Things You'll Need:
- Paints
- Paintbrushes
- Canvas or Art Paper
- Reference Photo (optional)
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Step 1
Choose the type of paint you want to use and whether you want to paint your flower on paper or canvas. If you're new to painting, it might be a good idea to start with paper. Use canvas if you have some experience. The choice of paint is up to you. There's oil, acrylic or watercolor. Acrylic is a good choice. It's easy to work with, versatile and water soluble. You don't need chemical thinning agents and it's sturdier than watercolor.
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Step 2
Start by painting the empty space around the flower. It doesn't matter what type of flower you choose, it's easier to start a painting by getting the outline and proportions before you think about layering on the details. Start with a wide paintbrush to get the main sweep of the flower petals, then switch to a smaller paint brush to strengthen the edges of each petal by darkening the lines. Once you have the body of the flower formed without detail, take a medium-size brush and paint the stem of the flower with long, sweeping strokes downward, adding a curve to give the stem shape. The curve will also give the main part of the flower depth and give the effect that the flower is hanging slightly to one side.
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Step 3
Blend green and brown as needed to achieve an appropriate color for the stem of your flower. If there are leaves, paint the rough outline of them at this time. If you're using acrylic paint, be sure to squeeze out only as much as you need at a time. Acrylics dry quickly.
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Step 4
Return to the flower and add details. You can use a paintbrush with hard bristles and dab at the flower to create texture. Use darker versions of the base color to create the intricate shadowing and folds of the flower petals. Wide, curved brushstrokes with a watered-down black will create depth in the folds. Apply these lightly to achieve the overall shadowing effect you're after. Blend the primary colors of your flower until you get the tone you want. Use water to help you thin the paint for blending.
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Step 5
Finish the flower painting depending upon the look you're after. Deepen the lines around the flower if you want a more realistic effect. If you want a dreamy, less-refined look, you will want to then the paint with water and press your brush against the sharp lines to spread the paint out some, retaining just enough definition to allow the eye to take in the subject.
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Step 6
Use your imagination. You may have chosen to work from a reference photo, but that doesn't mean you need to stick faithfully to that photo. Add shadow effects where you feel they will be best suited. Arrange the petals of the flower differently. Make it your own and you will have a flower painting worthy of framing.
