The beauty of flowers has inspired artists for several centuries. Floral art is very popular to the point of transcending artistic means and movements. No matter how they are created, painters have wanted to capture their captivating beauty on paper, canvas, and other tools. Although you might think that painting is something only professionals should do, the truth is entirely different; anyone can learn to paint flowers no matter what their skills are. Watercolors lend themselves well to recreating flowers, partly because you don’t need much to get started. A watercolor set is relatively inexpensive-especially if you consider that with acrylic or oil paints. You have to buy each pigment separately. Instead, get one or two brushes and special watercolor paper, and you’re ready to paint.
Another reason to paint watercolor flowers is that these paints can achieve vibrant tones and visual effects that recreate the naturally occurring color mixing of the flower petals.
Flower painting requires a few easy steps to follow! Whether your favorite flower is a rose, tulip, or daisy, learn how to draw your first flower with our instructions below. This article can help you to make any flower of your choice. The focus is on children who want to start drawing, as well as adults who dream of mastering the floral art.
We are delighted to show you the essential steps to create a successful flower drawing. Don’t wait any longer to indulge in this fulfilling activity.
As you read this, you can learn the following:
* History of Floral Art
* Useful Steps to Learn How to Paint Watercolor Flowers
* Choose an Image That Can Be Your Source of Inspiration
* Draw What You Are Going to Paint
* Apply Your First Wash Painting
* Keep Adding Color
* Add the Small Details
History of Floral Art
Roses, orchids, and other exotic flowers, floral art now occupy the trends pages of fashion magazines. However, do you know the origins of this creative discipline?
Its history is ancient. The first traces go back to Ancient Egypt. Historians say that floral arrangements were an essential part of the culture at that time. They were already being used at funerals, parades, and on table decorations. Also, the Greeks and Romans utilized flowers as garlands, crowns (such as the famous laurel wreath given to gladiators), or petals that they sowed on the ground.
The real turning point came during the Renaissance: at that time, the art of floral creation reached its actual first peak. In Italy, floral designs developed and focused on color contrasts, particularly with green and red, two colors that were very popular at the time. Over the years, decorative art has continued to seduce multiple generations.
Beyond customs and traditions, the bouquet is among the significant elements of a successful decoration. Floral art offers everyone the opportunity to give free rein to their imagination by composing a unique poetic work. Colors, unusual mixtures, sizes, and shapes are all ingredients that reveal a personality and decorate a room.
Today, in our contemporary societies, floral designs are everywhere and particularly accessible at weddings and various events. They are also used to decorate one’s interior by playing with the tones of plants and the arrangement of their colors. Therefore, floral art is at the top of the latest creative trends.
Useful Steps to Learn How to Paint Watercolor Flowers
Before you start painting, you need to have the following materials at hand.
* A Watercolor Painting Set – Look for a set that has a variety of different shades. Need advice on which one to buy? Look for watercolor sets for beginners and professionals alike.
* Also, make sure you use a paper that can’t give way to the water. For this reason, the paper needs to be thick enough so that it doesn’t wrinkle in the liquid.
* Wet Brushes – Get a pair of watercolor brushes in different sizes. Make sure you have at least one medium-sized brush and one fine tip brush to paint the small details on the flower.
Choose an Image That Can Be Your Source of Inspiration
Before you start, you probably want to choose an image that can serve as a basis for beginning to paint. While it’s always best to paint directly from real life (still lives can help you dramatically improve your painting skills), sometimes it’s not possible-especially if you plan to paint for several days. Your flowers can soon fade away! Choose an image that has clarity and lots of color-one that lets you see all the beautiful details of the flower.
Draw What You Are Going to Paint
Drawing is the basis of painting. Before you start painting, it’s a good idea to draw a picture of your flowers. Working from your photo, draw the general shape and center of the flowers. Make marks where there are folds in the petals or unique elements. Don’t worry too much about the details-those you can add later to the paint. While you’re drawing, be sure not to press too hard on the paper. The watercolor pigment is not opaque. Likewise, if your lines are too dark, they’re likely to be visible in the final painting. Take your time with this step. It’s essential to have the drawing the way you want it because you can’t erase the watercolors.
Apply Your First Wash Painting
To start your flower painting, you want to start with soft layers to create deep colors later. Start by selecting the overall tone of your flowers. In this case, the flowers are violet, so a thin layer of purple can be applied to all the petals. The center of the flowers, which is yellow and orange, remains white for now. If some of your petals have white markings, make sure you don’t paint over those areas.
Keep Adding Color
Wait for your first coat to dry (unless you’re using the wet-on-wet method; in that case, work on your flower before the pigment dries). Using the wash technique, continue to add layers of color and let them dry. Each time you mix a new shade, use less and less water. It can make your pigment darker. The layers of paint should give your painting three-dimensional volume.
As you work, look at your photo and think: where are the dark areas? Which parts are highlighted? Is there a section where you can use other watercolor techniques to give specific characteristics to the petals? Painting flowers from the real-life focus on these kinds of questions. Therefore, don’t be afraid to look for the answers.
Add the Small Details
Be careful not to overwork your piece-you must decide when to stop applying pigment to an area of your paint. Once you have the shading and general shades done, start adding the details. This is where the fine brush (like the one above) can come in handy. Use it to draw any small lines or coloring. You can do it sparingly. However, a few wrong marks can ruin an otherwise great painting. Make any changes you think are necessary.
Are you ready to get started? No more time to lose, put on the florist stylist’s cap, forget about artificial flowers. It is your turn to shine and practice floral painting at an art workshop. Bridal bouquet, Christmas wreath, or other creations, everything can be drawn! Composing wreaths is an art. Harmonizing the colors and varieties require specialized know-how. In addition to this, you need to master specific techniques for painting. It’s time to grab your most excellent tools: scissors, watering can, threads, and other accessories.
