STORY BEHIND THE ART OF INMA MEDINA

22nd Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists at Marin Art & Garden Center

Orange Sovereign Amaryllis

Hippeastrum 'Orange Souvereign'

I have been buying amaryllis bulbs in the winter ever since I can remember. Nothing lifts my spirits during the cold season as the blooms from an amaryllis do. By the end of 2017 I had learned enough watercolor painting techniques to try something large. I watched some tutorials online and picked up some techniques and that got me started. I was feeling confident enough to attempt a large botanical. I love large floral paintings. I was inspired by Rosie Sanders after buying her book "Flowers." I thought to myself, "This is how I want to paint." 

I had used watercolor before in a very loose fashion illustration way. I wanted to make a true botanical painting on a large sheet of great quality paper. I decided to sign up with Billy Showell because I wanted an artistic approach and not a photographic copy. Someone on Instagram suggested her online class to me. So this painting is my transition from realistic dry brushing to wet-in-wet technique. I used both techniques on this painting because it was what felt comfortable to me at the time. It ended up very realistic as I was enjoying painting the details.

I loved the process but it was very challenging. The paper was not behaving with wet-in-wet even though it is Arches HP 300 lb. It was warping so much every time I did big washes. I was frustrated and put it on hold for a while. Then I tried to flatten it out wetting the whole sheet from behind and putting weight on it. It worked and I was happy to repeat the flattening technique again and again. I will never use Arches for wet-in-wet ever again.

The flowers last a long time which gave me plenty of time to get an accurate drawing. I took many photos from different angles and to study the composition. I wanted to look close up and in your face. I wanted drama. Even though there is a flower at the center, I wanted the viewer to see the flowers behind to the right. It is what I love about this painting! The buds are in different stages rotating to the full bloom in the center who is looking away as if she does not care how beautiful she is. 

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