Сotton Branch Watercolor Sketch Tutorial (Patreon)

Let’s slow down for a moment and enjoy something soft and meditative.In this lesson, we’re painting a cotton branch on a dreamy, slightly sparkling background.

You’ll learn how to build gentle textures, create depth with light and shadow, and experiment with shimmer if you have metallic or iridescent paints. I’ll show you how to apply them to make your work glow and also explain how to get beautiful results with just regular watercolor if that’s what you’re using.

I’ll also share my favorite shimmering paints, show you the brands I personally use, compare how they behave on paper, and explain when and how to use them in your own artwork. This part of the lesson might inspire you to try something new or better understand what you already have.

This is a peaceful and rewarding subject to paint simple in shape but full of charm. I hope it brings you a moment of calm and creative joy.

Let’s begin!

🎨Here’s the palette we’ll use in this lesson (substitutes in parentheses):

Light Ochre PY43 [Daniel Smith]

Dioxazine Violet PV23 [Turner] (Violet PV3)

Ultramarine PB29 [Daniel Smith]

Burnt Umber PBr7 [Daniel Smith] (Van Dyke Brown PR102/PBk8 [Jackson's])

Red Glow 994 [Whits Nights] (Cadmium Red PR108 [Sennelier] or Geranium Red PR242 [White Nights])

Orange Shimmer 987 [Whits Nights] (Cadmium Orange PO20 [White Nights] or Orange PO64 [White Nights])

Blue Glow 995 [Whits Nights] (Phthalo Blue PB15 or Cyan PB15)

Green Shimmer 985 [Whits Nights] (Turquoise Green PG50 [Sennelier])

Lilac Shimmer 990 [Whits Nights]

Lemon Shimmer 986 [Whits Nights] (Lemon Yellow PY3 [Daniel Smith])

Share your sketch:

On Instagram with the hashtag #dreamanddrawschool and tag my profile @dreamanddraw.school

In our chat 🎨Dream&Draw Club: Sketches & Homework 👉 https://www.patreon.com/dreamanddrawschool/chats (or go to Community > Chats > 🎨Dream&Draw Club: Sketches & Homework)

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Watch the preparatory lessons:

Materials video: https://www.patreon.com/posts/sketching-80343147

Liner and Pencil Practice video: https://www.patreon.com/posts/liner-and-pencil-80344410

Watercolor Practice video:  https://www.patreon.com/posts/watercolor-video-80345551