Bumblebee

It is that time again to share with you my card for our Watercolour Wednesday challenge at Splitcoaststampers.  I am hosting today's challenge and picked my favourite instructor, Paul Clark along with his video on painting a bumblebee. You can view the video here.

Paul shows two scene's in the video, one being a loose watercolour and the other in a tight style. I picked the loose style, as I love loose watercolour. 

The size of my bumblebee will tell you that I free-hand drew her. That explains why she is so big! I say "she" as male bumblebees are not out yet, just the females are seen in spring. Did you know that? I did not until I looked it up.

I followed the video pretty much, except for using slightly different colours, being Cadmium Yellow, Orange, Payne's Grey, Cobalt Blue mixed with Payne's Grey and a touch of Alizarin Crimson. I also used the Magenta, and I wish now that I used the Alizarin Crimson, and as the bee was so big I made the flower big too! 

The wings were done using the mixed cobalt blue and payne's grey. To the magenta I added perfect pearls splatters for a bit of shimmer. There is the card maker in me.

I also went around the edges with a damp soft brush, whereas Paul used a paper towel. That would be dangerous for me to do, so I opted for what I know.

To finish up I also added gouache splatters while the magenta was still wet. My reasoning was the white would disappear in the magenta, but would remain on the balance of the card, which is what I wanted.

I failed to mention that I am using Arches 140lb. cold press watercolour paper for my painting along with Daniel Smith watercolours.

 To finish up I added foam tape to the back of my piece, attaching it to a Gina K. Design Ivory card base. 

Thank you for visiting today. I hope you enjoyed the bee, or at least you had a giggle.