How and why to use watercolor for spring flowers

Watercolor paints: easy to take with you, easy to use

I love watercolor paints because they are compact, light and easy to apply whether painting outdoors or indoors, while traveling or working at a comfortable desk. When traveling, I do not use paint in tubes, but rather in tiny containers or pans. Therefore, I can make use of my watercolor paint set which I am taking with me everywhere, just in case some attractive subject happens to be around. The same goes for a few small (approximately 11 x 14 in) sheets of firm, quite heavy Arches or Saunders-Waterford watercolor paper. It is archival quality cotton paper.

Spring in nature and in art

Spring is a moody season in Latvia where I spent this month. Snow mixes with rain drops, but hopefully, the white cover will melt soon. The forecast says: by the weekend. I had not planned to travel this early, but that was what I had to do. From what I saw on the current news, spring does not want to arrive in Southern Canada either: temperatures might be not that low, but we will have to wait for some time until grass turns green and buds on trees are ready to pop.

Paint spring before it arrives

This is the time when we can have what we are longing for by simply painting it. Imagined spring or spring around you: there is always something great to draw or paint. One more great feature of watercolor is its ability to cover paper fast. I use lots of water to create soft color transitions. Small landscape can be done in half an hour. Still life or floral painting will take longer, but not the entire day.

Early spring flowers: your best subjects

Around March, I would be happy if there were already the first snowdrops, crocuses and similar early bloomers showing above the tiny grass stems and sprouts. I’ve seen that happening, but not too often.

My art is based on drawings. I am too good with drawing and always have been, therefore, I don’t think I will ever switch to completely abstract painting. Watercolor requires some planning, therefore, value sketch in the actual size is the absolutely best reference.

Drawing for watercolor painting

If you are new to watercolor, you should know that drawing can and most often should be done on some other paper. I use for that purpose the transparent transfer paper which is attached to a thick white sheet of firm paper. To transfer drawing onto watercolor paper, I use simply daylight. That way, I have hardly visible, accurate pencil lines, but initial drawing serves me as a value drawing. That helps deciding where to apply whatever color.

Floral art by Inese Poga
Spring tulips in many colors, watercolor painting which I completed while in Latvia

Painting in layers

I paint in layers starting of with mapping my painting and leaving marks wherever I decide it is helpful. I know people who paint one segment start to finish and then move to the next one. I prefer going all over the painting with first, second, third and more layers if necessary. That is the way I like it.

Ready to create painting of spring flowers?

Are you in mood for some creativity and relaxing moment with paints? Do it in watercolor and don’t be afraid of water! If it won’t work out perfect, no problem. Start over and don’t put any limitations and pressure on yourself. Spring flowers and landscapes will make you feel happy. The well flowing watercolor paints can capture softness of flowers beautifully.

For art classes, please sign up here: Registration for art classes

To decorate for spring, you might check out my art prints which come at a reasonable price from Fine Art America.


Enjoy my demo painting of tulips and get creative with watercolor paints!

 

10 Replies to “How and why to use watercolor for spring flowers”

    1. Thanks Sue! I can see that nothing disappeared.
      They go for moderation, that is what I use after somebody was stalking me a few years ago. I had to. I’m sorry that it may make you feel as if I did not receive it, but I always do. Thanks so much! I’m sorry for confusion.

    2. Oh that is good… I suppose some sites are different.. Usually I see ( held for moderation ) while still seeing my comment.. So pleased, as I have been spammed several times on WP throughout the years and once you get thrown in there, Askismet keeps sending you there on other sites.. It took ages for me to sort it out at one time.. <3 Much love to you

    3. I know, it probably depends on whatever services from whatever third parties on the website we are using, and then there are all plugins and settings. I’m trying to keep everything updated and easy to find, but I have seen all kinds of flaws happen independently, too. I don’t use Akismet as I used before, but via Jetpack because they convinced me it was cheaper. Well, no worries, it is what it is.

  1. Dear Inese, I left a comment and it vanished maybe to spam.. So left with my garden blog logo..
    Lovely watercolours and hope you find my original..
    Much love
    Sue <3

    1. I am returning to life after the dreadful February when I lost the closest person in my life, my dear mom. I wrote a few posts, I hoped till the last moment.

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