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This class has two main projects, but there are a few preliminary exercises you can participate in! Please create a project in the class project section and upload pictures of your progress and finished products!

EXERCISES:

-Experiment with mixing greens. Mix at least 10 unique colors.

-Draw 6 boxes on a piece of paper. Practice brush strokes in each box, using the video as a guide.

-Practice basic leaf shapes. Fill an entire page with basic leaves.

-Practice painting specific types of greenery: tulip, spray, silver dollar eucalyptus, mum.

PROJECTS:

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1. FRAMED MINIMALIST ARTWORK - We will paint our favorite greenery and place in a frame for a minimalist art piece to display in your home. It's such a cute and trendy project, you will love the final piece!

SUPPLIES:

watercolor paper, cold-pressed
frame (I use a glass "floating frame" style)
paintbrushes, round - in a variety of sizes (I use 0, 2, 6, 8, 10, 16 in this course)
paper towel
paints (You can find palettes for $6 at Michaels if you don't already have a collection of paints!)
water container
artists tape (optional, if you are not using a watercolor block)

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STEPS:

1. Gather your supplies. Trim your paper to the desired final size. Tape your paper down if you are not using a watercolor block.

2. Choose your favorite type of greenery to paint. You can scroll through Pinterest or Instagram if you need inspiration! Some of my favorites include: silver dollar eucalyptus (pictured), ferns, ivy, fiddle fig tree leaves, and hypericum berries.

3. Paint from memory or use a photo as reference, starting in the center of the paper. When you are finished, use a pencil or art pen to write the name of the plant for a vinatge botanical print look.

4. Allow piece to dry. Place in frame and display!

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2. FRAMED PATTERN ARTWORK - We will practice all our skills by creating a greenery pattern on a square piece of paper. Students have the option to frame when they are finished.

SUPPLIES:

watercolor paper, cold-pressed
frame (I use a glass "floating frame" style)
paintbrushes, round - in a variety of sizes (I use 0, 2, 6, 8, 10, 16 in this course)
paper towel
paints (You can find palettes for $6 at Michaels if you don't already have a collection of paints!)
water container

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STEPS:

1. Gather your supplies. Trim your paper to the desired size. I will be using a paper that is 12"x12". Tape your paper down if you are not using a watercolor block.

2. This project is simliar to our first project, but allows you more practice at painting several types of foliage. Choose a few of your favorite types of greenery (3-5), and mix a different green for each one. This will create a lovely variation in color values in your finished product.

3. Begin by painting one type of greenery in the center of the paper (ex. fern). You want it to be fairly small so that you can fit lots of little leaves on the page. Choose random spots on the page to place additional matching leaves. *Note: Leaving a 1" empty border around all edges will create a "matted" effect or illusion when framed.* When you've scattered these leaves throughout the page, choose a new paint color and paint a different type of greenery (ex. hydrangea leaf). Repeat the same steps - placing small paintings randomly throughout the page. When you're satisfied, move onto another color and new leaf. Continue until you feel the page is filled perfectly.

4. Allow to dry. Place in desired frame, and display! This makes a great home decor piece or gift!

Carina Bianchi

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