Watercolor Peony: Pro Techniques Explained

Peonie is the most requested watercolor subject on my channel this year.  I am exited to invite you to my new class - the most detailed and comprehensive one to date - so we can work through a layering system that will allow you to achieve a vibrant realistic result, taking full advantage of the transparent qualities of our favourite medium.

This class is presented in real time - I will be narrating every step of the way, explaining my strokes and color choices. In addition to the painting, I will take you through the palette building process, so you can practice building your own botanical palette using a simple and straightforward system I’ve developed over the years. 

Key concepts and techniques we will practice:

• Planning a color palette for our flower
• Glazing: building layers of transparent color to build value and a sense of realism
• Underpainting to help capture the glow of sunlight on peony petals
• Applying masking fluid to protect highlights
• Painting wet on dry
• Painting wet on wet

Resources you will get as part of this class:

• Black and white outline of the flower
• List of my supplies, along with some alternatives you may consider
• List of the pigments I used, along with some alternatives you may consider
• Botanical palette structure + Peony palette structure - a guide for future reference
• Peony reference photo + several additional peony photos that you can use as reference to practice

This class is aimed at intermediate artists who are already familiar with the basic watercolor techniques. As usual, all beginners are welcome as you may get inspired to challenge yourself and try something new.

I look forward to seeing you in class! :)

• About This Class
• Watercolor Supplies
• Color Palette
• Painting Process Overview
• Outline & Masking
• Layer 1 (A) - Background Wash
• Layer 1 (B) - Background Wash
• Layer 1 (C) - Background Wash
• Layer 2 (A) - Definition Wash
• Layer 2 (B) - Definition Wash
• Stamens & Stem
• Layer 3 (A) - Accent Wash
• Layer 3 (B) - Accent Wash
• Final Thoughts