MASTERCLASS
11 Refine buds and stems
I refined the buds and stems by adding tonal variations that would
help develop the sense of form. Phalaenopsis stems are fairly
cylindrical in structure, so I added highlights down one side with
Linden Green, Naples Yellow and a touch of Permanent White.
Shadows on the opposite edge were made with Linden Green, Winsor
Blue and Perylene Maroon. This is the same mix as step 10, albeit
stronger with a higher consistency of paint and less water.
These greens were also added to the backs of the top sepals and
petals. More details were added to the flower centres.
13 Repeat below
This stage is a continuation of the previous stage. I built up the lower
flowers and buds, so they were to the same standard as the top half.
I used a mix of Perylene Maroon and Indigo to create the darker
colour seen on the detailed network of flecks across the stem.
The stipple technique of applying fine dots can be great for
achieving a speckled finish, though it can be too uniform on its own.
I mixed in fine, linear dashes with the dots to create the more
random finish I desired.
12 Enhance the colours
The petals were brightened with a very subtle mix of Bengal Rose and
Raw Sienna. Increasing the line work made them appear crisper too.
Most of the petals and sepals had a light edge, which I painted with
Permanent White, Naples Yellow, and a touch of Spectrum Yellow in
places. The innermost parts of each petal and sepal were painted
white first with Bengal Rose and Winsor Blue dry-brushed on top.
I used Gold Ochre with a touch of Indigo for the areas in shadow.
The modified petals have also had some work done, with Cadmium
Scarlet added to the right side of the lip that comes forward.14 Finishing touches
To finish, I like to remove the subject from view and study the painting
from an artistic perspective. I evaluated tonal contrasts and form,
stippling Permanent White acrylic on the top left flowers. I also
saturated some colours by dry-brushing Marigold Yellow and a touch
of Spectrum Yellow across the inner petals, working outwards. Small
dots of Perylene Maroon were added to each petal’s yellow centre.Top tip
For highlights, use
fresh white from
the tube, not dried
paint from the
palette