Magnolia in Bloom: Capturing Nature with Wet-on-Wet Techniques

In my latest video, I take you behind the scenes of my process while painting a magnolia tree in Belmont, a beautiful suburb of Boston. This artwork is part of my ongoing exploration of floral expression in urban environments. Belmont’s streets are lined with these magnificent trees, and they serve as a vital reminder of nature's importance in our suburban lives.

Using the wet-on-wet watercolor technique, I embrace the spontaneity and fluidity that comes with just a bit of water and pigment. Wide, colorful brushstrokes bring the magnolia’s soft blooms to life, while negative space allows the flowers to emerge organically from the background. I find that this method, where water and color interact on the paper, produces results that feel alive and connected to the environment.

The interplay of saturated hues—emerald greens, soft pinks, and creamy whites—creates a vibrant composition, while the empty spaces around the blooms give the artwork breathing room. These spaces are just as essential as the painted forms, reflecting the natural flow of life around us.

This painting, and the wider body of work it belongs to, showcases my fascination with how nature coexists within urban settings. Whether in the city or its surrounding areas, floral subjects like this magnolia become symbols of resilience and beauty.