Working with yellow and tackling a leaf - Part 2

Working with Yellow and Tackling a Leaf - Part 2

Continue following along with me as I put the finishing touches to the painting of a lemon and its leaf.

Step 8

When painting a leaf, always remember - form before detail. Ensure you have perfected the illusion of its shape and form before adding in details such as veins.

Step 9

If the edge of the leaf is slightly serrated, you can draw this detail on carefully in very light pencil.

Step 10

As you keep building up the layers of colour, remember to move between the lemon and leaf to allow each area sufficient time to dry.

Step 11

Once you're happy with the form of your lemon, you can begin to add in details such as dents or blemishes. If you ever make a mistake or want to remove something, simply wet your brush and rub it over the area then blot it away with a piece of kitchen paper.

Step 12

Turning your attention back to the leaf, it's time to add in the veins. Add a darker shade of green to the left of a vein, then smooth it away so there's a gentle shadow beneath it to create a dark divot. Do this for each one all the way up the leaf.

Step 13

Add the finishing touches. The leaf may have a fair amount of shine, and this can be emphasised by making the contrast between your light and dark areas quite stark.