While I may have ‘murdered’ a hermit crab with my initial attempts at watercolours with the gifted set of Koh-i-Noor watercolours, I discovered the joys of floral painting and their vibrancy was perfect for this Fall maple leaf. Many months later sans Windsor & Newton and many struggles with painting loosely, I became frustrated and decided to just do details. Nothing quite like the comfort of a familiar style. The following small floral pieces are a result of this.

I then use the glazing technique of laying down successive washes, building up the colour gradually which creates beautiful luminous colours. The natural transparency of watercolours allows each layer to show through. I choose not to mask white areas – I work around these – but I also enjoy the painstaking detail process so if you’re not this way inclined I would recommend masking. I start with the palest washes first, then gradually build the colour through to the darkest. Wet on wet even in small areas gives the gorgeous blended etheral qualities we see on petals where the various tones blend.

Art should have its fun moments. I spilled a drop of brilliant orange on a scrap piece of watercolour paper. A lady-bug was born and all lady-bugs should have a flower to call their own.