Sunday, May 09, 2010

Painting Flowers


Spring is coming and I am looking forward to painting all the flowers that grow in my garden. I've done this before, usually quick sketches in a garden grid. Now I'd like to paint more. I got this great book from the library called "Painting Flowers in Watercolor" by Trevor Waugh. He breaks down the complex shapes of flowers like roses and peonies into simple 3 step paintings. He makes it look easy, but I think it will take practice. My plan is to chronicle the life of the flower - from bud, to flower, to seed head. While these poppies are easy, simple shapes to draw, which is why the book starts there, we progress to more complex spiral shapes. That's where I need practice. No more procrastinating over tackling roses, masses of foliage, and ruffled irises. Ultimately, I would like to garden journal the way Edith Holden does in her book "The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady".

15 comments:

martinepittet said...

Well, that's already a good start for your flower collection ! Well done !

Shirley said...

Gorgeous poppies! I think they are one of my very favorite flowers.

Johanna said...

Thats a great start. Poppies are gorgeous. Hope you get through the book and build more confidence to paint your own garden! I'm sure you'll do great!

nanke's stuff said...

You did a fine job on this one! Keep up the good work. nancy

debra morris said...

Nice!

Sandra said...

Right on!

Sketch Gurl said...

Well done, Lynn! Gardening gives so much pleasure.

Alex said...

You did a fabulous job with this one! The colors are absolutely vibrant and beautiful!

donna said...

I am looking forward to this! You are off to a great start.

Julie Jordan Scott said...

What a fantastic goal.. and your flowers are looking lovely.

You are an inspiration to me. Makes me want to pull out my watercolors!

Check out my CED2010 Weekly Check in here!

Anonymous said...

Lovely poppies!! Keep up the good work!

Unknown said...

Such a nice spread! I love how you did the background! This is a great start!

Mari Brown and Colourblob said...

Thats lovely, cant wait to see what you will grow and paint in your garden.

Cynthia Padilla said...

Beautiful page Cordelia.Join us:

Botanical Art & Naturalist Illustration group. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/botanicalart International forum for artists, photographers, fanciers, directors, dabblers, doodlers, illustrators, collectors, calligraphers, crafters, naturalists, gardeners, botanists, scientists, growers, explorers, directors, writers, journalers, educators, birders, shopkeepers, curators, printers, historians, enthusiasts...the curious [whew]. Dedicated to the realistic portrayal of plants, flowers and natural science subjects.

Revelle Taillon said...

I just love this!