One of our dear officemate which is also our friend is leaving the team (my previous team at work) and moving on to a new role (we’re happy for her!). I was assigned to work on the design of the scrapbook to be given to her. It was scary just thinking about committing on something which I am not very sure how it would turn out. But what better for me to do than to take the first step?
I decided to draw cherry blossoms because I know she hearts Japan. Let me share with you some detailed steps on how I completed this painting in 2 days.
- Gesso-ed the front page. (I bought the white one)
- Sketch the trunks + branches and the perspective on how they will align. I reviewed some photographs of cherry blossoms beforehand.
- I colored the trunk with watercolor pencils but ended up painting them straight from the watercolor paint for faster work.
- I use alizarin crimson diluted with water to create the cherry blossoms. Some are flower shapes while some are done by dotting it with the brush.
- I sketched the girl based from 3 separate photos of my friend. This is her caricature! Don’t know if it looks like her but I had fun!
- After tracing the outline with the Micro Pigma, I painted her.
- The last is purely application of embellishment — I get my rigger brush and create thin branches across the trees. I colored the ground in dotted and faded permanent pink. I painted the sidewalk in green and some prussian blue + black to cover the distant view. Lastly some grass and emphasis of colors.
I hope she will like the scrapbook especially with the heart warming letters from friends and colleagues.
I am sharing this painting with the gang at Paint Party Friday. Please join me and check out what other awesome artists have done. I’ll be checking your art on Sunday.
Have a blessed weekend everyone!
A free ebook that helps you create expressive sketches of your life in pen and watercolor.
30 Responses
Dear Officemate
Hey Lis!! thanks so much! :) I love the drawing!!! I hope to see you soooon! :)
Phoenixpeacock
how very thoughtful of you. of course she will enjoy it!
Jenn H
What a wonderful thoughtful beautiful gift!! She will love it! Thank you for posting your process – I always enjoy hearing how paintings evolve!
EVA
Wow!!! It is great! She is going to be thrilled!
Heather Foust
Ahhh really cute!! She will love it!!
Shelle
What a wonderful gift to make for a special someone – love the blossoms too – fantastic & happy caricature too – great job & Happy PPF :)
Crystal
What a wonderful thing to do…I know she will just love it! ;-)
Sheri Cook
What a wonderful idea for a gift. It will be treasured! HAPPY PPF!
Paula - Buenos Aires
She looks so happy and hip. Love the flowers, very graceful.
Pop Art Minis
What a wonderful going away gift! I think they picked the perfect person to head it up! I’m sure she’ll love it! POP ART MINIS
Elisa Choi
Thank you very much for your kind words, I really appreciate it! :)
Elisa Choi
Thank you Paula! :) She is really hip in person.:D
Elisa Choi
She surely will.. thank you very much!
Elisa Choi
Thank you Crystal!
Elisa Choi
Thank you so much Shelle!
Elisa Choi
Thank you very much Heather!
Elisa Choi
Thanks so much Eva! She is going to be happy especially with all the letters!
Elisa Choi
Thank you very much Jenn! It’s a good reference for me as well apart from sharing them with people:)
Elisa Choi
Thanks a lot!
Elisa Choi
You are welcome Gi!! My pleasureeee! I’m glad you like it! Hehehe! See you soon! :)
Julie
So pretty, what a great gift!
Annabelle
A gift from the heart ,especially a beautiful one….she will adore it!
Annabelle
Crafty Dawn
What a lovely work I am sure she will be thrilled ;0) Dxx
Christelle Ann L. Cui
This is great. Your works of art always inspires me. You’ll do my wedding invitations. :) Caricatures of me and my future hubby. :P
Elisa Choi
Awwwww, thank you so much Tel! I am very honored to be doing your wedding invitations.. I hope it is soon! ;)
Elisa Choi
Thank you so much! =)
Elisa Choi
Thanks so much Annabelle!:)
Elisa Choi
Thanks a lot Julie!
geckostone
Oh I just love this painting! Its a beautiful gift for your friend! She looks so fun to hang out with!!! Deb
Elisa Choi
Thanks so much Deb! She is really friendly! =D