I was recently inspired by the blossoms of our state flower~ the gorgeous and vibrant native Australian Waratahs! I am going to walk you through what I did step-by-step to create my impression of this amazingly colourful and lovely flower.
Step 1: Roughly draw out the parameters of the subject in pencil on watercolour paper. I used a full sheet of Arches Rough 300 gsm.
Step 2: Lay in the background and shadow colours in the first wash.
Step 3: Start dropping in the local colour, keeping it as loose as possible for as long as possible!
Step 4: Let the medium work its magic by not trying to over control it and letting the paint mix and mingle with its friends.
Step 5: Cut out some custom shapes from old x-rays to create the lighter stamen areas.
Step 6: Lift and wipe back the areas you wish to bring back some light, create form and volume with a natural sea sponge, x-rays and a paper towel.
Step 7: Strengthen the design with darks and a pattern of dark and lights that lead the eye in and through the painting!
Step 8: Voila! We have lift off!!
