Forsythia Notecard
2020-04-23
Materials
Strathmore Watercolor Cards
Disclaimer: Jennifer Branch Gallery is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. I receive a small rebate for your entire order (starting at 4%) if you choose to purchase through Amazon. Most items can be bought multiple places and I highly recommend local art stores if you have one! Any other recommendation links I receive no compensation for.
These referrals help me support this website, and I thank you for any purchase you make through them. I will never recommend a product I have not used frequently and believe is the best tool for the purpose!
Pigment List
All paints I use are M. Graham transparent watercolors. Other brands I highly recommend are Daniel Smith and Schminke.
- Cadmium Yellow
- Azo Yellow
- Viridian
- Quinacridone Rust
- Cobalt Violet
- White Gouache
Fun Stuff!
#4 Isabey Rigger
#8 Isabey Round
This entire notecard should take you less than 10 minutes to paint, sketch and all. Keep your brush dancing and have fun with it!
I start with a very quick pencil sketch.
Then I dash some azo yellow in the main flower areas.
A few more splatter and that's done!
The yellow needs a little contrast. So I add a few dashes of viridian mixed with a lot of azo yellow for the leaves.
Real contrast begins with quinacridone rust for the branches. Add a touch of cobalt violet to dull the bright red brown.
Finally, I use a fountain pen (with a spring theme, of course) to draw a little black, but more moving the wet paint around. I'm adding just a few scribbled lines to define the forsythia shapes.
Since I'm not taking this seriously, I move back and forth between my pen and paintbrush, redefining areas. Adding a bit more color or definition where it's needed.
I hope this reminds you spring is here, even when you're cooped up in the current times. There is always something beautiful and something inspiring to paint, no matter what.
Find something that brings you joy and paint!
Related Entries