5 Easy Watercolor Flower Tutorial Steps For Beginners

I also encourage all of you to share your output in the comment section below. If you have inquiries or questions regarding this tutorial, don’t hesitate to leave your question in the comment box. I will answer them as soon as I can.

I know that you wanted to create that watercolor flower like the ones you saw—elegant, simple, unique, yet irresistible! We have the easy watercolor flower tutorial just for you. Grab your materials, colors, brushes, and let’s start working on that design you’ve been itching to make!

What are the essential materials for your easy watercolor flower tutorial? Do you need to have many colors to create a unique yet dynamic watercolor flower painting like a pro? What are the advantages of using watercolors for flower tutorials that every beginner needs to know?

The Easy Steps To Watercolor Flower Tutorial

Watercolor painting is such a simple painting medium to start working with. The truth is, as long as you have your paintbrush, watercolors in palettes or cans, and your watercolor paper, you are free to create any designs that you want. It is an easy yet sophisticated way of doing artworks nowadays.

The range of this watercolor is made to our usual high-quality standards. Still, costs are kept to an economical level by replacing some of the more costly pigments with less expensive alternatives.

The transparent nature of watercolors is a great way to start working with them, even if you are a beginner with this painting medium. We will teach you the most straightforward steps, methods, and tricks to create unique and simple designs like a pro, even if you start on this watercolor flower tutorial. There are just a few secrets to a successful painting. And that is what we will share with you, accessible, and all you have to do is practice and create those flowers in no time.

You can grab off your favorite watercolor, watercolor paper, and paintbrushes. For some, these materials are the basic essentials when creating a simple watercolor painting. Once you get more comfortable with this painting medium you can start experimenting with several elements. 

Step By Step Process Of Watercolor Flower Tutorial

Step 1 Creating a small blob of colors.

It might not be familiar to you, and I think that the secret to the best-looking watercolor flowers is small brushes. Nope, they are not; it is best to use a larger paintbrush that can hold enough paint needed. Before you dip your paintbrush with your watercolors, wash it first with water, and get a hold of enough paint on your paintbrush.

Creating a small blob of colors from your paintbrush to your paper will form the watercolor flower’s bottom. You can remove any excess paint on the brush and keep the water residue to create your flower’s natural gradient.

This will be your foundation, and stop adding or working more even if you feel like doing more. That is another secret for a successful watercolor flower tutorial. Learning when to stop so, you won’t be overdoing it.

Step 2 Create more watercolor flowers on your paper.

Once you get to feel doing the first step, the next step is by repeating the process of creating more watercolor flowers on your paper. It may seem hard, but you will be happy without overdoing the florals once you see how things are done.

Step 3 Watercolor flower paints overlap.

Help your watercolor flower paints overlap or go down at the bottom of your florals. You can use a dryer or heat gun to help the color. But don’t get too close, as your watercolor paints may overlap on areas outside the flower border.

Let your paints get dry before adding items to them. The trick about working with your watercolor florals is not creating a perfectly straight line.

Add leaves, ranging from small to large, all over the stem or just a few for each flower stem. Just enjoy this process. If you will be adding colors to your flower leaves, then better use a waterproof pen.

Step 4 Add colors to your leaves.

There is no need to add a solid color for your leaves because we want them to complement your petals above. Let the paint be thoroughly dried.

Step 5 Add white paint to the florals.

To add a unique point of interest for your florals, you can add white paint on them. White ink can be diluted with water to reach your desired consistency. This gives a splatter effect of gorgeous yet straightforward designs for your flowers. This step can be optional and as for the artist’s preference and style.

The secret about the watercolor flower tutorial is how you can be creating without working too much in certain areas. It may look simple and easy, and yes, it is. It is all about how you must control each paintbrush strokes without overdoing it.

There are also different ways, tricks, and tips in doing your watercolor flowers. You can create different colors and shapes of flowers, ranging from daisy-like flowers to round bottom flowers like tulips. Make it more extravagant with multiple layers of colors and petals like roses—plain colors of different tones like sunflowers.

Try working with complementary or contradicting colors based on your color wheel. Work with your color theory for blending colors up. You can also be mixed or be monochromous.

As for the number of painted florals, you can make even or odd numbers around one area or scattered all over the watercolor paper. You see, all you have to do is have fun while creating your colors together. With painting, don’t overdo watercolors because they are transparent. Stop when you feel like doing more. Less may seem simple, but hey, simple is the best design!

For the best result of your watercolor flower output, you need a watercolor pad. The durable surface is resistant to repeated washes, erasing, and scraping. It is a press-textured paper that is perfect for practicing various techniques at great value.

You can also play with your watercolor flower tutorial sizes based on how you wanted them to be. There are no rules on what not and what to do. Just be creative with mixing sizes from large to small.

The flowers will surely complement each other and let your artwork stand out.

Materials Used For Watercolor Flower Step-By-Step Painting Tutorial

Are you starting to paint with your watercolor flowers? Then prepare the following materials; if you have them close to you, then that’s great. You can begin painting with the first strike of inspiration that hits you. For this tutorial, we will be working with watercolor flowers. 

• Watercolors

First, you need to prepare your watercolors, either in pans or palettes, whichever works best for you. Your chosen colors must be already in your mind, right? With plenty of options in mind, find one that you are most comfortable with. 

Others believe that watercolor is an easy painting medium; however, once you keep working with them, you notice the challenge that this painting medium strikes to every artist. While the most popular watercolor types are pans and tubes, there’s more in store for you to explore. 

• Watercolor paper

Using a suitable painting surface is an essential factor for successful artwork. Then working with the right watercolor paper for your watercolor flower tutorial is necessary as well. You can also try working with an ‘ordinary’ paper, but you will see the difference between the quality and how the paper will react when the paint is applied.

The type of watercolor you’ll use depends on your preference and style. Some use cold press watercolor paper, while others are most comfortable working with hot press. The texture of watercolor also varies with the manufacturer or brand of paper you’re using.

Some artists work with canvases when working with watercolor paintings. There are also different techniques on how you can prepare your support to increase its absorbency level. 

• Paintbrush

Watercolor paintbrush; the traditional one that you are comfortable working in is better. Besides, you need to feel comfortable working and handling great things about what you are doing. That is an essential factor. The bristle type you worked with your watercolor varies on the style and preference you want to create. 

Most artists work with various bristles, including synthetic to natural ones. The bristles’ absorbency on pigments and water helps achieve the painting style or technique you are working with. 

• Kneaded eraser

Several artists sketch their subject forest on their canvas, paper, or support when it comes to watercolor painting. The kneaded eraser is an essential piece of equipment you can work with almost any design you have in mind. Having one park on the corner of all your painting essentials can be beneficial for you moving forward. 

Kneaded erasers are also used for removing pencil marks or graphite on your painting surface. They are beneficial for artists working with sketches on their canvas or paper. Aside from that, you can also use this equipment to highlight or work on detailing.

When working with watercolors or any painting medium, best to check first how your painting service will react when working with a kneaded eraser; this can make or break your painting surface. It can erase or smudge the colors as well.

• Pencil

If you are comfortable working with sketching first before putting your colors on the canvas, then a pencil is an essential part of your must-have materials. Graphite pencil is ideal for watercolors. This helps us catch effectively on your paper and work on the details later on.

Besides convenience and ease of use, graphite pencils are among the most popular equipment used by watercolorists when sketching their subjects. However, choosing the right pencil for you still varies with your personal preference and style. You can always use ordinary pencils if you are more comfortable working with them. 

• Masking tape/Painter’s tape

Painters tape or masking tape is an optional material when working with watercolors. it’s an artist’s preference to use masking tape or painter’s tape to secure their paper or canvas edges. The masking tape can also be used to secure several spaces on your canvas that you want to retain or protect.

Masking tape also protects your support from warping when moisture is present on the surface. You can experiment with these materials once you get comfortable working with various designs. 

• Paper towel

A paper towel can also be optional equipment when working with this tutorial. In case there are paint smudges, or you want to leave several colors on your canvas or support, you can use a paper towel to lift or fix any mistake. 

Some artists work with paper towels on the side to help them remove any excess moisture on their paintbrushes or if they want to dry them up afterward. This also prevents mixing colors from each other, especially if you want to work with detailed colors. 

• Jar of clean water

Since watercolors are water-soluble, you will need a jar of clean water to help you weigh the colors up or clean your paint brushes. You can prepare two jars when working with watercolors. This gives you an option to rinse your paintbrush thoroughly and prevent pigments from mixing. 

To get the best results? Use suitable materials as much as possible, always.

Factors To Consider When Creating Your First-Ever Watercolor Flower Painting

Now that you have prepared all the necessary materials for your watercolor flower tutorial check a few factors before starting.

Like what is the size of the painting surface you will be working with? What flower colors and types of flowers will you be doing? Next, if you have done this just now or had experienced it before.

It doesn’t matter if you are doing it just now, as long as you are always doing something new to improve your skills. Just paint and create that design you’ve been eager to develop. The most crucial factor is that you should be having fun doing this. And you will be satisfied with the outcome.

• Painting Medium

The painting medium you will be working on is an essential factor in creating artwork. Whether you plan to mix two or more mediums, which is also called mixed media, will help you and hand your painting skills. This gives you tons of benefits which are beneficial when you work and combine your style and techniques.

However, most experienced or professional artists will advise you to work on one painting medium at a time. For instance, with watercolor first. It allows you to get familiar with the watercolors’ characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses.

This gives you first-hand experience of how you can work with the medium through various techniques and styles. If you don’t have a plan of mixing or working with two painting mediums, that’s fine. It is always an artist’s decision to choose either work with one painting medium or more.

Watercolor is not an accessible painting medium, and most watercolorists spend time understanding its unique characteristics. For instance, if you are familiar with acrylics and wanted to venture into understanding watercolors, keep in mind that every painting medium is unique in its ways.

• Suitable Support

The painting surface that you’re going to use is also an essential factor. Every painting medium requires you to work with the proper support. For instance, with watercolor, you need highly absorbent help as you will be working with water. The same goes if you’re going to work with acrylics, oil paints, and pastels.

The practical support allows you to execute your painting technique and style effectively. As with watercolor, you can choose between watercolor paper or pre-primed canvas. You can also prime or manipulate hair canvas when it comes to watercolor.

 Choosing between a hot press or cold-pressed paper is another option. For instance, the standard weight to use with watercolor is 140 pounds. This gives you an advantage for a highly absorbent paper that will not warp or buckle.

• Color Palette

Several artists I’m known for using various color palettes for their identity. The colors you will be using with your artwork allow your creativity to strike and inspire others. Choosing the perfect color palette is a challenge as every artist has their unique preference and style.

For most beginners, To give you a good experience on how to mix colors efficiently on your palate is to paint frequently. It allows you to understand each color’s characteristics and composition and how they react to each other. By often mixing colors, it will enable you to explore possibilities and learn from there.

That way, you can quickly identify which colors to mix for a particular combination that will meet your preference for a specific technique or style. This gives you an edge over your previous skill moving forward. 

• Format And Size

Whether you’re a newcomer or already an experienced watercolorist playing with your canvas size allows you to improve your painting scale. With plenty of sizes available for watercolor surfaces, you can create landscapes, portraits, and even a series of artworks.

The size and format of your artwork vary with your comfortability with the painting medium and your support. If you are working with the new design or technique, you can start with the small or traditional canvas or watercolor paper. The more you create this design, the better you improve your skills.

Being comfortable with your artwork’s format and size allows you to explore new boundaries and learn new skills. Keep in mind that every advanced or expert painter today we’re once beginners who never stop exploring. You can also achieve this degree by working with your skills with patience and perseverance.

• Subject or Focal point

Working with your focal point or subject is another factor to consider. However, if you don’t have any subject for the moment, there’s no need to stress yourself as you can work with freestyle painting or an abstract painting. Understanding what you want to create helps you decide on the other factors mentioned above.

Your subject starts with inspiration and allows you to imagine and visually work on it to decide the colors, painting medium, and painting surface. Your subject gives you a complete idea of what you want to create even before you begin your painting session. 

How To Make a Realistic Watercolor Painting?

Creating realistic artwork using watercolors is a challenge, especially for beginners. However, this challenge doesn’t begin with newcomers alone. Sometimes, even professional watercolorists struggle with working a realistic artwork. Watercolor is a complex painting medium. That’s for sure because of his unique characteristics and composition.

For you to create a realistic painting, I’ve compiled a few tips and advice that I know for sure that works perfectly as I tried and tested them by myself. So here are some of the techniques on how to create realistic artwork using watercolors. I hope this one helps.

Before you begin a realistic artwork using watercolor, you first need to understand its composition, characteristics, and endless possibilities that this painting medium can provide. 

• Test your chosen color

Unlike other painting mediums that create opaque results, watercolors are different. Keep in mind that watercolors provide a translucent after effect on your painting surface. So the best way to achieve the perfect color you wanted to create on your surface is to test them first.

Whether you are using high-quality pigments, the best way to see your colors’ characteristics is to test them on separate sheets.

• Use suitable materials, especially your support.

To achieve a realistic approach with watercolors, you have to work with a fine or smooth surface. With the realism technique of using watercolor as your painting medium, you have to work on a service that allows you to create details smoothly. The best way to do so is to invest in suitable quality materials, starting with your painting surface or watercolor paper.

• Create color swatches

Creating various color swatches allows you to see the characteristics of the color you are working with. This gives you an idea of which colors the watch works perfectly with a specific detail, painting technique, or style.

• Plan your painting

Before working with any design, especially when working with watercolor, you have to plan the artwork first. This gives you an idea of what color to work with, the painting service you’re going to be working on, and all the essential materials that simplify your workload. 

Watercolor is a challenging painting medium. Planning before working allows you to visualize the result of your artwork. This gives you an idea of which area you should take care of and prevent smudging colors. It will enable you to retain the white background by protecting it with masking tape or other painting equipment.

• Don’t work with the darker underpainting or sketches.

Sketches or outlines must not appear on end or finished artwork. This undermines the realistic effect of your painting, especially with watercolors. If you need to sketch your subject, try to use the lightest pencil-like 2H pencil to give you a better option.

If you can still see the outline or sketches you’ve made or underpainting, then the illusion of a realistic image can be challenging.

• Avoid working with black color.

As much as possible, try to avoid working with a straight black hue. When it comes to realism painting style, shadows are not meant to be black. This will give you a better perspective of what colors to choose and place on your painting surface. With that in mind, it gives you an option of what colors to use to make your artwork more realistic.

• Mix as much paint as you need

What’s frustrating about working with an artwork you’re almost done with is to realize you run out of the mixture you need for specific detail. When it comes to working with watercolors, it is best to mix a considerable amount of paint on the side to save your life and your time.

Since watercolors are a challenging painting medium, you have to anticipate potential issues that can hinder you from achieving your goal. Aside from that, you also avoid getting inconsistent color shades or tones. 

• Build your pigments

Building up the right colors, especially when working with petals, skin tones, and other realistic images requires glazing the surface. It is highly recommended to glaze the surface, especially if you’re going to create an illusion of light reflecting on your artwork. 

• Start from light colors going to dark shades.

To achieve the best result of creating a realistic portrait or artwork using watercolor, the rule is to start with light pigments moving to darker ones. Light colors can depend on the surface to achieve their translucent characteristic.

This means the white of your service it’s vital to achieve a light color. Then you can work with the darker shades as you advance with your artwork.

• Use the most realistic image possible.

Choose a crisp and sharp image when it comes to creating a realistic watercolor painting. As much as possible, try to achieve something like what your eyes see visually. A picture of a landscape or portrait that you will be working on should mirror the result.

I also encourage all of you to share your output in the comment section below. If you have inquiries or questions regarding this tutorial, don’t hesitate to leave your question in the comment box. I will answer them as soon as I can.