I have been looking for the type of plant Wil Freeborn sketched in lesson 2 of his book, but without success. So I decided just to do a sketch that copies how example in the book. Figures, today I was at my local favourite coffee/lunch spot and the centrepiece was one of these plants. I’ll have to go back and sketch it.
But, the point of this exercise was actually choosing a background. So here is my attempt and the actual book.
Lessons learned: I prefer textured watercolour paper to the paper in this sketchbook; I now have a sense of how professional quality paint differs from “student” quality. I find it easier to lift the colour to create small highlights.
Everyday Sketches 