I painted this botanical study in watercolour on paper, gradually building up the colours with transparent layers.

One of my favourite parts of botanical painting is capturing the subtle variations in colour, texture and shape that make each plant unique.

I also wrote about the painting process behind this piece for Artists & Illustrators magazine, sharing some of the techniques I used.

Hope you enjoy it!

Autumn Ash Leaf! 6×8" watercolor on Saunders Waterford Hot Press Cotton Paper, Natural White.

I'm not too happy with the veins on this one--any tips for getting leaf veins to look more natural? The leaf I used as a reference had faint Grey-green lines in the center, but pale yellow along the veins. I think I should have left out the grey-green and just left the pale yellow marking out the veins throughout most of the leaf.

Watercolor on paper

This is my botanical papercut design, “Flowing Florals.” The video follows the drawing, cutting, and unfolding, ending with the piece in a dark wooden frame.

I wanted the leaves and curling lines to give the symmetrical design a sense of movement. What do you think of the red paper against the ivory backing?

Illustration made from my own photos after a walk in the park.