Sketching a yellow iris

Today, I’d like to share a flower painting tutorial on how to sketch yellow irises, using the sketching technique I like to call “Loose but Precise.” This demo also shows how to sketch slightly more complex flowers.

Irises are one of my all-time favorite flowers to draw. I just love figuring out how their complex, layered petals overlap. I try to balance precise line work with the loose flow of watercolor, allowing the paint to do its thing while still maintaining a sense of detail and structure.

Here’s the video:

Sketching a yellow iris

Watch this video on YouTube.

My process:

• I begin with a detailed pencil sketch, using an HB mechanical pencil with a 0.5 lead
• I start by observing the main shapes, edges, and overall structure of the iris.
• I take my time to study the subject (I look at the flower longer than at the paper)
• For the painting part, I start with light loose washes, letting the paint move around on its own
• With the following layers, I build up more color and contrast to give the sketch more depth
• For visual interest, I add in small details and subtle textures, always keeping in mind that too much additions here and there will lead to an overworked painting.
• I find it helpful to work on several sketches at once – this allows me to keep the process moving without having to wait for each layer to dry completely.

One aspect I like about this technique is how the watercolor almost has a mind of its own, flowing in unexpected ways. I guide the paint, but I also let it do its thing, resulting in a lively sketch that still has details – hence “loose but precise”.

I hope this post has inspired you to pick up your pencil and sketch a few flowers! As I’m going through my Introduction to Botanical Sketching course with a small group right now, I’m seeing so many flowers in bloom that would make great sketching subjects!

P.S. Maybe you’ve heard about Cara, the new social platform from artists for artists that has a strict no AI policy. Their user base has exploded in recent weeks, especially after Meta announced they would take their user’s content to train their AI. Turns out that artists have had enough.
Despite all my past criticism about social media, I joined and lookes around, and I have to say I’m really enjoying that place! Cara shows what the art community is actually about: connection, creativity and lots of amazing art. It’s so cool to have a platform that’s not focused on videos, amassing followers and seeing your peers as competetion, but just for water cooler talk, discovering new artists and having a good time with fellow creatives.
I’ve rediscovered a lot of artists that I’ve lost track of when I quit Meta (plus a few new ones, Cara lets you adjust what you want to see), and overall it’s been a good experience. I’m here if you want to say hello: https://cara.app/naturesketchbook