Awkward Video Alert!!!

One thing I’ve learned when it comes to making videos is: Done is better than None.
So here it is, Done.

This expressive hibiscus was painted in an hour on a quiet afternoon. Serving more as a watercolor exercise. I’m trying out a paper brand that other artists like and thus I don’t want to commit to a super fine painting until I understand how this paper behaves. Yes, watercolor papers have temperaments.

I want to see how well the paint moves, how well the color stays on the top, how much absorption there is, etc…

And so I am approaching this red hibiscus in two different ways. I’m ding a little detail shadow work. So far, this paper is really holding up nicely, which is s surprise considering that I believe this paper is not the *professional* caliber…think it’s closer to student caliber. I purchased this for my son.

…so if you watch without sound, here is my thought process:

I want to see how the paper performs in a wash of color for the petal. This is a different approach from painting the shadow details first. I am using vibrant hues and I’m working intuitively. My watercolors have always been intuitive, not so much academic. I am free as a watercolor painter. It’s fluent language for me. I am without fear…

I also want to see how the paper handles if I wash over the detail shadow work with color washes. Finally I am trying out a purple hue for the shadows. This entire painting is an exercise designed to see what this paper will tolerate, how it will perform and which techniques might be best suited. If you are an experience d painter, this would make sense. As a seasoned watercolor artist, I’ll choose different papers for different types of paintings.

If you are just starting out, I’ll be making videos where I’m explaining in more detail.

Would you like to learn to paint? If so, please send me a short note with the subject “watercolor lessons” and tell me what your favorite flowers are. I will add your email to a short list for when I begin lessons in small groups.
https://floravitalights.com/contact/

Thank You for watching!!!