The English language is absolutely divine. And so are each of the alphabets it comprises of.For each one of us, there may be one or more letters that are special.For example the initials of our name. Wouldn’t it totally rad if you could learn how to make that letter look extra special? Let me show you how with this floral monogram illustration tutorial.
Hello you! I hope that you enjoyed my previous tutorial on Botanical illustration logo tutorial. Turns out, I love all things floral.Frankly speaking, it’s been a recent addiction. Each time I see fresh flowers, my heart goes into a flutter. And I want to buy them all. With this floral monogram illustration tutorial, I went all out to re-create an alphabet into something that will stand out. For this illustration you will need:1.Watercolor paper 2.White gouache 3.Watercolor paint 4.Water 5.Circular lid or compass 6.Eraser 7.Paintbrush 8.Pencil
Step 1:I always tell this but first you need to prep your workspace. You don’t want to scurry around searching for supplies in between a project do you? The letter I have illustrated in this tutorial is “C”.For this,I used a guide to get the perfect shape.The circular lid I’ve used is from one of the many jars that I have in my kitchen cupboard. Alternately you can use a compass. Draw an arc as lightly as possible to form the letter C.
Step 2:Following the arc shape, start drawing the leaves . You don’t need to strictly follow the shape of the letter.You can improvise by extending the leaves and flowers outwards. This will make it look like it’s free flowing.
Add more leaves and flowers to the floral monogram illustration. You will slowly start seeing a beautiful “C”shape being formed. My choice of flowers for this floral monogram illustration was ranunculus.
Step 3: Finish lying down the pattern in pencil.After that,fill in the leaves with watercolor paint. The best thing about art is that you don’t have to follow strict rules. I didn’t want to give the usual green color for the leaves as I did with this floral monogram art. I decided to go with the colors “purple” and “grape”. I loved the vibrancy that it gave to the floral monogram illustration.
Most of the time, I complete all the elements that have similar colors at one go. This is because I may have to change the water once in a while. And also so that I don’t need to go back and mix colors again.
Step 4:Next I painted the flowers. The choice of color I used was crimson. There is a simple trick to painting ranunculus. Although,this will not work for detailed paintings.
Fill the flower completely with paint. Wait for it to dry. You will still see the pencil marks showing from under the paint. This will act as a guideline for forming the petals.
For the layers, I used white gouache. The vibrancy of gouache is amazing. Make thin lines with a liner brush and you’ll slowly see the petal shape appear. Finish if off by painting the inside of the flower with black.Finish off the leaves by painting the centre vein with white.
Step 4:Using the liner brush,paint the stems. I used the color green to show contrast. Rub off the pencil guidelines. And there you go! Your very own floral monogram illustration all done.
What do you think?
Did you enjoy reading this tutorial? Do you think it would be a fun project to do using the initials of your name? What would be your choice of flower if you decide on making a floral monogram illustration?Let’s get out chat.Go ahead and comment below. I would love to know!
Thank you very much for stopping by and reading this tutorial. I’ll be back with plenty more amazing stuff for you to make. Cheers,until next time!
Just gorgeous – love your work – always so pretty. Cathy
Thank you so much for your support as always Cathy 🙂
this is absolutely gorgeous! I can’t wait to try it out!
Oh I can’t wait to see it when you’re finished ! Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a splendid day 🙂
Beautiful, but then I do so admire your work. Makes me want my initials done now.
Aww you’re so sweet Sandra. If you want to ever get your initials done, you know where to find me ! 😀
Have a nice day and thanks for stopping by!
this is lovely!! Thank you for the fun tutorial!
My pleasure Raina. Thank YOU for stopping by and having a look 🙂
This is beautiful. You are so talented.
Thanks so much Cristy. That is extremely kind of you !
Gorgeous! You are so talented!
Thank you very much Amanda for your kind words. Have a nice day 🙂
Realy beautiful !
Thank you very much for stopping by 🙂 Have a nice day!
Awesome tutorial!! I love floral decorations.
Thank you so much Lora. I love all things floral too. I hope you try this out and if you do, I would love to see 🙂
I love this! Watercolor creating is on my to-do list and you give such a beautiful illustration. I can’t wait to get started.
Thank you very much Michelle. I can’t wait for you to try this out. Please do send me a link or an image via e-mail if you do try it out. Have a nice day !
The monogram painting is the very prettiest so far! Thanks so much for demonstrating how to paint the flowers! You are fabulous!
Thank you so much Deborah. I’m so glad you enjoyed the tutorial. I have a short explanation of how to paint “ranunculus” here. I’ll bring out a detailed one soon. Have a lovely day! x
You are simply the best!! I wish you a lovely day also!
I have never been a huge floral art fan until I started checking out your blog regularly and now I have decided I may be a closet one! LOL! Thanks for your beautiful work and tutorials!
Hahaha a closet one! i love that. I’m glad you’ve been inspired by my florals. Thank you so much!