My technique: painting a flower in seven steps
From the first sketch to the final glaze, here is how a botanical watercolour is born in the studio.
I am often asked how I work. Here, in a few steps, is the path of one painting — knowing that no two pieces are ever quite alike.
1. Observation
Above all, looking. At length. Identifying structure, volumes, the play of shadow.
2. Preparatory sketch
A very fine graphite pencil, never pressing, so the paper breathes.
3. First washes
Highly diluted pigments to lay down the main values — the ghost of the flower to come.
4. Setting the shadows
Working in successive layers, letting the paper dry completely between each.
5. Details and veins
With the finest brush, sometimes a dry point, breathing held.
6. Final glazes
To unify, to vibrate, to give depth.
7. Signature
Discreet, in sepia ink — the moment the flower becomes a work.
Patience is the true pigment of botanical painting.
If you are curious to see the results of these seven steps, the studio's paintings are gathered in the shop.
Soria Givord
Botanical painter
