Leafy Doodles - Watercolour & Gouache Flowers & Leaves

Explore Botanical Art: Create a Stunning 6x12 Inch Watercolor & Gouache Study

Elevate your artistic skills with this in-depth class focused on creating a beautiful 6 x 12 inch botanical study. Perfect for confident beginners and those looking to expand their skills, this course delves into exquisite botanical shapes, helping you confidently recreate leaves and flowers without relying on references.

Who is this class for?

• Beginner to Intermediate Artists: Ideal for those wanting to take their watercolor and gouache painting to the next level.
• Botanical Art Enthusiasts: Perfect for expanding your knowledge of leaf and flower forms.
• Brush Technique Practice: Develop your skills with Filbert and Round brushes.
• Creative Experimentation: Learn unique techniques like using a makeup brush for flower centers!
• Doodling Lovers: A fun and relaxing way to explore your creativity.

What You'll Learn:

• Complementary Color Mixing: Master the harmonious use of colors like lilac and buttermilk (Wisteria) with white gouache/watercolor and a touch of deep yellow (Hansa Yellow Deep). Discover the power of Yellow & Violet, Red & Green, and Blue & Orange color pairings.
• Leaf & Greenery Techniques: Learn to mix warm and cool green leaves.
• Composition & Balance: Space your motifs effectively to create a balanced and visually appealing painting.
• Texture Creation: Experiment with stippling to add depth and texture.
• Pencil & Pen Doodling: Incorporate doodling to add detail and personality.

Project Structure: The 70/20/10 Rule

Apply an interior design principle to your artwork:

• 70% Focal Motifs: Larger leaf sprigs as the primary focus.
• 20% Supporting Motifs: Cream and lilac flowers to complement the focal points.
• 10% Filler Flowers: Small Rose Madder florets and green leaves for subtle detail.

Materials:

• Paper: Arches 6 x 12 Hot Pressed Watercolor Paper (or any watercolor paper).
• Brushes:
  • Size 8 Pointed Filbert (Memory Point recommended)
  • Size 4 Round Brush (Princeton recommended)
  • Eye Shadow Makeup Brush (short-bristled, stippler-like) - or a repurposed brush.
• Paints:
  • Olive Green (Brusho pigment powder - Colourcraft or Amazon)
  • Prussian Blue (watercolor or gouache - Daniel Smith)
  • Green Apatite Genuine (watercolor - Daniel Smith)
  • Hansa Yellow Deep (gouache - Daniel Smith)
  • Rose Madder (watercolor - Daniel Smith)
  • Wisteria (gouache - Daniel Smith)
  • White (titanium white gouache - Daniel Smith)

Bonus Lesson: Undersea Green

• Undersea Green (watercolour)
• Green Apatite (Watercolour)
• Rose Madder (watercolour)
• Hansa Yellow Deep (Gouache)
• Hansa Yellow Light (gouache)
• Quinacridone Gold (watercolour)
• Buff Titanium (watercolour)
• Prussian Blue (gouache)
• Pyrroll Red (gouache)
• Brusho pigment powder: Moss Green

This class is designed to be relaxing, informative, and fun! We can't wait to see your beautiful botanical creations!