I don’t know how far I’ll go, but one thing is for sure: “If I don’t go, I’ll get nowhere.”

This beautiful purple lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor)was simple, but capturing the light and shadow was a bit tricky for me to paint.

I freehanded this painting directly onto the paper. Normally, I sketch first and then trace it onto my watercolour for more complicated subject. The bud was a bit tricky to draw and I had to erase a lot while working on it.

I applied the first layer matching the lightest colour that I could see.

Then, I added more layers, gradually building from light to dark, layer by layer, until I was satisfied with the tonal range.

I lost some of the lightest tones, so I used white gouache to add the tiny details I had missed.

The key to painting in layers is to wait for the paint to dry before adding the next one.

I had a good time to paint this flower, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Thank you so much!

✨MATERIALS/TOOLS I use

🌿 270gsm smooth sketchbook

🌿 Watercolour paints

🌿 Brush size: 3/0, 2/0, 1, 2, 4

✨You can download my photo here: