Watercolor: Florals & Botanicals

Learn to Paint Step by Step

Barbara Fudurich, Joan Hansen, Caroline Linscott, Geri Medway

• Publisher: Walter Foster Publishing
• Year: 2008
• Print ISBN:
  9781600581205
• eBook ISBN:
  9781610598620
• Topic: Art
• Subtopic: Art Techniques

Learn to paint sunflowers, water lilies, roses, and more!

In this gorgeous 32-page project book, four accomplished watercolorists show aspiring artists how to paint a range of florals and botanicals––from delicate orchids to bold birds of paradise. Beginning with the basics, the detailed lessons demonstrate how to portray three-dimensional forms and create compelling designs. Each project features fundamental techniques, such as using washes, glazing, and painting wet into wet. The authors also share helpful tips on revealing luminous colors in white, creating dynamic lights and shadows, and zooming in on a subject for dramatic effect. With vibrant, full-color illustrations and simple instructions, this essential how-to-paint book will inspire artists to begin capturing their favorite floral scenes in watercolor.

Purchasing Tools and Materials

WITH THE AMAZING SELECTION of paints, brushes, papers, and other materials available, every visit to the art supply store is an adventure full of excitement and possibilities. Instead of picking out one of everything, refer to the suggested supply list in the box at right. You can purchase a limited number of supplies, but always invest in the best you can afford. You always can buy additional materials as you develop your skills and personal painting style. If you’d like to learn more about watercolor tools and materials, refer to Watercolor & Acrylic Painting Materials by William F. Powell in Walter Foster’s Artist’s library series.

Buying Paints

Watercolor paints are available in tubes, pans, and cakes. Most artists choose tube water colors because they are already moist, which makes them easy to use, and they allow you to squeeze out a large amount of color quickly and easily. Pan and cake paints, however, are small and light, which makes them convenient for travel. Whichever type you choose, be sure to select artist-grade paints. Student-grade paints are mixed with more fillers and additives, which decrease the intensity of the colors—and your painting. Artist-grade paints are made with purer pigments, so the colors are truer and richer.

PAN PAINTS Pan or cake paints are typically stored in a watercolor box, which doubles as a mixing palette. To use, moisten the block with a wet brush and scrub the pigment loose.

Choosing Colors

A beginner’s color palette doesn’t have to be extensive. In theory, all an artist really needs are the three primaries: red, yellow, and blue. But in practice, it’s more convenient and practical to select a small array of colors. Even with a minimal set, or limited palette, like the one shown, you’ll be able to mix just about any color you may need.

CHOOSING PAINTS Lightfast paint retains its color after being exposed to light over time. Colors rated I (excellent) or II (very good) will last the longest. Pigments with low ratings are sometimes referred to as fugitive colors because they fade over time. If you don’t see the rating on the tube, ask your art supply store for an information sheet from the manufacturer.

Checking your Supply list

Here’s a list of the basic supplies you’ll need to get started painting with watercolor. (For specifics, refer to the suggested brushes and colors shown below.)

Five paintbrushes

Ten watercolor paints

Watercolor paper

Mixing palette

Drawing board or easel

At least two water containers—one for rinsing brushes and one for clean water

STARTING OUT Each artist develops his or her own favorite palette of colors—and you will too. The basic palette will get you started.

Looking at Brushes

Watercolor brushes are categorized by size, shape, and hair type. Brush size is indicated either in inches or by a number, but the numbering system varies among the different brands. For example, although a #2 brush is usually very small, the length and width of the bristles may differ slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer. In this book, brushes are referred to as small, medium, or large, so choose the sizes that fit your subjects. Brush shapes determine the type of strokes you create—rounds will yield a narrower line than flats will. Hair types are either natural or synthetic; both will do the job, but natural hairs generally cost more. For beginners, the five brushes shown make a good starter set.

DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN BRUSHES There are many styles of brushes, each with...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Contents
• Purchasing Tools and Materials
• Beginning with the Basics
• Mastering Basic Techniques
• Developing Form
• Composing a Pleasing Design
• Setting Up a Still Life
• Using Multiple References
• Mixing Luminous Colors
• Capturing Brilliant Whites
• Playing with Light and Shadow
• Creating a Floral Landscape
• Zooming in on Your Subject
• Focusing on Formats
• Depicting a Botanical Scene
• About the Artists
• Copyright Page