Introduction

Welcome to the Monet Water Lilies paint kit. This tutorial will help you create a modern, textured take on Monet's water lilies. We'll use thick acrylics to create a 3D effect. This will blend Monet's style with modern techniques. Gather your materials and prepare for a one-of-a-kind painting experience.

Materials

• 12 x 16 x 1.5 in Wood Panel
• 32 oz Titanium White Heavy Texture
• 2 oz Primary Yellow
• 2 oz Phthalo Blue
• 2 oz Permanent Green
• 2 oz Quinacridone Violet
• 1 oz White Base Coat
• 2022 Spade Palette Knife
• 1 in Panel Brush
• Disposable Palette

Step 1: Prepare Your Wood Panel

Apply about 3/4 jar of white base coat to the panel, including the sides. Mix Phthalo Blue on your palette. Apply the blue mix over the base coat using thick brush strokes.

Tip: Apply thick brush strokes to get rough coverage across all surfaces in one coat.

Step 2: Create the Sky Reflection

Prepare a fist-sized dollop of Heavy Texture on your palette. Mix Phthalo Blue into the Heavy Texture. Apply this blue mix across the top of the panel using light, dragging strokes. This creates a blurred, distant water effect.

Tip: Your dollop of Heavy Texture should be roughly the size of your fist.

Step 3: Add Initial Lily Pad Clusters

Mix Quinacridone Violet with the blue on your palette. Use your palette knife to map out lily pad cluster locations. Apply the violet-blue mix in light, dragging strokes across the top third of the painting.

Tip: Using your palette knife, map out the composition of water lily clusters.

Step 4: Create Green Variations

Mix Permanent Green with Phthalo Blue and Quinacridone Violet for a dark green. Apply this mix to create loose, impressionistic lily pads. Vary the pressure and angle of your knife to create different textures.

Tip: Resist the urge to thoroughly mix. We want our palette knife strokes to have various hues.

Step 5: Build Texture for Closer Lily Pads

Create a thicker blue-green mix with Heavy Texture. Apply this mix in heavier strokes for the lower part of the painting. Use your knife like a shovel to create textured, closer lily pads.

Tip: Make sure your knife barely touches the surface as you drag across the top.

Step 6: Create Larger Lily Pad Structures

Use the remaining green mixture to create larger, more defined lily pad shapes. Apply dollops of the green mixture in chosen areas for main lily pad clusters. Use your palette knife to shape these dollops into loose, organic lily pad forms.

Tip: Roll the knife and scoop in one swift motion to get a perfect dollop.

Step 7: Add Water Lily Flowers

Identify 3-4 spots for your main water lily flowers. Pipe out 3-5 petals for each flower directly from the bag. Add a small amount of Primary Yellow to the center of each flower for depth.

Tip: Keep twisting the bag as you go to ensure it stays firm for stiff peaks.

Step 8: Create Depth with Shadows and Highlights

Mix a small amount of Phthalo Blue with Heavy Texture for shadows. Apply this mixture underneath some lily pads to create depth. Use pure Primary Yellow to add highlights to the edges of some lily pads. Add small dots of Quinacridone Violet near the flowers for additional detail.

Tip: Glide the tip of your knife across and under the lily pad clusters to create shadow effects.

Step 9: Final Detailing and Balancing

Step back and assess your composition. Use white Heavy Texture to add final highlights and reflections on the water. If needed, add small touches of your various colors to balance the composition. Use your palette knife to blend and soften edges where necessary.

Tip: Use highlights to create shadows, add bright colors, or soften areas that compete with the composition.

Conclusion:

Congratulations on completing your Monet Water Lilies masterpiece! Here are some important care instructions to ensure your artwork lasts:

• Dry Time: Let your painting dry completely before you handle or display it. To speed up the drying process, use a plug-in fan with constant airflow for several hours. Heavy Texture elements may take up to 48 hours to dry, depending on their thickness.

• Display: Once dry, you can display your painting as is. Mark a level spot on your wall. Then, hang your painting by screwing it into the wall with two drywall screws, spaced at least 3 inches apart. This will secure the wood panel.

• Aftercare: If needed, use a damp, lint-free cloth to clean your painting with care. Avoid cleaning solutions, as they can damage the acrylic paint. You can use water instead.

• Tool Care: Clean your tools with soap and water right after you use them. Proper cleaning will extend the life of your brushes and palette knives.

• Paint Storage: Store your Acrylic Colors in a cool, dry place. Keep the lids sealed tightly to prevent the contents from drying out.

Remember, the unique 3D elements created with the Heavy Texture will retain their shape, giving your painting a stunning tactile quality that will last for years to come. Enjoy your beautiful, textured creation!