Step-by-Step Drawing of a "Real Live" Flower - Painting & Drawing Tips

Spring is REALLY HERE!!! 

and I can Prove It. 

Yellow Wood Violet - Great Sign of Spring!!

Yep, I found my first little Yellow Wood Violet when I was walking my favourite trail.  In fact it wasn't the only flower I found.  There were a few Trilliums, only a few and very small, but they were there.  There was also a patch of Pink Fawn Lilies and even a few Skunk Cabbage.  I could see that the Bleeding Heart was getting ready to bloom and the Lilies of the Valley weren't far behind. 

See Spring is REALLY HERE!!

I had never drawn one of those little Violets and decided this was a great little flower to add to my flower book.  Join me as I take you on a Step-by-Step Directed Drawing.  You can get a copy of the Reference Picture HERE.  I do encourage you to NOT PRINT IT.  Leaving it on your screen gives a much better 'Real Life Drawing' experience.  

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*** Further discussion can be found on my YouTube video: Step-by-Step Drawing of a "Real Live" Flower .  You can get a Free copy of the Reference Photo Here.  

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Ok.  I know using a Photo is not really a Real Life Drawing, but certainly seeing it on a screen rather than as a flat piece of paper goes a long way to giving it a Life Drawing experience. 

Step-by-Step Drawing of Yellow Wood Violet

Draw your basic shape and pick your starting point

1. Draw a Oval Circle the Size of your Flower: The size of your flower determines the size of all other aspects of the drawing.  Everything is drawn based on its size relationship to the flower.  

The second petal takes it's cues from the first one

2. Begin with the first Petal: I chose to start at the bottom as the other petals appeared to build from it.  As you can see my first petal comes out of the circle as it breaks out of the oval shape.  

Draw one Petal at a time, it is a building process 

3.  Draw the next Petal: beginning on the next petal above and on the right of the first petal.  I take my starting and ending points from its relationship to the first petal 

4.  Continue Drawing One Petal at a time: As you move around the flower, be sure and compare the size of each petal in relation to the others.  Also decide if the petal needs to be inside or outside of your starting oval.  

Adding the Stem - take your reference points from the flower petals

5. Drawing the Stem: Using the petal on the left as your reference point draw the stem.  Comparing the size of the petals to the stem will give you clues as to the length and width of the stem.  

Leaves are added one at a time

6. Begin drawing the other leaves: Now that your stem is drawn you have a reference point for drawing the leaves.  I chose to start with the front left leaf and the bits of leaf just behind the stem as my starting point.  I then moved around the stem drawing each leaf, using the previous one as a starting reference point.  At the same time as I was also checking horizontally and vertically how each leaf related to the flower above. Notice the leaves are more just shapes, not a lot of detail.  

Using a Pen, I worked around the drawing, refining each section

7. Time to Refine the Drawing: I chose to use a pen to refine my drawing to further demonstrate how the pencil lines are a guide but not always followed exactly.  Now is the time to put the serrated edges on the leaves.  This also acts as further check that you are happy with how things are placed.  

Adding the veins and details

8.  Add the finishing touches: Add some of the veins in the leaves and of course some lines in the petals to bring them all to life.  
I chose to shade my drawing with pencil.  It gives an interesting look and for demonstration purposes, it doesn't confuse the drawing issues with colour.  I added a simplified ground for my flower to sit on.  I chose not to add the dead leaves and moss on the ground as it did not suit my purpose.  However, I do think that would make for an even more interesting drawing to add those details.  

A Yellow Wood Violet 

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*** Further discussion can be found on my YouTube video: Step-by-Step Drawing of a "Real Live" Flower .  You can get a Free copy of the Reference Photo Here.  

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Coming Up:

All inclusive 4 Day Outdoor Sketching Art Retreat,  June 21-24, 2024 - Includes travel from Lower Mainland, accommodations, instruction and lots of Fun. $500  Wendy will be the instructor and Retreat Hosted by Joanne Dennis.  Only 1 spots left.  Register Here. 
Aventuras Artist Retreats with Joanne Dennis and Wendy Mould.

Outdoor Sketching 2.5hr Classes this summer 2024 - July 4 & 18
August 8 & 15 – 2.5 hr.  $60 Max. 3 per group.  Local parks in N Surrey & Langley Contact Wendy  to register.  

Always  Available at Art by Wendy's Studio

Original work, Commissions, Private Drawing Lessons, Prints and Cards of her Work, 

Be sure to like and share my posts.  You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email 

Have a great Artful Day,

  

Wendy

Collage Fodder: Adding Stems and Leaves to Your Flowers - Painting & Drawing Tips

Similar? Or Perfect? Are these Opposites or Nearly the Same?

Flowers are starting to 'Pop UP' Everywhere - Why not in your Sketchbook too!

When painting and drawing, somehow ‘Perfect’ becomes the best way. But actually, the more I draw and paint, I think ‘Similar’ is really the goal.

Have you ever thought about it?

As I was doing my video for this post, ‘Drawing Leaves and Stems”, I found myself thinking these words over and over.

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*** Learn more about my Sketching Practice at The Thursday Night Artist Talks, April 4, 2024, 7:30-9pm. - 'Capturing Nature's Beauty on the Go' with Wendy Mould. Surrey Art Gallery, 13750 88 Ave, Surrey., V3W3L1

** Further discussion for this post can be found on my YouTube video: New Ways to Add Stems and Leaves to Your Flowers. 

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Do I really want ‘perfect’ leaves? Not really. . .

Nature is messy. It has leaves that are bent, chewed, broken, and spotted. When we view them, we see them, sideways, foreshorten, 3/4 angled and even upside down. Few leaves are seen in their perfect pristine shape. Yet, somehow this is forgotten, when pencil hits paper.

My last post was about drawing 5 Petal flowers. (See it HERE.) Today, I want to put some stems and leaves with those flowers. This is the fun part. Now, you are making the stage for those beautiful flowers to shine.

I have drawn a flower and 2 buds and I am ready to add the Stems and Leaves.

With Pen (.05 Pigma) Pencil and Kneaded Eraser I am ready-to-roll.  

Drawing Leaves and Stems

1. Stems - using a pencil, draw a line emanating from the center of the flower. Stems aren’t straight, curve your line to make an interesting shape. Once you’re happy with it, make it wide enough to support your flower.

Once I have roughed in the Stems and Leaves, I am ready to put pen to paper

1. Leaves - Here is where you really begin to learn about leaves. How big are they? Are they near the flower or further down the stem? Are they attached to the stem in pairs? Larger than the flower or smaller? When I first started drawing leaves, I realized I had never really looked at them. It made me take a second look. At this point I rough in my leaves with a pencil. (And remember, similar in shape not perfectly the same)

2. Take your pen to paper and draw in the stems and leaves.

   

   Basics are Done - Now add the Fun Stuff. 

3. Embellishments: There are endless things that can be added to your flower. Here again I first use my pencil to draw some lines where I feel I want to add a shape. Then its time for vines, branches and twigs. Use them to balance your arrangement and bring in some dark values to set off your flowers. Let your pen work flow, making the leaves on these little branches, interesting, wondering in different directions and again, similar in shape not perfectly the same

   

   Adding patterns to get different textures and darks and lights

4. Finish with your pen. Don’t forget to add shadows to stems and branches.

   

   Those little Shadows and Darks make your flowers shine

I must admit, I love the black and white sketch but you’re welcome to paint them if you want.

Try a few more designs: more flowers, large and small. Try a more graphic type leaf. (see my video for more examples). Add your own twigs, grasses or branches to spice it up. You will find you are soon jumping in with your pen very confidently. BTW You will also find you have a greater understanding for drawing flowers and plants from life.

***Check out my YouTube video "New Ways to Add Stems and Leaves to your Flowers" for more ideas as to leaves and embellishments.

Enjoy your drawing.

Coming Up:

All inclusive 4 Day Outdoor Sketching Art Retreat,  June 21-24, 2024 - Includes travel from Lower Mainland, accommodations, instruction and lots of Fun. $500  Wendy will be the instructor and Retreat Hosted by Joanne Dennis.  Only a few spots left.  Register Here. 
Aventuras Artist Retreats with Joanne Dennis and Wendy Mould.

Outdoor Sketching 2.5hr Classes this summer 2024 - July & Aug. Dates to be Determined.  Contact Wendy to get updates as to times and places.  

Always  Available at Art by Wendy's Studio

Original work, Commissions, Private Drawing Lessons, Prints and Cards of her Work, 

Be sure to like and share my posts.  You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email 

Have a great Artful Day,

  

Wendy

How to Draw 5 Petal Flowers - Painting & Drawing Tips

Practice, Practice Practice.  Practice makes you Perfect!!  

You have heard that before and you know it is true.  But really . . . . .

PRACTICE  can be BORING!!

A Flower Cluster - Fun little Doodles 

As many of you know, I broke my right ankle at Christmas time and so I have spent ALOT of time sitting around.  With my foot up.  Looking for something to do.  TV and Books can only do so much. 

My LifeSaver has been my Sketchbook.  

I found a few fun things to do that were also great at Practicing my Mark Making.  They weren't all pencil and pen based, but as you can guess, many of them were.  I think it is because it was winter and things can be gray and rainy here, that I turned to flowers.  There were few around as reference, so I started experimenting with my own designs.  

Let me share with you what I found out. 

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*** Further discussion can be found on my YouTube video: How to Draw 5 Petal Flowers 

*** Not too late to Join Myself & Photographer Aman Bakshi for "Artful Applications Workshop - Ideas and Visuals for Social Media, CVs Bios & Statement's" March 1, Surrey.   See below for more Info.  

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You need only a pencil, erasers (vinyl & kneaded), .05 Micron Pigma Permanent Pen and a sketchbook.  

The Basic Front Facing 5 Petal Flower: 

This is no place for a Perfect Circle

Work lightly with a pencil.  

Draw a circle, 1 3/4 inches in diameter.  (Don't be fussy about the circle, it is better if it is not perfect.  Flowers are not perfect).  Draw a center, about 1/4 inch in diameter. Mark off 5 Notches, evenly spaced around the center circle. (Don't be too fussy with this either.) 

The Ruffles on the outside edge of the petals adds lots of life to the Flower

Now your Ready to draw the petals:

Start at the center on one of your notches (Notch #1) , loosely draw a triangular shape with rounded corners that goes out to the edge of the big circle.  Go along the outside circle then turn back to the center to the 2nd Notch.  I usually do the first 2 petals in pencil to get the feel of my flower and then move to pen.  Be sure and put a bit of a ripple in your petal as you go along the outer circle. 

The second petal starts as Notch #2 goes up the same line as the first.  Then rounds the corner and heads along the outside circle edge and then back to the center to arrive at Notch #3.  

Turn your book, repeat the steps to draw the other petals.  Don't worry if the petals are not exactly the same.  Remember, flowers are not perfect.  

It's the Little Things that bring your Flower Alive!

Add the details: 

Squiggle a few lines around the edge of the center, so it stands out.  Tiny overlapping circles is a nice way to finish it on the inside.  

Then 3 little lines from the center out into each petal.  The lines should start dark and become liner and thinner as you move out.  Different lengths.  Going only part way up the petal. These lines are directional lines that give the feel of the petal shape.  

Shadow the ruffles on the outside edge of the petals with a few little lines. 

5 Variations that Make all the difference: 

Draw the Petals so there is a small Space between 

1.  Change the space between the Petals

Draw the same 2 circles with the Notches. Now draw petals that start and end between the Notches so there is a bit of space between the sides of the petals.

 These little Baby Flowers add lots to any Cluster 

2.  Make Tiny Flowers 

Draw the 2 circles quite small.  Tiny center with 5 little petals. Darken the center

These are just plain fun to Draw

3. Make the Center's Large

Draw the 2 circles with the center one quite big and fat.  The petals are now small as they stretch around the center.  

These can be drawn to face any direction

4. Face the Flowers in different directions
Now the center circle is more of an flatten oval and not in the center of the bigger circle.  

Lively and Loose!! 

5.  Hold Your Pen straight up at the bottom

No Pencil first. With wrist and arm away from support, draw with a continuous line.  Start with a small center and draw your petals.  Let the friction of pen to paper rule your movements. 

Lots of Fun, eh!?  Try your own variations.  Cluster them. Add your own touches.  

Next post - Let's Look at Leaves!!  

*** Further discussion can be found on my YouTube video: How to Draw 5 Petal Flowers 

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Coming Up:
All Day Marketing Workshop - March 1 - See Below ↓↓↓↓
 "Not too late to Join Us. . . " 

All inclusive 4 Day Outdoor Sketching Art Retreat,  June 21-24, 2024

Outdoor Sketching 2.5hr Classes this summer 2024 - July & Aug. Date to be Determined

Always  Available at Art by Wendy's Studio

Original work, Commissions, Private Drawing Lessons, Prints and Cards of her Work, 

Be sure to like and share my posts.  You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email 

Have a great Artful Day,

  

Wendy

Is Attending an Art Workshop like Riding A Rollercoaster? - Painting & Drawing Tips

This past week I was SUPER excited.  I was going to an Art Workshop.  You may think this a strange comment as I often go to workshops. But as a Teacher.  

This time I was a student!

Our Class Throwdown - Can you pick out Mine??

I am the program organizer for our art group and I arrange a special 2-day workshop each year. I don't usually go to the workshops but this year's instructor really caught my eye.  

Linda Bell, SFCA and her topic: Playing with Abstraction.  

You're surprised, I am sure.  Me, a realist, wildlife artist that loves to paint nature and all its elements.  What am I doing 'playing with abstraction' with dishes, and tables and vases. 

I found I really liked her work and I loved what she did with her colours, patterns and shapes.  She really grabbed the eye with her pieces and kept it in the frame.  I thought that there were things there I could learn.  And I felt with completely different subject material I would not be distracted by my usual detail. I felt I was ready for the challenge. 

Linda and some of her work in the background

When our supply list and handouts came, I could hardly wait to open the email. OMG!!! There was so much STUFF.  I didn't understand half of it: Mediums, Glazing Liquids, Open and Fluid Acrylics.  I deal in watercolour, pens and pencils.  This was way over my head!  

I felt like that Roller Coast had taken off without me firmly planted in my seat.  . . .  What have I done!!

Abstraction with collaging needs Lots of Stuff

Fortunately a friend talked me off the edge and I got over the first bump.  Although the Art Store, certainly benefited.  

First Day started. . .

Got set up, scribbled like mad while she explain how abstraction principles worked and then FROZE!!  

It seemed easy as she used words like: simplify, distort, flatten, fracture, exaggerate.  But now take a bird, a vase and a wine glass and draw 6 different ways of applying abstraction to them.  

Try it! . . .

It's hard if that is not your way of thinking.  One or two ways come to mind but 6.  This was a BIG BUMP on that rollercoaster.  My confidence was shaken.  Maybe this isn't fun.  Maybe this is not for me.  (Should I mention here that I have a problem with heights and riding any rollercoaster is scary) 

I am feeling like I have a Plan

We pressed on.  We sketched a few things.  We studied examples.  I felt better.  I began to see a way.  I had a plan.  I was good to go.  Definitely starting to enjoy the ride.  

I started painting.  

This was a bit of bumpy patch on that roller coaster ride.  I haven't much experience with acrylics and they didn't always want to do what my watercolours did.  I asked questions and moved along.  I expected trouble in this area.  I wasn't totally confident but I moved on.  

At first we started small and slow

Day 2, Thank heavens there is a DAY 2. . . .

When I got home after the first day I felt overwhelmed.  I could think of 100 better things I could have done with my painting.  I couldn't remember half of what she had told us.  I was tired.  

As I entered the classroom I could feel the surge of power in the room.  New energy.  New resolve.  Lots of Questions. The need to attack the problems was intense. 

Head down and focused - We were on the winning path

We all painted on.  Some new and some over the old.  We all seemed empowered.  Linda demoed a few more examples and ideas and we toiled on.  

By noon, I knew the Ride was nearly over.  

I felt confidence creeping in to my every stroke.  I knew I was ready for the BIGGEST Bumps at the end of ride.  Life was good again. 

My Flower Pot - Did you find mine in the Throwdown? 

Takeaways:

1. I don't know a thing about colour!!  When you paint from your imagination, there are no colours there.  I normally paint from life, so colours are suggested.  I can push and pull them but there is at lease a starting point. 

2. I can understand more how pattern, value and shape controls the movement. Even as you work with flat shapes, your mind tells you when more is needed and where.    

3.  I certainly understand more how My students feel, as they start new things in their art.  I need to be more conscience of not overwhelming, what is straight forward to me is not always to others.  

4. 2 Day workshops are Great.  Having that second day to go back and pull things together made a big difference to me and from my observations, to others as well.  Several years ago, I switched to 3 class packs for my lessons.  As the teacher, I found it more rewarding to teach something and then have time to practice and review with my students. 

5. It was like a holiday, spending a few days focused only on my art. Everything else slipped by the wayside.  Despite the challenges, when I was finished I was tired but somehow refreshed. 

My next Rollercoaster ride will be in April. I am off to Italy to study with Karen Stamper for a week.  We will be doing Urban Sketching but in an Abstracted Way.  Another big Challenge, I expect there will be a few big bumps on this ride as well.  

Coming Up:
Online Drawing Classes -  February 15, 22 & 29, 2024
All inclusive 4 Day Art Retreat,  June 21-24, 2024
Outdoor Sketching Classes this summer 2024

Enhance Your Drawing Skills

Come Draw with Me 

“I attended an online drawing class from Wendy. I loved it and learned so much. She is very thorough and provides terrific feedback on your works of art. I highly recommend it.” Debbie

Ready to Enhance your Drawing Skills and Explore new Mark-making Techniques in a relaxed, fun setting? 

During your Lessons You will:

- Learn when it’s best to erase and when to wait

- Dive into the little Secrets that make drawing a success

- See how light can transform your subjects

- Make friends with your inner critic and make it work for you

- Nail down that perfect perspective and proportion

- Use lines, shapes, and shadows to guide your viewer’s eyes and keep them engaged in your work

Online Drawing Classes

Feb 15, 22, & 29, 2024, 5:30-7:30pm (PT)

Early Bird $75 Before Feb 12, $90 after

Contact Wendy toRegister 
Gift Certificates Available 

Always  Available at Art by Wendy's Studio

Original work, Commissions, Private Drawing Lessons, Prints and Cards of her Work, 

Be sure to like and share my posts.  You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email 

Have a great Artful Day,

  

Wendy

Getting Good DARKS into Your Artwork - Painting & Drawing Tips

The Challenge: Make Images "POP' in my Artwork

The How: Use some Good DARKS

Sounds so easssssssy.  But really it's not!

FANTASY FLOWERS - Sketchbook Activity 

You have probably already discovered that.  Either things are too light or there is way too much "dark" in your picture.  There doesn't seem to be a happy medium.  

I decided to do some experimenting to see what a Good DARK really looked like.  And how to tell 'when I was there'.  

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*** Further discussion can be found on my YouTube video: How Dark Values bring your Artwork to Life

*** Looking To Join Me for Online Drawing Lessons? 3 Live Online Classes in February. See below for more information

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Follow Along with me as I conduct my experiment or better still, start painting too. 

Step 1 - Background in 3 different layers of lights

Step 1 
Create a very light background of splashes and spots.  I used the colours I was planning to use for my flowers.  I only thought was to leave a space for my main subject.  But at the same time I wasn't worried about getting paint in that area as it was light.  

Step 2 
I did 3 different light layers of splashes.  Each slightly darker than the first.  I was also thinking that I wanted to get darker closer to my subject.  

Drawing in the Flowers 

Step 3
Drew in the fantasy flowers.  A rose with a few little forget-me-note around it.  I wasn't worried about any of the colours under the flowers, as I knew it would be covered up by painting the flowers.  

Blocking in the Flowers and Some Leaves

Step 4 
Here is where the fun begins.  I blocked in the flowers and they looked horrid.  No life to them. I press on.  I had to remind myself this is just the first layer.  

Darken the Rose Petals

Step 5

I used a darker version of my pink to add shadow to the rose petals. Still not working. 

Adding Dark Purples to Rose and Deep Darks to background

Step 6
I mixed a purple with my pink and blue and used that as shadows around the petals.  Now that made quite a difference.  

I also placed a real DARK in the crevices around the rose, being mindful that the light came from the left.  Right away I could see some of the petals on the rose perked up.  Even the main leaves started to look more interesting.  

Suggesting more leaves in the Background

Step 7
Rather than bumping up the shadows more with the flowers I adding more foliage around them.  I kept it lighter than than my fully drawn leaves but made it darker than the leaves suggested in splatters.  Right away I could see things were really popping. 

Finished - FANTASY FLOWERS - Sketchbook Activity

Step 8
Put some of that purple on the blue flower (center, left) and on the leaf (center, right) close to the rose;  suggested some leaf shapes at the lower bottom; went back and added a few dark splashes to the shapes spreading out from the middle.  It was popping!!  

Things that I noticed (learned)

1.  Putting a darker pink on my rose didn't do anything. It needed that dark purple to pop.  

2.  Putting a deep dark in the crevices where I would expect to find a dark, made a real difference.

3.  Sometimes it is better to darken things around the subject rather than just getting darker and darker with the subject.  

4.  Not all of the subject needs to be the dark: ie. not all the petal, not all the leaf, not all the blobs 

Experimenting can be fun.  We had 3 days of major snow, and nothing moved.  Very unusual for us.  It was great to play with the flowers and not worry about being snowed in!!

*** Further discussion can be found on my YouTube video: How Dark Values bring your Artwork to Life

Coming Up:
Online Drawing Classes for February 2024
All inclusive 4 Day Art Retreat,  June 21-24, 2024
Outdoor Sketching Classes this summer 2024

Enhance Your Drawing Skills

Come Draw with Me 

“I attended an online drawing class from Wendy. I loved it and learned so much. She is very thorough and provides terrific feedback on your works of art. I highly recommend it.”

Ready to Enhance your Drawing Skills and Explore new Mark-making Techniques in a relaxed, fun setting? 

During your Lessons You will:

- Learn when it’s best to erase and when to wait

- Dive into the little Secrets that make drawing a success

- See how light can transform your subjects

- Make friends with your inner critic and make it work for you

- Nail down that perfect perspective and proportion

- Use lines, shapes, and shadows to guide your viewer’s eyes and keep them engaged in your work

Online Drawing Classes

Feb 15, 22, & 29, 2024, 5:30-7:30pm (PT)

Early Bird $75 Before Feb 12, $90 after

Contact Wendy toRegister 
Gift Certificates Available 

Always  Available at Art by Wendy's Studio

Original work, Commissions, Private Drawing Lessons, Prints and Cards of her Work, 

Be sure to like and share my posts.  You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email 

Have a great Artful Day,

  

Wendy