Step: 1

Sand the surface of the wood and wipe clean.

Step: 2

Double load #12 flat brush with YL and WW.

Step: 3

Tip YL edge of brush into AC and blend on palette.

Step: 4

Paint back petals of Iris blossom keeping white side out. Paint top petals with pink edge out.

Step: 5

Dip edge of brush into AC. Blend to pink on palette and add dark pink lines by sliding on chisel edge of brush.

Step: 6

Add shorter darker lines on top of the pink ones with pure AC.

Step: 7

Paint stamen on center of large bloom with FF, YL, and WW using Liner and a “dabbing” stroke to apply paint.

Step: 8

Double load ¾” flat brush with FF and TK. Paint stems and foliage, leading with FF edge.

Step: 9

Double load #12 flat with WW and YL. Paint butterfly wings. Paint body and antennae with Liner and FF and TK. Paint wing details with Liner and thinned WW.

Step: 10

Load #12 flat with FM and side load with BU. Add shadow around blossoms and leaves to give dimension.

Step: 11

Seal with several light coats of lacquer for added durability.