Painting a White Flower

Recently I was looking through my picture files to see if I could find some small paintings (for the 'Small Paintings Exhibit' at the News Center in Easton - which will continue through January - notice how easily I can fit that plug in there?).

I re-discovered some paintings that I had done a couple years ago. I had taken a class called "Painting a White Flower" which was taught by a friend who is an amazing botanical artist. She is a great teacher  - I thought it would be a fun class...and that I would learn something!

Class day arrived and there were a dozen or so in the class. We introduced ourselves and it was apparent that there were several students in the class who were botanical artists (BAs). There were also some of us who were watercolor painters who had not done this kind of work before. Lee explained what we were going to be doing and got us started.

We each picked out a fresh flower and began to draw. After I had completed my drawing I began to paint. By lunch time, I had completed 3 paintings of the white lily. I looked around and there were a few others who had done one or two paintings...but the BAs were still working on drawing their first leaf!

Hmmm, this was to be a two day workshop...I still had a day and a half to go! I finished up the first afternoon dabbling in a few more drawing/paintings...

Day Two - Some of the BAs were finishing up their drawings and about to start painting... Don't get me wrong - they were beautiful drawings. So much care and precision in every mark. I am in awe...

Well, Lee was very aware of the different painting styles and had brought a whole variety of other ways to try the white flower! I had a wonderful day of trying new things - adding various opaque mediums to the watercolor paints. I experimented/played for the remaining time with new ideas.

I do not remember exactly what we added to the paint, but this calla lily seems to glow on the black paper.

Here is a lily from my sketchbook...

Yes, I did learn a lot in those two days... I learned to experiment with new materials. I learned that I do NOT have to paint like the BAs - I have my own style. I was affirmed by my friend Lee and her teaching style...and I re-learned that the challenge can be a lot of fun!