Watercolor Painting Tutorial: Texas Wildflowers

In recent years, I've discovered how much I enjoy teaching art -- getting to share tips and methods that may have previously been the barrier to entry for those interested in art, sharing techniques that encourage creative exploration, and encouraging others to spend time being creative. While I think it's most beneficial to spend time in a live class setting, watercolor painting is also a skill that develops through practice, trial & error, and play. Take a look at how to paint an Indian Paintbrush Flower, found in many parts of North America blooming May through August. Sign up for my newsletter or follow along @Flowerandvine to learn about future painting workshops! Hope you enjoy!

STEP 1

Plan out your design with a pencil sketch. Then, go over the lines with a fine tip permanent pen and erase the pencil marks. (Remember that you MUST use a permanent ink pen if you plan on adding watercolor paint to your design -- anything non permanent will bleed once the watercolor paint is added. Read about recommended pens and the importance of good materials in our blog post here.

STEP 2

Add your first layer of paint. Make sure this is the lightest layer. One tip: start out lighter than you even think you should. Adding more water will help wash out the color and make the shade lighter, and the lighter the first layers are, the more opportunities for shading and depth with later layers!

STEP 3

Add additional layers of color. These colors can be simply a more concentrated application of the first color, or start to add in different shades of color in that same color family.

STEP 4

Continue adding your final layers of color. Finish with your darkest colors and darkest shades of previously used colors, and don't be afraid to add in high contrast shades.