Plant portraits spotlight a particular plant subject, using more artistic expression than botanical illustrations. Plant portraits often magnify the beauty of some aspect of the plant, while botanical illustrations focus more on accurately recording the plant details for scientific use. Plant portraits can be painted in either a “loose” abstract or a “tight” realistic style. The choice depends on the artist‘s interpretation of the subject and the desired outcome.
Gouache is a specific type of watercolor that is opaque rather than transparent. It provides more saturated color, more options in layering, and the ability to work from dark to light colors in a plant portrait. Gouache is a great medium for beginning painters because it is workable and re-workable. It has a velvety finish that can mimic the texture of plants, and it can be used alone or in conjunction with traditional watercolor paints.
