FINDING PETUNIAS - 1

In class I just taught a technique for "finding" your subject, using a photo of petunias.  The first few photos are of my demo.

We sprayed water on the paper.
Then, using the photo reference, paint was applied loosely in the general shape of the flowers.
The class chose to do blue petunias, so I applied various shades of blue,
some violets and pinks for the flower areas and greens, blues and yellow for the green around the flowers.

When the first layer of color was dry, I began "finding" petunias.
You have to use your imagination - and your photo is simply a beginning reference point.
At first you think you don't see any flowers, but all of a sudden they begin to appear!
Then I deepened the greenery around the flowers, and adding some areas of shadow within the flowers.
At this point, I only want to indicate the flowers through the use of negative painting.

Here is how the day ended - with the flowers indicated.  The background may or may not be complete. 

Now here are some of the students' work:

You can see how she has begun finding her flowers, and has even added some of the centers.

More petunias being found!

And more!