Illustrating a Zinnia for the New England Society of Botanical Artists

This real-time film shows me illustrating a few petals and part of the middle of a Zinnia flower for the New England Society of Botanical Artists (hence a lot of the comments being directed to them). You can find them at: nesbaartists.blogspot.com/ (accessible by invitation of NESBA only, apologies).
If you are another Botanical Artists society, please do get in touch before sharing this particular film on your site; feel free to direct members to my KZbin channel but I would prefer you not to share the link directly, thanks to it having been commissioned by NESBA. Thankyou. Individuals...feel free to share!
I cover mixing colours, tackling the middle of a composite flower such as a Zinnia, getting lights and darks onto petals, and talk a bit about the anatomy of the flower and my equipment.
As always, I manage to get my hair in the way of the camera, and film bits of me talking about mixing colours whilst totally failing to get them on film, and there's even a bit towards the end of me upside-down, but overall it's another addition to the films I post on "doing botanical illustration in real time" so might prove of some use.
Equipment used is:
Fluid 100 paper (hotpress) www.speedballart.com/our-prod...
Winsor and Newton series 7 brush (a number 1) www.winsornewton.com/uk/brushe...
Winsor and Newton pans and tubes of watercolour www.winsornewton.com/uk/paint/...
Dr PH Martins hydrous inks www.docmartins.com/collection...
Pentel P205 mechanical pencil www.pentel.co.uk/products.asp...

[@feverheat]

I just wanna say this is why art has its own value beyond ages because all the artist did do their brilliant job and passion that money can’t buy, this is a masterpiece

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

What a lovely thing to say. And youre right, a lot of it is to do with having massive passion for what we illustrate. Im so pleased that shines through. thanks.

[@ek7327]

You had me burst laughing at the sudden confession of licking the brush... Love the unedited and spontaneous nature of the video. I usually watch videos of the kind at x2 speed, but here I enjoyed every second. Thank you so much, it's fun to watch and very inspirational.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Glad you enjoyed it! And what a lovely message, Im so glad you liked it!

[@karolfrench5816]

Amazing artist. Many botanical books use Lizzie as an illustrator Her skill is superb and her relaxed way of teaching is both inspiring and informative. . So enjoyable to know lots of people will now Develop their work through these great tutorials. I am wonderfully clumsy so appreciate her very much. THANKYOU

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Oh my goodness Karol, thank you so much! That's a real vote of confidence. Yes, i do hope that these films make botanical illustration entirely accessible to anyone who fancies having a go, and I'm so pleased you like my approach and films. Thanks you. x

[@amyz8560]

An hour watercolor class for free!! Thank you for sharing.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

My pleasure 😊

[@abhagupta9321]

Awesome 👍🎉❤️🎋

[@4zengrl]

Lizzie, you are a breath of fresh air! How do I say this...I think you are hilarious but I mean that in a really good way. Maybe it’s more that you are so unpolished and real. Any less-than-perfect technical issues in the video are more than forgiven because you are so giving in the process! I feel that, as you are demonstrating, you are sharing a completely unedited of your internal dialog with us. And on top of it all, you are so very talented at what you do. Thank you so much! I will be looking at and learning from your other videos. Please keep them coming and don’t change a thing! I’m a retired graphic designer/teacher with an art background but I’m not familiar with the botanical art process. It’s a new area of interest to me and I’ve been looking at a lot of resources online and otherwise. You are my favorite!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

...and you flatter me enormously! But I'm very glad to hear such lovely and positive things. I really do appreciate it. It's all rather embarrassing, but in the best possible way. And yes, as and when I get the chance I assuredly WILL keep the films coming. Hopefully a little more in focus and with rather less hair under the camera...

[@songbird5266]

I really love your real time videos. My art teacher retired, and I miss being in the studio creating together. This is the next best thing during this pandemic. You are performing a valuable service. Thank you so, so much!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

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

[@kaylaworley6109]

Your patience and experience in painting is refreshing to find on KZbin

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Aww thanks, Kayla!

[@ontheotherhand7627]

Lizzie: "Oh, quit rotating, you wretched flower." Me: I think I'm going to enjoy this.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

But they DO rotate! And wither! Drives me mad. Hope you enjoyed it x

[@ontheotherhand7627]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator [giggling wretched flowers gaily/simultaneously rotating and withering expressly to drive Lizzie mad]

[@angiefranceskirwan]

You're one of my favourite botanical artists! I love watching you work.

[@RumoHasIt]

I come from an oil painting background where we work dark to light. THANK YOU for showing that its okay to do the same here, light to dark has always been such a challenge for me!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You are so welcome! It's not traditional to do it this way, but Im not clever enough to balance all that visual info in my head if I do it the other way around! Well done trialling watercolours, coming from an oil background. Ive always been terrified of oils! Well done. x

[@johnosam4681]

Love this video, makes really sense and not pretentious. I also love your humor and I can sense humility. :)

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

I appreciate that! I'm relieved I don't come across as pretentious, not sure my family would agree! And as with anything, you've got to laugh at yourself, right, specially when you mess things up... Glad you liked the video, and thank you for such a nice comment. x

[@ChrisW228]

I’ve watched SO many videos and the artists either painted so fast that I knew I wasn’t experienced enough to keep up with or they painted so slow that I knew I wouldn’t have the patience. I can’t put my finger on what it different with your technique, but watching you made painting slowly feel very relaxing. For the first time in a long time, I can’t wait to get my paints out.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thanks for this. Like I said to your other comment, this is the best possible thing for me to hear. I love it. x

[@S.D.S08]

"What are you going to do? Cry into your milk?" Best quote of all time. Thank you for the thoroughly enjoyable experience.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Glad you enjoyed it! Im known for mangling my metaphors....xx

[@artwithalexander5359]

i love that you work dark to light and yes i did notice the truth, you start in the mid tones ;) . i came to watercolors from acrylic and have struggled with the concept of building layers to get the darker areas. i also noticed you start off very dry and then progressively get the petals wetter to blend the colors as you go. this is a prime example of why i fallow so many different artists with different styles. you are perhaps the fifth artist i have added to my watching list and everyone has something done differently from the others. all of it wonderful and some of it feels natural and some challenges me to try but it always inspires me to keep painting and trying new things.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Silversong, what a perceptive comment. I've recently been listening to talks by a range of Botanical artists, hosted by Julia Trickey: www.juliatrickey.co.uk/talks.html and these have been exactly as you describe. Amazing people with stunning skill sets, and all doing things slightly differently. I've learnt loads about colour matching, showing transparency, and balancing cool and warm shadows; just by listening in. And you're wise to collect different approaches from different illustrators, it's such a good way of extending your "tool kit". Glad my methods are a part of this, and yes, I do indeed go from dry brush to wetter and wetter brush. When I next get round to making another film Ill have to point that out! Thanks for your comment, and enjoy the transition from acrylic to watercolour. x

[@deborahgoodwin3426]

I have only just recently found your channel and may I tell you that you are absolutely amazing!! I am a New Hampshire (US) gal who, at 65 years young, has begun painting again after almost 30 years. You are such an inspiration. I find each and every video that I have been so fortunate to have seen, each one more mesmerizing than the last. In addition to your incredible talent, you are a phenomenal teacher. Your honesty and your sense of humor are such a breath of fresh air. I feel so very fortunate to be one of your newest subscribers!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Deborah, what a lovely comment to get! Thank you. I am so glad my films work for you, it's lovely to hear such cheerful and flattering feedback. If it gets you to feel more confident about your return to art, then Ive succeeded. So lovely to have you along, and thanks for subscribing!

[@CherryBlossomHill]

I think I just learned more from this one video than 2 years of online courses with Anna Mason! TYSM!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

My goodness what a wonderful accolade! I really appreciate that. Anna Mason creates such beautiful work, she's a great source of knowledge. Glad you liked my film. x

[@MissFlux]

My goodness! Aren’t you just a hoot & a half! Love LOVE what you’re doing here with the gorgeous underrated Zinnia. I have been obsessed with botanical art since a wee child, I don’t know why, I just have always loved it & of course amazed at the artistry. I’m slowly learning & getting into painting in general, but this video is just screaming at me to AT LEAST get back to my botanical colouring water colour pad my mother gave me. It has a light printed pencil line & as you imagine you can paint over it just like you’re doing here. .... The way you work dark first is instinctively how I started with water colour so I understand your process & WOW your results are proof that there is no right way or wrong way to paint. You’ve breathed LIFE into that flower and subsequently into ME! I want to get back to that botanical pad I mentioned & I will continue to enjoy your videos. Thankyou so much🙏☺️🙋 From Aus ☮️💟

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Oh what a fabulolus message! I am so pleased that me doing my thing has helped inspire you to get back to doing your thing, too! That's the best possible result, thank you. And thanks for the message. Enjoy your painting!

[@AshB_Watercolors]

I love watching her! She teaches botanical paintings so well! I have a botany based degree and I love doing drawings and now I’m doing painting bc of her! I also want to create Lizzie a color chart for her paints!!!! Lol!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hey Ashley Lovely to hear from you. Im so glad your embracing your love for botany in a way that gets you drawing and painting, how excellent! its such a good way to learn flowers, I find. And you are SOOO right about me needing a colour chart. Actually, not even a colour chart. I just need to start from scratch with my pans and actually know and remember the name of each paint, instead of saying, "oh, its the 3rd blue on the left, next to the brown colour!" which isnt useful for anyone who doesnt have my exact paintbox! Thanks for the comment and have a great day X

[@rodolfolarrea8493]

the most talented and funniest flower painter in utub ... amazing ... geniuses come in many forms ... she is beyond words

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Rodolfo, I LOVE that you think I'm funny! I find myself really annoying. But what a kind thing to say, and I'm so glad you like the film! x

[@MissFlux]

I totally agree .. I love her energy & being herself. It’s very human & you feel a connection .. let alone inspiration✨🤩🙋

[@juliestancato]

Lizzie love love love you and your work! I’m going to Google search you to see if you have books or online classes or anything! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your skills and talents with us. I’ve been looking for someone with a certain style and found you and I am so happy!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Julie, no books or online classes as yet, but a whole slew of step by step blogs. The teaching really is a side line, so it's less consistent than would be ideal. I do bits between paid jobs, there's just so very much paid work on right now! It's great, but the idea of online classes etc does end up suffering.... Thanks for such a lovely comment. x

[@samiyrah4244]

Thank you for sharing your talent and style with us. What a treat!!! ❤🌷🌿

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You are so welcome!

[@monicauba1080]

God bless you 🙏 Ms. Harper. I am a super beginner watercolourist and watching your detailed explanations was the best class I could have had. I found your video quite by chance and I am delighted and thankful🌈💕💖🌈

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

My absolute pleasure, Moinca. Comments like yours convince me that it's worth doing these films. Even if I do sometimes post bits of them upside down!

[@amycombs7003]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Your work is stunning and the attention to detail is impressive. The mini botany lesson mixed with your dry humor were an added bonus.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You are so welcome, and thanks for such a lovely comment. x

[@rachelwalton3772]

Actually, it was fascinating to hear your explanation of the Zinnia. I had no idea that each petal was actually a flower!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Glad it was helpful! x

[@bildahome]

Each petal is NOT a flower. Sorry to tell you

[@Give0rTake]

Potato/potato about the petals. I agree with Rachel Walton about the added info. I love the botany lesson. Gives you so much more insight in the beauty of the flower.

[@labellaflora....]

buildahome is correct. The yellow parts you named a stamens are in fact the flowers. The "petals" are called ray florets.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

@@labellaflora.... You are totally right. There are ray florets and disk florets. I need to be much more careful when I do the botany bits - it#s easy to be unclear when I witter on and paint simultaneously, but I'd hate to be giving out wrong information, which in this case I have done. Thanks for clarifying my ramblings! Note to self: Botany bit needs to be done without a paintbruish in my hand so I can be sure to get it right. Thanks labellaflora and thanks buildahome too. xx

[@kimmyrolfe486]

You are amazing,one of the old school style of painters...so talented,a very rare thing this day and age..thank you.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You are very welcome. What a lovely comment to read at the start of a new working week. Thank you so much.

[@cathyj4127]

Loved this tutorial. The tip about working from mid to light to dark will really help as I struggle with working from light to dark

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Glad it was helpful! Hope it works for you, its simplified my life massively!

[@kellym8517]

The way you mix your colors is incredible. It's such a joy to watch you paint, thank you so much for sharing

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you so much, I love mixing up a good green 😀

[@ageorgiapeach9442]

You are a remarkable artist. It was a joy to watch you.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

What a lovely comment. Thank you.

[@Bloome_]

A revelation! Thank you for sharing your technique, I’ve learnt sooo much! Thank you!

[@montserratlavid3532]

Just wonderful! Love the new look, too.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Aww, thanks for that! x

[@catherineneal5370]

I have popped around to different sites for watercolor and you are the best. I love that you talk through the whole process. I learn so much listening and watching. Also love your discussion about products, very helpful. I have never liked cold press paper, but didn’t know there were options. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You are so welcome! And so glad to be helpful. You're going to LOVE hotpress paper, so smooth!

[@krvidya]

You are god sent!!! Thank you sooooo much. I can't even begin to express my gratitude for how much I learnt from just watching this one video! THANK YOU😊

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Wow! Thank you! You're wonderfully easy to please, but I'm so glad to be of use! x

[@letiziafarisato8780]

I LOVE how you talk to yourself while doing things! :-) Thanks for this video

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Glad you liked it!!

[@VaniaPereira1956]

Querida mestre Lizzie obrigada por compartilhar seu conhecimento. Amo você.

[@JT-ev6dy]

Brilliant! Thanks for showing us the techniques you employ.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

My absolute pleasure. Thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@CheyenneWyntarArt]

This was one of the first water colour videos that made me go “wow, I think I can do that!” Thank you for sharing your process and your knowledge! What a wonderful treat.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

I'm so glad! And you're right, you CAN do it. With enough practise anyone can draw or paint. I'm quite passionate about trying to dispel all the awe-inspiring stuff around creating art. It's definitely something anyone can do, so long as they're lucky enough to have the time to give it a go and put in the hours. Hope you enjoy your new time as a watercolour artist! c

[@CheyenneWyntarArt]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator yes! I totally agree! I’m a hyper realism pencil artist and people always do the “I could never do that!” with me, but the reality is a lot of them could if they put in the practice and especially if they had good instruction, whether through online resources or a mentor! I’ve recently discovered watercolor techniques that are very similar to drawing with a coloured pencil and I’m so excited to give it a try!

[@terrianderson4701]

I stumbled across your video and i am so glad i did. I am a tattoo artist who just started painting, it applies so many of the same techniques. You are wonderful and i am addicted to you and your guidance. Thank you

[@dmcdaniel2009]

GREAT video ! Thank you Lizzie, I learned much and giggled a bunch !

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Glad you enjoyed it! And if I made you laugh too, then that's even better. Thanks for the comment.

[@sallywright5503]

Just started tuning in to a few of your videos. I’m really enjoying them. Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Welcome aboard, and thanks so much for watching them. Im glad you like them.

[@antjevanbergen]

Dear Lizzy, i‘m so happy, that i found you. Thank you for sharing your work with us with tips and in realtime. 💚

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You are so welcome!

[@kellyro77]

I just found your video. It's been an absolute pleasure watching you. I've painted lots of florals but not with the approach of a trained botanical artist. I am more accustomed to utilizing wet-in-wet approaches to allow for smooth blending, so it's really fascinating to watch a completely different attack on painting, which what I see in your work is very precise, small wet-on-dry brush marks. It's almost like your paint brush is a pencil or marker, instead. You gave me a lot of laughs in watching you tackle all the same problems all watercolorists have - adding too much blue to your mix, smudging your paint by putting your hand on a wet spot, experiencing paint blooms, etc. Thanks for reminding us that even experts have the same challenges novices do.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Kelly Yes, that's exactly right. I use the brush a bit like a marker or pencil, then the wet washes bring it all together. Its not the traditional way of doing botanical illustration, though. That's more to do with layers of wet washes, getting darker and more detailed as you progress. Which sounds like what you're already used to. Ive watched splendid illustrators like Julia Trickey using this approach and it's wonderful. I come at it back to front, sort of. But Im really glad you like the videas and are interested in giving my method a go. Let me knwo how you get on, and I hope it works for you. Yours Lizzie

[@reverrage]

Thank you for sharing your expertise. I love the botany with the painting. As you said we learn from the plant but you sharing & showing made this a great tutorial.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thanks so much 😊 I think the botany is so important, and every time I do a painting there's a whole new lot to learn! Glad you liked the film. X

[@irmabenus7001]

Really beautiful and so incredibly inspiring! I really love your detailed step-by-step demonstrations ! Thanks a lot!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You are so welcome, Im really glad you enjoyed it!

[@katekay4972]

Lovely chatty demonstration, I so enjoyed it, very inspiring.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Glad you enjoyed it! And that's lovely to hear that it's inspirational. thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.

[@sashimster3243]

Absolutely beautiful, thank you for sharing your process!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You are so welcome!

[@janinafisher101]

Wow - what painstaking attention to detail. Beautifully done. Hope you didn't feel dizzy hanging upside down there at the end!😊

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Oh the joys of being a thoroughly amateur film maker! Upside down or right way up, as long as I'm painting vivid pinks, I'm a happy lady! Thanks for the comment. x

[@lonironi3754]

I love your style of painting. I like to paint the same way and everyone else load water first. I guess that’s a different style or technique. I have also realized I need to slow down and get patience. It really pays off.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Yes, exactly. And I do think doing what works for you is always the best idea. Look at other approaches, but don't feel you're doing it "wrong"; different is certainly not the same as wrong! X

[@murraycallahan3716]

You are wonderfully enjoyable to listen to as well as to watch. Thank you!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you too!

[@rebeccawilliams2410]

Amazing tutorial! I was looking for something detailed like this and here you have it. Much appreciated xx

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nehadhuri1]

Thank you so so much... I have been trying to learn botanicals since so long.. but no one has uploaded such detailed video on botanical with tips and tricks.. thanks a ton really I thank you with all my heart... keep uploading more such videos.. lots of love from India 🙏

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

This is such a lovely comment, I really appreciate it. I think other illustrators like Anna Mason and Julia Trickey do real time films too, but it's comments like this that help inspire me to do more real-time step by steps. Its lovely to hear such positive feedback, thank you.

[@nehadhuri1]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator was so sweet of you.. 🤗

[@hazel1960]

What a total refreshing teacher you are Glad I caught your video .

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheJackierose1]

Thank you, thank you, thank you, I am absolutely rubbish at drawing but using your illustration my pictures actually look like flowers. Now for the challenge to try and paint it.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Glad I could help, and that's so wonderful and exciting to hear! And the best bit is the more you practice, the better it'll get. Hooray!

[@TheJackierose1]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator Fingers crossed. Have been doing arty stuff around the house for about a year now. It really transforms the feel of the house. So glad there are people such as yourself who are willing to share their knowledge. Have a great day. Jacqui

[@mariagalbraith9838]

This was fantastic - thank you. I love how down to earth you are and as someone else has said, a breath of fresh air. Thanks again.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Wow, thank you! Im really not that into all the fluff that can surround those who create a lot of art. it can suggest, wrongly, that somehow you have to be special or other to create art, and I disagree completley. its something everyone can do, as long as they have the time and inclination to train and keep at it. So I like that you fell Im sort of being down to earth. Good to know. Thankyou.

[@Synsan9327]

Lizzie, I both found you today on Utube and received two books The Frampton Flora and The Flowers of Kew. I painted half a Zinnia w u 2day and I GOT IT! I have loved antique prints for a while, simply amazed by the realism and beauty. I cant THANK YOU! enough!! for sharing yr talent & knowledge 🎉🎉

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

This gives me so much pleasure to hear. And I love your taste in books! So glad the film helped you! Yours Lizzie

[@kimhurley7019]

BRILLIANT! Simply brilliant!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you Kim!

[@lisacurtis8162]

I am no where near your ability yet. I really appreciate your attention to details. Botanicals are my best area of painting subjects. As much as I would love to paint portraits.... I'm not giving up though. Please keep making your videos I appreciate them so much, they are so helpful to me.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Tonya, you may not be an expert yet, but every time you lift a paintbrush you'll be getting better and better. It's the best of positive feedback loops! Do it more, get better at it, enjoy it more so do it even more often...etc. I'm glad you like my films, that's lovely to hear. And keep going! X

[@lisacurtis8162]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator thank you so much for for your response. It is so encouraging to me to hear that from you. Your films are wonderful and I certainly will be watching.... and drawing and painting 🎨

[@neurotictigers]

My goodness! Your artistic style is delicious!! I love the crisp and clean edges and especially like your technique starting with the darker tones first.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you so much!! I find it much easier than building up layers of softer colour washes. Glad you like it x

[@paintingsbyl.a.k.403]

Thank you for this informative video. You are a fantastic teacher and your sense of humor is delightful.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thanks Lee Ann, I'm glad you found it useful. And not too dull...always important to try and add a little humour to make it a touch lighter. Glad you enjoyed it! x

[@evellyn6947]

I really enjoyed your demonstration and your very honest and relaxed commentary.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you so much!

[@geraldineconway1865]

This is incredible.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thanks so much Geraldine!

[@judescott658]

Amazingly well described. Thank you

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sandraflieger6001]

Thank you so much. I love your tutorials.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Glad you like them! You are so welcome.

[@gnostie]

This is just amazing. Precise style and valuable insights delivered with truly British (and sadly nowadays rare) self-effacing humour. I am so glad I found this channel!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Wow, thank you! That's such a lovely comment, I really appreciate it. And I'm glad I brought a smile to your face. Hopefully you'll get the chance to see me messing up and telling myself off over and over again if you stick around, heaven knows there's a great deal more self-effacement required in THIS studio! Cheers, Gnostie. x

[@mandysmith2814]

Thank you for sharing Lizzie. I’ve only just started watching you and love all the videos I’ve seen so far. I’m learning a lot 😊 please keep making them! Thanks again

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You are so welcome!

[@hana_maru22]

You are awesome! I’ve chuckled and learned so much. Thank you 😊

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

My absolute pleasure. Thankyou so much for such a kind comment. x

[@danamelton9066]

Thank you for sharing! I really appreciate all the extra little tidbits you have provided throughout this demo, esp the botony lesson and color recommendations. Would love to see more of these. Thanks again, and Happy Holidays!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Glad it was helpful!

[@maryfrederickson9400]

Art Conservator here with a note about your comment on fading of colors when framing your artworks. Frame using ULTRAVIOLET FILTERING PLEXIGLASS instead of glass and make sure to use a buffered matt and buffered back board. Nothing should be in direct contact with the artwork (painting). The UV Filtering plexi helps avoid the fading process. Also be smart and do not hang close to windows or strong lights. I so enjoy watching your creative process! It helps me in my work.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Mary, this is excellent advice. When making these films, I need to try to remember to mention this to people. When I frame, the use of ph neutral archive mount and UV filtering glass is obvious, but I bet loads of people have no idea how you can limit the chances of framed work fading. Also, even with these excellent precautions, some pigments are horribly fugitive (especially the pinks). Including mention of this when I do the films would be a really good and useful addition. Thanks. And thanks for the comment! x

[@m.c.5124]

You are a master of your art form lady!!! Thanks so much for sharing and inspiring. You have helped me better understand shadows in a mere 15 min!! Your pretty much awesome.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Wow, thank you!

[@AyaSmith]

SOOOO BEAUTIFUL

[@Scherre2008]

Dispite the perils of filming, this is stunningly beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Many thanks! And thanks for your indulgence re me and filming! x

[@manjarimorey7083]

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing. 🌷

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

And thankyou for leaving a comment!

[@gast4215]

Thank you so much for your time and effort to show us such an educational video. I really enjoyed watching you paint, but also listening to you - love your kind of humour and your rather "loose" approach to art, I really like that. I'm happy that I found your channel today!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You are so welcome! Thanks so much, and I'm so glad you like the film, and my ramblings.

[@Cchouette]

Gifted 🤩👏🏻

[@eddiejohn7744]

This is utterly amazing . Such talent .

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Cheers Eddie. In a way its just a process, but its a process that works for me. Glad you like it.

[@bluevireo425]

Beautiful work, I love how you realized the center of the flower....so effective..Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Peace and Grace to you.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

What a lovely comment, thankyou.

[@tyto6259]

YOU ARE UTTERLY FANTASTIC!! love your voice, attitude, perspective so on and so on

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Wow, thank you! That's high praise indeed, I appreciate it.

[@turaluralu2264]

Thank you for this wonderful Tutorial!

[@tinatomaszewski6473]

I so enjoyed this video and I really enjoyed learning about the Zinnia flower! I found it so interesting! Thanks so much for the tutorial & sharing!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Tina, My absolute pleasure. So glad you enjoyed it. x

[@graemeeasterbrook4931]

Love watching and listening to you, fantastic job 🎉🎉🎉

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you so much!

[@juliehenderson1672]

Thank you! Simply gorgeous!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you! 😊

[@georgerogers3022]

Thank you! This has been a great help in my painful struggle to achieve non-embarrassing flowers! Enjoyed and appreciated.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Bless you, non-embarrassing flowers! My total pleasure if Ive managed to spare you future blushes. x

[@ginettemelody1035]

Thank you. Very beautiful work. Blessings

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You are so welcome

[@dilaralita4843]

You’re doing amazing! Thank you so much ☺️

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you!! 😊

[@brookie_cuqui]

"There's always logic to lights and darks." I'm gonna hold onto that. You're wonderful in every way!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Its true though! Although one of my friends gets really cross with me and says I invent where the shadows are. He may have a point, but Im so used to figuring out the tonal patterns that are probably there that I cant see if Im making it up or not! Trust your best friends to mess with your head. But yes. Its ALL about the lights and the darks.

[@brookie_cuqui]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator I've always squinted and that seems to do the trick! Rascally friends

[@susandavies6826]

Lizzie just discovered this wonderful tutorial for the New England SBA of a Zinnia - thank you

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

My absolute pleasure! There'll be one on painting a yellow autumn sycamore leaf coming out later in November....

[@Lauradicus]

You are absolutely delightful!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Oh thank you! I feel very flattered, and lucky to have such lovely people taking time to leave comments!

[@ai-man212]

Gorgeous to learn from a master. I've always wanted to know how these illustrations were done. Delicate as fine etching.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you so much 😀 Anyone can do it, it's just a matter of having the time to hone your skills. Thanks for the comment.

[@Betsielee13]

wow! i could watch all day

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Aww bless you!

[@annfuller4022]

Liuzzy I just think your an amazing artist and person. Thank you for all your tips and for sharing your techniques.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You are so welcome, and what a lovely thing to say. x

[@donnaeturner]

Zinnias grow like weeds very easily from seed. And they are gorgeous. Thanks you for your wonderful painting.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

So nice of you and thankyou, wish the zinnias grew like weeds here!

[@myfluffyflufferton]

Thank you so very much. I learned tons, so much that I shall save this to revisit. Now on to your site.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thankyou! That's so good to hear, I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. Thank you.

[@gayatridevi8459]

I love the way you paint and I think you are the 👍best teacher of painting for me.🙏

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Wow, thank you! You flatter me!

[@4aikaOo]

Lizzie! Im so happy see this video! You are great!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

What a lovely comment. Thank you!

[@gsdls]

Thank you Lizzy for the great video. You gave me many permissions as a beginner and that is truly appreciated.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Wonderful! I think its really important to make drawing and painting as accessible as possible. Anyone can do it, it's just finding the desire and the time. Im really glad you feel encouraged. x

[@Angie-pl3uw]

Thank you for sharing. I grow zinnias every summer. I use seeds, and sow them at three week intervals as soon as our hot weather starts. I have zinnias in my garden for about five months creating a wonderful blaze of color.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Oh Mariangela, that sounds glorious! They do flower late, too. My friend who grows these ones has them flowering regularly into late autumn, even though she lives quite high up in the hills. They're such hardy and pretty flowers. Your on-going display sound stunning, and planting in a series is a great idea.

[@kkscraftz4476]

Beautiful work Ma’am. Thank you for sharing.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you! 😊

[@deloreslopez9977]

Thank you for sharing your technique. I never would think to begin painting darker areas first! I enjoyed watching you" skillfully" make that zinnia come to life! I admire your work and enjoyed the video! The bit about Dr. Martins ink was very helpful also!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Tintin-wo4wc]

This is the most delightful and informative channel i've come across in a while, thank you for making your excellent videos!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Aww Tintin, youve made my week! And its only monday morning!

[@chase4326]

Very pretty. Thank you for the tutorial.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You’re welcome 😊

[@anapatriciapachecourena9792]

¡¡¡BELLÍSIMA demostración!!! Muchas gracias por compartir su conocimiento. Saludos desde Costa Rica.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Muchas Gracias!