A glaze is a technique to add depth and luminosity by layering transparent colors on top of each other.
Pink Tulip
Learn how to paint a pretty pink tulip with a pastel-colored faux mat with master decorative artist Louise Jackson.
As a bonus, you’ll also get a downloadable and printable painting packet so that you can create another of a Tulip Duo.
Pink Tulip
Learn to paint a pretty pink tulip.
Instructor: Louise Jackson
Skill Level: Beginner
Duration: 1 hr 25 mins
Pink Tulip Online Painting Class
This simple tulip painting with its faux mat is perfect for the beginner painter but even more advanced painters will learn new techniques when taking this course.
Louise will walk you step-by-step through the painting process showing you how to paint each petal, stem, and leaf.
You’ll also learn a fun technique for creating a colorful salt-speckled pastel-colored border around the tulip which serves as a mat.
In this video lesson you will learn how to:
- control the water and color
- create value changes by blending colors
- create a multi-colored faux mat using your paints
- sprinkle salt over wet paint to create fun speckles
When you have finished this painting class you will have a pretty painting to hang on your wall, to give as a gift, or to sell.
What can I expect in this video lesson?
Louise’s calm teaching style will allow you to relax and enjoy your painting journey. She’ll share over 50 years of painting experience with you giving detailed explanations of each step of the painting process.
Louise paints at a pace that is easy to follow so you can paint right along with her. She’ll show you how to paint every detail of this painting. You can start and stop the video as often as needed, rewinding and fast-forwarding as need.
All of Louise’s paintings can be created using either watercolors or acrylics and she’ll share tips for painting with both.
Class Materials
- full-color picture of the Pink Tulip painting (without the watermark)
- written instructions
- color swatches
- supply list
- a line drawing that you will trace onto your watercolor paper to use as a guide
- one PDF file with a single sheet line drawing that will need to be printed at a print shop in full size
- one PDF file with a multi-sheet line drawing that you can print at home on 8 1/2 x11 paper then piece it together
Tulip Duo Painting Packet
- As a bonus, you will receive a complimentary painting packet so that you can paint a second tulip painting that uses similar techniques that you have just learned in the video painting lesson.
The packet includes:
- full-color picture of the Tulip Duo painting (without the watermark)
- written instructions
- color swatches
- supply list
- a line drawing that you will trace onto your watercolor paper to use as a guide
- one PDF file with a single sheet line drawing that will need to be printed at a print shop in full size
- one PDF file with a multi-sheet line drawing that you can print at home on 8 1/2 x11 paper then piece it together
Invest in good quality paints and paper
Watercolor paints and paper can vary greatly in quality, so it’s important to invest in good materials. Look for high-quality, lightfast pigments, and choose a paper that is specifically designed for watercolor painting. It is important to note that the type of paper you choose can greatly affect the outcome of your painting. Hot press papers have a smooth surface, making them well-suited for detailed work, while cold press papers have a more textured surface that can be used to create interesting textures. On the other hand, rough papers have a heavy texture and are not ideal for detailed work. I prefer to work on cold-pressed paper as it is a good compromise between hot press and rough papers. It allows me to achieve the amount of detail I want while still having the ability to create interesting textures. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the most important factor when choosing paper is to make sure it is made of 100% cotton.
Watercolor paints can be mixed to create a wide range of colors, so it’s important to practice mixing and experimenting with different color combinations. A great way to practice color mixing is to create a color wheel. You can use primary colors to create secondary and tertiary colors. It’s also important to experiment with mixing colors on your palette as well as on your painting surface to see the effect of different amounts of water and paint. Another way to improve your color mixing skills is to try to replicate a color or a scene from a photo or a reference, this will help you understand how different colors interact with each other and how to achieve certain hues. Additionally, it’s also important to learn the meaning of terms like “physical mixing”, “optical mixing”, color schemes like “complementary colors” and “analogous colors” and how to use them in your paintings.
Use a limited palette
By “limited palette” I don’t necessarily mean limiting the number of colors on your palette (though that’s recommended), but limiting the number of colors used in your painting. This can be a very effective way to create a cohesive and harmonious painting. When you limit the number of colors you use, you are forced to be more intentional with your color choices and to think more carefully about how the colors will interact with one another. This can help you to create a painting with a stronger sense of unity and cohesion. Additionally, by limiting the number of colors in your painting, you can also achieve a more consistent color scheme throughout your painting. It’s important to note that, limiting your palette doesn’t mean that you can’t experiment and play with color, it just means being mindful of how many colors you’re using in your painting and how they work together.
As you begin to learn the basics of watercolor painting, it can be helpful to start with simple subjects, such as one petal, or one simple flower. This will give you a chance to practice the techniques you’re learning without feeling overwhelmed. By starting with something simple, you can focus on mastering the basic techniques of watercolor painting, such as mixing colors, layering, and creating different textures. As you become more comfortable with these techniques, you can gradually move on to more complex subjects. Another advantage of starting with simple subjects is that you will be able to complete your paintings in a shorter amount of time, and that will give you a sense of accomplishment, which in turn will boost your confidence.
Experiment with different brush sizes and shapes
Watercolor brushes come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, and each one will create a different effect. Experiment with different brushes to find the ones that work best for you. A flat brush is great for washes, a round brush for details, and a rigger for fine lines. With time and experience, you will become more familiar with the different types of brushes and their specific uses, and you will know which brushes work best for your particular style of painting and the subjects you choose to paint. Moreover, as you gain experience, you will also learn how to care for your brushes properly, and how to maintain their shape and condition, this will not only extend the life of your brushes but also make them perform better. Additionally, it is important to have a variety of brushes to use, this way you can have more options to create different effects and textures in your paintings. Remember that brushes are your tools, and like any other tools, the right one can make a big difference in your artwork. Here are the brushes I use:
