Pink Lotus Pond

This was painted in my mulberry paper sketchbook. The paper is different from conventional watercolor paper. It does not allow for lifting of pigment from the paper. So every brush stroke is unforgiving and permanent. It also bleeds very easily. I have to say it is very difficult to paint on, but the paper is so beautiful it is worth it. The paper is very soft and has a wonderful shimmering quality, that unfortunately you can't see in the scan.

Blue Lotus 2

Blue Lotus

It took me about 3 weeks to paint this, but now I am allllmost finished. Just gotta put in some more highlights and shadows. I really envy people who can do a drawing a day. I wish I could do that.

This painting was inspired by a painting on a Korean temple. I've tried to paint a few lotus plants, but my backgrounds are not my strong point. I saw a painting with a great background of lotus leaves and I tried to emulate it, while trying not to copy completely. I think it worked out okay. I like the way the lotus flower on the left looks. I also like the tilted perspective.