July 2, 2018

Inula – large plant watercolour

Taking advantage of the excellent spell of sunny weather I started a study of a large leaved plant – Inula magnifica. The following sequence of images show the development of this watercolour from the initial pencil drawing through the build-up to a final painting.

This is the subject I felt would be a possible composition.

A careful pencil drawing showing the main aspects of this composition.

Laying in the first colour which is the transparent lemon -green of light shining through the leaves.

Laying in the second and third colours indicating the light and shade on the leaves of this sculptural plant.

Now laying in some tone for the window areas.

The final large area of dark tone, the surrounding black wood lining of the workshop.

Photo showing the full set-up in the sunshine, brolley being reflected in the window..

The grey window frame, laid in, and now working inside as the light had changed.

Masking off the leaves etc to allow some textural spattering to the black woodwork.

Adding some detail to the serrated edges of the leaves, a touch of opaque gouache, to register on the dark background.

The last addition is the electric blue washing line, which adds some interest in the top right of this composition.

The last addition is the electric blue washing line, which adds some interest in the top right of this composition.