Welcome back to the studio, where today we'll be diving into the captivating world of lilies. These flowers are not only visually stunning with their sculptural form, but they also offer a delightful fragrance that can inspire our creativity. In this chapter, we'll explore the intricacies of painting lilies, focusing on their unique structure—three inner petals, three outer petals, and their distinctive stamens. This lesson builds on our previous exploration of faux roses, challenging us to capture the true essence of these real blooms. We'll delve into setting up a still life, starting with a monochrome underpainting, and then move on to accurately matching colors to create subtle, glowing effects. By opting for an analogous color scheme with an orange background, we aim to achieve a peaceful, elegant composition that highlights the lilies' natural beauty. This lesson encourages us to take our time, truly observe, and appreciate the details before we begin painting. Let's enjoy the process of bringing these beautiful lilies to life on canvas.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
"Lillies" 7 x 12" Oil on Canvas by Richard Robinson.
Step 1Setting Up the Still Life
Choosing a Background
I start by considering the complementary color of the flowers. With orangey flowers, blue might be a good background choice, but it feels too punchy for the peaceful, elegant vibe I'm aiming for.
Trying an Analogous Color Scheme
I decide to try an analogous color scheme instead, using an orange background. I find an orange t-shirt and wrap it around a board to see how it looks behind the flowers.
With the orange background in place, I add a dark bottle to the setup. This creates a nice contrast and complements the flowers without overpowering them.
Pro tipExperiment with different background colors to find one that complements the mood you want to convey in your painting.
In this lesson, I set out to guide you through the process of painting lilies, focusing on creating a harmonious and elegant still life. From selecting the right background color to using the 'fuzzy one eye' technique, each step was designed to help you see and simplify the subject, capturing the beauty and complexity of the flowers. I hope you found the journey from block-in to final details both challenging and rewarding.
Throughout the painting process, I emphasized the importance of observing the scene and understanding the interplay of light and shadow. By carefully mixing colors and adjusting edges, you can create a dynamic and cohesive painting. Remember, the key to capturing the essence of flowers lies in paying attention to their unique qualities, such as translucency and reflected light.
As you continue your painting journey, I encourage you to experiment with different techniques and approaches. Start with small paintings to build your confidence and skills, and gradually move on to larger works. With practice and patience, you'll develop a deeper understanding of color, composition, and the subtleties of light.
Points to remember
Experiment with different background colors to set the mood.
Use q-tips and paper towels to reveal lighter areas effectively.
Preserve pencil sketches with fixative before applying washes.
Consider acrylics for underpainting to speed up drying.
Observe your subject thoroughly to improve your painting.
Simplify complex subjects using the 'fuzzy one eye' technique.
Pay attention to how light affects shadow colors.
Paint beyond the final area to allow for blending and softening edges.
Focus on creating many small paintings to build your skills.
