Tag: botanical painting


Mar
2013

Cymbidium Orchids in Watercolor

categories: Watercolor

Orchids2 Small

I thought it was time to switch gears from painting fairies and focus on botanical painting this weekend. Variety is the spice of life, right? I’ve never painted orchids before but I was drawn to the soft pinks and purples in this variety. I think the natural touches of red in the center of these orchids add interest to the painting and keep it from looking too monotone.

I’m particularly pleased with this color scheme. The colors are bright and soft at the same time. For the background I dropped in cobalt blue, cerulean blue, aureolin, and permanent rose. For the flowers I used permanent rose, cerulean blue, aureolin, and Winsor violet. For the leaves and stems I used green gold, cerulean blue, and raw sienna. This painting is based on a tutorial in Ann Mortimer’s new book, “Orchids in Watercolor.” Here’s a close up view:

Orchids2 Closeup Small


Aug
2012

Progress Report: Parrot Tulips

categories: Watercolor

I worked on this painting for several hours today but had to put it aside to go to a dentist’s appointment–I hate it when that happens! For this painting I used a base coat of cadmium lemon on every item except the blue background and vase, then glazed additional colors on top, mixing them directly on the paper instead of on my palette.

My palette consisted of cadmium lemon, cadmium yellow pale, cadmium yellow deep, permanent rose, cobalt turquoise light, winsor blue (green shade), and indigo. My daughter said my palette always ends up looking like a rainbow, and she’s right. Here’s a photo of my palette:


May
2012

Memorial Day Family Watercolor Fest

categories: Pets

What a busy Memorial Day. I spent the weekend dealing with a broken air conditioner, painting two bedrooms and bathrooms with the help of my brother Steve, shopping for new kitchen appliances, working in my garden, and hosting an impromptu family watercolor fest. What a fun-filled weekend. Here are some pictures of the artists (my mom, sister, niece, and daughter) at work.

Just getting started. Listening to classical music and studying their instruction books.

More painting underway–and surprisingly little chatting.

Grandma’s watercolor set. It used to be mine, but she commandeered it. She’s a very tidy painter; look at that clean palette.

Grandma not participating. I warned her that I’d post this if she pooped out on us.

Everyone got into the act. My faithful German Shepherd, Mary, lying beside me.

My boy, Piggy was there, too.

So was my Yorkie, Steve. Yes, he’s named after my brother.

And Dexter, our Pomeranian/Dachshund mix was there, too.


May
2012

Mother’s Day Watercolor Fest–My Mom’s Second Painting

categories: Watercolor

Here is another painting my mom completed during our Mother’s Day watercolor fest. The improvement between her first and second painting is remarkable. She really rocked this painting. She’s a regular grandma Moses. This painting tutorial was featured in Michael Lakin’s book, “Botanical Flowers in Watercolor.” Watercolors on hot pressed Acquarello Artistico paper by Fabriano.


May
2012

Mother’s Day Tulip Bouquet

categories: Watercolor

I hope everyone is enjoying this fine Mother’s Day weekend. The weather was beautiful here today. I started out the day with a lovely Mother’s Day breakfast with my daughter, sister, and mother,  followed that up with a brief shopping spree, then ended the day with a joint painting session with my daughter. We convinced my mother to join in on the fun, and she painted her first watercolor painting. I’ll be posting copies of their paintings next. Tonight I’m giving myself top billing since today is my special day. This was another lesson featured in Fiona Peart’s book, “Tulips in Watercolor.” Watercolors on hot pressed Acquarello Artistico paper by Fabriano.

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