Using a sunflower as our practice subject in this lesson, were exploring the application and combination of our techniques to develop clarity and confidence in our work. Breaking technique and process down step-by-step for some helpful, practical and cementing practice, theres a lot to enjoy in this carefully crafted, beautiful sunflower painting exercise.

We’ll begin with the basics, drawing up our subject, selecting colours, and using a little masking fluid, diving into the painting process together. Its a effective, fun and lighthearted painting exploration with plenty of learning, enjoying the subject, medium, and a little creative time along the way. Helping you to learn more, to enjoy your creative pursuits as much as possible, and to create a stunning, lifelike watercolour painting of your own is the goal for this lesson. Welcome onboard… Im looking forward to sharing this and so much more with you!

Key Technique Focusses For Our Course:

• Wash Technique: We’ll start by building the foundation of your sunflower using a vibrant yellow wash. This first layer sets the tone, and I’ll show you how to balance loose and tight application to create a harmonious base for your painting.

• Glazing: Next, you’ll learn how to apply multiple layers of colour, building depth and form on top of the wash. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of very simple, user friendly layering example to understand the process, purpose, application and technique better.

• Dry Brushing: Finally, we’ll refine the sunflower with delicate dry brushing techniques. You’ll learn how to bring out fine details, textures, and dark tones to refine and  elevate your painting to realism, while exploring the light touch that gives this stage its magic.

What You’ll Learn:

• Botanical Illustration: Step-by-step guidance on how to approach to render our Mango Study, capturing its luscious colours, complexity and beauty in watercolour.

• Watercolour Techniques: Learn to develop your watercolour washes in layers, improve your brushwork, application and management with practical exercises.

• Realistic Rendering: Achieve an improved, lifelike result in your painting, rendering the shifting textures and subtleties of our fruit painting subject in watercolour.

Course Highlights:

• Watercolour Techniques: Learn to master wash application and quality to achieve smooth transitions and luxurious colours. Develop your skill in layering to build up complexity, depth and realism in your painting.

• Exploring Colour: Our mango study truly is gorgeous in its colour, and we get to lap it up in this tropical story, enjoying the interaction of this simple palette to learn more about colour, control, scope, compatibility and incompatibility.

• Texture: What better subject to explore your most delicate textural touch than the lusciousness found in a fruit study? This one has so much to explore and teach you.

• Creating Realistic Detail: Again, we play with capturing some very subtle blemishes on our fruit to bring a beautiful organic touch to our balance.

• Refining Brush Control: Were all about practicing technique here, and in our mango, we have a perfect balance of scope to apply your practice to. Working with larger wash, wonderful seamless glazing and dry brushing to refine, Itd be hard to think of a better exercise and subject for improved technique!

Why Join?

This course is perfect for nature lovers, art enthusiasts, or anyone eager to improve their painting skills. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, or perhaps just looking for a truly sustaining new interest to explore, you’ll enjoy the creative journey of bringing this beautiful mango to life and lustre. Let’s dive into this wonderful painting challenge together!

Course Features:

• Step-by-Step Instructions: Follow along with detailed, easy-to-understand lessons that guide you from sketching to the final touches of your painting.

• Skill Development: With each lesson, you’ll gain confidence in both botanical illustration and watercolour techniques, improving your overall artistic practice.

• Creative Immersion: Lose yourself in the beauty of the medium as you create a stunning, realistic fruit inspired mango painting.

This course is perfect for beginners who want to dive into the world of realistic nature painting, or for those wanting to return to the basics, building steadier foundations for your realistic painting. You’ll not only improve your skills with each brushstroke practiced, but you’ll also develop a deeper appreciation for the art of watercolour painting, and a clearer sense of direction for its wonderful challenge.

Throughout the lesson, I’ll guide you carefully through the process, encouraging you to experiment, refine, and gain confidence in your work with this playful painting exercise. Whether you’re new to watercolour or looking to improve your technique, this course will give you a really good start and direction to create beautiful, realistic paintings of your own. You’ll also walk away with a stunning sunflower painting for your efforts, and a far more solid grasp of how to apply the techniques of wash, glaze, and dry brushing, combining them in any balance you now desire, to create far more realistic and refined outcomes in your work. If realism is for you… you’re in the right place ⭐️

So let’s start this joyful, practical painting tutorial together… Grab your brushes and let’s bring this sunflower to life! Happy painting!