Flower Sketch – Snake’s Head Fritillary
Let’s create a flower sketch together of an unusual-looking wildflower: a Snake’s Head Fritillary, also nicknamed the “chess flower”.
Some blooms have a way of pulling us closer to get a better look. This little flower is one of them. Its nodding bell-shaped head and characteristic checkerboard pattern gives it an understated beauty that grows on you the longer you spend looking at it.
So rather than paint this one first and foremost from what my eyes see (i.e. in a realistic style), I wanted to paint it from my heart. To bring in a higher degree of subjectivity, in order that I can show you this flower through the softened gaze of someone mesmerised by its beautiful pattern.
I call this approach to creating ‘botanical sketching’. It’s a practice I’ve been enjoying for the past couple of years – appreciating it even more since becoming unexpectedly widowed almost a year ago. As well as the deep connection with the subject I find it gives me, it’s also rewarding to be able to complete a painting in a quick session.
I’ve mostly been working with a limited pallete when I create a flower sketch. The colours I use are all Winsor & Newton paint, in the colours Burnt Sienna, French Ultramarine, Payne’s Gray, Permanent Rose , Winsor Green (Yellow Shade) and Winsor Lemon. You can find more details about supplies here. I also use a black Polychromos pencil by Faber-Castell for the line drawing.
Watch the flower sketch mini class:
I hope watching this mini class has inspired you to make a flower sketch of your own, and that you’ll give Line and Wash style a try if you haven’t yet. It can make a great addition to your regular artistic practice.
Along with the step-by-step full length version of this class, there are more full length classes in this style included with Nature Studio membership. There’s also this free mini class where I show you how to paint a line and wash freesia. If you need more tips on how to loosen up your painting style, watch this little video.
I’d love for you to leave me a comment if you’ve enjoyed this class. Let me know if you’re feeling inspired to give this flower a try. And if you paint it with me, tell me how it went!
With love,
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Thank you for your freebie content asmany of us are financially strapped buy stillwant to learn how to become an artist. 🤗
Congratulations! Really nice work! Thanks for sharing!
Enjoyed your mini class.
Inspiring!
Like to watch your free Class Is it today at 5;30 or a later class ?
I enjoyed your class very much
Thank you so much. These little mini classes are so much fun!
Thank you for this as lm trying to get back into painting after a long time of loosing my enthusiasm..
I love watching your freebies! You are so gracious and thoughtful as you go through the steps. I retired last June and thought I am going to get back into art. Now it seems like I’m too busy cleaning and organizing and thankfully, getting in a walk in pretty often…but I just caught this replay and loved it!
I know the anniversary of your husband’s death is approaching. I went through the loss of my husband in October 2005 but it still seems like yesterday. The hurt and tears still pop in after all this time but I was blessed to have him in my life. You are such a beautiful person and I want you to know how much I appreciate you taking the time for these classes. take care…Hugs!
Wow…thank you so much for this free class. This flower is very unique and beautiful.
I’ve yet to use the watercolors in my cabinet, and the oils. I’ve been using acrylics for years.
They’ve become ‘easy’ and ‘habiyual’ by now I expect.
I’m going to give this flower a go today when I sit down to paint. I’ve been working on an 11′ by 14′ of flowers. I think I’ll add this beauty to it!
I will certainly look for more of your free mini classes for now.
Thank you for them, I appreciate the time you put in for them.
Xo