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Flying Little Flowers

Reader Submissions: What's On Your Painting Easel?

From artbellamama

 Flying Little Flowers

Flying little flowers

 Flying Little Flowers

Some of my materials I am using.

What's on My Easel

I am working on an intricate watercolor of hummingbirds in the garden. I am using many, many reference photos and my own flower garden for inspiration. I think I am maybe about third of the way done, but I always see something more to do every time I pass it!

What I'm Doing

I began with a very detailed light pencil drawing and began progressing with multiple washes. I really enjoy working very tightly with watercolors and using a lot of glazing repeatedly. I also love to paint birds, so this is fun! I work on a flat surface and use a large palette, but only about 12 colors. So far I am satisfied with how it is coming along.

Advice

  • Don't be afraid to paint with photorealism in watercolor. For years, people would tell me to "loosen up" on my watercolor paintings- but I was miserable! So I finally realized that if I painted the way I wanted to my paintings were better and I enjoyed it so much more.
  • Also - glaze, glaze and glaze again to saturate colors and bring in nuances of hues.

What's the Month/Year?

It is currently November of 2009.

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