We all have our favourite flowers. They are planted in gardens or bought at florists. We receive bouquets as gifts to mark a special occasion, such as a birthday, an anniversary, or to say “speedy recovery”. Most flowers have a very short lifespan. As an artist I’ve learned how to capture the essence of flowers in flower paintings. You can do it with your favorite flower. More bonuses?
The history of flower painting is fascinating. The botanical art was used to record many species of plants and flowers. Painting a flower is a magical and satisfying way to preserve its appearance forever. While flower photos can achieve the same effect, painting allows you to examine the colours and curves of every petal, stamen and stem. It is important to pay attention to the way light falls on the flowers and then use that information to create a three-dimensional effect. You can get to know flowers better by painting them.
No matter how difficult it may seem, I recommend that anyone who wants to learn to paint start with their favorite flower. You will feel motivated to paint your favorite flower again and again if you choose it. You can better express your feelings in a flower painting. If a painting of flowers makes you exhale, that’s because the artist felt the same way and has found a means to share it with you. Your attempts don’t have to be perfect. You will get more comfortable with the shape each time you paint. You will find it easier to paint, and will be able to notice the subtleties of the colours and how light affects them.
There are some techniques that can help you to learn how to paint flowers. Your bookstore is sure to have several excellent books on this subject. Be careful not to copy the techniques of another artist. It may surprise you to discover that your results are not as satisfying when you simply observe your favorite flower, and then perfect your vision with each try.
Have fun with your drawings and save all of them. By practicing, you will see your skills and vision improve. Both the powdery pastels and the oily varieties are my favorites. They are beautiful because they come in a wide range of colors, from pale shades to vivid hues. This can be extended even more by adding thin layers of colours to allow the undertones to shine through. You could also try using watercolour. It is a long-time favourite among botanical and flower artists. It is very beautiful to see how one colour can randomly blend into another as nature does.