Watch the paint for the moment when the shine goes off the paper, at that point, sprinkle with a little salt. The salt will absorb some of the pigment, leaving small white stars which will look like seeds floating in the distance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While you wait for the background to dry, you can work on the centre of the seed head with azo yellow and a little perm. rose to make a light orange colour, fading it away from the centre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the darker spots, add a spot of ultramarine to make a rich brown and dab it on. I decided at this point that I wanted more of the background colour to show through the fluffy white seeds and strengthened it in places.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leave the painting to dry completely. It may take a little bit longer than usual because of the salt. Once dry, brush off all of the salt, then peel off the masking fluid. If you used good quality paper it should come off easily without damaging the paper.

Paint the stem with a light yellow green wash mixed with the azo yellow and pthalo blue, then add a touch of the quinacridone rose towards the top, taking it a little way into the seed head. Scratch out a few more very fine lines using a sharp craft knife and you've completed your first dandelion!