Botanical illustration of Rose leaves

[@anitahoward8506]

I've been taking varies watercolor classes on patreon and through KZbin. This is the first video that I've watch where the artist really went into the details. I really enjoyed watching, so thank-you for sharing.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Wow, thank you! That's great to hear that my film was useful and detailed enough to be of help. Thank you. x

[@waymire01]

I've just recently discovered your channel. I'd like to thank you first off, because so many botanical painters keep their knowledge locked up like Fort Knox.. so I'm very appreciative that you have put so much detailed info out here for the masses. I find the way you approach it to be so much more logical.. by putting in those darker shades first not only can you map out the shape, but you can blur the edges automatically with a wash... that has been one of the biggest challenges for me trying to work from light to dark.. getting a blended cohesive appearance without massive dark edges or losing all the light trying to blend it out on wet or dry paper. I love listening to you "ramble on".. I almost always learn something, and it's nice hearing someone else talking to themselves while they paint since it's something I also do lol.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You sound like my sort of person, and thanks so much for the comment. Yes, the dark to light does feel a whole lot easier to me, you have to juggle less info in your head. And the talking to yourself? Alas, I do that quite a bit when the camera's not rolling. Mostly telling myself off for getting something wrong, or swearing at the plant for withering on me...

[@waymire01]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator You may already know about these.. but it seems like it would help. They use them in flower shops sometimes to keep stem flowers fresh. You just fill it with water and pop the stem in, you can lay them down or carry them around. I just grabbed a link off amazon so you can see what I'm talking about, I'm sure there are local sources to you. www.amazon.com/Floral-Flower-Arrangements-Royal-Imports/dp/B01DYR27DI/ref=asc_df_B01DYR27DI/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=193994329151&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3233494653197352931&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026279&hvtargid=pla-310773897560&psc=1

[@waymire01]

@Black Bamboo What a sad and selfish way of looking at life. I hardly think a few videos about the basics are going to put a professional artist out of a job.. it may however encourage others who keep the art alive for the future, as well as show off her talent to prospective clients...especially with digital art taking over.

[@olekstefaniuk3334]

This channel is by far the best art- centered channel for me. I am trying to learn this style of painting by myself with poor effect so far and I am finding a lot of help here. I am also biotechnologist and I have to say, just listening to You talking about plants is quite a pleasure. That being said, Thanks Lizzie, I will stay here for a bit :) cheers !

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Olek, Welcome! Great news that you like this approach to botanical illustration, and even better that you don't mind me chattering on and on about plants! I'm so pleased to have you along. x

[@honeybabies4476]

I have watched this video multiple times but each time I hear the “hot paper” & the “water cup on the wrong side” I laugh like it’s the 1st time I heard it. I just dearly love listening to Lizzie talk….I feel like I’m sitting around with a friend painting. That friend just happens to be a brilliant artist that doesn’t mind teaching me. Thank you Lizzie for EVERYTHING you do!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Aww Honey Babies, thank you! When I do my films its exactly this sort of comment that inspires me to keep on nattering away. Makes me feel less lonesome in my little garden shed! Thankyou x

[@СветланаЕрмолаева-б5щ]

Я ни слова не понимаю, но никогда не отключаю звук) Мне нравится голос. Умиротворяющий.

[@rettain]

She is speaking for all of us! Indiana, Amish country, USA

[@BobA-ez2ue]

I'm enrolled in the Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh Botanical Illustrator class. Just found your work and wish I had found it sooner. Watching you work is helping me a lot so thank you.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Oooh, that's meant to be a very good class. I'm a bit jealous, I'd love to take a course like that one day. There's always so much to learn. I';m really glad you like my films and work, and that's fab that they're proving helpful. I'm really pleased. Enjoy the course!

[@marcowilkinson4100]

I’ve been one of those artists enthusiastic about floral and botanical art, but have always struggled with rendering textures on leaves. This has been the most educational and informative video I’ve come across that breaks it down for me. Thank you Lizzie and beautiful work! 🙌🏼

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Marco, wow, that is the kind of testimonial a girl dreams about. What a wonderful thing to hear, and Im so glad my somewhat unusual technique has helped add that texture for you. And thanks so much for taking the time to let me know. Thankyou. x

[@rettain]

I use to have these roses. They are the only ones that lasted. I was so sad to hear they were considered invasive. You really do delight my soul as I listen and watch. I’m older than you are, and I just wish I wouldn’t have discontinued painting when my children were young. I’m getting started again and feel like I’ve found my peace again. I’m disabled so don’t get out, but am finding ways to draw again. Then discovering how to paint with watercolors and my personal style! You just bring me so much joy! Thank you!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi again Retta, you keep going. I love that you're regaining your inspiration and passion for drawing, and starting to play with watercolours. So exciting! And such a good thing to do if you're not able to get out as much as you might like. And dont worry about the roses. Just cause they're invasives in one country doesn't mean they're invasives everywhere. I still love them, too!

[@СветланаЕрмолаева-б5щ]

Лиззи, продолжаю смотреть Ваши обучающие фильмы. Спасибо Вам! 🌿💚

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Большое спасибо. Так рад, что вы наслаждаетесь ими. Икс

[@stephanie.kilgast]

I'm so glad I found you here, lovely to work while listening to you... work ^^

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thanks, lovely Stephanie.

[@twicebittenthasme5545]

You have an extraordinary amount of patience. About halfway through that first leaf, I would be looking for my larger brush and washing over the rest. Beautiful work. Thank you for sharing!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Ah, you see Im more or less patient with my illustration work but horribly impatient with everything else! Just ask my poor family! x

[@blacksandee]

I really appreciate you taking the time to show us how you go about making your wonderful illustrations.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Glad you like them! It's lush to have an appreciative audience. x

[@janemcgrath6502]

It's lovely to watch you paint. Thank you for your tips❤😊

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

My pleasure 😊

[@Neoanimation77]

I always wanted to see how long it actually takes to draw botanical paintings most people timelapse their video which makes me restless while I draw. I loose my patience to let the painting dry. Am glad to find your channel

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

I love this comment, Doracake! I started off doing time lapse, but so many people begged me to slow it down that I now do these in real time. I do, of course, pause the video so we can have some of the "and here's the rest of the leaf I just painted" moments, but films over an hour long take FOREVER to upload! But I think it's more honest to present the process this way. And to explain that for a completed botanical illustration you're talking about hours, or tens of hours, to complete. Makes people better able to see how well they're doing, and what sort of commitment might be involved if you want a finished piece. If it helps, I get irritable and impatient waiting for layers of paint to dry too! Often Ill have two illustrations on the go at the same time so I can move onto the 2nd one while the watercolour wash on the first one has the chance to dry... thanks for your comment. x

[@TMTM-hh3wh]

wow, very dedicated. This kind of video helps me a lot in understanding how we should word in watercolor. Thanks a lot!!!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Glad it was helpful!

[@susancoffey8352]

I have been watching you paint and you have awaken in me my love of watercolor! I have tried to do a few leaves with your process in mind and I totally come back to watch again! Thank you for being so correct! You paint wonderfully!!! Susan

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Wonderful! That's the best thing to hear, that someone has picked up their brushes again. I'm so pleased. Thanks for the comment, and hooray for atercolours!

[@sonjaduplessis7315]

How refreshing it is listening to you. Thanks for lovely art💕

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

So glad you enjoyed it, Sonja

[@agatagoss6444]

Love your art style. Thanks for sharing ❤

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

My pleasure 😊

[@nathalieohlson1572]

Your watercolor technique is so interesting. I have always been told to work from light to dark. Thank you for sharing.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

I know! I do it all back to front, its all wrong...but it seems to work out ok. And people seem to find it easier to get their heads around, so that's good too. Thanks for the comment. x

[@wendyizod923]

I’ve only just found you web site and I’m so pleased I did. Just watching you and things you talk about is very informative thank you.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

So glad that it's useful! And thanks for being so appreciative. x

[@karolfrench5816]

Wonderful as always . . The best THANKYOU for inspiring information and delightful teaching

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You are so welcome

[@tanyamalan6234]

Brilliant! I LOVE your videos and sharing of your thoughts, these are the kinds of subjects/thoughts that mull over in my mind most of the time! 😂🙌👌 I find your long sessions extremely informative and very relaxing to watch! Greetings from Cape Town 💞

[@LipsitaArt]

OMG... how can you paint such realistic leaves! These are just gorgeous! Love it. thanks for sharing

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you so much 😀 It took a long time to figure out how to get texture into leaves, mine were horrid and flat and blunt for years and years. theyre a bit better these days... Thank you! x

[@AppelmoesArtandPhotography]

Recently I bought watercolor, but I haven’t touched them yet. It’s terrifying to start. Usually I work in black and white. With pen only, or with India ink. But you gave a good real time example of your workflow, and I want to try it as well. I like to tell myself that if I fail, it’s not the end of the world. I have nothing to loose. Thanks for sharing.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You know what might work for you? Take one of your pen and ink illustrations, perhaps one you dont adore, and start by adding watercolour top washes on top of the ink (so long as you used a permanenet and waterproof ink). You can learn more about how the paint mixes and feels, but still produce a lovely finished piece, based on your pan and ink work. then, once your confidence is a little greater, start on watercolours without the pen and ink skeleton drawing below? May not work, but it ould be a way to mitigate the fear and still get you towards watercolours. x

[@AppelmoesArtandPhotography]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator That's a good idea, I will do that!

[@carlcotton1753]

Thank you for all your wonderful videos!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

My pleasure!

[@jerseymaiden]

As a yoga teacher, I appreciate your mindfulness comments! 😄 Very true

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you for that Jersey Maiden. Any way that helps us get lost in the present seems like a good idea. I go to yoga classes and always struggle with emptying my mind, so the drawing is a fab outlet for me. Glad you think it's a good form of mindfulness to promote, and thankyou for taking the time to leave a comment. x

[@travelvibes3656]

Brilliant!! I’m new to watercolour and working on drawing leaves and then painting them. Just found your video and subscribed! So happy to find a wonderful talented artist. Thanks for all the tips! Looking forward to watching more! 💐

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Welcome, and thanks for subscribing. I DO need to get myself in gear and make another film soon, it's been way too long! Glad the leaf film helped, who would have thought that painting a leaf could be so long-winded, eh? Thanks again, Lizzie

[@doreenaitken5308]

Your comment about being yogic was hilarious. But you’re right about zoning out. You get so absorbed in the beauty of creating.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

I know, it's a funny thing. Being entirely present in the moment. But I do think it's important to have things in one's life that give you that focus; that's one of the reasons why the fact that kids here in the UK have far less art lessons than they used to bothers me so much. Not only is it important to know a bit about how to draw, but it's equally important to have a "safe space" to go to where you can zone out and lose your concerns. Even better if that space is just a sheet of paper and a pencil. And I agree, drawing and painting does that. Thanks for your comment! x

[@HOLTX001]

Thanks Lizzie for sharing your talent with us. You make it look so easy, and I know it’s not. It inspires me to keep trying.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Trina, what a lovely comment. Thank you so much.

[@pathikbiswasvisualart]

Thanks for sharing full process,🙏🙏❤️

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

My pleasure 😊

[@avo3ad0]

I'm so glad I discovered your channel and your Instagram. I would love to just hang out with you for a day. You're the funnest botanical artist out there! I enjoy your content so much.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thaks Skyar, what a lovely comment! Not sure the reality would live up to the dream, mind you. I spend a whole lot of time stressing about deadlines! x

[@giannaortu8849]

Adoro i suoi lavori , il video sulle foglie della rosa è veramente splendido. Grazie

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Grazie mille per i tuoi gentili commenti! Sono contento che ti piacciano le foglie. X

[@jeaninestark2731]

Thank you, I cannot wait to try this.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

I hope it's an approach that works for you. Enjoy,

[@violetsands]

i love your long sessions and chatting out loud lol. Can't wait for the next installment.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Dear Tash, Youre a VERY tolerant person! I can do two things pretty well, one is colouring-in with watercolour, and the other is never shutting up! Real time youtube films are MADE for me! Thanks for such a positive comment, glad you like it. x

[@mariasusanafernandez5006]

Maravilloso! Es una delicia verla pintar! Gracias por mostrar sus grandes habilitades.💖🌹

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Muchos gracias! xx

[@cmeblu75]

“Stealing from someone else’s garden!!”Once again you have me cracking up 😂 I was literally in a neighbor’s yard “taking pictures” of their glorious roses!! I felt like a horrible thief sneaking outta there with one!! I just couldn’t help myself bcuz theirs were better than mine 😬

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Ohhhhh yes. My garden is full of random wild flowers and weeds. Great for wildlife but when I need a sprig of lilac or a perfect rose? I have to beg borrow or (aghast face) Steal. However, I got a slap on the wrist from someone reading my blogs for doing just that as they'd suffered lots of flower loss as their garden overlooked a busy pavement. Real food for thought, and I try to be a Better Person nowadays!

[@Ancienttowers]

That's so funny you two. I was "finally" caught, by a neighbor who came over to talk to my mom, she told her that I was seen early in the morning (I was 11 years old at the time), going through the gardens of different houses, and with scissors, collecting roses, gardenias, amaryllis, gladiolus, and, probable some orchid florescents in bloom. OMG I can't believe it. I think I thought it innocent, I just wanted my mom to walk in from work or, considering she said morning, i probably did that before the school bus came to collect the ragtag awkward 11-14 years old middle schoolers. My mom did not punish me. In fact, besides telling me I can't do that anymore...PERIOD., She wound up telling the neighbor lady she's sorry, but he's a kid. He just wanted his mom to have some fresh flowers. I'll talk to him, he'll be grounded. That I assure you. NO, she didn't ground me. She said it was so sweet and she loved me for that and she was aware of my sensitivity to everything good and beautiful. However, I had to find better ways than stealing, etc. Something like this. Omg we were special children, were we not?

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Only just found this comment, and Im so glad. A very good and funny way to start the week! The thieving botanical kids club. In full force. x

[@65sunnyday]

Thank you! Love to watch (and listen) to you work. Can't wait to see your finished painting!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you so much!

[@donna5659]

Your drawing are so perfect. Love this. Thank you!❤️💫

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you so much 😀

[@patriziaranalli9644]

Fantastica finalmente ho imparato molte cose grazie lizzie mi hai fatto felice

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Grazie mille per un commento così adorabile!

[@HimanArtists]

Very nice painting

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you!

[@HimanArtists]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator Same too

[@bradfordyorks5055]

Good to see you back here

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

I know, it's been a while, hasn't it? Still, back and still at the grindstone. Hope all's well with you and yours. x

[@yasmins8699]

Fantastic technique, ty for sharing will try this..

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Yasmin, yes do give it a go. I feel it really does make life a bit easier. Hope it works for you, and enjoy!

[@teresasawicka5861]

Thank you for your getting back to me stay safe

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

My pleasure. You too.

[@mrkucz]

Hi lizzie......your work is amazing,......and i really enjoy listening to you talk while paint, one thing i've never heard is paper being to woolie, makes sense tho, ....... I've paint years ago but these days seem like i have no patience to sit and paint or draw anymore it's kinda like .......... "I already drew it up in my head so why isn't it already on paper" ....lol.....kinda thing, well any way, i love your work and enjoy your voice.....thanx for sharing some of your insight also.......

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Michael, oh that agony of knowing in your head what it's meant to look like! I know ALL about that one! Sometimes I even dream about finishing tricky illustrations, only to wake and find them still sitting there as pencil line drawings. Ho hum. I suppose technically I should say the paper feels "cottony" rather than wooly, but it's that kind of soft furriness that ends up giving soft lines, not the crisp ones I strive for. Thanks so much for your comment!

[@yasminazevedodossantos5198]

É incrível a forma como faz a sua arte! Maravilhoso!!!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

ThankyoU!

[@kathleenhahn8104]

At last someone has show me how to paint rose leaves. thank you I have just found you your description is perfect easy to follower .What country do you come from? I will keep watching you so keep teaching thankyou again I am from Australia

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Kathleen, so glad to have helped. I'm based in the UK, in the borders between England and Wales. Thanks for leaving a comment, and I'm really happy my approach has worked for you. Enjoy painting your Australian roses!

[@milacg1828]

OMG... You're an Artist! I love it!! 😍😍😍

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Artist, illustrator...either or. And I'm also someone who witters on as she paints! Thanks for the comment. x

[@audreybenjaminsen4861]

What are you using for reference, and how is your reference set up? Do you design you image before you pencil it? And lastly, do you transfer your drawing to keep it so clean?

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Audrey, Whenever possible I work from life, as in this case. I tend to hold the reference material in my left hand, with the base of the stem wrapped around with wet tissue. I also have a double ended clip; one end clips to the desk, the other to a small plastic rube where I place the specimen. For more on how I work when ref is out of season or unavailable, take a look at my blog: lizzieharper.co.uk/2015/07/botanical-illustration-working-from-photo-reference/ No, I don't do much prep design work, although I'll do some thumbnails to make sure the composition looks ok before putting pencil to page. Drawing straight to the page saves so much time, and tends to keep a liveliness and immediacy to the drawing. I don't have much trouble with the page getting dirty, the pencil leads I use tend to be H or 2H, so there's not much graphite dust to smear about. Thanks for the questions! X

[@audreybenjaminsen4861]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator Thank you so much for your very helpful answers! I am trying to improve with watercolor and your videos are so soothing and motivating

[@chompers11]

like WHAAAAAAT this is so amazing

[@runig549]

Amazing teacher

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Aww Runi, what a lovely thing to say. Thankyou. I appreciate it, and you taking the time to leave a comment. x

[@66chevelle_ss]

I love your style you make it look so easy! I’m just learning watercolor but i’m terrible at drawing sadly. I wish you would post more real time videos!!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Ahh, just seen your next comment. Like I read your mind, but in a wierd backwards way. Glad the films are helpful and interesting. x

[@victoriaevans2376]

Love it...and the running commentary.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@rocioriosjimenez1814]

Hi, beautiful work! Greetings from Mexico.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you very much! What a nice comment to receive on a monday morning.

[@annihull6373]

Thank you for sharing your talent. Is your explanations are edifying. I am gathering information to attempt to do my first rose in watercolor. I enjoyed this video. I tried the link from your description for the painting of the Rose part and it says that it is not available. I couldn't get the hyperlink itself to work. I copy and pasted and searched for it that way perhaps that is why it didn't work?

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Anni, thanks for flagging this up. If it weren't for people like you, dead links would go unspotted for eternity. I'll go and edit the link now. Not sure why it didnt work for you, apologies. In any case, here's the link to the blog on painting rose leaves: lizzieharper.co.uk/2020/05/botanical-illustration-of-rose-leaves/ and here's the one to illustrating the rose itself: lizzieharper.co.uk/2020/05/botanical-illustration-of-a-japanese-rose/. Hope they help, and good luck with your first rose watercolour! Best tip is to get your hands on an actual rose; that way you can be sure the colours are right.

[@annihull6373]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator thanks for your help and encouragement.

[@DarlingArts]

This is beautiful. I love your artwork 💛😊

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you so much 😀

[@marlenenakai2728]

Aloha 🙋‍♀️ just watched you and wanted to know where can I watch the video of you doing the rose? Love love your work 👍

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Marlene, thanks so much for such a lovely comment! The video of me illustrating the rose (to go with the leaves) can be found here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4a1ZIdpjd5_qs0 Enjoy!

[@richies6420]

This was excellent training. I really needed this. Thank you

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You're so welcome!

[@VaniaPereira1956]

Querida Lizzi sua habilidade com aquarela e precisa, parabens, sua generosidade em compartilhar o que aprendeu me deixa comovida. Obrigada linda mestre. Deus te abencoe e te proteja, beijos.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Muchos gracias!

[@mondraymondo]

such an eye for detail!!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thankyou!

[@deborahmeyers7839]

I love your videos Liz soooooo talanted ♥️

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Aww thanks Debroah

[@carolf.8097]

What size brush are you using? Also, after the initial painting the darkest part, are you covering most of the leaf with the lighter WATERED down /with yellow added? Leaving just a tiny bit of white unpainted? Wondering why you don't simply glaze the leaf with a bigger brush? Sorry, but I can't see it well, I wish you could show it bigger and slower... thank you, you paint beautiful!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Carol. The brush is a size 1. After the darkest bits are done, I do a second pass with a slightly lighter and yellower green, but still not watery. The paint consistency for these mid-tones is much the same as the initial paint layer for the darks. the 3rd layer is the watered down, diluted one which covers almost everything. I could use a bigger brush for this bit, but Im lazy and as I paint pretty small, I happen to have the little brush in my hand so use that one. Your comments about making it bigger and slower are valid, and over the years Ive tried to focus the films on being rather more close-up, and in real time rather than speeded up. problem is, painting a flower start to end normally takes about 4 hours, and that's a lot of time to ask people to sit around watching my paint dry! So I have to edit it to about an hour. Thanks so much for your interest and comment, I appreciate it. Yours Lizzie

[@dorothygladsjo3510]

Curious 🧐 have you ever tried watercolor pencils?

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Dorothy, Not yet! Well, not in earnest. I have done a bit with coloured pencils but am just not very good at the blending, or at getting the crisp edges I love so much. I know it's possible (I always reference Anne Swan when it comes to coloured pencils, but I know she's far from the only fab botanical artist working in that medium). But so far, it's not a medium I've really played with or learned to love. Maybe one day! Thanks for the question.

[@LisaIngArt]

It’s an amazing drawing !! Really nice creation and satisfying to watch also the idea is very nice :)

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Lisa, thanks for the positive feedback. x

[@julianamccaig1804]

Great, thank you! Could you share what your mid-tone green mix is?

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Yes of course, and sorry it's taken so long to get back to you. A mid tone green is one that has enough pigment in it to leave a clear coloured line when you paint. But it's not too dark, it's a clean, pure flat green. The "main" green on a leaf, I guess. Not the highlighted pale greens, and not the darker areas of shadow on a leaf. Something like sap green with windsor blue, a touch of yellow ochre, and maybe a touch of brown would be a typlical green (depending on what plat youre painting, of course). A lighter green would be diluted with more water which would make it paler, or have more yellow added, which would lighten the hue. A dark tone green would be something like sap green mixed with more of a darker blue, or perhaps purple, or a dark brown. Something more like a forest green. This would be used to pick out areas of shadow. Hope this helps and sorry again for the delay. x

[@julianamccaig1804]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator Thank you sooo much! And no need for apology - especially in COVID days when all time seem strange. I am going straight away to try this out!

[@deborahmeyers7839]

I love your artwork and phylosophy I love all plants all I don't care weeds are gorgeous too living in harmony with our environment and not discriminating against plants and animals.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hiya Deborah I couldn't agree more with all of what you say in that comment, and never quite know what to say when people ask me if a plant is a weed or not, or what we should do about invasive species.... Thanks for your re-affirming comment. x

[@montserratlavid3532]

Love your process and explanations. Thank you!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You are so welcome!

[@u.sonomabeach6528]

Probably the only green I have seen that looks 'natural' straight out of the tube is the color Green Apatite Genuine from Daniel Smith in their Primatek series. It is highly granulation(it is made from a ground up mineral). When put to paper it shows a variety of different color characteristics that are sap greenish, some olive green specks with a yellowish tone underneath and little brown flecks throughout and thats from one single color made from a rock! It is has a permanent parking spot on my palette

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Jeremy That sounds fascinating. I think the granulation might be tricky to work with, but it sounds like a wonderful creation. Trust Daniel Smith, they make such lovely paints. Thanks for letting me know, my interest is definitely piqued!

[@waymire01]

I have a bit of experience with home lights since I always paint at night. You need more than one of them. I currently have one clipped above my painting but to the left of it shining down so it's not in my face but not directly on top of my paper, and one to the right side. This distributes the light and keeps shadows and glare to a minimum. Point them in your general direction but not directly at your work. It works best to have "hooded" fixtures so you can direct the light and keep it out of your eyes. Just don't put any directly above or behind you because you will get a cast shadow from yourself on to your work, It's ok to have general room light as long as it's darker than your work lights. I use 100w full spectrum bulbs... you can use "daylight" bulbs if those are not available. If you do have general room lights put daylight bulbs in those too, I find it extremely irritating to my eyes to have soft/incandescent (yellow) light and daylight (blue) in the same area.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

This is really interesting. I have a good daylight one on my desk, but evening it out with a 2nd one would help, I think. The info about where to position them is fascinating too, because there so often is that issue of painting in your own shadow. And as for getting the lighting right when filming...ugh! Hadnt considered the daylight vs yellow light, that's worth noting too. Thanks for such an informative comment, it'll be useful for others to read your thoughts. I apprecaite it.

[@greg9574]

Hi Lizzie... Thanks for the wonderful tutorial and your most welcome comments. Your piece is amazing and looking for to the continuation. Kind Regards.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thanks Greg, painting the rose part of the film is out today... Thanks for being so generous about my work, it's appreciated.

[@pipfox7834]

invasive plants can actually do a lot of damage, depending on the plant and the new habitat it finds itself in. In Australia, water weeds can choke off the oxygen supply, for instance, for all the microflora and microfauna in rivers and small lakes. Agreee thqat it is a difficult topic, because if you live in a city its often a lovely surprise to see such things as wild roses, daisies etc growing in abandoned places... but - in the countryside its a different story. Here in Australia plants like prickly pear took off like the Triffids from John Wyndhams sci fi horror film. Forests of huge cactuses where the bushland used to be...luckily brought under control (mostly) now.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Pip, this is such a valid comment. And I agree; I've seen loads of examples where invasives do mad things to habitats - Nootka lupins in Iceland, Rhododendrons on Welsh hillsides, Himalayan balsam along our waterways. I guess I just feel uncomfortable with the demonising of species, when it's us crazy humans who made plants travelling such distances possible. Its easy to blame the species without questioning our role in its dispersal, and maybe we end up not thinking about how to limit such spreads in future. But Im totally in agreement with you re the damage they can do. I didnt know about the prickly pears in Australis though, that's fascinating.

[@YenneY01]

What size brushare you using

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

It's always a number 1 size. thanks for the question!

[@larryglatt2548]

Lovely, thank you. Question: I have noticed that botanical artists work in 2 major media, watercolor or color pencils; which is the preferred media professionally or accepted? Thank you.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hiya Larry Hmmm. Depends. Anne Swan is very well respected and wins prizes for her work, and she specialises in coloured pencil (and teaches coloured pencil techniques too). She's far from alone in making this "her" medium, there are some phenomenal coloured pencil illustrators out there. Other incredible and talented illustrators prefer watercolour. I don't think it;s an either/ or, to be honest. There's more botanical illustration done in watercolour than in coloured pencil, but I don't believe a commissioning client, or a juried art exhibition would prefer one medium to another. Saying that, I'm more than happy to be corrected if other folk see it differently, I'm not deeply embedded in the botanical illustration communtiy who focus on producing work for exhibitions, so they may have different experiences than me with my clients. Sorry not to be more use! Yours Lizzie

[@larryglatt2548]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator Thank you for your thorough reply. I became curious just because. I am not going into competitions at 82 yrs old. For me it will be which is more convenient for field work & which I might be better at doing. Thank you again.

[@IrisMG]

A shout-out! Whoo-hoo! 💛💛

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

But of course, Iris!

[@teresasawicka5861]

Thank you

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You're welcome

[@djsharma18]

Yes, I stop breathing too when I am painting.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

I'm glad I'm not the only one!

[@rvfinzi]

You are really great!!!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you! 😃

[@ИннаПак-з3ъ]

Очень кропотливая работа, но смотрится просто шедеврально

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Вот такой прекрасный комментарий. большое спасибо

[@SamirsBiology]

Beautiful😍

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you! 😊

[@geajones]

Lovely leaves .. very helpful, thankyou ..Gea

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thanks Gea, and that's good that the leaves are helpful. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. x

[@geajones]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator my pleasure xx

[@K.ART_vlog]

very nice ❤👍❤👍❤👍

[@sylviasaxby5768]

Thank you for your magnificent tutorials and educational and interesting narrative! There’s a branch in counselling called “Art therapy” which helps with mental health issues. 🤗

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Sylvia. I've heard of art therapy, but don't know a lot about it. It seems like a no-brainer; being caught in the moment, focussing on lines and drawing; instead of in the turgid maelstrom of one's troubled mind. That has got to be therapeutic, and I love that art is being used in such a constructive and healing way. Glad you like the tutorials, and that the narrative hasn't bored you to tears! Thank you for the comment. x

[@vanessap9124]

You are really a hoot. I can’t paint with you because I start laughing so hard that hand is not steady.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

That makes me very happy, VR. Excellent feedback! Now back to the painting, and you must learn how to paint and laugh and hold a steady hand simultaneously. Who knew life could be so hard, eh? x

[@JoskoCastro]

From Costa Rica HELLO .

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hello back, from a slightly rainy Wales. Bet there's TONS of glorious flowers to paint in Costa Rica.

[@sriartstudio1520]

Good

[@rodolfolarrea8493]

Genius

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Not so sure about THAT, but thanks... x

[@arthurmee]

I absolutely agree with your view on the so called invasive species as if species in a particular country is fixed. With global warming upon us the very notion of native and 'foreign' species will become mean8ngless.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Aint that the truth. And its also the way people are like "oh no! these dreadful things!2, like we, as explorers/ importing vectors of the invasive species, are innocent of the whole thing. Very human of us.

[@MoiAussie1]

I’m three years late to say this and though I have done these leaves back then the reason your leaves lost clarity… you mentioned its raining out, your paper has absorbed moisture. I work a lot with coloured pencil and during winter here in mostly dry sunny Western Australia colouring can be quite frustrating the paper changes and almost feels mushy, colour depth is lost and crispness. That’s my suggestion. You’ve probably already sussed it by now though.😂😂

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hey Moi Aussie! Yup, could easily be sure. So easy to forget these things, and you're right, the weather really does have an effect on the paper.

[@Doreen-y2m]

Sorry would be nice if I could have seen more of what you were doing

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

I agree! My more recent videos focus on the process more and are slightly better filmed. Maybe check out the marigold one I posted at the weekend? Thanks for the feedback. x

[@keter1234]

When you mention a website you don't have to say www. Just say the website.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

I know, I should have caught up with things by now. I quite like it, though, it amuses me. But thanks, Ill try to remember for future films. x

[@patriziaranalli9644]

La traduzione in italiano è terribile non si capisce nulla

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Patrizia. I'm so sorry. I speak a little French but no Italian, so cant answer you in your native tongue. If the video does offer automatic translation, it'll be done by Google. Which, as we know, is notoriously bad at giving clean translations! I'm so sorry this has caused you problems. If you have any specific queries, do type them here (in Italian) and I'll do my best to give you the answers you're after. Many thanks, and sorry again Lizzie