There’s just something about sunflowers. They’re bright and cheery and . . . easy to paint! If you’re saying, “sure, sure, Colleen”, bear with me while I show you How to Paint Sunflowers with watercolors! Written instructions are below along with a video at the bottom.
Supplies
sunflower pattern
Pencil
140 lb. cold pressed watercolor paper
Size 9 & 6 round brushes
Deep Yellow watercolor paint
Yellow Ochre paint
Burnt Umber paint
How to Paint Sunflowers with Watercolors
Step 1 – Download and print sunflower pattern above. It’s probably larger than you’ll want, just so you know.
Step 2 – Turn pattern over and use pencil to mark outline completely, including circle. (disregard the smaller circle.)
Step 3 – Flip pattern over to right side and transfer pattern using either a stylus, as shown, or a ball point pen.
You want light markings so the paint will cover them fully. You might need to lift some of the pencil with an eraser if it’s too dark in spots.
Step 4 – Squeeze a small dab of deep yellow paint onto your palette and dampen the #9 brush.
Step 5 – Apply your first coat of deep yellow to each petal. I needed two coats but depending on how much water you use, you might only need one coat.
Step 6 – Squeeze a small dab of Burnt Umber onto your palette and apply to the inside circle while the petals are drying.
Step 7 – Paint a second coat of deep yellow onto the petals and allow to dry fully.
Step 8 – Take your #6 brush (or smaller) and yellow ochre and paint small lines between petals, as if shaded. If your lines are too thick, clean your brush and go along one of the edges to thin the line out. You can also add some defining lines on the larger petals if you want.
Step 9 – With #6 brush, dab full strength (no water) burnt umber around the circle, then dab another circle inside and continue until completely painted.
That’s it! Pretty easy, right?
I realize that this sunflower doesn’t look to watercolor-ey but I’m learning more and more about watercolors and a lot of watercolorists do, in fact, do realistic paintings.
Here’s the video for you:
If you’d like some Sunflower tutorials with acrylic paint, I have a couple of those too.
How to Paint Sunflowers . . . again
How to Paint a Sunflower
And if you’d like more Sunflower patterns, you can find them in my shop.
I hope you have fun with this tutorial. Let me know how you do! I’d love to hear. Also, what do you like to see paired with sunflowers? Pumpkins, maybe? Apples? Do you use them in your Fall decor?
I know, I know. So many questions.
Love you guys,
Colleen
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