212 Patterns, still lifes, and flowers | SUBJECTS
PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE
A moment in time is captured in this study of a
fading anemone ower. Such detailed work demands
a smooth surface, so a hot press watercolor paper
works better than a more textured paper.
A drier brush works best for details
2
Creating the
background
Thoroughly wet a
larger-than-needed
piece of paper. Dab
pale mixes of browns
and creams into the
wet areas. Once dry,
trim to include the
most successful area.
1
Posing
the subject
Position the main
light source in front
of the subject but
to one side. A
secondary light on
the other side will
act as a backlight
to enhance the
translucence of
the papery petals.
Darker details
Highlight detail or deepen
shadows with a drier brush.
Pick up small amounts of drying
paint on the tip of your brush
or switch to a smaller brush.
No. 6 soft-hair round brush
Ruling pen
Masking uid
Tracing paper
Graphite transfer paper
8
1
/2 x 8
1
/2 in (22 x 22 cm)
hot press 300 lb (640 gsm)
watercolor paper
You will need
Quinacridone
gold
Phthalo blue
(green shade)
Mayan
dark blue
Quinacridone
magenta
Quinacridone
red
Fading anemone
Layer 1 Layer 2 Layer 3
Botanical
painting
DEPICTING PLANT LIFE ACCURATELY
Sitting somewhere between art and
science, botanical art serves both faculties.
The botanical illustrator not only depicts
the form, color, and botanical structure of
a plant as accurately as possible, but also
paints with artistic expression.
Beautifully accurate
Build up layers gradually, starting with the lighter tones
and working to darker ones. Successive washes help
create the form of the ower and give a luminosity
to the piece. As well as using delicate wet-in-wet
brushwork, a drier brush technique (little paint, little
water) is best for adding details and darker shadows.
Layer upon layer
Build up rich colors over several carefully applied layers of wet-in-wet
washes. Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next
one. This repeated sequence creates form and strengthens color.
The mottled appearance
echoes fading book pages
US_212-215_Flowers_1.indd 212 02/04/2020 3:35pm