Lowell continues to show you how to paint Poinsettias. Today’s Video Tip will show you how to do the “red parts.” The parts we all thought were the flowers! I guess not. They are called Bracts! Isn’t it exciting when we can learn new things? One good thing about today’s video is that you will recognize the technique because these “bracts” or the “red parts” are created using the same overlapping strokes as Lowell used when he created the leaves.

Key Points to Consider:

• Magic White is on the canvas.
• Lowell thins his paint with Odorless Thinner. BUT we don’t recommend this anymore. We suggest you use the Alexander Magic Clear Medium. Remember, a little of it goes a long way!
• He mixes his leaf color with Permanent Red with a touch of medium to thin it to almost an ink-like consistency so it flows on the canvas as he draws out the guides.
• Lowell is using the Alexander Script Liner brush.
• Odd numbers of like shapes, create interest. When Lowell discovers he only has four stocks to create the bracts on, he adds another one. He pays attention to the “flow” of his composition and is careful not to line up one grouping with another.
• He uses the Alexander Bristle Brush to put the color in because he wants the strokes to show up. This makes the “petal” look more realistic.
• All strokes go up in the direction of the center.
• He changes the direction of his brush to create interest in his painting. Notice sometimes he shows only a portion of the “bracts.”
• Bracts can be large or small and it doesn’t matter how many there are in a cluster. Though too many might make your composition look cluttered.
• The canvas is very straight in the easel (not angled back at all) and Lowell’s brush is straight into the canvas.
• Lowell reloads the brush almost every time he creates a new bract. If he wants the color to appear lighter, he doesn’t reload his brush.

Happy Painting!

Laurie and Dawn

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