Peach Iris in a Watercolor Demonstration by Lisa Hill

1. Traditional watercolor techniques call for progressive glazes of paint from light values to dark. A more unconventional method works in reverse - establishing the dark values first.

I have used this method on previous paintings and been pleased with the results.

Fiery Food and Puzzled Peppers

The ruffled form of the iris blossoms is developed with low intensity greens and browns. The range of values from medium to dark defines the dips and valleys of the ruffles and folds. Masking fluid was applied to the edges of some petals to preserve the bright white of the paper and the illusion of sunlight on the petals.

2. Very pale glazes of pinkish orange and yellow are applied to the petals over the medium dark values in step 1. The stem and buds take shape.

Peach Parfait - watercolor painting demo of pink & yellow iris

Iris perfection in a glorious color duet of pinkish orange and golden yellow.

5. A few water droplets complete the painting. The uncommon color combinations in this iris were very eye-catching.

I live near a gentleman who breeds iris to be introduced for sale through commercial iris growers.

He was kind and let me into his glorious garden to photograph row upon row of colorful, majestic iris.

4. A loosely defined background of mottled green, blue and light orange is developed with plenty of water on the paper. The final effect will be of dappled sunlight on a hazy backdrop.

3. Additional glazes of orange and yellow show the beautiful color combination in the standards (upright petals) and fall (downward petals) of this iris.