Step 1: The pencil sketch

On Canson XL Watercolour paper, start by lightly sketching the shape of the ginkgo leaves with the Lyra Art Design pencil. Keep the lines discreet, as they will be erased at the end.

Step 2: Preparing the surface

With a round brush (size 8 or 10) dampened with clean water, go over the inside of each leaf to prepare the surface for colour. The paper will absorb just the right amount of moisture to let the watercolour flow naturally.

Step 3: Applying the colours

Load your brush with blue and place a touch at each end of the leaf. Then let the watercolour spread across the damp surface – that’s the magic of the technique. To enrich your composition, vary the shades. Here, Jean-Antoine uses three different blues, creating both depth and harmony.

Step 4: Strengthening the contrasts

To intensify certain areas, apply a more concentrated wash of watercolour. Use a finer brush for this step, so you can add colour precisely and define the edges or veins of the leaf.

Step 5: Overlaps and transparency

When painting a new leaf that overlaps another, always wait until the first one is completely dry. This avoids unwanted blending. You can also use a damp brush with clean water over the veins to gently lift colour, creating subtle variations and a lovely transparent effect.

Step 6: The finishing touches

Once everything is dry, carefully erase the initial pencil sketch. Your ginkgo leaves now look light and luminous, balancing spontaneity with precision.

Here is Jean-Antoine’s template to guide you – feel free to print it and trace it onto a sheet of Canson XL Watercolour paper.