Mayte Rodríguez Velueta has successfully completed the Botanical Coloured Pencil Diploma Course, submitting a beautiful final assignment that demonstrates both technical skill and understanding of botanical observation.
For her final submission, Mayte presented three related works exploring fruit and flowers at different stages of life. The first piece depicts Glass Gem Corn (Zea mays), followed by two studies of Tulipa Negrita (Triumph tulip). One painted fresh and the other five days later as the flowers began to dry and change form.
One of the most striking aspects of Mayte’s work is her disciplined approach to colour. Across all three pieces, she limited herself to a carefully selected palette derived from primary colours, exploring an impressive range of tones through mixing rather than relying on ready-made hues. This approach results in colour harmony throughout the works while allowing subtle variations in temperature and tone.
The Glass Gem Corn study is particularly ambitious. The complex structure of the cob, combined with the translucent quality of each individual grain, presents a significant challenge. Mayte’s careful use of masking fluid preserves highlights and reflections, while layered colour builds depth and form. The dry husks are handled with sensitivity, using delicate, diluted colour mixes to suggest texture without heaviness.
In the tulip studies, Mayte explores change over time. The fresh flowers are compact and full of tension, with rich purples and structured petals, while the later study captures the elegance of decay as petals open, curl, and dry. The subtle shift in leaf colour and form is observed closely, adding a sense of narrative to the pair.
The Botanical Coloured Pencil Diploma Course is taught by professional botanical artist Gráinne Murphy and focuses on developing accuracy, colour understanding, and confident drawing skills. Students are encouraged to work methodically, build colour through layering, and truly study their subject matter rather than rush the process.
Mayte’s final submission reflects the core aims of the course beautifully. We would like to congratulate her on completing the diploma and wish her every success as she continues her botanical art journey.
👉 You can find full details of the course here:
https://www.londonartcollege.co.uk/art-courses/botanical-coloured-pencil-diploma-course/
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