These tiny 2 inch square canvases are perfect for painting miniature Monet waterlilies.
First, I painted them with clear gesso and pulled out some Monet books for inspiration…
My technique was simple:
1. Stipple background in soft colors with a stencil brush. (made transparent by mixing acrylic with gel medium)
2. Fingerpaint water lilies in greens. (large lilies with the pad of my finger, smaller ones with tip)
3. Add outlines around lily pads and paint lilies with small brush. ( having some Monet books to look at helps)
That’s it! As you experiment with colors and sizes of flowers, each one turns out different.
Here are five miniature paintings I made using these 3 steps…
Sometimes I mix colors with my fingers. It’s messier but faster!
The perfect shade!
The large stippling brush keeps the background from looking too solid and allows you to create lines in the paint, to show movement of the water…
Finger-painting the lily pads…
Adding details with the tiny spotter brush….
This was the picture I used as a reference.
Once you start, it’s hard to stop because each one is so pretty.
Be sure and like my FB page so you can see extra photos of all my projects and weekly sketches, museum exhibit info, and more!
I’m also asking for suggestions on what I should do with these tiny paintings. Make them into necklaces? Pins? Let me know what you think!
Thanks for stopping by and many thanks to all of you who pin my posts. ~Scarlett
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Love these! I’ve booked marked your site so I can try these myself. Am now looking for pics of Monet’s to use as a reference. Thank you for sharing this step out!
Hi Nan! Glad you liked this project, have fun painting! 🙂
I was very fortunate to visit Monet’s gallery and also his incredible gardens, studio and home in Giverny. This was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Everything was blooming. The colors, the fragrances, the light on the pond, the bridge, to be walking in Monet’s footsteps, to be in his home…my senses were overwhelmed. I wanted to paint! I wanted to save these memories to canvas. Yet sadly I have never considered myself an artist. I did not know how to begin. Your tiny canvases have given me the motivation to try. Thank you!
Hi Debbie,
Thanks for sharing about your trip to the *real* Monet’s garden! What an amazing experience! I’m so glad you stopped
by and saw some inspiration. Happy painting! ~Scarlett
I am so glad I found your site.
I have only recently picked up a brush again after 30 years. Your tutorial on Mini Monet’s has been really inspirational – it has allowed me the self confidence to paint again (although I’m still not too good) .
Thank you ❤️🌹❤️🌹
Glad you stopped by! So happy to hear you’ve picked up a brush again, too! Have a blessed week and Happy Painting! 🙂
Just love those miniatures ! I. Want to try some for my Dolls House !!
That was so beautiful I really love monnet and this inspired me a lot to recreate his paintings
Hi Vedika, I’m so glad these tiny paintings inspired you! Thanks for stopping by! ~Scarlett
what beautiful little Monet book is in the picture at the top of this post? I love this post 😉
Jan
Hi! The sweet little book is “Linnea in Monet’s Garden”
by Lena Anderson and Christina Björk. Thanks for stopping by and have a blessed day! ~Scarlett