I love painting flowers and these were picked fresh from our garden. I chose to plant different colors of the coneflower variety, which included the apple green and white. Combined with the sunflowers, they made a colorful bouquet.

I did a few preliminary sketches of the arrangement before penciling in the design on my 100% rag watercolor paper. I prefer using the Fabriano paper because it is a softer surface and has less sizing on it. When the pigment is applied to it, the colors are soft and I can control the edges better.

The green vase is one of my favorites, and I have used it with my bouquets many times. The mint green complements the greenery and the shape of it goes well with the flowers. I try to achieve both hard and soft shapes, wetting specific areas and not the whole paper when I begin. If I am interrupted, it is easier to come back to and finish.