A flower painting currently being worked on as notebook cover art, also available as $8 prints (smallest size)
This piece went through a lot of changes, originally starting out as a much darker shaded piece with hot pink and aqua blue. Eventually, it just became lighter and lighter, as most paintings do for me. It’s a habit of mine to make a bright light source over everything, nothing is ever in shadow so I’m not good darker values.
... Read moreHey creators! Many of you are looking for ways to paint those beautiful lavender flowers, and while my recent artwork was a digital piece on Procreate, I wanted to share some of my personal insights and tips that can help you create your own stunning digital lavender paintings.
Getting Started with Your Digital Lavender Canvas
When I begin a new piece, especially one like my lavender flowers, I often start with a mood or a feeling. For this one, I envisioned a bright, light, and airy floral pattern. Even for abstract lavender flowers, it helps to look at reference photos to understand the general shape and how the tiny florets cluster together. In Procreate, I usually begin with a rough sketch layer to block out the composition. Don't worry about perfection here; it's just a guide!
Building Layers: From Darker Shades to Soft Purple Petals
One thing I've learned in my digital painting journey is that starting too dark can be a challenge if you aim for a bright outcome. My recent lavender piece initially had much darker shades, but I found myself constantly lightening it. If you're like me and love a bright light source over everything, try starting with mid-tones and gradually building up your colors. For those soft, light purple and white petals, I use several layers with varying opacities. I often use a soft airbrush for the base, then switch to more textured brushes to create those visible brushstrokes that give the artwork character and life. Procreate's blending modes can be your best friend here, allowing you to layer colors without them getting muddy.
Achieving That Bright, Airy Floral Feel
My signature style often involves a bright light source, making everything feel illuminated. To achieve this in your digital lavender art, think about where your light is coming from. Use lighter hues and subtle highlights on the petals facing the light. For the 'airy' feel, don't overwork every detail. Letting some areas be softer or slightly out of focus can enhance the sense of depth and movement. I love using a subtle glow effect on my bright petals, often with a 'Screen' or 'Add' blending mode layer in Procreate, to really make them pop against the background. It helps create that ethereal, vibrant look, perfect for a notebook cover or print.
Experimenting with Brushes and Texture
To make your digital lavender painting truly yours, experiment with different brushes. Beyond the soft airbrush for blending, I use brushes that imitate natural textures to add visible brushstrokes, giving the abstract lavender flowers a more organic feel. Some of my favorites are textured gouache brushes or even some of the default charcoal brushes in Procreate with adjusted settings for a delicate touch. These help create the illusion of individual florets without having to paint each one perfectly. Remember, digital painting allows for endless experimentation without the fear of 'ruining' your canvas, so don't be afraid to try new things!
Final Touches and Your Unique Style
Once I'm happy with the overall form and light, I take a step back. What else does it need? Perhaps a few delicate green stems peeking through, or tiny speckles of light to mimic dew drops. These small details can elevate your digital painting. The joy of digital art is that you can always refine and adjust. If something isn't working, you can easily erase or paint over it. My journey with art has shown me that every piece evolves, and embracing that process, much like my lavender piece that grew lighter and lighter, is part of finding your own unique artistic voice. Keep practicing, keep experimenting, and most importantly, enjoy the beautiful process of creating!