How to Paint Flowers in Watercolour Easily

This is part 1 of how to paint a flower in watercolour. Here I show you how to paint a tulip in an uncomplicated and easy way.
Watch part 2 here
• How to Paint a Flower ...
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[@cathykline5203]

Love that you show your pallet as you paint! SO HELPFUL.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Cathy, Glad you enjoyed the video. I agree seeing the Palette is important and how you mix on the Palette is such an interesting subject. I have done a video on mixing hopefully you can enjoy that. Best wishes, James

[@sheripalmer3192]

Absolutely gorgeous! ❤

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Sheri, Glad you enjoyed it, tulips are so beautiful. Thanks for watching, Best wishes, James

[@roberthoward3723]

Love your understanding of colour - am looking forward to trying to achieve this

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Robert, The most important part is concentrating on correct value. If you get that right, then you can experiment with different colours. Best wishes, James

[@roberthoward3723]

@@JamesPotterAboutArt Thank you 🙏

[@anermila6325]

I don’t live near a garden and it’s time to go out and buy a flower and paint ! I’m very very excited to see the part 2. Have fun painting and making great videos for us, James 😍😍

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Anermil, I feel the same as you! I’m very excited to paint more flowers now, not something I do very often, but I think I’m going to do much more of it. Glad you enjoying my video so much, it’s always great to hear! Enjoy your painting. Best wishes, James

[@Pattymelt415]

I really love your humble approach. Thank you for your expertise! ❤

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Patty, Thank you very much I’m glad you enjoyed it . I don’t paint flowers that often, but I really enjoyed this one and I think I’m going to do more. The colours are so amazing Thanks for watching Best wishes, James

[@garygreen1782]

That was a very informative lesson James. Thank you.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Gary, My pleasure. Glad you’ve got something from the video. Enjoy your painting Best wishes, James

[@stephenfoster1818]

Hi James, I enjoyed your interpretation of the subject matter and the way you apply the colours with various amounts of water. I reminded from your previous videos the aim isn't to create a photo but an interpretation of it. Thinking I need a larger palette to enable me to have larger areas to mix splashed of colours. Thanks once again. Steve

[@stephenfoster1818]

Oh yes, how do you fix your paper on the board? I can't see tape.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Steve, My paintings are very much interpretation of what I see, rather than what I see. I do think a nice pallet is worth buying, they are expensive, but last forever, in comparison to a hobby like Golf quite cheap!😅 James

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

@@stephenfoster1818 I did a review of my equipment and how I set up back in August. Have a look at that and see whether you can copy it! James

[@lindathaxton1994]

Beautiful - thank you for sharing 🙏

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Linda, Glad you enjoyed it . I must admit I had a lot of fun painting it and I think I’m going to do more of them. Best wishes, James

[@susannehakanlind2942]

Well Done! 👏 I always get inspired watching your videos! 🥰

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Susanne, Thank you! I do find that these flower paintings are very motivational for me, I think it’s something to do with the intense colour which makes it so fun, Hope your painting is going well, Best wishes, James

[@acertiger591]

My Favorite part of each of your films is that Dot ● !

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Glad you like it 😊 Thanks James

[@anermila6325]

Wanted to say I’m starting to not-mix colours on the palette but letting colours diffuse themselves on the paper (and I like many times how they give me pretty surprises ). This is a game changer for me. I’m starting to enjoy watercolor all over again!

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi again, I’m so happy to hear that! I’d love to see your work, maybe you should post something on your channel! Best wishes, James

[@anermila6325]

@@JamesPotterAboutArt love to be reading your replies! Maybe someday (when i have the confidence haha).

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Looking forward to it!!

[@kookatsoonjan]

love your style...and i wouldlove to gear more up to this looseness you present...it is very lovely...ONE TULIP...30" high by 10"wide...lovely on a wall...thank you...Janis in The Yukon Canada

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi, Glad you like the style, for me, it has so much fun and excitement attached to it. Your big tulip painting idea sounds like a lot of fun, I’d love to see the finish picture! Love to go to the Yukon one day. Best wishes, James

[@estherjunca2011]

Thank you very much!!!! ❤

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Esther, My pleasure. I hope Your flower painting goes well! Best wishes, James

[@stephenfoster1818]

James, I didn't know about your review. Cheers.Steve

[@agurtzanekartiber4711]

Me gusta ha quedado precioso

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Agirtzane, Glad you enjoyed the flower painting and thanks for watching. Best wishes, James

[@brodiigames]

What pencil do you usually use for sketching watercolour?

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Brodie, For this drawing, I was using a 4B pencil, but only because I wanted people to see it on the video. However, I’d probably use an HB or 2B if I was painting without the camera filming me. Best wishes, James

[@caroldavis1977]

❤️

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Carol, Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for your❤ Best wishes, James

[@stevegreenwood7837]

yes please see you soon :-) thank you. just subed

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi, Steve, Glad you enjoyed the video. Flowers are really great to paint. I must do some more of them! Thanks for watching and thanks for your sub. Best wishes, James

[@Ljblossom]

Why colors that some can’t see? Because you are painting a picture not a tulip. The needs of the picture come first. So said Wolf Kahn.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Linda, Let’s completely right. It is all about enjoying the painting process with the subjects of the inspiration for that. Thanks for watching, Best wishes, James

[@susancook1617]

Absolutely gorgeous tulip, thank you for sharing😊

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Susan, It was a beautiful flower, and very inspirational for me to do more of them! Thanks for watching, Best wishes, James

[@loriburkart202]

This was so fun-a great technique for me as a beginner. Absolutely love the rich colors ❤

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Lori , That’s really great. Glad it’s an enjoyable success! Best wishes, James

[@boataful]

Your singing colors always draw me in as well as your brush strokes. I have painted a beautiful tulip but mine is just humming I'm going to keep watching and practicing and hopefully mine will begin to sing as well. Thank you James and Tanya

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

That was very funny! Keep on practising and I’m sure your paint will be singing soon Thanks, Tanya and James

[@valeriamolfino1984]

THANK YOU SO MUCH. Very special way to make watercolour simple ( not necessarily easy). I would love to see more flowers and still life watercolours. I love your teachings about mixing colours on the paper; it's a wonderful practice to learn what water+colour can do.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Valerie My pleasure, I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos. It’s a wonderful way to paint, to see the colours On the paper is so amazing. I will be doing more flower paintings, so hopefully you can look out for that . Painting is never easy, but I suspect that it wouldn’t be as fun if it was easy, the challenge is part of the joy. Happy painting. Best wishes, James

[@melindaavila498]

Wonderful! Very helpful for this beginner.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Melinda, It’s great to see a beginner on my channel. Watercolour is a wonderful thing to do. It’s full of ups and downs, but hang-in there and it will be well worth the effort! Thanks for watching, Best wishes, James

[@tmillermsu]

As a middle-aged beginner, I was growing frustrated as I tried (and failed) to paint complex land and seascapes (trying to run before I learned to walk, or even crawl). I came across your videos about painting freely in an impressionistic style - complete game changer! It's an entirely different approach I had not considered. It's been so fun and freeing, and I've loved the results! Thank you, Mr. Potter! Keep the videos coming!

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Tony, I always enjoy reading a message at yours! I’m so happy you had realisation about Watercolour. You don’t have to paint with detail to produce a nice painting. The impressionistic style is so rewarding, learning to paint things simply but with reality is a wonderful challenge. It’s great that you’re on that journey now. Best wishes, James

[@veronicagrow7058]

Beautiful fresh painterly outcome. Thanks for sharing subject matter as you paint. Such a fun process

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Veronica. Glad you like the painting and the way it was done. I hope you can give it a go! Best wishes, James

[@ashleywright8686]

Since you normally don’t use a 4B pencil to sketch outline, which one do you recommend? TYSM for your video! ❤ New subscriber. 🎉

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Ashley, I would normally use a 2B or an HB pencil for my normal drawing, I do find most of the pencil disappears anyway, when the watercolour paint goes over it. Glad you’re enjoying my videos, and thank you for subscribing to me! Best wishes, James

[@Ljblossom]

Composition would be appreciated. In a landscape the structure is somewhat set but in a still life the concepts, I think, could be better explored,

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi again, I will go into more complex compositions soon. Flower painting is a world of its own and well worth exploring. Best wishes, James

[@lorichristani621]

I can’t wait to try flowers in your style. The more I watch you, the more I see clearly. thanks so much.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Lori, That’s really good that you’re beginning to see the right path in Watercolour. I hope you’ve managed to get flowers a go. Let me know how it goes. Best wishes, James

[@MS-dp3so]

I like your watercolor paint😊watching you

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi, Glad you’re enjoying my channel. Lots more videos to come. Best wishes, James

[@alanyoung9200]

Great channel

[@boataful]

My Winsor and Newton cerulean blue seems a bit darker and less luminous than what you're using.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

That’s a bit funny. I’m using tube paints. Are you using pans?

[@boataful]

@@JamesPotterAboutArt I just double checked and it is Winsor and Newton professional cerulean blue (red shade) in the tube. Hmmm maybe it's the red shade.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

@@boataful That’s definitely what it is, the red will definitely darken it. Problems solved🎉 Best wishes, James

[@laurelwill3428]

Tried this tulip twice-it’s harder than you make it look but I’m happy! So much fear but so much fun!

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Laurel, That’s really great that you gave it a go. Practice will help you gain more confidence. I really enjoyed the intense colour of this painting Thanks for watching. Best wishes, James

[@njburton55]

Enjoyed the video it's nice to see the way you paint different subject.Hope more to come in the future. Many Thanks

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Nick Glad you enjoyed the flowers. I must admit that it has inspired me to paint more of them. Almost at the point of getting out into the landscape soon . The brutal Scottish weather is getting a little bit better Best wishes, James

[@donnaslayter4360]

Hello James. Just found your channel. Wonderful. Love from San diego.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Donna, Very pleased that you found me! You’re from such a lovely place. Very different from Scotland. Thanks for watching. Best wishes, James

[@CHicksArt]

James….what a beautiful use of color! …a bit of freshness as Spring grows closer. I really, really enjoyed watching you paint this! 🌷❤️

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Carol, The colour of that tulip was amazing! It does make me want to paint more flowers. Perfect for the winter months when it’s when it’s way, too cold and wet to get out into the Scottish countryside. Best wishes, James

[@carolwilliams3599]

Wonderful video as always! Gorgeous inspirational tulip. Thanks!

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Carol, Glad you enjoyed it. I hope it’s inspired you to paint some flowers! I must admit it’s inspired me to do more of them. Thanks for watching. Best wishes, James

[@sammiller9855]

I really appreciate these "simple", little lessons. Your watercolour mixing videos were great as well--wonderful foundation.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Sam, Glad you enjoyed the video. Simplicity is the way to go with Watercolour. I hope it helps your own watercolour painting. Thanks for watching. Best wishes,James

[@vgarrick987]

This is a great tutorial...beautiful use of colours...thank you.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Veronica, Glad you enjoyed the video and I hope you can use some of the ideas in your own painting. The colours of flowers are so inspiring. Best wishes, James

[@Dibdib35]

This was so different and fresh. Absolutely beautiful I even liked it with the first layer. 😊

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Lovaine, Glad you enjoyed a different style of watercolour painting. I liked the first hair as well. I find the first layer always the most exciting part to paint. Thanks for watching, Best wishes, James

[@WimVeen]

That is really beautiful. I'm looking forward to part 2.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Wim, It really was a fun experience for me. I’m glad you enjoyed it and I hope you enjoy part two. Best wishes, James

[@rosemariefargas8573]

Excelente tutorial, gracias por compartir su gran conocimiento

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Rose, Glad you enjoyed it. I hope it helps your painting skills. Best wishes, James

[@ranjanachand9306]

Interesting process and lovely effects

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Ranjana, Glad you enjoyed the painting and the video. Thanks for watching, Best wishes, James

[@shirleygreaves9650]

Loved how you used so many different colours. X

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Shirley, Glad you enjoyed the painting. I do like to give variety of colour as I think it leads to a visual interest. I hope you can give us a go. Best wishes, James

[@thesvictory]

Thank you James, Just brilliant🌷

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Theresa, You’re welcome. I’m so pleased you enjoyed that. Best wishes, James

[@marie-audepetternel1603]

Votre coup de pinceau me fascine et me libère- c’est un voyage dans les pigments pour les apprivoiser! I love it Thanks à lot..

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Marie, I’m so pleased that you’re gaining some confidence in your painting. It’s wonderful to hear that. Best wishes, James

[@allthersr3532]

Another gem. Thanks James.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi , Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching. James

[@GrandmaMuggy]

Another wonderful lesson!

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Joanne, So pleased that you enjoyed it. I think I’m going to paint more flowers. The colours were great! Hopefully it will expire you to do the same. Best wishes, James

[@alisonwickett3156]

A beautiful vibrant tulip

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Alison, It really was beautiful, and the colours were so great. Makes me want to paint more! Best wishes, James

[@jimsmith3653]

Thank you once again James, I love it. BUT, I just don't 'see' it as you do (unfortunately) As someone new to painting I think I would struggle not to paint what I see, colourwise. I agree it does look beautiful, as did your avocado, box and knife, I only hope I can force myself to use colour a little like you.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Jim, It’s probably best to think mainly in terms of value. Colour is always secondary to that. I remember seeing a Monet self portrait, painted when he was old and lost most of his sight. he painted it purple, but because he used the correct values it was still a good Portrait. So values matter more than colour! Keep painting! Best wishes, James

[@jimsmith3653]

@@JamesPotterAboutArt thank you James this starts to clarifies it, I think😵‍💫. If the colour is believable it will still identify the subject. I’m just going to buy my wife some flowers, she will be surprised.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

@@jimsmith3653I think it’s a great idea to buy your wife, some flowers!😂😂😂

[@awatercolourist]

Not first 😂

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Maybe next time🎉

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Maybe next time🎉