This is my very first attempt at painting a rose. And you will notice that I have used a large dollop of artistic license with the colour. It measures 7″ x 10″, which also makes it the largest watercolour painting I’ve done to date – I’m getting adventurous…. haha!
I’ve wanted to paint some roses for a while now but haven’t felt confident enough to do it. But last week a friend bought me a bunch of roses, and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to have a go. I started off by doing a pencil sketch first. I’ve tried drawing roses before and made a complete pigs ear of it but this time I actually made quite a good job of of the drawing. I guess practice pays off….
I told myself “if I can draw it, I can paint it… “. I didn’t paint my drawing, I’ve left it in my sketchbook. I got my watercolour paper out and based on my sketch, I drew faint pencil outlines of the rose on my watercolour paper to use as a guide. Then it was just a case of letting the painting begin….
I know in reality blue roses don’t exist but I think it’s high time someone produced a hybrid…. ! The colours for my rose were Cerulean Blue, Phthalo Blue and Chinese White and the stem and leaves were Prussian Blue, Raw Sienna and a touch of Sap Green.
My rose watercolour isn’t perfect by any means but I’m quite pleased with how it turned out. I’m going to paint more roses but probably in slightly more traditional colours….
You sure did a bang-up job on this blue beauty all right. I love the simplicity and texture in your water color technique.
Thank you Carol. I know it might sound daft, but I was really nervous about painting this – I had to tell myself “get a grip and get on with it… !”
I too love (and admire) the simplicity. I just can never resist adding more (and more!). (K)
Thank you Kerfe! I too have to fight the urge to keep fiddling with my art – I have to get tough with myself….
It’s interesting, when I was in my 20s I worked in a much simpler way with my collages. There must be some psychological conclusion to draw there…
There probably is! I think simple, clutter free is the way forward but sometimes not so easy to achieve….
I’m all for a blue rose. It’s lovely.
Thank you Sandy…. !
blue rose, Yes!!! love that color and the green pairs beautifully Evelyn
I know, any time we paint a brand new subject, it gets us a bit stressed! but you did great, its nice and crisp with no dithering and fiddling. the more you do, the easier they get!
Thank you so much Debi! I know you’re right – the more I do the easier it will become. I need to practice lots more. I’m going to try to do some drawing and watercolour painting every day – even if it’s only for 10 – 15 minutes and just simple exercises…..
great job Evelyn! I see confident strokes especially in the stem. And artistic license beautifully allows a blue rose – especially given your love for this color. GREAT job! Keep it up. You are on a wonderful path of artistry!
Thank you Jodi – I think I am improving gradually…. !
I wish roses did come in this colour, beautiful x
Thank you Sunnyfae! I wish they did too… !