Aloe Vera in the Sun - Back to Basics : Preview

Sun-drenched, simple, and full of light.

In this tutorial, we’ll paint a glowing Aloe Vera plant, using nothing more than three simple tones and a handful of colours to capture the magic of light and shadow. Watercolour was made for this — and when you keep it simple, the results can be amazing.

You’ll learn how to:

Build the whole painting in an easy step-by-step process, from drawing and watery washes to the shadows and finishing touches.

Look for very simple shapes to slowly but surely build your painting.

Use paint consistency (the real key to watercolour) to control light and shadow.

Work with just three tones to create form and depth.

Carve out the Aloe’s bold leaf shapes using negative painting.

Trap light in the background so your subject shines.

These “back to basics” tutorials are all about the joy of watercolour; smaller paper, simple colours, and no fuss. 

Perfect if you’re new to the school or want to refresh the fundamentals, but also addictive for experienced painters who love getting back to the joy and simplicity at the heart of watercolour!