Cherry blossom: Illustrating White flowers

This film looks at drawing a sprig of blossom from the Wild cherry, Prunus avium. As well as showing the drawing process, and how leaves tinged red are tackled, the film covers four different ways of painting white flowers. These are putting leaves behind the flower, outlining in pencil, outlining in paint, and using a very light background wash. All four techniques are demonstrated in real time with Lizzie's commentary throughout.
For further information, check out Lizzie's blog on tips for botanical illustrations of white flowers: lizzieharper.c...
#white #botanical #botanicaillustration #paintingflowers #cherry #wildcherry #blossom #cherryblossom #prunusavium #paintingwhiteflowers #whiteflowers #illustration #stepbystep #howtopaintwhiteflowers #howtopaintcherryblossom #watercolor #watercolortechniques #watercolour #watercolourtechniqies #flowerart #howtopaintflowers

[@violetsands]

i get so excited when i see that you have posted a new video!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Aww thanks Tash, thats so sweet of you!

[@lindasplaylist100]

Lizzy I love watching you paint. You are so much fun yet informative. You are my favorite watercolor artist. Thank you so much 🌺🥀🌹

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you so much!

[@fionagardner1105]

I could watch you paint all day love your work and commentry

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Wow, thank you Fiona! That's so kind of you.

[@wonderwonder30]

What I love about these paintings, is not only are you sharing the techniques but, we get a history of the plant and what little insects or buggies love that plant. Absolutely enjoy your paintings and commentary.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Stephanie, that's great to hear. Im massively interested in the interactions between plants and pollinators, and the more you ask the more you learn about how varied and extraordinary these relationships are. So quite often I'll be busy painting some plant while listening to a podcast or online lesson about something like orchid pollination, or how hummingbirds pollinate loads of blossoms. I only know a tiny bit about it all, and hope I dont make mistakes with what I share. I just get so over-excited that I have to babbble on about it all! So glad you like it. x

[@LipsitaArt]

Beautiful cherry blossoms painting. Gorgeous! Thanks so much for sharing.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

My pleasure 😊

[@MyDaisy66]

My goodness I’ve just discovered you, and as I am playing this video, I’m going through older Country Living magazines looking for pictures and photos of botanicals. Ive come across an article of an Artist that paints these most beautiful botanicals.....it’s you 😃 so I’ve discovered you twice within a few hours......amazing 🌸

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

I'm like a bus ...you wait ages and then two Lizzie Harper things come along right next to each other! Pleased to meet you. x

[@MyDaisy66]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator ha ha 😃 pleased to meet you too. I’m enjoying catching up on your videos and browsing your website. Love them both already 🌸

[@carolbruce08]

So helpful, white flowers are a mayor job. Thank you!!!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Yes they are! They do my head in. Its taken quite some time to amass all my little hints and hacks on them, and other illustrators have other solutions which are worth researchign too. Thanks for the comment!

[@slappyklappy4342]

So beautiful and fantastic drawing 💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you so much 😀

[@SuzanneLegault]

What an amazing video! You are so talented and generous in helping us understand the slow process of painting botanical subjects. I just love your voice ❤

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you so much 😀 Not sure my family would agree about loving my voice, but if you enjoy it and my video, then I'm happy. Andy yes, botanical illustration does take A A G E S. But so much fun... xx

[@lauracolafelice3764]

👋🏻😘❤️

[@trinket2fine]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator what is AAGES?

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

A super long time! x

[@trinket2fine]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator I thought it was a degree designation from a British University.

[@emanation]

Even seeing how the trick works it is still magic to me!

[@bebopkirby]

Wish I could have watched this when I was 14, unfortunately I’m 72, but your videos still inspire me to the max. So enjoyable, educational and also funny. Thank you so much.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi KG, that's so sweet, but 72 is an excellent time to be following the things you love! I'll be seeking out youtube films on how to sing properly and how to sew when I'm 70.... Thanks for saying such kind things about my films, Im really glad you enjoy them x

[@michaelkurtz1967]

Makes me wonder if your neighbors are watching to see where Lizzie has been. (That is our cherry she is painting.) Very informative. I find your experience and delicate hand a pleasure to watch. Thank you.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Luckily this cherry is in a patch of open ground, leaning over the pavement. But yes, youre right! Glad you liked the film. x

[@lulujordaan1103]

Talking about the long and the short of sight. Me too😁😁😁👀I totally love the perfection of botanical art. The patience going into every detail are commendable. ❤️

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

So true! Eyesight is so odd. Still, thank goodness for daylight bulbs and spectacles! Aww thanks for the comment about my patience, too. x

[@ashleyevans3330]

I've only recently discovered your KZbin channel and let me tell you... I'M SO HAPPY!!!! Wish I could watch your wonderful talent all day!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you so much!! A whole cluster of lovely comments from you. Much appreciated, Ashley, you've made me very happy.

[@ashleyevans3330]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator no kidding you are my hero!!!!!

[@ashleyevans3330]

No hidden motives... lol I've nothing to sell and not making money on it...just wanted to share! I'm trying to hurry with work so I can return to watching your videos!!!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

So sweet of you. Enjoy. x

[@gardengirl6636]

Thank you! You are brilliant and generous!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thanks so much for this, very sweet of you

[@songbird5266]

I want to be able to do this someday. You are a great instructor!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You can do it! Just takes a little practice and time. Thanks, Im glad you like my teaching style. x

[@autumnella1137]

I love that you share such interesting knowledge and tidbits about the subject while showing your amazing skills, thank you!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

My pleasure! Someone once asked me not to talk about irrelevant stuff as I did the filmed demos, so it's great to have a comment suggesting that the alternative approach (me prattling on, which I know I do) is welcome! Thanks Autumnella.

[@lisebeaudette9215]

Beautiful! thank you for sharing

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You are so welcome!

[@sandraworrall-hart3840]

Thank you Lizzie!

[@lindacoetzee7153]

Wonderful, really learnt a lot, thanks Lizzie!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

So glad!

[@buntings1988]

Thank you so much. I am so relaxed when watching you painting, beautiful. For me it is mindfulness pure. Ah, and all the botanical information, just love it. Thank you ☺️

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You are so welcome. I think its so funny that I relax anyone, but I'm so pleased that I do!

[@sandradonofrio413]

The best show on You Tube.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Wow Sandra, you flatter me!

[@victoriabolduc1009]

Love love love this! You are so entertaining as well as an amazing teacher. Thank you!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You are so welcome!

[@MoYvStarkey]

Looking at the object and drawing without looking at your pencil-paper is the best exercise we can do. It strengthens our eye hand coordination and spatial acuity.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Yes, you are totally right. Sometimes holding the object at arm's length away and in the opposite direction from your oage works too, even though it may not be ideal for accuracy! It's v good for loosening up, and focus. Thanks for the comment, I agree. x

[@denisesanborn9965]

Just found your channel and have enjoyed this video very much. Love your chatter and humor!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Welcome aboard! Im so glad you like it, Denise. x

[@KathBeredoart]

It's so beautiful. 😊

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you! 😊

[@1gu5h1]

Such a lovely painting! Thank you so much for sharing your process and tricks for painting white flowers

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

My pleasure 😊 Hope some of it is of some use. x

[@kseniamoriss9210]

It's so amazing!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thanks!

[@Mary.inthegarden]

Thank you for sharing 💜

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You are so welcome

[@mariannebrearleylove3936]

Thank you for sharing so kind love it

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thanks!

[@drawingclasswithkalyan394]

Fantastic work

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Many thanks

[@karolsartoasis4815]

Thanks for making such a lovely video. I discovered your channel just the other day and I had to try this exercise. It didnt turn out as nice as yours but it was a wonderful lesson. I will probably have to do the same thing again to get it right. I am planning on doing a cherry blossom painting so I found this lesson just on time. Your art is really wonderful. Thanks again for such a lovely video.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You're so welcome! So glad there are elements in there that might help as you go forward with your cherry blossom. And it's true, practice makes perfect, the more you do drawing and painting the better you get, it's my favourite positive feedback loop! Thanks, and hope you love doing your cherry blossom painting. x

[@karolsartoasis4815]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator Thanks for responding, I will love painting my cherry blossom but a bit more practice will make it go better. Thanks again for the wonderful video and enjoy your weekend.

[@MattF12765]

This is definitely inspiring me to try Botanical art.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Well thats an excellent result! Im so pleased to hear it.

[@65sunnyday]

Imho, you have painted (beautifully!) the most perfect tree on earth. Everything on the cherry tree is beautiful, from the smallest leaf, to the wood, bark, shape and growth habit. So why is there none in my yard? I do think there will be, soon. So Lizzie, I shall name her (the tree) after you. Thank you!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

I love that you're going to grow cherry trees, what an excellent idea. And I love the idea of naming plants and trees after people, I might start doing that myself, its a lovely idea! x

[@teresasawicka5861]

😊 thank you for your teaching take care

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You are so welcome!

[@66chevelle_ss]

Soooo excited to see this in my notifications!!! Watching it right now!! 😍

[@66chevelle_ss]

Mesmerized as usual!! I am so amazed at your talent! Thank you for posting

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

My absolute pleasure.

[@Glitterslugz]

Fantastic tutorial and such helpful tips. Also, a really honest and relaxing video. Many thanks for sharing :)

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

My absolute pleasure. x

[@geraldineconway1865]

Lizzie I was just checking yesterday if you had a new video out. Love your content, but adore your energy.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Aww Geraldine, what a sweet thing to say! Believe me, I don't always feel energetic! Thanks for the comment. x

[@alisonruth3947]

Thank you so much.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

No worries!

[@artwithalexander5359]

good timing, i am currently working on a sketch for painting a close up of a strawberry in flower i took a photo of.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Sounds great, that really IS good timing. such pretty little flowers, but darned complicated, too. Thanks for the comment, and hope the painting goes really well. x

[@patriziaranalli9644]

Ciao lizzy quanto mi piaci sono una tua affezionatissima fan

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Gracias!

[@songbird5266]

I saw a suggestion about using surgical tape instead of masking tape around the edges of the watercolor paper. I've purchased some, but haven't tried it yet. Hope it works to keep from tearing.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

That's an interesting tip. Would you report back? Always looking for alternatives to share with people. x

[@SucculentBabies]

Ty!

[@karengeist4904]

I love your work. When I do a top wash, my darks begin to muddy/lift quickly. I am new and still using W/N Cotman. I have used mostly cold press paper, and I am certain that the first layer is dry. Is your top wash a thicker consistently? Your wisdom please 😉

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Karen Ok, so the top wash mixes and muddies. This sounds familiar, and very frustrating for you. Couple of things. Are you keeping the top wash mix nice and fluid, and quite watery? If it's too thick, nothing will be able to be seen through it. I also don't know if the cold press has an effect - perhaps it does? Certainly, some hot press papers are more likely to have paint "lifting" than others. These ones are a pain when it comes to layering colours, as what ever is already on the page will lift up when you lay down the next layer. And create a nasty brown puddle as it mixes with the 2nd or 3rd layer of colour. Might be worth experimenting with other papers, or asking around? I'd also suggest keeping any brush movement to a minimum when you're popping on the top layers. Any scratching or scrubbing, or even just lots of movement as you try to get it to overlap perfectly could be mixing up the pigment below? It might also be the paints - the clearer the pigment the better it'll work as a top layer. Sometimes paint pigments are quite sort of chalky and earthy, and these will always end up a bit muddy as top washes. (I'm thinking of Cobalt green specifically, but other ones are also pretty solid). You might want to experiment with watercolour inks which are clear and totally transparent. These can be diluted with water, just like watercolour. Lastly, make sure you've not mixed any white in with your colour - this always makes the paint really thick and chalky, and will instantly muddy anything below it if you use it as a top wash. Sorry not to have a solid and easy answer, ain't that always the way? But hopefully some of these ideas might be worth looking at? Thanks for the question, and glad you like the films. X

[@waymire01]

I just finished a paper test series for my painting group and while I haven't gotten to the HP papers yet I did do the Fluid 100 CP. It handles artist tape and mask just fine (I use Blick artist tape and Winsor and Newton mask). It was prone to blooms, but that is a different issue which could probably be remedied by more practice with it. Otherwise it's beautiful paper that does almost everything well (except lift, but I've found papers that are good for glazing simply can't lift well and vice versa). I have yet to find a paper that will withstand regular masking tape without some form of damage.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thanks for this revierw, its very useful, specially in light of some other comment6s. maybe we need to be extra careful about our choices of making tape? Thanks x

[@waymire01]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator Out of 28 CP papers tested (mostly 140# but two were 90#) only four had problems with the artists tape. They were Stonehenge Aqua, Canson Montval, Bockingford, and Langton (the Langton was the pulp variety, the prestige cotton variety did fine). I'm sure most other art suppliers offer a version, and there are brand name options as well. Jacksons in the UK offers something called "Handover : Low Tack Paper Masking Tape" which sounds promising. Prior to finding this I was using blue painters tape with decent success but I much prefer the white and it's a bit lower tack as well, I often would stick the blue to my pants leg a time or two to lower the tack. It also depends on how you remove it, you want to pull straight away from the paper to the side.. not up... slowly and gently. Running a hair dryer over it for a minute can help as well.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

AH, I see you use masking tape. I use gummed tape then cut the paper free from the stretching board with a scalpel once it's done, so that tackiness is irrelevant. But I can totally see the importance of a masking tape that doesnt tear. yes, reducing tack yourself works well, bit is slightly annoying. And I bet working with blue tape isnt ideal, its such an "in your face" colour to add to the creation process, even if only temporarily. Thanks for all of this info, its useful for me and will be for other people who come across this thread. x

[@madhusrigallery]

Amazing sister👌👌👌👌👌🙄🙄🙄🙄

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@letiziafarisato8780]

Once more, so inspiring, fun and delighful! Thank you Lizzie :-) PS May I ask you what daylight lamp you use? Thanks!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hiya, thought Id answered this but its not looking like I have done _ I use a Lumi daylight lamp and love it: www.heamar.co.uk/daylight-task-lamps/65603-daylight-lumi-task-lamp-5022737355005.html. Thanks for the comment, and for the question! x

[@larryglatt2548]

Possibly a silly question, but do you erase the pencil lines for botanical art or leave them? Thank you for your wonderful videos.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Larry, that's not a silly question at all, and thanks for asking. Ill try to remember to mention it in future films. In general (if you're working on a hard hotpress, haven't pressed too hard with the pencil, and have a decent rubber), I erase the pencil, which you can mostly do even if there's watercolour on top of it (no, I don't understand how that works either!) But with these white flowers I often choose to leave the pencil as an alternative to painting edges. I do this especially with flowers made of lots of tiny flowers, like the cow parsley family. Going over and re-painting each and every flower you drew in pencil just isn't worth it - it doesn't look noticeably better than the pencil lines did. But with non-whites I do tend to erase pencil lines. Hope this helps. Lizzie

[@larryglatt2548]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator Thank you for your quick & informative reply. Yes, it does help thank you.

[@cmeblu75]

You might be the only one I know who can appreciate this… I guess playing with flowers and in and outta the house I somehow brought 3 bees inside 😳🐝. My neighbor said “spray them with raid” Whaaaat??? No, not an option. I took each one outside one by one. That was incredibly scary, but totally doable. There must be a hive nearby?!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Katherine, you star. Well done for avoiding the spray. So bad for eveything, especially those poor bees. And it sounds like you get them out without getting stung. of course theyre not going to sting you unless they feel threatened. once a honey bee has stung you, she dies as her intestines are attached to the sting. So youve saved those ladies lives twice over - first you didnt blitz them with nasty insecticide. And second you were so gentle with them that they didnt have to sacrifice themselves to defend the hive. Gold star! Sometimes if you turn off the electric lights and open windows theyll be drawn to the light and leave anyway, That's the easiest way to clear them out! Could easily be a hive nearby. or maybe your garden is a haven for them, with nectar and pollen rich flowers which encourage wildlife and pollinators? Bees will travel long distances from their nests to access good, reliable food. And it sounds like yorue providing them with that. Which is wonderful!

[@EKS49]

What size is it please? Looks quite small.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Yup, it IS quite small, E. It's about 14cm square. Working little means I can get most of it done on film, which feels quite nice. x

[@EKS49]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator it is excellent for that size, but then again all your work is. Thanks for the reply.

[@EKS49]

My favourite artist. I can listen to you, Lizzie, for hours and hours. So educational with easy to understand instructions. Love your work and love your videos too - thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Wow, thank you! That's almost too many compliments for a girl to take in one sitting! I appreciate it, and Im glad my films are of use. X

[@EKS49]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator I spoke the truth Lizzie Harper.

[@ZenARTSupplies]

Hi Lizzie, just discovered your channel and fell in love with your art. How magical! :)) - Beatrice

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Aww, what a lovely comment! Thank you. x

[@paintwithshrishty]

Amazing artwork my friend 👍

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you so much 😀

[@annewilkie6467]

I really love your work, Lizzie, and this is a beautiful rendering of the blossom and an informative chatty film. Such a joy to watch and such an inspiration to draw and paint. Thank you so much!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you so much, Anne! What a fab comment, I really appreciate it. White flowers can be sooo annoying, this blossom went ok, but sometimes white flowers stump me. So glad you liked it. x

[@irishcottagerenovation9900]

What a wonderful video, as a professional gardener I thought I looked at flowers in a special way but you have taken it to another level for me. Studying plants for light,shade, form and intricate details. I will now always look at plants even more closely which will bring more joy and improve my drawings and paintings. Thank you Lizzie you really do inspire.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Many thanks, it's always great to hear that what I do pleases people who know so much about plants. The main part of drawing is looking, so it's perceptive of you to notice that, and to do so much looking yourself!

[@goughlifeisgood4068]

Perfect follow along instructions and informative too. Thank you for your time.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You are so welcome, Im glad you liked it.

[@updatepencildrawing]

Very nice sketch and Awesome painting

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you so much 😀

[@sunflowersandbluewaters]

Fantastic work. I’ve been inspired to join a local botanical watercolour course. Currently having a first attempt and struggling with how pale everything is. I love your approach to the mid and dark tones first. I keep getting lost moving from light to dark

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

That is so cool that you've started botanical illustration! Well done. Yes, the tonality is the biggest problem, and Im so pleased my approach helps you. its not received wisdom, mind you, so people may raise an eyebrow. But I agree, it means you know where different bits of shadow and light lie, and can paint accordingly. Enjoy it!

[@sunflowersandbluewaters]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator Yes I did get a funny look - does this mean you are the rebel of the botanical watercolour world Lizzie? I honestly love your videos and have become hooked. Thanks again for filming and also for such a lovely voiceover with humour

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Ah, such a rebel. I wish. No, I just started out doing it wrong and never got round to learning how to do it right! And now it sort of works for me, and (it seems) for lots of other poor deluded folks who've made the mistake of watching my videos! Thanks so much for your lovely feedback. x

[@Tiendadescrapbook]

Do you leave the pencil line in the Illustration? if you erase it what eraser do you use?

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

With the white flowers I do infeed sometimes leave the pencil line. When I do erase, I use a Tri-factis triangular eraser which seems to do the trick.

[@MoiAussie1]

Oh dear Lizzie, what a delightful hour. I’ve watched and learned, tomorrow I hope to have a go. I have been so missing my creativity, with all the world shenanagans and being in Australia which became a penal colony again I lost all mojo, I’m learning to shrug it off for my health. Thankyou for your personality and your talent.❤️

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Awww its great to hear you're finding yourself again. Well done. That's so funny, the idea of the isolation cause of covid making you into a penal colony again. I can see your point! Hope you had fun with white flowers. They often do my head in! x

[@karolfrench5816]

Wonderful. THANKYOU very much helpful entertaining and inspiring. Just wonderful xx

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@KikiFu]

Lovely, it's so nice to hear refresher tips on painting white flowers. That Pentel mechanics pencil has been my favorite for years! I had tried so many expensive brands and disliked most of them. An architect recommend the Pentel Series you're using and it's like a lightweight extension of my fingers. I just love it and rarely see other artists using it😎😍

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Yes! I exactly agree. You sort of dont notice yorue using it. I have no idea why it's not a stand by in every artists pencil box. Glad you agree. x

[@allanpennington]

Im intrigued. You said you used all methods in this tutorial example to paint the white flowers. I assume you did this for completeness and to demonstrate options. However would you use the same mix of varying methods in a commission?

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Good question. Depends on the flower. Things like cow parsleys, I tend to use the light pencil outline. Larger white flowers will often have that very very pale background wash. Very white flowers (unlike things like apple blossom, which have a touch of pink) will have a painted light outline. And whenever possible I shove a leaf behind the flower! So I've done that with cow parselys, wild strawberry, convolvulus, lily of the valley, hawthorn, Rowan, daisies.... So I guess when its possible, the "leaf behind" is my go-to technique. Hope that helps, and thanks for the question.

[@Autumn74]

It’s 2.33 am and I’ve woken up for the pre -dawn breakfast because it is Ramadan and I’ve just found your amazing channel! I love botanical illustrations since I was little. I studied art up to A-level and somehow you remind me of an art teacher giving us wonderful lessons , and you sound like one too.!You are so talented, I’m going to watch all your videos and learn from them. Thank you. 🌸

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Welcome aboard! That's such a lush picture too, you listening and watching (hopefully full of breakfast) as the dawn breaks, ready for another day of Ramadan. Thanks for the message, and I'm so pleased you like my videos. x

[@butterfly4875]

I found you this morning having a bit of a binge watch, amazing! Thank you for sharing your wonderful skills x

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You are so welcome. It's my absolute pleasure. x

[@lorrainemcwethy1830]

Love your talent! Love your exuberance! And your sense of humor....priceless! Thank you for sharing! What a “find” is your site! Continue to bless please🌺

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You are so welcome! What a sweet thing to say. x

[@Mamaosa63]

Hi Lizzie, l just discovered you. Thank you for sharing such splendid tutorial.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Glad it was helpful! And thankyou.

[@alishaali409]

Hi! What type of pencil do you use for drawing and does it come off while painting? Thanks

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Alisha, I use3 a mechanical pencil Pnetel P205 with an H or HB lead. No, you can paint on top of it and it doesnt move. Mostly, you can rub it out afterwards as well!

[@olgafernandez2970]

You work is amazing! GOD bless you! from Argentina-

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you very much, what a lovely comment

[@shannon2323]

Thank very much for sharing this :) love you work .

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

My pleasure!

[@melainapitzer7943]

This was a great tutoril! Thank you!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TeriMcFarlan]

I carried Calla Lillies in my wedding bouquet, so each anniversary (33 so far) hubby gives me calla lillies. I have been afraid to attempt painting them as white flowers seem so challenging. After watching this tutorial to the end I have to thank you for giving me the courage to give it a try!! I love how you are serious about your art but still make it fun, you teach me and entertain me at the same time! I have purchased classes by both Marie Burke and Billy Showell, two amazing botanical artists.... however, your style and wit appeal more to me.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Teri What a beautiful comment, and how lovely to have got married with Calla lilies! And how romantic to get fresh ones every year (I suppose it would be mean to recycle them from year to year, to be fair...) Yes, do give it a go. After all, what's the worst that can happen? It might not end up looking as great as you'd hoped, perhaps. And even if that is the case, you'll learn from any mistakes. Nothing to lose! Give it a whirl. I'm so glad you like my rather relaxed teaching style, I think getting people to feel calm when they draw is an important first step, and humour can help that sheet of white paper feel less threatening. Enjoy your lilies! And thanks for such lovely and positive feedback X

[@TeriMcFarlan]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator thank you for your encouraging words! I am going to give it a go, I will be sure to let you know how it turns out!

[@claudiazaggia9300]

ohh an other beautiful letion!!! l m saving all your video on my playlist and when l ve also 5 minutes l working on it, l m so happy to have find you you are an incredible talent incredible blessing from Venice island 🌊🐋🌈🦈🌊 can t wait to visioner all this last video ...

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@claudiazaggia9300]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator 🕊

[@waymire01]

Do you have recommendations for other botanical illustrators who do videos? You guys are hard to find.. KZbin likes to give search results based of popularity which leaves the real artists kind of hidden since you all are a quiet bunch compared to the folks who produce multiple videos a week.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thats well worth asking, Im afraid Im not sure of anyone else. Some fab illustrators do Patreon courses (Nature's drtails,) or taught sessions (Julia Trickey) but Im afraid off the top of my head I cant think of many more. I bet if you asked on the facebook group, "Botanical art for beginners and beyond" thered be some great suggestions. X

[@waymire01]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator TY that's two resources I didn't know about. Julia Trickey does have a YT channel, her videos are short but good, I've learned some good tips from them.

[@ValeriaVincentSancisi]

I wished you showed painting the sepals that go from green to red against the blossoms in the center.. I do appreciate you showing the drawing however!! Loved learning about the gland bumps at the base of the leaf on the stem. I think you are always starting with wet on dry.. then you glaze over with wetter brush both wet on wet and wet on dry? How did you choose the yellow green wash for the background and not another color?

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Valeria. Ah yes, including the sepals would have been a good idea. Yes, you've given a great summary there. Starting off pretty dry. Then a medium wet wash. Then dry for the deep shadows. And one final wet glaze. Glaze. great use of the word. Ill be stealing that. Deciding the colour for the background wash is always a headache. Something that echoes the colours in the white petals is ideal. its always a very pale green, purple, blue, or off-pink. Sometimes its just whichever paint in the box looks cleanest! x

[@ValeriaVincentSancisi]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator 🌸Oh Thank you for getting back !!! Yes it all makes sense now with the strategies.. and I heard glaze from an American illustrator.. not mine but it works!Thank you so much again!🌺

[@giannaattiani5085]

grazie Lizzie fantastica!!!!!

[@christinewilde110]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. X

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You are so welcome xx

[@patbrier8]

Beautiful. Thank you.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you too!

[@cmeblu75]

Omgosh you crack me up 😂!!! “Edges certainly do exist in filming!!” And “oh dear me they have 5 petals!” I love your videos and it’s my goal that one day my full time job will be drawing and painting flowers. I spent the better part of my late teens to 30’s studying and working with microorganisms. I wish I would’ve started drawing earlier in life, but I’m 40 now and my life has completely changed direction. Several years from now I’ll be grateful that I started now and didn’t tell myself I’m too old.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Katherine, you are NOT too old. 40 is comparitavely young, and you come form a place of deep biological knowledge. As a microbiologist you already know how to see, and how to see on different scales. I think this is a really important skill that only comes with practise. The mechanical act of drawing is far easier. So you're already a good way along the road. I used to be obsessed by micro-organisms, as a teenager I had dishes of Stentor and Rotifers alongside my walkman and tape cassettes. So I share your passion. And yes, knowing about your loss, I can totally see how and why your life has changed direction. It's absolutely not too late to start something new. And, for you, botany and botanical illustration isn't new. You've got that baseline knowledge. Quite a lot of botanical illustrators who are now at the top of their game only picked up a paintbrush in their 30s, 40s or 50s. You go, girl! x

[@theartofflorals]

I started at age 50, easy watercolor flowers

[@cmeblu75]

Oh Lizzy I just died laughing the stentor and rotifers. Oh they are just brilliant!!! I was working on a algae to biofuel project and those little rotifers used to eat our algae!!!! But how couldn’t I love them? They were just fascinating under a microscope, so incredibly complex yet simple at the same time. We knew we had problems when our slides were filled with these gorgeous guys eating our algae through a little router in their head and green dotted bellies!! That project was far more biology, zoology than I’d done before, but I absolutely loved it. This life is so strange and thank you so much for bringing back such wonderful memories and that YES, I do have a strong background in biology. I feel so subpar when it comes to botany, bcuz there’s SO MUCH to learn, but I truly enjoy learning so I guess it’s alright. I just keep feeding my brain. I do see things differently than most around me. I always want to get down to the very inside. I wanna know why things grow the way they do, almost like a surgeon needs a look inside, that’s me!! I saw a video where your microscope was on your desk and said “now that’s a lady after my own heart!!” She knows that sometimes the naked eye needs a little help, bcuz even when we “see” there’s so much more we can’t see. I absolutely adore you. Thank you for sharing, please continue to share as much as possible. You work is brilliant ❤️💙

[@cmeblu75]

@@theartofflorals thank you so much for your comment. I wish I started earlier, but grateful to be able to start now!

[@sophiasgaminglair7424]

wow nice art

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you so much 😀

[@moren1643]

So beautiful. 😃

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you! 😊

[@tuonelastanley5607]

It is beautiful!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you! 😊

[@НатальяТамашина-е2ы]

хорошие работы

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Спасибо!

[@ayyazhussain7911]

Love it!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

So glad! Thanks

[@deborahmeyers7839]

Thanks so much really appreciated

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You are very welcome

[@ESowash]

Beautiful

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you

[@udyjavisd]

Awesome!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thanks!

[@udayanganiperera4915]

Superb

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thanks 🤗

[@strictlymyopinion8307]

Hi Lizzie, nice to see you! Beautiful work as always! Thank you and God Bless you and yours 🙂🌷

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you for such a lovely comment! You too! x

[@buntings1988]

Thank you so much. I am so relaxed when watching you painting, beautiful. For me it is mindfulness pure. Ah, and all the botanical information, just love it. Thank you ☺️

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you so much 😀 What a lovely comment. x

[@jamiecee4960]

Love Cherry Blossoms. They are so pretty.💖💖 Very Lovely drawing. Never seen that Technique before. ☺️

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you so much 😀

[@rvfinzi]

Always a great pleasure, inspiration and ... even fun! to see you working - thank YOU!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

My pleasure!

[@joannasoltys1218]

Thank you Lizzie for sharing your work. You are absolutely amazing artist. Please keep posting your work🫶

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thanks Joanna for such lovely feedback. I will do, I just need to make a little time to do another one. x

[@mela1404]

I so appreciate your tutorials, I always learn so much, your work is so beautiful and inspiring, I love how transparent you are and genuine. Thank you so much!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You are so welcome Mel. The more honest I am, the less intimidated people will feel when they think about doing botanical illustration, at least that's the theory. Its lovely to have such positive feedback. Thankyou

[@zhongdayang1580]

Recently exposed to botanical artworks and love your page from materials tests to your demos/artworks to your sense of humor! Haha look forward to more content and hope this message finds you well! 🥰☺️

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Welcome aboard! And thanks so much for your positive feedback

[@renatabernardino2805]

Obrigada! Grata! 🇧🇷

[@swisspinay]

Wow amazing talent indeed love it bravo!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you very much x

[@Maryrose4436]

Oh Lizzie you are so masterful love your paintings thank you for sharing

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You are so welcome, I'm so glad you enjoy my films

[@dgf6275]

Beautiful and fascinating. I learned quite a bit. Thank you.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Delighted to hear that! Thanks so much for your comment. x

[@anitasanderszangeres]

amazing! learned soo much by watching and having Paper and paint at hand

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Great to hear! Im so glad it was useful