Captivated by Water Lilies
The beauty of water lilies is most closely associated with French Impressionist artist Claude Monet. From the late 1890s to his death in 1926, Monet created nearly 250 oil paintings of the many moods and changing light of the water lily pond in his garden. Water lilies have also captivated botanists, whose pressed plant specimens are preserved in herbarium collections around the world. Since I have neither pond nor oils nor pretense of becoming an Impressionist painter, I was drawn instead to the dried form of Nymphaea odorata, the white water lily. It’s not as showy or colorful when pressed, but I find it beautiful, nonetheless, with its simple curves and striking, subtle colors.
Tips and Techniques- Before beginning a painting, play around with different paint combinations to see what will work best for your subject. I made this painting almost entirely with just three colors: ultramarine blue, alizarin crimson, and quinacridone gold. This combination created muted and transparent colors that worked perfectly for the green and maroon leaves and the brown rhizome and stems. Diluted with lots of water, it also produced the subtle tones of the flowers and dragonfly wings. Using a limited palette makes it easier to create subtle shifts in color and create harmony throughout a painting.
Drawn In 
This is absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks Susanne!
Beautiful,as always-and genius tips! Thank you
Try out that paint combination sometime, Denise. It makes very nice greens and browns.
Absolutely stunning, Jean! Although you may have worked from a pressed specimen, you’ve magically brought the plant to back life. Maybe it was the addition of water(color)(???) but I’m most certain it was your skill in creating botanicals. The dragonfly was a perfect addition. I’m curious about the epithet “odorata.” This word seems to imply some part of the Waterlily is stinky? Any clue? Thank you so much for sharing this page duet.
You’ll see “odorata” with many flower names– from Latin, it means “fragrant” rather than “smelly.”
Learn something new every day! Thanks Jean!
I love reading the names of the colors as much as seeing your lovely results. Perfect fall image.
I’m glad you like the color names! There’s a whole world of blues, reds, and yellows (etc.) out there and being a painter really makes you notice them and hone your ability to recreate them.
Such a beautiful vintage feeling page. Never thought of using those color combinations. Thanks for your generous tips.
Try them out Pat. Quin gold is a wonderful warm yellow that makes some lovely muted greens, golds, browns, etc. Think of this combination as a “muted primary” with the quin gold substituting for a more pure yellow.
+seeing the water lilies and dragonfly ? like reading haiku..perfect way to start this day..
Thanks Sandra!
I wonder if you have painted these gorgeous flowers, stems, roots and pad from a museum collection. We inherited property in New York, a 130 acre lot with many man made lakes scattered with water lillies. I’ve taken many, many photos of yellow, white and pink flowers . I love the colors of the lilly pads as they turn yellow and rust. Yours are so beautifully muted. Quin gold is one of my favorite colors! Thanks for your precision work.
Hi Bernadette- Yes, I used several herbarium specimens from the early 1900s to create this piece. Each specimen had different elements– some had full flowers, other had flowers that were not open yet. Some showed both sides of the lily pad, etc. Lucky you to have a pond with the real thing!
I love what you’ve done here with the water lilies. What a wonderful point of view, beautiful lines, and unique colors.
Thanks much. The curved stems present a lot of nice design possibilities.
No question – Water lilies are a compelling subject! I love those leaf shapes and it’s clear that you do, too. 🙂 The composition, the inclusion of the dragonfly often seen around water lilies, and the bit of rootstock are all so perfectly done. And you painted the crease too, right? Are you going to do a Flora of NY series in this style?
I’m not planning to do a series, though I may do these again on a larger sheet. The shapes and possibilities are lovely. And the tangle of roots reminds me of doing a nest. I’d like to get even more detailed. But now that you mention a series…hmmmm.
🙂
Absolutely stunning!
Stunning work! I am working on a presentation for a university project concerning Water Lilies, could I have your permission to include your art? You will be credited of course, and it is not for commercial purposes.
Have a nice day,
Frank
Hi Frank- Thanks for reaching out. Yes, it’s fine for you to use the work with credit. — Jean
Stunning work! I am working on a presentation for a university project concerning Water Lilies, could I have your permession to include your art? You will be credited of course, and it is not for commercial purposes.
Have a nice day,
Frank
That would be fine, Frank. Thanks for asking.