Banana Plant Leaf with William Ho - March 8th, 2025
The banana plant leaf is painted mostly with a large brush using the side of the brush to create the leaf sections. Then in two strokes the stem is added. When William Ho demonstrated painting the banana plant leaf, he created the leaf quickly starting from the end of the leaf.
Understanding the leaf structure is the key to painting the banana plant leaf. The stem is painted in two parts not a continous line. The squares in this outline are leaf sections and these sections are painted in one stroke with the side of the brush.
Our first attempts were a close representation to what William Ho created.
Working on the banana plant leaf is an exercise in contemplation.
An artist who is left handed often would paint the leaf in the opposite direction from an artist who is right handed.
William Ho helped each artist in the workshop.
Approximately 10 to 12 brush strokes paint the banana plant leaf. The idea is to create a vital, living leaf with these strokes. Beginning at the end of the leaf, create the largest leaf sections in about 6 strokes with the side of a large brush. Then another 4 sections for the inner part of the leaf closest to the banana plant. Two more brush strokes with the point of the brush add the stem.
This outline shows the big leaf sections on the outer leaf, the smaller leaf sections closer to the banana plant, and the stem that holds this big, heavy leaf.
The leaf can be painted from right to left or from left to right.
Regardless of the direction, think about the structure of the banana plant leaf.
William Ho offered a personal approach to understanding the brush strokes next.
William Ho put the artist's hand in his and painted the leaf.
Then the artist created the leaf in a direct learning approach.
The result was a leaf close to William Ho's leaf.
We had time for a photo of our banana leaf artists.
You can learn more about William Ho in the links section.