How to Paint a Flower on Rice Paper Using Watercolors

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Obtain a piece of cardboard.

   White mat or illustration board is an ideal weight.
   
   Cut it to the size you want your art piece to be.  9" x 12" or 11"x 14" are good sizes because they will fit into a standard size frame. ,  Cut a piece that is slightly bigger than your support board.
   
   There is no right or wrong side to the paper., Use a scrap of cardboard to spread it evenly over the entire surface of the board., Open it and smooth it with your fingers., Make sure it is glued thoroughly ,especially at the edges., Or, if you prefer, trim off whatever overhangs.  ,, A salad or dinner plate makes a good template. , It ought to be almost touching the arch at the top and reach almost to the edges of the board on the sides.,, Start your leaf with a center growth vein that is a curvy line and then, above and below this vein, draw the top and bottom of the leaf, keeping it curvy and graceful.
   
   Have the stem branch out at the bottom slightly to support the weight of the large blossom, and if desired, draw a series of roots resembling small branches going into the ground. ,,,,,, If the paint spreads too much, use it less diluted.,  Do fine accent lines for the stem, leaf veins, roots and branches from the stem into the flower.
   
   Try to keep the drawn lines to a minimum, and do them with a fine brush and dark paint.
   
   Strive to keep the lines loose and carefree., For a final touch, if you wish, apply metallic, gold acrylic paint on the arch.
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   Step 2: Purchase a sheet of plain

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   Step 3: white rice paper from the art and craft store.

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   Step 4: Squeeze white glue onto the board.

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   Step 5: Wad the rice paper into a ball.

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   Step 6: Attach the paper to the board.

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   Step 7: Turn any excess paper under and glue it down.

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   Step 8: Dry with a hair dryer.

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   Step 9: Use pencil to create an arch at the top of the board.

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    Step 10: Sketch lightly the amount of space your flower will take up.

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    Step 11: Draw a double line for the stem and

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    Step 12: at the top

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    Step 13: have it branch out

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    Step 14: into the flower.

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    Step 15: along the stem

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    Step 16: two or more leafs on either side of the stem.

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    Step 17: Return to the flower and

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    Step 18: since the hydrangea is a large puff made up of tiny blossoms

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    Step 19: fill the entire area you designated for the flower with small

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    Step 20: round shapes to represent the blossoms.

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    Step 21: Make a tiny circle at the center of each little blossom and divide the circle into five or six tiny petals.

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    Step 22: Keep the hydrangea's sides slightly irregular

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    Step 23: dipping in and out as an actual flower would.

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    Step 24: Paint your design by setting up a palette with 1/2 inch amounts of tube watercolor in pink (Alizarin Crimson or Rose Madder) green

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    Step 25: yellow and brown.  

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    Step 26: Select medium and small round brushes that will come to a sharp point.

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    Step 27: Paint the piece in any order you wish but work lighter color first and gradually

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    Step 28: add darker tones.

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    Step 29: Add details such as tiny yellow centers to each little flower within the large flower pouf.

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    Step 30: If desired

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    Step 31: ornament the interior of the arch with curlicues and paint with brownish-yellow watercolor.

Detailed Guide

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