League Of Augsburg - Fighting Talk

I am priming figures for a general command stand for my Sassanid Persians, and two of the horses I have available to use have beautifully sculpted flowers on the horse barding, and they look like the thistles on Scottish flags and emblems.

Hence the topic. How do you folks recommend painting the flower part of a Scottish thistle used in Scottish flags and emblems?

Paint colors for shadow, main and highlighting recommendations greatly appreciated!