BOTANICAL PAINTING - botanical watercolor made easy

BOTANICAL PAINTING made easy - in this full length watercolor leaves tutorial, I explain how to achieve these botanical leaves step by step. Botanical illustration can be difficult but giving it a modern spin - botanical art has a much more relaxed approach. I will explain how to paint leaves in watercolor, the colours I use and how to use negative painting around the leaves.
If you enjoy this video and would like to learn more about botanical art, then head over to my Patreon site where you will find in-depth tutorials. Here is the link.
/ helencampbellart
Materials used for this tutorial:
Paper - Sanders Waterford 300 gsm hot pressed
Brushes: Number 3 and number 1 spotters (use any brushes that you have)
Paints: Leaf Green, Sap Green, Olive Green, Indian Yellow, Burnt Umber, Cobalt Violet and Paynes Grey - all Winsor & Newton apart from Leaf Green which is Holbien.
You may want to join our Facebook Group - The Wonders of Watercolour where you can post your completed works from these tutorials as well as have access to the line drawings and reference photos I use.
groups/12742...
ref photo: Courtesy of Kendal from Unsplash
Music Used:
Just Stay - Aakash Gandhi
Invisible Beauty - Aakash Gandhi
Serenity - Aakash Gandhi
Dreamland - Aakash Gandhi
Dancing Star - Aakash Gandi
Angles Dream - Aakash Gandhi
All from KZbin Audio Library
reference photo courtesy of Unsplash - photographer - Kendal

[@syedarazvi273]

Thank you so much! I’ve always struggled with watercolour but after watching your video I managed to make a pretty decent painting. Thanks!

[@helencampbell]

I’m glad you enjoyed it and found it useful x

[@kristiLB93]

Helen, I'm relieved to see that you showed us your tracing method. I can draw some things free hand but I do use an art projector for much of my portrait work - just to get a better likeness. I always hesitate to tell people I use a tracing method - like I'm not a legitimate artist if i do so. But I have learned from many a great artist and teacher that it is perfectly acceptable. Beautiful work as always! I'm learning a lot from your tutorials. Thank you for sharing!

[@helencampbell]

Absolutely. Tracing is totally ok. Thank you for your comment 😀

[@dmcdaniel2009]

AMAZING VIDEO!! Thank you Helen for sharing your giftings with all 30K of us! I have learned so very much.

[@helencampbell]

Aww thank you and it’s my pleasure

[@sherree10]

This appeals to me so much more than throw water on paper, splash in paints and hope for the best. If I heard one more person say “loosen up” I may explode. Everything about this video is perfectly done. Thank you. Subscribed.

[@helencampbell]

Thank you. That’s very kind of you to say so. Glad you like the video x

[@1122wife]

Same. I'm just starting with learning watercolor and the PROCESS is what I enjoy. Loose isn't my thing right now. *this* appeals to me for the detailed process...

[@helencampbell]

Glad you like it 😀

[@Liz.4485]

Helen oh how I wish there were more botanical artists on you tube. I love your work!

[@helencampbell]

Thank you Liz. There’s plenty of videos on my channel. Mostly botanical. Even a playlist x

[@duanapearson643]

Wow! Loved watching those leaves come to life!

[@helencampbell]

Thank you 😊

[@helengentile9327]

I love the way you do detailed brush strokes using fine lines, making the painting come alive. Thank you 😊

[@helencampbell]

My pleasure x

[@mkboyd6880]

So happy to have discovered your videos. Love your paintings.

[@helencampbell]

Thank you 😀

[@feelingnifty]

Beautiful painting Helen! Very clear and easy to follow instructions too- keep up the great work!!

[@helencampbell]

Thank you Jasmine

[@HyacinthSteele]

Hello Helen Thank you for this tutorial. My favourite watercolours to use are Daniel Smith.

[@helencampbell]

Oh I love that brand too. I love undersea green

[@bhagyaappadurai3983]

Hello Helen, thank you so much for teaching in detail. I was searching for leaf study videos in watercolors and could not find much with such detail. This video helped me a lot with color combos and those fine details which brings the leaf to light

[@helencampbell]

Thank you 😊

[@judithlarkin600]

Simply amazing!

[@barryedgington6812]

Hi Helen, love all the nuances of green and yellow in the leaves and the details. You are so talented. Thanks for sharing this tutorial. ❤ Helene

[@helencampbell]

Thank you Barry

[@judyabingdon4432]

so beautiful and detailed! Thank you for this great tutorial!

[@helencampbell]

Thank you. Glad you liked it X

[@wendiebs]

I've found Daniel Smith is my favorite. On the inexpensive line I really like Koi, both regular and neon/metalic, they are vibrant and smooth.... DS has quite a bit of granulation, which I just LOVE!

[@helencampbell]

DS are amazing. Many of my favourite colours are from that brand

[@deekang6244]

Daniel Smith is my favorite as well. I have several sets now, but DanielSmith remains my favorite.

[@helencampbell]

I love DS paints

[@artbydrbee]

Helen, this is beautiful! Well done! And I've noticed that you've changed your profile picture and I LOVE it so much more than the previous one!!! I'm so glad, as the profile picture is just another opportunity for you to showcase your amazing work, so well done! 👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️

[@helencampbell]

Thank you Dr bee 🐝

[@temitopeoluwaseun]

I love your tutorial very simple. My favorite paint as no one is A Gallo handmade watercolors, they are just too awesome. I pick them over my W&N, DS, Sennelier, Schminke, MJ Gold and white nights

[@helencampbell]

Thank you. I haven’t tried that brand. I love to know what people use x

[@nathalieheath5693]

I actually love Regina’s watercolors handmade watercolor paints. They are very pigmented and really vibrant!

[@helencampbell]

Thank you. I haven’t heard of these but I’ll take a look

[@marionoz9980]

Stunning work, thank you for sharing.

[@helencampbell]

Thank you very much. Glad you like it 😀

[@debilunstroth3505]

Helen, my fiddle leaf fig is my favorite houseplant. Your video caught my eye...so gorgeous! So I started watching all your videos and hauled out my paints, dusted them off, and started with a split leaf philodendron leaf. Success! Thank you!

[@helencampbell]

Thank you very much. Happy painting xx

[@debilunstroth3505]

Thank you so much for your prompt reply. I'm all set up to paint the leaves and they're coming along splendidly! 💕

[@helencampbell]

Looking forward to seeing how you progress

[@subratakumarpal8277]

Botanic panting is totally new for me, l had no knowledge about these pantings. Thanks a lot it is very cool watching green leaves being painted.

[@helencampbell]

Thank you 😊

[@kaylabethhancock5450]

This is so great ❤ and incredibly helpful. Thank you so much

[@helencampbell]

Aw it’s my pleasure. I’m glad you like it

[@teresajordao6634]

Lovely! Thanks for sharing 🥰

[@MomofukoU]

Lovely! Thanks for sharing ☮️ I use several kinds of paints. Daniel Smith, Windsor and Newton and Holbein

[@helencampbell]

My pleasure 😃

[@rajshreeramesh7249]

Thanks for this amazing video ! It's the first of yours , HC, and trust me, I've already subscribed and looking forward to following your work religiously ! 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@helencampbell]

Thank you so much

[@carolburkett7018]

Love your watercolors. It’s amazing your leaves and how you begin. And layering the colors. The colors so perfect after drying. So fun when you finish. I can relate to your style. Beautiful!!

[@helencampbell]

Thank you very much Carol 😀

[@asmanaghman7941]

Thank you for sharing your work ,I love your painting

[@helencampbell]

Thank you very much x

[@madelinegrudens]

This was super helpful....blending into a smooth gradation has really been eluding me for so long and you've demystified it perfectly ... Thanks for the really clear demo with helpful guidance on your technique 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@helencampbell]

Thank you Madeline. Glad you found it helpful

[@kathieeidem5670]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@helencampbell]

Many thanks

[@michaelklein5242]

I'm getting a bit better now with leaves, thanks to your teaching!

[@helencampbell]

Aww my pleasure

[@k.b.woodworker3250]

Lovely painting. Subbed. Thanks for the great demonstration.

[@helencampbell]

Thank you 😊

[@AndreaFox-px3hs]

Great and very educational video! Beautiful work! ❤

[@helencampbell]

Thank you 🌸

[@chatita9527]

Wow, this looks superb! Thank you for sharing! 👍🤗🇩🇪

[@helencampbell]

Glad you like it 😃

[@kateoliviaireland4270]

What a peaceful art form. I think I will join you all in the New Year. Be Blessed and safe.

[@helencampbell]

Thank you Kate

[@helencampbell]

Hi guys - if you decide to paint this I'd love to see it so head over to our Facebook Group - The Wonders of Watercolour, where you can post your completed paintings plus have access to the line drawing

[@mayte_pdc]

Thank you SO MUCH! I love how much beautiful this leaves are. I am going to try it, I loved it.

[@helencampbell]

Thank you. Glad you like it. Have you joined our Facebook group? You can share your finished paintings there

[@mayte_pdc]

@@helencampbell I will search it right now. Thank you again

[@helencampbell]

The link will be in the description x

[@mayte_pdc]

@@helencampbell Thank you, i am into now :)

[@lydiaylydia694]

really beautiful and relaxing

[@helencampbell]

Many thanks Lydia

[@ThurmanArt]

looks amazing Helen , ❤️😍

[@helencampbell]

Thank you very much 😊

[@keariewashburn4680]

I just caught your video and i love it ❤ i subscribed and want to learn more. This is beautiful Thank you 😊

[@helencampbell]

Thank you very much

[@amitaanand5897]

So beautiful and understanding I like it most👍👍

[@helencampbell]

Thank you. I’m glad you like it

[@paolainnocenti8863]

Fantastico!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@helencampbell]

Thank you 😊

[@calmandcolors5918]

Perfect work ❤️❤️❤️

[@helencampbell]

Thank you x

[@robynhaynes6544]

A wonderful tutorial! I would have liked to see the reference photo as you progressed.

[@helencampbell]

Thank you. We have the photo in screen nowadays. So it should make more sense

[@inekedusseljee3093]

Thank you, love it.

[@helencampbell]

My absolute pleasure. Thank you 😊

[@lyndamcculloch8943]

My favorite watercolor paint is Daniel Smith.I have used others but I always return to DS. When I teach I give my students a choice of DS or student grade Cotman which is cheaper. I enjoy watching your videos.

[@helencampbell]

Thank you. I agree DS are stunning

[@lautanmutiara_]

So realistic, keren banget😍

[@helencampbell]

Thank you

[@rajannair7195]

Fantastic 👏👏👏

[@helencampbell]

Thank you 😊

[@deborahmeyers551]

Thanks for sharing this beautiful artwork tutorial I really enjoyed myself here subscribed and too

[@helencampbell]

Hi Deborah. Thank you. And thank you for subscribing too. I launch new videos every Tuesday and provide free outlines and photos to work from

[@deborahmeyers551]

@helencampbell Thanks for letting me know Helen xx

[@kathryncurry2662]

Love this! Is there any techniques, tricks or suggestions you have to seeing or knowing the under colors? I have such difficulty with this aspect of painting. Thanks 😊

[@helencampbell]

Thank you. There’s no rule for that as such. The under colours are just the lighter colours that I paint in first. As if you are looking through the darker colours and seeing what’s there. Hope that helps

[@norlidaghazali1350]

Dear Helen. Just love to see you colour slowly n giving us tips of how to adjust the water on our brush. That ring on thumb, does it gives weight while painting. Anyway it looks nice too.

[@helencampbell]

Thank you very much. Glad you are enjoying the tips x

[@cristinalattuada5322]

Thank you for this demo. I find leaves the most difficult to paint

[@helencampbell]

My pleasure

[@okhyunshin3309]

Thank you!

[@barroo69]

I have done that with the graphite on the picture, I do like how you make the example sheet and show each colors

[@helencampbell]

Thank you Barry

[@tracya.schneider7698]

I love your watercolor chart...do you have a tutorial on making one?

[@helencampbell]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3_Xp2SKft5jnpo 😉

[@elizabetheliuk9373]

I do love your thumb rings. Where did you get them if I might ask. The painting is stunning.

[@helencampbell]

Thank you - My rings are mostly from a little shop in Spain where I used to live (but I want to make my own)

[@lavanya4544]

Thanks for the video! I find it challenging to know the thought process without having the reference photo to view alongside whilst you’re painting. Could you have the photo over the video throughout that would be really helpful. Thanks!

[@helencampbell]

We have the reference photo In our Facebook group. But yes. I understand. X

[@maureensinclair4820]

I agree the most challenging part is the colour matching to the original. Without the photograph the video isn't near as instructional as it could be.

[@helencampbell]

I do supply a photograph to go with a tutorial in the Facebook group which you can print out. The reason I don’t place it within the video is that it takes up too much real estate on the screen

[@hannastocksick7395]

I feel the same way:if you had the reference photo on top of the screen would make it easier to see the correlation of of color choices related to the photo. Thx so much for all these videos! Truly amazing work

[@helencampbell]

Future videos will have the reference photo pop up from time to time. As I’ve already mentioned, to have it up all the time will take up too much real estate on the screen so what I’m going to do in the future, is intermittently put it on screen

[@hannastocksick7395]

How do you go about choosing the color of the first wash? I’ve noticed that these first ones give a luminous glow through the other washes which gives the painting a 3D effect, but i find it hard to decide. Thx so much!

[@helencampbell]

I look at the colour chart I’ve made. There’s a video explaining this x

[@BEATRIZBARRUETO]

Amazing ❤️❤️❤️

[@helencampbell]

Thank you

[@helencampbell]

Have you joined our Facebook group yet?

[@BEATRIZBARRUETO]

@@helencampbell sure! Thank you 😊

[@c.elainekelly-petersen3043]

beautiful😄

[@helencampbell]

Thank you

[@01fatina]

Спасибо!!!❄️🙏💗❤️🥰👍🏻👍🏻

[@michaelklein5242]

Thank you! Anxious to try this, but need to get a short #1 brush; I think it best. Personally, I like Faber-Castill or Derwent, but need to keep the assortment down due to budgetary considerations. I figure its a good way to learn about mixing colors. Will be back! 👏👏👏👏

[@helencampbell]

Thank you Michael. If you give it a try and get stuck with colours let me know and I’ll do my best to help

[@michaelklein5242]

That's so very kind of you--thanks! I've always been good at drawing, especially with pencil. At one point I thought it'd be something of an advocation, but I stuck with piano, which I played professionally for years. Unfortunately, I developed nerve problems in my left hand and I could not play at my best. So, now, I'm going back to art, especially watercolors, which are new to me. There are no art classes for we "seniors" in Tampa, Florida, but I'm probably learning far more from very knowledgeable artists like yourself. I subscribed to your channel, so see you soon! 😘 🌼 Michael

[@helencampbell]

Thank you for subscribing. We’ve plenty to choose from. Have fun x

[@michaelklein5242]

Actually, Helen, I did have a question and that is the Payne's grey. I don't have that one, but could you describe as best as possible how to mix it up? I do have black and Chinese white in my new set and if there's anything else, I should have it. Also just got in the post today much better water color paper in the post today so anxious to roll here! Cheers!

[@helencampbell]

@@michaelklein5242 hi. Adding white to black will give an opacity so try not to. Just add water to make it grey. You could add a little indigo to the black to give it the blue tone of Payne’s. Hope you like your new paper

[@hannastocksick7395]

The first time when you start painting the leaves, are you working wet on dry? I’ve tried using a damp brush to blend it all together like you say, but my arches hot press paper dries too quickly:(

[@helencampbell]

Hi hanna. Yes. Wet on dry for this one. Arches has a tendency to do that due to the high quality. Try using a little more water to blend or perhaps try a different paper. I’m always saying that mixed media works well xxx

[@angela14962002]

💗💗💗

[@gildaalmeida5589]

❤❤❤❤

[@judihopewell2499]

O there u are we missed you.

[@helencampbell]

I haven’t been anywhere. I’m still pushing out videos once a week, but for some reason people aren’t seeing them.

[@charlottefreeman8047]

What brand and size brush are you using?

[@helencampbell]

Hi. I use mostly Rosemary & Co spotters. Different sizes. 0, 3 and 6 mostly. There’s a link in the description if you’d like to take a look

[@latikasharma08]

Hi, ma'am. How do u obtain lighter versions of each color as displayed in your shade card? Is it a color in itself or just dilution of original?

[@helencampbell]

Hi. Just add more water to make it lighter

[@sarasotalady]

Is there a line drawing on this?

[@helencampbell]

Yes. In the Facebook group you have just joined

[@hannastocksick7395]

Why did you choose the violet here?t Finding the right colors for the first washes is something i find difficult.

[@helencampbell]

I felt that it had a violet hue where the light hit. You can use a very weak green

[@ritacerdas9369]

Me encantaría hacerlo se ve q lo haces muy fácil y se q no es así jajaja

[@helencampbell]

Give it a try 😊

[@ienehanceit]

First thought that came in my mind was, wait is she related to shayda Campbell?

[@helencampbell]

Lol no I’m from the uk and I’m welsh. But I have heard of her

[@joanpringle-canning2834]

🤗🤗❤️❤️🤗🤗🍁🍁🤗🤗

[@helencampbell]

Thank you 😀

[@LipsitaArt]

The leaves painting turned out gorgeous! Thanks for sharing. I recently did one leaves painting. Hope you visit. I would appreciate your reviews. Happy painting.

[@helencampbell]

Thank you. Where did you post them. I’ll take a look

[@laurafolsom2048]

David Smith paint.

[@R_H21]

Why do your brushes have tape?

[@helencampbell]

I snapped off the end because it was hitting my camera whilst filming

[@R_H21]

@@helencampbell I’ve been meaning to do the same and I can ‘convert’ some of my brushes to travel brushes.

[@helencampbell]

It’s very annoying because it shakes my setup lol

[@lindahewett7994]

Can we access your outline?

[@helencampbell]

On the Facebook group. Link in the description

[@reneelanier3475]

So, here you didn’t use your water puddle and pat on towel?

[@helencampbell]

I probably did off camera. I kind of do it automatically and I’ve only recently introduced it into my videos hope this explains

[@user-kv2nv2jo3l]

I love your way of painting, but next time you should put your camera on your left side. Your hand is covering your picture a lot! Thank you for the video! Have a happy new year!🎉

[@helencampbell]

Thanks. Thus is a cold video. Newer ones have better a little view

[@theadster2702]

Hello Helen!!! Another awesome painting. But...I did't know you can trace the photo?...wouldn't that be cheating? I know it takes a LOT of talent to do the paint part. iIfeel a bit uneasy about the tracing part. It is acceptable? from art critics point o view ?.....not that my work would ever get rated!!! I do want to say I did it all ,though. Also, I do not do Facbook....so how else could I get the study pictures?

[@helencampbell]

Hi. Thank you. No it’s not cheating at all. It’s just an easy way to get the drawing down. Some of my students don’t have tine to draw etc. at the moment Facebook is the only way I can provide the reference photos and line drawings but you are welcome to freeze the frame and do a screenshot? X or email me and I’ll send them to you.

[@theadster2702]

@@helencampbell Yes....that would be great...except what is your email address?

[@helencampbell]

Hi. I can’t post here but it’s in the ‘about’ tab

[@theadster2702]

@@helencampbell I did try that, yesterday, but it didn't go through.....I just tried it again and it appears to have gone....hope so!!!

[@helencampbell]

I’ve sent them to you now

[@crazytimes9989]

The one thing I wish you would do is show the photograph in the same frame. I don't get it.

[@helencampbell]

I do now. This is an older video so it’s much easier in the newer ones with photos in screen

[@nazmakabirArt]

Helen Campbell and Rae Campbell are same person?

[@helencampbell]

Yes. Rae is my middle name. I use outside work

[@nazmakabirArt]

@@helencampbell thanks for the quick reply. I was just checking your Facebook and got confused. Your paintings are lovely and I am enjoying the tutorials. Is it possible to fix the camera a bit on the side as sometimes your hand covers when you paint the details. It's difficult to see sometimes what you are actually doing as the camera is above your hand. Sorry, had to mention as I truly want to learn from you.

[@helencampbell]

Thank you. I’m currently looking to upgrade my equipment. I’ll bear that in mind

[@nazmakabirArt]

@@helencampbell Thanks. Really appreciate your understanding.

[@loisgibbs7524]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@helencampbell]

Thank you Lois

[@judithlarkin600]

Simply amazing!

[@helencampbell]

Thank you Judith 😀