Artwork-Miya Arts Gouache & Van Gogh Interference Watercolor over watercolor on Hahnemühle Cézanne Cold Press. Brushes: Jack Richeson 713995 Watermedia Pocket Plein Air Brush Set Photo reference from Masy on Pixabay.
So how did I get from that to this?
I’m sorry I didn’t have my camera or scanner to take step by step photos. Simply, though – I took a piece of paper I had use to practice brush strokes and used it to test my gouache for opacity.
Gouache is more opaque than watercolor but colors differ in how opaque they are. I used a flat brush throughout.
These were my steps:
- Using Gouache, I
- Painted the entire background Medium Orange
- Used the negative painting method, I added a coat of Ponceau (acid red) around the shape of the hummingbird and branch
- Used Prussian Blue on the dark areas of the bird
- Used Medium Orange and Ponceau on the throat and stomach
- Using Interference Watercolor, I –
- Added Interference Green to the lighter areas of the bird, blending it into the Prussian Blue
- For the branch, I –
- Used up the left over color, using the tip of the brush flat to add texture.
Life Imitates Doodles 
Lovely little bird
Thank you, Lori!
I should save you ALL my practice sheets!!! what a lovely transformation….a hummer!
Thank you, Judy! You should play with your practice sheets. It’s fun!
My first thought was, that practice sheet turned into a stunning Humming bird. Looks great using the gouache, appears gouache is being the number one art supply. Gorgeous out come, did a beautiful art piece, looking forward to seeing it on Instagram.
Thank you, Joan! I won’t be abandoning watercolor, but I’m definitely going to be using gouache on a regular basis.
hahaha! I could send you my practice sheets, too! love the little hummer!
Alice, you should play with your own practice sheets – you’d make magic with them!
Amazing hummingbird sandra
Thank you, Lynne!
Excellent technique and wonderful hummingbird! I love the color vibrance!
Thank you, Kathy!