Realistic Leaf Painting in Watercolor - Botanical Illustration

I paint a photo realistic oak leaf and talk about botanical illustration, its growing popularity and the techniques involved.
Colors Used:
Indian Yellow
Azo Green
Prussian Blue
Transparent Red Iron Oxide
Sepia
Ultramarine Blue
Paynes Gray
American Society of Botanical Artists
www.asba-art.org
Anna Mason Art
annamasonart.com
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DaVinci Cosmotop Spin Oval Wash #8 & #14
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M. Graham Paint - amzn.to/1Ms9KyI
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[@mindofwatercolor]

+Karen MacArthur It is in places and some times over dry. I do it both ways, just depends on the circumstances. Most times its done dry and blended out with a wet brush. 😊

[@HNLinh]

thanks, sir, so please can you tell how long does it take this autumn leaf? thanks once again. good luck sir.

[@diannebertold3602]

Thank you for the Bible text at the end. Loved this video.

[@carlosleon8897]

Someone accidentally hit the dislike button.

[@anabels923]

Or maybe they are jealous 😅

[@girvinmeyer]

anab

[@TabataGL]

maybe because he talks a lot...

[@lindathompson389]

love it Carlos Leon ! Well put !

[@7Katherine1]

Just lovely. Thank you!

[@Lorens-art]

wow that looks amazing, so memorising to watch. I could watch you paint all day.Great tutorial you have a lovely teaching style very raw and honest. Thanks from Loren Melbourne Down Under :)

[@narainpbohra2947]

Video starts from 2:10 Thank me later...😌😄😄

[@babettecoverdale7572]

I love your videos! From the intro, the music you use and of course your beautiful art and the information you so graciously share...all of it is wrapped up in a perfectly presented video. Oh...and I really appreciate the verses you put at the end of your videos. Thanks so much. :-)

[@lucrezialevanti4339]

Just beautiful. I love all the colors you brought out in the leaf. I want to watercolor like this so bad!! Thank you for sharing this - love your work.

[@pinemeadowshobbyfarmafruga8319]

I just knocked out five paintings the last two days on my channel. I strive to become better at photo realistic quality. Thanks for your demonstrations. Your really good at what you do.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks so much!

[@Linda-kh6rl]

It doesn’t matter what you do it’s Beautiful and i enjoy you so much.❤

[@MysticHeather]

So, I have been addicted to your videos since I found you recently, your videos are so well demonstrated and helpful and now that I know you’re a Star Wars fan I think you may have just become my favorite youtuber 😁

[@PatrolNation]

Great video as always Steve, from your fans down under...

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Lyle Gillan Thanks, from the opposite side of the blue marble! :-)

[@divekyra]

Beautiful! I have been struggling to learn watercolor, and your tutorials are very pleasant and helpful. Thank you!

[@doratiscareno5856]

Please next time can you put the photo in the upper right corner so we can follow along...with the COLOR SEPARATION

[@terrirarick9548]

Thank you for your reply. I am embarrassed to say that I found the video about Layering AFTER I asked the question. NowI cant stop watching your videos. Want to come over and do a little housework for me?

[@stefanobrancato4402]

Hi Steve, I wanted to drop a line thanking you for all your brilliant, artful and instructive videos. I find that when I want to chill-out and relax I often re-watch your videos as your artistic process is so inspiring and your work beautiful. Thank you for making such a positive impact on me and my art. I'm so grateful to you.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Very kind thanks. Seeking to inspire is my greatest goal!

[@allanpennington]

I gave this a go and its my first time with watercolour. I used good Schmincke paints but only 180gm cold pressed paper and not cotton. Didn't quite get the results I had hoped for. I need to practice colour mixing and water control. Tried to put a dropbox link to a picture of what I painted but it seems it deletes my comment???

[@mindofwatercolor]

@ Adam Wallen - Sounds tempting except for the pile I have in my own yard. Hee! Now I have two straight days of rain to make the task all the more difficult. Thanks as always Adam!

[@patstokes3615]

I can't figure out how come i'm getting hard edges when I'm trying to blend with glazing. Your paint seems to flow together and blend but how it that possible if the first layer is already dry. It's just so hard to figure out. I see you put down the color and them you take you brush off camera and do something (i don't know what) and come back and blend. Are you taking moisture out of your brush when you do that, if so, how much, I sure wish I could see that you're really doing to that brush cause I know it's important.

[@kerry5586]

I wonder if it is partly due to the paper. Some of the paper I have tried leaves hard edges regardless of what I do.

[@grannysmithart]

It's partially the paper, Steve is uses top brands (100% cotton), in this video it's hot press. It looks like his first layer was wet on dry paper; when he takes brush off screen he is probably rinsing and removing excess water, then he can soften the edges before they dry. Billy Schowell is a master of this technique

[@johncarbis6688]

I should have been paying closer attention. I just kind of glazed over it.

[@karenturner-cf7vq]

I picked up a few leaves then I did drawings and painted them, it was interesting to see someone else, do the same. I will be doing the same this year, as I find it interesting.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

This is stunning! Thanks for sharing the process on the leaf and I loved the pun LOL!

[@mindofwatercolor]

+thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich Hey thanks Lindsay, so glad you came by for a look!

[@goawayok2008]

+The Mind of Watercolor I loooooove you both great artists

[@sarahguy-levar7955]

+The Mind of Watercolor Two of my favorite watercolor artists in the same place!!!!

[@dech4548]

Sarah Guy-Levar my 2 favorites too! 😬😬😬😬😬

[@Richard-ky9lf]

This is the first video of yours I have watched. It is very helpful and all the other resources you have provided are great. Thanks. I look forward to learning from you.

[@brandytaylor1986.]

I bet using watercolor pencils in coloring books would be fun just put some clear gesso and ur pretty much good to go

[@firechick561]

I just now discovered this...many of the botanical artists use very tiny spotter or liner brushes...you made me realize it is completely artist preference.. I love your thoughtful approach to all things watercolor.

[@brouwern1]

From your positive comments about the daVinci brush, I ordered a set. I must thank you for this tip! They're so nice to work with. and so are you - nice to work with.

[@mindofwatercolor]

@ Babetter Coverdale - Thanks, very kind and encouraging. Glad you're enjoying them.

[@johnblakleydavies6739]

So beautiful and you make it look so easy which I know it isn't!

[@erikaorellanap]

jajajaja leave it to me jajajajaja sending love from Venezuela, really enjoy your videos :)

[@Kalembastudioart]

Awesome, I love your videos. They are very informative and well put together. Thank you and keep up the great work.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Kalembastudio Will do, thanks for watching!

[@JackieL7474]

After watching just a few of your videos, I started watercolor painting again. So far you are the only one that I actually understood and enjoyed. I like your humor, your paintings and your explanations. You are very talented and your work is beautiful! Thank you for your videos!

[@macarthurkaren]

A great tutorial, Steve. Thanks so much. Was the green sap a wet in wet with the yellow? Or do you always allow for drying in between glazes? Relearning a great deal by these exercises. You are very clear with an easy manner.

[@Amah-Lady]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND EFFORTS you give in each video to teach and give detailed information. I am a beginner and I have a confusing question: When do I know that in this stage of painting I have to do wet on wet or wet on dry etc? Thank you in advance for your time and help. Best wishes.

[@mindofwatercolor]

There is no rule. The effect you are after dictates the technique. Wet on dry tends to have sharp hard edges although you can soften them as you go. Wet on wet has softer blends and colors mingle more. Experiment with both. You are the artist and you decide which technique is most appropriate for the part you're working on.

[@peach9722]

Awesome tutorial! Can you do a tutorial for painting realistic water or objects in water? Thanks.

[@macarthurkaren]

Heads up WC students! I revisited this terrific exercise....but note Azo Yellow is missing from the Paint List. Indian Yellow will not get you that wonderful first glaze yellow "undercoating" Hi Reese!!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Hmm, actually, I think it will.

[@angietiu6184]

Im super beginner, what kind of paper did you used? & any medium applied to avoid smears? Please include in your video how to mix colors. Thank you for sharing your talent

[@mindofwatercolor]

I always use 100% cotton paper. Watercolor used no mediums really just watercolor paper and paint. Very simple medium.

[@katepanthera7265]

Very nice. I liked watching how you softened the edges on the layers to get the smooth color transitions - I'll have to practice this. Thank you!

[@dech4548]

Thanks for this video! I painted my first realistic leaf in watercolor and it came out really nice because of your great instruction and tips!

[@joanncarter2241]

You always make me smile I have learned a lot from you as well thanks

[@debbierucinski8142]

I loved this. I tend to lean towards botanical art, but I usually use professional-colored pencils. I am just getting started with wanting to learn much more about watercolor painting. How can I tell if a watercolor paint is translucent if it is not in the listing or on the package? I have some cheaper watercolors I purchased to start out, but they are definitely opaque, and I don't like them. What is the better line of brushes for beginners? Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Manufacturers usually publish charts within info. Otokano.com also has a database.

[@lyndamitton4496]

Oh my….this is gorgeous! Do you ever do videos that explain which paints or colours that are too muddy or opaque to use in realistic painting? I am very knew to water colour and would certainly appreciate help! Thank you for sharing your great talent!

[@mindofwatercolor]

I did a video on what causes mud. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5ummqehfK2Fmdk

[@maremacd]

Amazing. It’s like magic.

[@reddog25th]

You make me laugh! I love your sense of humor. This is one of my favorite videos.

[@la1649]

I perceive he is a perspective friend you have there on your desk

[@terrirarick9548]

Thank you. Can you please explain the term glazing. I am teaching myself.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thin transparent layers building up color and value slowly.

[@lagunamangano]

I love the leaf painting and as a matter of fact, Leaves are my most favorite of all things to paint. 😃

[@patstokes3615]

Botanical's are my very favorite. I love how you show us how to glaze and blend. It's just so very helpful. As far as botanical's are concerned what can be better than to study the workings and beauty of nature. I also want you to know that I love that you are a gentleman which is getting harder to find these days.

[@Merzui-kg8ds]

I loved everything about this. I love leaves. I love fall leaves. I love this rendering you did of a fall leaf. Wow.

[@orlandoreyes4928]

Merci Monsieur, très inspirant votre travail....

[@susanpopiolek4672]

Are you allowing the different layers to dry before going on to the next layer and maybe putting down clean water to get soft edges on some of the layers. Definitely before you put the spots in I think as they diffused a bit.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Sometimes yes, I let it dry first. Sometimes not if I want it to soften and mix.

[@MarieAudePradal]

Thank you so much for your videos. I find them inspiring, they help me get past the fear of ruining nice watercolor paper!

[@kathleenfredrickson8593]

Exquisite! Clean and simple.

[@doratiscareno5856]

Q. ....ARE DRYING IN BETEEN COLORS... wet to dry?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Mostly yes

[@danisa6312]

This's helps me a lot, thank you

[@TheDevonArtist]

This is a style of painting I've been wanting to try for quite some time and through watching yours and Anna Mason's videos I have got to give it a go! This will make a big change from the birds and wildlife paintings I have on here and normally do. Thank you for an excellent video - Paul

[@mindofwatercolor]

Glad it was an inspiration. 😊

[@MarcellHobbs]

Fabulous at every point!

[@mindofwatercolor]

@ Teresa Cassidy - Thanks much Teresa!

[@owingsart]

I learn more in ten minutes watching you paint Steve, than I did in school for 4 years. I'm serious man, thank you so much for the really great explanations and demo's. It helps me leap forward in my work brother. - Marty

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Owings Art So glad it was a help. Thanks Marty!

[@owingsart]

***** :-)

[@owingsart]

***** They are wonderful Artist Grace, I completely agree. Thanks for throwing me in with Claude Monet, I really enjoy the impressionists. ~Marty

[@teresacassidy7482]

Thank you so much for this truly inspiring video, and also for the link to Anna Mason's website. I've dabbled with this style and love it. There are great resources on her site also, great video and information!

[@food4444lyfe]

Did you wait till.one layer dries before applying the next color layer or was the previous layer still kinda wet ?

[@mindofwatercolor]

wet over dry usually, though you can charge in while a section is still wet.

[@MaryVivit]

Thanks for the great demo. This is the style I usually use: it allows me to enter a very peaceful, contemplative state.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Mary Vivit As it does me. Thanks Mary!

[@JournalwithPeggy]

Wow so beautiful. I love it!

[@laurieholcombe2354]

It's incredible! It's so life-like and the shadowing makes it almost jump off the page! Thanks for showing us that.

[@mindofwatercolor]

👍

[@johnnyrbattaglio6943]

Thank you that looks awesome 👍

[@gwenharrison6752]

Brilliant! So enjoyed it.

[@wendykelcey1246]

Love this! Thank you!

[@brandytaylor1986.]

Taht is a cute beanie on Reese aww 🥰

[@kirstenravnkildenielsen4328]

I love your paintings ,and I love the scriptures at the end, reminds u’s of what it’s all about.🤗

[@ArtFadil]

Great illustration! Thank you :)

[@mindofwatercolor]

👍

[@luckyhiker3434]

As always magical brilliance! Do you have an online school?

[@mindofwatercolor]

I have a couple workshops on Skillshare but thats it other than KZbin.

[@tammyholicky9048]

Thank you - I am enjoying and learning so much from your videos!! My love of botanicals is what got me started in watercolor. Quick question about this video: is each color/wash/layer dry before you begin the next? Thanks again!

[@pate8250]

Steve, thanks for showing the botanical style. This is the only style of painting I've learned, and love it. I've tried to loosen up, but am not comfortable with it, even though I was told by a colleague in my local gallery that my type of painting "is too old-fashioned" to sell. It does put you off a bit.

[@adamw2621]

I have lots of these in my yard. If interested in a painting vacation to TN, you can come by, we can rake them all up, then paint a few :) Enjoyed this one Steve. I am a huge fan of Da Vinci brushes. Your painting is fantastic. I love how you layered the colors. Always look forward to more!

[@TheEirenMist]

Beautifully executed! A pleasure to watch......felt like I was participating in a celebration of Creation. 😊

[@mindofwatercolor]

+TheEirenMist Yes, I think every painting is pretty much just that. Thanks for watching!

[@Ms1lonewolf]

Thank you for showing me how to do this sort of painting. I have a question. Can I use a mechanical pencil for the veins in the leaf if I don't have a watercolor pencil? I would just like to know if it would work out the same way. Thanks

[@mindofwatercolor]

You could I guess if the color looks right.

[@Ms1lonewolf]

Ya the color didn't look right and the shin of the grafite came through. Thanks. I guess I need to get those grafite soluble pencils for the dark areas or different watercolor pencils. I'm trying to get the darkness in for the outline. Thanks again.

[@marywalker943]

I loved your video. It would be great if you would put a list of watercolor paper weight, colors you used and brushes. I feel like I want to run out and buy every thing you mentioned.

[@lindathompson389]

Wow! Thank you so very much for sharing ! I agree with others, that just watching was meditative, I hope actually doing the painting will be also. !

[@10AntsTapDancing]

Great work and I found the commentary informative and easy to listen to. I've struggled with watercolour but every now and then I pull off a decent painting. Subbed so I can increase my success rate :)

[@laurarosen8569]

To The Mind of Watercolor: Thanks very much for your Realistic Leaf Painting. IT is a pleasure and a relief to see someone doing what I do !!! Of course you do it better... but this is exactly the approach I take: I try to do realistic leaves, with layers and shadows... Do you give courses? Please let me know! Many thanks.

[@ichselbst6609]

Thanks for this helpful video! Your painting look super realistic - not only because of your attention to detail but also because of the shadows you added. I'll try and practice....

[@patriciachianelli7507]

Beautifully done. Love botanical art especially leaves. Thank you for showing your technique, appreciated.

[@crystalheart9]

Beautiful painting of this leaf. Thank you for a great and helpful demo. I have subscribed!

[@ClariceAust]

'Really liked your informative video, Steve. What lovely work! Thanks so much.

[@sueshanks9447]

Great video! Enjoyed all the layers as it came to life.

[@sandyzando.7854]

You are amazing!! Enjoy your videos so much! Thank you for sharing!!

Ammaaaaaaaaaaazziiinnnnnnnng

[@cristinalattuada5322]

Thank you, I find very difficult to paint leaves in general, mine all look like stamps. How do you get the twist and turns in the leaf so you reveal the form? Beautiful work. 🍂🍁🍃

[@bethbowles7525]

Thanks so much for this video. I was wondering what brand and type of colored pencils you prefer to sketch before painting? Thank you.

[@mbfrezon]

This is great. I was given this as an exercise in an online class as a way to help us mix accurate colors - leaves have a lot more colors than you'd guess. I did a bunch of these this fall when I just wasn't feeling the landscape I was in. They were fun and got me painting and so it was all good. Highly recommend as an excercise and figuring out how to portray the shadows is a bonus!

[@carolbearce5318]

Beautiful enjoy watching you paint...I have been drawing layers with wc pencils and blending this made me more confident to try with WC paints!

[@pensionata]

Hi Mind!!! Can you add italian subtitles in your tutorials? :) you are the best!!! Thanks and have a fine day smack!!!! :)

[@shirleysnow9220]

Thank you for this wonderful lesson. I've just followed your process and I'm very happy with the results of my autumn leaf. I'm so keen to watch more of your videos. Best wishes and thanks again for all the effort you put in.

[@joangagne1903]

I just love watching you. This leaf is beautiful!!! To be sure it is a transparent watercolour how would you know, is it marked on the tube of paint?

[@ValeriaGalindo]

I just recently found your channel and I think your artwork is outstanding!! thankyou for making these awsome and inspiring videos, I think I am appreciating more the watercolor world.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Valeria Galindo Glad to hear it, thanks for watching.

[@pamelashoemaker3996]

Very realistic and beautiful like nature. The blue shadows made it very 3D and really drew me in to the painting. The background music was beautiful, as I could imagine the leaf drifting and falling. Thank you.

[@UrraSergio]

Argh, I hate you!!! I mean, in a positive manner. Subscribed! (I'm a masoquist)

[@MrFindoc]

HEY! I just found your videos now - very nice but I guess I have some catching up to do! There must be some story behind the skull - but I am glad that he likes Star Wars.... GREAT Videos

[@sylviestar8666]

So Réal looking ❤❤❤

[@LadyLeda2]

WOW!!! Looks like I could pick it up. Thank you for sharing!!!

[@sheenamcleod3386]

Wonderful job👌

[@soniamoore9776]

Fabulous. Very inspiring as I just starting out on botanical illustrations. I love your channel. Thank you