Watercolour Leaf Tutorial | Botanical Illustration

[@khinsweohn]

Thanks so much Helen ! Always love to watch your work xx

[@roypdxful]

It’s so peaceful to watch, far less chaotic than my wood working. 😊

[@helencousinsbotanics]

@@roypdxful ahh, balance! 😌💫

[@patriziacannata8038]

Thank you Helen 😊 Your tutorial is precious and you are very kindly 🤗 happy week end

[@helencousinsbotanics]

@@patriziacannata8038 thank you for watching! ♥️

[@nazirahkagzi301]

The painting is so beautiful ❤ and it's so nice to see you on KZbin again.❤

[@helencousinsbotanics]

@@nazirahkagzi301 thank you so much. It’s lovely to be back! Thank you for watching ♥️

[@nancyjohnson7193]

Thank you! Tutorials are so much appreciated! This one is very helpful.😊🍂🍁

[@helencousinsbotanics]

Hi Nancy, I'm so glad that you found it to be helpful! I'd love to hear what you'd like to see in the future, so please do let me know if you'd like! Helen x

[@sandrawheeler1521]

So beautiful to watch you paint Helen. You are amazingly accurate with your brush...love this leaf....your so talented.xx

[@helencousinsbotanics]

@@sandrawheeler1521 Hello Sandra! ♥️ Thank you so much. Maybe it’s inspired you to paint? 🥹

[@sandrawheeler1521]

@helencousinsbotanics indeed it has Helen.. xxx

[@T.E-f2p]

thank you so much for sharing!❤

[@helencousinsbotanics]

You're so welcome! I'm glad you found it useful

[@raquel1576]

Muchísimas gracias por compartir este tutorial ❤

[@helencousinsbotanics]

Thank you for watching ♥️💫

[@sailajaallanki4549]

Thank you Helen for the beautiful tutorial and making it look so easy, when it is not 😊 One suggestion - please comment on the surface whether it is dry or wet before you start to paint the details and adding colors. Appreciate your time.

[@helencousinsbotanics]

Thank you so much for the feedback! I will make sure I do that. For your info - all of the washes, the first two layers, I’m applying paint using a wet on wet technique (water first 😌) - then for the dry brush detail in the latter half of the video, even the final sections, it’s dry paint first and then water to blend and soften! I hope that makes sense and I’ll make sure it’s clearer next time ♥️

[@andreatorraca8755]

Lovely

[@helencousinsbotanics]

@@andreatorraca8755 thank you Andrea! ♥️

[@PennyHenson-r1l]

So happy you are on You Tube again. I looked at the 000 brush and there are so many varieties. Which one do you use?

[@helencousinsbotanics]

Hi Penny! The absolute best, in my opinion, is the Winsor and Newton Series 7 Size 000. I’ve never tried anything better to date, for fine details! That’s what I’m using here 🥹♥️ they’re quite pricey (Christmas present?!) but will last a long, long time if looked after well.

[@PennyHenson-r1l]

Thank you 😊

[@elisabethgulliver516]

What a beautiful piece, and video! 🥰 Can I ask how long a painting like that would take you? I do similar style botanicals but in coloured pencil and find it takes so many hours that I’m often getting fed up of the piece before it’s finished! In the past I’ve found watercolours unpredictable and difficult to control with detailed work but this is making me think I should dig them out again!

[@helencousinsbotanics]

Hello Elisabeth ♥️ thank you so much for watching, I’m so glad you enjoyed it. This painting took me about 4 hours in total, I think. But I was painting for most of the day when you count getting organised and breaks! Oh yes do give watercolours a chance! So different to coloured pencil, but I think worth it. I just love paint! It’s just different. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to support you as you get back into watercolours, if you choose to! ♥️

[@elisabethgulliver516]

@ thank you so much! For me I think I struggle with water control and finding the right amount. Practice, practice, practice I guess! Excited to see more of your videos! ❤️