Hi Sandra

You’re right, little white flowers ARE tricky. I’m not always consistent with how I handle them. Sometimes, if time is tight, I will just outline them and have done. Other times I work into them with very pale washes to suggest shadows. But like you say, it’s ever so easy to make a mess of little whites, by swamping them with colour. For things like cow parsleys, I often just rely on the initial pencil lines to show the flower edges. I’ve written a blog on ideas on how to tackle white flowers: https://lizzieharper.co.uk/2013/02/botanical-illustration-tips-on-painting-white-flowers/ and there’s a youtube video of me talking about the same thing: https://youtu.be/L3ar7Ffp9RY. Lots of different approaches. But I get it wrong quite often, leaving a flower looking incomplete or overworked. Guess it goes to how that no matter HOW long you’ve been illustrating plants for, there’s still so much to learn. Which, on reflection, is actually quite exciting. Thanks for the comment!

Hi Sharon

Thanks for this, and the email which I’ve replied to. I couldn’t agree more, helping pollinators is so important. Good luck with the project!

Hi Lizzie, Would you be interested in painting the knotweed onto Japanese Knotweed paper (Home made).I could send you some. Councillor Kevin Griffiths supports my Japanese Knotweed reseach. How I wish he had more power over all our Councils, and other services. I am working on a project to save our Bees/Butterflies (pollinators) from dangerous pesticide abuse.

Here is some of my handmade Japanese Knotweed paper. My art is not great. But I hope to take lessons from my very clever arty daughter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DviJZfp2cCk

I would like to gather art from all over the world from artists that have drawn/painted Japanese Knotweed, bees, butterflies, moths and other pollinators. Then I hope to put together a video with music of all the artists. Promoting their work with thier website links. I hope this will help struggling artists, and help save our little bee and butterfly friends. Here is an example of the video I would like to make. I know some amazing singers. My partner, daughter, and Avis. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TW5Pfaq3qXs Very much hope to hear from you.

Kind wishes, Sharon (Warrior Mumzee)

My absolute pleasure, Angela.

Hi Rosyln

Layering IS tricky – you always think you might ruin everything or go too dark too soon. Both are possible, but you have to try things to find out what does and doesnt work, and Im really pleased this post has hints and tips that might help out.Hope youre enjoying your new-founs talent and art work, Im so pleased to be a part of that! Thanks for the comment.

Karol

What a wonderful comment. You’re so right about the meditative nature of working with a tiny brush, I know exactly what you mean. Thanks so much for leaving a comment, and for buying books I’ve done the pictures for! Your support is much appreciated, and I’m so glad I’ve helped encourage you to expand your artist’s practice!

Yours
Lizzie

Your paintings have inspired me to buy some books you helped illustrate. Thereby developing my botanical interest
Also to purchase the brushes you use .

After painting all my life I have finally discovered detailed work and the meditative rewards of painting with a triple zero brush

I am sure you have delighted and inspired many people

Huge hug
Love always.
Karolx