1. Having had success with the technique of establishing the dark values in the first step, I used the same method, but with a deep, somewhat dull red instead of a blue or purple underpainting.
These darker values are not easily covered over by subsequent layers.
Single Red Roses - watercolor demonstration of red roses
4. The centers of each blossom are established. The fresh blossoms in sunlight have bright yellow centers while the older blossoms in the shadows have aged brown centers.
The leaves are not predominant in this painting, but more of a suggestions. Bright yellow-greens are used for the leaves in sunlight and a cooler, bluish green for the shadowed areas of the leaves.
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2. Thin glazes of yellow will define the leaves and petals that are bathed in warm sunlight. Those that are in the shadows will have no yellow and will appear cooler. This will help push them into the background while the yellow-enhanced petals will draw more attention in the foreground.
3. Glazes of a brighter red were layered over the yellow and the deep red shadows. Some cool pink was added, predominantly in the upper blossoms that are mostly in shadow.
5. A fairly simple blurry background of foliage and red blossoms keeps the focus of the painting on the more detailed flowers in the foreground.
Just a hint of cool blue sky balances the bright, warm reds.
