In February, I went to see an art exhibition with my husband. The destination was one of my favorite art galleries in Helsinki. Helsinki Contemporary has interesting artists, and I also like the gallery space and how it’s located in the center, near many art supply stores. This time I was to see watercolor paintings by
This time I was to see watercolor paintings by Kati Immonen. She is a master in watercolor techniques, but I also became fascinated by the theme. The exhibition called Flora included many still lifes that were like miniature worlds. My husband is fond of bonsai trees so he liked the theme too.
Easter Still Lifes with a Wet Brush
Yesterday when I picked up my watercolor set to paint something seasonal for you, I remembered the exhibition. I became inspired by the simple idea of painting a pot or a vase and then adding some spring flowers using a lot of water. By painting with a wet brush, the flowers could appear naturally along with any other unintentional decorative elements.
After painting with oils and acrylics recently, my skills were a bit rusty so I made three paintings. Here’s the first one.
Here’s the second one.
Easter Still Life on a Video
After the second painting, I turned on the camera and recorded a video of making the third one. It is a mixture of the two previous ones, a bit simpler than the first one yet somewhat complicated and refined than the second one. After creating these, I applaud Kati Immonen! I have a long way to go to challenge her, but it doesn’t prevent me from enjoying the watercolors from time to time. Watch the video with some tips to create your own spring painting!
Acrylics or Watercolors – You Choose!
I enjoyed painting with the watercolors so much that I made an extra video for my next online workshop Planet Color. Whether you want to use acrylics or watercolors (or both) in the class, I will help you! Sign up now!
What a stunning painting, gorgeous colours xx
Thank you, Kerrymay!!
What a beautiful painting! Do you prefer hot or cold press paper?
Thank you, Meri! I prefer hot press because it’s smoother. I sometimes do the finishing touches with colored pencils, and less textured paper is then better.
Loved this! It looks like so much fun. I have to try it. Thank you!
Thanks, Rae Lynn! Go for it!
I always look forward to your demos. Thank you for sharing
Thank you, Mary!
Fascinating! The colors are so soft and dreamy. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
Thank you, Cindy! Many of these colors actually include a lot of brown, something that many are afraid of using for color mixtures referring them as “muddy.” But I love to use brown when painting with watercolors!
So lovely! You are so generous with sharing your ideas. Thank you.
Thank you, Linda!
Another nice video of you. Watching it, I became cheerful.
Your painting gives me feelings of spring.
Thanks so much, Florenel!
Love the softness of the flowers….you make it seem so easy!
Thank you, Eloise!
Thank you so much. Loved watching as usual!!!!!!
Thank you, Vikki!
I enjoyed watching you do the entire piece with watercolor. My favorite parts were the tiny, sharp points on two leaves and when you added several dots of varying sizes (still small though). It was such a pleasure to see you work. Thanks for the lovely spring present!
Thanks so much, Mary! Hopefully, you had a wonderful Easter!
As always, I enjoy your work and watching your process. You have been such an inspiration for me and helped me learn so many new techniques.
Thanks so much, Valerie!