To see more floral demonstrations from Birgit O’Connor, see “Fancy Flowers” in the March 2008 issue of The Artist’s Magazine.

Summer Rain (watercolor, 22x40)

Inspired by flowers in my garden these bold splashes of color make very interesting compositions.

How to create a water drop
There is a very simple technique you can use to add water drops to a painting. A realistic waterdrop creates a three-dimensional illusion and leaves a lasting impression on the viewer.
Get an idea of how this technique works by doing this simple exercise.

Materials you need

• Masking fluid
  
• 1/8 sheet Arches paper
  
• Large wash brush
  
• No. 8 and No.14 synthetic brushes
  
• Incredible nib or bamboo drawing pen
  
• Color: permanente alizarin crimson, indigo

 

Draw an oblong circle approximately 1 inch long, (MM) and then place a small dot of masking in the upper left hand corner.

After the masking fluid has completely dried, apply a wash of permanent alizarin crimson over the entire area extending past the drop approximately 4 inches (MM) on either side, leave enough room on the outside edges so the effect is not hindered and the drop can stand out.

Once the wash has completely dried, reapply water only to the inside of the drop, allow the pigment to soften then lift out the color from in the inside using a No. 14 synthetic brush, you can vary the size and type brush (acrylic brushes, q-tips and paper towels work—anything to lift color out.

Before adding the shadow allow the drop to completely dry again or the color can bleed back in. You want a nice crisp line. Using a No. 8 synthetic with a mixture of permanent alizarin crimson and a small amount of indigo, then add the shadow just below the drop, tapering up the side to define the edge.

Now remove the masking from the drop and lift some color out of the shadow. This helps to show light refracting through the drop.

 

 

---

Self-taught as an artist, Birgit O’Connor has shown her luminous paintings all around the world, including China. Her new book, Watercolor in Motion (North Light Books, 2008), will be in bookstores in March. A frequent and longtime contributor to The Artist’s Magazine and Watercolor Artist (formerly Watercolor Magic), she teaches workshops in her studio in Bolinas, California. Currently she’s working on a second book, Watercolor Essentials (North Light Books, 2008), which will be released in the fall. For more information, visit her website at www.birgitoconnor.com.

---

This demonstration is excerpted from Birgit O'Connor's book   Watercolor in Motion (North Light Books, 2008). Learn more about the book here. Don't miss her other online demos::  

• Painting Flowers Step by Step: Radiant Reds