Fearless Friday, Iris with ink and watercolor pencils
Today we are going to draw and color,
and then turn the drawing into a watercolor painting!
I have this Botanica book that I often get inspiration from
It is full of detailed ink drawings of flowers and plants
It is actually an adult coloring book
A book like this can really help you improve your skills
Copy the drawings and change the compositions,
and add color to make them your own
You can draw them realistically or abstract
Today’s drawing is realistic,
I copied the drawing from the book as closely as I could,
beginning with one petal
And then building from there
It is fun and satisfying to watch the flower come to life
You can download a printable to color here
Have you ever used watercolor pencils?
Watercolor can be scary because you only have limited control,
but with watercolor pencils,
you have the ability to place the color precisely where you want it
then blend it out in a controlled fashion
by the amount of water you apply
Magic!
I proceeded to add more color, blending as I went…
be careful not to use too much water,
a little goes a long way
Several colors of green pencil on the leaves
Then the greens are blended out with a wet brush
“April Iris” 9″ x 12″ ink & watercolor pencil on mixed media paper
Note: I did use mixed media paper, however it was for dry mixed media only, so when I added water, the paper did warp a bit, so I highly recommend getting a sketchbook or pad that can handle both dry and wet media so you have the option of creating art with anything that strikes your fancy!
Juicy Details
I have several brands of watercolor pencils, Derwent Inktense, Faber Castell, and General Kimberly Watercolor pencils which I used for “Spring Iris”
General Kimberly watercolor pencils blend out really well, and they are very affordable, a 24 color set is available for $25.62 on Amazon here
As with any colored media, I highly recommend making a color chart for reference
The Botanica book I pictured is no longer available but here is a similar book, Bloom, that is available in paper back or spiral bound here
I hope you play around with botanical drawing and watercolor pencils~
Be Fearless!
I will be joining these fabulous parties and blogs:
Sundays on Silverado/ Love Your Creativity
What’s for Dinner/ Between Naps on the Porch
All About Home/ Common Ground & Follow the Yellow Brick Home
Oh My Heartsie Girl / Turn About Tuesday
Centerpiece Wednesday / Creative Crafts / Crafty Creators
Full Plate Thursday/ Creatively Crafty/ Thursday Favorite Things
Happiness is Homemade/ Friday with Friends / Share the Wealth
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They look stunning! The 2nd one is my absolute favourite.
Thank you Angie, have a great weekend!
I loved watching your April Iris come to life from one petal. You are such a gifted artist Jenna! Have a wonderful weekend
Thank you Emily, art is my joy…
The iris is so beautiful, and I love the tiger lily too!
Thanks so much Dorothy, have a great weekend!
This is fun — I should get out my botanical book — it’s been a long time! I have the Derwent. I don’t usually use them for the whole piece but I use them a lot for tiny spots or for my rough sketch. It’s nice because I can sketch out with either the lightest gray or preferably the color I plan to go with for an area and they just blend in. I should better master using them for the full deal.
Yes, using watercolor pencils for the initial sketch is so smart, I wish I could remember to do that 😂
Magical!
Thank you!
Gorgeous iris! I don’t think mine will bloom this year after transplanting last fall, but I look forward to when they will. Have a great weekend!
Thanks Rita, and with your green thumb I bet they will!
Jenna, the iris is stunning! It was fun to watch its development. I agree with Emily, you are definitely a gifted artist.
It feels like winter returned today😳 Enjoy the weekend!
Thanks so much Pam, you can grow them, I can draw them 😂
I love your step by step drawing instructions. Thanks!
I’m so glad, thanks Leslie Anne!
Beautiful Iris, Jenna!!! I have always been fond of botanical art as well as gardening AND bearded Iris!!! so I really enjoyed this one!!
Thanks so much Hilda, irises are such elegant flowers!
WOW! You are so talented!! Thanks so much for linking up at the Crafty Creators Link Party 14. Pinned.
Beautiful Jenna and what a great book for inspiration! ♥
Thank you Mary 💐
Your iris turned out lovely Jenna! 🌸 I forget to use my watercolor pencils, thanks for the reminder! 😃
Thanks Jill, I forget about watercolor pencils too, they can be magic!