The Mysrety of Flowers. The Mystery of Color. Painting in Multi-Layer Watercolor Technique

The article is dedicated to composing and painting a floral still life in multi-layer watercolor. The author, drawing on his more than half a century experience in creative and pedagogical work, reveals major challenges faced by artists. The primary focus is directed towards a particularly demanding task of arranging a still life ensemble harmonious in terms of color, with flowers occupying a central place, while all other elements (stems and leaves, vase, background, etc.) play a role of a tactful and apt “accompaniment”. In this regard, the author examines successful tone and background choices for flower still lifes, taking into account the peculiarities of color perception depending on the color palette of the surrounding environment. Using his creative work as an example, the author unveils the key principles behind arranging and painting still lifes with bouquets of blue, white, yellow and red flowers, field herbs, as well as floral still lifes on deep dark backgrounds. The author explores the question of proper layer-bylayer transmission of chiaroscuro, light and shade. Likewise, the most common difficulties connected to watercolor painting, as well as the best ways to overcome them are delineated. The article is intended for teachers and students of art schools at all levels; it will also be of interest to professional artists as the author offers solutions to complex problems arising when one works with color in a particularly exigent multi-layer watercolor technique.