Dandelions

Using a small flat paintbrush and tempera paint to create fun explosions of color representing dandelion heads. Adding painted rocks and scribbles of green for blades of grass completes this beautiful project inspired by nature.

Inspiration

Jean-François Millet 1867–68

Millet excelled in the medium of pastels. His skill as a draftsman and colorist are evident here in the rich variety of greens that set off the flowers and the airy delicacy of the dandelions, which are shown in all phases from bud to seed.

Dandelions painted by French Artist, Jean-François Millet (French, 1867–68)
Pastel on tan paper on display at Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA

Supplies Needed:

Step 1: Create the Background

Using green and light blue tempera paint, create the leaves and add diagonal brushstrokes. Next, add a patch of white brushstrokes to represent the base of wildflowers.

Step 2: Adding The Stems

Use a small brush with gray or brown tempera paint to create thin stems. On the right side of the stems add white tempera paint to represent a highlight and to create a realistic stem. Add irregularly shaped rocks with white highlights on the edge.

Step 3: Adding the Dandelion Heads

Apply white tempera paint on the tip of a small brush and gently create a dotted circle on the top of each stem to form the dandelion head. Next, hop the brush around inside the dotted circle to fill in the dandelion head. Overlapping dots creates a realistic flower. Add smaller flowers at the bottom of the painting using short flat brushstrokes with yellow centers.