My usual go to brush lately has been a large round brush. I decided to dust off my large flat brush and give it a try… something different sounded like fun. ๐
Happy Sunday, friends!ย ๐
I was inspired to practice painting with a large flat brush after watching aย Whitney Rain Skillshareย class, Modern Watercolor Botanicals for Everyone.
For my paintings I mixed up a few different greens using Daniel Smith watercolors.
I tried to keep things simple at first to see what I could do with this large 1 inch flat brush. I’ve played with a smaller flat brush on occasion but not much with a large one.
Foliage 1 – painted on 6 x 9 inch bee paper
Just trying to create large leaves and vines with the large brush. I also used a smaller flat brush a little here as well. Not a bad start and some nice variation of color.
Foliage 2 – 7 x 10 inch Arches watercolor paper
I love the simplicity with this one. It was a good practice using the brush in multiple ways. You can use the side of the brush for a wide broad stroke or just the thin edge to get a straight fine line. I’m kind of amazed at all of the variation that is possible with this brush.
Foliage 3 – 7 x 10 inch Arches watercolor paper
I also used a few smaller brushes in this piece. Although I like the composition and many of the shapes here, I think I used too many mid tones. It’s about learning and having fun… so I’ll take that as a win.
The better quality Arches paper was nice to use for a change. The cold press has a lovely texture which I really enjoyed.
Garden foliage – 7 x 10 inch Arches watercolor paper
On my final piece I decided to add some pink to indicate flowers. As I’ve said many times before, I just love green and pinks together. #colorcrush
It was a joy playing and painting these botanical pieces. I painted all of them one after the other in about an hour or so. There are times when I fuss over what to paint and work on. This was not one of those times and it felt really good.
I hope you are inspired to create art and do more of what you love. Thank you for stopping by and following me on this creative journey.
Until next time, share a smile and shine on!
๐ธย Patty Anneย ๐ธ
I’m on Instagram @pattyanneart
Great post ๐
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Thank you! ๐๐ฟ
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Gorgeous!
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Thanks, Jodi! ๐๐ฟ
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Beautiful๐
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Thank you, Louella! ๐๐ฟ
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Nice mix of green…Blessings on Resurrection Morning.
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Thank you, Beverly! ๐๐ฟ
Happy Easter! ๐๐ท
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I like the one with pink. Reminds me of gladiolas! My great grandma favorite. ๐
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Thanks so much! ๐๐ฟ
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I enjoy seeing your experimentation, Patty Anne! ๐ธ When I took a local beginning watercolor class (several years ago), the teacher only allowed us to paint in Payneโs Gray and with a 1 inch brush. I learned a lot about value this way and I too was amazed with this size brush. Your botanicals and colors are lovely! I like the different colors and shapes you were able to get. ๐๐ฟ๐ท
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Thanks so much, Jill! ๐๐ฟ
It was a fun practice with many lessons learned.
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Thanks for sharing all your practice and ideas, Patty Anne. Your art is always inspiring to me! ๐
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Youโre very welcome, Carol! Iโm so happy to hear that. ๐๐ฟ๐
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Nice energy in these!
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Thank you, Beverly! ๐๐ฟ
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I will have to try using a large flat brush, I love using one for acrylic, never thought about watercolor! I just got a dagger brush which makes awesome leaves, and I’ve ordered a pointed oval wash brush…what is the old adage, “it’s all about the tools” or something like that! Your experimental paintings are loose and lovely!
Jenna
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Thanks so much, Jenna! The dagger brush is really great too, so much you can do with it. Lots of fun playing and seeing what is possible with different brushes. ๐๐ฟ
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Nice use of these brushes, wonderful strokes.
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Thank you, Sharon! ๐๐ฟ
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