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:
Just gorgeous Jill, I absolutely love this piece 🙂
Thank you, Kelly, I’m pleased with the way it turned out. How have you been?
I have been very well, thank you for asking 🙂 I just seem to be having alot of trouble with any and all electronic items in the house lol. They keep breaking down on me. This past week or so it been the computer (so i’m way behind on checking out all the lovely blogs) the sky box (no TV arhhhh!! and now the phone. hehe oh well maybe I’ll get more stuff done around here (probably not) 🙂 Sorry to whine, I hope all is well with you 🙂
All is good in my neck of the woods. No TV? Yikes!
So pretty! 🙂
Thank you, Shree. Have you started painting yet?
Noooo I haven’t! I bought the paper some time ago…but I haven’t taken that step to paint yet…I don’t know ….I’m scared! It’s weird..and a little silly…but there you go! Hmm…you know typing this comment, makes me see that this is an opportunity to break the fear! 🙂
Yes, it is! The easiest book to start with is “tulips in Watercolor” by Fiona Peart. Why don’t you pick up a copy?
Gorgeous! Love the vivid colours, and you’ve captured the details of the orchids so beautifully.
Thank you, Caitie. I love your work, too.
beautiful orchids..i agree is it bright but still soft… really beautiful… lovely post..sarah
Thanks so much, Sarah.
Beautiful! do you have any paintings of peonies. It’s my favorite flower. Your orchids are lovely, I love pastels and LOVE flowers.
I’ve never tried to paint peonies before, but I could give it a shot.
Beautiful work Jill! Love the colors❤
Thank you, Violet.
Absolutely gorgeous artwork!
Thanks, Irene!
Jill, this painting is superb! You really managed to capture the richness of the orchids’ texture. I love it.
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. It’s feedback like yours that helps me to keep pressing on.
Gorgeous!!!!!!!!
Thank you, Ann!
This is really beautiful, Jill! So soft & delicate!
Thank you, Beth. The colors of the painting are much softer than the photo. I took the photo at night, which changed the colors a bit. I may retake the photo in daylight and repost it.
Perfection! Joyous but painted with control and skill.
Thank you, Elena. That’s quite a compliment. I love your bird children paintings. Would you be willing to post a peek into your painting process? I’d love to learn more about how you create them.
Your paint handling becomes more supple with each painting. There’s also a wonderful hint of the waxiness of the orchid petals coming through. Mmmm.
Thank you, Gabriel. I always look forward to your feedback.
Wow, this is amazing, Jill! Love it so much! I’m glad I’ve got the chance to see it, I’d missed this one too!
These cymbidium orchids were so much fun to paint. This painting is one of my personal faves. Did you see my hydrangea fairy? I was very pleased with that painting, too. Thank you for all the lovely comments, Mary,
It’s my pleasure, Jill. Yes, your hydrangea fairy on her beautiful flower is quite lovely! I love how each petal of the flower is painted so perfectly!
I painted each hydrangea petal separately, thanks for noticing, Mary. It was time consuming but so worth it.
It was my pleasure, Jill. I just feel the same when I have to draw hair. It takes a lot of time, however I enjoy it, and find that it’s really worth it.