How to Paint a Watercolor Peony Flower for Beginners

Has learning to paint watercolor flowers been on your list for a while? Today I’m going to show you how to paint a watercolor peony flower even if you are the newest beginner.  This is one of those projects that looks so hard but is really easy!  Seriously.  Easy.

Watercolor is such a great medium because it’s so versatile and dries quickly making it easy to do during nap time or whenever you can sneak some time for yourself. This is one of many tutorials/patterns I’ve made to help you feel more comfortable and confident with this awesome medium. If you’d like to see the Heart Peony Tutorial/Pattern you can go HERE.

All of the patterns are available in the Resource Library. If you don’t already have a password, you can sign up HERE to get yours and then get started right away!

I designed this project with the busy mama/grandma in mind so I hope it will bring you lots of enjoyment and fun. In fact, it’s the perfect project to invite the kids to join you!

Paint with Me

Notice I said paint and not draw? I’m taking the drawing part out of the equation (and I have many more of these types of projects planned for you!). Let’s not get caught up on the drawing part yet (unless of course, you want to).  Just enjoy the watercolor painting process. You will learn so much as you just experiment without the pressure to draw the perfect picture. One skill at a time, I say. So with that out of the way, let’s get started!

Supply List

For this project, I am using Winsor & Newtons Cotman 12 half-pan set with an added dab of Permanent Rose.  Don’t worry if you don’t have Winsor & Newton brand of paints (although if you are in the market for inexpensive but high-quality paints I wholeheartedly recommend this set), most watercolor colors have the same name across brands so just look for the names in whatever you have. If you are using a pan that doesn’t have names, just try to get close to these colors as you paint.  Just keep your color palette limited and it will turn out great!

1. Print Out Your Pattern

If you are already a member of the Lily and Thistle tribe, you can access the pattern in the Resource Library with your password (found in every email I send to you) HERE. If you aren’t a member of our creative community, you can sign up and grab your password HERE.

2. Trace Your Pattern

I like to trace everything with a pencil first. You may be wondering how to do this without a light board. Hot tip: You have a light board (actually a whole bunch) right in your home. Windows!

If you are working on this at night, you still have some options. I like to use my iPad. I use the Softbox app set on the white setting and it works like a charm!

I also invested in this beauty a couple of years ago which I use a lot for paper doll projects and other illustration work. It’s very skinny which makes it easy to store and pull out when I need it.

3. Paint!

Watercolor flowers are so fun and forgiving. Just play with the paint! Remember more water equals lighter, pastel-like colors, less water equals darker, more vibrant colors. Just have fun and don’t overthink it. For this one, I made you a video.  I know everyone learns differently so I also made a helpful worksheet for this project. You can find it in the  Resource Library.  It breaks everything down into easy Step-by-Step instructions and pictures.  Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions! I’m posting to YouTube so if you’d like to be notified of new videos, you can subscribe HERE.

4. Give to Someone You Love

Now go and give it to someone you cherish.  Or hang it in your home for all to admire. 🙂  I hope this will be a fun little project and provide many happy memories. Please let me know if you have any questions. I am so happy to help.

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