How to Paint Loose Watercolor Peonies

Hello and WELCOME!

We are back today with our 5th class, in which we will marvel at and study the beauty the intricate nature of peonies and learn how to simplify their structure to better bring joy to the painting process. Although these flowers challenge even the strongest and seasoned of artists, by examining the flower as a whole, rather than each individual petal, we can capture the delicate intricacy of peonies in a way that does them justice and honor, and YOU gratification.

Gathering Inspiration: we will search the internet to find a few images of peonies to serve as inspiration and reference as we work, though only as a loose guide. I aim to draw inspiration from nature but never paint petal for petal.

Color Mixing and Water Ratios: I will show you step by step how I create a range of pinks to showcase the depth of a loose peony while maintaining the integrity of the shape

Small Talk About Finding Your Style

Due to the overwhelming request from artists in the community, I take 6 minutes to discuss finding your own style as an artist and address queries such as "How do I avoid copying other's art after I've been taught from them?"

Learning strokes: we begin with introductory practice strokes to get a feel for the motion of the flower

Wet into Wet: we move on toward advance techniques, adding wet into wet painting to the process

Peony buds:

Working with the 3/4 Oval Wash Brush:

I'll show you the same techniques previous applied using a different brush

Adding Leaves Wet into Wet with Oval Wash: we conclude by using our brush to create leaves to accompany our peonies

Supplies:

Canson 140 lb. coldpressed paper

Brushes: varying rounds in duplicate sizes, specifically 8, and 10

Optional Brush, but recommended 3/4 Oval wash

https://www.dickblick.com/items/09086-4034/

Watercolors: I'll be using Winsor and Newton and Daniel Smith, however any artist grade watercolor will suffice

Cup of water

Paper towel to blot

Palette

Pencil and Eraser