Brachychiton – Botanical Illustration Commission In Watercolour
Following my recent major work featuring a stunning combination of Brachychiton and Gang Gang Cockatoos, I have been enjoying a smaller, purely botanical version of this piece for a client who shares my obsession for this spectacular tree. How could she not, I ask you..! At about A4 in size, this beautiful little watercolour painting study features a cluster of brilliantly coloured Brachychiton flowers, tumbling across the page against a cascade of rick blue green leaves.
My familiarity with the subject is well established, but every painting requires fresh eyes, heart and mind to do it justice, no matter how many times youve painted it. Every piece is unique, every story is unique and so I stepped into the creation of this piece with completely new energy, eager to unpick this spectacular tangle. Pink, red, scarlet, orange, mauve, yellow, sienna, greens, browns, those flowers have it ill! The leaves, a blanket of luxurious blue greens and lime edges, earth blemishes and soft texture. Its a delight.
Drawing up gives you a good idea of the work involved to render, and this one, though small, was no surprise. Painstaking from the start, the drawing eventually emerged, shifting to the first splashes of delicate pink. Pink splashes turn into a gorgeous bough of abundant red flowers resting upon the page. Connection and direction comes with the addition of a colourful array of stems, bringing cohesion to the subject.
Then come the leaves, their boldness against the red forcing the flowers forward in the view to a beautiful show. Finally, the background emerges, adding a touch of warm sienna and earth to the mix, small patches of blue breaking through the scene completing the story at long last. Every painting has its story and timing. I took my time with this one, enjoying its emergence with every stroke. I know this painting will be so well loved, in a home where this subject holds such personal meaning, connection and sentimentality for the client. And so this beautiful piece is off to the other side of the world to find its happy new home where Im sure it will continue bringing joy for many many years to come