Magnolia Flower Study: Capturing Nature’s Gentle Grace

There’s something deeply personal about opening my sketchbook on a quiet morning. Today I’m sharing a recent magnolia study that found its way onto my pages alongside one of my favorite quotes.

This piece wasn’t planned – it simply unfolded as I sat with my paints, letting intuition guide my brush. Magnolias have always spoken to me with their perfect balance of strength and delicacy. Their petals unfold with such natural grace, opening from tight buds into these magnificent blooms.

For this particular study, I worked with gouache on watercolor paper. I love how it gives me both the opacity of acrylics and the flowing quality of watercolor. The purple edges of the petals came alive as I layered thin washes, gradually building up color and depth.

My trusted Mimic Kolinsky brushes were faithful companions for this piece. They hold their shape beautifully while still giving that flowing stroke quality I cherish. Those fine tips allowed me to capture the subtle veining in the petals, while the body held enough paint for smooth, even washes across larger areas.

I found the reference for this flower while browsing botanical photography on Pinterest. Sometimes an image just catches my eye – something about the light, the form, or the feeling it evokes. That’s exactly what happened with this magnolia.

Pairing my paintings with meaningful quotes has become a cherished part of my sketchbook practice. The Erin Hanson quote beside this magnolia reads:

“There is freedom waiting for you,
On the breezes of the sky.
And you ask ‘What if I fall?’
Oh but my darling,
What if you fly?”

These words often come to mind when I feel hesitant about my art. They remind me that creating isn’t about perfection – it’s about that moment of courage when we put brush to paper despite our doubts.

Looking at this completed page in my sketchbook brings me a sense of peace. It’s not just about the finished image, but about those moments of complete focus and flow while creating it. The world falls away, and there’s just the brush, the paint, and the bloom taking shape before me.

Art Supplies Used in this Painting

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What flowers inspire your creative spirit? Have you tried working with gouache in your own practice? I’d love to hear about your artistic explorations in the comments below.