Another very tiny flower that attracted my attention. I first saw it at the Chelsea Physic Garden in London and knew I had to paint it.

I didn’t realise what problems (opportunities) I was opening myself up for. I started paint the picture on Fabriano Artistico, Extra White, my favourite brand of hot pressed paper. I found that the nearest colour to the blue pink of the flowers was Quinacridone Magenta – Pigment PR 122. I know that some may well have chosen Opera Rose, but this has a dye added which is not permanent. I needed to ensure that the picture was of the same lightfast quality as all my other paintings.

My first problem; the paints I generally use are transparent and therefore the colour of the underlying paper or colours already painted will affect the colour I lay on top. Fabriano Artistico, although extra white, does have a very pale cream hue to it. The Quinacridone magenta became very dull on the paper. Halfway through the main branch I had to start all over again on a different Fabriano paper that is very white. This time the Magenta was not affected negatively by the underlying colour of the paper. But what a lot of work to get this far.

2nd problem; I had intended drawing the little sprig mid centre actual size in graphite. But the colours of the Fuchsia are very strong and drowned out any work in graphite. Ink was the solution. Now I feel that the different parts of the composition have a balance and allow the view to see, examine and appreciate the detail.

By the way, I was very surprised at how large the ripe fruit was!

Medium: Watercolour and graphite on hot pressed paper.
Price: Original sold but please get in touch with me via the ‘Contact Page’ for details of prints.
Size: 16.5 x 20 cm.
Prints: Available