Step-by-step painting guide
A step-by-step painting guide by Richard Robinson
From the online lesson Petunias · Download the printable PDF
In this chapter, I invite you to join me in capturing the delicate beauty of petunias, a subject that unexpectedly caught my eye during a visit to the flower store. Originally intending to buy pansies, I was drawn instead to the sculptural elegance of these petunias, which promise to be a joy to paint. This lesson is the third in a series of four, where we delve into the art of painting flowers, focusing on building a textural background, premixing greys, and painting with shapes. We'll also explore the power of focusing with edges, a technique that not only enhances your painting skills but also offers insights into your personal style as an artist. Using acrylics and oils, or a combination of both, we'll spend time arranging the flowers to capture them in the best light, highlighting the individual beauty of each bloom. By zooming in and cropping out distractions, we create a composition that exudes a stark, almost Japanese or Oriental feel, emphasizing the elegance and grace of these flowers. This rewarding subject offers a rich opportunity to deepen your understanding of painting while celebrating the exquisite allure of petunias.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
See the full lesson
I spend a couple of hours arranging the flowers to capture them in the best light. I focus on highlighting the beauty of the individual flowers. I zoom in and crop out any distractions, centering the composition on the flowers themselves. This approach gives the painting a stark, almost Japanese or Oriental feel, emphasizing the elegance of the flowers.
In this lesson, I set out to capture the delicate beauty of petunias by focusing on their elegance and simplicity. By zooming in on the flowers and eliminating distractions, I aimed to create a composition that highlights their natural grace. Throughout the process, I emphasized the importance of preparation, from setting up the composition to applying an extra coat of gesso on the canvas, ensuring a smooth painting experience.
As we progressed through the steps, I encouraged an exploration of color and texture, using a variety of brushes and techniques to create depth and interest. By mixing greys and greens and carefully blocking in the petals, I aimed to guide you in capturing the essence of the flowers. The journey involved refining highlights and edges, adjusting colors, and making final touches to bring out the vibrancy and contrast of the petunias.
I hope this lesson has inspired you to approach your painting as a study, allowing for experimentation and growth. Remember to focus on the big shapes, use subtle variations, and take your time to enjoy the process. With these techniques, you can create a painting that not only captures the beauty of petunias but also reflects your unique artistic vision.