SKETCHBOOK 05 : BOLD FLORALS

SKETCHBOOK 04 : BLACK & WHITE FLORALS

I really love doing these full floral prints and experimenting with only black paint.  The lines make it look so different than painting more whimsical with full color.  All of this was done with gouache paint and tiny paint brush (none in particular, I just look for tiny with sturdy bristles).  

I will definitely be adding these to the shop this month and maybe experimenting with some additional color ways! 

xx

SKETCHBOOK 03 : FLORAL PATTERNS

I got a little into this one and didn't take as many photos as intended, but still fun to see a sketch start from nothing to a bright, whimsical pattern.  This was a hit on instagram when I posted it this week so I will surely get it up in the shop soon. 

This was all painted with my favorite gouache paints.  I don't use a particular paint brush, I just like shorter, slim tips.  Really there is no rhyme or reason to choosing a brush for me, I experiment with lots of different kinds and just lean towards tiny ones to get good details.  

xx 

IN PROGRESS : POPPY PRINTS

If you've been following my work then you'll know about my affinity for poppies.  I often paint them but have yet to turn too many into actual prints offered in the shop.  I decided to start on a little series recently with varying colors.  This is the first of the poppies, painted all with gouache paint.  

Stay tuned for more spring florals popping up around here soon. 

xx

SKETCHBOOK 01 : FLORAL PRINT PROCESS

I've always liked to see start to finish projects from artists I admire.  It's neat to see a simple sketch come to life and I've been meaning to do this but often times I'm just caught up in painting and forget to snap a few photos.  I hope to share a little more insight into my process this year (#goals).  

There is somewhat a method to my madness, but not always.   When I'm going to do a design that fills an entire page, this is how I like to start.  I measure off my paper to make it a standard size in case it ends up being a worthy print for my shop.  Then I'm able to scan as is without cutting off any florals, clean it up, and it's ready to go (although I'm not this lucky!).  Also, when making a print where I want the elements to overlap, I start with a very light pencil sketch so I have a guideline.  Since I was going for a layered look I started with my greenery.  In most of my designs you see that my greens float around the page from underneath florals, so they typically do get painted first.  Next I went for my focal point, in this case the dusty blue large florals.  If I feel something is harder to shade, I like to do this in the beginning because if the shape and shadowing isn't right to me I won't end up finishing the piece (there's only so many changes you can make with watercolor).  Once that is out of the way and I like it, I will begin to fill in the smaller florals.  Once all that dries I go back and add centers to the florals that need some.  Once it's fully dry I have to erase all my pencil marks, sometimes if they are still visible I will clean them up in photoshop. And Wala!  This photo seemed to be well liked on instagram this past week so I do believe I will have some prints made for the shop! 

xx