Question

Nature Study: Draw and paint at least one flower, one bud, three-four leaves and the stem of the flower plant placed before you in such a natural way that the joint angles of the stem, colour, limbs and views of the plant are properly shown on drawing paper obtained from the centre. Prepare your painting with watercolours. Do not draw the Nature study from your memory. The drawing should not be less than 20 cm in size. Try to show the freshness of the flowers and the colours of the leaves and buds in its natural form.
Keep in view the following points: (a) Correct size and the drawing as well as natural form of the plant - 10 marks; (b) Transparent and attractive colour scheme - 15 marks; (c) Natural beauty and joint angles - 5 marks.

Answer 1

Step 1: Study the plant:
Look closely at the plant placed before you. Note the shape of the flower, the position of the bud, the number and size of the leaves, and how they join the stem. Do not draw from memory.

Step 2: Prepare the sheet:
Use the drawing paper obtained from the centre. Keep the drawing at least 20 cm in size. Use watercolours only.

Step 3: Make the first sketch:
Draw the main stem first with a light curved line. Mark the places of the flower, the bud and three or four leaves. Show the joint angles where each leaf and the bud meet the stem. Keep the plant a little tilted, so that it looks natural.

Step 4: Draw the parts in detail:
Draw the petals in their real number and overlap. Show the centre of the flower. Draw the bud in a closed, pointed form. Draw the leaves with a central vein and slightly wavy edges. Show some leaves from the front and some from the side.

Step 5: Plan the colours:
Mix the flower colour from the real flower. Use a light green for the young leaves and the bud, and a deeper green for older leaves. Use a brownish-green for the stem.

Step 6: Paint with transparent washes:
Wet the area and lay a light wash first. Let it dry a little. Then add the darker tones for the shaded parts of the petals and the underside of the leaves. Keep some white paper for shine and freshness. Do not make the paint thick.

Step 7: Finish the work:
Add fine veins on the leaves and soft lines on the petals. Show the flower fresh and the leaves lively. Use a plain, light background or leave it white.

Step 8: How the marks are earned:
Correct size, drawing and natural form carry 10 marks. A transparent and attractive colour scheme carries 15 marks. Natural beauty and joint angles carry 5 marks.

Step 9: Common mistakes:
Using memory instead of the plant, a stiff and straight stem, missing bud or leaves, heavy opaque colours and a drawing under 20 cm lose marks.

Final Answer:
Draw the real plant with correct joint angles and paint it in transparent watercolours to show its natural freshness.