Step One
Establish the composition: It’s important to me that I catch and retain the viewer’s eye in my paintings with a strong composition. I must consider the importance of my focal point, my clear and concise light source, directional lines, depth, contrast and values, and later my colour choice to create mood. I take the opportunity of any features that make my flower unique. I don’t always include all I see and often have to sacrifice what I really see for the sake of a strong composition. This is also an opportunity to reform or change anything that Mother Nature may have got less perfect.
I draw my outline onto A4 computer paper reasonably detailed – showing shadow areas, some veins, creases, folds, and turn backs. Once I’m satisfied with the drawing, I use this to draw onto the canvas with a 2B
