Instructions: Flower Portrait Project

Image: © 2008 Marion Boddy-Evans. Licensed to About.com, Inc

The challenge of this painting project is to paint a portrait of an individual flower (not just a still life featuring a flower, but with the flower taking center stage). It must contain a single flower with the only "props" allowed a container/vase (if desired), the surface the flower or vase rests on, and piece of cloth to cover the surface and/or as background (if desired).

The flower portrait must be painted from life (from an actual flower in front of you, not a photo) and should ideally not include totally invented backgrounds or foregrounds. The flower can be painted a realistic, photorealistic, or Impressionist style.

The flower must be real, not silk or plastic. The intention is that this will make you think about your still-life setup before you start painting, to ensure you're happy with the arrangement and lighting before you begin. It will also necessitate painting faster, before the flower wilts.

If you really don't want to cut the flower, you may paint it "on the plant". But the result must not look as if it were painted in a garden so pay careful attention to what you do with the background and foreground. Remember, think "flower portrait" not just "painting of a flower".

Submissions for the project gallery will be accepted between 1 April and 25 May 2008 only, must include a photo of your still-life setup (where/how you had the flower while you painted) in addition to your finished painting, and comply with the rest of the submissions guidelines.

See Also:
• How to Set Up a Flower Still Life for Painting
• How to Paint Shadows