How To Paint A Watercolour Iris - Advanced

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How To Paint A Watercolour Iris
Flowers and Foliage Episode 43: How To Paint A Watercolour Iris
The Iris Reticulata is another early splash of colour as Winters turns to Spring. This is one of the more challenging flower painting projects we have taken on but I know you can do it!
If you've loved learning with me and want to enjoy a more interactive and tailored watercolour experience, join my Patreon (bit.ly/2EWJIGL) to become part of my watercolour community. I'm making weekly watercolour challenges and offering behind-the-scenes access all for a small monthly subscription.
Soundtrack composed by Taran Stormes Martino
Paint: Winsor and Newton Artist Quality - bit.ly/3dJHarN
Brush: Pro Arte Masterstroke series 60 size, 3/0, 0, 6, 8 - bit.ly/2LCtli6
Paper Daler Rowney Aquafine cold-pressed paper - bit.ly/3cmQSzn
You will also need a pencil
#watercolour #watercolors #watercolouriris #iris #seasonalflowers #irisreticulata #januaryjournaling #watercolourflowers #bujobotanicals #bujo #watercolortutorial
Colours we used (link below to buy paint tubes)
Prussian Blue
Burnt Sienna
Sap Green
Green Gold
Cadmium Yellow
Cobalt Blue
French Ultramarine Blue
Alizarin Crimson
Don't worry if you don't have all these colours, you can look at my colour chart episode (bit.ly/30r7stq) to learn how to mix your own shades from a simple 12 pan student range palette.
I'd love to hear your suggestions for things you would like to learn how to paint in the comments below.
I'd really appreciate it if you like and subscribe as well as visiting my website de Winton Paper co (bit.ly/2ZgRlj8) for watercolour kits, worksheets, and my watercolour book 'New Botanical Painting' (bit.ly/3dWBsD3).
The book has been produced in a number of languages and an Americanised spelling version, click the link to buy the book in your preferred language:
USA - amzn.to/3kRctVf
Spanish - amzn.to/3axsk6J
French - amzn.to/3kRcvMR
German - amzn.to/2FnwT87
This is my copyrighted work and my tutorials are for educational purposes only.
Tag me @dewintonpaperco if you share your work on social media, I love to see how you're getting on! Reproductions of my work for commercial gain without my permission or authority are prohibited. Failure to comply with this point will result in appropriate legal intervention.

[@helenapeel9206]

Your channel has been a life saver. I’ve been in hospital with COVID and spend many hours awake at night now I’m home. I just prop myself up in bed make a cuppa and watch you paint. You seem so relaxed and absorbed in what your doing. As soon as I’m able I’m getting my paints out again (not that I’m anywhere as gifted as you) I can’t thank you enough.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Oh Helena I’m so sorry that you’ve been in hospital with covid. Wishing you a speedy recovery xxx

[@MellieMcK]

I can't express enough that I love how your videos aren't in super speed - I know it's easy to pause a video or go backwards but it's so much easier (and less stressful) to just be able to slowly follow along instead of stopping all the time to try and keep up or trying to find my place. Pretty Iris!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks so much Melanie. Yes real time is very much my way of doing things. Watercolour is meant to be relaxing and I like to talk through what I’m doing in the moment

[@71Mslorraine]

Well you have done yourself proud. Not only is your art work superb but you really have the best filming camera angles. You have nailed it! 👌

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thank you so much, we’ve spent a lot of time working out the best filming methods

[@71Mslorraine]

@@deWintonPaperCo you have perfected it. Extremely professional and a pleasure to watch you work . Thank you

[@Nancy-ir4de]

This is my goal. I have bearded irises in the summer and would love to do a series of paintings of them. Your book is enough route! I can't wait. You and your style are SO inspiring!

[@mbtvalli]

Totally agree on the helpful camera angles. I’m so appreciative!

[@mbtvalli]

I will be thrilled to try this. Thanks for making botanical watercolor so much more approachable. I am struggling to find my style between loose and more tight styles and I’ve just ordered your book New Botanicals on Etsy. So excited! Your work is exquisite and so inspiring. Thank you for sharing so generously. 🌺❤️

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Ah thanks Mary! I’m very happy to be somewhere in between loose and tight styles!

[@wendykelcey1246]

Just beautiful Harriet. I couldn’t see where you were going with it at first. 👍

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Me neither!

[@annieb8955]

I love that you rescued a dog:) And I'm going to try this gorgeous painting tomorrow, thank you so so much for the tutorial!!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks! We’ll always adopt and rescue if we can

[@15Montrano]

That was magical to watch! You are an exquisite artist and fabulous teacher. As detailed as it is, it doesn’t seem too daunting to try as you have broken it done so finely. Thank you for sharing your artistry!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

So glad, yes it should be very doable

[@pamdratnol5396]

I have watched a couple of your videos lately and just realized that you are left-handed. Me, too! It's so helpful to see how you go about some of your paint strokes. Very different from my perspective from what I have seen other artist do. I am going to try your style and see if I notice a difference (mostly in the direction you start your leaves and petals is where I notice the difference). Thanks so much. I agree with the others that you are so calm and really a great teacher.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thank you so much for such a lovely message Pam x

[@4seasons546]

Hello 🌈 Im really enjoying ❤ this series of flowers 🌸 shown individual videos 📺 its very useful for reference 👀 & pleasant 😊 to watch & listen . Thank you 🙏

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thank you so much 😊

[@rinathadani4030]

Marvelous...! What a treat watching you paint...!! Thank you...!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thank you so much 😀

[@sensiblecat]

This is so marvellous to watch, the way that your skill unlocks a puzzle and breaks it down so well into its component stages without losing any of the magic. I’m very much in agreement about your style; for me it’s the perfect balance between control and freedom for bringing flowers to life. I don’t quite feel ready to tackle this just yet but it’s on the list when I’ve improved on the basics. Thank you!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks Ruth and thank you for the initial inspiration. Yes this can be one to build up to but I'm sure you'll do a wonderful job

[@sooze1154]

Thankyou - I think I have just found the person I am looking for, I have been trying my hand at watercolours with no previous experience, but I'm finding it difficult to achieve the effect I would like...between loose and perfection. Your criteria seem to fit my aim perfectly, and with your excellent tutorial style I am filled with enthusiam to try and follow your examples. I bought your book as soon as you mentioned it, so I am looking forward to its arrival as a complementary source of information and inspiration.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Ah it sounds like I'm the kind of style you are looking for!

[@ThatLynnGirl]

Wow wow wow, that is SO beautiful, and you made it look so easy!!!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks so much 😊

[@cannerobertson1]

Thank you so much for this video; what a gift! And what a treasure you are. So enjoying your beautiful book.💖💖💖

[@deWintonPaperCo]

You are so welcome! And thanks for buying the book!

[@jeankellner4314]

I am not advanced. I am a real beginner, but I love watching the process of how to create the flower and use layering technics. I like the more realistic approach. Thank you!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks jean. It’s definitely worth having a go and you might surprise yourself!

[@FannaTurano]

I was mesmerized to an amazing state of utter relaxation. So beautiful. I tend to be too hasty & heavy handed with paint, so this really will be a genuine challenge between purging closets & packing boxes. Your birds & pooch in the background were wonderful touches! Felt like I was there. Thank you, Harriet. Wow.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Ah thank you so much Frances! I like to do a more detailed one every now and then. We’ll have to have Crumble the dog make a special guest appearance soon!

[@penelopemarshall6320]

Just beautiful and the perfect subject for me to try today as I am working on an iris art journal! You simplify the process so well, little easy steps that you feel confident to just have a go no matter what your level is! Thanks for your lovely teaching method! 😊💕💞

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Oh wow what are the chances!

[@paulinedavis2918]

One of the best tutorials I've seen on tube, I've just discovered your channel can't wait to watch more...thankyou so much..well done 😉

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Awesome, thank you!

[@elizabethnicholson6691]

Me too, Pauline! So-o-o good!

[@lunasulmare1]

Bravissima, per aver dipinto con calma e non di fretta! Il fiore è bellissimo! Grazie

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thank you!

[@01fatina]

💗💗💗💗

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks Svetlana

[@JB-uc5qp]

i don't care that im not going to achieve this yet just watching you was worth it.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Ah that's very kind of you. Sometimes it's just nice to watch a bit of painting isnt it

[@margaretmorgan3693]

Beautiful

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@paulineshelley4421]

Lovely! They always make me think they are sticking their tongues out!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Haha! Yes

[@lori-lynncampbell9757]

Beautiful Iris!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks!

[@sherrylee6719]

Harriet, This tutorial is just wonderful. The iris was my grandmother's favorite flower. I can't wait to get your book. Thank you, Sherry

[@deWintonPaperCo]

You are so welcome! I'm so glad to have painted something close to your heart.

[@baggypants57]

Loved watching you paint this Iris, its my favorite flower! I love getting a bit more advanced from you as well. I will be giving this one a try!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks so much 😊

[@lindyhawthorne2164]

Beautiful. I would love if you could one day do a video on adding lines/veins/dents to petal edges.....placement, direction, quantity etc. Im struggling with that.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks for the suggestion

[@yasmingreger6653]

Love how you paint that flower so slowly it's amazing how it grows in your hand. Wonderful thanks. Bye.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks!

[@lynnemartin2291]

One of my favourite flowers. Terrific painting.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Ah so glad. It’s nice to go into a bit more detail sometimes

[@wendyizod923]

Lovely the way you gradually built up the Iris. Thank you for the tutorial.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

You’re welcome 😊

[@trinawilliams1395]

Just stunning! And so enjoyable to watch. I'm loving the new camera angles and close-in views. I really look forward to seeing what you have for us each time. Thanks so much!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks Trina. Yes we’ve been working on it!

[@jacquiliddell1811]

What Can I say "................. ahhhhhhhhhhhh wonderful

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks so much Jacqui!

[@cathymikequimbyquimby7315]

So beautiful.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@donnacarraway9182]

So beautiful! Thank you!!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Glad you like it!

[@janetlitchfield1774]

Lovely - Thank you for a wonderful tutorial. I feel sooo empowered to 'have a go' at watercolour after watching your videos. Thank you

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Ah Janet that is my aim! Thank you!

[@koran371]

Hello Harriet Thank you again for this gorgeous Irises tutorial. I'm also very happy with your book I bought from Amazon. Tomorrow I will try to paint this beautiful Irises 😍

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks so much for buying the book Gosia! And thank you for watching

[@carolbarnard8906]

So beautiful and what a joy to watch. Thank you so much for these tutorials.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks so much Carol

[@mbtvalli]

Definitely a joy to watch. Mesmerizing. You are so gifted.

[@huskytail]

That's so great! Most people paint the more frilly irises. I am happy to see the "wilder" version. Thank you. Oh and cheers for rescue dog owners!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

I’m not too familiar with irises. I need to look into the different versions, but yes, hooray for rescue dogs!

[@huskytail]

@@deWintonPaperCo Oh there are quite a few types, but I fell in love with the irises from the garden in front of my childhood home, and they were exactly like the one you painted. It really makes me want to paint it immediately, even if it's quite late 😁

[@peaceialist]

Amazing!! Wish I had a steady hand like you. What a great tutorial. 😍

[@deWintonPaperCo]

I’m sure you will be able to do a great job!

[@scrapbooking100]

Loved it

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks!

[@IraGorky]

Looks amazing 💜💜💜

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@cindyculbertson5886]

very beautiful. Iris is difficult to get the shape right and you have a lovely painting.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thank you so much 😀

[@surabhichavan9673]

Your videos make me so happy! I keep waiting for your videos, they are so detailed and help me break the entire piece in simple forms! I am so glad I found your channel here :)

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Glad you like them! Thanks so much for watching. Messages like yours make it worth it!

[@bramelsheretan]

stunning..!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@v.mishrasart43]

Excellent work

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@stephanietyler5436]

Beautifull work

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks stephanie

[@John_B20]

Absolutely beautiful!!! Great tutorial, please keep up the great work!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thank you! Will do!

[@kellyhalligan1328]

Lovely and you’re a wonderful instructor

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thank you so much!

[@nancykerswill7190]

Gorgeous Iris I really enjoyed watching, I would so love to do this and I will have a try, many thanks.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks Nancy, it’s a great challenge this one

[@nimaart6258]

So beautiful...liked...macha allah

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks Nima

[@paulinedavis2918]

Just ordered your Botanical book from Amazon. Very excited....😊

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Ah thank you so much!

[@deannamunro8148]

this is really lovely. Thank you so much for creating possibilities for us!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

No worries deanna, I hope you enjoy it

[@elideelilley5064]

This is excellent and very well done. Thank you

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@marika2522]

👍

[@deWintonPaperCo]

thanks!

[@BluJean55]

Stunning!! 🤩. Well done! 👍

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks!

[@lindabloom6666]

This one is beautiful. I would live to do this someday. (I have a rescue dog too, a cattle dog and quite a challenge!)

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Ah sounds wonderful!

[@elviracolomer3715]

So beautiful and inspiring ☺️🌸 Thank you for these tutorials!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks Elvira!

[@patriciawey2101]

So beautiful ! 😍

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks Patricia!

[@yelsyels]

Love it!

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks so much!

[@jennyalloyd1]

Beautiful thank you. What size brush do you normally mix your colours with or waken them up? I feel mine are normally too watery and i'm wondering if this is because i am lazy and use a large brush

[@glenda7921]

Remarkable. You are so talented. Subject suggestion? Crumble! 🥰 He may become as famous as dear Nigel. (Monty Don)

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Ah Crumble can only dream to compare!

[@lorenmiles8066]

So beautiful. I'd love to buy your book but I'm not sure it will be as easy to follow as a video

[@deWintonPaperCo]

You can do it!

[@barbarajackson6543]

Am curious if you are using a photo reference. Without a pencil drawing to start other than the one line, I can’t imagine visualizing the iris without some kind of reference. How do you do it? Am impatiently awaiting the arrival of your book which I ordered from the Book Depository as I love your style and am looking forward to learning how to create such lovely paintings.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Hi Barbara, yes I always study the real thing and have a look at a few photos before just striking out and painting my own

[@sonyacollins5296]

Hello, I wondered what equipment you use to film your videos please, thank you so much

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Hi Sonya. My husband is a photographer so we use his cameras: Fuji xt3 and lenses. The top down shots are on a home made rig of scaff poles. We have two studio lights on stands and mics. We used to use a rode bullet mic and now we use a lapel mic.

[@leanncunningham7167]

Do you use bright white paper??

[@deWintonPaperCo]

I just use standard white cold pressed paper from Daler rowney

[@kathiecranston1577]

What is your name? I keep missing it somehow. Just been watching more of you the past few days. Love your work! GOD bless you❣

[@deWintonPaperCo]

I’m Harriet! And my surname is de Winton

[@kathiecranston1577]

@@deWintonPaperCo Thank you Sweetheart. I sure enjoy your videos. I've just come back to watercolor after about 15yrs. this past summer. Didn't really do much then. Got to go to Oxford, living with a family for a spring semester in 1997.I'm 65 & a retired nurse assistant; diagnosed with cancer 2¾yrs ago. Don't feel well enough to paint a lot of the time. So the videos help make me feel like I'm still being productive, learning. GOD bless you❣

[@paulinemaidlow467]

How to paint robin

[@deWintonPaperCo]

thanks!

[@janabailey1177]

I hope you do not change how you pronounce Alizarin Crimson.

[@deWintonPaperCo]

I won’t! I can’t even remember the other ways to say it now!

[@maryannknox7158]

Beautiful

[@deWintonPaperCo]

Thanks!