How to Paint an Indoor Herb Garden in Watercolor
Study common herbs., Find the differences in each herb's leaves., Get seeds in packets., Look at actual herb plants., Fix up your work space., Plan your design., Consider adding a hanging planter or two., Get an 11" X 14" piece of watercolor paper...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Study common herbs.
 Each plant has its own unique structure and is widely recognized by shape and color. -
Step 2: Find the differences in each herb's leaves.
 Doing quick sketches of them will help you see how different they are.
Look, with a discerning eye, at the various types. , Â Seeds appearing in stores make us excited for planting. Â At the dollar store the displays are prominent, the packs are cheap, so get a few, if only for the illustrations on the front. , Â If you can get one or two from the supermarket, use them as models. , Â In addition to the usual drawing and painting equipment, lay out the seed packets and other references for viewing as you work.
Get inspired by looking at pictures. Â See how others have done it.
Google: Â Watercolors of window herb gardens.
Study photos of actual arrangements.
Google:
Free stock pictures of window gardens. , Â How do you want your garden to look? Â A large, sunny window is a given. Â Will the garden be small, in individual pots or will the herbs be contained in a single planter box?, This offers another way to use the space.
Go "retro" by having a pot or two coming down from above on a braided or macrame hanger. , Decide which orientation you want, sideways or tall., An ordinary pencil, eraser, ruler, watercolors, support board, water bucket and tissues.
Place all this at a work space that allows you to spread out and not be disturbed while you work. , Break up the paper's blank space by making the window the most prominent feature.
It will most likely take up most of the center of the composition. , A window's lines should be exact., For convenience, drawing around a tissue or other another box or rectangular piece of cardboard can give you a three sided shape for the window with hardly any measuring., Make any type of divisions you prefer.
Looking at pictures of the various types is helpful, too. , Arrange them in groups or in a row.
Stagger them, have some on different levels, hang some in rigid holders screwed to the side moldings.
Let your imagination guide you.
Doing a long planter box has advantages.
The plants side by side can be touching for a lavish feel.
Remember, adding accessories like little stakes with the plant's variety on it can be a fun way to distinguish one from another. , Unusual clay pottery, old teapots, or the like can add whimsy to a garden.
Keeping the garden very simple is fine, too.
A single pot or two can be enough. , Begin where you wish.
Starting with the plants and making them the center of interest is a typical way to go. , On a scrap page, practice control of the brush.
Keep the brush well filled so the line flows.
If you make a mistake, simply dab it with a tissue or wipe it away using a piece of a white eraser pad.
Allow to thoroughly dry before doing over. , Forgo the brush entirely, if you wish. , Views out the window can add interest.
Birds on branches on a tree or shrub, other vague buildings or just a quick neutral, streaky wash of blue are all possibilities., Plants like the fronds of dill or texture on the wall paper can be done by touching a damp sponge into undiluted paint and stamping with it. , Â If you do them as opaque fabric, they will add splashes of color and texture.
They can be pushed aside or bracketed to allow for maximum light to enter the window.
Doing them as sheers brings attention down to the herbs. , Painting a subject can preserve it for posterity.
Bringing the plants of summer indoors is fun.
Doing a painting can be a substitute for the real thing.
If your day needs a boost, consider doing a painting of herbs.
Those little plants pack a punch and do triple duty; they are a thing of beauty, add flavor to a recipe and spice to our lives. -
Step 3: Get seeds in packets.
-
Step 4: Look at actual herb plants.
-
Step 5: Fix up your work space.
-
Step 6: Plan your design.
-
Step 7: Consider adding a hanging planter or two.
-
Step 8: Get an 11" X 14" piece of watercolor paper from a pad.
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Step 9: Assemble your other supplies.
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Step 10: Decide what you want your scene to show.
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Step 11: Use a ruler.
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Step 12: Find a box for a template.
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Step 13: Break up the space within the window.
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Step 14: Sketch flower pots in front of the window.
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Step 15: Try eye catching containers.
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Step 16: Paint the scene any way you desire.
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Step 17: Have a flat brush for window moldings.
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Step 18: Using a marking pen and ruler will insure clean division lines.
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Step 19: Decide on how much of the outdoors you want to show.
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Step 20: Do lacy shapes with a natural sponge.
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Step 21: Add curtains if you want them in your painting.
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Step 22: Do not despair if your thumb is less than green.
Detailed Guide
 Each plant has its own unique structure and is widely recognized by shape and color.
 Doing quick sketches of them will help you see how different they are.
Look, with a discerning eye, at the various types. , Â Seeds appearing in stores make us excited for planting. Â At the dollar store the displays are prominent, the packs are cheap, so get a few, if only for the illustrations on the front. , Â If you can get one or two from the supermarket, use them as models. , Â In addition to the usual drawing and painting equipment, lay out the seed packets and other references for viewing as you work.
Get inspired by looking at pictures. Â See how others have done it.
Google: Â Watercolors of window herb gardens.
Study photos of actual arrangements.
Google:
Free stock pictures of window gardens. , Â How do you want your garden to look? Â A large, sunny window is a given. Â Will the garden be small, in individual pots or will the herbs be contained in a single planter box?, This offers another way to use the space.
Go "retro" by having a pot or two coming down from above on a braided or macrame hanger. , Decide which orientation you want, sideways or tall., An ordinary pencil, eraser, ruler, watercolors, support board, water bucket and tissues.
Place all this at a work space that allows you to spread out and not be disturbed while you work. , Break up the paper's blank space by making the window the most prominent feature.
It will most likely take up most of the center of the composition. , A window's lines should be exact., For convenience, drawing around a tissue or other another box or rectangular piece of cardboard can give you a three sided shape for the window with hardly any measuring., Make any type of divisions you prefer.
Looking at pictures of the various types is helpful, too. , Arrange them in groups or in a row.
Stagger them, have some on different levels, hang some in rigid holders screwed to the side moldings.
Let your imagination guide you.
Doing a long planter box has advantages.
The plants side by side can be touching for a lavish feel.
Remember, adding accessories like little stakes with the plant's variety on it can be a fun way to distinguish one from another. , Unusual clay pottery, old teapots, or the like can add whimsy to a garden.
Keeping the garden very simple is fine, too.
A single pot or two can be enough. , Begin where you wish.
Starting with the plants and making them the center of interest is a typical way to go. , On a scrap page, practice control of the brush.
Keep the brush well filled so the line flows.
If you make a mistake, simply dab it with a tissue or wipe it away using a piece of a white eraser pad.
Allow to thoroughly dry before doing over. , Forgo the brush entirely, if you wish. , Views out the window can add interest.
Birds on branches on a tree or shrub, other vague buildings or just a quick neutral, streaky wash of blue are all possibilities., Plants like the fronds of dill or texture on the wall paper can be done by touching a damp sponge into undiluted paint and stamping with it. , Â If you do them as opaque fabric, they will add splashes of color and texture.
They can be pushed aside or bracketed to allow for maximum light to enter the window.
Doing them as sheers brings attention down to the herbs. , Painting a subject can preserve it for posterity.
Bringing the plants of summer indoors is fun.
Doing a painting can be a substitute for the real thing.
If your day needs a boost, consider doing a painting of herbs.
Those little plants pack a punch and do triple duty; they are a thing of beauty, add flavor to a recipe and spice to our lives.
About the Author
Brittany Richardson
A seasoned expert in lifestyle and practical guides, Brittany Richardson combines 3 years of experience with a passion for teaching. Brittany's guides are known for their clarity and practical value.
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