Sunday, June 24, 2012

Holly, Ilex aquifolium

I have been working on other paintings this week, I usually have about five on the go. Only managed to spend a small amount of time on this one.
I increased the amount of pigment used of the stronger green on the leaves and when I am happy with the tonal value I will add the raindrops. Just started to block in the area of the berries, using cadmium red and carmine.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Holly, Ilex aquifolium

Having fun with this painting. I got so carried away I forgot to take step by step photographs. I applied another wet wash to the background, using midnight green and neutral tint.
Now I am working on the leaves. The leaves are interesting to paint as there is a strong contrast of light and dark. I am using colours, sap green, midnight green, sunlit green, lemon yellow and neutral tint.
I am laying down washes on the leaves, leaving areas of white paper for highlights to shine through. Will keep you updated with my progress, if I can remember to take photographs.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Holly, Ilex aquifolium

This is the start of my new painting of Holly, Ilex aquifolium, Argentea Marginata. It's based on photographs I took at Ness Botanic Gardens. I drew it free hand onto watercolour paper and have just started to add the background using a wet wash of midnight green and neutral tint. I will be posting photographs of if as it progresses.