Photo 1: This is my original drawing, done freehand using a printed
copy of the assigned image. I used a 2H pencil on acrylic paper.
Photo 2: First I painted the background, not being too careful about going over drawn lines
Photo 3: Then I added the base color for the leaves. As I'm slowly
transitioning from using craft paint (Ceramcoat) to a more professional
paint (Soho), I had difficulty with the difference in paint thickness.
(Here in the Bahamas, everything dries almost instantly, so the Soho
was like painting with toothpaste.)
Photo 4: I always try to paint background to foreground so I don't have
to mind the lines so much. I had to do 3-4 coats of paint, some thick
and some more like a wash, before achieving the desired color. While a
few petals were drying, I would do the base coats on others.
Photo 5: This is the finished project after adding
details. I usually add shadows at the end with a wash so the color can
still be seen through the shadow. I used a wash for the veins, shadows,
highlights, and lowlights.
Overall, I am pleased with the result. I tend to paint very rigidly,
holding tightly to the lines and blending away brush strokes, going for a
realistic look. Funny, considering my favorite art is impressionistic
in nature. I just have trouble letting go......
Artist: Paula Reynolds
Artist's blog:
www.paulareynoldsart.com
