In this chapter, we're diving into the captivating world of painting lilies, a subject that offers both complexity and beauty, making it a truly rewarding endeavor. As we explore this scene, you'll learn how to set up a still life painting, starting with a monochrome underpainting that lays the groundwork for the vibrant colors to come. We'll focus on matching colors accurately to capture the delicate hues of the lilies, and I'll guide you through techniques to create subtle, glowing effects that bring your painting to life. This lesson builds on the foundational skills from our first lesson, so we'll take our time to really see and understand the subject before we put brush to canvas. By the end of this chapter, you'll not only have a beautiful painting of lilies but also a deeper appreciation for the nuances of floral art. Let's enjoy the process and the learning journey together.
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 3Drawing and Wiping Technique
Crop the Image
Decide how to crop your image to define the limits of your scene. Consider whether to include or exclude elements like a petal to set the stage for your composition.
Sketch with Pencil
If drawing directly on the canvas is challenging, sketch your composition with pencil lines. You can do this either before or after applying the wash to make the process more manageable.
Protect Pencil Lines
Apply a light coat of fixative over your pencil lines before using solvent. This prevents the solvent from dissolving the pencil lines and affecting your drawing.
Embark on your painting journey by setting up a harmonious still life using an analogous color scheme. Begin with a monochrome block-in using burnt sienna to establish tonal values, and use large brushes to cover the canvas efficiently. As you progress, focus on drawing and wiping techniques to define your composition, and consider using acrylics for a faster drying underpainting.
Observe your subject closely to understand color relationships and simplify complex elements. Use large brushes initially to establish big color shapes, and gradually mix colors for halftones and highlights. Pay attention to the unique light and shadow dynamics of flowers, and use transmitted light to add depth and interest.
As you refine your painting, focus on creating variety in edges and capturing subtle shadow variations. Enhance details and accents to bring your composition to life, and use techniques like adding glow and loosening edges to achieve a natural feel. Remember, starting with smaller paintings can help you build confidence and refine your skills before tackling larger pieces.
Points to remember
Use an analogous color scheme for a harmonious setup.
Quickly cover the canvas with a large one-inch brush during the block-in.
Spray a light coat of fixative over pencil lines to protect them from solvent.
Use acrylics for faster drying underpainting.
Blur your eyes to simplify the scene and identify key color relationships.
Pay attention to how light passes through flower petals.
Squint to compare values when mixing colors for highlights.
Use sharp edges to make foreground flowers stand out and soft edges to create depth.
