I painted my first leaf using a real leaf as reference subject just as an experiment, to see if I could really do it. And I was so delighted to see the end result ! I have painted many leaves after that - using the same basic technique. The key is to study the leaf closely and understand the colors and all the imperfections and then just have fun while adding layers over layers :)

This was one of the first two leaf paintings I did. Choosing a simpler subject - i.e. smaller leaf , fewer hues...

Painting Lifelike Watercolor Leaves by Referencing a Real Leaf - image 1 - student project

I graduated to painting a slightly more complicated ones..

Painting Lifelike Watercolor Leaves by Referencing a Real Leaf - image 3 - student project

and finally my most love creation was this twisted dried leaves...

Painting Lifelike Watercolor Leaves by Referencing a Real Leaf - image 5 - student project

Kanchan Kaul

Artist and Illustrator

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