Tag Archives: tutorial

Watercolor Pencils 101

A short video introducing watercolor pencils and information about a basic color palette for botanicals.

My birds felt the need to contribute to this video. Sorry,,, I am moving them out of the studio,,, today!!!! Well this is a test,,, new web cam,,, and new tech for me,,,, any feedback, positive or negative is greatly appreciated!!

Study in Quin Gold Greens

So I bought a tube of Daniel Smith Quin Gold. What is this paint you speak of you ask. Well,,,, in the Botanical Watercolor world,,,, it is THE paint to get the most realistic botanical greens. What is this magical and mystery pigment you ask ( I know, I know only the art nutz care:D)? Quinacridone Pigment code PO 49. It was used extensively in the auto industry, with only one manufacturer recently,,, remember those fab gold station wagons in the 80’s? Quin Gold. I guess since that color is no longer very popular, it has discontinued,,, and the only watercolor paint company with foresight? Daniel Smith, even long lived, venerable Windsor & Newton has ran out. So, I have a tube,,,, and today I am doing color study on using it to make these mythical magical botanical greens everyone is so up in arms about:D Also, I am using my new webcam, so videos shall be forthcoming!

Foxglove Paper Experiments

Playing with different papers. Rough or smooth, 90# to 140#,,, the only things that impact the final painting as much is the paint or brushes used. I often do the same sketch several times, on different papers. From there, I choose the ones I like best for jewelry making, or art prints,,, often they are different paintings of the same subject. Left is 140# HP Fabriano Artistico on the right is 90# CP Artist Loft. Both done with W&N Artist or Cotman (oh and DS Quin Gold) Paint with Utrecht Kolinsky Sable or Red Sable Brushes.