Iris Garden • Watercolor | Mixed Media

I've taken many photos of my irises and my iris garden while the flowers were in full bloom. Now when painting, I try to not copy the photograph but try to interpret / translate and capture the essence of what I see. It's an ongoing challenge and I like it.

During the process, one of my aims was to work in purples and pinks with a counterpoint of light yellow-green; another was to paint iris en masse rather than individually; to use "not good" watercolor paper; and to not worry about the outcome.

I first drew iris of different sizes—as Edgar Whitney described them: Papa, Baby, and Momma-sized shapes. I used a No. 10 round brush, adding color to the three main irises—using various purples, blue-purples, and rose. I added stems in yellow-green. I dried paint using a hair dryer. I wet the background of my "not good," very hard-surfaced paper and went over everything with a transparent Quinacridone Rose. While the painting was wet, I went back in and drew the iris (modified blind contour) with a dark pencil, then added more of the same colors. I brought the photographed image into Photoshop and played with filters.

Since this episode of "playing with paint in mixed media," I've painted other additions to the Iris Garden on 140 lb. Arches Cold Press. I will post new images.