How to Paint a Tulip in Watercolor

A vibrant tulip can inspire a beginner watercolor artist.

Painting in watercolor serves as a relaxing arts-and-crafts hobby for beginners and experts alike. Painting floral scenes provides beginners with a way to learn the craft. Painting tulips in watercolor isn't very difficult, and with practice you can make your tulips look realistic, bold and attractive enough to showcase on your home's walls.

Things You'll Need

• Watercolor pencils
• Watercolor paint set
• Assorted paintbrushes
• Cup of water
• Watercolor board
• Cotton swabs
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. 

   Look at pictures of tulips for inspiration.

   Draw the outline of a tulip, lightly, with a watercolor pencil. This is how a beginner can enter the art of watercoloring flowers and other objects. The outline will not remain like one from a non-watercolor pencil. Instead, it will blend in with the coloring to provide accent and shading. Select a color darker than the color you wish to make your tulip. For example, if you want a yellow tulip, outline the drawing in orange, sepia or even brown watercolor pencil.

2. 

   Watercolor pencils provide you with precision and ease of use.

   Shade the needed areas of your tulip drawing with the associated colored watercolor pencils. Color the tips and creases of the foliage deep, hunter green and the shading and creases of the petals in a color you choose. Leave the rest of the tulip uncolored.

3. Dip a medium-bristled paintbrush into a glass of clean water. Dab the paintbrush on a paper towel to rid it of excess moisture. Drag the paintbrush repeatedly across the watercolor hue you want for the tulip's petals.

4. Apply the brush in careful, light sweeping motions over the petals of the tulip. Avoid crossing the lines. You may have to repeatedly reapply the watercolor paint to the brush to deepen and fully color the tulip. Do the same with the stem and foliage of the painting.

5. Dip a cotton swab in the water and then dab it on the paper towel to dry it slightly. Smear the cotton swab along the outlines, shading areas and creases throughout the watercolor painting of the tulip. This gives a smudged, romantic look to the painting while blending the colors attractively.

Resources

• Art Show: Resources