Water lilies have captivated artists since Monet transformed them into impressionist icons. I’ve had the joy of painting water lilies in many places from France to Ohio, and New England where I live. These floating beauties offer such rich learning opportunities for artists at every level, from dealing with ellipses to capturing surface reflections and exploring what lies beneath the water.

Here are a few ideas to spark your own creative flow.

Alain Picard, **Les Jardins D’Eau**, 6x12” plein air pastel on UART

Start with Abstract Shapes

Before diving into color, begin with thumbnail sketches to discover the abstract patterns hiding in the garden. Focus on value shapes—see lily pads as interlocking puzzle pieces of light and dark rather than detailed flowers. This approach calms those creative jitters and builds confidence. Pay special attention to the elliptical lily pad shapes; mastering their perspective is key to creating believable water scenes.

Break Free from Predictable Greens

Here's where water lilies get exciting. Instead of getting stuck in monotonous greens, ask yourself, "what if?" What if you interpret the scene in violets and pinks? What if deep blues dominated the water?

I've discovered that using complementary colors—especially red-violets and pinks—can transform a potentially monotonous green scene into something vibrant and personal. Don't be afraid to push beyond reality in your initial studies. There's always time to dial back later!

Find Your Own Monet Moment

I encourage you to explore water lilies through Monet's eyes. Visit Wikiart.org or Google Arts & Culture to study his water lily series. Notice how abstract his approach was. Monet wasn't copying nature but interpreting it through color, texture, and emotion.

Claude Monet, Water Lilies, 1919 oil on canvas

Whether you lean toward realistic or abstract, let curiosity guide your exploration. Water lilies have inspired collectors for over a century. Your unique vision could be next. Remember, every artistic journey begins with a willingness to take risks. So grab your sketchbook and let those lily pads lead you into fresh creative waters!

Alain Picard, **Pink Water Lilies**, 12x12” Pastel on UART 400 Board

Want to dive into some fresh inspiration and guidance for your landscape paintings? Save the date for Landscape Week kicking off on September 8th. Whether you're painting lily ponds or sunset views, this is your chance to breakthrough with confidence and joy!