Page 21 - DP1_Spring2019

skill-builder
PAINTING REALISTIC LEAVES
by Liz Miller cda
STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 STEP 4 STEP 5
STEP-BY-STEP
Step 1 – Basecoat leaf following the secondary vein direction.
Step 2 – Shade base of leaf about 1/3 toward tip using the dark value on a sideloaded flat brush. Shade behind the vein line in a triangular shape.
Step 3 – Highlight by dry-brushing with a light value under the vein, lower 1/3 of leaf. Add veins with the light value. Secondary veins take the shape of the base of the leaf.
Step 4 – Strengthen shade at base of leaf with dark value to shade vein.
Step 5 – Add accent colors from your design on the outside edge using a sideloaded brush.
Areas to shade:
A-Baseofleaf
B - Behind vein in a triangular shape C - Cast shadows
Highlight under the vein, dry-brush with light value.
Never divide the leaf completely with shadow, highlight, or accents.
DECORATIVEPAINTERS.ORG 19