online courses, and resources for artists around the world.
How has your practice changed over time?
My art practice began as a part time pursuit while I was still teaching, but over time it grew into my full time career. These days my husband and I work together running the business, which allows me to focus more on painting and creating new tutorials.
My process has evolved too, I’ve become more patient and deliberate with my work, spending more time planning compositions, refining colour choices, and simplifying the painting process so I can teach it clearly to others.
What work is most fulfilling?
The most fulfilling part of my work is hearing from students who tell me that something finally “clicked” after taking one of my classes. When they say watercolour now makes sense or that painting has helped them through difficult times, it’s incredibly rewarding. Knowing that my lessons have inspired confidence, creativity, and even healing in people’s lives is what fills me with the most happiness.
Watercolour itself is such a joy to work with. It’s fluid, expressive, and full of surprises and being able to share that joy with others and see how it impacts their lives is what makes this work so meaningful to me.
What motivates you to create?
Art has always been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Creating feels as natural to me as breathing, it’s simply who I am. Painting allows me to express myself in a way that words can’t, and I feel most at peace when I’m in the studio with a brush in hand. That love of creating and the desire to keep learning and improving is what continues to drive me every day.
First experience with chickens?
When my kids were little, we built a chicken pen on our 25-acre property and brought home a dozen hens. Each one had a name and its own personality, and before long they felt like part of the family. My oldest child wanted to name one of them Helen, after Helen of Troy and she quickly became our favourite. Helen was so calm, gentle, and sweet. The chickens kept us well supplied with fresh eggs. I often gave cartons away to relatives and my painting students. They were such a joy to watch, full of quirks and character. I don’t have chickens anymore, but I still love painting them. Their expressive faces and personalities always bring back fond memories. The photo of the little girl holding the chicken is my daughter – she’s 34 now.
Thanks to Louise for sharing her story and art, used with permission. You can reach her at her website, Facebook and Instagram.
“Where nerds and hens flock together.”
Bitchin' Chickens 
Love love this!
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