How to Paint Watercolor Tulips
Practice petal color and long, flowing leaf strokes with a small group of tulips.
What You Need
- Watercolor paints: A petal color of your choice and green for the leaves.
- Watercolor paper and a brush with a fine tip.
- A palette or mixing tray, clean water, a water container and a cloth or paper towel.
- Optional: a pencil for a light outline.
Use the supplies you already have. If you are starting from scratch, the kit below brings paints, paper and brushes together.
Step 1: Choose and paint the petal color
Choose a color for your tulips and mix a light wash. Test it on a scrap of watercolor paper before filling the petal shapes.
Leave some lighter areas rather than covering each petal with an even, dark coat.
Step 2: Suggest the petal texture
Use a slightly stronger mix of the same color to add a few short lines and small marks. Follow the direction of the petals.
For distinct marks, let the base wash dry first. For softer marks, touch color into a still-damp area.
Step 3: Paint the green leaves
Paint the leaves with long strokes that narrow toward the tips. Let the direction of each leaf lead back toward the flower.
Add only a few darker strokes where you want extra definition, keeping some of the first green wash visible.
Watch the Tutorial
Follow the demonstration, then pause between steps to paint at your own pace.
A Small Tip Before You Paint Again
Use the point of your brush for narrow leaf tips and a little more pressure for the wider middle of each leaf.
For help with soft edges and blending, read our wet-on-wet watercolor guide.
Make Room for Your Next Painting
Keep a page and a few colors close by. If you need paints, paper and brushes for your next study, take a look at the STUDIO Beginner Kit.
See the Kit and What’s Included
