Botanicals with a large flat brush

garden painting watercolor with large brush

My usual go to brush lately has been a large round brush. I decided to dust off my large flat brush and give it a try… something different sounded like fun. 😊

Happy Sunday, friends! 💚

I was inspired to practice painting with a large flat brush after watching a Whitney Rain Skillshare class, Modern Watercolor Botanicals for Everyone.

For my paintings I mixed up a few different greens using Daniel Smith watercolors.

green watercolor mixing

I tried to keep things simple at first to see what I could do with this large 1 inch flat brush. I’ve played with a smaller flat brush on occasion but not much with a large one.

 

Foliage watercolor with large brush

Foliage 1 – painted on 6 x 9 inch bee paper

Just trying to create large leaves and vines with the large brush. I also used a smaller flat brush a little here as well. Not a bad start and some nice variation of color.

 

Foliage watercolor with large brush

Foliage 2 – 7 x 10 inch Arches watercolor paper

I love the simplicity with this one. It was a good practice using the brush in multiple ways. You can use the side of the brush for a wide broad stroke or just the thin edge to get a straight fine line. I’m kind of amazed at all of the variation that is possible with this brush.

 

Foliage watercolor with large brush

Foliage 3 – 7 x 10 inch Arches watercolor paper

I also used a few smaller brushes in this piece. Although I like the composition and many of the shapes here, I think I used too many mid tones. It’s about learning and having fun… so I’ll take that as a win.

The better quality Arches paper was nice to use for a change. The cold press has a lovely texture which I really enjoyed.

 

garden floral watercolor with large brush

Garden foliage – 7 x 10 inch Arches watercolor paper

On my final piece I decided to add some pink to indicate flowers. As I’ve said many times before, I just love green and pinks together. #colorcrush

It was a joy playing and painting these botanical pieces. I painted all of them one after the other in about an hour or so. There are times when I fuss over what to paint and work on. This was not one of those times and it felt really good.

I hope you are inspired to create art and do more of what you love. Thank you for stopping by and following me on this creative journey.

Until next time, share a smile and shine on!

🌸  Patty Anne  🌸

Patty Anne Art

I’m on Instagram @pattyanneart

 

Author: pattyanneart

An artist in love with watercolor painting and photography. On a journey to share art and happiness.

20 thoughts on “Botanicals with a large flat brush”

  6. I enjoy seeing your experimentation, Patty Anne! 🌸 When I took a local beginning watercolor class (several years ago), the teacher only allowed us to paint in Payne’s Gray and with a 1 inch brush. I learned a lot about value this way and I too was amazed with this size brush. Your botanicals and colors are lovely! I like the different colors and shapes you were able to get. 💚🌿🌷

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  9. I will have to try using a large flat brush, I love using one for acrylic, never thought about watercolor! I just got a dagger brush which makes awesome leaves, and I’ve ordered a pointed oval wash brush…what is the old adage, “it’s all about the tools” or something like that! Your experimental paintings are loose and lovely!
    Jenna

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