I wanted to romanticize the beautiful thistle that my poor dad fought every year on the farm. That plant can take over a whole field before you know it! But it sure is pretty hehe. A video of the process is at the end of this post, if you'd like to watch the overview. Otherwise, let's get started!
For this project, we will need the following:
- acrylic paints of your choice. I used Arteza acrylic paints in Scarlet Red, Burnt Sienna, Prussian Green and White
- small sized artist brushes of your choice. I like Winsor & Newton Cotman brushes and Winsor & Newton University brushes
- wooden picture frame of your choice. I always recommend second-hand or an extra frame you already have
To begin, you'll want to clean and prep your frame. I use a cloth and a chunky paintbrush to clean them and prep them with several coats of a white or off-white chalk paint or artist's gesso. I have a free PDF download if you would like step-by-step instructions and my specific product recommendations:
Click here for the PDF frame prep guide
To begin, mix a lighter shade of green and make your stems in graceful, curvy waves. Add tiny tick marks that will be the stems for your leaves. For the leaves, hold the brush so that the very tip is touching at first, apply more pressure as you pull away from the stem and then end with only the tip touching again. Continue around your frame. (Watch the video at the end of this post if you would like to see me make my leaves.)
Finish by using a darker shade of green by mixing in a touch of Burnt Sienna. We'll use this to add shadows to the ends of the leaves, alternating between the stem and and the outside end. Let this completely dry.
Next, mix a light shade of pink and add your thistles. It is so fun to make these - just use quick, short strokes with a tiny brush until you are happy with the shape. Dot these along the stems to create a balanced composition. Let this dry. Then use a darker shade of pink and the same technique to add shorter shadow "petals" at the base.
And your frame is complete! I added one of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite authors to mine.
